Merriam-Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus, Kindle Edition

CONTENTS

→ Dictionary Entries A-Z

→ Making This Dictionary Your Primary Kindle Dictionary

→ Preface / Using the Dictionary

→ Abbreviations Used in This Work

→ Pronunciation Symbols

→ Basic English Grammar

→ Copyright

Making This Dictionary Your Primary Kindle Dictionary

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Preface

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus marks the introduction of a new kind of product from Merriam-Webster, one that combines the features of a dictionary, with its meanings, pronunciations, and grammatical information, with the synonym and antonym features of a thesaurus. Additionally, in this volume, these features are not just combined but integrated into a unified whole, so that the reader and writer can easily see the relationships between the two kinds of information.

The dictionary entries themselves are based on the highly popular The Merriam-Webster Dictionary and on Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. The thesaurus entries are drawn from Merriam-Webster's newest and most up-to-date thesaurus. The dictionary entries and thesaurus entries have been edited so as to ensure correspondence between the indicated dictionary senses and the selection of similar and contrasting words offered in the thesaurus lists.

The more than 57,000 boldface dictionary entries give coverage to the most frequently used words in the language, and the definitions have been based on examples of actual use found in the Merriam-Webster citation files, which now contain more than 75 million words available through electronic searching.

The thesaurus lists offer a total of more than 134,000 alternative words for the writer interested in finding a more appropriate or more colorful word choice. Thesaurus lists appear indented following their dictionary entries. Every dictionary sense that has a corresponding thesaurus list is marked with a black arrowhead, and the thesaurus list is likewise indicated.

When there are multiple dictionary senses highlighted, the thesaurus lists are marked with the appropriate dictionary sense numbers in square brackets to make it easy for the user to choose the corresponding list of synonyms.

abide verb abode or abid·ed; abid·ing
1 : to bear patiently : ENDURE
2 a : to continue in a state or place
b : to have one's abode

— abide by

: to conform or acquiesce to <abide by the law>

Synonyms
[1] bear, brook, countenance, endure, meet, stand, stick out, stomach, support, sustain, take, tolerate—more at BEAR
[2a] continue, endure, hold, keep up, last, persist, run on—more at CONTINUE
[2b] dwell, live, reside—more at LIVE

A word in the synonym list following an italic also is still comparable to the dictionary word in the indicated sense, but has a somewhat less close relationship than words ahead of it. Semicolons separate additional words into related groups.

1cloak noun
1 : a loose outer garment
2 : something that conceals

Synonyms
curtain, hood, mantle, mask, shroud, veil; also cover, screen, shield; facade, face, veneer

Thesaurus entries all show synonyms, and some lists also have common contrasting words (antonyms), which are introduced by a bold italic Antonyms.

fer·tile - adjective
1 : producing plentifully : PRODUCTIVE <~ soils> <a ~ mind>
2 : capable of developing or reproducing <~ seed> <a ~ bull>

— fer·til·i·ty noun

Synonyms
fecund, fruitful, luxuriant, productive, prolific, rich; also bearing, producing, yielding; abounding, abundant, bountiful; copious, plenteous, plentiful; blooming, bursting, swarming, teeming, thriving; creative, inventive, original
Antonyms
barren, infertile, sterile, unfruitful, unproductive

Since thesaurus information is relatively self-explanatory and there are numerous distinctive, and sometimes subtle, features of the dictionary, the focus of the following section, Using the Dictionary, is on the dictionary features.

While this work has been years in the making, drawing on the work and experience of the Merriam-Webster staff of professional lexicographers, we wish to thank those who have worked hard to produce this volume. Primary editors were Mary W. Cornog, Amy K. Harris Van Vranken, and Amy West. Additional editing was done by Jocelyn W. Franklin with Cynthia S. Ashby and James G. Lowe. Daniel B. Brandon, Jennifer N. Cislo, Ilya A. Davidovich, Mary M. Dunn, and E. Louise Langford provided further editorial contributions. This work was conceived by John M. Morse; Robert D. Copeland was general editor.

It was more than 150 years ago that Merriam-Webster published its first dictionary, and it has been 30 years since the company published its first thesaurus. In that time, Merriam-Webster's reputation as the premier American publisher of dictionaries, thesauruses, and other reference books has grown. This work continues the proud tradition of excellence.

Using the Dictionary

ENTRIES

A boldface letter or a combination of such letters, including punctuation marks and diacritics where needed, that is set flush with the left-hand margin is a main entry. The main entry may consist of letters set solid, of letters joined by a hyphen or a diagonal, or of letters separated by one or more spaces:

alone … adjective

avant–garde … noun

and/or … conjunction

assembly language … noun

The material in lightface type that follows each main entry on the same line and on succeeding lines presents information about the main entry.

The main entries follow one another in alphabetical order letter by letter: bill of attainder follows billion; Day of Atonement follows daylight saving time. Main entries containing an Arabic numeral are alphabetized as if the numeral were spelled out: 4-H comes between fourfold and Four Hundred; 3-D comes between three and three-dimensional. Those that often begin with the abbreviation St. in common usage have the abbreviation spelled out: Saint Valentine's Day. Main entries that begin with Mc are alphabetized just as they are spelled.

When one main entry has exactly the same written form as another, the two are distinguished by superscript numerals preceding each word:

1melt … verb

2melt noun

1pine … noun

2pine verb

Full words come before parts of words made up of the same letters; solid compounds come before hyphenated compounds; hyphenated compounds come before open compounds; and lowercase entries come before those with an initial capital:

2super … adjective

super- … prefix

run·down … noun

run–down … adjective

run down verb

dutch … adverb

Dutch … noun

The centered dots within entry words indicate division points at which a hyphen may be put at the end of a line of print or writing. Thus the noun cap·puc·ci·no may be ended on one line and continued on the next in this manner:

cap-

puccino

cappuc-

cino

cappucci-

no

Centered dots are not shown after a single initial letter or before a single terminal letter because typesetters seldom cut off a single letter:

abyss … noun

flighty … adjective

idea … noun

Nor are they usually shown at the second and succeeding homographs unless they differ among themselves:

1sig·nal … noun

2signal verb

3signal adjective

1min·ute … noun

2mi·nute … adjective

There are acceptable alternative end-of-line divisions just as there are acceptable variant spellings and pronunciations, but no more than one division is shown for any entry in this dictionary.

When a main entry is followed by the word or and another spelling, the two spellings are equal variants. Both are standard, and either one may be used according to personal inclination:

ocher or ochre

If two variants joined by or are out of alphabetical order, they remain equal variants. The one printed first is, however, slightly more common than the second:

1plow or plough

When another spelling is joined to the main entry by the word also, the spelling after also is a secondary variant and occurs less frequently than the first:

absinthe also absinth

Secondary variants belong to standard usage and may be used according to personal inclination. Once the word also is used to signal a secondary variant, all following variants are joined by or:

2wool·ly also wool·ie or wooly

Variants whose spelling puts them alphabetically more than a print column away from the main entry are entered at their own alphabetical places as well as at the main entry:

2gage var of GAUGE

1gauge also gage

Variants having a usage label appear only at their own alphabetical places:

me·tre … chiefly British variant of METER

To show all the stylings that are found for English compounds would require space that can be better used for other information. So this dictionary limits itself to a single styling for a compound:

peace·mak·er

pell–mell

boom box

When a compound is widely used and one styling predominates, that styling is shown. When a compound is uncommon or when the evidence indicates that two or three stylings are approximately equal in frequency, the styling shown is based on the comparison of other similar compounds.

A main entry may be followed by one or more derivatives or by a homograph with a different functional label. These are run-on entries. Each starts on a new line introduced by a long dash and each has a functional label. They are not defined, however, since their meanings are readily understood from the meaning of the root word:

ab·do·men … noun …
— ab·dom·i·nal adjective
— ab·dom·i·nal·ly adverb

hic·cup … noun … hiccup verb

A main entry may be followed by one or more phrases containing the entry word or an inflected form of it. These are also run-on entries. Each starts on a new line introduced by a long dash but there is no functional label. They are, however, defined since their meanings are more than the sum of the meanings of their elements:

1set … verb …
— set sail : …

1hand … noun …
— at hand : …

Defined phrases of this sort are run on at the entry defining the first major word in the phrase. When there are variants, however, the run-on appears at the entry defining the first major word which is invariable in the phrase:

1seed … noun … go to seed or run to seed …

Boldface words that appear within parentheses (as co·ca at co·caine and jet engine and jet propulsion at jet–propelled) are run-in entries. They are essentially defined within the context of the definition.

PRONUNCIATION

The matter between a pair of slashes / / following the entry word indicates the pronunciation. The symbols used are explained in the chart printed at the end of this section.

A hyphen is used in the pronunciation to show syllabic division. These hyphens sometimes coincide with the centered dots in the entry word that indicate end-of-line division:

ab·sen·tee /ˌab-sən-ˈtē/

Sometimes they do not:

met·ric /ˈme-trik/

A high-set mark ˈ indicates major (primary) stress or accent; a low-set mark ˌ indicates minor (secondary) stress or accent:

heart·beat /ˈhärt-ˌbēt/

The stress mark stands at the beginning of the syllable that receives the stress.

A syllable with neither a high-set mark nor a low-set mark is unstressed:

1struc·ture /ˈstrək-chər/

The presence of variant pronunciations indicates that not all educated speakers pronounce words the same way. A second-place variant is not to be regarded as less acceptable than the pronunciation that is given first. It may, in fact, be used by as many educated speakers as the first variant, but the requirements of the printed page are such that one must precede the other:

apri·cot /ˈa-prə-ˌkät, ˈā-/

fore·head /ˈfȯr-əd, ˈfȯr-ˌhed/

Symbols enclosed by parentheses represent elements that are present in the pronunciation of some speakers but are absent from the pronunciation of other speakers, or elements that are present in some but absent from other utterances of the same speaker:

1om·ni·bus /ˈäm-ni-(ˌ)bəs/

ad·di·tion·al /ə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nəl/

Thus, the above parentheses indicate that some people say /ˈäm-ni-ˌbəs/ and others say /ˈäm-ni-bəs/; some /ə-ˈdi-shə-nəl/ , others /ə-ˈdi-shnəl/.

When a main entry has less than a full pronunciation, the missing part is to be supplied from a pronunciation in a preceding entry or within the same pair of reversed slashes:

cham·pi·on·ship /-ˌship/

pa·la·ver /pə-ˈla-vər, -ˈlä-/

The pronunciation of the first three syllables of championship is found at the main entry champion. The hyphens before and after /ˈlä/ in the pronunciation of palaver indicate that both the first and the last parts of the pronunciation are to be taken from the immediately preceding pronunciation.

In general, no pronunciation is indicated for open compounds consisting of two or more English words that have own-place entry:

witch doctor noun

Only the first entry in a sequence of numbered homographs is given a pronunciation if their pronunciations are the same:

1re·ward /ri-ˈwȯrd/ verb

2reward noun

The absent but implied pronunciation of derivatives and compounds run on after a main entry is a combination of the pronunciation at the main entry and the pronunciation of the other element as given at its alphabetical place in the vocabulary:

— ab·ject·ness noun

— face off verb

Thus, the pronunciation of abjectness is the sum of the pronunciations given at abject and -ness; that of face off, the sum of the pronunciations of the two elements that make up the phrase.

FUNCTIONAL LABELS

An italic label indicating a part of speech or another functional classification follows the pronunciation or, if no pronunciation is given, the main entry. The eight traditional parts of speech are indicated as follows:

bold … adjective

forth·with … adverb

1but … conjunction

ge·sund·heit … interjection

bo·le·ro … noun

2un·der … preposition

1it … pronoun

1slap … verb

Other italicized labels used to indicate functional classifications that are not traditional parts of speech include:

AT abbreviation

self- combining form

un- … prefix

-ial adjective suffix

2-ly adverb suffix

2-er … noun suffix

-ize … verb suffix

Fe symbol

may … verbal auxiliary

Functional labels are sometimes combined:

afloat … adjective or adverb

INFLECTED FORMS

Nouns

The plurals of nouns are shown in this dictionary when suffixation brings about a change of final -y to -i-, when the noun ends in a consonant plus -o or in -ey, when the noun ends in -oo, when the noun has an irregular plural or an uninflected plural or a foreign plural, when the noun is a compound that pluralizes any element but the last, when a final consonant is doubled, when the noun has variant plurals, and when it is believed that the dictionary user might have reasonable doubts about the spelling of the plural or when the plural is spelled in a way contrary to what is expected:

2spy noun, plural spies

si·lo … noun, plural silos

val·ley … noun, plural valleys

2shampoo noun, plural shampoos

mouse … noun, plural mice

moose … noun, plural moose

cri·te·ri·on … noun, plural -ria

son–in–law … noun, plural sons–in–law

1quiz … noun, plural quiz·zes

1fish … noun, plural fish or fishes

pi … noun, plural pis

3dry noun, plural drys

Cutback inflected forms are used when the noun has three or more syllables:

ame·ni·ty … noun, plural -ties

The plurals of nouns are usually not shown when the base word is unchanged by suffixation, when the noun is a compound whose second element is readily recognizable as a regular free form entered at its own place, or when the noun is unlikely to occur in the plural:

night … noun

fore·foot … noun

mo·nog·a·my … noun

Nouns that are plural in form and that are regularly construed as plural are labeled noun plural:

munch·ies … noun plural

Nouns that are plural in form but that are not always construed as plurals are appropriately labeled:

lo·gis·tics … noun singular or plural

Verbs

The principal parts of verbs are shown in this dictionary when suffixation brings about a doubling of a final consonant or an elision of a final -e or a change of final -y to -i-, when final -c changes to -ck in suffixation, when the verb ends in -ey, when the inflection is irregular, when there are variant inflected forms, and when it is believed that the dictionary user might have reasonable doubts about the spelling of an inflected form or when the inflected form is spelled in a way contrary to what is expected:

2snag verb snagged; snag·ging

1move … verb moved; mov·ing

1cry … verb cried; cry·ing

1frol·ic … verb frol·icked; frol·ick·ing

1sur·vey … verb sur·veyed; sur·vey·ing

1drive … verb drove … driv·en … driv·ing

2bus verb bused or bussed; bus·ing or bus·sing

2visa verb vi·saed … vi·sa·ing

2chagrin verb cha·grined … cha·grin·ing

The principal parts of a regularly inflected verb are shown when it is desirable to indicate the pronunciation of one of the inflected forms:

learn … verb learned /ˈlərnd, ˈlərnt/; learn·ing

1al·ter /ˈȯl-tər/ verb al·tered; al·ter·ing /-t(ə-)riŋ/

Cutback inflected forms are usually used when the verb has three or more syllables, when it is a two-syllable word that ends in -l and has variant spellings, and when it is a compound whose second element is readily recognized as an irregular verb:

elim·i·nate … verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing

2quarrel verb -reled or -relled; -rel·ing or -rel·ling

1re·take … verb -took … -tak·en … -tak·ing

The principal parts of verbs are usually not shown when the base word is unchanged by suffixation or when the verb is a compound whose second element is readily recognizable as a regular free form entered at its own place:

1jump … verb

pre·judge … verb

Another inflected form of English verbs is the third person singular of the present tense, which is regularly formed by the addition of -s or -es to the base form of the verb. This inflected form is not shown except at a handful of entries (as have and do) for which it is in some way unusual.

Adjectives & Adverbs

The comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs are shown in this dictionary when suffixation brings about a doubling of a final consonant or an elision of a final -e or a change of final -y to -i-, when the word ends in -ey, when the inflection is irregular, and when there are variant inflected forms:

1red … adjective red·der; red·dest

1tame … adjective tam·er; tam·est

1kind·ly … adjective kind·li·er; -est

hors·ey also horsy … adjective hors·i·er; -est

1good … adjective bet·ter … best

1far … adverb far·ther … or fur·ther … far·thest or fur·thest

The superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables are usually cut back:

3fancy adjective fan·ci·er; -est

1ear·ly … adverb ear·li·er; -est

The comparative and superlative forms of regularly inflected adjectives and adverbs are shown when it is desirable to indicate the pronunciation of the inflected forms:

1young /ˈyəŋ/ adjective youn·ger /ˈyəŋ-gər/ youn·gest /ˈyəŋ-gəst/

The inclusion of inflected forms in -er and -est at adjective and adverb entries means nothing more about the use of more and most with these adjectives and adverbs than that their comparative and superlative degrees may be expressed in either way: lazier or more lazy; laziest or most lazy.

At a few adjective entries only the superlative form is shown:

2mere adjective, superlative mer·est

The absence of the comparative form indicates that there is no evidence of its use.

The comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs are usually not shown when the base word is unchanged by suffixation, when the inflected forms of the word are identical with those of a preceding homograph, or when the word is a compound whose second element is readily recognizable as a regular free form entered at its own place:

1near adverb

3good adverb

un·wor·thy … adjective

Inflected forms are not shown at undefined run-ons.

CAPITALIZATION

Most entries in this dictionary begin with a lowercase letter. A few of these have an italicized label often cap, which indicates that the word is as likely to be capitalized as not and that it is as acceptable with an uppercase initial as it is with one in lowercase. Some entries begin with an uppercase letter, which indicates that the word is usually capitalized. The absence of an initial capital or of an often cap label indicates that the word is not ordinarily capitalized:

salm·on … noun

gar·gan·tuan … adjective, often cap

Mo·hawk … noun

The capitalization of entries that are open or hyphenated compounds is similarly indicated by the form of the entry or by an italicized label:

french fry noun, often cap 1st F

un–Amer·i·can … adjective

Par·kin·son's disease … noun

lazy Su·san … noun

A word that is capitalized in some senses and lowercase in others shows variations from the form of the main entry by the use of italicized labels at the appropriate senses:

Trin·i·ty … noun … 2 not cap

To·ry … noun … 3 often not cap

ti·tan … noun 1 cap

re·nais·sance … noun … 1 cap … 2 often cap

ETYMOLOGY

This dictionary gives the etymologies for a number of the vocabulary entries. These etymologies are in boldface square brackets preceding the definition, and are introduced by the word ORIGIN in small capitals. Meanings given in roman type within these brackets are not definitions of the entry, but are meanings of the Middle English, Old English, or non-English words within the brackets.

The etymology gives the language from which words borrowed into English have come. It also gives the form of the word in that language or a representation of the word in our alphabet if the form in that language differs from that in English:

philo·den·dron …
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. Gk, neut. of philodendros loving trees … ]

1sav·age …
[ORIGIN: ME sauvage, fr. MF, fr. ML salvaticus, alter. of L silvaticus of the woods, wild … ]

An etymology beginning with the name of a language (including ME or OE) and not giving the foreign (or Middle English or Old English) form indicates that this form is the same as the form of the entry word:

le·gume …
[ORIGIN: F]

1jour·ney …
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF … ]

An etymology beginning with the name of a language (including ME or OE) and not giving the foreign (or Middle English or Old English) meaning indicates that this meaning is the same as the meaning expressed in the first definition in the entry:

ug·ly … adjective …
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ON uggligr … ] 1 FRIGHTFUL, DIRE

USAGE

Three types of status labels are used in this dictionary—temporal, regional, and stylistic—to signal that a word or a sense of a word is not part of the standard vocabulary of English.

The temporal label obsolete means that there is no evidence of use since 1755:

3post noun 1 obsolete

The label obsolete is a comment on the word being defined. When a thing, as distinguished from the word used to designate it, is obsolete, appropriate orientation is usually given in the definition:

cat·a·pult … noun 1 : an ancient military machine for hurling missiles

The temporal label archaic means that a word or sense once in common use is found today only sporadically or in special contexts:

1mete … verb … 1 archaic

1thou … pronoun, archaic

A word or sense limited in use to a specific region of the U.S. has an appropriate label. The adverb chiefly precedes a label when the word has some currency outside the specified region, and a double label is used to indicate considerable currency in each of two specific regions:

2wash noun … 5 West

do·gie … noun, chiefly West

crul·ler … noun … 2 Northern & Midland

Words current in all regions of the U.S. have no label.

A word or sense limited in use to one of the other countries of the English-speaking world has an appropriate regional label:

chem·ist … noun … 2 British

loch … noun, Scottish

2wireless noun … 2 chiefly British

The label dialect indicates that the pattern of use of a word or sense is too complex for summary labeling: it usually includes several regional varieties of American English or of American and British English:

2mind verb 1 chiefly dialect

The stylistic label slang is used with words or senses that are especially appropriate in contexts of extreme informality:

3can … verb … 2 slang

2grand noun . . . slang

There is no satisfactory objective test for slang, especially with reference to a word out of context. No word, in fact, is invariably slang, and many standard words can be given slang applications.

The stylistic labels offensive and disparaging are used for those words or senses that in common use are intended to hurt or that are likely to give offense even when they are used without such an intent:

dumb . . . adjective 1 often offensive

half–breed . . . noun, often disparaging

Definitions are sometimes followed by verbal illustrations that show a typical use of the word in context. These illustrations are enclosed in angle brackets, and the word being illustrated is usually replaced by a lightface swung dash. The swung dash stands for the boldface entry word, and it may be followed by an italicized suffix:

1jump … verb … 5 … ⟨~ the gun⟩

all–around … adjective 1 … ⟨best ~ performance⟩

1can·on … noun … 3 … ⟨the ~s of good taste⟩

en·joy … verb … 2 … ⟨~ed the concert⟩

The swung dash is not used when the form of the boldface entry word is changed in suffixation, and it is not used for compounds:

Definitions are sometimes followed by usage notes that give supplementary information about such matters as idiom, syntax, and semantic relationship. A usage note is introduced by a lightface dash:

2cry noun … 5 … —usu. used in the phrase a far cry

1jaw … noun … 2 … — usu. used in pl.

1ada·gio … adverb or adj … — used as a direction in music

hajji … noun … — often used as a title

Sometimes a usage note is used in place of a definition. Some function words (as conjunctions and prepositions) have chiefly grammatical meaning and little or no lexical meaning; most interjections express feelings but are otherwise untranslatable into lexical meaning; and some other words (as honorific titles) are more amenable to comment than to definition:

or … conjunction — used as a function word to indicate an alternative

1at … preposition 1 — used to indicate a point in time or space

auf Wie·der·seh·en … interjection … — used to express farewell

sir … noun … 2 — used as a usu. respectful form of address

SENSE DIVISION

A boldface colon is used in this dictionary to introduce a definition:

1equine … adjective …
: of or relating to the horse

It is also used to separate two or more definitions of a single sense:

no·ti·fy … verb …
1 : to give notice of : report the occurrence of

Boldface Arabic numerals separate the senses of a word that has more than one sense:

ad·judge … verb …
1 : to decide or rule upon as a judge : JUDGE, ADJUDICATE
2 : to hold or pronounce to be : DEEM 3 : …

A particular semantic relationship between senses is sometimes suggested by the use of one of the two italic sense dividers especially or also.

The sense divider especially is used to introduce the most common meaning included in the more general preceding definition:

crys·tal … noun …
2 : something resembling crystal (as in transparency); especially : a clear glass used for table articles

The sense divider also is used to introduce a meaning related to the preceding sense by an easily understood extension of that sense:

chi·na … noun
: porcelain ware; also : domestic pottery in general

The order of senses is historical: the sense known to have been first used in English is entered first. This is not to be taken to mean, however, that each sense of a multisense word developed from the immediately preceding sense. It is altogether possible that sense 1 of a word has given rise to sense 2 and sense 2 to sense 3, but frequently sense 2 and sense 3 may have developed independently of one another from sense 1.

When an italicized label follows a boldface numeral, the label applies only to that specific numbered sense. It does not apply to any other boldface numbered senses:

craft … noun … 3 plural usually craft

1fa·ther … noun … 2 cap … 5 often cap

dul·ci·mer … noun … 2 or dul·ci·more /-ˌmōr/

2lift noun … 5 chiefly Brit

At craft the plural label applies to sense 3 but to none of the other numbered senses. At father the cap label applies only to sense 2 and the often cap label only to sense 5. At dulcimer the variant spelling and pronunciation apply only to sense 2, and the chiefly Brit label at lift applies only to sense 5.

CROSS-REFERENCE

Four different kinds of cross-references are used in this dictionary: directional, synonymous, cognate, and inflectional. In each instance the cross-reference is readily recognized by the underlined small capitals in which it is displayed.

A cross-reference following a lightface dash and beginning with compare is a directional cross-reference. It directs the dictionary user to look elsewhere for further information:

ordinal number … noun … —compare CARDINAL NUMBER

A cross-reference following a boldface colon is a synonymous cross-reference. It may stand alone as the only definition for an entry or for a sense of an entry; it may follow an analytical definition; it may be one of two or more synonymous cross-references separated by commas:

fact … noun … 1 : DEED

2pa·per adjective … 3 : existing only in theory : NOMINAL

1fill … verb … 3 : FEED, SATIATE

A synonymous cross-reference indicates that an entry, a definition at the entry, or a specific sense at the entry cross-referred to can be substituted as a definition for the entry or the sense in which the cross-reference appears.

A cross-reference following an italic variant of is a cognate cross-reference:

pick·a·back … variant of PIGGYBACK

Occasionally a cognate cross-reference has a limiting label preceding variant of as an indication that the variant is not standard American English:

2vice … chiefly British variant of VISE

A cross-reference following an italic label that identifies an entry as an inflected form (as of a noun or verb) is an inflectional cross-reference:

calves plural of CALF

woven past part of WEAVE

Inflectional cross-references appear only when the inflected form falls at least a column away from the entry cross-referred to.

COMBINING FORMS, PREFIXES, & SUFFIXES

An entry that begins or ends with a hyphen is a word element that forms part of an English compound:

-wise … adverb comb form … ⟨slantwise⟩

ex- … prefix … 2 … ⟨ex-president⟩

-let noun suffix 1 … ⟨booklet⟩

Combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes are entered in this dictionary for two reasons: to make understandable the meaning of many undefined run-ons and to make recognizable the meaningful elements of words that are not entered in the dictionary.

LISTS OF UNDEFINED WORDS

Many words that begin with the prefixes or combining forms anti-, in-, non-, over-, re-, self-, semi-, sub-, super-, and un- are self-explanatory combinations of the prefix or combining form and a word entered elsewhere in the dictionary, and they are listed undefined in the entry for the prefix or combining form from which they are formed.

Abbreviations Used in This Work

ab

about

abl

ablative

acc

accusative

A.D.

anno Domini

AF

Anglo-French

alter

alteration

Am, Amer

American

AmerF

American French

AmerInd

American Indian

AmerSp

American Spanish

Ar

Arabic

Aram

Aramaic

B.C.

before Christ

Brit

British

C

Celsius

ca

circa

Calif

California

Canad

Canadian

CanF

Canadian French

cap

capital, capitalized

Celt

Celtic

cen

central

cent

century

Chin

Chinese

comb

combining

compar

comparative

D

Dutch

Dan

Danish

dat

dative

deriv

derivative

dial

dialect

dim

diminutive

E

English

Egypt

Egyptian

Eng

English

esp

especially

est

estimated

F

Fahrenheit, French

fem

feminine

fl

flourished

fr

from

ft

feet

G, Ger

German

Gk

Greek

Gmc

Germanic

Heb

Hebrew

Hung

Hungarian

Icel

Icelandic

imit

imitative

imper

imperative

Ir

Irish

irreg

irregular

It, Ital

Italian

Jp

Japanese

K

Kelvin

km

kilometers

L

Latin

LaF

Louisiana French

LG

Low German

LGk

Late Greek

LHeb

Late Hebrew

lit

literally

LL

Late Latin

m

meters

masc

masculine

MD

Middle Dutch

ME

Middle English

MexSp

Mexican Spanish

MF

Middle French

MGk

Middle Greek

mi

miles

ML

Medieval Latin

modif

modification

MS

manuscript

Mt

mount

neut

neuter

NewEng

New England

NGk

New Greek

NHeb

New Hebrew

NL

New Latin

No

North

Norw

Norwegian

OE

Old English

OF

Old French

OIt

Old Italian

ON

Old Norse

OPer

Old Persian

orig

originally

part

participle

Per

Persian

perh

perhaps

Pg

Portuguese

Pol

Polish

pp

past participle

pres

present, president

prob

probably

pron

pronoun, pronunciation

prp

present participle

pseud

pseudonym

r

reigned

Russ

Russian

Sc

Scotch, Scots

Scand

Scandinavian

ScGael

Scottish Gaelic

Scot

Scottish

Skt

Sanskrit

Slav

Slavic

So

South

Sp, Span

Spanish

St

Saint

superl

superlative

Sw

Swedish

trans

translation

Turk

Turkish

US

United States

USSR

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

usu

usually

var

variant

vi

verb intransitive

VL

Vulgar Latin

vt

verb transitive

W

Welsh

Pronunciation Symbols

abut, collect, suppose

,
humdrum

(in l, n) battle, cotton; (in l, m, r) French table, prisme, titre

operation, further

map, patch

day, fate

bother, cot, father

car, heart

now, out

baby, rib

chin, catch

did, adder

set, red

bare, fair

beat, easy

fifty, cuff

go, big

hat, ahead

whale

tip, banish

near, deer

site, buy

job, edge

kin, cook

German Bach, Scots loch

lily, cool

murmur, dim

nine, own

indicates that a preceding vowel is pronounced through both nose and mouth, as in French bon

sing, singer, finger, ink

bone, hollow

saw

boar, port

French bœuf, feu, German Hölle, Höhle

toy

pepper, lip

rarity

source, less

shy, mission

tie, attack

thin, ether

then, either

boot, few

put, pure

boor, tour

French rue, German füllen, fühlen

vivid, give

we, away

yard, cue

indicates that a preceding , , or is modified by having the tongue approximate the position for , as in French digne

zone, raise

vision, pleasure

slant line used in pairs to mark the beginning and end of a transcription:

mark at the beginning of a syllable that has primary (strongest) stress:

mark at the beginning of a syllable that has secondary (next-strongest) stress:

mark of a syllable division in pronunciations (the mark of end-of-line division in boldface entries is a centered dot ·)

indicate that what is symbolized between sometimes occurs and sometimes does not occur in the pronunciation of the word: bakery = ,

Basic English Grammar

The essence of the English language is the sentence. A sentence is a grammatically self-contained group of words that expresses a statement, a question, a command, a wish, or an exclamation. It is composed of a subject, about which something is said, and a predicate, which expresses what is said about the subject. The subject can be a single noun, a noun phrase, such as “the strong wind,” or a noun clause, such as “what he decides is important to all of us.” The predicate can be a single verb, a verb phrase, such as “will be going,” a verb and all its modifiers, such as “will be going as soon as the bus arrives,” or a verb and its complements, such as “gave his client the bad news.”

In English, word order is important. The subject usually comes first, but not necessarily:

An amusement park is across the river.

Across the river is an amusement park.

Is an amusement park across the river?

The grammar of English is concerned with the structure of these elements that make up a sentence. Every word in a sentence can be classified as a particular part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.), according to its function in the sentence. The major parts of speech are briefly discussed in the following guide to basic English grammar.

THE ADJECTIVE

The adjective gives information about a noun or pronoun, such as what kind

the black cat

a joyful occasion

or which one

a first draft

that suggestion

or how many

ten players

few new ideas

The adjective usually precedes the noun it modifies, but some adjectives can also follow certain verbs:

the house is white (→ white house)

the speeches seemed long (→ long speeches)

that chair felt comfortable (→ comfortable chair)

the tree grew tall (→ tall tree)

Positive, Comparative, and Superlative Degrees of Adjectives

The positive degree is the basic form of the adjective. It gives basic information about the noun without reference to anything else (a white house). The comparative degree relates a noun to another—as having more or less of some quality (this house is whiter than that); the superlative degree relates the noun to all others of its class (this is the whitest house in the neighborhood).

When the adjective consists of a single syllable, the suffix -er is added to form the comparative degree, and the suffix -est is added to form the superlative degree. When the adjective consists of two syllables, the suffixes are often used to form the comparative (as gentler) and superlative (as gentlest), but the adverbs more/less can also be used to form the comparative (as more skillful and less skillful), and likewise, the adverbs most/least can be used to form the superlative (as most skillful and least skillful). For adjectives of more than two syllables, the adverbs are usually used to form the comparative and superlative forms (as more fortunate, most fortunate).

There are a few adjectives that have unique comparative and superlative forms:

Positive

Comparative

Superlative

good

better

best

bad

worse

worst

some

more

most

little (amount)

less

least

but

little (size)

littler

littlest

There are a few adjectives that have no comparative or superlative forms.

an utter failure

the principal objections

Demonstrative Adjectives

The demonstrative adjectives this and that are used to point out the one person or thing referred to (as “not this coat but that one”). The plural forms are these and those, respectively.

These books are mine and those books are yours.

Descriptive Adjectives

A descriptive adjective describes or indicates a quality, type, or condition:

a fascinating conversation

a positive attitude

a fast computer

Indefinite Adjectives

An indefinite adjective is used to designate unspecified person(s) or thing(s):

some children

other projects

any book

Interrogative Adjectives

An interrogative adjective is used to form a question:

Whose office is this?

Which book do you want?

The Noun Used As Adjective

A noun sometimes serves to modify another noun and thus functions as an adjective:

the Vietnam War

word processing

Possessive Adjectives

The possessive form of a personal pronoun is called a possessive adjective. Following is a list of possessive adjectives and a few examples of how they are used:

Singular

Plural

my

our

your

your

his/her/its

their

Where's my magazine?

Your cab is here.

They can read his story.

It was her idea.

The box and its contents were inspected.

She's our mother.

Your photos are ready.

We paid for their tickets.

Predicate Adjectives

A predicate adjective modifies the subject of a linking verb, such as be, become, feel, taste, smell, or seem:

He is lucky.

She became angry.

They are happy with the outcome.

The milk smells bad.

The student seems lonely.

Proper Adjectives

A proper adjective is derived from a proper noun and is capitalized:

Victorian furniture

a Chinese custom

a Shakespearean scholar

THE ADVERB

Adverbs, whether single words or phrases, usually give information about the verbs, such as when

We arrived yesterday.

He woke up late.

or where

I found them at the restaurant.

He spent time in [the] hospital.

or how

They arose quickly.

She worked hard.

Most single-word adverbs end in -ly and are formed by adding the suffix -ly to an adjective:

mad → madly

wonderful → wonderfully

When the adjective ends in -y, the adverb is formed by changing -y to -i and adding the suffix -ly:

happy → happily

dainty → daintily

When the adjective ends in -ic, the adverb is formed by adding the suffix -ally:

basic → basically

numeric → numerically

When an adjective ends in -ly, the adverb retains the same spelling:

a daily routine (adjective)

she calls her mother daily (adverb)

an early meeting (adjective)

the show started early (adverb)

Also, there are adverbs that do not end in -ly, for example:

again

now

soon

too

there

how

Positive, Comparative, and Superlative Degrees of Adverbs

Adverbs, like adjectives, can have three degrees of comparison: the positive form exists without reference to anything else; the comparative degree relates to another—as being more or less of the adverb quality; and superlative relates to all members of a class. As a general rule, a single-syllable adverb ends in -er when it is comparative (as faster) and in -est when it is superlative (as fastest). For adverbs of three or more syllables, the comparative and superlative degrees are formed by using the adverbs more/less and most/least. The comparative and superlative degrees of an adverb of two syllables are formed by following either one of these methods:

Positive

Comparative

Superlative

early

earlier

earliest

easy

easier

easiest

nearly

more nearly

most nearly

quickly

more quickly

most quickly

satisfactorily

less satisfactorily

least satisfactorily

Some adverbs, such as only, quite, and very, have no comparative or superlative forms.

Intensive Adverbs

Intensive adverbs, such as just and only, are usually used only to emphasize other words. The emphasis varies according to the placement of the adverb within the sentence:

He just nodded to me as he passed.

He nodded to me just as he passed.

I only wanted to speak with you.

I wanted to speak only with you.

Interrogative Adverbs

Interrogative adverbs, such as when, where, and why, are used chiefly to introduce questions:

When will he return?

Where is the remote control?

Why did you hide it?

THE ARTICLE

Articles, sometimes called “determiners,” are elements of a noun phrase that indicate whether the noun is “definite,” that is, a specific individual, or “indefinite,” that is, very general in nature.

The Definite Article

There is only one form of the definite article: the.

The boys were expelled.

It was the best movie I have seen.

The Indefinite Article

The indefinite article a is used with every noun or abbreviation beginning with either a consonant or the sound of a consonant:

a door

a union

a one-way street

a B.A. degree

a hat

a U.S. Senator

The indefinite article an is used with every noun or abbreviation that begins with a vowel sound, whether or not the first letter of the noun or abbreviation is a vowel or consonant:

an icicle

an MP

an honor

an FAQ

When the first syllable of a noun beginning with h is not stressed or has only a slight stress, the article a is frequently used:

a historian

a heroic attempt

a hilarious performance

However, the article an is sometimes used in these cases:

an historian

an heroic attempt

an hilarious performance

Both forms are acceptable.

THE CONJUNCTION

There are three main types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and subordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions, such as and, but, for, or, nor, so, and yet, are used to connect grammatical elements of the same type. These elements may be words, phrases, clauses, or complete sentences. Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect similar elements, to make exclusions or contrasts, to indicate an alternative, to indicate a cause, or to specify a result:

Connecting similar elements:

She ordered pencils, pens, and erasers.

Exclusion or contrast:

He is a brilliant but arrogant man.

They offered a promising plan, but it had not yet been tested.

Alternative:

She can wait here or go on ahead.

Cause:

The report is useless, for its information is no longer current.

Result:

His diction is excellent, so every word is clear.

Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions are used in groups of two to connect choices or elements of the same grammatical type:

Both Rita and Jane attended the conference.

Either you go or you stay.

He had neither looks nor wit.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a subordinate clause to an independent clause. These conjunctions express cause, condition or concession, manner, intention or result, time, place, or circumstance, as well as a possibility.

Cause:

Because she learns quickly, she is doing well in her new job.

Condition or concession:

Don't call unless you are coming.

Manner:

We'll do it however you tell us.

Intention or result:

They burned all the bridges so that the enemy could not use them.

Time:

She kept the meeting to a minimum when she could.

Place:

Wherever he goes, he is welcomed with open arms.

THE NOUN

Basic Uses

The noun may be a single word or a phrase (noun phrase). The noun phrase may consist of an article and/or adjectives and/or prepositional phrases. The noun can function as subject of a sentence, object of a verb, object of a preposition, predicate nominative, complement of an object, in apposition, and in direct discourse:

Subject:

The office was quiet.

The house with green shutters was for sale.

Direct object of a verb:

He locked the office.

Indirect object of a verb:

He gave his client the papers.

Object of a preposition:

The business was in bankruptcy.

The file is in the office.

Predicate nominative:

Ms. Adams is the managing partner.

Complement of an object:

They made Ms. Adams managing partner.

In apposition:

Ms. Adams, the managing partner, wrote that memo.

In direct discourse:

Ms. Adams, may I present Mr. Wilson.

Nouns are often classified as to whether they are proper nouns (Eiffel Tower, White House), common nouns (tower, house), abstract nouns (honor, love), concrete nouns (desk, flower), or collective nouns (team, government). American English typically uses a singular verb with a collective noun (the team is), while British English typical uses a plural verb (the government are).

Most nouns are neuter, showing no distinction as to whether having a masculine or feminine reference. However, a few nouns ending in -ess (as empress, hostess) are feminine in gender, and some others have a specific gender. For example: husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister. The names of certain animals also have a specific gender, for example, bull/cow, stag/doe. When it is necessary to specify the gender of a neuter noun, the noun is usually modified with words like male, female, man, woman (a male parrot, women painters).

The Noun As Adjective

The noun has the function of an adjective when it precedes another noun:

olive oil

business management

emergency room

dog house

The Formation of the Plural

The plural of nouns is formed by adding the suffix -s to the singular noun:

book → books

cat → cats

When the singular noun ends in -s, -x, -z, -ch, or -sh, the suffix -es is added to the singular:

cross → crosses

fox → foxes

witch → witches

wish → wishes

For a singular noun ending in -z, the last letter is doubled before adding the suffix -es:

buzz → buzzes

quiz → quizzes

For a singular noun ending in -y preceded by a consonant, the -y changes to -i and the suffix -es is added:

fairy → fairies

pony → ponies

guppy → guppies

For a singular noun ending in -y preceded by a vowel, the -y usually does not change when the suffix -s is added:

boy → boys

attorney → attorneys

Some words that end in -uy sometimes change the -y to -i:

guy → guys

soliloquy → soliloquies

There are a few nouns that do not always change in the plural:

fish → fish (or fishes when referring to more than one species)

caribou → caribou (sometimes caribous)

moose → moose

There are also some nouns that have a unique plural:

foot → feet

mouse → mice

knife → knives

The Possessive Case

The possessive case of a singular noun is formed by adding an apostrophe followed by an -s:

Jackie's passport

This hat is Billy's

For plural nouns ending in -s, only the apostrophe is added:

the neighbors' dog

both boys' behavior

Proper nouns that end in -s often present a special case:

Mr. Douglas's car

Socrates' teachings

THE PREPOSITION

The preposition is used with an object (a noun, pronoun, or the equivalent of a noun) to form a phrase that functions generally as an adjective or an adverb.

The man in the car is his father. (adjective)

The river winds through the valley. (adverb)

There are two types of prepositions: the simple preposition, which consists of a single word (for example, against, from, near, of, on, out, in) and the compound preposition, which consists of more than one element (for example, according to, on account of, because of, in spite of).

The Conjunction vs. the Preposition

The words after, before, but, for, and since can be used as prepositions or conjunctions. Their part of speech is determined by their function in the sentence. Conjunctions are usually used to connect two elements of the same grammatical type, while prepositions are followed by an object to form a phrase.

Conjunction:

The playful but thoughtful youngsters did well in school.

(but connects two adjectives)

Preposition:

I was left with nothing but hope.

(but followed by an object)

Conjunction:

The device conserves fuel, for it is battery-powered.

(for connects two clauses)

Preposition:

The device conserves fuel for better mileage.

(for followed by an object)

Place in the Sentence

A preposition comes in front of a noun or a pronoun (under the desk, beside them), after an adjective (antagonistic to, insufficient for, symbolic of), or after a verb as a particle (take over, put on, come across).

The preposition may end a sentence, especially if it is a verb particle.

What does this all add up to?

After Amy left, Sandra took over.

THE PRONOUN

Pronouns are often said to stand in place of the noun or noun phrase in a sentence. Usually, the pronoun stands for something previously specified or generally understood.

Pronouns have the following characteristics: case (nominative, possessive, or objective); number (singular or plural); person (first, second, or third); and gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter). Pronouns can be classed in seven main categories, each having a specific function.

Demonstrative Pronouns

The words this, that, these, and those are considered as pronouns when they function as nouns. (They are classed as demonstrative adjectives when they modify a noun.) The demonstrative pronoun distinguishes a person or thing from another person or thing:

This is the one I want.

I was happy about that.

These are the best designs.

I picked those as the prettiest flowers.

The demonstrative pronoun also serves to distinguish a person or thing nearby from one that is farther away (this is my desk; that is yours).

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns are used to designate a person or thing of which the identity is unknown or is not immediately evident. The indefinite pronouns include the following:

all

another

any

anybody

anyone

anything

both

each

each one

either

everybody

everyone

everything

few

many

much

neither

nobody

none

no one

one

other(s)

several

some

somebody

someone

something

The indefinite pronoun and the verb that follows it should agree in number. The following pronouns are used with a singular verb: another, anything, each one, everything, much, nobody, no one, other, someone, something:

Much is being done.

No one wants to go.

The indefinite pronouns both, few, many, and several are used with plural verbs:

Many are called; few are chosen.

Certain pronouns, such as all, any, none, and some, sometimes present difficulties, since they can be used with a singular or a plural verb. As a general rule, a pronoun that is used with a noun that cannot be counted requires a singular verb, while a pronoun that is used with a noun that can be counted requires a plural verb.

With an uncountable noun:

All of the property is affected.

None of the soup was spilled.

Some of the money was spent.

With a countable noun:

All of my shoes are black.

None of the clerks were available.

Some of your friends were here.

Interrogative Pronouns

The interrogative pronouns what, which, who, whom, and whose, as well as those bound with the word -ever (whatever, whichever, etc.) are used to introduce a direct or an indirect question:

Who is she?

He asked me who she was.

Whoever can that be?

We wondered whoever that could be.

Personal Pronouns

The personal pronoun reflects the person, number, and gender of the being or the thing it represents. Each category is made up of distinct personal pronouns:

Person

Nominative

Possessive

Objective

First (sing.)

I

my, mine

me

(pl.)

we

our, ours

us

Second (sing.)

you

your, yours

you

(pl.)

you

your, yours

you

Third (sing.)

he

his

him

she

her, hers

her

it

its

it

(pl.)

they

their, theirs

them

Reciprocal Pronouns

The reciprocal pronouns each other and one another indicate a mutual action or relationship:

Jim and Andy saw each other at the party.

They do not quarrel with one another.

The reciprocal pronoun is also used as a possessive:

The two companies depend on each other's success.

The members enjoyed one another's company.

Reflexive Pronouns

Reflexive pronouns are formed from the personal pronouns him, her, it, my, our, them, and your, to which the combining form -self or -selves is added. The reflexive pronoun is usually used to express a reflexive action or to emphasize the subject of a sentence, clause, or phrase:

She dressed herself.

He asked himself if it was worth it.

I myself am not involved.

They wanted to do it themselves.

Relative Pronouns

The relative pronouns are who, whom, whose, what, which, and that, as well as the compounds formed by adding the ending -ever. These pronouns are used to introduce subordinate clauses that function as a noun or an adjective.

a man who sought success

a woman whom we can trust

an author whose first novel was a success

a move which was unforeseen

a boy that behaves well

give it to whomever you wish

whoever thought of it

pick whichever you want

In certain cases the relative pronoun may be omitted:

The man [whom] I was talking to is the senator.

THE VERB

Verbs have essentially three classes: ordinary verbs of action, such as go, auxiliary verbs, like can and shall, and fundamental verbs like be, have, and do, which can function as both ordinary verbs and as auxiliaries.

The verb has the following characteristics: inflection (for example, helps, helping, helped), person (first, second, third), number (singular, plural), tense (present, past, future), aspect (categories of time other than the simple tenses of present, past, future), voice (active, passive), and mood (indicative, subjunctive, and imperative).

Inflection

Regular verbs have three inflections that are formed by adding the suffixes -s or -es, -ed, and -ing (for example, asks, asked, asking). Most of the irregular verbs have four inflections (for example, sees, saw, seen, seeing). The verb be has seven inflections: is, am, are, was, were, being, been).

Verbs ending in silent -e in general keep the -e when a consonantal suffix (such as -s) is added to the word, but the -e is dropped when the suffix begins with a vowel (such as -ed, -ing):

arrange; arranges; arranged; arranging

hope; hopes; hoped; hoping

However, certain verbs keep the -e in order to avoid confusion with another verb:

dye (color); dyes; dyed; dyeing

but

die (cease to live); dies; died; dying

singe (burn); singes; singed; singeing

but

sing (produce music); sings; sang; singing

If a single-syllable verb ends in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel, the final consonant is often doubled before the addition of -ed or -ing:

brag; brags; bragged; bragging

grip; grips; gripped; gripping

When a multi-syllable verb ends in the same way, and the last syllable is stressed, the final consonant is also doubled:

commit; commits; committed; committing

occur; occurs; occurred; occurring

It frequently happens that a verb ending in -y preceded by a consonant changes -y to -i, except when the suffix is -ing:

carry; carries; carried; carrying

study; studies; studied; studying

When a verb ends in -c, a -k is added to inflections if the suffix begins with -e or -i:

mimic; mimics; mimicked; mimicking

traffic; traffics; trafficked; trafficking

Tense and Aspect

The present and past tenses are generally formed as a single word:

I do, I did

we write, we wrote

The future tense is conjugated with the auxiliary verbs shall or will and the present or progressive forms:

I shall do it.

We will come tomorrow.

I shall be leaving tomorrow.

Aspect concerns the tense of the verb other than the present, the past, or the future. Aspect has four forms: the progressive, the present perfect, the past perfect, and the future perfect.

The progressive is used to express an ongoing action that takes place in the present, past, or future:

He is reading the paper at the moment.

I was studying for the test when you called.

I will be going to India next year.

The present perfect tense is used to express an action done in the past but which may be continuing in the present, or to express an action that occurred at an indefinite moment in the past. It is conjugated with the auxiliary verbs has or have and the past participle:

She has written many books.

They have regretted their mistake.

The past perfect expresses a completed action that occurred before another action in the past. It is conjugated with the auxiliary verb had and the past participle:

She had written several books previously.

We had left the house before they arrived.

The future perfect tense indicates that a future action will take place before another action or occurrence still to come. It is conjugated with the auxiliary verbs will or shall and have and the past participle:

We will have finished the project by then.

They will have gone before we will arrive.

Voice

The active voice indicates that the subject of the sentence is the doer of the action of the verb; the passive voice, consisting of a form of the verb be and a past participle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is the object of the action:

Active voice:

His colleagues respect him.

Passive voice:

He was respected by his colleagues.

Mood

There are three moods: the indicative, the subjunctive, and the imperative. The indicative is used to indicate a fact or to ask a question:

He is here.

Is he here?

The subjunctive is used to express a condition contrary to fact, especially in clauses introduced by if, and after the verb wish:

If she were there, she could answer that.

I wish he were here.

The subjunctive is also used in clauses beginning with the word that following verbs that request, demand, or recommend:

They asked that the books be returned.

She insisted that the door remain open.

The law required that he report his earnings.

The imperative is used to express a command or a demand:

Come here!

Pay attention!

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

A transitive verb takes a direct object:

She sold her car.

An intransitive verb has no direct object:

He talked all day.

Copyright
Copyright © 2009 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary and Thesaurus, Kindle Edition.
ISBN 978-0-87779-794-4
All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyrights hereon may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems without written permission of the publisher.

A

1a noun, plural a's or as often cap
1 : the 1st letter of the English alphabet
2 : a grade rating a student's work as superior

2a indefinite article
: ONE, SOME — used to indicate an unspecified or unidentified individual <there's ~ man outside>

3a abbreviation, often cap
1 absent
2 acre
3 alto
4 answer
5 are
6 area

AA abbreviation
1 Alcoholics Anonymous
2 antiaircraft
3 associate in arts

AAA abbreviation
American Automobile Association

A and M abbreviation
agricultural and mechanical

A and R abbreviation
artists and repertory

aard·vark noun
[ORIGIN: obs. Afrikaans, fr. Afrikaans aard earth + vark pig]

: a large burrowing African mammal that feeds on ants and termites with its long sticky tongue

1ab noun
: an abdominal muscle

2ab abbreviation
about

AB abbreviation
1 able-bodied seaman
2 airman basic
3 [ORIGIN NL artium baccalaureus] bachelor of arts

ABA abbreviation
American Bar Association

aback adverb
: by surprise <taken ~>

Synonyms
suddenly, unaware, unawares—more at UNAWARES

aba·cus noun, plural aba·ci or aba·cus·es
: an instrument for making calculations by sliding counters along rods or grooves

1abaft preposition
: to the rear of

2abaft adverb
: toward or at the stern : AFT

ab·a·lo·ne noun
: any of a genus of large edible sea mollusks with a flattened slightly spiral shell with holes along the edge

1abandon verb
[ORIGIN: ME abandounen, fr. AF abanduner, fr. (mettre) a bandun to hand over, put in someone's control]

: to give up completely : FORSAKE, DESERT

Synonyms
desert, forsake, maroon, quit; also relinquish, retreat (from), take off (from), vacate, withdraw (from)

2abandon noun
: a thorough yielding to natural impulses

Synonyms
abandonment, ease, lightheartedness, naturalness, spontaneity, unrestraint; also ardor, enthusiasm, exuberance, fervor, spirit, warmth, zeal
Antonyms
constraint, restraint

aban·doned adjective
1 : morally unrestrained
2 : given up : FORSAKEN

Synonyms
derelict, deserted, forsaken; also ignored, neglected, unattended, untended

aban·don·ment noun
1 : the act of abandoning
2 : freedom from restraint

Synonyms
[1] dereliction, desertion—more at DERELICTION
[2] abandon, ease, lightheartedness, naturalness, spontaneity, unrestraint—more at ABANDON

abase verb abased; abas·ing
: to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem : HUMBLE, DEGRADE

— abase·ment noun

Synonyms
debase, degrade, demean, demoralize, humble, subvert, warp—more at DEBASE

abash verb
: to destroy the composure of : EMBARRASS

Synonyms
confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, rattle—more at EMBARRASS

abash·ment noun
: the quality or state of being abashed

Synonyms
confusion, discomfiture, embarrassment, fluster, mortification—more at EMBARRASSMENT

abate verb abat·ed; abat·ing
1 : to put an end to <~ a nuisance>
2 : to decrease in amount, number, or degree

Synonyms
decline, decrease, diminish, dwindle, ebb, fall, lessen, recede, subside, taper, wane—more at DECREASE

abate·ment noun
1 : an amount of taking away; especially : a deduction from a tax
2 : an amount abated or lessened

Synonyms
[1] deduction, discount, reduction—more at DEDUCTION
[1, 2] decline, decrease, decrement, diminution, drop, fall, loss, reduction, shrinkage—more at DECREASE

ab·at·toir noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: SLAUGHTERHOUSE

ab·ba·cy noun, plural -cies
: the office or term of office of an abbot or abbess

ab·bé noun
: a member of the French secular clergy — used as a title

ab·bess noun
: the superior of a convent for nuns

ab·bey noun, plural abbeys
1 : a house for persons and esp. monks under religious vows : MONASTERY
2 : CONVENT
3 : an abbey church

Synonyms
cloister, friary, monastery, priory—more at MONASTERY

ab·bot noun
[ORIGIN: ME abbod, fr. OE, fr. LL abbat-, abbas, fr. LGk abbas, fr. Aramaic abbā father]

: the superior of a monastery for men

abbr abbreviation
abbreviation

ab·bre·vi·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to make briefer : SHORTEN, CURTAIL; especially : to reduce to an abbreviation

Synonyms
abridge, curtail, cut back, shorten—more at SHORTEN

ab·bre·vi·a·tion noun
1 : the act or result of abbreviating : ABRIDGMENT
2 : a shortened form of a word or phrase used for brevity esp. in writing

Synonyms
abridgment, condensation, digest—more at ABRIDGMENT

1ABC noun, plural ABC's or ABCs
1 : ALPHABET — usu. used in pl.
2 : RUDIMENTS — usu. used in pl.

2ABC abbreviation
American Broadcasting Company

Ab·di·as noun
: OBADIAH

ab·di·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to give up (as a throne) formally

— ab·di·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
abnegate, cede, relinquish, renounce, resign, step down, surrender; also abjure, disavow, disclaim, disown, deny, waive

ab·do·men noun
1 : the cavity in or area of the body between the chest and the pelvis
2 : the part of the body posterior to the thorax in an arthropod

— ab·dom·i·nal adjective

— ab·dom·i·nal·ly adverb

Synonyms
belly, gut, solar plexus, stomach, tummy—more at STOMACH

ab·duct verb
: to take away (a person) by force : KIDNAP

— ab·duc·tion noun

— ab·duc·tor noun

abeam adverb or adjective
: on a line at right angles to a ship's keel

abed adverb or adjective
: in bed

Abe·na·ki noun, plural Abenaki or Abenakis
: a member of a group of American Indian peoples of northern New England and southern Quebec

ab·er·rant adjective
1 : departing from the right or normal way
2 : departing from the usual or natural type : ATYPICAL

Synonyms
[1] abnormal, anomalous, atypical, deviant, irregular, unnatural—more at DEVIANT
[2] abnormal, atypical, exceptional, extraordinary, freak, odd, peculiar, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted—more at EXCEPTIONAL

ab·er·ra·tion noun
1 : deviation esp. from a moral standard or normal state
2 : failure of a mirror or lens to produce exact point-to-point correspondence between an object and its image
3 : unsoundness of mind : DERANGEMENT

Synonyms
dementia, derangement, insanity, lunacy, madness, mania—more at INSANITY

abet verb abet·ted; abet·ting
[ORIGIN: ME abetten, fr. AF abeter, fr. beter to bait]

1 : to actively second and encourage (as in wrongdoing) : INCITE
2 : to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose

Synonyms
[1, 2] ferment, foment, incite, instigate, provoke, raise, stir, whip—more at INCITE
[2] aid, assist, back, help, prop, support—more at HELP

abet·tor also abet·ter noun
: one that abets

Synonyms
accessory, accomplice, cohort, confederate—more at ACCOMPLICE
ally, backer, confederate, supporter, sympathizer—more at ALLY

abey·ance noun
: a condition of suspended activity

Synonyms
doldrums, dormancy, latency, quiescence, suspension; also inaction, inertia, inertness, motionlessness
Antonyms
continuance, continuation

ab·hor verb ab·horred; ab·hor·ring
[ORIGIN: ME abhorren, fr. L abhorrēre, fr. ab- + horrēre to shudder]

: to regard with extreme dislike : LOATHE, DETEST

Synonyms
abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe—more at HATE

ab·hor·rence noun
1 : the feeling of one who abhors
2 : one that is abhorred

Synonyms
[1] abomination, execration, hate, hatred, loathing—more at HATE
[2] abomination, anathema, antipathy, aversion, bête noire, hate—more at HATE

ab·hor·rent adjective
: causing or deserving strong dislike : LOATHSOME

Synonyms
abominable, appalling, hideous, horrible, horrid, offensive, repellent, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, shocking—more at OFFENSIVE

abide verb abode or abid·ed; abid·ing
1 : to bear patiently : ENDURE
2 a : to continue in a state or place
b : to have one's abode

— abide by

: to conform or acquiesce to <abide by the law>

Synonyms
[1] bear, brook, countenance, endure, meet, stand, stick out, stomach, support, sustain, take, tolerate—more at BEAR
[2a] continue, endure, hold, keep up, last, persist, run on—more at CONTINUE
[2b] dwell, live, reside—more at LIVE

abil·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: the quality of being able

Synonyms
capability, capacity, competence, faculty; also aptitude, aptness, endowment, facility, gift, knack, talent
Antonyms
inability, incapability, incapacity, incompetence, ineptitude

-ability also -ibility noun suffix
: capacity, fitness, or tendency to act or be acted on in a (specified) way <flammability>

ab·ject adjective
: low in spirit or hope : CRINGING

— ab·jec·tion noun

— ab·ject·ly adverb

— ab·ject·ness noun

ab·jure verb ab·jured; ab·jur·ing
1 : to renounce solemnly : RECANT
2 : to abstain from

— ab·ju·ra·tion noun

Synonyms
recant, renounce, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw; also deny, contradict, disavow, disclaim, disown, gainsay, negate, negative, repudiate
Antonyms
adhere (to)

abl abbreviation
ablative

ab·late verb ab·lat·ed; ab·lat·ing
: to remove or become removed esp. by cutting, abrading, or vaporizing

ab·la·tion noun
1 : surgical cutting and removal
2 : loss of a part (as the outside of a nose cone) by melting or vaporization

ab·la·tive adjective
: of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical case (as in Latin) expressing typically the relation of separation and source

— ablative noun

ablaze adjective or adverb
1 : being on fire : BLAZING
2 : radiant with light

Synonyms
[1] afire, burning, fiery; also aglow, alight, flaring, glowing, live, smoldering
[2] alight, bright, light—more at BRIGHT

able adjective abler ; ablest
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L habilis apt, fr. habēre to hold, possess]

1 : having sufficient power, skill, or resources to accomplish an object
2 : marked by skill or efficiency

Synonyms
[1, 2] capable, competent, fit, good, qualified, suitable—more at COMPETENT

-able also -ible adjective suffix
1 : capable of, fit for, or worthy of (being so acted upon or toward) <breakable> <collectible>
2 : tending, given, or liable to <knowledgeable> <perishable>

able–bod·ied adjective
: having a sound strong body

Synonyms
chipper, fit, hale, healthy, hearty, robust, sound, well, whole, wholesome—more at HEALTHY

abloom adjective
: BLOOMING

ab·lu·tion noun
: the washing of one's body or part of it

ably adverb
: in an able manner

Synonyms
adeptly, capably, expertly, masterfully, proficiently, skillfully, well—more at WELL

ABM noun, plural ABM's or ABMs
: ANTIBALLISTIC MISSILE

ab·ne·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : DENY, RENOUNCE
2 : to give up (as a right or privilege) : SURRENDER, RELINQUISH

Synonyms
abdicate, cede, relinquish, renounce, resign, step down, surrender—more at ABDICATE

ab·ne·ga·tion noun
: restraint or denial of desire or self-interest

Synonyms
renouncement, renunciation, repudiation, self-denial—more at RENUNCIATION

ab·nor·mal adjective
: deviating from the normal or average

— ab·nor·mal·ly adverb

Synonyms
exceptional, extraordinary, rare, singular, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual—more at EXCEPTIONAL
aberrant, anomalous, atypical, deviant, irregular, unnatural—more at DEVIANT

ab·nor·mal·i·ty noun
: something abnormal

Synonyms
freak, monster, monstrosity—more at FREAK

1aboard adverb
1 : ALONGSIDE
2 : on, onto, or within a car, ship, or aircraft
3 : in or into a group or association <welcome new workers ~>

2aboard preposition
: ON, ONTO, WITHIN

abode noun
1 : STAY, SOJOURN
2 : the place where one abides : HOME, RESIDENCE

Synonyms
domicile, dwelling, habitation, home, house, lodging, residence—more at HOME

abol·ish verb
: to do away with : ANNUL

— ab·o·li·tion noun

Synonyms
abrogate, annul, cancel, dissolve, invalidate, negate, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, void; also countermand, override, overrule, overturn, veto, retract, reverse, revoke, suspend, withdraw

ab·o·li·tion·ism noun
: advocacy of the abolition of slavery

— ab·o·li·tion·ist noun or adjective

A–bomb noun
: ATOMIC BOMB

— A–bomb verb

abom·i·na·ble adjective
: worthy of or causing disgust or hatred : ODIOUS

Synonyms
abhorrent, appalling, awful, horrible, horrid, odious, offensive, repellent, repugnant, repulsive, revolting

abominable snow·man noun, often cap A&S
: a mysterious creature with human or apelike characteristics reported to exist in the high Himalayas

abom·i·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
[ORIGIN: L abominari, lit., to deprecate as an ill omen, fr. ab- away + omen omen]

: to hate or loathe intensely : LOATHE, DETEST

Synonyms
abhor, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe—more at HATE

abom·i·na·tion noun
1 : something abominable
2 : extreme disgust and hatred : LOATHING

Synonyms
[1] abhorrence, anathema, antipathy, aversion, bête noire, hate—more at HATE
[2] abhorrence, execration, hate, hatred, loathing—more at HATE

ab·orig·i·nal adjective
: being the first or earliest known of its kind present in a region : INDIGENOUS

Synonyms
born, endemic, indigenous, native—more at NATIVE

ab·orig·i·ne noun
: a member of the original race of inhabitants of a region : NATIVE

aborn·ing adverb
: while being born or produced

1abort verb
1 : to cause or undergo abortion
2 : to terminate prematurely <~ a spaceflight>

Synonyms
call, call off, cancel, drop, recall, repeal, rescind, revoke—more at CANCEL

2abort noun
: the premature termination of a mission of or a procedure relating to an aircraft or spacecraft

abor·tion noun
1 : the spontaneous or induced termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus
2 : arrest of development (as of a part or process); also : a result of such arrest

Synonyms
calling, cancellation, recall, repeal, rescission, revocation—more at CANCELLATION

abor·tion·ist noun
: one who induces abortions

abor·tive adjective
: not successful

Synonyms
fruitless, futile, ineffective, unproductive, unsuccessful—more at FUTILE

abound verb
1 : to be plentiful : TEEM
2 : to be fully supplied

1about adverb
1 : reasonably close to; also : on the verge of <~ to join the army>
2 : on all sides
3 : in the vicinity : NEARBY
4 : in the opposite direction

Synonyms
[1] almost, most, much, near, nearly, next to, nigh, practically, some, virtually, well-nigh—more at ALMOST
[4] around, back, round—more at AROUND

2about preposition
1 : on every side of
2 : near to
3 : relating to : CONCERNING
4 : over or in different parts of

Synonyms
[2] around, by, near, next to—more at AROUND
[3] apropos of, concerning, of, on, regarding, respecting, toward; also as to, over
[4] around, over, round, through, throughout—more at AROUND

about–face noun
: a reversal of direction or attitude

— about–face verb

1above adverb
1 : in the sky; also : in or to heaven
2 : in or to a higher place; also : higher on the same page or on a preceding page

Synonyms
aloft, over, overhead, skyward
Antonyms
below, beneath, under

2above preposition
1 : in or to a higher place than : OVER <storm clouds ~ the bay>
2 : superior to <he thought her far ~ him>
3 : more than : EXCEEDING
4 : as distinct from <~ the noise>

above·board adverb or adjective
: without concealment or deception : OPENLY

abp abbreviation
archbishop

abr abbreviation
abridged; abridgment

ab·ra·ca·dab·ra noun
1 : a magical charm or incantation against calamity
2 : GIBBERISH

abrade verb abrad·ed; abrad·ing
1 a : to wear away by friction
b : to irritate or roughen by rubbing
2 : to wear down in spirit : IRRITATE

— abra·sion noun

Synonyms
[1a] chafe, erode, fray, fret, gall, rub, wear; also file, gnaw, grate, graze, grind, nibble, rasp, sandblast, sandpaper, scour, scrape, scuff, shave
[1b] graze, scrape, scratch, scuff—more at SCRAPE

1abrasive noun
: a substance (as pumice) for abrading, smoothing, or polishing

2abrasive adjective
: tending to abrade : causing irritation <~ relationships>

— abra·sive·ly adverb

— abra·sive·ness noun

abreast adverb or adjective
1 : side by side
2 : up to a standard or level esp. of knowledge

Synonyms
conversant, familiar, informed, knowledgeable, up, up-to-date, versed—more at FAMILIAR

abridge verb abridged; abridg·ing
[ORIGIN: ME abregen, fr. AF abreger, fr. LL abbreviare, fr. L ad to + brevis short]

: to lessen in length or extent : SHORTEN

Synonyms
abbreviate, curtail, cut back, shorten—more at SHORTEN

abridg·ment or abridge·ment noun
: a shortened form of a work

Synonyms
abbreviation, condensation, digest; also abstract, brief, outline, overview, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé, review, sketch, sum, summary, summation, syllabus, synopsis, survey, wrap-up

abroad adverb or adjective
1 : over a wide area
2 : away from one's home
3 : outside one's country

ab·ro·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to abolish by authoritative action : ANNUL

— ab·ro·ga·tion noun

Synonyms
abolish, annul, cancel, dissolve, invalidate, negate, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, void—more at ABOLISH

abrupt adjective
1 : broken or as if broken off
2 : SUDDEN, HASTY
3 : so quick as to seem rude
4 : DISCONNECTED
5 : STEEP

Synonyms
bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, snippy—more at BLUNT

abrupt·ly adverb
: in an abrupt manner

abs abbreviation
absolute

ab·scess noun, plural ab·scess·es
[ORIGIN: L abscessus, lit., act of going away, fr. abscedere to go away, fr. abs-, ab- away + cedere to go]

: a localized collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue

— ab·scessed adjective

ab·scis·sa noun, plural abscissas also ab·scis·sae
: the horizontal coordinate of a point in a plane coordinate system obtained by measuring parallel to the x-axis

ab·scis·sion noun
1 : the act or process of cutting off
2 : the natural separation of flowers, fruits, or leaves from plants

— ab·scise verb

ab·scond verb
: to depart secretly and hide oneself

Synonyms
clear out, escape, flee, fly, get out, lam, run away, run off—more at ESCAPE

ab·sence noun
1 : the state or time of being absent
2 : failure to be present where needed, wanted, or normally expected : WANT, LACK
3 : INATTENTION

Synonyms
[2] lack, need, want—more at NEED

1absent adjective
1 : not present
2 : to be deficient or missing : LACKING
3 : not paying attention : INATTENTIVE

Synonyms
[1] away, missing, out; also AWOL, truant
Antonyms
here, present
[2] missing, nonexistent, wanting; also dead, departed, extinct, lost, perished, vanished
Antonyms
existent, present

2absent verb
: to keep (oneself) away

3absent preposition
: in the absence of : WITHOUT

ab·sen·tee noun
: one that is absent or keeps away

absentee ballot noun
: a ballot submitted (as by mail) in advance of an election by a voter who is unable to be present at the polls

ab·sen·tee·ism noun
: chronic absence (as from work or school)

ab·sent·mind·ed adjective
: unaware of one's surroundings or actions : INATTENTIVE

— ab·sent·mind·ed·ly adverb

— ab·sent·mind·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
absent, abstracted, preoccupied; also absorbed, dreaming, dreamy, distracted, engrossed, faraway, intent, pensive, rapt
Antonyms
alert

ab·sinthe also ab·sinth noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a liqueur flavored esp. with wormwood and anise

ab·so·lute adjective
1 : free from imperfection or mixture
2 : free from control, restriction, or qualification
3 : lacking grammatical connection with any other word in a sentence <~ construction>
4 : not disputable : POSITIVE <~ proof>
5 : relating to the fundamental units of length, mass, and time
6 : FUNDAMENTAL, ULTIMATE

Synonyms
[1] faultless, flawless, ideal, impeccable, letter-perfect, perfect, unblemished—more at PERFECT
[1] fine, neat, plain, pure, refined, straight, unadulterated, undiluted, unmixed—more at PURE
[2] autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, tyrannical, tyrannous; also authoritarian, totalitarian
Antonyms
limited
[2] complete, consummate, perfect, total, unequivocal, unqualified, utter; also authentic, classic, genuine, real, veritable
[4] clear, conclusive, decisive, definitive, positive—more at CONCLUSIVE

ab·so·lute·ly adverb
: in an absolute manner or condition

Synonyms
all, altogether, clean, completely, entirely, fully, quite, totally, utterly, wholly—more at ALL

absolute pitch noun
1 : the position of a tone in a standard scale independently determined by its rate of vibration
2 : the ability to sing a note asked for or to name a note heard

absolute value noun
: a nonnegative number equal to a given real number with any negative sign removed

absolute zero noun
: a theoretical temperature marked by a complete absence of heat and motion and equivalent to exactly -273.15°C or -459.67°F

ab·so·lu·tion noun
: the act of absolving; especially : a remission of sins pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of reconciliation

Synonyms
amnesty, forgiveness, pardon, remission—more at PARDON

ab·so·lut·ism noun
1 : the theory that a ruler or government should have unlimited power
2 : government by an absolute ruler or authority

ab·solve verb ab·solved; ab·solv·ing
: to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt

Synonyms
acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate—more at EXCULPATE

ab·sorb verb
1 : to take in and make part of an existent whole
2 : to suck up or take in in the manner of a sponge
3 : to engage (one's attention) : ENGROSS
4 : to receive without recoil or echo <a ceiling that ~s sound>
5 : ASSUME, BEAR <~ all costs>
6 : to transform (radiant energy) into a different form usu. with a resulting rise in temperature

Synonyms
[2] drink, imbibe, soak, sponge, suck; also gulp, guzzle, quaff, sip, slurp, swallow, swig, swill
[3] busy, engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy—more at ENGAGE

ab·sorbed adjective
: obliviously engaged or occupied

Synonyms
attentive, engrossed, intent, observant, rapt—more at ATTENTIVE

ab·sor·bent also ab·sor·bant adjective
: able to absorb <~ cotton>

— ab·sor·ben·cy noun

— absorbent also absorbant noun

ab·sorb·ing adjective
: fully taking attention : ENGROSSING

— ab·sorb·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
engaging, engrossing, enthralling, fascinating, interesting, intriguing—more at INTERESTING

ab·sorp·tion noun
1 : a process of absorbing or being absorbed
2 : concentration of attention

— ab·sorp·tive adjective

Synonyms
attention, concentration—more at ATTENTION

ab·stain verb
: to refrain from an action or practice

— ab·stain·er noun

— ab·sten·tion noun

Synonyms
forbear, forgo, keep, refrain—more at FORBEAR

ab·ste·mi·ous adjective
: sparing in use of food or drink : TEMPERATE

— ab·ste·mi·ous·ly adverb

— ab·ste·mi·ous·ness noun

ab·sti·nence noun
: voluntary refraining esp. from eating certain foods, drinking liquor, or engaging in sexual intercourse

— ab·sti·nent adjective

abstr abbreviation
abstract

1abstract adjective
1 : considered apart from a particular instance
2 : expressing a quality apart from an object <whiteness is an ~ word>
3 : having only intrinsic form with little or no pictorial representation <~ painting>

— ab·stract·ly adverb

— ab·stract·ness noun

2abstract noun
1 : a summary of points (as of a writing) : SUMMARY, EPITOME
2 : an abstract thing or state

Synonyms
digest, encapsulation, epitome, outline, précis, recapitulation, résumé, roundup, sum, summary, synopsis—more at SUMMARY

3abstract verb
1 : REMOVE, SEPARATE
2 : to make an abstract of : SUMMARIZE
3 : to draw away the attention of
4 : STEAL

— ab·stract·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
digest, encapsulate, epitomize, outline, recapitulate, sum up, summarize, wrap up—more at SUMMARIZE

ab·stract·ed adjective
: lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions

Synonyms
absent, absentminded, preoccupied—more at ABSENTMINDED

abstract expressionism noun
: art that expresses the artist's attitudes and emotions through abstract forms

— abstract expressionist noun

ab·strac·tion noun
1 : the act of abstracting : the state of being abstracted
2 : an abstract idea
3 : an abstract work of art

ab·struse adjective
: hard to understand : RECONDITE

— ab·struse·ly adverb

— ab·struse·ness noun

Synonyms
deep, esoteric, profound—more at PROFOUND

ab·surd adjective
[ORIGIN: MF absurde, fr. L absurdus, fr. ab- from + surdus deaf, stupid]

: ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous

— ab·surd·ly adverb

Synonyms
bizarre, crazy, fanciful, fantastic, foolish, insane, nonsensical, preposterous, unreal, wild—more at FANTASTIC
comical, derisive, farcical, laughable, ludicrous, preposterous, ridiculous, risible, silly—more at RIDICULOUS

ab·sur·di·ty noun
1 : the quality or state of being absurd
2 : something that is absurd

Synonyms
[1] craziness, daftness, fatuity, folly, foolishness, inanity, insanity, silliness, zaniness
[2] asininity, fatuity, folly, foolery, inanity, insanity, lunacy, stupidity—more at FOLLY

abun·dance noun
: an ample quantity

Synonyms
gobs, heap, loads, lot, much, plenty, profusion, quantity—more at LOT
plenty, superabundance, wealth—more at PLENTY

abun·dant adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L abundant-, abundans, prp. of abundare to abound, fr. ab- from + unda wave]

: more than enough : amply sufficient

— abun·dance noun

— abun·dant·ly adverb

Synonyms
ample, bountiful, comfortable, generous, liberal, plentiful—more at PLENTIFUL

1abuse noun
1 : a corrupt practice
2 : incorrect or improper use : MISUSE <drug ~>
3 : coarse and insulting speech
4 : MISTREATMENT <child ~>

Synonyms
[2] misuse, perversion—more at MISUSE
[3] fulmination, invective, vitriol, vituperation; also blasphemy, curse, execration, imprecation, malediction, profanity

2abuse verb abused; abus·ing
1 : to put to a wrong use : MISUSE
2 : to use so as to injure or damage : MISTREAT
3 : to attack in words
4 to use to excess <~ alcohol>

— abus·er noun

— abu·sive adjective

— abu·sive·ly adverb

— abu·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] misapply, misuse, pervert, profane, prostitute—more at MISAPPLY
[1] capitalize, cash in, exploit, impose, play, use—more at EXPLOIT
[2] ill-treat, maltreat, manhandle, mishandle, mistreat, misuse; also molest, outrage, violate
[3] assail, attack, belabor, blast, castigate, excoriate, jump, lambaste, slam, vituperate—more at ATTACK

abut verb abut·ted; abut·ting
: to touch along a border : border on

Synonyms
adjoin, border, flank, fringe, join, skirt, touch, verge—more at ADJOIN

abut·ment noun
: the part of a structure (as a bridge) that supports weight or withstands lateral pressure

abut·ter noun
: one that abuts; especially : the owner of a contiguous property

abys·mal adjective
1 : immeasurably deep : BOTTOMLESS
2 : absolutely wretched <~ living conditions of the poor>

— abys·mal·ly adverb

abyss noun
1 : the bottomless pit in old accounts of the universe
2 : an immeasurable depth

abys·sal adjective
: of or relating to the bottom waters of the ocean depths

ac abbreviation
account

-ac noun suffix
: one affected with <hypochondriac>

Ac symbol
actinium

AC abbreviation
1 air-conditioning
2 alternating current
3 [ORIGIN L ante Christum] before Christ
4 [ORIGIN L ante cibum] before meals
5 area code

aca·cia noun
: any of numerous leguminous trees or shrubs with round white or yellow flower clusters and often fernlike leaves

acad abbreviation
academic; academy

ac·a·deme noun
: SCHOOL; also : academic environment

1academic noun
: a person who is academic in background, outlook, or methods

2academic adjective
1 : of, relating to, or associated with schools or colleges
2 : literary or general rather than technical
3 : theoretical rather than practical

— ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
educational, scholarly, scholastic; also bookish, pedantic, professorial
Antonyms
nonacademic, unacademic

ac·a·de·mi·cian noun
1 : a member of a society of scholars or artists
2 : ACADEMIC

ac·a·dem·i·cism also acad·e·mism noun
1 : a formal academic quality
2 : purely speculative thinking

acad·e·my noun, plural -mies
[ORIGIN: Gk Akadēmeia, school of philosophy founded by Plato, fr. Akadēmeia, gymnasium where Plato taught, fr. Akadēmos Greek mythological hero]

1 : a school usu. above the elementary level; especially : a private high school
2 : a society of scholars or artists

acan·thus noun, plural acanthus
1 : any of a genus of prickly herbs of the Mediterranean region
2 : an ornamentation (as on a column) representing the leaves of the acanthus

a cap·pel·la also a ca·pel·la adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It a cappella in chapel style]

: without instrumental accompaniment

acc abbreviation
accusative

ac·cede verb ac·ced·ed; ac·ced·ing
1 : to become a party to an agreement
2 : to express approval
3 : to enter upon an office

ac·cel·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to bring about earlier
2 : to speed up : QUICKEN

— ac·cel·er·a·tion noun

Synonyms
hasten, hurry, quicken, rush, speed, step up, whisk—more at HURRY

ac·cel·er·a·tor noun
1 : one that accelerates
2 : a pedal for controlling the speed of a motor-vehicle engine
3 : an apparatus for imparting high velocities to charged particles

ac·cel·er·om·e·ter noun
: an instrument for measuring acceleration or vibrations

1accent verb
: to give prominence to : STRESS, EMPHASIZE

Synonyms
accentuate, emphasize, feature, highlight, play, point, stress, underline, underscore—more at EMPHASIZE

2accent noun
1 : a distinctive manner of pronunciation <a foreign ~>
2 : prominence given to one syllable of a word esp. by stress
3 : a mark (as ´, `, ˆ) over a vowel used usu. to indicate a difference in pronunciation from a vowel not so marked
4 : special concern or attention : EMPHASIS

— ac·cen·tu·al adjective

Synonyms
accentuation, emphasis, stress, weight—more at EMPHASIS

ac·cen·tu·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to give prominence to : ACCENT

Synonyms
accent, emphasize, feature, highlight, play, point, stress, underline, underscore—more at EMPHASIZE

ac·cen·tu·a·tion noun
: the act or the result of accentuating

Synonyms
accent, emphasis, stress, weight—more at EMPHASIS

ac·cept verb
1 : to receive with consent
2 : to make a favorable response to
3 : to recognize as true
4 : to assume an obligation

Synonyms
[2] approve, care, countenance, favor, OK, subscribe
[3] believe, credit, swallow, trust—more at BELIEVE
[4] assume, bear, shoulder, take over, undertake—more at ASSUME

ac·cept·able adjective
: capable or worthy of being accepted

— ac·cept·abil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
adequate, all right, decent, fine, OK, passable, respectable, satisfactory, tolerable—more at ADEQUATE

ac·cep·tance noun
1 : the act of accepting
2 : the state of being accepted or acceptable
3 : an accepted bill of exchange

ac·cep·ta·tion noun
: the generally understood meaning of a word

1access noun
1 : capacity to enter or approach
2 : a way of approach : ENTRANCE

Synonyms
admission, doorway, entrance, entrée, entry, gateway—more at ENTRANCE

2access verb
: to get at : gain access to

Synonyms
enter, penetrate, pierce, probe

ac·ces·si·ble adjective
1 : capable of being reached <~ by train>
2 : capable of being used, seen, or known : OBTAINABLE <~ information>

— ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
[1] convenient, handy, reachable—more at CONVENIENT
[2] acquirable, attainable, available, obtainable, procurable—more at AVAILABLE

ac·ces·sion noun
1 : increase by something added
2 : something added
3 : the act of coming to a high office or position

1accessory also ac·ces·sa·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : a person who though not present abets or assists in the commission of an offense
2 : something helpful but not essential

Synonyms
[1] abettor, accomplice, cohort, confederate—more at ACCOMPLICE
[2] accoutrement, adjunct, appendage, attachment; also accompaniment, additive, complement, supplement

2accessory adjective
: aiding or contributing in a secondary way

Synonyms
auxiliary, peripheral, supplementary—more at AUXILIARY

ac·ci·dent noun
1 : an esp. unfortunate event occurring by chance or unintentionally
2 : lack of intention or necessity : CHANCE <met by ~>
3 : a nonessential property

Synonyms
[1] casualty, mischance, mishap; also calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, cropper, deathblow, disaster, tragedy
[2] chance, circumstance, hazard, luck—more at CHANCE

1accidental adjective
1 : happening unexpectedly or by chance
2 : happening without intent or through carelessness

— ac·ci·den·tal·ly also ac·ci·dent·ly adverb

Synonyms
casual, chance, fluky, fortuitous, incidental, unintended, unintentional, unplanned, unpremeditated, unwitting; also coincidental
Antonyms
deliberate, intended, intentional, planned, premeditated

2accidental noun
: a musical note foreign to a key indicated by a signature

1acclaim verb
1 : to express a favorable judgment of : APPLAUD, PRAISE
2 : to declare by acclamation

Synonyms
applaud, cheer, crack up, hail, laud, praise, salute, tout; also ballyhoo
Antonyms
knock, pan, slam

2acclaim noun
: the act of acclaiming

Synonyms
accolade, credit, distinction, glory, homage, honor, laurels—more at GLORY

ac·cla·ma·tion noun
1 : loud eager expression of approval, praise, or assent
2 : an overwhelming affirmative vote by shouting or applause rather than by ballot

Synonyms
applause, ovation—more at APPLAUSE

ac·cli·mate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
: to accustom or become accustomed to a new environment or situation

— ac·cli·ma·tion noun

Synonyms
accommodate, adapt, adjust, condition, conform, fit, shape—more at ADAPT

ac·cli·ma·tize verb -tized; -tiz·ing
: ACCLIMATE

— ac·cli·ma·ti·za·tion noun

ac·cliv·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: an ascending slope

ac·co·lade noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. accoler to embrace, ultim. fr. L ad- to + collum neck]

: an expression of praise

Synonyms
citation, commendation, encomium, eulogy, homage, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute—more at ENCOMIUM
acclaim, credit, distinction, glory, homage, honor, laurels—more at GLORY

ac·com·mo·date verb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
1 : to make fit or suitable : ADAPT, ADJUST
2 : to bring into agreement or concord : HARMONIZE, RECONCILE
3 : to provide with something needed
4 : to hold without crowding
5 : to undergo visual accommodation

Synonyms
[1] acclimate, adapt, adjust, condition, conform, fit, shape—more at ADAPT
[2] conciliate, conform, coordinate, harmonize, key, reconcile—more at HARMONIZE
[4] fit, hold, take; also carry, contain, seat

ac·com·mo·dat·ing adjective
: OBLIGING

ac·com·mo·da·tion noun
1 : something supplied to satisfy a need; especially : LODGINGS — usu. used in pl.
2 : the act of accommodating
3 : the automatic adjustment of the eye for seeing at different distances

Synonyms
compromise, concession, give-and-take, negotiation—more at CONCESSION

ac·com·pa·ni·ment noun
: something that accompanies another; especially : subordinate music to support a principal voice or instrument

ac·com·pa·ny verb -nied; -ny·ing
1 : to go or occur with : ATTEND
2 : to play an accompaniment for

— ac·com·pa·nist noun

Synonyms
attend, convoy, escort, squire; also associate, consort, pal (around), team (up)

ac·com·plice noun
: an associate in crime

Synonyms
abettor, accessory, cohort, confederate; also collaborator, conspirator, informant, informer

ac·com·plish verb
: to bring to completion

— ac·com·plish·er noun

Synonyms
achieve, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute, follow through, fulfill, make, perform—more at PERFORM

ac·com·plished adjective
1 : marked by proficiency : EXPERT, SKILLED
2 : established beyond doubt

Synonyms
ace, adept, crack, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful—more at EXPERIENCED

ac·com·plish·ment noun
1 : the act of accomplishing : COMPLETION
2 : something completed or effected : ACHIEVEMENT
3 : an acquired excellence or skill

Synonyms
[1] achievement, actuality, attainment, consummation, fruition, fulfillment, realization—more at FRUITION
[2] achievement, attainment, coup, success, triumph; also conquest, gain, victory, win

1accord verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF acorder, fr. VL *accordare, fr. L ad- to + cord-, cor heart]

1 : to grant or give esp. as appropriate, due, or earned : GRANT
2 : to be consistent or in harmony : AGREE, HARMONIZE

— ac·cor·dant adjective

Synonyms
[1] award, confer, grant—more at CONFER
[2] agree, coincide, comport, conform, correspond, fit, go, harmonize—more at CHECK

2accord noun
1 : the act or fact of agreeing or being in harmony : AGREEMENT, HARMONY
2 : willingness to act <gave of their own ~>

Synonyms
[1] agreement, conformity, consonance, harmony, tune—more at CONFORMITY
[1] agreement, concurrence, consensus, unanimity—more at AGREEMENT
[2] agreement, bargain, compact, contract, convention, covenant, deal, pact, settlement, understanding—more at AGREEMENT
[2] choice, free will, option, self-determination, volition, will—more at FREE WILL

ac·cor·dance noun
1 : the act or fact of agreeing or being in harmony : ACCORD
2 : the act of granting

ac·cord·ing·ly adverb
1 : in accordance
2 : as a result : CONSEQUENTLY, SO

Synonyms
consequently, ergo, hence, so, therefore, thus, wherefore—more at THEREFORE

according to preposition
1 : in conformity with <paid according to ability>
2 : as stated or attested by <according to you>

1accordion noun
[ORIGIN: G Akkordion, fr. Akkord chord]

: a portable keyboard instrument with a bellows and reeds

— ac·cor·di·on·ist noun

2accordion adjective
: folding like the bellows of an accordion <~ pleats>

ac·cost verb
[ORIGIN: MF accoster, ultim. fr. L ad- to + costa rib, side]

: to approach and speak to esp. aggressively

1account noun
1 : a statement of business transactions
2 : a formal business arrangement for regular dealings or services
3 : a statement of reasons, causes, or motives
4 : value or importance esp. as attributed by others
5 : a sum of money deposited in a bank and subject to withdrawal by the depositor
6 : a description of facts, conditions, or events

— on account of

: BECAUSE OF

— on no account

: under no circumstances

— on one's own account

: on one's own behalf

Synonyms
[1] bill, check, invoice, statement, tab—more at BILL
[4] merit, valuation, value, worth—more at WORTH
[5] budget, deposit, fund, kitty, nest egg, pool—more at FUND
[6] chronicle, history, narrative, record, report, story; also version

2account verb
1 : to think of as : CONSIDER <I ~ him lucky>
2 : to give an explanation — used with for

Synonyms
[1] call, consider, count, esteem, hold, rate, reckon, regard, take—more at CONSIDER
usually account for [2] explain, rationalize—more at EXPLAIN

ac·count·able adjective
1 : subject to giving an account : ANSWERABLE, RESPONSIBLE
2 : EXPLICABLE

— ac·count·abil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
answerable, liable, responsible—more at RESPONSIBLE

ac·coun·tant noun
: a person skilled in accounting

— ac·coun·tan·cy noun

account executive noun
: a business executive in charge of a client's account

ac·count·ing noun
: the art or system of keeping and analyzing financial records

ac·cou·tre or ac·cou·ter verb -cou·tred or -cou·tered; -cou·tring or -cou·ter·ing
: to provide with equipment or furnishings : EQUIP, OUTFIT

Synonyms
equip, fit, furnish, outfit, rig, supply—more at FURNISH

ac·cou·tre·ment or ac·cou·ter·ment noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : an accessory item — usu. used in pl.
2 : an identifying characteristic

Synonyms
accessory, adjunct, appendage, attachment—more at ACCESSORY
usually accoutrements apparatus, equipment, gear, matériel, outfit, paraphernalia, tackle—more at EQUIPMENT

ac·cred·it verb
1 : to endorse or approve officially
2 : to explain by indicating a cause : CREDIT

— ac·cred·i·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] authorize, certify, commission, empower, enable, invest, license, qualify—more at AUTHORIZE
[2] ascribe, attribute, credit, impute—more at CREDIT

ac·cre·tion noun
1 : growth or enlargement esp. by addition from without
2 : a product of accretion

Synonyms
addition, augmentation, boost, expansion, gain, increase, increment, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement—more at INCREASE

ac·cru·al noun
: something that accrues or has accrued

ac·crue verb ac·crued; ac·cru·ing
1 : to come by way of increase
2 : to be added by periodic growth

acct abbreviation
account; accountant

ac·cul·tur·a·tion noun
: cultural modification of an individual or group by borrowing and adapting traits from another culture

ac·cu·mu·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
[ORIGIN: L accumulare, fr. ad- to + cumulare to heap up]

: to gather or pile up

— ac·cu·mu·la·tive adjective

— ac·cu·mu·la·tor noun

Synonyms
appreciate, build, increase, mount, multiply, proliferate, rise—more at INCREASE
amass, assemble, collect, gather, group, lump, pile, round up

ac·cu·mu·la·tion noun
1 : something that has accumulated or has been accumulated
2 : the action or process of accumulating

Synonyms
[1] assemblage, collection, gathering; also agglomerate, assortment, conglomerate, conglomeration, hodgepodge, jumble, medley, mélange, mishmash, mix, mixture, motley, potpourri

ac·cu·ra·cy noun
: the quality, state, or degree of being accurate

Synonyms
closeness, delicacy, exactness, fineness, precision, veracity—more at PRECISION

ac·cu·rate adjective
1 : free from error : EXACT, PRECISE
2 : conforming exactly to truth or to a standard

— ac·cu·rate·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] close, delicate, exact, fine, mathematical, pinpoint, precise, rigorous—more at PRECISE
[2] correct, exact, precise, proper, right, so, true—more at CORRECT

ac·cu·rate·ly adverb
: in an accurate manner

Synonyms
exactly, just, precisely, right, sharp, squarely—more at EXACTLY

ac·cursed or ac·curst adjective
1 : being under a curse
2 : DAMNABLE, EXECRABLE

ac·cus·al noun
: ACCUSATION

ac·cu·sa·tive adjective
: of, relating to, or being a grammatical case marking the direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition

— accusative noun

ac·cu·sa·to·ry adjective
: expressing accusation <an ~ tone>

ac·cuse verb ac·cused; ac·cus·ing
: to charge with an offense : BLAME

— ac·cu·sa·tion noun

— ac·cus·er noun

Synonyms
charge, incriminate, indict; also blame, castigate, censure, condemn, criticize, damn, denounce, fault, impugn, reproach, reprobate
Antonyms
absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

ac·cused noun, plural accused
: the defendant in a criminal case

ac·cus·tom verb
: to make familiar through use or experience

ac·cus·tomed adjective
1 : USUAL, CUSTOMARY
2 : being in the habit or custom

Synonyms
given, used, wont; also apt, inclined, liable, prone
Antonyms
unaccustomed, unused

1ace noun
[ORIGIN: ME as a die face marked with one spot, fr. AF, fr. L, unit, a copper coin]

1 : a playing card bearing a single large pip in its center
2 : a very small amount or degree
3 : a point (as in tennis) won on a serve that goes untouched
4 : a golf score of one stroke on a hole
5 : a combat pilot who has downed five or more enemy planes
6 : one that excels in knowledge or skill

Synonyms
[6] authority, crackerjack, expert, maestro, master, virtuoso, whiz, wizard—more at EXPERT

2ace verb aced; ac·ing
1 : to score an ace against (an opponent) or on (a golf hole)
2 : to defeat decisively

3ace adjective
: of first or high rank or quality <an ~ mechanic>

Synonyms
accomplished, crack, experienced, expert, master, skilled, skillful—more at EXPERIENCED

ACE in·hib·i·tor noun
: any of a group of drugs that lower blood pressure by relaxing the arteries

acer·bic adjective
: acid in temper, mood, or tone

acer·bi·ty noun, plural -ties
: SOURNESS, BITTERNESS

acet·amin·o·phen noun
: a crystalline compound used in chemical synthesis and in medicine to relieve pain and fever

ac·e·tate noun
1 : a salt or ester of acetic acid
2 : a textile fiber made from cellulose and acetic acid; also : a fabric or plastic made of this fiber

ace·tic acid noun
: a colorless pungent liquid acid that is the chief acid of vinegar and is used esp. in making chemical compounds

ac·e·tone noun
: a volatile flammable fragrant liquid compound used in making other chemical compounds and as a solvent

ace·tyl·cho·line noun
: a compound that is released at nerve endings of the autonomic nervous system and is active in the transmission of nerve impulses

acet·y·lene noun
: a colorless flammable gas used as a fuel (as in welding and soldering)

ace·tyl·sal·i·cyl·ic acid noun
: ASPIRIN 1

1ache verb ached; ach·ing
1 : to suffer a usu. dull persistent pain
2 : to experience a painful eagerness or yearning : LONG, YEARN <he ached for that new car>

— ache noun

Synonyms
[1] hurt, pain, smart—more at HURT
[2] die, hanker, hunger, itch, long, pant, pine, sigh, thirst, yearn
usually ache for [2] crave, desire, die, hunger, long, pine, thirst, want, wish, yearn—more at DESIRE

2ache noun
: a usu. dull persistent pain

Synonyms
pain, pang, prick, smart, sting, stitch, tingle, twinge—more at PAIN

achiev·able adjective
: capable of being achieved

Synonyms
attainable, doable, feasible, possible, practicable, realizable, viable, workable—more at POSSIBLE

achieve verb achieved; achiev·ing
[ORIGIN: ME acheven, fr. AF achever to finish, fr. a- to (fr. L ad-) + chef end, head, fr. L caput]

1 : to carry out successfully : ACCOMPLISH
2 : to gain by work or effort

— achiev·er noun

Synonyms
[1] accomplish, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute, follow through, fulfill, make, perform—more at PERFORM
[2] attain, hit, make, score, win; also acquire, capture, carry, draw, garner, get, land, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure

achieve·ment noun
1 : the act of achieving
2 : a result gained by effort

Synonyms
[1] accomplishment, attainment, success
[2] accomplishment, attainment, coup, success, triumph—more at ACCOMPLISHMENT

Achil·les' heel noun
[ORIGIN: fr. the story that the Greek warrior Achilles was vulnerable only in the heel]

: a vulnerable point

Achil·les tendon noun
: the tendon joining the muscles in the calf of the leg to the bone of the heel

ach·ro·mat·ic adjective
: giving an image almost free from extraneous colors <~ lens>

achy adjective ach·i·er; ach·i·est
: afflicted with aches

— ach·i·ness noun

1acid adjective
1 : sour or biting to the taste; also : sharp or sour in manner
2 : of or relating to an acid

— acid·ly adverb

Synonyms
sour, tart, vinegary—more at SOUR

2acid noun
1 : a sour substance
2 : a usu. water-soluble chemical compound that has a sour taste, reacts with a base to form a salt, and reddens litmus
3 : LSD

acid·ic adjective
: sour or biting to the taste; also : sharp or sour in manner

acid·i·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to make or become acid
2 : to change into an acid

— acid·i·fi·ca·tion noun

acid·i·ty noun
: the quality, state, or degree of being acid

Synonyms
acrimony, asperity, bitterness, cattiness, tartness, virulence, vitriol—more at ACRIMONY

ac·i·do·sis noun, plural -do·ses
: an abnormal state of reduced alkalinity of the blood and body tissues

acid precipitation noun
: precipitation with above normal acidity that is caused esp. by atmospheric pollutants

acid rain noun
: acid precipitation in the form of rain

acid test noun
: a severe or crucial test

acid·u·lous adjective
: somewhat acid or harsh in taste or manner

ack abbreviation
acknowledge; acknowledgment

ac·knowl·edge verb -edged; -edg·ing
1 : to recognize the rights or authority of
2 : to admit as true
3 : to express thanks for; also : to report receipt of
4 : to recognize as genuine or valid

Synonyms
admit, agree, allow, concede, confess, grant, own—more at ADMIT

ac·knowl·edg·ment or ac·knowl·edge·ment noun
1 : the act of acknowledging
2 : recognition or favorable notice of an act or achievement

Synonyms
admission, avowal, concession, confession—more at CONFESSION

ACL noun
: ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT

ACLU abbreviation
American Civil Liberties Union

ac·me noun
[ORIGIN: Gk akmē]

: the highest point

Synonyms
apex, climax, crown, culmination, head, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tip-top, top, zenith—more at HEIGHT

ac·ne noun
[ORIGIN: Gk aknē, MS var. of akmē, lit., point]

: a skin disorder marked by inflammation of skin glands and hair follicles and by pimple formation esp. on the face

ac·o·lyte noun
1 : one who assists a member of the clergy in a liturgical service
2 : FOLLOWER

ac·o·nite noun
1 : MONKSHOOD
2 : a drug obtained from a common Old World monkshood

acorn noun
: the nut of the oak

acorn squash noun
: an acorn-shaped dark green winter squash with a ridged surface

acous·tic or acous·ti·cal adjective
1 : of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sounds
2 : deadening sound <~ tile>
3 : operated by or utilizing sound waves

— acous·ti·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
auditory, aural, auricular—more at AUDITORY

acous·tics noun singular or plural
1 : the science of sound
2 : the qualities in a room that make it easy or hard for a person in it to hear distinctly

ac·quaint verb
[ORIGIN: ME, ultim. fr. L ad- + cognoscere to know]

1 : to cause to know personally
2 : to make familiar : to cause to know firsthand

Synonyms
[1, 2] apprise, brief, clue, familiarize, fill in, inform, initiate, introduce, orient

ac·quain·tance noun
1 : personal knowledge
2 : a person with whom one is acquainted

— ac·quain·tance·ship noun

Synonyms
cognizance, familiarity; also association, experience, exposure, intimacy, involvement
Antonyms
unfamiliarity

ac·qui·esce verb -esced; -esc·ing
: to accept, comply, or submit without open opposition

— ac·qui·es·cence noun

— ac·qui·es·cent·ly adverb

ac·qui·es·cent adjective
: inclined to acquiesce

Synonyms
passive, resigned, tolerant, unresistant, unresisting, yielding—more at PASSIVE

ac·quire verb ac·quired; ac·quir·ing
: to gain possession of

Synonyms
cultivate, develop, form—more at DEVELOP
attain, capture, carry, draw, earn, gain, garner, get, land, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure, win—more at EARN

ac·quir·able adjective
: capable of being acquired

Synonyms
accessible, attainable, available, obtainable, procurable—more at AVAILABLE

ac·quired adjective
1 : gained by or as a result of effort or experience
2 : caused by environmental forces and not passed from parent to offspring in the genes <~ characteristics>

acquired immune deficiency syndrome noun
: AIDS

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome noun
: AIDS

ac·quire·ment noun
1 : ATTAINMENT, ACCOMPLISHMENT
2 : the act of acquiring

ac·qui·si·tion noun
1 : ACQUIREMENT
2 : something acquired

ac·quis·i·tive adjective
: eager to acquire : GREEDY

— ac·quis·i·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
avaricious, avid, covetous, grasping, greedy, mercenary, rapacious—more at GREEDY

ac·quis·i·tive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being acquisitive

Synonyms
avarice, avidity, covetousness, cupidity, greed, rapaciousness—more at GREED

ac·quit verb ac·quit·ted; ac·quit·ting
1 : to pronounce not guilty
2 : to conduct (oneself) usu. satisfactorily

— ac·quit·tal noun

Synonyms
[1] absolve, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate—more at EXCULPATE
[2] bear, behave, comport, conduct, demean, deport, quit—more at BEHAVE

acre noun
1 plural : an area of land under individual ownership : ESTATE
2 : a unit of land measure equal to 43,560 square feet

acre·age noun
: area in acres

ac·rid adjective
1 : sharp and biting in taste or odor
2 : deeply bitter : CAUSTIC

— acrid·i·ty noun

— ac·rid·ly adverb

Synonyms
acrimonious, bitter, hard, rancorous, resentful, sore—more at BITTER
biting, caustic, cutting, mordant, sarcastic, satiric, scathing, sharp—more at SARCASTIC

ac·rid·ness noun
: the quality or state of being acrid

ac·ri·mo·ny noun, plural -nies
: harsh or biting sharpness esp. of words, manner, or disposition

— ac·ri·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
acidity, asperity, bitterness, cattiness, tartness, virulence, vitriol; also harshness, hostility, relentlessness, severity, sternness, vehemence

ac·ri·mo·ni·ous adjective
: caustic, biting, or rancorous esp. in feeling, language, or manner

Synonyms
acrid, bitter, hard, rancorous, resentful, sore—more at BITTER

ac·ri·mo·ni·ous·ness noun
: the quality or state of being acrimonious

ac·ro·bat noun
[ORIGIN: F acrobate, fr. Gk akrobatēs, fr. akros topmost + bainein to go]

: a performer of gymnastic feats

— ac·ro·bat·ic adjective

— ac·ro·bat·i·cal·ly adverb

ac·ro·bat·ics noun singular or plural
: the performance of an acrobat

ac·ro·nym noun
: a word (as radar) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term

ac·ro·pho·bia noun
: abnormal dread of being at a great height

acrop·o·lis noun
[ORIGIN: Gk akropolis, fr. akros topmost + polis city]

: the upper fortified part of an ancient Greek city

1across adverb
1 : to or on the opposite side
2 : so as to be understandable <get the point ~>

Synonyms
over, through

2across preposition
1 : to or on the opposite side of <ran ~ the street>
2 : on so as to cross or pass at an angle <a log ~ the road>

Synonyms
athwart, over, through; also around, round

across–the–board adjective
1 : placed to win if a competitor wins, places, or shows <an ~ bet>
2 : including all classes or categories <an ~ wage increase>

acros·tic noun
: a composition usu. in verse in which the initial or final letters of the lines taken in order form a word or phrase

— acrostic adjective

acryl·ic noun
1 : ACRYLIC RESIN
2 : a paint in which the vehicle is acrylic resin
3 : a quick-drying synthetic textile fiber

acrylic resin noun
: a glassy thermoplastic used for cast and molded parts or as coatings and adhesives

1act noun
1 : a thing done : DEED
2 : the formal product of a legislative body : STATUTE; also : a decision or determination of a sovereign, a legislative council, or a court of justice
3 : a main division of a play; also : an item on a variety program
4 : an instance of insincere behavior : PRETENSE

Synonyms
[1] action, deed, doing, exploit, feat, thing—more at ACTION
[2] enactment, law, ordinance, statute—more at LAW
[4] airs, facade, front, guise, masquerade, pose, pretense, put-on, semblance, show—more at MASQUERADE

2act verb
1 : to perform by action esp. on the stage; also : to make a pretense of : FEIGN, SIMULATE, PRETEND
2 : to take action
3 : to conduct oneself or behave in a certain manner <how did she ~ toward you>
4 : to perform a specified function
5 : to produce an effect

Synonyms
[1] impersonate, perform, play, portray; also depict, dramatize, enact, pantomime, render, represent, take on
usually act toward [3] be, deal, handle, serve, treat, use—more at TREAT
[4] function, perform, serve, work—more at FUNCTION
[5] appear, look, make, seem, sound—more at SEEM
[5] function, operate, perform, take, work; also behave, react, respond

3act abbreviation
1 active
2 actual

ACT abbreviation
Australian Capital Territory

actg abbreviation
acting

ACTH noun
: a protein hormone of the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex

act·ing adjective
: doing duty temporarily or for another <~ president>

ac·tin·i·um noun
: a radioactive metallic chemical element

ac·tion noun
1 : a legal proceeding
2 : the manner or method of performing
3 : ACTIVITY
4 : a thing done : ACT, DEED
5 : the accomplishment of a thing usu. over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition
6 plural : the deportment and expression of one that acts or speaks : CONDUCT
7 : combat in war : BATTLE
8 : the events of a literary plot
9 : an operating mechanism <the ~ of a gun>; also : the way it operates <stiff ~>

Synonyms
[1] lawsuit, proceeding, suit—more at LAWSUIT
[4] act, deed, doing, exploit, feat, thing; also accomplishment, achievement, attainment
usually actions [6] bearing, behavior, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment—more at BEHAVIOR

ac·tion·able adjective
: affording ground for an action or suit at law

— ac·tion·ably adverb

ac·ti·vate verb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 : to spur into action; also : to make active, reactive, or radioactive
2 : to treat (as carbon) so as to improve adsorptive properties
3 : to set up (a military unit) formally; also : to call to active duty

— ac·ti·va·tion noun

— ac·ti·va·tor noun

Synonyms
actuate, crank, drive, move, propel, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on; also charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push
Antonyms
cut, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off

ac·tive adjective
1 : causing or involving action or change
2 : asserting that the grammatical subject performs the action represented by the verb <~ voice>
3 : briskly alert and energetic : BRISK, LIVELY
4 : marked by vigorous activity : BUSY
5 : erupting or likely to erupt <~ volcano>
6 : presently in operation or use
7 : tending to progress or to cause degeneration <~ tuberculosis>

— active noun

— ac·tive·ly adverb

— ac·tive·ness noun

Synonyms
[3] animate, animated, brisk, energetic, lively, spirited, sprightly, springy—more at LIVELY
[4] assiduous, busy, diligent, engaged, laborious, occupied, sedulous, working—more at BUSY
[6] alive, functional, living, on, operational, operative, running, working; also effective, effectual
Antonyms
broken, dead, inactive, inoperative, nonfunctional

ac·tiv·ism noun
: a doctrine or practice that emphasizes vigorous action for political ends

— ac·tiv·ist noun or adjective

ac·tiv·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being active
2 : forceful or energetic action
3 : an occupation in which one is engaged

Synonyms
exercise, exertion—more at EXERCISE

ac·tor noun
: a person who acts (as in a play, movie, or television show)

Synonyms
impersonator, mummer, player, trouper; also entertainer, performer

ac·tress noun
: a woman who is an actor

Acts or Acts of the Apostles noun
: a book of the New Testament of the Christian Scripture

ac·tu·al adjective
: really existing : REAL

— ac·tu·al·iza·tion noun

— ac·tu·al·ize verb

Synonyms
concrete, existent, factual, real, true, very; also attested, authenticated, confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, substantiated, validated, verified
Antonyms
hypothetical, ideal, nonexistent, theoretical

ac·tu·al·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being actual

Synonyms
existence, reality, subsistence—more at EXISTENCE
accomplishment, achievement, attainment, consummation, fruition, fulfillment, realization—more at FRUITION

ac·tu·al·ly adverb
1 : in fact or in truth : REALLY
2 : in point of fact — used to suggest something unexpected

Synonyms
[1] forsooth, frankly, honestly, really, truly, truthfully, verily; also absolutely, certainly, indisputably, indubitably, positively, realistically, undoubtedly, unquestionably, veritably
[2] authentically, genuinely, really, veritably, very—more at VERY

ac·tu·ary noun, plural -ar·ies
: a person who calculates insurance risks and premiums

— ac·tu·ar·i·al adjective

ac·tu·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to put into mechanical action
2 : to move to action

— ac·tu·a·tion noun

— ac·tu·a·tor noun

Synonyms
[1] activate, crank, drive, move, propel, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on—more at ACTIVATE
[2] drive, impel, move, propel, work

act up verb
1 a : to behave in an unruly, recalcitrant, or capricious manner : MISBEHAVE
b : to seek to attract attention by conspicuous behavior
2 : to function improperly

Synonyms
clown, cut up, fool, horse, monkey, show off, skylark—more at CUT UP

acu·ity noun, plural -ities
: keenness of perception

acu·men noun
: mental keenness and penetration

acu·pres·sure noun
: the application of pressure (as with the thumbs or fingertips) to the same discrete points on the body stimulated in acupuncture that is used for its therapeutic effects (as the relief of tension or pain)

acu·punc·ture noun
: an orig. Chinese practice of puncturing the body (as with needles) at specific points to cure disease or relieve pain

— acu·punc·tur·ist noun

acute adjective acut·er; acut·est
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L acutus, pp. of acuere to sharpen, fr. acus needle]

1 : SHARP, POINTED
2 : containing less than 90 degrees <an ~ angle>
3 : sharply perceptive; especially : mentally keen
4 a : characterized by sharpness or severity : SEVERE <~ distress>
b : having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short duration <~ inflammation>
5 : high in pitch
6 : of, marked by, or being an accent mark having the form ´

— acute·ly adverb

— noun

Synonyms
[3] delicate, keen, perceptive, sensitive, sharp; also accurate, clear, discerning, fine, good, precise, piercing, quick, receptive, sensible, subtle
[4a] agonizing, biting, excruciating, severe, sharp
[4b] critical, dire, imperative, imperious, instant, pressing, urgent; also compelling, demanding, extreme, immediate, insistent, intense, overriding
Antonyms
noncritical
[5] sharp, shrill, squeaky, treble—more at SHRILL

acute·ness noun
: the quality or state of being acute

Synonyms
acidity, acrimony, asperity, bite, bitterness, edge, harshness, keenness, pungency, sharpness, tartness

acy·clo·vir noun
: a drug used esp. to treat the genital form of herpes simplex

ad noun
: a public notice : ADVERTISEMENT

AD abbreviation
1 after date
2 [ORIGIN L anno Domini] in the year of our Lord — often printed in small capitals and often punctuated
3 assistant director
4 athletic director

ad·age noun
: an old familiar saying : PROVERB, MAXIM

Synonyms
aphorism, byword, epigram, maxim, proverb, saying—more at SAYING

1adagio adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It]

: at a slow tempo — used as a direction in music

2adagio noun, plural -gios
1 : an adagio movement
2 : a ballet duet or trio displaying feats of lifting and balancing

1adamant noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L adamant-, adamas hardest metal, diamond, fr. Gk]

: a stone believed to be impenetrably hard

2adamant adjective
: unshakable or insistent esp. in maintaining a position or opinion : INFLEXIBLE, UNYIELDING

— ad·a·mant·ly adverb

Synonyms
hard, immovable, implacable, inflexible, pat, rigid, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unyielding

ad·a·man·tine adjective
: rigidly firm : UNYIELDING

Ad·am's apple noun
: the projection in front of the neck formed by the largest cartilage of the larynx

adapt verb
: to make suitable or fit (as for a new use or for different conditions)

— ad·ap·ta·tion noun

— ad·ap·ta·tion·al adjective

— adap·tive adjective

— ad·ap·tiv·i·ty noun

Synonyms
acclimate, accommodate, adjust, condition, conform, fit, shape; also readjust

adapt·able adjective
: capable of being or becoming adapted

— adapt·abil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
all-around, protean, universal, versatile—more at VERSATILE
adjustable, changeable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, variable—more at FLEXIBLE

adapt·er also adap·tor noun
1 : one that adapts
2 : a device for connecting two dissimilar parts of an apparatus
3 : an attachment for adapting apparatus for uses not orig. intended

ADC abbreviation
1 aide-de-camp
2 Aid to Dependent Children

add verb
1 : to join to something else so as to increase in number or amount
2 : to say further <let me ~ this>
3 : to combine (numbers) into one sum
4 : to serve as or make an addition <the TV appearance added to his fame> <added to her savings>

Synonyms
[1] adjoin, annex, append, tack; also affix, attach, fasten, fix, graft, hitch, tie
Antonyms
deduct, remove, subtract, take
[3] foot, sum, total; also calculate, cast, cipher, compute, figure, reckon, tally
usually add to [4] aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, increase, multiply, raise, swell, up—more at INCREASE

ADD abbreviation
attention deficit disorder

ad·dend noun
: a number to be added to another

ad·den·dum noun, plural -da
[ORIGIN: L]

: something added; especially : a supplement to a book

1adder noun
[ORIGIN: ME, alter. (by false division of a naddre) of naddre, fr. OE næddre]

1 : a poisonous European viper or a related snake
2 : any of various harmless No. American snakes (as the hognose snake)

2adder noun
: one that adds; especially : a device that performs addition

1addict verb
1 : to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or excessively
2 : to cause addiction to a substance in (as a person)

— ad·dic·tive adjective

2addict noun
1 : one who is addicted esp. to a substance
2 : an ardent follower, supporter, or enthusiast

Synonyms
[1] doper, fiend, user—more at DOPER
[2] aficionado, buff, bug, devotee, enthusiast, fan, fanatic, fancier, fiend, freak, lover, maniac, nut—more at FAN

ad·dic·tion noun
1 : the quality or state of being addicted
2 : compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; also : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

ad·di·tion noun
1 : the act or process of adding; also : something added
2 : the operation of combining numbers to obtain their sum

Synonyms
annex, extension, penthouse—more at ANNEX
accretion, augmentation, boost, expansion, gain, increase, increment, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement—more at INCREASE

ad·di·tion·al adjective
: coming by way of addition : ADDED

Synonyms
another, else, farther, further, more, other; also accessory, collateral, extraneous, side, supplemental, supplementary

ad·di·tion·al·ly adverb
: in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

Synonyms
again, also, besides, further, furthermore, likewise, more, moreover, then, too, withal, yet

1additive adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characterized by addition
2 : produced by addition

— ad·di·tiv·i·ty noun

2additive noun
: a substance added to another in small quantities to effect a desired change in properties <food ~s>

ad·dle verb ad·dled; ad·dling
1 : to throw into confusion : MUDDLE
2 : to become rotten <addled eggs>

Synonyms
baffle, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, confound, confuse, disorient, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, puzzle—more at CONFUSE

addn abbreviation
addition

addnl abbreviation
additional

add–on noun
: something (as a feature or accessory) added esp. as an enhancement

1address verb
1 : to direct the attention of (oneself)
2 : to direct one's remarks to : deliver an address to
3 : to mark directions for delivery on
4 : to identify (as a memory location) by an address

Synonyms
apply, bend, buckle, devote, give—more at APPLY

2address noun
1 : skillful management
2 : a formal speech
3 : the place where a person or organization may be communicated with
4 : the directions for delivery placed on mail; also : the designation of a computer account for sending and receiving e-mail
5 : a location (as in a computer's memory) where particular data is stored

Synonyms
declamation, harangue, oration, speech, talk—more at SPEECH

ad·dress·ee noun
: one to whom something is addressed

ad·duce verb ad·duced; ad·duc·ing
: to offer as example, reason, or proof

— ad·duc·er noun

Synonyms
cite, instance, mention, quote—more at QUOTE

add up verb
1 : to come to the expected total
2 : to reach in kind or quality — used with to

Synonyms
usually add up to [1] amount, come, number, sum, total—more at AMOUNT (TO)
usually add up to [2] amount, come, correspond, equal—more at AMOUNT (TO)

-ade noun suffix
1 : act : action <blockade>
2 : product; especially : sweet drink <limeade>

ad·e·nine noun
: one of the purine bases that make up the genetic code of DNA and RNA

ad·e·noid noun
: an enlarged mass of tissue near the opening of the nose into the throat — usu. used in pl.

— adenoid or ad·e·noi·dal adjective

aden·o·sine tri·phos·phate noun
: ATP

1adept noun
: a highly skilled or well-trained individual : EXPERT

2adept adjective
: highly skilled : EXPERT

Synonyms
accomplished, ace, crack, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, versed—more at EXPERIENCED

adept·ly adverb
: in an adept manner

Synonyms
ably, capably, expertly, masterfully, proficiently, skillfully, well—more at WELL

adept·ness noun
: the quality or state of being adept

Synonyms
adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL

ad·e·qua·cy noun
: the quality or state of being adequate

ad·e·quate adjective
: equal to or sufficient for a specific requirement

— ad·e·quate·ness noun

Synonyms
acceptable, all right, decent, fine, OK, passable, respectable, satisfactory, tolerable; also agreeable, bearable, endurable, sufferable
Antonyms
deficient, inadequate, lacking, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, wanting

ad·e·quate·ly adverb
: in an adequate manner

Synonyms
enough, satisfactorily—more at ENOUGH

ad·here verb ad·hered; ad·her·ing
1 : to give support : maintain loyalty
2 : to stick fast : CLING

Synonyms
usually adhere to [1] cling, hew, keep, stick; also cleave (to), hang on (to)
Antonyms
defect (from)
[2] cling, hew, stick—more at STICK

ad·her·ence noun
: the act, action, or quality of adhering

Synonyms
adhesion, cohesion—more at ADHESION

1adherent adjective
: able or tending to adhere

2adherent noun
: one that adheres: as
a : a follower of a leader, party, or profession
b : a believer in or advocate esp. of a particular idea or church

Synonyms
convert, disciple, follower, partisan, pupil, votary—more at FOLLOWER

ad·he·sion noun
1 : the act or state of adhering
2 : the union of bodily tissues abnormally grown together after inflammation; also : the newly formed uniting tissue
3 : the molecular attraction between the surfaces of bodies in contact

Synonyms
adherence, cohesion; also agglutination, clumping

1adhesive adjective
1 : tending to adhere : STICKY
2 : prepared for adhering

Synonyms
gelatinous, gluey, glutinous, gooey, gummy, sticky, viscid, viscous—more at STICKY

2adhesive noun
: an adhesive substance

Synonyms
cement, glue, size—more at GLUE

adhesive tape noun
: tape coated on one side with an adhesive mixture; especially : one used for covering wounds

1ad hoc adverb
[ORIGIN: L, for this]

: for the case at hand apart from other applications

2ad hoc adjective
: concerned with or formed for a particular purpose <an ad hoc committee> <ad hoc solutions>

adi·a·bat·ic adjective
: occurring without loss or gain of heat

— adi·a·bat·i·cal·ly adverb

adieu noun, plural adieus or adieux
: a wish of well-being at parting : FAREWELL — often used interjectionally

Synonyms
au revoir, bon voyage, farewell, good-bye—more at GOOD-BYE

ad in·fi·ni·tum adverb or adjective
: without end or limit

ad in·ter·im adverb
: for the intervening time

— ad interim adjective

adi·os interjection
[ORIGIN: Sp adiós, lit., to God]

— used to express farewell

ad·i·pose adjective
: of or relating to animal fat : FATTY

adj abbreviation
1 adjective
2 adjutant

ad·ja·cent adjective
: situated near or next

— ad·ja·cent·ly adverb

Synonyms
adjoining, contiguous, touching; also close, closest, immediate, near, nearby, neighboring, next, nigh
Antonyms
nonadjacent

ad·jec·tive noun
: a word that typically serves as a modifier of a noun

— ad·jec·ti·val adjective

— ad·jec·ti·val·ly adverb

ad·join verb
1 : to add or attach by joining
2 : to be situated next to

Synonyms
[1] add, annex, append, tack—more at ADD
[2] abut, border, flank, fringe, join, skirt, touch, verge; also attach (to), communicate (with), connect (with), link (with)

ad·join·ing adjective
: touching or bounding at a point or line

Synonyms
adjacent, contiguous, touching—more at ADJACENT

ad·journ verb
1 : to suspend indefinitely or until a stated time
2 : to transfer to another place

— ad·journ·ment noun

Synonyms
break off, discontinue, interrupt, recess, suspend

ad·judge verb ad·judged; ad·judg·ing
1 : to decide or rule upon as a judge : JUDGE, ADJUDICATE
2 : to hold or pronounce to be : DEEM
3 : to award by judicial decision

ad·ju·di·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to pass judgment on : to settle judicially

— ad·ju·di·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
arbitrate, decide, determine, judge, referee, rule, settle, umpire—more at JUDGE

ad·junct noun
: something joined or added to another but not essentially a part of it

Synonyms
accessory, accoutrement, appendage, attachment—more at ACCESSORY

ad·jure verb ad·jured; ad·jur·ing
: to command solemnly : urge earnestly

— ad·ju·ra·tion noun

ad·just verb
1 : to bring to agreement : SETTLE
2 : to cause to conform : ADAPT, FIT
3 : REGULATE <~ a watch>

— ad·just·er also ad·jus·tor noun

— ad·just·ment noun

Synonyms
acclimate, accommodate, adapt, condition, conform, fit, shape—more at ADAPT

ad·just·able adjective
: capable of being adjusted

Synonyms
adaptable, changeable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, variable—more at FLEXIBLE

ad·ju·tant noun
: one who assists; especially : an officer who assists a commanding officer by handling correspondence and keeping records

ad·ju·vant noun
: one that helps or facilitates; especially : something that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment

— adjuvant adjective

1ad–lib verb ad–libbed; ad–lib·bing
: to improvise (esp. lines or a speech)

— ad–lib noun

2ad–lib adjective
: spoken, composed, or performed without preparation

Synonyms
extemporaneous, impromptu, offhand, snap, unplanned, unpremeditated, unprepared, unrehearsed—more at EXTEMPORANEOUS

ad lib adverb
[ORIGIN: NL ad libitum]

1 : at one's pleasure
2 : without limit

adm abbreviation
administration; administrative

ADM abbreviation
admiral

ad·man noun
: one who writes, solicits, or places advertisements

admin abbreviation
administration; administrative

ad·min·is·ter verb
1 : to manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of
2 : to mete out : DISPENSE
3 : to give ritually or remedially <~ quinine for malaria>
4 : to perform the office of administrator

— ad·min·is·tra·ble adjective

— ad·min·is·trant noun

Synonyms
[1] apply, enforce, execute, implement—more at ENFORCE
[1] carry on, conduct, control, direct, govern, guide, handle, manage, operate, oversee, regulate, run, superintend, supervise—more at CONDUCT
[2] allocate, apportion, deal, dispense, distribute, mete, parcel, portion, prorate; also allot, allow, appropriate, assign, dish (out), divide, measure (out), ration, redistribute, split

ad·min·is·tra·tion noun
1 : the act or process of administering
2 : performance of executive duties
3 : the officials directing the government of a country
4 : the term of office of an administrative officer or body

— ad·min·is·tra·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
authority, government, jurisdiction, regime, rule—more at RULE
conduct, control, direction, guidance, management, operation, oversight, regulation, running, superintendence, supervision—more at CONDUCT

ad·min·is·tra·tive adjective
: of or relating to administration

ad·min·is·tra·tor noun
: one that administers; especially : one who settles an intestate estate

Synonyms
director, executive, manager, superintendent, supervisor—more at EXECUTIVE

ad·mi·ra·ble adjective
: worthy of admiration : EXCELLENT

— ad·mi·ra·bil·i·ty noun

— ad·mi·ra·ble·ness noun

— ad·mi·ra·bly adverb

Synonyms
commendable, creditable, excellent, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy; also awesome, distinctive, distinguished, honorable, noteworthy, noticeable, outstanding, reputable, worthy
Antonyms
censurable, discreditable, reprehensible

ad·mi·ral noun
[ORIGIN: ME, ultim. fr. Ar amīr-al- commander of the (as in amīr-al-baḥr commander of the sea)]

: a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a fleet admiral

ad·mi·ral·ty noun
1 cap : a British government department formerly having authority over naval affairs
2 : the court having jurisdiction over questions of maritime law

ad·mi·ra·tion noun
: delighted or astonished approval

Synonyms
appreciation, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect; also acclamation, adoration, approbation, deference, homage, honor, praise, reverence, veneration, worship
Antonyms
disfavor

ad·mire verb ad·mired; ad·mir·ing
[ORIGIN: MF admirer, fr. L admirari, fr. ad- to + mirari to wonder]

: to regard with high esteem

— ad·mir·er noun

— ad·mir·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
appreciate, esteem, regard, respect; also acclaim, accredit, applaud, approve, commend, compliment, credit, praise

ad·mis·si·ble adjective
: that can be or is worthy to be admitted or allowed : ALLOWABLE <~ evidence>

— ad·mis·si·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
allowable, permissible, sufferable—more at PERMISSIBLE

ad·mis·sion noun
1 : the act of admitting
2 : the privilege of being admitted
3 : a fee paid for admission
4 : the granting of an argument
5 : the acknowledgment of a fact

Synonyms
[1] acknowledgment, avowal, concession, confession—more at CONFESSION
[2] access, doorway, entrance, entrée, entry, gateway—more at ENTRANCE

ad·mit verb ad·mit·ted; ad·mit·ting
1 : PERMIT, ALLOW
2 : to recognize as genuine or valid
3 : to allow to enter

Synonyms
acknowledge, agree, allow, concede, confess, grant, own; also disburden, unburden, unload
Antonyms
deny

ad·mit·tance noun
: permission to enter

ad·mit·ted·ly adverb
1 : as has been or must be admitted
2 : it must be admitted

ad·mix verb
: to mix in

ad·mix·ture noun
1 : something added in mixing
2 : a product of mixing : MIXTURE

Synonyms
amalgam, blend, combination, composite, compound, fusion, intermixture, mix, mixture—more at BLEND

ad·mon·ish verb
: to express warning or disapproval to esp. in a gentle manner

— ad·mon·ish·er noun

— ad·mon·ish·ing·ly adverb

— ad·mon·ish·ment noun

Synonyms
chide, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove

ad·mo·ni·tion noun
: counsel or warning against fault or oversight

Synonyms
alarm, alert, caution, notice, warning—more at WARNING

ad·mon·i·to·ry adjective
: expressing admonition

ad nau·se·am adverb
[ORIGIN: L]

: to a sickening or excessive degree

ado noun
1 : bustling excitement : FUSS
2 : TROUBLE

ado·be noun
1 : sun-dried brick; also : clay for making such bricks
2 : a structure made of adobe bricks

ad·o·les·cence noun
: the process or period of growth between childhood and maturity

1adolescent noun
: one that is in the state of adolescence

2adolescent adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being in adolescence
2 : emotionally or intellectually immature

Synonyms
[1] immature, juvenile, young, youthful—more at YOUNG
[2] callow, green, immature, inexperienced, juvenile, raw—more at CALLOW

adopt verb
1 : to take (a child of other parents) as one's own child
2 : to take up and practice or use as one's own
3 : to accept formally and put into effect

— adopt·able adjective

— adopt·er noun

— adop·tion noun

Synonyms
borrow, embrace, take up; also domesticate, naturalize

adop·tive adjective
: made or acquired by adoption <~ father>

— adop·tive·ly adverb

ador·able adjective
1 : worthy of adoration
2 : extremely charming

— ador·able·ness noun

— ador·ably adverb

Synonyms
darling, dear, endearing, lovable, precious, sweet, winning—more at LOVABLE

adore verb adored; ador·ing
[ORIGIN: ME adouren, fr. MF adorer, fr. L adorare, fr. ad- to + orare to speak, pray]

1 : to worship or honor as a deity or as divine : WORSHIP
2 : to regard with loving admiration
3 : to be extremely fond of often to the point of excess

— ad·o·ra·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] deify, glorify, revere, venerate, worship—more at WORSHIP
[2] cherish, love, worship—more at LOVE
[2] delight, enjoy, fancy, like, love, relish, revel—more at ENJOY
[3] canonize, deify, dote, idolize, worship—more at IDOLIZE

adorn verb
: to enhance the appearance of esp. with ornaments

Synonyms
array, beautify, deck, decorate, do, dress, embellish, enrich, garnish, grace, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE

adorn·ment noun
: something that adorns

Synonyms
caparison, decoration, embellishment, frill, garnish, ornament, trim—more at DECORATION

ad·re·nal adjective
: of, relating to, or being a pair of endocrine organs (adrenal glands) that are located near the kidneys and produce several hormones and esp. epinephrine

adren·a·line noun
: EPINEPHRINE

adrift adverb or adjective
1 : afloat without motive power or moorings
2 : without guidance or purpose

adroit adjective
[ORIGIN: F, fr. OF, fr. a- to + droit right]

: having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations

— adroit·ly adverb

Synonyms
artful, delicate, dexterous, expert, masterful, masterly, practiced, skillful, virtuoso—more at SKILLFUL

adroit·ness noun
: the quality or state of being adroit

Synonyms
cleverness, craft, dexterity, finesse, sleight—more at DEXTERITY
adeptness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL

ad·sorb verb
: to take up (as molecules of gases) and hold on the surface of a solid or liquid

— ad·sorp·tion noun

ad·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to flatter or admire excessively

— ad·u·la·tor noun

ad·u·la·tion noun
: excessive or slavish admiration or flattery

Synonyms
deification, idolatry, worship—more at WORSHIP
blarney, flattery, overpraise—more at FLATTERY

ad·u·la·to·ry adjective
: characterized by or given to adulation

Synonyms
fulsome, unctuous—more at FULSOME

1adult adjective
[ORIGIN: L adultus, pp. of adolescere to grow up, fr. ad- to + alescere to grow]

: fully developed and mature

Synonyms
full-blown, full-fledged, mature, ripe—more at MATURE

2adult noun
: one that is adult; especially : a human being after an age (as 18) specified by law

adul·ter·ant noun
: something used to adulterate another

Synonyms
contaminant, defilement, impurity, pollutant—more at IMPURITY

adul·ter·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
[ORIGIN: L adulterare, fr. ad- to + alter other]

: to make impure by mixing in a foreign or inferior substance

— adul·ter·a·tion noun

Synonyms
dilute, thin, water, weaken; also befoul, contaminate, corrupt, defile, dirty, foul, infect, poison, pollute, soil, sully, spoil, taint
Antonyms
enrich, fortify, strengthen

adul·tery noun, plural -ter·ies
: sexual unfaithfulness of a married person

— adul·ter·er noun

— adul·ter·ess noun

— adul·ter·ous adjective

adult·hood noun
: the state or time of being an adult

ad·um·brate verb -brat·ed; -brat·ing
1 : to foreshadow vaguely : INTIMATE
2 : to suggest or disclose partially
3 : SHADE, OBSCURE

— ad·um·bra·tion noun

adv abbreviation
1 adverb
2 advertisement

ad va·lor·em adjective
[ORIGIN: L, according to the value]

: imposed at a percentage of the value <an ad valorem tax>

1advance verb ad·vanced; ad·vanc·ing
1 : to assist the progress of
2 : to bring or move forward
3 : to promote in rank
4 : to make earlier in time
5 : to bring forward for notice, consideration, or acceptance : PROPOSE
6 : to supply or furnish in expectation of repayment : LEND
7 : to raise in rate : INCREASE

Synonyms
[1] cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote—more at FOSTER
[2] fare, forge, get along, go, march, proceed, progress—more at GO
[3] elevate, promote, raise, upgrade—more at PROMOTE
[5] offer, pose, proffer, propose, propound, suggest, vote—more at PROPOSE

2advance noun
1 : a forward movement
2 : a progressive step : IMPROVEMENT
3 : a rise esp. in price or value
4 : OFFER

— in advance

: BEFOREHAND

Synonyms
[1] advancement, furtherance, headway, march, onrush, passage, process, procession, progress, progression; also current, drift, flow, flux, stream, way
Antonyms
recession, regression, retrogression
[2] advancement, breakthrough, enhancement, improvement, refinement; also amelioration, boost, heightening, increase, melioration, strengthening, upgrade, uplift, upswing, upturn
Antonyms
setback

3advance adjective
: made, sent, or furnished ahead of time <~ sales>

ad·vanced adjective
1 : far on in time or course <a man ~ in years>
2 : being beyond others in progress <a student with ~ abilities>

Synonyms
[1,2] high, progressive, refined; also full-blown, full-fledged, full-scale
Antonyms
backward, low, lower, primitive, retarded, rudimentary, undeveloped

ad·vance·ment noun
: the action of advancing : the state of being advanced

Synonyms
ascent, elevation, promotion, rise, upgrade; also aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification
Antonyms
abasement, demotion, downgrade, reduction

ad·van·tage noun
1 : superiority of position
2 : something that promotes well-being : BENEFIT
3 : the 1st point won in tennis after deuce

— ad·van·ta·geous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] better, drop, edge, jump, upper hand, vantage; also allowance, head start, lead, margin, odds, start
Antonyms
disadvantage, handicap, liability
[2] aid, benefit, boon, help—more at HELP

ad·van·ta·geous adjective
: giving an advantage

Synonyms
beneficial, favorable, helpful, profitable, salutary—more at BENEFICIAL

ad·vent noun
1 cap : a penitential period beginning four Sundays before Christmas
2 cap : the coming of Christ
3 : a coming into being or use

ad·ven·ti·tious adjective
1 : coming from another source and not inherent or innate
2 : arising or occurring sporadically or in other than the usual location <~ buds>

— ad·ven·ti·tious·ly adverb

Synonyms
alien, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign—more at EXTRINSIC

1adventure noun
1 : a risky undertaking
2 : a remarkable and exciting experience

Synonyms
experience, happening, time; also escapade, lark

2adventure verb -ven·tured; -ven·tur·ing
: to expose to danger or loss : RISK, HAZARD

Synonyms
compromise, gamble, hazard, imperil, jeopardize, menace, risk, venture

ad·ven·tur·er noun
1 : a person who engages in new and risky undertakings
2 : a person who follows a military career for adventure or profit
3 : a person who tries to gain wealth by questionable means

ad·ven·ture·some adjective
: inclined to take risks

ad·ven·tur·ess noun
: a female adventurer

ad·ven·tur·ous adjective
: disposed to seek adventure or to cope with the new and unknown

Synonyms
audacious, bold, daring, enterprising, nervy, venturesome—more at BOLD

ad·verb noun
: a word that typically serves as a modifier of a verb, an adjective, or another adverb

— ad·ver·bi·al adjective

— ad·ver·bi·al·ly adverb

1adversary noun, plural -sar·ies
: one that contends with, opposes, or resists

Synonyms
antagonist, enemy, foe, opponent—more at ENEMY

2adversary adjective
: involving antagonistic parties or interests

ad·verse adjective
1 : acting against or in a contrary direction
2 : opposed to one's interests : UNFAVORABLE

— ad·verse·ly adverb

Synonyms
counter, disadvantageous, hostile, inimical, negative, prejudicial, unfavorable, unfriendly, unsympathetic; also bad, baleful, baneful, evil
Antonyms
advantageous, favorable, friendly, positive, sympathetic, well-disposed

ad·ver·si·ty noun, plural -ties
: hard times : occurrences of misfortune

Synonyms
knock, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap—more at MISFORTUNE
asperity, difficulty, hardness, hardship, rigor—more at DIFFICULTY

ad·vert verb
: to call attention in the course of speaking or writing : REFER

Synonyms
cite, instance, mention, name, note, notice, quote, refer, specify, touch—more at MENTION

ad·ver·tise verb -tised; -tis·ing
1 : INFORM, NOTIFY
2 : to call public attention to esp. in order to sell

— ad·ver·tis·er noun

Synonyms
announce, blaze, broadcast, declare, enunciate, placard, post, proclaim, promulgate, publicize, publish, sound—more at ANNOUNCE

ad·ver·tise·ment noun
1 : the act of advertising
2 : a public notice intended to advertise something

Synonyms
announcement, bulletin, notice, notification, release—more at ANNOUNCEMENT

ad·ver·tis·ing noun
: the business of preparing advertisements

ad·vice noun
1 : recommendation with regard to a course of action : COUNSEL
2 : INFORMATION, REPORT

ad·vis·able adjective
: proper to be done : EXPEDIENT

— ad·vis·abil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
desirable, expedient, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise—more at EXPEDIENT

ad·vise verb ad·vised; ad·vis·ing
1 a : to give advice to : COUNSEL
b : to recommend esp. as the best or most expedient act, course, or policy
2 : to give information or notice to : INFORM
3 : to take counsel : CONSULT, CONFER

Synonyms
[1b] counsel, suggest; also advocate, back, favor, support
[2] acquaint, apprise, brief, clue, enlighten, familiarize, fill in, inform, instruct, tell, wise—more at ENLIGHTEN
[3] confer, consult, counsel, parley, powwow, treat—more at CONFER

ad·vis·er also ad·vi·sor noun
: one that gives advice

ad·vised adjective
: thought out : CONSIDERED <well-advised>

— ad·vis·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
calculated, deliberate, measured, reasoned, studied, thoughtful—more at DELIBERATE

ad·vise·ment noun
1 : careful consideration
2 : the act of advising

ad·vi·so·ry adjective
1 : having or exercising power to advise
2 : containing advice

1advocate noun
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. L advocare to summon, fr. ad- to + vocare to call]

1 : one who pleads another's cause
2 : one who argues or pleads for a cause or proposal

— ad·vo·ca·cy noun

Synonyms
[1] attorney, counsel, lawyer—more at LAWYER
[2] apostle, backer, booster, champion, exponent, friend, promoter, proponent, supporter—more at EXPONENT

2advocate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to plead in favor of

— ad·vo·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
back, champion, endorse, patronize, support—more at SUPPORT

advt abbreviation
advertisement

adze also adz noun
: a tool with a curved blade set at right angles to the handle that is used in shaping wood

AEC abbreviation
Atomic Energy Commission

ae·gis noun
1 : one that protects : SHIELD
2 : PATRONAGE, SPONSORSHIP

Synonyms
armor, cover, defense, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward—more at DEFENSE

ae·o·li·an harp noun
: a box with strings that produce musical sounds when the wind blows on them

ae·on or eon noun
: an indefinitely long time : AGE

Synonyms
age, cycle, eternity—more at AGE

aer·ate verb aer·at·ed; aer·at·ing
1 : to supply (blood) with oxygen by respiration
2 : to supply, impregnate, or combine with a gas and esp. air

— aer·a·tion noun

— aer·a·tor noun

1aerial adjective
1 : inhabiting, occurring in, or done in the air
2 : AIRY
3 : of or relating to aircraft

2aerial noun
: ANTENNA 2

ae·ri·al·ist noun
: a performer of feats above the ground esp. on a trapeze

ae·rie noun
: a highly placed nest (as of an eagle)

aer·o·bat·ics noun singular or plural
: spectacular flying feats and maneuvers

aer·o·bic adjective
1 : living or active only in the presence of oxygen <~ bacteria>
2 involving or increasing oxygen consumption <~ activity>; also : of or relating to aerobics

— aer·o·bi·cal·ly adverb

aer·o·bics noun singular or plural
: strenuous exercises that produce a marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate; also : a system of physical conditioning involving these

aero·drome noun, chiefly British
: AIRPORT

aero·dy·nam·ics noun
: the science dealing with the forces acting on bodies in motion in a gas (as air)

— aero·dy·nam·ic also aero·dy·nam·i·cal adjective

— aero·dy·nam·i·cal·ly adverb

aero·naut noun
[ORIGIN: F aéronaute, ultim. fr. Gk aēr air + nautēs sailor]

: one who operates or travels in an airship or balloon

aero·nau·tics noun
: the science of aircraft operation

— aero·nau·ti·cal also aero·nau·tic adjective

aero·sol noun
1 : a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in a gas
2 : a substance (as an insecticide) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol

aero·space noun
: the earth's atmosphere and the space beyond

— aerospace adjective

aery adjective aer·i·er; -est
: having an aerial quality : ETHEREAL

aes·thete noun
: a person having or affecting sensitivity to beauty esp. in art

aes·thet·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to aesthetics : ARTISTIC
2 : appreciative of the beautiful

— aes·thet·i·cal·ly adverb

aes·thet·ics noun
: a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature, creation, and appreciation of beauty

AF abbreviation
1 air force
2 audio frequency

1afar adverb
: from, at, or to a great distance

2afar noun
: a great distance

AFB abbreviation
air force base

AFC abbreviation
1 American Football Conference
2 automatic frequency control

AFDC abbreviation
Aid to Families with Dependent Children

af·fa·ble adjective
: courteous and agreeable esp. in conversation

— af·fa·bly adverb

Synonyms
agreeable, amiable, genial, good-natured, gracious, nice, sweet, well-disposed—more at AMIABLE
cordial, genial, gracious, hospitable, sociable—more at GRACIOUS

af·fa·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being affable

af·fair noun
[ORIGIN: ME afere, fr. AF fr. afaire, fr. a faire to do]

1 : something that relates to or involves one : MATTER
2 a : a procedure, action, or occasion only vaguely specified <the most important social ~ of the year>
b : an object or collection of objects only vaguely specified <their house was a 2-story ~>
3 : a romantic or sexual attachment of limited duration

Synonyms
[2a] blowout, event, fete, function, get-together, party—more at PARTY
[2a] circumstance, episode, event, happening, incident, occasion, occurrence, thing—more at EVENT

1affect verb
1 : to be fond of using or wearing
2 : to put on a pretense of : SIMULATE, ASSUME, PRETEND

Synonyms
assume, counterfeit, fake, feign, pretend, profess, put on, sham, simulate—more at FEIGN

2affect verb
: to produce an effect on : INFLUENCE

Synonyms
impact, impress, influence, move, strike, sway, tell, touch; also bias, color

af·fec·ta·tion noun
: an attitude or behavior that is assumed by a person but not genuinely felt

Synonyms
pretense, pretension, pretentiousness—more at PRETENSE

af·fect·ed adjective
1 : given to affectation
2 : artificially assumed to impress others

— af·fect·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] grandiose, highfalutin, ostentatious, pompous, pretentious—more at PRETENTIOUS
[2] artificial, assumed, fake, false, feigned, phony, put-on, sham, unnatural—more at ARTIFICIAL

af·fect·ing adjective
: evoking a strong emotional response <an ~ story>

— af·fect·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
emotional, impressive, moving, poignant, stirring, touching—more at MOVING

af·fec·tion noun
1 : tender attachment
2 : a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal function : DISEASE

— af·fec·tion·ate·ly adverb

Synonyms
attachment, devotion, fondness, love, passion—more at LOVE

af·fec·tion·ate adjective
1 : having affection or warm regard : LOVING
2 : motivated by affection : TENDER

Synonyms
[1, 2] devoted, fond, loving, tender, tenderhearted—more at LOVING

af·fer·ent adjective
: bearing or conducting inward toward a more central part and esp. a nerve center (as the brain or spinal cord)

af·fi·ance verb -anced; -anc·ing
: BETROTH, ENGAGE

af·fi·da·vit noun
[ORIGIN: ML, he has made an oath]

: a sworn statement in writing

1affiliate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to associate as a member or branch

2affiliate noun
: an affiliated person or organization

Synonyms
branch, chapter, local—more at CHAPTER

af·fil·i·a·tion noun
: the act of affiliating : the state or relation of being affiliated

Synonyms
alliance, association, collaboration, confederation, connection, cooperation, hookup, liaison, partnership, relation, relationship, union—more at ASSOCIATION

af·fin·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : KINSHIP, RELATIONSHIP
2 : attractive force : ATTRACTION, SYMPATHY

af·firm verb
1 : CONFIRM
2 : to assert positively
3 : to make a solemn and formal declaration or assertion in place of an oath

Synonyms
allege, assert, aver, avouch, avow, claim, contend, declare, insist, maintain, profess, protest, warrant—more at CLAIM

af·fir·ma·tion noun
: something affirmed : a positive assertion

Synonyms
assertion, avowal, claim, declaration, profession, protestation—more at PROTESTATION

1affirmative adjective
: asserting that the fact is so : POSITIVE

Synonyms
favorable, good, positive, warm

2affirmative noun
1 : an expression of affirmation or assent
2 : the side that upholds the proposition stated in a debate

affirmative action noun
: an active effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority groups and women

1affix verb
1 : to attach physically <~ a stamp to a letter>
2 : to attach in any way : ADD <~a signature to the document>

Synonyms
attach, fasten, fix—more at FASTEN

2affix noun
: one or more sounds or letters attached to the beginning or end of a word that produce a derivative word or an inflectional form

af·fla·tus noun
: divine inspiration

af·flict verb
: to cause pain and distress to

Synonyms
agonize, bedevil, curse, harrow, martyr, persecute, plague, rack, torment, torture; also assail, attack, beset, set upon

af·flic·tion noun
: great suffering

Synonyms
agony, anguish, distress, misery, pain, torment, torture, tribulation, woe—more at DISTRESS

af·flic·tive adjective
: causing affliction : DISTRESSING

— af·flic·tive·ly adverb

af·flu·ence noun
: abundant supply; also : WEALTH, RICHES

af·flu·ent adjective
: having a generously sufficient and typically increasing supply of material possessions

Synonyms
flush, loaded, moneyed, opulent, rich, wealthy, well-heeled, well-to-do—more at RICH

af·ford verb
1 : to manage to bear or bear the cost of without serious harm or loss
2 : PROVIDE, FURNISH

af·for·es·ta·tion noun
: the act or process of establishing a forest

— af·for·est verb

af·fray noun, chiefly British
: a fight between two or more people in a public place that disturbs the peace : FRAY

af·fright verb, archaic
: to make afraid : FRIGHTEN, ALARM

— affright noun

1affront verb
1 : to insult esp. to the face
2 : CONFRONT

Synonyms
insult, offend, outrage, slight, wound—more at INSULT

2affront noun
: a deliberate offense

af·ghan noun
1 cap : a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan
2 : a blanket or shawl of colored wool knitted or crocheted in sections

— Afghan adjective

Afghan hound noun
: any of a breed of tall slim swift hunting dogs with a coat of silky thick hair and a long silky topknot

afi·cio·na·do noun, plural -dos
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. pp. of aficionar to inspire affection]

: a person who likes, knows about, and appreciates a usu. fervently pursued interest or activity : DEVOTEE, FAN

Synonyms
addict, buff, bug, devotee, enthusiast, fan, fanatic, fancier, fiend, freak, lover, maniac, nut—more at FAN

afield adverb
1 : to, in, or on the field
2 : away from home
3 : out of the way : ASTRAY

— afield adjective

Synonyms
amiss, astray, awry, wrong—more at WRONG

afire adjective
: being on fire : BURNING

— afire adverb

Synonyms
ablaze, burning, fiery—more at ABLAZE

AFL abbreviation
American Football League

aflame adjective
: being on fire

— aflame adverb

AFL–CIO abbreviation
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations

afloat adjective or adverb
1 : borne on or as if on the water
2 : CIRCULATING <rumors were ~>
3 : ADRIFT

aflut·ter adjective
1 : FLUTTERING
2 : nervously excited

Synonyms
anxious, edgy, jittery, jumpy, nervous, perturbed, tense, uneasy—more at NERVOUS

afoot adverb or adjective
1 : on foot
2 : in action : in progress

Synonyms
ongoing, proceeding—more at ONGOING

afore·men·tioned adjective
: mentioned previously

afore·said adjective
: said or named before

afore·thought adjective
: PREMEDITATED <with malice ~>

a for·ti·o·ri adverb
[ORIGIN: NL, lit., from the stronger (argument)]

: with even greater reason

afoul of preposition
1 : in or into conflict with
2 : in or into collision or entanglement with

Afr abbreviation
Africa; African

afraid adjective
: filled with fear or apprehension : FRIGHTENED, FEARFUL

Synonyms
aghast, fearful, scared, terrified; also fainthearted, fearsome, shrinking, shy, timid, timorous, tremulous
Antonyms
fearless, unafraid

A–frame noun
: a building having triangular front and rear walls with the roof reaching to the ground

afresh adverb
: from a fresh beginning : ANEW, AGAIN

Af·ri·can noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Africa
2 : a person of African ancestry

— African adjective

Af·ri·can–Amer·i·can noun
: an American of African and esp. of black African descent

— African–American adjective

Af·ri·can·ized bee noun
: a highly aggressive hybrid honeybee accidentally produced from Brazilian and African stocks that has spread from So. America into Mexico and the southern U.S.

Africanized honeybee noun
: AFRICANIZED BEE

African violet noun
: a tropical African plant widely grown indoors for its velvety fleshy leaves and showy purple, pink, or white flowers

Af·ri·kaans noun
: a language developed from 17th century Dutch that is one of the official languages of the Republic of So. Africa

Afro noun, plural Afros
: a hairstyle of tight curls in a full evenly rounded shape

Af·ro–Amer·i·can noun
: an American of African and esp. of black African descent

— Afro–American adjective

aft adverb
: near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft

AFT abbreviation
American Federation of Teachers

1after adverb
: following in time or place : AFTERWARD, SUBSEQUENTLY

Synonyms
afterward, later, subsequently, thereafter; also next
Antonyms
before, beforehand, earlier, previously

2after preposition
1 : behind in place
2 : later than
3 : in pursuit or search of <he's ~ your job>

3after conjunction
: following the time when

4after adjective
1 : later in time
2 : located toward the rear

Synonyms
later, posterior, subsequent—more at SUBSEQUENT

af·ter·birth noun
: the placenta and membranes of the fetus that are expelled after childbirth

af·ter·burn·er noun
: a device incorporated in the tail pipe of a turbojet engine for injecting fuel into the hot exhaust gases and burning it to provide extra thrust

af·ter·care noun
: the care, nursing, or treatment of a convalescent patient

af·ter·deck noun
: the rear half of the deck of a ship

af·ter·ef·fect noun
: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

af·ter·glow noun
: a glow remaining where a light has disappeared

af·ter·im·age noun
: a usu. visual sensation continuing after the stimulus causing it has ended

af·ter·life noun
: an existence after death

Synonyms
eternity, hereafter, immortality—more at ETERNITY

af·ter·math noun
1 : a second-growth crop esp. of hay
2 : something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions : CONSEQUENCE, EFFECT

Synonyms
consequence, effect, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequence, upshot—more at EFFECT

af·ter·noon noun
: the time between noon and evening

af·ter·shave noun
: a usu. scented lotion for the face after shaving

af·ter·taste noun
: a sensation (as of flavor) continuing after the stimulus causing it has ended

af·ter–tax adjective
: remaining after payment of taxes and esp. of income tax <an ~ profit>

af·ter·thought noun
: a later thought; also : something thought of later

af·ter·ward or af·ter·wards adverb
: at a later time

Synonyms
after, later, subsequently, thereafter—more at AFTER

Ag symbol
[ORIGIN: L argentum]

silver

AG abbreviation
1 adjutant general
2 attorney general

again adverb
1 : once more : ANEW
2 : on the other hand
3 : in addition : BESIDES

Synonyms
[1] anew, over; also always, constantly, continuously, endlessly, ever, evermore, perpetually
Antonyms
nevermore
[3] additionally, also, besides, further, furthermore, likewise, more, moreover, then, too, withal, yet

against preposition
1 : in opposition to
2 : directly opposite to : FACING
3 : as defense from
4 a : in the direction of and into contact with <threw him ~ the ropes>
b : in contact with <leaning ~ the wall>

1agape noun
[ORIGIN: LL, fr. Gk agapē, lit., love]

: unselfish unconditional love for another

2agape adjective or adverb
: being in a state of wonder or expectation

Synonyms
agog, anticipatory, expectant—more at EXPECTANT

agar noun
1 : a jellylike substance extracted from a red alga and used esp. as a gelling and stabilizing agent in foods
2 : a culture medium containing agar

agar–agar noun
: AGAR

ag·ate noun
1 : a striped or clouded quartz
2 : a playing marble of agate or of glass

aga·ve noun
: any of a genus of spiny-leaved plants (as a century plant) related to the amaryllis

agcy abbreviation
agency

1age noun
1 : the length of time during which a being or thing has lived or existed
2 : the time of life at which some particular qualification is achieved; especially : MAJORITY
3 : the latter part of life
4 : a long time
5 : a period in history

Synonyms
aeon, cycle, eternity; also infinity

2age verb aged; ag·ing or age·ing
1 : to grow old or cause to grow old
2 : to become or cause to become mature or mellow

Synonyms
develop, grow, grow up, mature, progress, ripen—more at MATURE

-age noun suffix
1 : aggregate : collection <trackage>
2 : action : process <haulage>
3 : cumulative result of <breakage>
4 : rate of <dosage>
5 : house or place of <orphanage>
6 : state : rank <vassalage>
7 : fee : charge <postage>

aged adjective
1 : of advanced age
2 : having attained a specified age <a man ~ 40 years>

age·ism noun
: discrimination against persons of a particular age and esp. the elderly

age·less adjective
1 : not growing old or showing the effects of age
2 : TIMELESS, ETERNAL <~ truths>

agen·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : one through which something is accomplished : INSTRUMENTALITY
2 : the office or function of an agent
3 : an establishment doing business for another
4 : an administrative division (as of a government)

Synonyms
agent, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, organ, vehicle—more at AGENT

agen·da noun
: a list of things to be done : PROGRAM

Synonyms
calendar, docket, program, schedule, timetable—more at PROGRAM

agent noun
1 : one that acts
2 : something that produces or is capable of producing an effect : MEANS, INSTRUMENT
3 : a person acting or doing business for another

Synonyms
[2] agency, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, organ, vehicle; also determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool
[3] attorney, commissary, delegate, deputy, envoy, factor, proxy, representative; also ambassador, emissary, foreign minister, legate, minister

Agent Orange noun
: an herbicide widely used in the Vietnam War that is composed of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and contains a toxic contaminant

agent pro·vo·ca·teur noun, plural agents provocateurs
[ORIGIN: F]

: a person hired to infiltrate a group and incite its members to illegal action

age–old adjective
: having existed for ages : ANCIENT

Synonyms
ancient, antediluvian, antique, dateless, hoary, old, venerable—more at ANCIENT

ag·er·a·tum noun, plural -tum also -tums
: any of a large genus of tropical American plants that are related to the daisies and have small showy heads of blue or white flowers

Ag·ge·us noun
: HAGGAI

1agglomerate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
[ORIGIN: L agglomerare to heap up, join, fr. ad- to + glomer-, glomus ball]

: to gather into a mass : CLUSTER

— ag·glom·er·a·tion noun

Synonyms
ball, cluster, conglomerate, roll, round, wad—more at WAD

2agglomerate noun
: rock composed of volcanic fragments

ag·glu·ti·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to cause to adhere : gather into a group or mass
2 : to cause (as red blood cells or bacteria) to collect into clumps

— ag·glu·ti·na·tion noun

ag·gran·dize verb -dized; -diz·ing
1 : to make great or greater
2 : to enhance the power, wealth, position, or reputation of

— ag·gran·dize·ment noun

Synonyms
[1] add, amplify, augment, boost, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, increase, multiply, raise, swell, up—more at INCREASE
[2] dignify, ennoble, exalt, glorify, magnify—more at EXALT

ag·gra·vate verb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 : to make more severe : INTENSIFY
2 : to rouse to displeasure or anger by usu. persistent and often petty goading : IRRITATE

Synonyms
annoy, bother, bug, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rile, vex—more at IRRITATE

ag·gra·va·tion noun
: the act, action, or result of aggravating

Synonyms
annoyance, bother, harassment, vexation—more at ANNOYANCE

aggravating adjective
: arousing displeasure, impatience, or anger

Synonyms
annoying, bothersome, frustrating, galling, irksome, irritating, pesty, vexatious—more at ANNOYING

1aggregate adjective
: formed by the gathering of units into one mass

2aggregate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to collect into one mass

3aggregate noun
1 : a mass or body of units or parts somewhat loosely associated with one another
2 : the whole amount

Synonyms
full, sum, total, totality, whole—more at WHOLE

ag·gre·ga·tion noun
1 : a group, body, or mass composed of many distinct parts
2 : the collecting of units or parts into a mass or whole

ag·gres·sion noun
1 : an unprovoked attack
2 : the practice of making attacks
3 : hostile, injurious, or destructive behavior or outlook esp. when caused by frustration

Synonyms
[1] assault, attack, charge, offense, offensive, onset, onslaught, raid, rush, strike—more at ATTACK
[3] aggressiveness, belligerence, fight, militancy, pugnacity, truculence—more at BELLIGERENCE

ag·gres·sive adjective
1 : tending toward or exhibiting aggression; especially : marked by combative readiness
2 : marked by driving energy or initiative : ENTERPRISING
3 : more intensive or comprehensive esp. in dosage or extent

— ag·gres·sive·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] argumentative, bellicose, belligerent, combative, contentious, militant, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike—more at BELLIGERENT
[2] ambitious, assertive, enterprising, fierce, go-getting, high-pressure, militant, self-assertive; also dynamic, energetic, gung ho, hustling, scrappy, strenuous, vigorous
Antonyms
unaggressive, unambitious, unassertive, unenterprising

ag·gres·sive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being aggressive

Synonyms
aggression, belligerence, fight, militancy, pugnacity, truculence—more at BELLIGERENCE
ambition, drive, enterprise, go, hustle, initiative—more at ENTERPRISE

ag·gres·sor noun
: one that commits or practices aggression

ag·grieve verb ag·grieved; ag·griev·ing
1 : to cause grief to
2 : to inflict injury on : WRONG

aggrieved adjective
: troubled or distressed in spirit

Synonyms
discontent, discontented, dissatisfied, malcontent—more at DISCONTENTED

aghast adjective
: struck with amazement or horror

Synonyms
afraid, terrified—more at AFRAID

ag·ile adjective
: able to move quickly and easily

Synonyms
graceful, light, lissome, lithe, nimble, spry—more at GRACEFUL

agil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being agile

Synonyms
deftness, dexterity, nimbleness, sleight—more at DEXTERITY

ag·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to move or cause to move with an irregular rapid motion
2 : to excite and often trouble the mind or feelings of : DISTURB
3 : to discuss earnestly
4 : to attempt to arouse public feeling

Synonyms
[1] convulse, jolt, jounce, quake, quiver, shake, shudder, vibrate, wobble—more at SHAKE
[2] bother, concern, discompose, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, unsettle, upset, worry

agitated adjective
: troubled in mind

Synonyms
feverish, frenzied, heated, hectic, overactive, overwrought—more at FEVERISH

ag·i·ta·tion noun
: the act or state of agitating or being agitated

Synonyms
anxiety, apprehension, care, concern, disquiet, nervousness, perturbation, uneasiness, worry—more at ANXIETY

ag·i·ta·tor noun
: one that agitates

Synonyms
demagogue, firebrand, incendiary, inciter, rabble-rouser; also demonstrator, marcher, objector, protester

ag·it·prop noun
[ORIGIN: Russ]

: political propaganda promulgated esp. through the arts

agleam adjective
: GLEAMING

aglit·ter adjective
: GLITTERING

aglow adjective
: glowing esp. with warmth or excitement : GLOWING

Synonyms
beaming, glowing, radiant, sunny—more at RADIANT

ag·nos·tic adjective
[ORIGIN: Gk agnōstos unknown, unknowable, fr. a- un- + gnōstos known]

: of or relating to the belief that the existence of any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and prob. unknowable

— agnostic noun

— ag·nos·ti·cism noun

ago adjective or adverb
: earlier than the present time

agog adjective
[ORIGIN: MF en gogues in mirth]

: full of intense interest or excitement

Synonyms
agape, anticipatory, expectant—more at EXPECTANT
anxious, ardent, athirst, avid, eager, enthusiastic, keen—more at EAGER

a–go–go adjective
[ORIGIN: Whisky à Gogo, café and disco in Paris, France, fr. F à gogo galore]

: GO-GO

ag·o·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
: to suffer or cause to suffer agony

Synonyms
afflict, bedevil, curse, harrow, martyr, persecute, plague, rack, torment, torture—more at AFFLICT
bleed, feel, grieve, hurt, mourn, sorrow, suffer—more at GRIEVE

agonizing adjective
: causing agony

Synonyms
bitter, cruel, excruciating, galling, grievous, harrowing, harsh, hurtful, painful, tortuous—more at BITTER

ag·o·niz·ing·ly adverb
: in a manner that is agonizing

Synonyms
bitterly, grievously, hard, sorrowfully, unhappily, wretchedly—more at HARD

ag·o·ny noun, plural -nies
[ORIGIN: ME agonie, fr. L agonia, fr. Gk agōnia struggle, anguish, fr. agōn gathering, contest for a prize]

1 : extreme pain of mind or body
2 : a strong sudden display (as of joy or delight) : OUTBURST

Synonyms
affliction, anguish, distress, misery, pain, torment, torture, tribulation, woe—more at DISTRESS

ag·o·ra·pho·bia noun
: abnormal fear of being in a helpless, embarrassing, or inescapable situation characterized esp. by avoidance of open or public places

— ag·o·ra·pho·bic adjective or noun

agr abbreviation
agricultural; agriculture

agrar·i·an adjective
1 : of or relating to land or its ownership <~ reforms>
2 : of or relating to farmers or farming interests

— agrarian noun

— agrar·i·an·ism noun

agree verb agreed; agree·ing
1 : to concur in (as an opinion) : ADMIT, CONCEDE
2 : to be similar : CORRESPOND
3 : to express agreement or approval
4 : to be in harmony
5 : to settle by common consent
6 : to be fitting or healthful : SUIT

Synonyms
[1, 3] acknowledge, admit, allow, concede, confess, grant, own—more at ADMIT
[2] accord, check, coincide, comport, conform, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, square, tally—more at CHECK
[4] blend, conform, coordinate, harmonize—more at HARMONIZE

agree·able adjective
1 : pleasing to the mind or senses esp. as according well with one's tastes or needs
2 : ready to consent
3 : being in harmony

Synonyms
[1] all right, alright, fine, good, OK, palatable, satisfactory—more at SATISFACTORY
[1] congenial, delightful, enjoyable, felicitous, good, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying
[1] affable, amiable, genial, good-natured, gracious, nice, sweet, well-disposed—more at AMIABLE
[3] amicable, compatible, congenial, harmonious, kindred, unanimous, united—more at HARMONIOUS

agree·able·ness noun
: the quality or state of being agreeable

Synonyms
amenity, amiability, geniality, graciousness, niceness, pleasantness, sweetness—more at AMIABILITY

agree·ably adverb
: in an agreeable manner

Synonyms
delightfully, favorably, felicitously, gloriously, nicely, pleasantly, pleasingly, satisfyingly, splendidly, well

agree·ment noun
1 : harmony of opinion or action
2 : mutual understanding or arrangement; also : a document containing such an arrangement

Synonyms
[1] accord, conformity, consonance, harmony, tune—more at CONFORMITY
[1] accord, concurrence, consensus, unanimity; also accession, assent, consent
Antonyms
disagreement, dissent
[2] accord, bargain, compact, contract, convention, covenant, deal, pact, settlement, understanding; also charter, treaty

ag·ri·busi·ness noun
: an industry engaged in the manufacture and sale of farm equipment and supplies and in the production, processing, storage, and sale of farm commodities

agric abbreviation
agricultural; agriculture

ag·ri·cul·tur·al adjective
: of, relating to, used in, or concerned with agriculture

ag·ri·cul·ture noun
: the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products : FARMING, HUSBANDRY

ag·ri·cul·tur·ist or ag·ri·cul·tur·al·ist noun
: one that is trained in or practices agriculture

Synonyms
cultivator, farmer, grower, planter, tiller—more at FARMER

agron·o·mist noun
: one that is trained in or practices agronomy

agron·o·my noun
: a branch of agriculture that deals with the raising of crops and the care of the soil

— ag·ro·nom·ic adjective

aground adverb or adjective
: on or onto the bottom or shore <ran ~>

agt abbreviation
agent

ague noun
: a fever (as malaria) with recurrent chills and sweating

ahead adverb or adjective
1 : in or toward the front
2 : into or for the future <plan ~>
3 : in or toward a more advantageous position
4 : at or to an earlier time

Synonyms
[1, 2] along, forth, forward, on—more at ALONG
[4] before, beforehand, previously; also formerly
Antonyms
after, afterward, later

ahead of preposition
1 : in front or advance of
2 : in excess of : ABOVE

Synonyms
before, ere, of, previous to, prior to, to—more at BEFORE

AHL abbreviation
American Hockey League

ahoy interjection
— used in hailing <ship ~>

AI abbreviation
artificial intelligence

1aid verb
: to provide with what is useful in achieving an end : ASSIST

Synonyms
abet, assist, back, help, prop, support—more at HELP

2aid noun
1 : an act or instance of help given : ASSISTANCE
2 : an assisting person, group, or device : ASSISTANT

Synonyms
[1] assist, assistance, backing, boost, help, lift, support—more at HELP
[2] apprentice, assistant, deputy, helper, helpmate, mate, sidekick—more at HELPER
[2] advantage, benefit, boon, help—more at HELP

AID abbreviation
Agency for International Development

aide noun
: a person who acts as an assistant; especially : a military officer assisting a superior

aide–de–camp noun, plural aides–de–camp
[ORIGIN: F]

: AIDE

AIDS noun
[ORIGIN: acquired immuno deficiency syndrome]

: a serious disease of the human immune system that is characterized by severe reduction in the numbers of helper T cells and increased vulnerability to life-threatening illnesses and that is caused by infection with HIV commonly transmitted in infected blood and in bodily secretions

AIDS–related complex noun
: a group of symptoms (as fever, weight loss, and lymphadenopathy) that is associated with the presence of antibodies to HIV and is followed by the development of AIDS in a certain proportion of cases

AIDS virus noun
: HIV

ai·grette noun
[ORIGIN: F, plume, egret]

: a plume or decorative tuft for the head

ail verb
1 : to be the matter with : TROUBLE
2 : to be unwell

ai·lan·thus noun
: any of a genus of Asian trees or shrubs with pinnate leaves and ill-scented greenish flowers

ai·le·ron noun
: a movable part of an airplane wing used in banking

ail·ment noun
: a bodily disorder

Synonyms
complaint, complication, condition, disease, disorder, ill, illness, infirmity, malady, sickness, trouble—more at DISEASE

1aim verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF aesmer & esmer; AF aesmer, fr. a- to (fr. L ad-) + esmer to estimate, fr. L aestimare]

1 : to point a weapon at an object
2 : to direct one's efforts : ASPIRE
3 : to direct to or toward a specified object or goal

Synonyms
[2] aspire, contemplate, design, intend, mean, meditate, plan, propose—more at INTEND
[3] bend, cast, direct, head, level, set, train; also bear, face

2aim noun
1 : the pointing of a weapon at an object
2 : the ability to hit a target
3 : a clearly directed intent or purpose : OBJECT, PURPOSE

— aim·less·ly adverb

— aim·less·ness noun

Synonyms
ambition, aspiration, design, end, goal, intent, object, objective, plan, purpose—more at GOAL

aim·less adjective
: without aim or purpose

Synonyms
arbitrary, desultory, erratic, haphazard, random, scattered, stray—more at RANDOM

AIM abbreviation
American Indian Movement

ain't
1 are not
2 is not
3 am not — though disapproved by many and more common in less educated speech, used in both speech and writing to catch attention and to gain emphasis

Ai·nu noun, plural Ainu or Ainus
1 : a member of an indigenous people of northern Japan
2 : the language of the Ainu people

1air noun
1 : the gaseous mixture surrounding the earth
2 : a light breeze
3 : a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds : MELODY, TUNE
4 : the outward appearance of a person or thing : apparent character
5 : an artificial manner — usu. used in pl.
6 : COMPRESSED AIR <~ sprayer>
7 : AIRCRAFT <~ patrol>
8 : AVIATION <~ safety>
9 : the medium of transmission of radio waves; also : RADIO, TELEVISION

Synonyms
[2] breath, breeze, puff, waft, zephyr—more at BREEZE
[3] lay, melody, song, strain, tune, warble—more at MELODY
[4] atmosphere, aura, climate, flavor, mood, note, temper—more at AURA
usually airs [5] act, facade, front, guise, masquerade, pose, pretense, put-on, semblance, show—more at MASQUERADE

2air verb
1 : to expose to the air
2 : to expose to public view or bring to public notice

Synonyms
express, give, look, sound, state, vent, voice—more at EXPRESS

air bag noun
: a bag designed to inflate automatically to protect automobile occupants in case of collision

air·boat noun
: a shallow-draft boat driven by an airplane propeller

air·borne adjective
: done or being in the air

air brake noun
1 : a brake operated by a piston driven by compressed air
2 : a surface projected into the airflow to lower an airplane's speed

air·brush noun
: a device for applying a fine spray (as of paint) by compressed air

— airbrush verb

air–con·di·tion verb
: to equip with an apparatus for filtering air and controlling its humidity and temperature

— air con·di·tion·er noun

air·craft noun, plural aircraft
: a vehicle for traveling through the air

aircraft carrier noun
: a warship with a deck on which airplanes can be launched and landed

air·drop noun
: delivery of cargo or personnel by parachute from an airplane in flight

— air–drop verb

Aire·dale terrier noun
: any of a breed of large terriers with a hard wiry coat

air·fare noun
: fare for travel by airplane

air·field noun
: an area of land from which aircraft operate : AIRPORT

air·flow noun
: the motion of air relative to a body in it

air·foil noun
: an airplane surface designed to produce reaction forces from the air through which it moves

air force noun
: the military organization of a nation for air warfare

air·frame noun
: the structure of an aircraft, rocket, or missile without the power plant

air·freight noun
: freight transport by aircraft in volume; also : the charge for this service

air gun noun
1 : a gun operated by compressed air
2 : a hand tool that works by compressed air; especially : AIRBRUSH

air·head noun
: a mindless or stupid person

air lane noun
: AIRWAY 1

air·lift noun
: transportation (as of supplies or passengers) by aircraft

— airlift verb

air·line noun
: a transportation system using airplanes

air·lin·er noun
: a large passenger airplane operated by an airline

air lock noun
: an airtight chamber separating areas of different pressure

air·mail noun
: the system of transporting mail by aircraft; also : mail so transported

— airmail verb

air·man noun
1 : a civilian or military pilot, aviator, or aviation technician : AVIATOR, PILOT
2 : an enlisted man in the air force in one of the three ranks below sergeant

Synonyms
aviator, flier, pilot—more at PILOT

airman basic noun
: an enlisted man of the lowest rank in the air force

airman first class noun
: an enlisted man in the air force with a rank just below that of sergeant

air mass noun
: a large horizontally homogeneous body of air

air·mo·bile adjective
: of, relating to, or being a military unit whose members are transported to combat areas usu. by helicopter

air·plane noun
: a powered heavier-than-air aircraft that has fixed wings from which it derives lift

air·play noun
: the playing of a musical recording on the air by a radio station

air pocket noun
: a condition of the atmosphere that causes an airplane to drop suddenly

air police noun
: the military police of an air force

air·port noun
: a place from which aircraft operate that usu. has paved runways and a terminal

air raid noun
: an attack by armed airplanes on a surface target

air·ship noun
: a lighter-than-air aircraft having propulsion and steering systems

air·sick adjective
: affected with motion sickness associated with flying

— air·sick·ness noun

air·space noun
: the space above a nation and under its jurisdiction

air·speed noun
: the speed of an object (as an airplane) with relation to the surrounding air

air·strip noun
: a runway without normal airport facilities

air·tight adjective
1 : so tightly sealed that no air can enter or escape
2 : leaving no opening for attack

air–to–air adjective
: launched from one airplane in flight at another; also : involving aircraft in flight

air·waves noun plural
: AIR 9

air·way noun
1 : a regular route for airplanes
2 : AIRLINE

air·wor·thy adjective
: fit for operation in the air <an ~ plane>

— air·wor·thi·ness noun

airy adjective air·i·er; -est
1 : high in the air : LOFTY
2 : lacking in reality : EMPTY
3 : exceptionally light, delicate, or refined
4 : BREEZY

Synonyms
[3] ethereal, fluffy, light; also dainty, delicate, downy, feathery, flimsy, insubstantial, tender, wispy
Antonyms
heavy, leaden

aisle noun
[ORIGIN: ME ile, fr. AF ele, lit., wing, fr. L ala]

1 : the side of a church nave separated by piers from the nave proper
2 : a passage between sections of seats

ajar adjective or adverb
: partly open

AK abbreviation
Alaska

aka abbreviation
also known as

AKC abbreviation
American Kennel Club

akim·bo adjective or adverb
: having the hand on the hip and the elbow turned outward

akin adjective
1 : related by blood
2 : essentially similar or related

Synonyms
[1] kindred, related—more at RELATED
[2] alike, analogous, comparable, correspondent, like, parallel, similar—more at ALIKE

Al symbol
aluminum

AL abbreviation
1 Alabama
2 American League
3 American Legion

1-al adjective suffix
: of, relating to, or characterized by <directional>

2-al noun suffix
: action : process <rehearsal>

Ala abbreviation
Alabama

al·a·bas·ter noun
1 : a compact fine-textured usu. white and translucent gypsum often carved into objects (as vases)
2 : a hard translucent calcite

à la carte adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

: with a separate price for each item on the menu

alac·ri·ty noun
: cheerful readiness

Synonyms
gameness, goodwill, willingness; also celebrity, quickness, rapidity, speed, swiftness

à la mode adjective
[ORIGIN: F, according to the fashion]

1 : conforming to the custom, fashion, or established mode : STYLISH
2 : topped with ice cream

Synonyms
chic, fashionable, in, modish, sharp, smart, snappy, stylish—more at STYLISH

1alarm also ala·rum noun
[ORIGIN: ME alarme, fr. MF, fr. OIt all'arme, lit., to arms]

1 : a warning signal or device
2 : the terror caused by sudden danger

Synonyms
[1] admonition, alert, caution, notice, warning—more at WARNING
[2] anxiety, apprehension, dread, fear, fright, horror, panic, terror, trepidation—more at FEAR

2alarm also alarum verb
1 : to warn of danger
2 : to strike with fear : FRIGHTEN

Synonyms
frighten, horrify, panic, scare, shock, spook, startle, terrify, terrorize—more at FRIGHTEN

alarm·ist noun
: a person who alarms others esp. needlessly

alas interjection
— used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern

al·ba·core noun, plural -core or -cores
: a large tuna that is a source of canned tuna

Al·ba·nian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Albania

al·ba·tross noun, plural -tross or -tross·es
: any of a family of large web-footed seabirds

al·be·do noun, plural -dos
: the fraction of incident radiation that is reflected by a body or surface

al·be·it conjunction
: even though : ALTHOUGH

Synonyms
although, howbeit, though, when, while—more at ALTHOUGH

al·bi·no noun, plural -nos
: a person or nonhuman mammal lacking coloring matter in the skin, hair, and eyes

— al·bi·nism noun

al·bum noun
1 : a book with blank pages used for making a collection (as of stamps)
2 : one or more recordings (as on tape or disk) produced as a single unit
3 : a collection usu. in book form of literary selections, musical compositions, or pictures : ANTHOLOGY

Synonyms
anthology, compilation, miscellany—more at ANTHOLOGY

al·bu·men noun
1 : the white of an egg
2 : ALBUMIN

al·bu·min noun
: any of numerous water-soluble proteins of blood, milk, egg white, and plant and animal tissues

al·bu·min·ous adjective
: containing or resembling albumen or albumin

alc abbreviation
alcohol

al·cal·de noun
: the chief administrative and judicial officer of a Spanish or Spanish-American town

al·ca·zar noun
[ORIGIN: Sp alcázar, fr. Ar al-qaṣr the castle]

: a Spanish fortress or palace

al·che·my noun
: medieval chemistry chiefly concerned with efforts to turn base metals into gold

— al·che·mist noun

al·co·hol noun
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. ML, powdered antimony, fr. Sp, fr. Ar al-kuḥul the powdered antimony]

1 : a colorless flammable liquid that is the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors
2 : any of various carbon compounds similar to alcohol
3 : beverages containing alcohol

Synonyms
booze, drink, intoxicant, liquor, moonshine, spirits; also ale, beer, mead, sake, wine

1alcoholic adjective
1 : of, relating to, caused by, or containing alcohol
2 : affected with alcoholism

— al·co·hol·i·cal·ly adverb

2alcoholic noun
: a person affected with alcoholism

al·co·hol·ism noun
: continued excessive and usu. uncontrollable use of alcoholic drinks; also : a complex chronic psychological and nutritional disorder associated with such use

al·cove noun
1 : a nook or small recess opening off a larger room
2 : a niche or arched opening (as in a wall)

Synonyms
niche, nook, recess—more at NICHE

ald abbreviation
alderman

al·der noun
: a tree or shrub related to the birches and growing in wet areas

al·der·man noun
: a member of a city legislative body

ale noun
: an alcoholic beverage brewed from malt and hops that is usu. more bitter than beer

ale·a·tor·ic adjective
: characterized by chance or random elements <~ music>

ale·a·to·ry adjective
: ALEATORIC

alee adverb
: on or toward the lee

ale·house noun
: a place where ale is sold to be drunk on the premises

1alert adjective
[ORIGIN: It all' erta, lit., on the ascent]

1 : watchful against danger
2 : quick to perceive and act

— alert·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] attentive, awake, vigilant, watchful, wide-awake; also alive, aware, conscious, sensitive
[2] brainy, bright, brilliant, clever, intelligent, keen, nimble, quick, quick-witted, sharp, smart—more at INTELLIGENT
[2] expeditious, prompt, quick, ready, willing—more at QUICK

2alert noun
1 : a warning signal or device : ALARM
2 : the period during which an alert is in effect

Synonyms
admonition, alarm, caution, notice, warning—more at WARNING

3alert verb
1 : to call to a state of readiness : WARN
2 : to make aware of

Synonyms
caution, forewarn, warn—more at WARN

alert·ness noun
: the quality or state of being alert

Synonyms
attentiveness, lookout, surveillance, vigilance, watch—more at VIGILANCE

Aleut noun
1 : a member of a people of the Aleutian and Shumagin islands and the western part of Alaska Peninsula
2 : the language of the Aleuts

ale·wife noun, plural ale·wives
: a food fish of the herring family abundant esp. on the Atlantic coast

Al·ex·an·dri·an adjective
1 : of or relating to Alexander the Great
2 : HELLENISTIC

al·ex·an·drine noun, often cap
: a line of six iambic feet

al·fal·fa noun
: a leguminous plant widely grown for hay and forage

al·fres·co adjective or adverb
[ORIGIN: It]

: taking place in the open air

alg abbreviation
algebra

al·ga noun, plural al·gae
: any of a group of lower plants having chlorophyll but no vascular system and including seaweeds and related freshwater plants

— al·gal adjective

al·ge·bra noun
[ORIGIN: ML, fr. Ar al-jabr]

: a branch of mathematics using symbols (as letters) to explore the relationships between numbers and the operations used to work with them

— al·ge·bra·ic adjective

— al·ge·bra·i·cal·ly adverb

Al·ge·ri·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Algeria

— Algerian adjective

Al·gon·quin noun
: a member of an American Indian people of the Ottawa River valley

al·go·rithm noun
: a procedure for solving a problem esp. in mathematics or computing

— al·go·rith·mic adjective

— al·go·rith·mi·cal·ly adverb

1alias adverb
[ORIGIN: L, otherwise, fr. alius other]

: otherwise called

2alias noun
: an assumed or additional name

Synonyms
cognomen, nickname—more at NICKNAME

1alibi noun
[ORIGIN: L, elsewhere, fr. alius other]

1 : a plea offered by an accused person of not having been at the scene of an offense
2 : an excuse (as for failure)

Synonyms
defense, excuse, justification, plea, reason—more at EXCUSE

2alibi verb -bied; -bi·ing
1 : to furnish an excuse for
2 : to offer an excuse

1alien adjective
: belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing : FOREIGN

Synonyms
adventitious, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign—more at EXTRINSIC

2alien noun
1 : a foreign-born resident who has not been naturalized
2 : EXTRATERRESTRIAL

alien·able adjective
: transferable to the ownership of another <~ property>

alien·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to make hostile : ESTRANGE
2 : to transfer (property) to another

Synonyms
disaffect, disgruntle, estrange, sour—more at ESTRANGE

alien·ation noun
: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affections from an object or position of former attachment

Synonyms
disaffection, estrangement—more at ESTRANGEMENT

alien·ist noun
: PSYCHIATRIST

1alight verb alight·ed also alit ; alight·ing
1 : to get down (as from a vehicle)
2 : to come to rest from the air

Synonyms
land, light, perch, roost, settle

2alight adjective
: lighted up

Synonyms
ablaze, bright, light—more at BRIGHT

align also aline verb
1 : to bring into line
2 : to array on the side of or against a cause

— align·er noun

— align·ment also aline·ment noun

1alike adverb
: in the same manner, form, or degree

Synonyms
also, correspondingly, likewise, similarly, so—more at ALSO

2alike adjective
: exhibiting close resemblance without being identical : LIKE

Synonyms
akin, analogous, comparable, correspondent, like, parallel, similar, such; also commensurate, proportionate
Antonyms
different, dissimilar, diverse, unlike

al·i·ment noun
: NOURISHMENT 1

— aliment verb

al·i·men·ta·ry adjective
: of, relating to, or functioning in nourishment or nutrition

alimentary canal noun
: the tube that extends from the mouth to the anus and functions in the digestion and absorption of food and the elimination of residues

al·i·mo·ny noun, plural -nies
[ORIGIN: L alimonia sustenance, fr. alere to nourish]

: an allowance made to one spouse by the other for support pending or after legal separation or divorce

A–line adjective
: having a flared bottom and a close-fitting top <an ~ skirt>

alive adjective
1 : having life
2 : being in force or operation
3 : knowing or realizing the existence of <~ to the danger>
4 : ALERT, BRISK
5 : marked by much life, animation, or activity : ANIMATED <streets ~ with traffic>

— alive·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] existent, extant, living—more at EXTANT
[1] animate, live, living; also active, animated, dynamic, lively, thriving, vibrant, vital, vivacious
Antonyms
dead, deceased, defunct, lifeless, nonliving
[2] active, functional, living, on, operational, operative, running, working—more at ACTIVE
[3] aware, cognizant, conscious, mindful, sensible, sentient—more at CONSCIOUS
[5] animated, astir, busy, lively, vibrant; also abounding, crowded, overflowing, populous, swarming, teeming, thronging
Antonyms
asleep, dead, inactive, lifeless, sleepy

alk abbreviation
alkaline

al·ka·li noun, plural -lies or -lis
1 : a substance (as a hydroxide) that has a bitter taste and neutralizes acids
2 : a mixture of salts in the soil of some dry regions in such amount as to make ordinary farming impossible

— al·ka·line adjective

— al·ka·lin·i·ty noun

al·ka·loid noun
: any of various usu. basic and bitter organic compounds found esp. in seed plants

al·kane noun
: a hydrocarbon in which each carbon atom is bonded to 4 other atoms

al·kyd noun
: any of numerous synthetic resins used esp. for protective coatings and in paint

1all adjective
1 : the whole of
2 : every member of
3 : EVERY <~ manner of problems>
4 : any whatever <beyond ~ doubt>
5 : nothing but <~ ears>
6 : being more than one person or thing <who ~ is coming>

Synonyms
concentrated, entire, undivided, whole—more at WHOLE

2all adverb
1 : to the full or entire extent : WHOLLY
2 : selected as the best — used in combination <all-state champs>
3 : so much <~ the better for it>
4 : for each side <the score is two ~>

Synonyms
absolutely, altogether, clean, completely, entirely, fully, quite, totally, utterly, wholly; also exhaustively, thoroughly

3all pronoun
1 : the whole number, quantity, or amount <~ of it is gone>
2 : every person or thing <that is ~>

4all noun
: the whole of one's resources <gave his ~>

Al·lah noun
[ORIGIN: Ar allāh]

: the Being perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness who is worshipped as creator and ruler of the universe — used in Islam

all along adverb
: all the time <knew it all along>

all–Amer·i·can adjective
1 : selected as the best in the U.S.
2 : composed wholly of American elements
3 : typical of the U.S.

— all–American noun

all–around adjective
1 : considered in or encompassing all aspects <best ~ performance>
2 : competent in many fields : VERSATILE <an ~ athlete>

Synonyms
[1] general, unlimited, unqualified, unrestricted
[2] adaptable, protean, universal, versatile—more at VERSATILE

al·lay verb
1 : to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity : ALLEVIATE
2 : to make quiet : CALM

Synonyms
[1] alleviate, assuage, ease, help, mitigate, mollify, palliate, relieve, soothe—more at HELP
[2] calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, still, tranquilize—more at CALM

all clear noun
: a signal that a danger has passed

al·lege verb al·leged; al·leg·ing
1 : to assert without proof
2 : to offer as a reason

— al·le·ga·tion noun

— al·leg·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
affirm, assert, aver, avouch, avow, claim, contend, declare, insist, maintain, profess, protest, warrant—more at CLAIM

al·le·giance noun
1 : loyalty owed by a citizen to a government
2 : loyalty to a person or cause

Synonyms
constancy, dedication, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness—more at FIDELITY

al·le·go·ry noun, plural -ries
: the expression through symbolism of truths or generalizations about human experience; also : an instance (as in a story or painting) of such expression

— al·le·gor·i·cal adjective

— al·le·gor·i·cal·ly adverb

1allegro noun, plural -gros
: an allegro movement

2allegro adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It, merry]

: at a brisk lively tempo — used as a direction in music

al·le·lu·ia interjection
: HALLELUJAH

Al·len wrench noun
[ORIGIN: Allen Manufacturing Company, Hartford, Conn.]

: an L-shaped hexagonal metal bar of which either end fits the socket of a screw or bolt

al·ler·gen noun
: something that causes allergy

— al·ler·gen·ic adjective

al·ler·gic adjective
: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy

al·ler·gist noun
: a specialist in allergies

al·ler·gy noun, plural -gies
[ORIGIN: G Allergie, fr. Gk allos other + ergon work]

1 : exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing) to substances or situations harmless to most people
2 : a feeling of antipathy or aversion

Synonyms
aversion, disfavor, disinclination, dislike—more at DISLIKE

al·le·vi·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to remove or lessen (as suffering) : RELIEVE

Synonyms
allay, assuage, ease, help, mitigate, mollify, palliate, relieve, soothe—more at HELP

al·le·vi·a·tion noun
: the action of alleviating or of being alleviated

Synonyms
comfort, ease, relief—more at EASE

al·ley noun, plural alleys
1 : a garden or park walk
2 : a place for bowling
3 : a narrow passageway esp. between buildings

al·ley–oop noun
: a basketball play in which a player catches a pass above the basket and immediately dunks the ball

al·ley·way noun
: ALLEY 3

All·hal·lows noun, plural Allhallows
: ALL SAINTS' DAY

al·li·ance noun
1 : a union to promote common interests
2 : union by relationship in qualities
3 : a treaty of alliance

Synonyms
[1] bloc, coalition, combination, combine, confederacy, confederation, federation, league, union—more at CONFEDERACY
[2] affiliation, association, collaboration, confederation, connection, cooperation, hookup, liaison, partnership, relation, relationship, union—more at ASSOCIATION
[3] accord, compact, convention, covenant, pact, treaty—more at TREATY

al·li·ga·tor noun
[ORIGIN: Sp el lagarto the lizard]

: either of two large short-legged reptiles resembling crocodiles but having a shorter and broader snout

alligator pear noun
: AVOCADO

al·lit·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to form an alliteration
2 : to arrange so as to make alliteration

al·lit·er·a·tion noun
: the repetition of initial sounds in adjacent words or syllables

— al·lit·er·a·tive adjective

al·lo·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to apportion for a specific purpose or to particular persons or things

Synonyms
administer, apportion, deal, dispense, distribute, mete, parcel, portion, prorate—more at ADMINISTER
allot, allow, apportion, assign, ration—more at ALLOT

al·lo·ca·tion noun
1 : the act or action of allocating
2 : the amount allocated to one sharer

Synonyms
[1] dispensation, distribution, division, issuance—more at DISTRIBUTION
[2] allotment, appropriation, grant, subsidy—more at APPROPRIATION

al·lot verb al·lot·ted; al·lot·ting
: to distribute as a share

Synonyms
allocate, allow, apportion, assign, ration; also deal, dispense, distribute, divide, dole (out), measure, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate, reserve

al·lot·ment noun
1 : the act of allotting
2 : something that is allotted

Synonyms
allocation, appropriation, grant, subsidy—more at APPROPRIATION
allowance, cut, part, portion, proportion, quota, share—more at SHARE

all–out adjective
: marked by thoroughness or zeal : THOROUGHGOING

Synonyms
clean, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, full-scale, out-and-out, thorough, thoroughgoing, total—more at EXHAUSTIVE

all out adverb
: with maximum effort

Synonyms
full tilt

all over adverb
: in every place or part : EVERYWHERE

al·low verb
1 : to assign as a share <~ time for rest>
2 : to count as a deduction
3 : to make allowance <~ for expansion>
4 : to accept as true, valid, or accurate usu. reluctantly : ADMIT, CONCEDE
5 a : to give leave for or make possible : PERMIT <~s the dog to roam>
b : to give leave to

Synonyms
[1] allocate, allot, apportion, assign, ration—more at ALLOT
[4] acknowledge, admit, agree, concede, confess, grant, own—more at ADMIT
Antonyms
ban, enjoin, forbid, prohibit, proscribe, veto
[5b] let, permit, suffer; also authorize, commission, empower, license
Antonyms
enjoin, forbid, prohibit

al·low·able adjective
: that may be permitted

Synonyms
admissible, permissible, sufferable—more at PERMISSIBLE

al·low·ance noun
1 : an allotted share
2 : money given regularly for expenses
3 : the act of allowing : PERMISSION
4 : a taking into account of extenuating circumstances

Synonyms
[1] allotment, cut, part, portion, proportion, quota, share—more at SHARE
[3] authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, leave, license, permission, sanction, sufferance—more at PERMISSION

al·loy noun
1 : a substance composed of metals melted together
2 : an admixture that lessens value

— al·loy verb

1all right adjective
1 : giving satisfaction : SATISFACTORY
2 : free from harm or risk
3 : having qualities that tend to give pleasure — often used as a generalized term of approval

Synonyms
[1] acceptable, adequate, decent, fine, OK, passable, respectable, satisfactory, tolerable—more at ADEQUATE
[2] alright, safe, secure—more at SAFE

2all right adverb
1 — used interjectionally to express agreement or resignation or to indicate the resumption of a discussion <all right, let's go>
2 : beyond doubt
3 : well enough : SATISFACTORILY

Synonyms
[1] alright, OK, yea, yes—more at YES
[3] adequately, fine, good, nicely, OK, passably, satisfactorily, so-so, tolerably, well—more at WELL

All Saints' Day noun
: a Christian feast on November 1 in honor of all the saints

All Souls' Day noun
: a day of prayer observed by some Christian churches on November 2 for the souls of the faithful departed

all·spice noun
: the berry of a West Indian tree related to the European myrtle; also : the mildly pungent and aromatic spice made from it

all–star noun
: a member of a team of star performers

— all–star adjective

all–ter·rain vehicle noun
: a small motor vehicle for use on a wide range of terrain

all told adverb
: with everything counted

al·lude verb al·lud·ed; al·lud·ing
[ORIGIN: L alludere, lit., to play with]

: to refer indirectly

— al·lu·sion noun

— al·lu·sive adjective

— al·lu·sive·ly adverb

— al·lu·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
hint, imply, indicate, infer, insinuate, intimate, suggest—more at HINT

1allure verb al·lured; al·lur·ing
: to entice by charm or attraction

— allure noun

— al·lur·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate, wile—more at CHARM
beguile, decoy, entice, lead on, lure, seduce, tempt—more at LURE

2allure noun
: power of attraction or fascination

Synonyms
appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charisma, charm, enchantment, fascination, glamour, magic, magnetism—more at CHARM

alluring adjective
: marked by allure

Synonyms
attractive, captivating, charming, elfin, engaging, fascinating, fetching, glamorous, magnetic, seductive—more at FASCINATING

al·lu·vi·um noun, plural -vi·ums or -via
: soil material (as clay) deposited by running water

— al·lu·vi·al adjective or noun

1ally verb al·lied; al·ly·ing
: to enter into an alliance

Synonyms
associate, band, club, confederate, conjoin, cooperate, federate, league, unite; also collaborate, gang (up), team (up)
Antonyms
break up, disband

2ally noun
: one that is associated with another as a helper

Synonyms
abettor, backer, confederate, supporter, sympathizer; also well-wisher

-ally adverb suffix
: 2-LY <specifically>

al·ma ma·ter noun
[ORIGIN: L, fostering mother]

1 : an educational institute that one has attended
2 : the song or hymn of an alma mater

al·ma·nac noun
1 : a publication esp. of astronomical and meteorological data
2 : a usu. annual publication of miscellaneous information

al·man·dite noun
: a deep red garnet

al·mighty adjective
1 often cap : having absolute power over all <Almighty God>
2 : relatively unlimited in power

— al·might·i·ness noun

Almighty noun
: the Being worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe

Synonyms
deity, Jehovah, Supreme Being—more at DEITY

al·mond noun
: a small tree related to the peach; also : the edible nutlike kernel of its fruit

al·mo·ner noun
: a person who distributes alms

al·most adverb
: very nearly but not exactly

Synonyms
about, most, much, near, nearly, next to, nigh, practically, some, virtually, well-nigh; also appreciably, chiefly, largely, mainly, mostly

alms noun, plural alms
[ORIGIN: ME almesse, almes, fr. OE ælmesse, ælms, fr. L eleemosyna alms, fr. Gk eleēmosynē pity, alms, fr. eleēmōn merciful, fr. eleos pity]

: something given freely to relieve the poor

Synonyms
benefaction, beneficence, charity, contribution, donation, philanthropy—more at CONTRIBUTION

alms·house noun
: POORHOUSE

al·oe noun
1 : any of a large genus of succulent chiefly southern African plants related to the lilies
2 plural : the dried juice of the leaves of an aloe used esp. formerly as a laxative

aloft adverb
1 : high in the air
2 : in flight

Synonyms
above, over, overhead, skyward—more at ABOVE

alo·ha interjection
[ORIGIN: Hawaiian]

— used to greet or bid farewell

1alone adjective
1 : separated from others
2 : not including anyone or anything else : ONLY

— alone adverb

Synonyms
[1] lone, lonely, lonesome, solitary, unaccompanied; also unattended, unchaperoned
Antonyms
accompanied
[2] lone, only, singular, sole, solitary, special, unique—more at ONLY

2alone adverb
1 : to the exclusion of all else : SOLELY
2 : without aid or support

Synonyms
[1] exclusively, just, only, simply, solely—more at SOLELY
[2] independently, singly, solely, unaided, unassisted; also individually, separately

1along preposition
1 : in line with the direction of <sail ~ the coast>
2 : at a point on or during <stopped ~ the way>

2along adverb
1 : FORWARD, ON
2 : as a companion <bring her ~>
3 : at an advanced point <plans are far ~>

Synonyms
ahead, forth, forward, on, onward; also before

along·shore adverb or adjective
: along the shore or coast

1alongside adverb
: along or by the side

2alongside preposition
1 : along or by the side of
2 : in association with

alongside of preposition
: ALONGSIDE

aloof adjective
: removed or distant physically or emotionally

— aloof·ness noun

Synonyms
antisocial, cold, cool, detached, distant, frosty, remote, standoffish, unsociable—more at COOL

al·o·pe·cia noun
: BALDNESS

aloud adverb
: with the speaking voice

alp noun
: a high rugged mountain

al·paca noun
: a domesticated mammal esp. of Peru that is related to the llama; also : its woolly hair or cloth made from this

al·pha noun
1 : the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet — Α or α
2 : something first : BEGINNING

al·pha·bet noun
: the set of letters or characters used in writing a language

al·pha·bet·i·cal or al·pha·bet·ic adjective
1 : arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet
2 : of or employing an alphabet

— al·pha·bet·i·cal·ly adverb

al·pha·bet·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to arrange in alphabetical order

— al·pha·bet·iz·er noun

al·pha·nu·mer·ic adjective
: consisting of letters and numbers and often other symbols <an ~ code>; also : being a character in an alphanumeric system

alpha particle noun
: a positively charged particle identical with the nucleus of a helium atom that is ejected at high speed in certain radioactive transformations

alpha rhythm noun
: ALPHA WAVE

alpha wave noun
: an electrical rhythm of the brain often associated with a state of wakeful relaxation

Al·pine adjective
1 : relating to, located in, or resembling the Alps mountains
2 often not cap : of, relating to, or growing on upland slopes above timberline
3 : of or relating to competitive ski events consisting of slalom and downhill racing

al·ready adverb
: by this time : PREVIOUSLY

1alright adverb
: very well : ALL RIGHT — used interjectionally to express agreement or resignation or to indicate the resumption of a discussion <alright, let's go>

2alright adjective
1 : giving satisfaction : SATISFACTORY
2 : free from harm or risk
3 : having qualities that tend to give pleasure — often used as a generalized term of approval

Synonyms
[1] agreeable, all right, fine, good, OK, palatable, satisfactory—more at SATISFACTORY
[2] all right, safe, secure—more at SAFE

al·so adverb
1 : in like manner : LIKEWISE
2 : in addition : TOO

Synonyms
[1] alike, correspondingly, likewise, similarly, so; also equally
Antonyms
differently, otherwise
[2] additionally, again, besides, further, furthermore, likewise, more, moreover, then, too, withal, yet

al·so–ran noun
1 : a horse or dog that finishes out of the money in a race
2 : a contestant that does not win

alt abbreviation
1 alternate
2 altitude

Alta abbreviation
Alberta

al·tar noun
1 : a structure on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned
2 : a table used as a center of ritual or worship

altar boy noun
: a boy who assists the celebrant at a church service

1alter verb al·tered; al·ter·ing
1 : to make or become different
2 : to remove the sex organs of

Synonyms
change, make over, modify, recast, redo, refashion, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary—more at CHANGE

2alter abbreviation
alteration

al·ter·a·tion noun
: the act, process, or result of altering

Synonyms
change, difference, modification, revise, revision, variation—more at CHANGE

al·ter·ca·tion noun
: a noisy or angry dispute

Synonyms
argument, disagreement, dispute, fight, hassle, misunderstanding, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle—more at ARGUMENT

al·ter ego noun
[ORIGIN: L, lit., second I]

: a second self; especially : a trusted friend

1alternate adjective
1 : arranged or succeeding by turns
2 : every other
3 : being an alternative <an ~ route>

— al·ter·nate·ly adverb

2alternate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to occur or cause to occur by turns

— al·ter·na·tion noun

3alternate noun
: SUBSTITUTE

alternating current noun
: an electric current that reverses its direction at regular intervals

1alternative adjective
: offering a choice

2alternative noun
: an opportunity for deciding between two or more courses or propositions

Synonyms
choice, discretion, option, pick, preference, way—more at CHOICE

alternative medicine noun
: any of various systems of healing (as homeopathy) not typically practiced in conventional Western medicine

al·ter·na·tor noun
: an electric generator for producing alternating current

al·though also al·tho conjunction
: in spite of the fact that : even though

Synonyms
albeit, howbeit, though, when, while; also but, whereas

al·tim·e·ter noun
: an instrument for measuring altitude

al·ti·tude noun
1 : angular distance above the horizon
2 : vertical distance : HEIGHT
3 : the perpendicular distance in a geometric figure from the vertex to the base, from the vertex of an angle to the side opposite, or from the base to a parallel side or face

Synonyms
elevation, height—more at HEIGHT

al·to noun, plural altos
[ORIGIN: It, lit., high, fr. L altus]

: the lower female voice part in a 4-part chorus; also : a singer having this voice or part

1altogether adverb
1 : to the full or entire extent : WHOLLY
2 : in all
3 : on the whole

Synonyms
[1] completely, dead, entirely, fast, flat, full, fully, perfectly, quite, thoroughly, well, wholly—more at FULLY
[3] chiefly, generally, largely, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, primarily, principally; also considerably, greatly, significantly, substantially

2altogether noun
: NUDE <posed in the ~>

al·tru·ism noun
[ORIGIN: F altruisme, fr. autrui other people, fr. OF, oblique case form of autre other, fr. L alter]

: unselfish interest in the welfare of others

— al·tru·ist noun

— al·tru·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

al·tru·is·tic adjective
: relating to or given to altruism

Synonyms
beneficent, benevolent, charitable, humanitarian, philanthropic—more at CHARITABLE

al·um noun
: either of two colorless crystalline aluminum-containing compounds used esp. as an emetic or as an astringent and styptic

alu·mi·na noun
: the oxide of aluminum occurring in nature as corundum and in bauxite

al·u·min·i·um noun, chiefly British
: ALUMINUM

alu·mi·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
: to treat with aluminum

alu·mi·num noun
: a silver-white malleable ductile light metallic element that is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust

alum·na noun, plural -nae
: a woman graduate or former student of a college or school

alum·nus noun, plural -ni
[ORIGIN: L, foster son, pupil, fr. alere to nourish]

: a graduate or former student of a college or school

al·ways adverb
1 : at all times : INVARIABLY
2 : for a limitless time : FOREVER

Synonyms
[1] constantly, continually, ever, forever, incessantly, invariably, perpetually, unfailingly; also commonly, frequently, oft, often, oftentimes, repeatedly
Antonyms
ne'er, never
[2] eternally, ever, everlastingly, forever, permanently, perpetually—more at EVER

Alz·hei·mer's disease noun
: a degenerative brain disease characterized esp. by progressive mental deterioration and memory loss

am present 1st singular of BE

1Am abbreviation
America; American

2Am symbol
americium

1AM noun
: a broadcasting system using amplitude modulation; also : a radio receiver for broadcasts made by such a system

2AM abbreviation
1 ante meridiem — often not cap. and often punctuated
2 [ORIGIN NL artium magister] master of arts

AMA abbreviation
American Medical Association

amah noun
: a female servant in eastern Asia; especially : a Chinese nurse

amain adverb, archaic
: with full force or speed

amal·gam noun
1 : an alloy of mercury with another metal used in making dental cements
2 : a mixture of different elements

Synonyms
admixture, blend, combination, composite, compound, fusion, intermixture, mix, mixture—more at BLEND

amal·gam·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to unite or merge into one body

Synonyms
blend, combine, commingle, fuse, incorporate, integrate, intermingle, merge, mingle, mix—more at MIX

amal·ga·ma·tion noun
: the result of amalgamating

aman·u·en·sis noun, plural -en·ses
: one employed to write from dictation or to copy what another has written : SECRETARY

am·a·ranth noun
1 : any of a large genus of coarse herbs sometimes grown for their showy flowers
2 : a flower that never fades

am·a·ran·thine adjective
1 : relating to or resembling an amaranth
2 : UNDYING

am·a·ryl·lis noun
: any of various plants related to the lilies; especially : any of several African herbs having bulbs and grown for their clusters of large showy flowers

amass verb
: to collect into a mass : ACCUMULATE

Synonyms
accumulate, assemble, collect, concentrate, garner, gather, group, lump, pick up, round up, scrape—more at GATHER

1amateur noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. L amator lover, fr. amare to love]

1 : a person who engages in a pursuit for pleasure and not as a profession
2 : a person who is not expert

— am·a·teur·ism noun

Synonyms
dabbler, dilettante; also apprentice, trainee
Antonyms
ace, expert, master

2amateur adjective
: engaged in or performed by or as if by an amateur

Synonyms
amateurish, inexperienced, inexpert, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful—more at AMATEURISH

am·a·teur·ish adjective
: having the characteristics of an amateur : lacking professional finish

Synonyms
inexperienced, inexpert, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful; also primitive, self-taught, unprepared, unqualified, unschooled, untaught, untrained, untutored
Antonyms
ace, expert, masterful, professional

am·a·tive adjective
: indicative of love : AMOROUS

— am·a·tive·ly adverb

— am·a·tive·ness noun

am·a·to·ry adjective
: of or expressing sexual love

Synonyms
amorous, erotic, sexy—more at EROTIC

amaze verb amazed; amaz·ing
: to fill with wonder : ASTOUND

— amaz·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
astonish, astound, bowl, dumbfound, flabbergast, floor, shock, startle, stun, stupefy, surprise—more at SURPRISE

amazed adjective
: filled with wonder or astonishment

Synonyms
awestruck, stunned, thunderstruck—more at THUNDERSTRUCK

amaze·ment noun
: the quality or state of being amazed

Synonyms
admiration, astonishment, awe, wonder, wonderment—more at WONDER

amazing adjective
: causing amazement, great wonder, or surprise

Synonyms
astonishing, astounding, eye-opening, shocking, startling, stunning, surprising—more at SURPRISING
astonishing, astounding, awesome, fabulous, marvelous, miraculous, surprising, wonderful—more at MARVELOUS

am·a·zon noun
1 cap : a member of a race of female warriors of Greek mythology
2 : a tall strong often masculine woman

— am·a·zo·ni·an adjective, often cap

amb abbreviation
ambassador

am·bas·sa·dor noun
: a representative esp. of a government

— am·bas·sa·do·ri·al adjective

— am·bas·sa·dor·ship noun

Synonyms
delegate, emissary, envoy, legate, minister, representative; also agent, attaché, consul, deputy, diplomat, foreign minister, nuncio, procurator, proxy

am·ber noun
: a yellowish or brownish fossil resin used esp. for ornamental objects; also : the color of this resin

am·ber·gris noun
: a waxy substance from the sperm whale used in making perfumes

am·bi·dex·trous adjective
: using both hands with equal ease

— am·bi·dex·trous·ly adverb

am·bi·ence or am·bi·ance noun
: a pervading atmosphere

am·bi·ent adjective
: existing on all sides

am·big·u·ous adjective
: capable of being understood in more than one way

— am·big·u·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
cryptic, enigmatic, equivocal, mysterious, nebulous, obscure—more at OBSCURE

am·bi·gu·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being ambiguous

Synonyms
darkness, murkiness, obscurity, opacity—more at OBSCURITY

am·bi·tion noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF or L; MF, fr. L ambition-, ambitio, lit., act of soliciting for votes, fr. ambire to go around]

1 : eager desire for success or power
2 : the object of ambition

Synonyms
[1] aspiration, go-getting; also determination, diligence, drive, energy, enterprise, go, hustle, industry, initiative, motivation, push
[2] aim, aspiration, goal, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, purpose—more at GOAL

am·bi·tious adjective
: characterized by ambition

— am·bi·tious·ly adverb

Synonyms
go-getting, self-seeking; also determined, diligent, driving, dynamic, enterprising, hustling, industrious, motivated, venturesome, venturous

am·biv·a·lence noun
: simultaneous attraction toward and repulsion from a person, object, or action

— am·biv·a·lent adjective

1amble verb am·bled; am·bling
: to go at an amble

2amble noun
: an easy gait esp. of a horse

am·bro·sia noun
: the food of the Greek and Roman gods

am·bro·sial adjective
: pleasing to the senses esp. of taste or smell

Synonyms
aromatic, fragrant, redolent, savory, scented, sweet—more at FRAGRANT
appetizing, delectable, delicious, flavorful, luscious, palatable, savory, scrumptious, tasty, toothsome, yummy—more at DELICIOUS

am·bu·lance noun
: a vehicle equipped for carrying the injured or sick

am·bu·lant adjective
: AMBULATORY

1ambulatory adjective
1 : of, relating to, or adapted to walking
2 : able to walk or move about

2ambulatory noun, plural -ries
: a sheltered place (as in a cloister) for walking

am·bus·cade noun
: AMBUSH

1ambush noun
: a trap in which concealed persons wait to attack by surprise

Synonyms
net, snare, trap, web—more at TRAP
surprise, trap; also assault, attack, charge, sally

2ambush verb
: to attack from an ambush

Synonyms
surprise, waylay; also assail, assault, attack, storm, strike

amdt abbreviation
amendment

ameba, ameboid variant of AMOEBA, AMOEBOID

ame·lio·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
: to make or grow better : IMPROVE

— ame·lio·ra·tion noun

Synonyms
amend, better, enhance, enrich, improve, perfect, refine—more at IMPROVE

amen interjection
— used esp. at the end of prayers to affirm or express approval

ame·na·ble adjective
1 : ANSWERABLE
2 a : readily brought to yield, submit, or cooperate : COMPLIANT
b : inclined or favorably disposed in mind : WILLING

Synonyms
[2a] compliant, conformable, docile, obedient, submissive, tractable—more at OBEDIENT
[2b] disposed, game, glad, inclined, ready, willing—more at WILLING

amend verb
1 : to change for the better : IMPROVE
2 : to alter formally in phraseology

— amend·able adjective

Synonyms
ameliorate, better, enhance, enrich, improve, perfect, refine—more at IMPROVE
correct, debug, emend, rectify, reform, remedy—more at CORRECT

amend·ment noun
1 : the act of amending
2 : the process of amending a parliamentary motion or a constitution; also : the alteration so proposed or made

amends noun singular or plural
: compensation for injury or loss

ame·ni·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality of being pleasant or agreeable : AGREEABLENESS
2 : a gesture observed in social relationships
3 : something that serves as a comfort or convenience

Synonyms
[1] agreeableness, amiability, geniality, graciousness, niceness, pleasantness, sweetness—more at AMIABILITY
[2] civility, courtesy, formality, gesture—more at CIVILITY
[3] comfort, extra, frill, indulgence, luxury, superfluity—more at LUXURY

Amer abbreviation
America; American

amerce verb amerced; amerc·ing
1 : to penalize by a fine determined by the court
2 : PUNISH

— amerce·ment noun

Amer·i·can noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of No. or So. America
2 : a citizen of the U.S.

— American adjective

— Amer·i·can·ism noun

— Amer·i·can·iza·tion noun

— Amer·i·can·ize verb

— Amer·i·can·ness noun

Amer·i·ca·na noun plural
: materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture

American Indian noun
: a member of any of the aboriginal peoples of No. and So. America except the Eskimos

Synonyms
Indian

American plan noun
: a hotel plan whereby the daily rates cover the cost of room and three meals

American Sign Language noun
: a sign language for the deaf in which meaning is conveyed by a system of hand gestures and placement

am·er·i·ci·um noun
: a radioactive metallic chemical element produced artificially from plutonium

AmerInd abbreviation
American Indian

Am·er·in·di·an noun
: AMERICAN INDIAN

— Amerindian adjective

am·e·thyst noun
[ORIGIN: ME amatiste, fr. AF & L; AF, fr. L amethystus, fr. Gk amethystos, lit., remedy against drunkenness, fr. a- not + methyein to be drunk, fr. methy wine]

: a gemstone consisting of clear purple or bluish violet quartz

ami·a·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality of being amiable

Synonyms
agreeableness, amenity, geniality, graciousness, niceness, pleasantness, sweetness; also complaisance
Antonyms
disagreeableness, unpleasantness

ami·a·ble adjective
1 : pleasing to one's mind or senses : AGREEABLE
2 : having a friendly and sociable disposition

— ami·a·bly adverb

Synonyms
affable, agreeable, genial, good-natured, gracious, nice, sweet, well-disposed; also amicable, cordial, friendly, neighborly
Antonyms
disagreeable, ill-natured, ill-tempered, ungracious, unpleasant

ami·a·ble·ness noun
: the quality of being amiable

am·i·ca·ble adjective
: characterized by friendly goodwill

— am·i·ca·bil·i·ty noun

— am·i·ca·bly adverb

Synonyms
agreeable, compatible, congenial, harmonious, kindred, unanimous, united—more at HARMONIOUS
companionable, comradely, cordial, friendly, genial, hearty, neighborly, warm, warmhearted—more at FRIENDLY

amid or amidst preposition
: in or into the middle of : AMONG

Synonyms
among, midst, through—more at AMONG

amid·ships adverb
: in or near the middle of a ship

ami·no acid noun
: any of numerous nitrogen-containing acids that include some which are used by cells to build proteins

amir variant of EMIR

1amiss adverb
1 : in a mistaken way : WRONGLY
2 : off the right path or route : ASTRAY
3 : IMPERFECTLY

Synonyms
[1] erroneously, faultily, improperly, inaptly, incorrectly, mistakenly, wrongly
[2] afield, astray, awry, wrong—more at WRONG

2amiss adjective
1 : WRONG
2 : out of place

am·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: : the quality or state of being friendly; especially : friendly relations between nations

Synonyms
benevolence, cordiality, fellowship, friendliness, friendship, goodwill, kindliness—more at GOODWILL

am·me·ter noun
: an instrument for measuring electric current in amperes

am·mo noun
: AMMUNITION

am·mo·nia noun
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L sal ammoniacus sal ammoniac (ammonium chloride), lit., salt of Ammon, fr. Gk ammōniakos of Ammon, fr. Ammōn Ammon, an Egyptian god near one of whose temples it was extracted]

1 : a colorless gaseous compound of nitrogen and hydrogen used in refrigeration and in the making of fertilizers and explosives
2 : a solution (ammonia water) of ammonia in water

am·mo·ni·um noun
: an ion or chemical group derived from ammonia by combination with hydrogen

ammonium chloride noun
: a white crystalline volatile salt used in batteries and as an expectorant

am·mu·ni·tion noun
1 : projectiles fired from guns
2 : explosive items used in war
3 : material for use in attack or defense

Amn abbreviation
airman

am·ne·sia noun
1 : abnormal loss of memory
2 : the selective overlooking of events or acts not favorable to one's purpose

— am·ne·si·ac or am·ne·sic adjective or noun

am·nes·ty noun, plural -ties
: an act granting a pardon to a group of individuals

— amnesty verb

Synonyms
absolution, forgiveness, pardon, remission—more at PARDON

am·nio·cen·te·sis noun, plural -te·ses
: the surgical insertion of a hollow needle through the abdominal wall and uterus of a pregnant female esp. to obtain fluid used to check the fetus for chromosomal abnormality and to determine sex

amoe·ba noun, plural -bas or -bae
: any of various tiny one-celled protozoans that lack permanent cell organs and occur esp. in water and soil

— amoe·bic adjective

amoe·boid adjective
: resembling an amoeba esp. in moving or readily changing shape

amok or amuck adverb
: in a violent, frenzied, or uncontrolled manner <run ~>

Synonyms
berserk, frantically, harum-scarum, hectically, helter-skelter, madly, pell-mell, wild, wildly—more at HELTER-SKELTER

among also amongst preposition
1 : in or through the midst of
2 : in the number, class, or company of
3 : in shares to each of
4 : by common action of

Synonyms
amid, midst, through; also between, betwixt

amon·til·la·do noun, plural -dos
[ORIGIN: Sp]

: a medium dry sherry

amor·al adjective
1 : neither moral nor immoral; especially : being outside the sphere to which moral judgments apply
2 : lacking moral sensibility

— amor·al·ly adverb

am·o·rous adjective
1 : strongly moved by love and esp. sexual love
2 : being in love
3 : of or indicative of love and esp. sexual love

— am·o·rous·ly adverb

— am·o·rous·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 3] amatory, erotic, sexy—more at EROTIC

amor·phous adjective
1 : having no definite form : FORMLESS
2 : not crystallized

Synonyms
formless, shapeless, unformed, unshaped, unstructured—more at FORMLESS

am·or·tize verb -tized; -tiz·ing
: to extinguish (as a mortgage) usu. by payment on the principal at the time of each periodic interest payment

— amor·ti·za·tion noun

1amount verb
1 : to be equivalent — usu. used with to
2 : to reach a total : add up — usu. used with to

Synonyms
usually amount to [1] add up, come, correspond, equal; also approach, match, measure (up), meet, rival, touch
usually amount to [2] add up, come, number, sum, total; also average, equal, measure, reach

2amount noun
1 : the total number or quantity
2 : a principal sum plus the interest on it

Synonyms
measure, quantity; also body, portion

amour noun
1 : a love affair esp. when illicit
2 : LOVER

amour pro·pre noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: SELF-ESTEEM

1amp noun
: AMPLIFIER; also : a unit consisting of an electronic amplifier and a loudspeaker

2amp abbreviation
ampere

am·per·age noun
: the strength of a current of electricity expressed in amperes

am·pere noun
: a unit of electric current equivalent to a steady current produced by one volt applied across a resistance of one ohm

am·per·sand noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of and per se and, spoken form of the phrase & per se and, lit., (the character) & by itself (stands for the word) and]

: a character & used for the word and

am·phet·amine noun
: a compound or one of its derivatives that stimulates the central nervous system and is used esp. to treat hyperactive children and to suppress appetite

am·phib·i·an noun
1 : an amphibious organism; especially : any of a class of vertebrate animals (as frogs and salamanders) intermediate between fishes and reptiles
2 : an airplane that can land on and take off from either land or water

am·phib·i·ous adjective
[ORIGIN: Gk amphibios, lit., living a double life, fr. amphi- on both sides + bios mode of life]

1 : able to live both on land and in water
2 : adapted for both land and water
3 : made by joint action of land, sea, and air forces invading from the sea; also : trained for such action

am·phi·bole noun
: any of a group of rock-forming minerals of similar crystal structure

am·phi·the·ater noun
1 : an oval or circular structure with rising tiers of seats around an arena
2 : a very large auditorium

am·pho·ra noun, plural -rae or -ras
: an ancient Greek jar or vase with two handles that rise almost to the level of the mouth

am·ple adjective am·pler ; am·plest
1 : generous or more than adequate in size, scope, or capacity : CAPACIOUS
2 : enough to satisfy : ABUNDANT

— am·ply adverb

Synonyms
[1] capacious, commodious, roomy, spacious—more at SPACIOUS
[2] abundant, bountiful, comfortable, generous, liberal, plentiful—more at PLENTIFUL

am·pli·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to expand by extended treatment
2 : to increase in magnitude or strength; especially : to make louder

— am·pli·fi·ca·tion noun

— am·pli·fi·er noun

Synonyms
[1] develop, elaborate, enlarge, expand—more at EXPAND
[2] add, aggrandize, augment, boost, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, increase, multiply, raise, swell, up—more at INCREASE
[2] beef, boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen—more at INTENSIFY

am·pli·tude noun
1 : ample extent : FULLNESS
2 : the extent or range of a quality, property, process, or phenomenon: as : the extent of a vibratory movement (as of a pendulum) or of an oscillation (as of an alternating current or a radio wave)

Synonyms
breadth, compass, extent, range, reach, realm, scope, sweep, width—more at RANGE

amplitude modulation noun
: modulation of the amplitude of a radio carrier wave in accordance with the strength of the signal; also : a broadcasting system using such modulation

am·poule or am·pule also am·pul noun
: a small sealed bulbous glass vessel used to hold a solution for hypodermic injection

am·pu·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: to cut off <~ a leg>

— am·pu·ta·tion noun

am·pu·tee noun
: one who has had a limb amputated

AMSLAN abbreviation
American Sign Language

amt abbreviation
amount

amuck variant of AMOK

am·u·let noun
: an ornament worn as a charm against evil

Synonyms
charm, fetish, mascot, talisman—more at CHARM

amuse verb amused; amus·ing
: to entertain in a light or playful manner : DIVERT

Synonyms
disport, divert, entertain, regale; also absorb, busy, distract, engage, engross, immerse, interest, involve, occupy

amuse·ment noun
: pleasurable diversion

Synonyms
distraction, diversion, entertainment—more at ENTERTAINMENT

amus·ing adjective
: giving amusement

Synonyms
delightful, diverting, enjoyable, entertaining, fun, pleasurable—more at FUN

AM·VETS abbreviation
American Veterans (of World War II)

am·y·lase noun
: any of several enzymes that accelerate the breakdown of starch and glycogen

an indefinite article
: A — used before words beginning with a vowel sound

1-an or -ian also -ean noun suffix
1 : one that belongs to <American> <crustacean>
2 : one skilled in or specializing in <phonetician>

2-an or -ian also -ean adjective suffix
1 : of or belonging to <American>
2 : characteristic of : resembling <Mozartean>

AN abbreviation
airman (Navy)

an·a·bol·ic steroid noun
: any of a group of synthetic steroid hormones sometimes abused by athletes in training to increase temporarily the size of their muscles

anach·ro·nism noun
1 : the error of placing a person or thing in the wrong period
2 : one that is chronologically out of place

— anach·ro·nis·tic adjective

— anach·ro·nous adjective

an·a·con·da noun
: a large So. American snake that suffocates and kills its prey by constriction

anad·ro·mous adjective
: ascending rivers from the sea for breeding <~ fish>

an·aer·obe noun
: an anaerobic organism

an·aer·o·bic adjective
: living, active, occurring, or existing in the absence of free oxygen

ana·gram noun
: a word or phrase made by transposing the letters of another word or phrase

1anal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or situated near the anus
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory during which one is concerned esp. with feces
3 : of, relating to, or characterized by personality traits (as parsimony and ill humor) considered typical of fixation at the anal stage of development

— anal·ly adverb

2anal abbreviation
1 analogy
2 analysis; analytic

an·al·ge·sia noun
: insensibility to pain

— an·al·ge·sic adjective

an·al·ge·sic noun
: an agent for producing analgesia

analog computer noun
: a computer that operates with numbers represented by directly measurable quantities (as voltages)

anal·o·gous adjective
: similar in one or more respects

Synonyms
akin, alike, comparable, correspondent, like, parallel, similar, such—more at ALIKE

an·a·logue or an·a·log noun
1 : something that is analogous to something else
2 : an organ similar in function to one of another animal or plant but different in structure or origin

anal·o·gy noun, plural -gies
1 : inference that if two or more things agree in some respects they will probably agree in others
2 : a likeness in one or more ways between things otherwise unlike

— an·a·log·i·cal adjective

— an·a·log·i·cal·ly adverb

anal·y·sis noun, plural -y·ses
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. Gk, fr. analyein to break up, fr. ana- up + lyein to loosen]

1 : separation of a thing into the parts or elements of which it is composed
2 a : an examination of a thing to determine its parts or elements
b : a statement showing the results of a critical examination
3 : PSYCHOANALYSIS

— an·a·lyst noun

— an·a·lyt·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] assay, breakdown, breakup, dissection; also assessment, evaluation, examination, inspection, investigation, scrutiny
[2b] comment, commentary, exposition—more at COMMENTARY

an·a·lyt·ic or an·a·lyt·i·cal adjective
: of or relating to analysis; especially : separating something into component parts or constituent elements

Synonyms
coherent, good, logical, rational, reasonable, sensible, sober, sound, valid—more at LOGICAL

an·a·lyze verb -lyzed; -lyz·ing
: to make an analysis of

Synonyms
anatomize, assay, break down, break up, dissect; also assess, evaluate, examine, inspect, investigate, scrutinize

an·a·pest noun
: a metrical foot of two unaccented syllables followed by one accented syllable

— an·a·pes·tic adjective or noun

an·ar·chic adjective
: of, relating to, or advocating anarchy

Synonyms
disorderly, lawless, unruly—more at LAWLESS

an·ar·chism noun
: the theory that all government is undesirable

— an·ar·chist noun or adjective

— an·ar·chis·tic adjective

an·ar·chy noun
1 a : a social structure without government or law and order
b : a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority
2 : utter confusion

— an·ar·chi·cal·ly adverb

anas·to·mo·sis noun, plural -mo·ses
1 : the union of parts or branches (as of blood vessels)
2 : NETWORK

anat abbreviation
anatomical; anatomy

anath·e·ma noun
1 a : a person or thing accursed
b : one intensely disliked
2 : a solemn curse

Synonyms
[1b] abhorrence, abomination, antipathy, aversion, bête noire, hate—more at HATE
[2] curse, execration, imprecation, malediction—more at CURSE

anath·e·ma·tize verb -tized; -tiz·ing
: to pronounce an anathema against : CURSE

anat·o·mize verb -mized; -miz·ing
1 : to dissect so as to examine the structure and parts
2 : to study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of by analysis : ANALYZE

Synonyms
analyze, assay, break down, break up, dissect—more at ANALYZE

anat·o·my noun, plural -mies
[ORIGIN: LL anatomia dissection, fr. Gk anatomē, fr. anatemnein to dissect, fr. ana- up + temnein to cut]

1 : a branch of science dealing with the structure of organisms
2 : structural makeup esp. of an organism or any of its parts
3 : a separating into parts for detailed study : ANALYSIS

— an·a·tom·ic or an·a·tom·i·cal adjective

— an·a·tom·i·cal·ly adverb

— anat·o·mist noun

anc abbreviation
ancient

-ance noun suffix
1 : action or process <furtherance> : instance of an action or process <performance>
2 : quality or state : instance of a quality or state <protuberance>
3 : amount or degree <conductance>

an·ces·tor noun
[ORIGIN: ME ancestre, fr. AF, fr. L antecessor predecessor, fr. antecedere to go before, fr. ante- before + cedere to go]

1 : one from whom an individual is descended
2 : an individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type

Synonyms
[1] father, forebear, forefather, grandfather; also grandmother, matriarch, patriarch
Antonyms
descendant
[2] antecedent, forerunner, precursor; also archetype, model, original, prototype
Antonyms
descendant

an·ces·tress noun
: a female ancestor

an·ces·try noun
1 : line of descent : LINEAGE
2 : ANCESTORS

— an·ces·tral adjective

Synonyms
birth, blood, bloodline, breeding, descent, extraction, family tree, genealogy, line, lineage, origin, parentage, pedigree, stock, strain; also heredity, succession
Antonyms
issue, posterity, progeny, seed

1anchor noun
1 : a heavy metal device attached to a ship that catches hold of the bottom and holds the ship in place
2 : a broadcaster who reads the news and introduces the reports of other broadcasters : ANCHORPERSON

2anchor verb
: to hold or become held in place by or as if by an anchor

Synonyms
catch, clamp, fasten, fix, hitch, moor, secure, set

an·chor·age noun
: a place suitable for ships to anchor

Synonyms
harbor, haven, port—more at HARBOR

an·cho·rite noun
: one that retires from society and lives in solitude : HERMIT

Synonyms
hermit, recluse, solitary—more at RECLUSE

an·chor·man noun
1 : the member of a team who competes last
2 : an anchorperson who is a man

an·chor·per·son noun
: a broadcaster who reads the news and introduces the reports of other broadcasters

an·chor·wom·an noun
1 : a woman who competes last
2 : an anchorperson who is a woman

an·cho·vy noun, plural -vies or -vy
: a small herringlike fish used esp. for sauces and relishes

an·cien ré·gime noun
1 : the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789
2 : a system no longer prevailing

1ancient adjective
1 : having existed for many years
2 : belonging to times long past; especially : belonging to the period before the Middle Ages

Synonyms
[1] elderly, geriatric, old, senior—more at ELDERLY
[2] age-old, antediluvian, antique, dateless, hoary, old, venerable; also aging, mature
Antonyms
modern, new, recent
[2] early, primal, primeval, primitive—more at EARLY

2ancient noun
1 : an aged person
2 plural : the peoples of ancient Greece and Rome; especially : the classical authors of Greece and Rome

an·cil·lary adjective
1 : SUBORDINATE, SUBSIDIARY
2 : AUXILIARY, SUPPLEMENTARY

— ancillary noun

-ancy noun suffix
: quality or state <flamboyancy>

and conjunction
1 — used to indicate connection or addition esp. of items within the same class or type or to join words or phrases of the same grammatical rank or function
2 — used to join one finite verb to another so that together they are equivalent to an infinitive of purpose <come ~ see me>

1andante adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It, lit., going, prp. of andare to go]

: moderately slow — used as a direction in music

2andante noun
: an andante movement

and·iron noun
: one of a pair of metal supports for firewood in a fireplace

and/or conjunction
— used to indicate that either and or or may apply <men ~ women means men and women or men or women>

An·dor·ran noun
: a native or inhabitant of Andorra

an·dro·gen noun
: a male sex hormone

an·drog·y·nous adjective
1 : having the characteristics of both male and female
2 : suitable for either sex <~ clothing>

an·droid noun
: a mobile robot usu. with a human form

an·ec·dot·al adjective
1 : relating to or consisting of anecdotes
2 : based on reports of an unscientific nature

— an·ec·dot·al·ly adverb

an·ec·dote noun, plural -dotes also -dota
[ORIGIN: F, fr. Gk anekdota unpublished items, fr. a- not + ekdidonai to publish]

: a brief story of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident

Synonyms
story, tale—more at STORY

ane·mia noun
1 : a condition in which blood is deficient in quantity, in red blood cells, or in hemoglobin and which is marked by pallor, weakness, and irregular heart action
2 : lack of vitality

— ane·mic adjective

an·e·mom·e·ter noun
: an instrument for measuring the force or speed of the wind

anem·o·ne noun
: any of a large genus of herbs related to the buttercups that have showy flowers without petals but with conspicuous often colored sepals

anent preposition
: CONCERNING

an·es·the·sia noun
: loss of bodily sensation

an·es·the·si·ol·o·gy noun
: a branch of medical science dealing with anesthesia and anesthetics

— an·es·the·si·ol·o·gist noun

1anesthetic adjective
: of, relating to, or capable of producing anesthesia

2anesthetic noun
: an agent that produces anesthesia

— anes·the·tist noun

— anes·the·tize verb

an·eu·rysm noun
an abnormal blood-filled bulge of a blood vessel

anew adverb
1 : over again
2 : in a new form

Synonyms
again, over—more at AGAIN

an·gel noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE engel & AF angele, both fr. L angelus, fr. Gk angelos, lit., messenger]

1 : a spiritual being superior to man
2 : an attendant spirit
3 : a winged figure of human form in art
4 : one that precedes and indicates the approach of another : HARBINGER
5 : a person held to resemble an angel (as in looks or behavior)
6 : a financial backer

— an·gel·ic or an·gel·i·cal adjective

— an·gel·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[4] forerunner, harbinger, herald, precursor—more at FORERUNNER

an·gel·fish noun
: any of several bright-colored tropical fishes that are flattened from side to side

an·gel·i·ca noun
: a biennial herb related to the carrot whose roots and fruit furnish a flavoring oil

1anger verb
: to make angry

Synonyms
antagonize, enrage, incense, inflame, infuriate, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil; also affront, aggravate, annoy, cross, exasperate, get, irritate, nettle, offend, peeve, pique, provoke, put out, ruffle, vex
Antonyms
delight, gratify, please

2anger noun
[ORIGIN: ME, affliction, anger, fr. ON angr grief]

: a strong feeling of displeasure

Synonyms
furor, fury, indignation, ire, outrage, rage, spleen, wrath, wrathfulness; also aggravation, annoyance, exasperation, irritation, vexation
Antonyms
delight, pleasure

an·gi·na noun
: a disorder (as of the heart) marked by attacks of intense pain; especially : ANGINA PECTORIS

— an·gi·nal adjective

angina pec·to·ris noun
: a heart disease marked by brief attacks of sharp chest pain caused by deficient oxygenation of heart muscles

an·gio·gram noun
: an X-ray photograph made by angiography

an·gi·og·ra·phy noun
: the use of X-rays to make blood vessels visible (as by photography) after injection of a substance opaque to radiation

an·gio·plas·ty noun
: surgical repair of a blood vessel esp. by using an inflatable catheter to unblock arteries clogged by atherosclerotic deposits

an·gio·sperm noun
: FLOWERING PLANT

1angle noun
1 : a sharp projecting corner
2 : the figure formed by the meeting of two lines in a point
3 a : a point of view
b : the aspect seen from such an angle
4 : a special technique or plan : GIMMICK

— an·gled adjective

Synonyms
[3a] outlook, perspective, point of view, slant, standpoint, viewpoint—more at POINT OF VIEW
[3b] aspect, facet, hand, phase, side—more at ASPECT

2angle verb an·gled; an·gling
: to turn, move, or direct at an angle

Synonyms
cant, cock, heel, incline, lean, list, slant, slope, tilt, tip—more at LEAN

3angle verb an·gled; an·gling
: to fish with a hook and line

— an·gler noun

an·gle·worm noun
: EARTHWORM

An·gli·can adjective
1 : of or relating to the established episcopal Church of England
2 : of or relating to England or the English nation

— Anglican noun

— An·gli·can·ism noun

an·gli·cize verb -cized; -ciz·ing often cap
1 : to make English (as in habits, speech, character, or outlook)
2 : to borrow (a foreign word or phrase) into English without changing form or spelling and sometimes without changing pronunciation

— an·gli·ci·za·tion noun, often cap

an·gling noun
: the action of one who angles; especially : the action or sport of fishing with hook and line

An·glo noun, plural Anglos
: a non-Hispanic white inhabitant of the U.S.; especially : one of English origin and descent

An·glo–French noun
: the French language used in medieval England

An·glo·phile also An·glo·phil noun
: one who greatly admires England and things English

An·glo·phobe noun
: one who is averse to England and things English

An·glo–Sax·on noun
1 : a member of any of the Germanic peoples who invaded England in the 5th century A.D.
2 : a member of the English people
3 : the language of the English people before about 1100

— Anglo–Saxon adjective

an·go·ra noun
1 : yarn or cloth made from the hair of an Angora goat or rabbit
2 cap : any of a breed of cats, goats, or rabbits with a long silky coat

an·gry adjective an·gri·er; -est
: feeling or showing anger

— an·gri·ly adverb

Synonyms
enraged, furious, irate, sore, wrathful
Antonyms
delighted, pleased

angst noun
[ORIGIN: G]

: a feeling of anxiety

ang·strom noun
: a unit of length equal to one ten-billionth of a meter

an·guish noun
: extreme pain or distress esp. of mind

Synonyms
affliction, agony, distress, misery, pain, torment, torture, tribulation, woe—more at DISTRESS
affliction, dolor, grief, heartache, sorrow, woe—more at SORROW

an·guished adjective
1 : suffering anguish <the ~ martyrs>
2 : expressing anguish <~ cries>

Synonyms
dolorous, lamentable, mournful, plaintive, sorrowful, sorry, woeful—more at SORROWFUL

an·gu·lar adjective
1 : sharp-cornered
2 : having one or more angles
3 : being thin and bony

— an·gu·lar·i·ty noun

An·gus noun
: any of a breed of usu. black hornless beef cattle originating in Scotland

an·hy·drous adjective
: free from water

an·i·line noun
: an oily poisonous liquid used in making dyes, medicines, and explosives

an·i·mad·vert verb
: to remark critically : express censure

— an·i·mad·ver·sion noun

1animal noun
1 : any of a kingdom of living things typically differing from plants in capacity for active movement, in rapid response to stimulation, and in lack of cellulose cell walls
2 : a lower animal as distinguished from human beings; also : MAMMAL

Synonyms
beast, brute, creature, critter; also varmint, vermin

2animal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or derived from animals
2 : of or relating to the physical as distinguished from the mental or spiritual

Synonyms
bodily, carnal, corporal, fleshly, material, physical, somatic—more at PHYSICAL

an·i·mal·cule noun
: a tiny animal usu. invisible to the naked eye

1animate adjective
1 : having life : ALIVE
2 : full of vigor and spirit : LIVELY

Synonyms
[1] alive, live, living—more at ALIVE
[2] active, animated, energetic, lively, peppy, perky, spirited, sprightly, springy, vital, vivacious—more at LIVELY

2animate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to impart life to
2 : to give spirit and vigor to
3 : to make appear to move <~ a cartoon for motion pictures>

Synonyms
brace, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz, liven, pep, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify; also arouse, awake, awaken, raise, rouse, stir, wake (up)
Antonyms
damp, dampen, deaden, dull

an·i·mat·ed adjective
1 : endowed with life or the qualities of life : ALIVE
2 : full of movement and activity <an ~ crowd>
3 : full of vigor and spirit : LIVELY

Synonyms
[1, 2] alive, astir, busy, lively, vibrant—more at ALIVE
[3] active, animate, energetic, lively, peppy, perky, spirited, sprightly, springy, vital, vivacious—more at LIVELY

an·i·ma·tion noun
1 : the state of being animate or animated : LIVELINESS
2 : a motion picture made from a series of drawings simulating motions by means of slight progressive changes

Synonyms
briskness, exuberance, liveliness, lustiness, robustness, sprightliness, vibrancy, vitality—more at VITALITY

an·i·mism noun
: attribution of conscious life to objects in and phenomena of nature or to inanimate objects

— an·i·mist noun

— an·i·mis·tic adjective

an·i·mos·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: ill will or resentment tending toward active hostility

Synonyms
antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, rancor—more at ENMITY

an·i·mus noun
: deep-seated resentment and hostility

an·ion noun
: a negatively charged ion

an·ise noun
: an herb related to the carrot with aromatic seeds (aniseed ) used in flavoring

an·is·ette noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a usu. colorless sweet liqueur flavored with aniseed

ankh noun
: a cross having a loop for its upper vertical arm and serving esp. in ancient Egypt as an emblem of life

an·kle noun
: the joint or region between the foot and the leg

an·kle·bone noun
: the bone that in human beings bears the weight of the body and with the tibia and fibula forms the ankle joint

an·klet noun
1 : something (as an ornament) worn around the ankle
2 : a short sock reaching slightly above the ankle

ann abbreviation
1 annals
2 annual

an·nals noun plural
1 : a record of events in chronological order
2 : historical records

Synonyms
chronicle, history, record—more at HISTORY

an·nal·ist noun
: a writer of annals

an·neal verb
1 : to make (as glass or steel) less brittle by heating and then cooling
2 : STRENGTHEN, TOUGHEN

1annex verb
1 : to attach as an addition
2 : to incorporate (as a territory) within a political domain

— an·nex·a·tion noun

Synonyms
add, adjoin, append, tack—more at ADD

2annex noun
: a subsidiary or supplementary structure

Synonyms
addition, extension, penthouse; also arm, ell, wing

an·ni·hi·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to destroy completely

Synonyms
blot out, demolish, eradicate, exterminate, liquidate, obliterate, root, rub out, snuff, stamp, wipe out; also decimate, destroy, devastate

an·ni·hi·la·tion noun
: the act of annihilating or state of being annihilated

Synonyms
demolition, desolation, destruction, devastation, havoc, loss, obliteration, ruin, wastage, wreckage—more at DESTRUCTION

an·ni·ver·sa·ry noun, plural -ries
: the annual return of the date of a notable event and esp. a wedding

an·no Do·mi·ni adverb, often cap A
[ORIGIN: ML, in the year of the Lord]

— used to indicate that a time division falls within the Christian era

an·no·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: to furnish with notes

— an·no·ta·tion noun

— an·no·ta·tor noun

an·nounce verb an·nounced; an·nounc·ing
1 : to make known publicly
2 : to give notice of the arrival or presence of

Synonyms
advertise, blaze, broadcast, declare, enunciate, placard, post, proclaim, promulgate, publicize, publish, sound; also advise, apprise, inform, notify

an·nounce·ment noun
: a public notification or declaration

Synonyms
advertisement, bulletin, notice, notification, release; also broadside, circular, flier, handbill, handout, bill, billboard, placard, poster, sign

an·nounc·er noun
: a person who introduces radio or television programs, makes commercial announcements, or gives station identification

an·noy verb
: to disturb or irritate esp. by repeated acts : VEX

— an·noy·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
aggravate, bother, bug, chafe, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, rile, vex—more at IRRITATE

an·noy·ing adjective
: causing vexation

Synonyms
aggravating, bothersome, frustrating, galling, irksome, irritating, pesty, vexatious; also burdensome, discomforting, displeasing, disquieting, distressing, importunate, inconveniencing, infuriating, maddening, mischievous, offensive, pesky, troublesome, upsetting, stressful, tiresome, troubling, trying, worrisome

an·noy·ance noun
1 : the act of annoying
2 : the state of being annoyed
3 : one that is annoying, unpleasant, or obnoxious : NUISANCE

Synonyms
[1] aggravation, disturbance, harassment, vexation; also molestation, offense, persecution, provocation, torment, torture
[2] aggravation, bother, exasperation, frustration, vexation; also agitation, anger, discomfort, displeasure, distress, disturbance, indignation, ire, outrage, perturbation, resentment
[3] aggravation, bother, exasperation, frustration, hassle, headache, inconvenience, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, problem, thorn; also affront, insult, offense

1annual adjective
1 : covering the period of a year
2 : occurring once a year : YEARLY
3 : completing the life cycle in one growing season <~ plants>

— an·nu·al·ly adverb

2annual noun
1 : a publication appearing once a year
2 : an annual plant

annual ring noun
: the layer of wood produced by a single year's growth of a woody plant

an·nu·i·tant noun
: a beneficiary of an annuity

an·nu·i·ty noun, plural -i·ties
1 : an amount payable annually
2 : the right to receive a annual payment

an·nul verb an·nulled; an·nul·ling
1 : to make ineffective or inoperative
2 : to make legally void

— an·nul·ment noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] abolish, abrogate, cancel, dissolve, invalidate, negate, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, void—more at ABOLISH

an·nu·lar adjective
: ring-shaped

an·nun·ci·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: ANNOUNCE

an·nun·ci·a·tion noun
1 : ANNOUNCEMENT
2 cap : March 25 observed as a church festival commemorating the announcement of the Incarnation

an·nun·ci·a·tor noun
: one that annunciates; specif : a usu. electrically controlled signal board or indicator

an·ode noun
1 : the positive electrode of an electrolytic cell
2 : the negative terminal of a battery
3 : the electron-collecting electrode of an electron tube

— an·od·ic also an·od·al adjective

an·od·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to subject (a metal) to electrolytic action as the anode of a cell in order to coat with a protective or decorative film

an·o·dyne noun
: something that relieves pain : a soothing agent

anoint verb
1 : to apply oil to esp. as a sacred rite
2 : CONSECRATE

— anoint·ment noun

anom·a·lous adjective
: deviating from a general rule : ABNORMAL

Synonyms
aberrant, abnormal, atypical, deviant, irregular, unnatural—more at DEVIANT

anom·a·ly noun, plural -lies
: something anomalous

1anon adverb
: in the near future

Synonyms
momentarily, presently, shortly, soon—more at SHORTLY

2anon abbreviation
anonymous; anonymously

anon·y·mous adjective
: of unknown or undeclared origin or authorship

— anon·y·mous·ly adverb

Synonyms
nameless, unbaptized, unchristened, unidentified, unnamed, untitled—more at NAMELESS

an·o·nym·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being anonymous

anoph·e·les noun
[ORIGIN: NL, genus name, fr. Gk anōphelēs useless, fr. a- not + ophelos advantage, help]

: any of a genus of mosquitoes that includes all mosquitoes which transmit malaria to human beings

an·o·rec·tic adjective
: ANOREXIC

— anorectic noun

an·orex·ia noun
1 : loss of appetite esp. when prolonged
2 : ANOREXIA NERVOSA

anorexia ner·vo·sa noun
: a serious disorder in eating behavior marked esp. by a pathological fear of weight gain leading to faulty eating patterns, malnutrition, and usu. excessive weight loss

an·orex·ic adjective
1 : lacking or causing loss of appetite
2 : affected with or as if with anorexia nervosa

— anorexic noun

1another adjective
1 : some other
2 : being one in addition : one more

Synonyms
additional, else, farther, further, more, other—more at ADDITIONAL

2another pronoun
1 : an additional one : one more
2 : one that is different from the first or present one

ans abbreviation
answer

1answer noun
1 : something spoken or written in reply to a question
2 : a solution of a problem

Synonyms
comeback, reply, response, retort, return; also banter, persiflage, repartee
Antonyms
inquiry, query, question

2answer verb
1 : to speak or write in reply to
2 : to be or make oneself responsible or accountable <~ for a debt>
3 : to be in conformity or correspondence <~ed to the description>
4 : to be adequate
5 : to offer a solution for

— an·swer·er noun

Synonyms
[1] rejoin, reply, respond, retort, return; also acknowledge, comment, communicate, correspond, react, remark
Antonyms
inquire, question
[2] comply, fill, fulfill, keep, meet, redeem, satisfy—more at FULFILL
[3] accord, agree, check, coincide, comport, conform, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, square, tally—more at CHECK
[5] break, crack, dope, figure out, puzzle, resolve, riddle, solve, unravel, work, work out—more at SOLVE

an·swer·able adjective
1 : subject to taking blame or responsibility
2 : capable of being refuted

Synonyms
accountable, liable, responsible—more at RESPONSIBLE

answering machine noun
: a machine that receives telephone calls by playing a recorded message and usu. by recording messages from callers

answering service noun
: a commercial service that answers telephone calls for its clients

1ant noun
: any of a family of small social insects related to the bees and living in communities usu. in earth or wood

2ant abbreviation
antonym

Ant abbreviation
Antarctica

1-ant noun suffix
1 : one that performs or promotes (a specified action) <coolant>
2 : thing that is acted upon (in a specified manner) <inhalant>

2-ant adjective suffix
1 : performing (a specified action) or being (in a specified condition) <propellant>
2 : promoting (a specified action or process) <expectorant>

ant·ac·id noun
: an agent that counteracts acidity

— antacid adjective

an·tag·o·nism noun
1 : active opposition or hostility
2 : opposition in physiological action

Synonyms
animosity, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, rancor—more at ENMITY

an·tag·o·nist noun
: one that contends with or opposes another : ADVERSARY, OPPONENT

Synonyms
adversary, enemy, foe, opponent—more at ENEMY

an·tag·o·nis·tic adjective
: marked by or resulting from antagonism

Synonyms
hostile, inhospitable, inimical, jaundiced, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic—more at HOSTILE

an·tag·o·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
: to provoke the hostility of

Synonyms
anger, enrage, incense, inflame, infuriate, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil—more at ANGER

ant·arc·tic adjective, often cap
: of or relating to the south pole or the region near it

antarctic circle noun, often cap A&C
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66 1/2 degrees south of the equator

1ante noun
: a poker stake put up before the deal to build the pot; also : an amount paid : PRICE

2ante verb an·ted; an·te·ing
1 : to put up (an ante)
2 : PAY

ant·eat·er noun
: any of several mammals (as an aardvark) that feed mostly on ants or termites

an·te·bel·lum adjective
: existing before a war; especially : existing before the U.S. Civil War of 1861-65

an·te·ced·ent noun
1 : a noun, pronoun, phrase, or clause referred to by a personal or relative pronoun
2 : a preceding event or cause
3 plural : the significant conditions of one's earlier life
4 a : one that precedes : PREDECESSOR; especially : a model or stimulus for later developments
b plural : ANCESTORS

Synonyms
[2] cause, occasion, reason—more at CAUSE
[4a] ancestor, forerunner, precursor—more at ANCESTOR

antecedent adjective
: earlier in time or order

Synonyms
anterior, foregoing, preceding, previous, prior—more at PREVIOUS

an·te·cham·ber noun
: ANTEROOM

an·te·date verb
1 : to date (a paper) as of an earlier day than that on which the actual writing or signing is done
2 : to precede in time

Synonyms
forego, precede—more at PRECEDE

an·te·di·lu·vi·an adjective
1 : of the period before the biblical flood
2 : made, evolved, or developed a long time ago

Synonyms
age-old, ancient, antique, dateless, hoary, old, venerable—more at ANCIENT

an·te·lope noun, plural -lope or -lopes
[ORIGIN: ME, fabulous heraldic beast, prob. fr. MF antelop savage animal with sawlike horns, fr. ML anthalopus, fr. LGk antholops]

1 : any of various deerlike ruminant mammals that chiefly inhabit Africa an have a slender build and horns extending upward and backward
2 : PRONGHORN

an·te me·ri·di·em adjective
[ORIGIN: L]

: being before noon

an·ten·na noun, plural -nae or -nas
[ORIGIN: ML, fr. L, sail yard]

1 : one of the long slender paired segmented sensory organs on the head of an arthropod (as an insect or crab)
2 plural usually -nas : a metallic device (as a rod or wire) for sending out or receiving radio waves

an·te·pe·nult also an·te·pen·ul·ti·ma noun
: the 3d syllable of a word counting from the end

— an·te·pen·ul·ti·mate adjective or noun

an·te·ri·or adjective
1 : situated before or toward the front
2 : situated near or nearer to the head
3 : coming before in time

Synonyms
antecedent, foregoing, preceding, previous, prior—more at PREVIOUS

anterior cruciate ligament noun
: a cross-shaped ligament of the knee that connects the tibia and femur

an·te·room noun
: a room forming the entrance to another and often used as a waiting room

an·them noun
1 : a sacred vocal composition
2 : a song or hymn of praise or gladness

Synonyms
[1, 2] canticle, carol, chorale, hymn, psalm, spiritual—more at HYMN

an·ther noun
: the part of a stamen of a seed plant that produces and contains pollen

ant·hill noun
: a mound thrown up by ants or termites in digging their nest

an·thol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
[ORIGIN: NL anthologia collection of epigrams, fr. MGk, fr. Gk, flower gathering, fr. anthos flower + logia collecting, fr. legein to gather]

: a collection of literary selections

— an·thol·o·gist noun

— an·thol·o·gize verb

Synonyms
album, compilation, miscellany; also archives

an·thra·cite noun
: a hard glossy coal that burns without much smoke

an·thrax noun
: an infectious and usu. fatal bacterial disease of warm-blooded animals (as cattle and sheep) that is transmissible to humans; also : a bacterium causing anthrax

an·thro·po·cen·tric adjective
: interpreting or regarding the world in terms of human values and experiences

an·thro·poid noun
1 : any of several large tailless apes (as a gorilla)
2 : a person resembling an ape

— anthropoid adjective

an·thro·pol·o·gy noun
: the science of human beings and esp. of their physical characteristics, their origin and the distribution of races, their environment and social relations, and their culture

— an·thro·po·log·i·cal adjective

— an·thro·pol·o·gist noun

an·thro·po·mor·phism noun
: an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics : HUMANIZATION

— an·thro·po·mor·phic adjective

an·ti noun, plural antis
: one who is opposed

anti- or ant- or anth- prefix
1 : opposite in kind, position, or action
2 : opposing : hostile toward
3 : counteractive
4 : preventive of : curative of

List of self-explanatory words with the prefix anti-:

antiaging

anti–AIDS

antiaircraft

antialcohol

anti–American

antiapartheid

antibacterial

anticapitalist

anti–Catholic

anticholesterol

anticlerical

anticolonial

anticommunism

anticommunist

antidemocratic

antiestablishment

antifascist

antigovernment

anti–imperialism

anti–imperialist

antiknock

antilabor

antimalarial

antimicrobial

antinausea

antipoverty

antislavery

antispasmodic

antistatic

antisubmarine

antitank

antitumor

antiviral

antiwar

an·ti·abor·tion adjective
: opposed to abortion

an·ti·bal·lis·tic missile noun
: a missile for intercepting and destroying ballistic missiles

an·ti·bi·ot·ic noun
: a substance produced by or derived by chemical alteration of a substance produced by a microorganism (as a fungus or bacterium) that in dilute solution inhibits or kills another microorganism

— antibiotic adjective

an·ti·body noun
: any of a large number of proteins of high molecular weight produced normally by specialized B cells after stimulation by an antigen and acting specifically against the antigen in an immune response

1antic noun
: an often wildly playful or funny act or action

Synonyms
caper, escapade, frolic, monkeyshine, practical joke, prank, trick—more at PRANK

2antic adjective
[ORIGIN: It antico ancient thing or person, fr. antico ancient, fr. L antiquus]

1 archaic : GROTESQUE
2 a : characterized by clownish extravagance or absurdity
b : whimsically gay : PLAYFUL

Synonyms
[2a] comic, comical, droll, farcical, funny, hilarious, humorous, hysterical, laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous, riotous—more at FUNNY
[2b] coltish, elfish, fay, frisky, frolicsome, playful, sportive—more at PLAYFUL

an·ti·can·cer adjective
: used against or tending to arrest cancer <~ drugs>

An·ti·christ noun
1 : one who denies or opposes Christ
2 : a false Christ

an·tic·i·pate verb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
1 : to foresee and provide for beforehand
2 : to look forward to

— an·tic·i·pa·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] divine, foreknow, foresee—more at FORESEE
[2] await, expect, hope, watch—more at EXPECT

an·tic·i·pa·to·ry adjective
: characterized by anticipation

Synonyms
agape, agog, expectant—more at EXPECTANT

an·ti·cli·max noun
: something closing a series that is strikingly less important than what has preceded it

— an·ti·cli·mac·tic adjective

an·ti·cline noun
: an arch of layers of rock in the earth's crust

an·ti·co·ag·u·lant noun
: a substance that hinders the clotting of blood

— anticoagulant adjective

an·ti·cy·clone noun
: a system of winds that rotates about a center of high atmospheric pressure

— an·ti·cy·clon·ic adjective

1antidepressant noun
: a drug used to relieve psychic depression

2antidepressant noun
: an antidepressant drug

an·ti·dote noun
: a remedy to counteract the effects of poison

an·ti·drug adjective
: acting against or opposing illicit drugs

an·ti·fer·til·i·ty adjective
: tending to reduce or destroy fertility : CONTRACEPTIVE <~ agents>

an·ti·freeze noun
: a substance added to a liquid to lower its freezing temperature

an·ti·gen noun
: any substance (as a toxin or an enzyme) foreign to the body that induces an immune response

— an·ti·gen·ic adjective

— an·ti·ge·nic·i·ty noun

an·ti·grav·i·ty adjective
: reducing or canceling the effect of gravity

an·ti·he·ro noun
: a protagonist who is notably lacking in heroic qualities (as courage)

an·ti·his·ta·mine noun
: any of various drugs used in treating allergies and colds

an·ti·hy·per·ten·sive noun
: a substance that is effective against high blood pressure

— antihypertensive adjective

an·ti–in·flam·ma·to·ry adjective
: counteracting inflammation

— anti–inflammatory noun

an·ti–in·tel·lec·tu·al adjective
: opposing or hostile to intellectuals or to an intellectual view or approach

an·ti·lock adjective
: being a braking system designed to prevent the wheels from locking

an·ti·log·a·rithm noun
: the number corresponding to a given logarithm

an·ti·ma·cas·sar noun
: a cover to protect the back or arms of furniture

an·ti·mat·ter noun
: matter composed of antiparticles

an·ti·mo·ny noun
: a brittle silvery white metallic chemical element used esp. in alloys

an·ti·neu·tron noun
: the antiparticle of the neutron

an·ti·no·mi·an noun
: one who denies the validity of moral laws

an·tin·o·my noun, plural -mies
: a contradiction between two seemingly true statements

an·ti·nov·el noun
: a work of fiction that lacks all or most of the traditional features of the novel

an·ti·nu·cle·ar adjective
: opposing the use or production of nuclear power plants

an·ti·ox·i·dant noun
: a substance that inhibits oxidation

— antioxidant adjective

an·ti·par·ti·cle noun
: a subatomic particle identical to another subatomic particle in mass but opposite to it in electric and magnetic properties

an·ti·pas·to noun, plural -ti
: any of various typically Italian hors d'oeuvres

an·ti·pa·thet·ic adjective
: having an aversion to or dislike of

an·tip·a·thy noun, plural -thies
1 : settled aversion or dislike
2 : an object of aversion

Synonyms
[1] animosity, antagonism, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, rancor—more at ENMITY
[2] abhorrence, abomination, anathema, aversion, bête noire, hate—more at HATE

an·ti·per·son·nel adjective
: designed for use against military personnel <~ mine>

an·ti·per·spi·rant noun
: a preparation used to check perspiration

an·tiph·o·nal adjective
: performed by two alternating groups

— an·tiph·o·nal·ly adverb

an·tip·o·dal adjective
: diametrically opposite or opposed to

Synonyms
antithetical, contradictory, contrary, diametric, opposite, polar—more at OPPOSITE

an·ti·pode noun, plural an·tip·o·des
[ORIGIN: ME antipodes, pl., persons dwelling at opposite points on the globe, fr. L, fr. Gk, fr. pl. of antipod-, antipous with feet opposite, fr. anti- against + pod-, pous foot]

1 : the parts of the earth diametrically opposite — usu. used in pl.
2 : the exact opposite or contrary

Synonyms
antithesis, contrary, negative, opposite, reverse—more at OPPOSITE

an·tip·o·de·an adjective
: diametrically opposite or opposed to

an·ti·pol·lu·tion adjective
: designed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate pollution <~ laws>

an·ti·pope noun
: one elected or claiming to be pope in opposition to the pope canonically chosen

an·ti·pro·ton noun
: the antiparticle of the proton

an·ti·quar·i·an adjective
1 : of or relating to antiquities
2 : dealing in old books

— antiquarian noun

— an·ti·quar·i·an·ism noun

an·ti·quary noun, plural -quar·ies
: a person who collects or studies antiquities

an·ti·quat·ed adjective
: outmoded or discredited by reason of age : OUT-OF-DATE

Synonyms
archaic, dated, obsolete, outdated, outmoded, outworn, passé—more at OBSOLETE

1antique noun
: an object made in a bygone period

2antique adjective
1 : belonging to antiquity
2 : being in the style or fashion of former times : OLD-FASHIONED
3 : of a bygone style or period

Synonyms
[1] age-old, ancient, antediluvian, dateless, hoary, old, venerable—more at ANCIENT
[2] old-fashioned, old-time, quaint—more at OLD-FASHIONED

3antique verb -tiqued; -tiqu·ing
1 : to finish or refinish in antique style : give an appearance of age to
2 : to shop around for antiques

— an·tiqu·er noun

an·tiq·ui·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : ancient times
2 : great age
3 plural : relics of ancient times
4 plural : matters relating to ancient culture

antis plural of ANTI

an·ti–Sem·i·tism noun
: hostility toward Jews as a religious or social minority

— an·ti–Se·mit·ic adjective

an·ti·sep·tic adjective
1 : killing or checking the growth of germs that cause decay or infection
2 : scrupulously clean : ASEPTIC

— antiseptic noun

— an·ti·sep·ti·cal·ly adverb

an·ti·se·rum noun
: a serum containing antibodies

an·ti·so·cial adjective
1 : disliking the society of others
2 : contrary or hostile to the well-being of society <crime is ~>

— an·ti·so·cial·ly adverb

Synonyms
aloof, cold, cool, detached, distant, frosty, remote, standoffish, unsociable—more at COOL

an·tith·e·sis noun, plural -e·ses
1 : the opposition or contrast of ideas
2 : the direct opposite

Synonyms
antipode, contrary, negative, opposite, reverse—more at OPPOSITE

an·ti·thet·i·cal also an·ti·thet·ic adjective
: constituting or marked by antithesis

— an·ti·thet·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
antipodal, contradictory, contrary, diametric, opposite, polar—more at OPPOSITE

an·ti·tox·in noun
: an antibody that is able to neutralize a particular toxin or disease-causing agent; also : an antiserum containing an antitoxin

an·ti·trust adjective
: of or relating to legislation against trusts; also : consisting of laws to protect trade and commerce from unlawful restraints and monopolies or unfair business practices

an·ti·ven·in noun
: an antitoxin to a venom; also : a serum containing such antitoxin

ant·ler noun
[ORIGIN: ME aunteler, fr. AF antiler, fr. VL *anteocularis located before the eye, fr. L ante- before + oculus eye]

: one of the paired deciduous solid bone processes on the head of a deer; also : a branch of this

— ant·lered adjective

ant lion noun
: any of various insects having a long-jawed larva that digs a conical pit in which it lies in wait for insects (as ants) on which it feeds

an·to·nym noun
: a word of opposite meaning

anus noun
[ORIGIN: L]

: the lower or posterior opening of the alimentary canal

an·vil noun
1 : a heavy iron block on which metal is shaped
2 : INCUS

anx·i·ety noun, plural -et·ies
1 : painful uneasiness of mind usu. over an anticipated ill
2 : abnormal apprehension and fear often accompanied by physiological signs (as sweating and increased pulse), by doubt about the nature and reality of the threat itself, and by self-doubt

Synonyms
agitation, apprehension, care, concern, disquiet, nervousness, perturbation, uneasiness, worry; also strain, stress, tension

anx·ious adjective
1 : uneasy in mind : WORRIED <~ parents>
2 : characterized by, resulting from, or causing anxiety <an ~ night>
3 : earnestly wishing : EAGER

— anx·ious·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] distressful, nervous, restless, tense, unsettling, upsetting, worrisome—more at NERVOUS
[3] agog, ardent, athirst, avid, eager, enthusiastic, keen—more at EAGER

1any adjective
1 : one chosen at random
2 : of whatever number or quantity

2any pronoun
1 : any one or ones <take ~ of the books you like>
2 : any amount <~ of the money not used is to be returned>

3any adverb
: to any extent or degree : AT ALL <could not walk ~ farther>

any·body pronoun
: ANYONE

any·how adverb
1 : in any way
2 : in spite of that; also : in any case

any·more adverb
1 : any longer
2 : at the present time

Synonyms
now, nowadays, presently, right now, today—more at NOW

any·one pronoun
: any person

any·place adverb
: ANYWHERE

any·thing pronoun
: any thing whatever

any·time adverb
: at any time whatever

any·way adverb
: in spite of that : ANYHOW

any·where adverb
: in or to any place

any·wise adverb
: in any way whatever

A–OK adverb or adjective
: very definitely OK

A1 adjective
: of the finest quality

Synonyms
excellent, fabulous, fine, grand, great, marvelous, prime, superb, superior, swell, terrific, unsurpassed, wonderful—more at EXCELLENT

aor·ta noun, plural -tas or -tae
: the main artery that carries blood from the heart

— aor·tic adjective

ap abbreviation
1 apostle
2 apothecaries'

AP abbreviation
1 American plan
2 Associated Press

apace adverb
: at a quick pace : SWIFTLY

Synonyms
briskly, fast, hastily, pronto, quick, quickly, rapidly, speedily, swift, swiftly—more at FAST

Apache noun, plural Apache or Apach·es
: a member of an American Indian people of the southwestern U.S.; also : any of the languages of the Apache people

— Apach·e·an adjective or noun

apart adverb
1 : separately in place or time
2 : ASIDE
3 : in two or more parts : to pieces

apart·heid noun
[ORIGIN: Afrikaans]

: a policy of racial segregation practiced in the Republic of So. Africa

apart·ment noun
: a room or set of rooms occupied as a dwelling; also : a building divided into individual dwelling units

ap·a·thet·ic adjective
: having or showing apathy

Synonyms
casual, disinterested, indifferent, insouciant, nonchalant, perfunctory, unconcerned, uncurious, uninterested—more at INDIFFERENT

ap·a·thy noun
1 : lack of emotion
2 : lack of interest : INDIFFERENCE

— ap·a·thet·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] impassivity, numbness, phlegm, stupor; also callousness, coldness, coolness, hardness, insensitivity, obduracy
Antonyms
emotion, feeling, sensibility
[2] disinterestedness, disregard, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance—more at INDIFFERENCE

ap·a·tite noun
: any of a group of minerals that are phosphates of calcium and occur esp. in phosphate rock and in bones and teeth

APB abbreviation
all points bulletin

1ape noun
1 : any of the larger tailless primates (as a baboon or gorilla); also : MONKEY
2 : MIMIC, IMITATOR; also : a large uncouth person

2ape verb aped; ap·ing
: to copy closely but often clumsily and ineptly : IMITATE, MIMIC

Synonyms
copy, emulate, imitate, mime, mimic—more at IMITATE

ape–man noun
: a primate intermediate in character between Homo sapiens and the higher apes

aper·çu noun, plural aperçus
: an immediate impression; especially : INSIGHT

aper·i·tif noun
: an alcoholic drink taken as an appetizer

ap·er·ture noun
: an opening or open space : OPENING, HOLE

Synonyms
hole, opening, orifice, perforation—more at HOLE

apex noun, plural apex·es or api·ces
1 : the highest point : PEAK
2 : the narrowed or pointed end

Synonyms
[1] acme, climax, crown, culmination, head, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tip-top, top, zenith—more at HEIGHT
[2] cusp, end, pike, point, tip—more at POINT

apha·sia noun
: loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words

— apha·sic adjective or noun

aph·elion noun, plural -elia
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. apo- away from + Gk hēlios sun]

: the point in an object's orbit most distant from the sun

aphid noun
: any of numerous small insects that suck the juices of plants

aphis noun, plural aphi·des
: APHID

aph·o·rism noun
: a short saying stating a general truth or sentiment : MAXIM

Synonyms
adage, byword, epigram, maxim, proverb, saying—more at SAYING

aph·o·ris·tic adjective
: of, resembling, or characterized by aphorisms

aph·ro·di·si·ac noun
: an agent that excites sexual desire

— aphrodisiac adjective

api·ary noun, plural -ar·ies
: a place where bees are kept

— api·a·rist noun

api·cal adjective
: of, relating to, or situated at an apex

— api·cal·ly adverb

apiece adverb
: for each one

Synonyms
all, per capita; also apart, independently, individually, respectively, separately, singly

aplen·ty adjective
: being in plenty or abundance

aplomb noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., perpendicularity, fr. MF, fr. a plomb, lit., according to the plummet]

: complete composure or self-assurance

Synonyms
calmness, composure, coolness, equanimity, placidity, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity—more at EQUANIMITY

APO abbreviation
army post office

Apoc abbreviation
1 Apocalypse
2 Apocrypha

apoc·a·lypse noun
1 : a writing prophesying a cataclysm in which evil forces are destroyed
2 cap : a book of the New Testament of the Christian Scripture

— apoc·a·lyp·tic also apoc·a·lyp·ti·cal adjective

Apoc·ry·pha noun
1 not cap : writings of dubious authenticity
2 : books included in the Septuagint and Vulgate but excluded from the Jewish and Protestant canons of the Old Testament
3 : early Christian writings not included in the New Testament

apoc·ry·phal adjective
1 : not canonical : SPURIOUS
2 often cap : of or resembling the Apocrypha

— apoc·ry·phal·ly adverb

— apoc·ry·phal·ness noun

apo·gee noun
[ORIGIN: F apogée, fr. NL apogaeum, fr. Gk apogaion, fr. apo away from + gē, gaia earth]

: the point at which an orbiting object is farthest from the body being orbited

apo·lit·i·cal adjective
1 : having an aversion for or no interest in political affairs
2 : having no political significance

— apo·lit·i·cal·ly adverb

apol·o·get·ic adjective
: expressing apology

— apol·o·get·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
contrite, penitent, regretful, remorseful, repentant, rueful, sorry—more at CONTRITE

ap·o·lo·gia noun
: APOLOGY; especially : an argument in support or justification

apol·o·gize verb -gized; -giz·ing
: to make an apology : express regret

— apol·o·gist noun

apol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
1 : a formal justification : DEFENSE
2 : an expression of regret for a wrong

ap·o·plexy noun
: STROKE 3

— ap·o·plec·tic adjective

aport adverb
: on or toward the left side of a ship

apos·ta·sy noun, plural -sies
: a renunciation or abandonment of a former loyalty (as to a religion)

apos·tate noun
: one who commits apostasy

— apostate adjective

Synonyms
betrayer, double-crosser, quisling, recreant, traitor, turncoat—more at TRAITOR

a pos·te·ri·o·ri adjective
[ORIGIN: L, lit., from the latter]

: relating to or derived by reasoning from observed facts

— a posteriori adverb

apos·tle noun
1 : one of the group composed of Jesus' 12 original disciples and Paul
2 : the first prominent missionary to a region or group
3 a : a person who initiates or first advocates a great reform
b : an ardent supporter

— apos·tle·ship noun

Synonyms
advocate, backer, booster, champion, exponent, friend, promoter, proponent, supporter—more at EXPONENT

ap·os·tol·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to an apostle or to the New Testament apostles
2 : of or relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the apostles
3 : PAPAL

1apostrophe noun
: the rhetorical addressing of a usu. absent person or a usu. personified thing (as in “O grave, where is thy victory?”)

2apostrophe noun
: a punctuation mark ' used esp. to indicate the possessive case or the omission of a letter or figure

apos·tro·phize verb -phized; -phiz·ing
: to address as if present or capable of understanding

apothecaries' weight noun
: a system of weights based on the troy pound and ounce and used chiefly by pharmacists

apoth·e·cary noun, plural -car·ies
[ORIGIN: ME apothecarie, fr. ML apothecarius, fr. LL, shopkeeper, fr. L apotheca storehouse, fr. Gk apothēkē, fr. apotithenai to put away]

: one who prepares and sells drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes : DRUGGIST

ap·o·thegm noun
: APHORISM

apo·the·o·sis noun, plural -o·ses
1 : DEIFICATION
2 : the perfect example

app abbreviation
1 apparatus
2 appendix

ap·pall also ap·pal verb ap·palled; ap·pall·ing
: to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay

Synonyms
bowl, floor, jolt, shake up, shock—more at SHOCK

ap·pall·ing adjective
: inspiring horror, dismay, or disgust

Synonyms
abhorrent, abominable, awful, distasteful, horrible, horrid, nasty, nauseating, noisome, obnoxious, obscene, odious, offensive, repellent, revolting—more at OFFENSIVE

Ap·pa·loo·sa noun
: any of a breed of saddle horses developed in western No. America and usu. having a white or solid-colored coat with small spots

ap·pa·nage noun
1 : provision (as a grant of land) made by a sovereign or legislative body for dependent members of the royal family
2 : something that is attached or associated in a natural or necessary way : a natural adjunct

ap·pa·ra·tus noun, plural -tus·es or -tus
[ORIGIN: L]

1 : a set of materials or equipment for a particular use
2 : a complex machine or device : MECHANISM
3 : the organization of a political party or underground movement

Synonyms
accoutrements, equipment, gear, matériel, outfit, paraphernalia, tackle—more at EQUIPMENT

1apparel verb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling
1 : to put clothes on : CLOTHE
2 : ADORN

2apparel noun
: personal attire : CLOTHING, DRESS

Synonyms
attire, clothing, dress, duds, raiment, wear—more at CLOTHING

ap·par·ent adjective
1 : open to view : VISIBLE
2 : clear or manifest to the understanding : EVIDENT, OBVIOUS
3 : appearing as real or true : SEEMING

Synonyms
[1] observable, visible, visual—more at VISIBLE
[2] clear, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, plain, transparent, unambiguous, unequivocal, unmistakable—more at CLEAR
[3] assumed, evident, ostensible, reputed, seeming, supposed; also external, outward, visible

ap·par·ent·ly adverb
: it seems apparent

Synonyms
evidently, ostensibly, presumably, seemingly, supposedly; also externally, outwardly, visibly

ap·pa·ri·tion noun
: a supernatural appearance : GHOST

Synonyms
bogey, ghost, phantasm, phantom, poltergeist, shade, shadow, specter, spirit, spook, vision, wraith—more at GHOST

1appeal noun
1 : an earnest plea
2 : the power of arousing a sympathetic response

Synonyms
[1] cry, entreaty, petition, plea, prayer, solicitation, suit, supplication—more at PLEA
[2] allure, attractiveness, captivation, charisma, charm, enchantment, fascination, glamour, magic, magnetism—more at CHARM

2appeal verb
1 : to take steps to have (a case) reheard in a higher court
2 : to plead for help, corroboration, or decision
3 : to arouse a sympathetic response

Synonyms
usually appeal to beg, beseech, entreat, implore, importune, petition, plead, pray, solicit, supplicate—more at BEG

ap·pear verb
1 : to become visible
2 : to come formally before an authority
3 : to have an outward aspect : SEEM
4 : to become evident
5 : to come before the public

Synonyms
[1] come out, materialize, show up, turn up; also reappear, resurface
Antonyms
disappear, clear, dissolve, evaporate, fade, go (away), melt (away), vanish
[3] act, look, make, seem, sound—more at SEEM

ap·pear·ance noun
1 : outward aspect : LOOK
2 : the act of appearing
3 : PHENOMENON

Synonyms
aspect, look, mien, presence; also air, attitude, bearing, behavior, comportment, demeanor, deportment, manner, poise, pose
face, guise, name, semblance, show; also affectation, display, fiction, imposture, pose, pretense, simulation

ap·pease verb ap·peased; ap·peas·ing
1 : to cause to subside : ALLAY
2 : to bring to a state of peace or quiet : PACIFY, CONCILIATE; especially : to buy off by concessions

— ap·pease·ment noun

— ap·peas·able adjective

Synonyms
conciliate, disarm, mollify, pacify, placate, propitiate—more at PACIFY

ap·pel·lant noun
: one who appeals esp. from a judicial decision

ap·pel·late adjective
: having power to review decisions of a lower court

ap·pel·la·tion noun
: an identifying name or title : NAME, DESIGNATION

Synonyms
cognomen, denotation, designation, handle, name, title—more at NAME

ap·pel·lee noun
: one against whom an appeal is taken

ap·pend verb
: to attach esp. as something additional

Synonyms
add, adjoin, annex, tack—more at ADD

ap·pend·age noun
1 : something appended to a principal or greater thing
2 : a projecting part of the body (as an antenna) esp. when paired with one on each side

Synonyms
accessory, accoutrement, adjunct, attachment—more at ACCESSORY

ap·pen·dec·to·my noun, plural -mies
: surgical removal of the intestinal appendix

ap·pen·di·ci·tis noun
: inflammation of the intestinal appendix

ap·pen·dix noun, plural -dix·es or -di·ces
[ORIGIN: L]

1 : supplementary matter added at the end of a book
2 : a narrow blind tube usu. about three or four inches long that extends from the cecum in the lower right-hand part of the abdomen

ap·per·tain verb
: to belong or be connected as a rightful part or privilege

Synonyms
apply, bear, pertain, refer, relate—more at APPLY

ap·pe·tite noun
[ORIGIN: ME apetit, fr. AF, fr. L appetitus, fr. appetere to strive after, fr. ad- to + petere to go to]

1 : natural desire for satisfying some want or need esp. for food
2 : individual preference : TASTE

Synonyms
[1] craving, desire, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, thirst, urge, yen—more at DESIRE
[2] fancy, favor, fondness, like, liking, love, partiality, preference, relish, shine, taste, use—more at LIKING

ap·pe·tiz·er noun
: a food or drink taken just before a meal to stimulate the appetite

ap·pe·tiz·ing adjective
: tempting to the appetite

— ap·pe·tiz·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
delectable, delicious, flavorful, palatable, tasty, toothsome—more at DELICIOUS

appl abbreviation
applied

ap·plaud verb
: to show approval esp. by clapping

Synonyms
acclaim, cheer, hail, laud, praise, salute, tout—more at ACCLAIM

ap·plause noun
: approval publicly expressed (as by clapping)

Synonyms
acclamation, ovation; also clapping
Antonyms
hissing

ap·ple noun
: a rounded fruit with firm white flesh and a seedy core; also : a tree that bears this fruit

ap·ple·jack noun
: a liquor distilled from fermented cider

app·let noun
: a short computer program esp. for perfornimg a simple specific task

ap·pli·ance noun
1 : an instrument or device designed for a particular use or function
2 : a piece of household equipment (as a stove or toaster) operated by gas or electricity

ap·pli·ca·ble adjective
: capable of being applied

Synonyms
functional, practicable, practical, serviceable, usable, useful, workable, working—more at PRACTICAL
apposite, apropos, germane, material, pertinent, pointed, relative, relevant—more at PERTINENT

ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being applicable

Synonyms
bearing, connection, pertinence, relevance—more at PERTINENCE

ap·pli·cant noun
: one who applies

Synonyms
aspirant, campaigner, candidate, contender, hopeful, prospect, seeker—more at CANDIDATE

ap·pli·ca·tion noun
1 : the act of applying
2 : assiduous attention
3 : REQUEST; also : a form used in making a request
4 : something placed or spread on a surface
5 : capacity for use
6 : a program (as a word processor) that performs one of a computer's major tasks

Synonyms
employment, exercise, operation, play, use—more at USE

ap·pli·ca·tor noun
: a device for applying a substance (as medicine or polish)

ap·plied adjective
: put to practical use <~ art>

ap·pli·qué noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a fabric decoration cut out and fastened to a larger piece of material

— appliqué verb

ap·ply verb ap·plied; ap·ply·ing
1 a : to put to practical use
b : to bring into action
c : to lay or spread on
d : to put into operation or effect
2 : to place in contact : put or spread on a surface
3 : to employ with close attention
4 : to have reference or connection
5 : to submit a request

Synonyms
[1a, 1b] employ, exercise, exploit, harness, operate, use, utilize—more at USE
[1d] administer, enforce, execute, implement—more at ENFORCE
[3] address, bend, buckle, devote, give; also readdress, reapply
[4] appertain, bear, pertain, refer, relate; also affect, concern, interest, involve, touch

ap·point verb
1 : to fix or set officially <~ a day for trial>
2 : to name officially
3 : to fit out : EQUIP

Synonyms
[1] designate, fix, name, set; also adopt, assign, choose, determine, establish, opt (for), pick, pin down, prefer, select, settle, single (out), specify
[2] assign, attach, commission, constitute, designate, detail, name; also authorize, delegate, depute, deputize, inaugurate, induct, install, instate, ordain, invest

ap·poin·tee noun
: a person appointed

ap·point·ive adjective
: subject to appointment

ap·point·ment noun
1 : the act of appointing
2 : an arrangement for a meeting
3 plural : articles of furniture for the interior of a building : FURNISHINGS
4 : a nonelective office or position

Synonyms
[2] date, engagement, rendezvous, tryst—more at ENGAGEMENT
usually appointments [3] furniture—more at FURNITURE
[4] billet, capacity, function, job, place, position, post, situation—more at JOB
[4] assignment, commission, designation; also billet, job, office, place, position, situation, spot, station
Antonyms
discharge, dismissal, expulsion, firing

ap·por·tion verb
: to distribute proportionately

Synonyms
allocate, allot, allow, assign, ration—more at ALLOT
administer, allocate, deal, dispense, distribute, mete, parcel, portion, prorate—more at ADMINISTER

ap·por·tion·ment noun
: an act or result of apportioning

ap·po·site adjective
: highly pertinent or appropriate : RELEVANT

— ap·po·site·ly adverb

— ap·po·site·ness noun

Synonyms
applicable, apropos, germane, material, pertinent, pointed, relative, relevant—more at PERTINENT

ap·po·si·tion noun
: a grammatical construction in which a noun or pronoun is followed by another that has the same referent (as the poet and Burns in “a biography of the poet Burns”)

ap·pos·i·tive adjective
: of, relating to, or standing in grammatical apposition

— appositive noun

ap·prais·al noun
: an act or instance of appraising

Synonyms
assessment, estimate, estimation, evaluation, judgment—more at ESTIMATION

ap·praise verb ap·praised; ap·prais·ing
1 : to set a value on
2 : to evaluate the worth, significance, or status of

— ap·prais·er noun

Synonyms
assess, estimate, evaluate, rate, set, value—more at ESTIMATE

ap·pre·cia·ble adjective
: large enough to be recognized and measured

— ap·pre·cia·bly adverb

Synonyms
detectable, discernible, distinguishable, palpable, perceptible, sensible—more at PERCEPTIBLE

ap·pre·ci·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to value justly
2 : to judge with understanding : be fully aware of
3 : to be grateful for
4 : to increase in value

Synonyms
[1] cherish, prize, treasure, value
[1] admire, esteem, regard, respect—more at ADMIRE
[2] apprehend, catch, catch on, comprehend, get, grasp, make, make out, perceive, see, seize, tumble, understand—more at COMPREHEND
[4] accumulate, build, expand, increase, mount, multiply, proliferate, rise—more at INCREASE

ap·pre·ci·a·tion noun
1 a : an opinion or estimate formed by discerning and comparing; especially : a favorable critical estimate
b : sensitive awareness
2 : an expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude

Synonyms
[1a] admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect—more at ADMIRATION
[1a] apprehension, comprehension, grasp, grip, perception, understanding—more at COMPREHENSION
[2] gratefulness, gratitude, thanks—more at THANKS

ap·pre·cia·tive adjective
: having or showing appreciation

— ap·pre·cia·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
complimentary, favorable, friendly, good, positive—more at FAVORABLE
grateful, obliged, thankful—more at GRATEFUL

ap·pre·hend verb
1 : to take or keep in custody by authority of law : ARREST
2 : to become aware of
3 : to look forward to with dread
4 : to grasp with the understanding : UNDERSTAND

Synonyms
[1] arrest, nab, pick up, restrain, seize—more at ARREST
[4] appreciate, catch, catch on, comprehend, get, grasp, make, make out, perceive, see, seize, tumble, understand—more at COMPREHEND

ap·pre·hen·sion noun
1 a : the act or power of perceiving or comprehending
b : the result of apprehending mentally
2 : seizure by legal process
3 : suspicion or fear esp. of future evil

Synonyms
[1b] appreciation, comprehension, grasp, grip, perception, understanding—more at COMPREHENSION
[3] agitation, anxiety, care, concern, disquiet, nervousness, perturbation, uneasiness, worry—more at ANXIETY

ap·pre·hen·sive adjective
: viewing the future with anxiety

— ap·pre·hen·sive·ly adverb

— noun

ap·pre·hen·sive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being apprehensive

1apprentice noun
1 : a person learning a craft under a skilled worker
2 : BEGINNER

— ap·pren·tice·ship noun

Synonyms
aid, assistant, helper—more at HELPER

2apprentice verb -ticed; -tic·ing
: to bind or set at work as an apprentice

ap·prise verb ap·prised; ap·pris·ing
: to give notice to : INFORM

Synonyms
acquaint, advise, brief, clue, enlighten, familiarize, fill in, inform, instruct, tell, wise—more at ENLIGHTEN

1approach verb
1 : to move nearer to
2 : to be almost the same as
3 : to make advances to esp. for the purpose of creating a desired result
4 : to take preliminary steps toward

— ap·proach·able adjective

Synonyms
[1] advance, close, come, near; also arrive, attain, come, gain, hit, land, make, reach, show up, turn up
Antonyms
back (up or away), recede, retire, retreat, withdraw
[2] approximate, compare, measure up, stack up—more at APPROXIMATE

2approach noun
1 : a means of access : AVENUE
2 a : the taking of preliminary steps toward a particular purpose
b : a particular manner of taking steps toward an end

Synonyms
[1] avenue, passage, path, route, way—more at PASSAGE
[2b] fashion, form, manner, method, strategy, style, system, tack, tactics, technique, way—more at METHOD

ap·pro·ba·tion noun
: an act of commending : APPROVAL

Synonyms
approval, blessing, favor, imprimatur, OK—more at APPROVAL

1appropriate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to take possession of
2 : to set apart for a particular use

Synonyms
arrogate, commandeer, preempt, usurp; also annex, claim, confiscate, expropriate, preoccupy, sequester

2appropriate adjective
: fitted to a purpose or use

Synonyms
applicable, apt, felicitous, fit, fitting, good, happy, meet, proper, right, suitable—more at FIT

ap·pro·pri·ate·ly adverb
: in an appropriate manner

Synonyms
correctly, fittingly, happily, properly, rightly, suitably—more at PROPERLY

ap·pro·pri·ate·ness noun
: the quality or state of being appropriate

Synonyms
aptness, fitness, rightness, suitability; also agreeableness, compatibility, congruity, harmoniousness
Antonyms
inaptness, infelicity, unfitness

ap·pro·pri·a·tion noun
: something (as money) set aside by formal action for a specific use

Synonyms
allocation, allotment, grant, subsidy; also advance, allowance, benefit, endowment, fund, stipend, trust

ap·prov·al noun
: an act of approving

— on approval

: subject to a prospective buyer's acceptance or refusal

Synonyms
approbation, blessing, favor, imprimatur, OK; also backing, endorsement, sanction, support
Antonyms
disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor

ap·prove verb ap·proved; ap·prov·ing
1 : to have or express a favorable opinion of
2 : to accept as satisfactory : RATIFY

Synonyms
[1] authorize, clear, OK, ratify, sanction, warrant; also accept, acknowledge, affirm, confirm
Antonyms
decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down
usually approve of [2] accept, care, countenance, favor, OK, subscribe; also acclaim, applaud, laud, praise, salute
Antonyms
disapprove (of), discountenance, disfavor, frown (on or upon)

approx abbreviation
approximate; approximately

1approximate adjective
: nearly correct or exact

— ap·prox·i·mate·ly adverb

Synonyms
comparative, near, relative—more at COMPARATIVE

2approximate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
: to come near : APPROACH

— ap·prox·i·ma·tion noun

Synonyms
approach, compare, measure up, stack up; also add up (to), amount (to), come (to)

appt abbreviation
appoint; appointed; appointment

ap·pur·te·nance noun
: something that belongs to or goes with another thing

— ap·pur·te·nant adjective

Apr abbreviation
April

APR abbreviation
annual percentage rate

apri·cot noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of earlier abrecock, ultim. fr. Ar al-birqūq, ultim. fr. L (persicum) praecox, lit., early-ripening (peach)]

: an oval orange-colored fruit resembling the related peach and plum in flavor; also : a tree bearing apricots

April noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF & L; AF avrill, fr. L Aprilis]

: the 4th month of the year

a pri·o·ri adjective
[ORIGIN: L, from the former]

1 : characterized by or derived by reasoning from self-evident propositions
2 : independent of experience

— a priori adverb

apron noun
[ORIGIN: ME, alter. (fr. misdivision of a napron) of napron, fr. MF naperon, dim. of nape cloth, modif. of L mappa napkin]

1 : a garment tied over the front of the body to protect the clothes
2 : a paved area for parking or handling airplanes

— aproned adjective

1apropos adverb
[ORIGIN: F à propos, lit., to the purpose]

1 : OPPORTUNELY
2 : in passing : INCIDENTALLY

2apropos adjective
: being to the point

Synonyms
applicable, apposite, germane, material, pertinent, pointed, relative, relevant—more at PERTINENT

apropos of preposition
: with regard to

Synonyms
about, concerning, of, on, regarding, respecting, toward—more at ABOUT

apse noun
: a projecting usu. semicircular and vaulted part of a building (as a church)

1apt adjective
1 : well adapted : SUITABLE
2 : having an habitual tendency
3 : quick to learn

— apt·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] applicable, appropriate, felicitous, fit, fitting, good, happy, meet, proper, right, suitable—more at FIT
[2] given, inclined, prone—more at PRONE

2apt abbreviation
1 apartment
2 aptitude

ap·ti·tude noun
1 : natural ability : TALENT
2 : capacity for learning
3 : APPROPRIATENESS

Synonyms
endowment, faculty, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent—more at TALENT

apt·ness noun
: the quality or state of being apt

Synonyms
proneness, propensity, tendency, way—more at TENDENCY
appropriateness, fitness, rightness, suitability—more at APPROPRIATENESS

aqua noun
: a light greenish blue color

aqua·cul·ture also aqui·cul·ture noun
: the cultivation of aquatic plants or animals (as fish or shellfish) for human use

aqua·ma·rine noun
1 : a bluish green gem
2 : a pale blue to light greenish blue

aqua·naut noun
: a person who lives in an underwater shelter for an extended period

aqua·plane noun
: a board towed behind a motorboat and ridden by a person standing on it

— aquaplane verb

aqua re·gia noun
[ORIGIN: NL, lit., royal water]

: a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids that dissolves gold or platinum

aquar·i·um noun, plural -i·ums or -ia
1 : a container (as a glass tank) in which living aquatic animals or plants are kept
2 : a place where aquatic animals and plants are kept and shown

Aquar·i·us noun
[ORIGIN: L, lit., water carrier]

1 : a zodiacal constellation between Capricorn and Pisces usu. pictured as a man pouring water
2 : the 11th sign of the zodiac in astrology; also : one born under this sign

1aquatic adjective
1 : growing or living in or frequenting water
2 : performed in or on water

2aquatic noun
: an aquatic animal or plant

aqua·vit noun
: a clear liquor flavored with caraway seeds

aqua vi·tae noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML, lit., water of life]

: a strong alcoholic liquor (as brandy)

aq·ue·duct noun
1 : a conduit for carrying running water
2 : a structure carrying a canal over a river or hollow
3 : a passage in a bodily part

Synonyms
canal, channel, conduit, flume, raceway, watercourse—more at CHANNEL

aque·ous adjective
1 : WATERY
2 : made of, by, or with water

aqueous humor noun
: a clear fluid occupying the space between the lens and the cornea of the eye

aqui·fer noun
: a water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or gravel

aq·ui·line adjective
1 : of or resembling an eagle
2 : hooked like an eagle's beak <an ~ nose>

ar abbreviation
arrival; arrive

Ar symbol
argon

AR abbreviation
Arkansas

-ar adjective suffix
1 : of or relating to <molecular> : being <spectacular>
2 : resembling <oracular>

Ar·ab noun
1 : a member of a Semitic people of the Arabian peninsula in southwestern Asia
2 : a member of an Arabic-speaking people

— Arab adjective

— Ara·bi·an adjective or noun

ar·a·besque noun
: a design of interlacing lines forming figures of flowers, foliage, and sometimes animals

— arabesque adjective

1Arabic noun
: a Semitic language of southwestern Asia and northern Africa

2Arabic adjective
1 : of or relating to the Arabs, Arabic, or the Arabian peninsula in southwestern Asia
2 : expressed in or making use of Arabic numerals

Arabic numeral noun
: any of the number symbols 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

ar·a·ble adjective
: fit for or used for the growing of crops

arach·nid noun
: any of a class of usu. 8-legged arthropods comprising the spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks

— arachnid adjective

Ar·a·ma·ic noun
: an ancient Semitic language

ar·a·mid noun
: any of several light but very strong heat-resistant synthetic materials used esp. in textiles and plastics

Arap·a·ho or Arap·a·hoe noun, plural -ho or -hos or -hoe or -hoes
: a member of an American Indian people of the western U.S.

ar·bi·ter noun
: one having power to decide a dispute

Synonyms
arbitrator, judge, referee, umpire—more at JUDGE
arbitrator, go-between, intercessor, intermediary, mediator, middleman, peacemaker—more at MEDIATOR

ar·bi·trage noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF, arbitration]

: the purchase and sale of the same or equivalent securities in different markets in order to profit from price discrepancies

ar·bi·tra·geur or ar·bi·trag·er noun
: one who practices arbitrage

ar·bit·ra·ment noun
1 : the act of deciding a dispute
2 : the judgment given by an arbitrator

ar·bi·trary adjective
1 : marked by or resulting from the unrestrained and often tyrannical exercise of power
2 : determined by will or caprice : selected at random

— ar·bi·trari·ly adverb

— ar·bi·trari·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] dictatorial, high-handed, imperious, peremptory, willful; also arrogant, commanding, demanding, dominant, domineering, haughty, imperative, lordly, masterful, overbearing, presumptuous
[2] aimless, desultory, erratic, haphazard, random, scattered, stray—more at RANDOM

ar·bi·trate verb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
1 : to act as arbitrator
2 : to act on as arbitrator
3 : to submit for decision to an arbitrator

— ar·bi·tra·tion noun

Synonyms
adjudicate, decide, determine, judge, referee, rule, settle, umpire—more at JUDGE

ar·bi·tra·tor noun
: one chosen to settle differences between two parties in a controversy

Synonyms
arbiter, judge, referee, umpire—more at JUDGE
arbiter, go-between, intercessor, intermediary, mediator, middleman, peacemaker—more at MEDIATOR

ar·bor noun
[ORIGIN: ME erber, herber garden, fr. AF, fr. herbe herb, grass]

: a shelter formed of or covered with vines or branches

ar·bo·re·al adjective
1 : of, relating to, or resembling a tree
2 : living in trees <~ monkeys>

ar·bo·re·tum noun, plural -retums or -re·ta
[ORIGIN: L, plantation of trees, fr. arbor tree]

: a place where trees and plants are grown for scientific and educational purposes

ar·bor·vi·tae noun
: any of various evergreen trees and shrubs with scalelike leaves that are related to the cypresses

ar·bu·tus noun
: TRAILING ARBUTUS

1arc noun
1 : a sustained luminous discharge of electricity (as between two electrodes)
2 : a continuous portion of a curved line (as part of the circumference of a circle)

Synonyms
arch, bend, bow, crook, curve—more at BEND

2arc verb arced ; arc·ing
1 : to form an electric arc
2 : to follow an arc-shaped course

Synonyms
arch, bend, bow, crook, curve, hook, round, sweep, swerve, wheel—more at CURVE

ARC abbreviation
1 AIDS-related complex
2 American Red Cross

ar·cade noun
1 : an arched or covered passageway; especially : one lined with shops
2 : a row of arches with their supporting columns
3 : an amusement center having coin-operated games

ar·cane adjective
: SECRET, MYSTERIOUS

1arch noun
1 : a curved structure spanning an opening (as a door)
2 : something resembling an arch
3 : ARCHWAY

Synonyms
arc, bend, bow, crook, curve—more at BEND

2arch verb
1 : to cover with an arch
2 : to form or bend into an arch

3arch adjective
1 : most important : CHIEF
2 : impertinently bold and impudent

— arch·ly adverb

— arch·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] chief, dominant, foremost, key, main, predominant, primary, principal—more at FOREMOST
[2] bold, brash, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY

4arch abbreviation
architect; architectural; architecture

ar·chae·ol·o·gy or ar·che·ol·o·gy noun
: the study of past human life as revealed by relics left by ancient peoples

— ar·chae·o·log·i·cal adjective

— ar·chae·ol·o·gist noun

ar·cha·ic adjective
1 : having the characteristics of the language of the past and surviving chiefly in specialized uses <~ words>
2 : belonging to an earlier time : ANTIQUATED

— ar·cha·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
antiquated, dated, obsolete, outdated, outmoded, outworn, passé—more at OBSOLETE

arch·an·gel noun
: a chief angel

arch·bish·op noun
: a bishop of high rank

arch·bish·op·ric noun
: the jurisdiction or office of an archbishop

arch·con·ser·va·tive noun
: an extreme conservative

— archconservative adjective

arch·dea·con noun
: a church official who assists a diocesan bishop in ceremonial or administrative functions

arch·di·o·cese noun
: the diocese of an archbishop

arch·duke noun
1 : a sovereign prince
2 : a prince of the imperial family of Austria

Ar·che·an adjective
: of, relating to, or being the earliest eon of geologic history

— Archean noun

arch·en·e·my noun, plural -mies
: a principal enemy

Ar·cheo·zo·ic adjective
: ARCHEAN

— Archeozoic noun

ar·chery noun
: the art or practice of shooting with bow and arrows

— ar·cher noun

ar·che·type noun
: the original pattern or model of all things of the same type

arch·fiend noun
: a chief fiend; especially : SATAN

ar·chi·epis·co·pal adjective
: of or relating to an archbishop

ar·chi·man·drite noun
: a dignitary in an Eastern church ranking below a bishop

ar·chi·pel·a·go noun, plural -goes or -gos
: a group of islands

ar·chi·tect noun
1 : a person who plans buildings and oversees their construction
2 : a person who designs and guides a plan or undertaking

ar·chi·tec·ture noun
1 : the art or science of planning and building structures
2 : a method or style of building
3 : the manner in which the elements (as of a design) are arranged or organized

— ar·chi·tec·tur·al adjective

— ar·chi·tec·tur·al·ly adverb

ar·chi·trave noun
: the supporting horizontal member just above the columns in a building in the classical style of architecture

ar·chive noun
: a place for keeping public records; also : public records — often used in pl.

ar·chi·vist noun
: a person in charge of archives

ar·chon noun
: a chief magistrate of ancient Athens

arch·way noun
: a passageway under an arch; also : an arch over a passage

arc lamp noun
: a gas-filled electric lamp that produces light when a current arcs between incandescent electrodes

1arctic adjective
[ORIGIN: ME artik, fr. L arcticus, fr. Gk arktikos, fr. arktos bear, Ursa Major, north]

1 often cap : of or relating to the north pole or the region near it
2 : bitter cold : FRIGID

Synonyms
bitter, cold, freezing, frigid, frosty, glacial, icy, polar

2arctic noun
: a rubber overshoe that reaches to the ankle or above

arctic circle noun, often cap A&C
: the parallel of latitude that is approximately 66 1/2 degrees north of the equator

-ard also -art noun suffix
: one that is characterized by performing some action, possessing some quality, or being associated with some thing esp. conspicuously or excessively <braggart> <dullard>

ar·dent adjective
1 : characterized by warmth of feeling typically expressed in eager zealous support or activity
2 : FIERY, HOT
3 : GLOWING

— ar·dent·ly adverb

Synonyms
burning, charged, emotional, fervent, feverish, fiery, impassioned, passionate, vehement, warm—more at FERVENT
avid, eager, enthusiastic, gung ho, hot, hungry, keen—more at EAGER

ar·dor noun
1 a : warmth of feeling
b : eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something
2 : sexual excitement

Synonyms
[1a] emotion, fervency, fervor, heat, intensity, passion, vehemence, warmth; also histrionics, mawkishness, melodrama, sentimentality
Antonyms
impassivity
[1b] appetite, avidity, eagerness, enthusiasm, excitement, hunger, impatience, keenness, thirst—more at EAGERNESS

ar·du·ous adjective
1 : hard to accomplish or achieve : DIFFICULT
2 : marked by great labor or effort

— ar·du·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] demanding, difficult, exacting, formidable, grueling, hard, laborious, strenuous, toilsome, tough—more at HARD

ar·du·ous·ly adverb
: in an arduous manner

1are present 2d singular or present plural of BE

2are noun
: a metric measure equal to 100 square meters

ar·ea noun
1 : a flat surface or space
2 : the amount of surface included (as within the lines of a geometric figure)
3 : range or extent of some thing or concept : FIELD
4 : any particular extent of space or surface : REGION

Synonyms
[3] arena, demesne, department, discipline, domain, field, line, province, realm, specialty, sphere—more at FIELD
[4] demesne, field, region, zone—more at REGION

area code noun
: a 3-digit number that identifies each telephone service area in a country (as the U.S. or Canada)

are·na noun
[ORIGIN: L harena, arena sand, sandy place]

1 : an enclosed area used for public entertainment
2 : a sphere of activity or competition

Synonyms
[1] hall, theater—more at HALL
[2] area, demesne, department, discipline, domain, field, line, province, realm, specialty, sphere—more at FIELD

Ar·gen·tine or Ar·gen·tin·ean or Ar·gen·tin·i·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Argentina

— Argentine or Argentinean or Argentinian adjective

ar·gen·tite noun
: a dark gray mineral that is an important ore of silver

ar·gon noun
[ORIGIN: Gk, neut. of argos idle, lazy, fr. a- not + ergon work; fr. its relative inertness]

: a colorless odorless gaseous chemical element found in the air and used for filling electric lamps

ar·go·sy noun, plural -sies
1 : a large merchant ship
2 : FLEET

ar·got noun
: the language of a particular group or class

Synonyms
cant, jargon, language, lingo, slang, terminology, vocabulary—more at TERMINOLOGY

argu·able adjective
: open to argument, dispute, or question

Synonyms
debatable, disputable, doubtful, moot, questionable—more at DEBATABLE

ar·gu·ably adverb
: it can be argued

ar·gue verb ar·gued; ar·gu·ing
1 : to give reasons for or against something
2 : to contend in words : DISPUTE
3 : to consider the pros and cons of
4 : to persuade by giving reasons

Synonyms
[1] assert, contend, maintain, plead, reason; also claim, insist
[2] bicker, brawl, dispute, fall out, fight, hassle, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle; also challenge, dare, defy
[3] chew over, debate, discuss, dispute, hash, moot, talk over—more at DISCUSS
[4] convince, get, induce, move, persuade, prevail, satisfy, talk, win—more at PERSUADE

ar·gu·ment noun
1 : a reason offered in proof
2 : discourse intended to persuade
3 : a usu. verbal conflict : QUARREL

Synonyms
[1] assertion, contention, thesis—more at CONTENTION
[1] case, explanation, rationale, reason—more at REASON
[2] colloquy, conference, deliberation, discourse, discussion, give-and-take, parley, talk—more at DISCUSSION
[3] altercation, bicker, brawl, disagreement, dispute, fight, hassle, misunderstanding, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle; also clash, run-in, skirmish, tussle

ar·gu·men·ta·tion noun
: the art of formal discussion

ar·gu·men·ta·tive adjective
: inclined to argue

Synonyms
contentious, disputatious, quarrelsome, scrappy; also bellicose, belligerent, combative, pugnacious, truculent

ar·gyle also ar·gyll noun, often cap
: a geometric knitting pattern of varicolored diamonds on a single background color; also : a sock knit in this pattern

aria noun
: an accompanied elaborate vocal solo forming part of a larger work

ar·id adjective
: very dry; especially : having insufficient rainfall to support agriculture

— arid·i·ty noun

Synonyms
dry, sere, thirsty—more at DRY

Ar·i·es noun
[ORIGIN: L, lit., ram]

1 : a zodiacal constellation between Pisces and Taurus pictured as a ram
2 : the 1st sign of the zodiac in astrology; also : one born under this sign

aright adverb
: RIGHT, CORRECTLY

arise verb arose ; aris·en ; aris·ing
1 : to get up
2 a : to originate from a source
b : to come into being or to attention
3 : to move upward : ASCEND

Synonyms
[2a] begin, commence, dawn, form, materialize, originate, spring, start—more at BEGIN
[2b] crop, emerge, materialize, spring, surface; also appear, come out, show up, turn up
[3] ascend, climb, lift, mount, rise, soar, up—more at ASCEND

ar·is·toc·ra·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : government by a noble or privileged class; also : a state so governed
2 : the governing class of an aristocracy
3 : UPPER CLASS

aris·to·crat noun
: a member of an aristocracy

Synonyms
gentleman, grandee, noble, patrician—more at GENTLEMAN

aris·to·crat·ic adjective
: belonging to, having the qualities of, or favoring aristocracy

Synonyms
genteel, gentle, grand, highborn, noble, patrician, wellborn—more at NOBLE

arith abbreviation
arithmetic; arithmetical

arith·me·tic noun
1 : a branch of mathematics that deals with computations usu. with nonnegative real numbers
2 : the process or an act of computing or calculating : COMPUTATION, CALCULATION

— ar·ith·met·ic or ar·ith·met·i·cal adjective

— ar·ith·met·i·cal·ly adverb

— arith·me·ti·cian noun

Synonyms
calculation, computation, reckoning—more at CALCULATION

arithmetic mean noun
: the sum of a set of numbers divided by the number of numbers in the set

Ariz abbreviation
Arizona

ark noun
1 : a boat held to resemble that of Noah's at the time of the Flood
2 : the sacred chest in a synagogue representing to Hebrews the presence of God; also : the repository for the scrolls of the Torah

Ark abbreviation
Arkansas

1arm noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE earm]

1 : a human upper limb and esp. the part between the shoulder and wrist; also : a corresponding limb of a 2-footed vertebrate
2 : something resembling an arm in shape or position <an ~ of land> <an ~ of a chair>
3 : the power, authority, or resources wielded (as by an individual or group) <the ~ of the law>

— armed adjective

— arm·less adjective

Synonyms
authority, clutch, command, control, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, power, sway—more at POWER

2arm verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF armer, fr. L armare, fr. arma weapons, tools]

: to furnish with weapons

3arm noun
1 : a means (as a weapon) of offense or defense; especially : FIREARM
2 : a branch of the military forces
3 plural : the hereditary heraldic devices of a family

Synonyms
firearm, gun, piece—more at GUN

ar·ma·da noun
1 : a fleet of warships
2 : a large force or group usu. of moving things <an ~ of trailers>

Synonyms
caravan, cavalcade, fleet, line, motorcade, train—more at FLEET

ar·ma·dil·lo noun, plural -los
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. dim. of armado armed one]

: any of several small burrowing mammals with the head and body protected by an armor of bony plates

Ar·ma·ged·don noun
: a final conclusive battle between the forces of good and evil; also : the site or time of this

ar·ma·ment noun
1 : military strength
2 : arms and equipment (as of a tank or combat unit)
3 : the process of preparing for war

ar·ma·ture noun
1 : a protective covering or structure (as the spines of a cactus)
2 : the rotating part of an electric generator or motor; also : the movable part in an electromagnetic device (as a loudspeaker)

arm·chair noun
: a chair with armrests

armed forces noun plural
: the combined military, naval, and air forces of a nation

Synonyms
military, service, troops; also GI's, men-at-arms, rank and file, soldiery

Ar·me·nian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Armenia

arm·ful noun, plural armfuls or arms·ful
: as much as the arm or arms can hold

arm·hole noun
: an opening for the arm in a garment

ar·mi·stice noun
: temporary suspension of hostilities by mutual agreement : TRUCE

arm·let noun
: a band worn around the upper arm

ar·mor noun
1 : protective covering
2 : a quality or circumstance that affords protection
3 : armored forces and vehicles

— ar·mored adjective

Synonyms
[1] capsule, case, casing, cocoon, cover, housing, husk, jacket, pod, sheath, shell—more at CASE
[2] aegis, cover, defense, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward—more at DEFENSE

ar·mor·er noun
1 : a person who makes arms and armor
2 : a person who services firearms

ar·mo·ri·al adjective
: of or bearing heraldic arms

ar·mory noun, plural ar·mor·ies
1 : a place where arms are stored
2 : a factory where arms are made

Synonyms
arsenal, depot, dump, magazine; also fort, fortress, stronghold

arm·pit noun
: the hollow under the junction of the arm and shoulder

arm·rest noun
: a support for the arm

ar·my noun, plural armies
1 : a body of armed personnel organized for war
2 often cap : the complete military organization of a country for land warfare
3 : a great number <an ~ of birds>
4 : a body of persons organized to advance a cause

Synonyms
[1] battalion, host, legion; also infantry, ranks, regulars, troops, troopers
[3] crowd, crush, drove, flock, horde, host, legion, mob, multitude, press, swarm, throng—more at CROWD

army ant noun
: any of various nomadic social ants

ar·my·worm noun
: any of numerous moths whose larvae move about destroying crops

aro·ma noun
: a usu. pleasing odor : FRAGRANCE

Synonyms
bouquet, fragrance, incense, perfume, redolence, scent, spice—more at FRAGRANCE

ar·o·mat·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or having aroma

Synonyms
ambrosial, fragrant, redolent, savory, scented, sweet—more at FRAGRANT

aro·ma·ther·a·py noun
: massage with a preparation of fragrant oils extracted from herbs, flowers, and fruits

arose past of ARISE

1around adverb
1 : in a circle or in circumference <a tree five feet ~>
2 : in or along a circuit <the road goes ~ by the lake>
3 a : on all sides <nothing for miles ~>
b : at all times : throughout the extent <mild weather the year ~>
4 : in or near one's present place or situation : NEARBY <wait ~ awhile>
5 : from one place to another <travels ~ on business>
6 : in an opposite direction <turn ~>

Synonyms
[3b] over, round, through, throughout
[4] by, close, hard, in, near, nearby, nigh—more at NEAR
[6] about, back, round; also backward, behind, down, downward, rearward

2around preposition
1 a : on all sides of : SURROUNDING <trees ~ the house>
b : so as to encircle or enclose <go ~ the world>
2 : to or on another side of <~ the corner>
3 : at, within, or to a short distance or time : NEAR <stayed right ~ home>
4 : here and there in or throughout <barnstorming ~ the country>

Synonyms
[3] about, by, near, next to; also alongside, beside
[4] about, over, round, through, throughout; also on

arouse verb aroused; arous·ing
1 : to awaken from sleep
2 : to stir up

— arous·al noun

Synonyms
[1] awake, rouse, wake
[2] encourage, excite, fire, incite, instigate, move, pique, provoke, stimulate, stir

ar·peg·gio noun, plural -gios
[ORIGIN: It fr. arpeggiare to play on the harp, fr. arpa harp]

: a chord whose notes are performed in succession and not simultaneously

arr abbreviation
1 arranged
2 arrival; arrive

ar·raign verb
1 : to call before a court to answer to an indictment
2 : to accuse of wrong or imperfection

— ar·raign·ment noun

ar·range verb ar·ranged; ar·rang·ing
1 : to put in order
2 : to make preparations for
3 : to adapt (a musical composition) to voices or instruments other than those for which it was orig. written
4 : to come to an agreement about : SETTLE

— ar·rang·er noun

Synonyms
[1] array, classify, codify, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, range, systematize—more at ORDER
[4] decide, fix, set, settle; also agree, contract, pledge, promise

ar·range·ment noun
1 a : the state of being arranged
b : the act of arranging
2 : something arranged: as
a : a preparatory act or measure
b : an adaptation of a musical composition
c : an informal agreement or settlement
3 : something made by arranging parts or things together <a floral ~>

Synonyms
[1a] composition, configuration, design, form, format, layout, makeup, pattern—more at COMPOSITION
[1a] array, disposal, disposition, distribution, order, sequence, setup—more at ORDER
[2a] blueprint, design, game, plan, project, system—more at PLAN

ar·rant adjective
: being notoriously without moderation : EXTREME

ar·ras noun, plural arras
1 : TAPESTRY
2 : a wall hanging or screen of tapestry

1array verb
1 : to dress or decorate esp. splendidly
2 : to arrange in order

Synonyms
[1] adorn, beautify, clothe, deck, decorate, do, dress, embellish, enrich, garnish, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE
[2] arrange, classify, codify, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, range, systematize—more at ORDER

2array noun
1 : a regular arrangement
2 : rich apparel
3 : an imposing group

Synonyms
[1] arrangement, disposal, disposition, distribution, order, sequence, setup—more at ORDER
[2] best, bravery, caparison, feather, finery, frippery, full dress, gaiety, regalia—more at FINERY
[3] assemblage, block, collection, group, lot

ar·rears noun plural
1 : a state of being behind in the discharge of obligations <in ~ with the rent>
2 : overdue debts

1arrest verb
1 : to bring to a stop
2 : to take into legal custody
3 : to catch suddenly and engagingly <~ attention>

Synonyms
[1] catch, check, draw up, fetch up, halt, hold up, stall, stay, still, stop—more at HALT
[2] apprehend, nab, pick up, restrain, seize; also bag, capture, catch, collar, get, grab, grapple, hook, land, nail, snare, snatch, trap
Antonyms
discharge
[3] enchant, enthrall, fascinate, grip, hypnotize, mesmerize—more at ENTHRALL

2arrest noun
1 : the act of stopping; also : the state of being stopped
2 : the taking into custody by legal authority

ar·riv·al noun
1 : the act of arriving
2 : one that arrives

ar·rive verb ar·rived; ar·riv·ing
1 : to reach a destination
2 : to make an appearance <the guests have arrived>
3 : to attain success

— arrive at

: to reach by effort or thought <arrived at a decision>

Synonyms
come, land, show up, turn up—more at COME

ar·ro·gance noun
: an attitude of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions

Synonyms
haughtiness, loftiness, pretense, pretension, pretentiousness, self-importance, superiority; also authoritativeness, dominance, high-handedness
Antonyms
humility, modesty

ar·ro·gant adjective
: offensively exaggerating one's own importance

— ar·ro·gant·ly adverb

Synonyms
cavalier, haughty, high-handed, high-hat, highfalutin, imperious, important, lofty, overweening, peremptory, pompous, presumptuous, pretentious, supercilious; also authoritarian, bossy, dominant, dominating, domineering, magisterial, pontificating
Antonyms
humble, modest

ar·ro·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to claim or seize without justification as one's right

— ar·ro·ga·tion noun

Synonyms
appropriate, commandeer, preempt, usurp—more at APPROPRIATE

ar·row noun
1 : a missile shot from a bow and usu. having a slender shaft, a pointed head, and feathers at the butt
2 : a pointed mark used to indicate direction

ar·row·head noun
: the pointed end of an arrow

ar·row·root noun
: an edible starch from the roots of any of several tropical American plants; also : a plant yielding arrowroot

ar·royo noun, plural -royos
[ORIGIN: Sp]

1 : a watercourse in a dry region
2 : a water-carved gully or channel

ar·se·nal noun
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. Ar dār ṣināa house of manufacture]

1 : a place for making and storing arms and military equipment
2 : STORE, REPERTORY

Synonyms
armory, depot, dump, magazine—more at ARMORY

ar·se·nic noun
1 : a solid brittle poisonous chemical element of grayish metallic luster
2 : a very poisonous oxygen compound of arsenic used in making insecticides

ar·son noun
: the willful or malicious burning of property

— ar·son·ist noun

1art noun
1 : skill acquired by experience or study
2 : a branch of learning; especially : one of the humanities
3 : an occupation requiring knowledge or skill
4 : the use of skill and imagination in the production of things of beauty; also : works so produced
5 : ARTFULNESS

Synonyms
adeptness, adroitness, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL

2art abbreviation
1 article
2 artificial
3 artillery

ar·te·ri·al adjective
1 : of or relating to an artery; also : relating to or being the oxygenated blood found in most arteries
2 : of, relating to, or being a route for through traffic

ar·te·ri·ole noun
: one of the small terminal branches of an artery that ends in capillaries

— ar·te·ri·o·lar adjective

ar·te·rio·scle·ro·sis noun
: a chronic disease in which arterial walls are abnormally thickened and hardened

— ar·te·rio·scle·rot·ic adjective or noun

ar·tery noun, plural -ter·ies
1 : one of the tubular vessels that carry blood from the heart
2 : a main channel of transportation or communication

Synonyms
avenue, highway, road, route, thoroughfare, turnpike, way—more at WAY

ar·te·sian well noun
: a well from which the water flows to the surface by natural pressure; also : a deep well

art·ful adjective
1 : performed with or showing art or skill <an ~ performance on the violin>
2 a : using or characterized by art and skill <an ~ writer>
b : adroit in attaining an end usu. by deceptive or indirect means : CRAFTY

— art·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] adroit, delicate, dexterous, expert, masterful, masterly, practiced, skillful, virtuoso—more at SKILLFUL
[2a] clever, creative, imaginative, ingenious—more at CLEVER
[2b] cagey, crafty, cunning, devious, foxy, guileful, slick, sly, subtle, wily; also astute, cute, facile, glib, sharp, shrewd
Antonyms
artless, ingenuous

art·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being artful

Synonyms
artifice, caginess, canniness, craft, craftiness, cunning, guile, slyness, wiliness—more at CUNNING
adeptness, adroitness, art, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL

ar·thri·tis noun, plural -thri·ti·des
: inflammation of the joints

— ar·thrit·ic adjective or noun

ar·thro·pod noun
: any of a phylum of invertebrate animals comprising those (as insects, spiders, or crabs) with segmented bodies and jointed limbs

— arthropod adjective

ar·thros·co·py noun, plural -pies
: visual examination of the interior of a joint (as the knee) with a special surgical instrument; also : joint surgery using arthroscopy

— ar·thro·scope noun

— ar·thro·scop·ic adjective

ar·ti·choke noun
[ORIGIN: It dial. articiocco, ultim. fr. Ar al-khurshūf]

: a tall herb related to the daisies; also : its edible flower head

ar·ti·cle noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L articulus joint, division, dim. of artus joint, limb]

1 : a distinct part of a written document
2 : a nonfictional prose composition forming an independent part of a publication
3 : a word (as an, the) used with a noun to limit or give definiteness to its application
4 : a member of a class of things; especially : COMMODITY

Synonyms
composition, essay, paper, theme—more at ESSAY

ar·tic·u·lar adjective
: of or relating to a joint

1articulate adjective
1 : divided into meaningful parts : INTELLIGIBLE
2 : able to speak; also : expressing oneself readily and effectively
3 : JOINTED

— ar·tic·u·late·ly adverb

— noun

Synonyms
eloquent, fluent, well-spoken; also facile, glib, voluble
Antonyms
inarticulate

2articulate verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 a : to give clear and effective utterance to <~ their grievances>
b : to utter distinctly <~ each note in the musical phrase>
2 : to unite by or as if by joints

Synonyms
clothe, couch, express, formulate, phrase, put, say, state, word—more at PHRASE

ar·tic·u·late·ness noun
: the quality or state of being articulate

Synonyms
eloquence, poetry, rhetoric—more at ELOQUENCE

ar·tic·u·la·tion noun
1 : the act of giving utterance or expression
2 : the act or manner of articulating sounds

Synonyms
expression, formulation, statement, utterance, voice—more at EXPRESSION

ar·ti·fact noun
: something made or modified by humans usu. for a purpose; especially : an object remaining from another time or culture <prehistoric ~s>

ar·ti·fice noun
1 a : clever or artful skill
b : an ingenious device
2 a : an artful stratagem : TRICK
b : false or insincere behavior

Synonyms
[1a] adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL
[2a] device, dodge, gimmick, jig, ploy, scheme, sleight, stratagem, trick, wile—more at TRICK
[2b] craft, craftiness, crookedness, cunning, deceit, deceitfulness, dishonesty, dissimulation, double-dealing, duplicity, guile, wiliness—more at DECEIT

ar·ti·fi·cer noun
: a skilled worker

Synonyms
artisan, craftsman, handicrafter—more at ARTISAN

ar·ti·fi·cial adjective
1 : produced by art rather than nature; also : made by humans to imitate nature
2 : not genuine : FEIGNED

— ar·ti·fi·ci·al·i·ty noun

— ar·ti·fi·cial·ly adverb

— ar·ti·fi·cial·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] bogus, fake, imitation, mock, sham, substitute, synthetic—more at IMITATION
[2] affected, assumed, bogus, contrived, false, feigned, insincere, mechanical, phony, put-on, spurious, unnatural; also automatic, canned, concocted, fabricated, labored, manufactured, unauthentic, unreal, unrealistic
Antonyms
genuine, natural, spontaneous, unfeigned, unforced

artificial insemination noun
: introduction of semen into the uterus or oviduct by other than natural means

artificial intelligence noun
: the capability of a machine and esp. a computer to imitate intelligent human behavior

artificial respiration noun
: the rhythmic forcing of air into and out of the lungs of a person whose breathing has stopped

ar·til·lery noun, plural -ler·ies
1 : crew-served mounted firearms (as guns)
2 : a branch of the army armed with artillery

— ar·til·ler·ist noun

ar·ti·san noun
: a skilled manual worker

Synonyms
artificer, craftsman, handicrafter; also artist, maker

art·ist noun
1 : one who practices an imaginative art; especially : one who creates objects of beauty
2 : ARTISTE
3 : one who is adept at something

Synonyms
ace, adept, authority, expert, master, virtuoso, whiz, wizard—more at EXPERT

ar·tiste noun
: a skilled public performer

ar·tis·tic adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of art or artists
2 : showing taste and skill

— ar·tis·ti·cal·ly adverb

art·ist·ry noun
: artistic quality or ability

Synonyms
adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, cleverness, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL

art·less adjective
1 : lacking art or skill
2 a : made without skill : CRUDE
b : free from artificiality : NATURAL
3 : free from guile : SINCERE

Synonyms
[2a] clumsy, crude, rough, rude, unrefined—more at RUDE
[3] genuine, honest, ingenuous, innocent, naive, natural, real, simple, sincere, true, unaffected, unpretentious

art·less·ly adverb
: in an artless manner

Synonyms
ingenuously, naively, naturally, unaffectedly—more at NATURALLY

art·less·ness noun
: the quality or state of being artless

Synonyms
greenness, ingenuousness, innocence, naïveté, naturalness, simplicity, unworldliness—more at NAÏVETÉ

art nou·veau noun, often cap A&N
[ORIGIN: F, lit., new art]

: a late 19th century design style characterized by sinuous lines and leaf-shaped forms

arty adjective art·i·er; -est
: showily or pretentiously artistic

— art·i·ly adverb

— art·i·ness noun

ar·um noun
: any of a family of plants (as the jack-in-the-pulpit or a skunk cabbage) with flowers in a fleshy enclosed spike

ARV abbreviation
American Revised Version

1-ary noun suffix
: thing or person belonging to or connected with <functionary>

2-ary adjective suffix
: of, relating to, or connected with <budgetary>

Ary·an adjective
1 : INDO-EUROPEAN
2 : NORDIC

— Aryan noun

1as adverb
1 : to the same degree or amount : EQUALLY <~ green as grass>
2 : for instance <various trees, ~ oak or pine>
3 : when considered in a specified relation <my opinion ~ distinguished from his>

2as conjunction
1 : in the same amount or degree in which <green ~ grass>
2 : in the same way that <farmed ~ his father before him had farmed>
3 : WHILE, WHEN <spoke to me ~ I was leaving>
4 : THOUGH <improbable ~ it seems>
5 : SINCE, BECAUSE <~ I'm not wanted, I'll go>
6 : that the result is <so guilty ~ to leave no doubt>

3as pronoun
1 : THAT — used after same or such <it's the same price ~ before>
2 : a fact that <he's rich, ~ you know>

4as preposition
: in the capacity or character of <this will serve ~ a substitute>

As symbol
arsenic

AS abbreviation
1 American Samoa
2 Anglo-Saxon
3 associate in science

asa·fet·i·da or asa·foe·ti·da noun
: an ill-smelling plant gum formerly used in medicine

ASAP abbreviation
as soon as possible

as·bes·tos noun
: a noncombustible grayish mineral that occurs in fibrous form and has been used as a fireproof material

as·cend verb
1 : to move upward : MOUNT, CLIMB
2 : to succeed to : OCCUPY <he ~ed the throne>

Synonyms
arise, climb, lift, mount, rise, soar, up; also boost, elevate, raise, uplift, upraise
Antonyms
decline, descend, dip, drop, fall (off)

as·cen·dan·cy also as·cen·den·cy noun
: controlling influence

Synonyms
dominance, dominion, predominance, preeminence, supremacy—more at SUPREMACY

1ascendant also as·cen·dent noun
: a dominant position

2ascendant also ascendent adjective
1 : moving upward
2 : DOMINANT

as·cen·sion noun
: the act or process of ascending

Ascension Day noun
: the Thursday 40 days after Easter observed in commemoration of Christ's ascension into heaven

as·cent noun
1 a : the act of mounting upward : CLIMB
b : an upward slope or rising grade
2 : an advance in social status or reputation

Synonyms
[1a] climb, rise, soar; also boost, hike, increase, raise
Antonyms
descent, dip, drop, fall
[2] advancement, elevation, promotion, rise, upgrade—more at ADVANCEMENT

as·cer·tain verb
: to learn with certainty

— as·cer·tain·able adjective

Synonyms
catch on, discover, find out, hear, learn, realize, see—more at DISCOVER
detect, determine, discover, find, find out, learn, locate—more at FIND

as·cet·ic adjective
: practicing self-denial esp. for spiritual reasons : AUSTERE

— ascetic noun

— as·cet·i·cism noun

ASCII noun
[ORIGIN: American Standard Code for Information Interchange]

: a computer code for representing alphanumeric information

ascor·bic acid noun
: VITAMIN C

as·cot noun
[ORIGIN: Ascot Heath, racetrack near Ascot, England]

: a broad neck scarf that is looped under the chin

as·cribe verb as·cribed; as·crib·ing
: to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author : ATTRIBUTE

— as·crib·able adjective

— as·crip·tion noun

Synonyms
accredit, attribute, credit, impute—more at CREDIT

asep·tic adjective
: free or freed from disease-causing germs

Synonyms
hygienic, sanitary, sterile—more at SANITARY

asex·u·al adjective
1 : lacking sex or functional sex organs
2 : occurring or formed without the production and union of two kinds of germ cells <~ reproduction>

— asex·u·al·ly adverb

as for preposition
: with regard to : CONCERNING <as for the others, they were late>

1ash noun
1 : any of a genus of trees related to the olive and having winged seeds and bark with grooves and ridges
2 : the tough elastic wood of an ash

2ash noun
1 : the solid matter left when material is burned
2 : fine mineral particles from a volcano
3 plural : the remains of the dead human body after cremation or disintegration

ashamed adjective
1 : feeling shame
2 : restrained by anticipation of shame <~ to say anything>

— asham·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
contrite, guilty, hangdog, penitent, remorseful, repentant, shamefaced—more at GUILTY

ash·en adjective
: resembling ashes (as in color); especially : deadly pale

Synonyms
cadaverous, livid, lurid, pale, pasty, peaked—more at PALE

ash·lar noun
: hewn or squared stone; also : masonry of such stone

ashore adverb
: on or to the shore

as how conjunction
: THAT <allowed as how she was glad to be here>

ash·ram noun
: a religious retreat esp. of a Hindu sage

ash·tray noun
: a receptacle for tobacco ashes

Ash Wednesday noun
: the 1st day of Lent

ashy adjective ash·i·er; -est
: resembling ashes (as in color); especially : deadly pale : ASHEN

Asian adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the continent of Asia or its people

— Asian noun

1aside adverb
1 : to or toward the side <stepped ~>
2 : out of the way : AWAY <put ~ some savings>

2aside noun
: an actor's words heard by the audience but supposedly not by other characters on stage

aside from preposition
1 : BESIDES <aside from being pretty, she's intelligent>
2 : with the exception of <aside from one D his grades are excellent>

Synonyms
bar, barring, besides, but, except, outside, save—more at EXCEPT

as if conjunction
1 : as it would be if <it's as if nothing had changed>
2 : as one would if <he acts as if he'd never been away>
3 : THAT <it seems as if nothing ever happens around here>

as·i·nine adjective
[ORIGIN: L asininus, fr. asinus ass]

: extremely or utterly foolish

Synonyms
absurd, crazy, cuckoo, daft, foolish, insane, lunatic, mad, nonsensical, nutty, senseless, silly, stupid—more at FOOLISH

as·i·nin·i·ty noun
1 : the quality or state of being asinine
2 : something that is asinine

Synonyms
[1, 2] absurdity, craziness, daftness, folly, foolishness, inanity, insanity, lunacy, madness, silliness

ask verb asked ; ask·ing
1 : to call on for an answer
2 : UTTER <~ a question>
3 : to make a request of <~ him for help>
4 : to make a request for <~ help of her>
5 : to set as a price <~ed $800 for the car>
6 : to increase the likelihood of : INVITE

Synonyms
[1] inquire, interrogate, query, question, quiz; also cross-examine, examine, grill, pump
Antonyms
answer, reply, respond
usually ask for [4] call, plead, quest, request, seek, solicit, sue; also apply (for), beg (for), clamor (for), urge
[5] charge, command, demand—more at CHARGE

askance adverb
1 : with a side glance
2 : with distrust

Synonyms
distrustfully, dubiously, mistrustfully, suspiciously; also hesitantly
Antonyms
trustfully

askew adjective
: being out of line : AWRY

— askew adverb

Synonyms
awry, cockeyed, crooked, listing, lopsided, oblique, slantwise, uneven—more at AWRY

ASL abbreviation
American Sign Language

1aslant adverb or adjective
: in a slanting direction

2aslant preposition
: over or across in a slanting direction

asleep adverb or adjective
1 : in or into a state of sleep
2 : DEAD
3 : lacking sensation : NUMB
4 : INACTIVE

Synonyms
[1] dormant; also drowsy, nodding, sleepy, slumberous, somnolent
Antonyms
awake, wakeful, wide-awake
[3] dead, numb, unfeeling—more at NUMB

as long as conjunction
1 : provided that <do as you like as long as you get home on time>
2 : INASMUCH AS, SINCE <as long as you're up, turn on the light>

aso·cial adjective
: ANTISOCIAL

as of preposition
: AT, DURING, FROM, ON <takes effect as of July 1>

asp noun
: a small poisonous African snake

as·par·a·gus noun
: a tall branching perennial herb related to the lilies; also : its edible young stalks

as·par·tame noun
: a crystalline low-calorie sweetener

ASPCA abbreviation
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

as·pect noun
1 : a position facing a particular direction
2 : a particular appearance or countenance : APPEARANCE, LOOK
3 : a particular status or phase in which something appears or may be regarded

Synonyms
[2] appearance, look, mien, presence—more at APPEARANCE
[3] angle, facet, hand, phase, side; also air, appearance, character, color, complexion, condition, face, look, semblance, shape, state, visage

as·pen noun
: any of several poplars with leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze

as per preposition
: in accordance with <as per instructions>

as·per·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a characteristic making for hardship : RIGOR
2 : ROUGHNESS
3 : harshness of manner or temper

Synonyms
[1] adversity, difficulty, hardness, hardship, rigor—more at DIFFICULTY
[3] acidity, acrimony, bitterness, cattiness, tartness, virulence, vitriol—more at ACRIMONY

as·per·sion noun
: a slanderous or defamatory remark

as·phalt also as·phal·tum noun
: a dark substance found in natural beds or obtained as a residue in petroleum refining and used esp. in paving streets

asphalt jungle noun
: a big city or a specified part of a big city

as·pho·del noun
: any of several Old World herbs related to the lilies and bearing flowers in long erect spikes

as·phyx·ia noun
: a lack of oxygen or excess of carbon dioxide in the body usu. caused by interruption of breathing and causing unconsciousness

as·phyx·i·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: SUFFOCATE

— as·phyx·i·a·tion noun

as·pic noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., asp]

: a savory meat jelly

as·pi·rant noun
: one who aspires

Synonyms
applicant, campaigner, candidate, contender, hopeful, prospect, seeker—more at CANDIDATE

1aspirate noun
1 : an independent sound \h\ or a character (as the letter h) representing it
2 : a consonant having aspiration as its final component

2aspirate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
: to draw, remove, or take up or into by suction

as·pi·ra·tion noun
1 : the pronunciation or addition of an aspirate; also : the aspirate or its symbol
2 : a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction
3 a : a strong desire to achieve something noble
b : an object of strong desire

Synonyms
aim, ambition, design, dream, end, goal, intent, object, objective, purpose—more at GOAL

as·pire verb as·pired; as·pir·ing
1 : to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal
2 : to rise aloft

Synonyms
aim, contemplate, design, intend, plan, propose—more at INTEND

as·pi·rin noun, plural aspirin or aspirins
1 : a white crystalline drug used to relieve pain and fever
2 : a tablet of aspirin

as regards also as respects preposition
: in regard to : with respect to

ass noun
1 : any of several long-eared mammals smaller than the related horses; especially : one of Africa ancestral to the donkey
2 : a stupid person

Synonyms
donkey, jackass—more at DONKEY

as·sail verb
: to attack violently with blows or words

— as·sail·able adjective

— as·sail·ant noun

Synonyms
abuse, attack, belabor, blast, castigate, excoriate, jump, lambaste, slam, vituperate—more at ATTACK
assault, attack, beset, charge, descend, jump, pounce, raid, rush, storm, strike—more at ATTACK

as·sas·sin noun
[ORIGIN: ML assassinus, fr. Ar ḥashshāshīn, pl. of ḥashshāsh worthless person, lit., hashish-user, fr. hashīsh hashish]

: a murderer esp. for hire or fanatical reasons

as·sas·si·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to murder by sudden or secret attack

— as·sas·si·na·tion noun

1assault noun
1 : a violent attack
2 : an unlawful attempt or threat to do harm to another

Synonyms
aggression, attack, charge, descent, offense, offensive, onset, onslaught, raid, rush, strike—more at ATTACK

2assault verb
: to make an assault on

Synonyms
assail, attack, beset, charge, descend, jump, pounce, raid, rush, storm, strike—more at ATTACK

assault rifle noun
: a military automatic rifle with a large-capacity magazine

1assay noun
: analysis to determine the quantity of one or more components present in a sample (as of an ore or drug)

Synonyms
analysis, breakdown, breakup, dissection—more at ANALYSIS

2assay verb
1 : to make an attempt at : TRY
2 : to subject (as an ore or drug) to an assay
3 : JUDGE 3

Synonyms
[1] attempt, endeavor, essay, seek, strive, try—more at ATTEMPT
[2] analyze, anatomize, break down, break up, dissect—more at ANALYZE

as·sem·blage noun
1 : a collection of persons or things
2 : the act of assembling
3 : an artistic composition made from scraps, junk, and odds and ends
4 : the art of making assemblages

Synonyms
assembly, conference, congregation, convocation, gathering, meeting, muster—more at GATHERING
accumulation, array, bunch, collection, group, lot, package, parcel

as·sem·ble verb -bled; -bling
1 : to collect into one place
2 : to fit together the parts of
3 : to meet together : CONVENE

Synonyms
[1] accumulate, amass, collect, concentrate, garner, gather, group, lump, pick up, round up, scrape—more at GATHER
[2] build, construct, erect, fabricate, make, make up, piece, put up, raise, rear, set up—more at BUILD
[3] cluster, collect, concentrate, conglomerate, congregate, convene, forgather, gather, meet, rendezvous; also affiliate, ally, associate, band (together), club, collaborate, confederate, conjoin, consolidate, cooperate, consort, couple, federate, gang (up), join, merge, unite
Antonyms
break up, disband, disperse, split up

as·sem·bly noun, plural -blies
1 : a gathering of persons : MEETING
2 cap : a legislative body; especially : the lower house of a legislature
3 : a signal for troops to assemble
4 : the fitting together of parts (as of a machine)

Synonyms
assemblage, conference, congregation, congress, convention, convocation, council, gathering, meeting, muster—more at GATHERING

assembly language noun
: a computer language consisting of mnemonic codes corresponding to machine-language instructions

assembly line noun
: an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in a direct line

as·sem·bly·man noun
: a member of a legislative assembly

as·sem·bly·wom·an noun
: a woman who is a member of an assembly

as·sent verb
: AGREE, CONCUR

— assent noun

as·sert verb
1 : to state positively
2 : to demonstrate the existence of

Synonyms
affirm, aver, avouch, avow, declare, lay down, profess; also advance, advertise, boost, plug, promote, publicize
argue, contend, maintain, plead, reason—more at ARGUE

as·ser·tion noun
: a positive statement

Synonyms
argument, contention, thesis—more at CONTENTION
affirmation, avowal, claim, declaration, profession, protestation—more at PROTESTATION

as·ser·tive adjective
: disposed to or characterized by bold or confident assertion

Synonyms
aggressive, dynamic, emphatic, energetic, forceful, resounding, strenuous, vehement, vigorous—more at EMPHATIC

as·ser·tive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being assertive

Synonyms
aggressiveness, emphasis, fierceness, intensity, vehemence—more at VEHEMENCE

as·sess verb
1 : to fix the rate or amount of
2 : to impose (as a tax) at a specified rate
3 : to evaluate for taxation
4 : to determine the importance, size, or value of <~ the problem>

— as·ses·sor noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] charge, exact, fine, impose, lay, levy, put—more at IMPOSE
[4] appraise, estimate, evaluate, rate, set, value—more at ESTIMATE

as·sess·ment noun
1 : the action or an instance of assessing : APPRAISAL
2 : the amount assessed

Synonyms
[1] appraisal, estimate, estimation, evaluation, reckoning, valuation—more at ESTIMATE
[2] duty, impost, levy, tax—more at TAX

as·set noun
1 plural : the entire property of a person or company that may be used to pay debts
2 : ADVANTAGE, RESOURCE

Synonyms
capital, fortune, means, opulence, riches, substance, wealth, wherewithal—more at WEALTH

as·sev·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to assert earnestly

— as·sev·er·a·tion noun

as·si·du·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being assiduous

Synonyms
diligence, industry—more at DILIGENCE

as·sid·u·ous adjective
: marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application : DILIGENT

Synonyms
active, busy, diligent, engaged, laborious, occupied, sedulous, working—more at BUSY

as·sid·u·ous·ly adverb
: in an assiduous manner

as·sid·u·ous·ness noun
: the quality or state of being assiduous

as·sign verb
1 : to transfer (property) to another
2 : to appoint to or as a duty <~ a lesson>
3 : FIX, SPECIFY <~ a limit>
4 : ASCRIBE <~ a reason>

— as·sign·able adjective

Synonyms
[1] alienate, cede, deed, make over, transfer—more at TRANSFER
[2] appoint, attach, commission, constitute, designate, detail, name—more at APPOINT

as·sig·na·tion noun
: an appointment for a meeting; especially : TRYST

assigned risk noun
: a poor risk (as an accident-prone motorist) that an insurance company is forced to insure by state law

as·sign·ment noun
1 : the act of assigning
2 : something assigned

Synonyms
chore, duty, job, stint, task—more at CHORE
charge, job, mission, operation, post—more at MISSION

as·sim·i·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to take up and absorb as nourishment; also : to absorb into a cultural tradition
2 : COMPREHEND
3 : to make or become similar

— as·sim·i·la·tion noun

Synonyms
embody, incorporate, integrate—more at EMBODY

1assist verb
: to give support or aid : HELP

Synonyms
abet, aid, back, help, prop, support—more at HELP

2assist noun
1 : an act of assistance
2 : the action of a player who enables a teammate to make a putout (as in baseball) or score a goal (as in hockey)

as·sis·tance noun
: the act of assisting or the help supplied

Synonyms
aid, assist, backing, boost, help, lift, support—more at HELP

as·sis·tant noun
: a person who assists : HELPER

Synonyms
aid, apprentice, deputy, helper, helpmate, mate, sidekick—more at HELPER

as·sist·ed living noun
: a system of housing and limited care for senior citizens who need assistance with daily activities but do not require care in a nursing home

as·size noun
[ORIGIN: ME assise, fr. AF, session, legal action, fr. asseer, asseoir to seat, fr. VL *assedēre, fr. L assidēre to sit beside]

1 : a judicial inquest
2 plural : the former regular sessions of superior courts in English counties

assn abbreviation
association

assoc abbreviation
associate; associated; association

1associate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to join in companionship or partnership
2 : to connect in thought

Synonyms
[1] ally, band, club, confederate, conjoin, cooperate, federate, league, unite—more at ALLY
[1] chum, consort, fraternize, hang around, hobnob, pal; also affiliate, ally, attach, band, bond, club, collaborate, confederate, conjoin, connect, cooperate, couple, gang, get along, group, hook, interrelate, join, knot, league, link, mingle, mix, rally, relate, side, socialize, team, tie, wed
[2] connect, correlate, identify, link, relate; also compare, equate, liken

2associate noun
1 : a fellow worker : PARTNER
2 : one that accompanies another : COMPANION
3 often cap : a degree conferred esp. by a junior college <~ in arts>

— associate adjective

Synonyms
cohort, companion, comrade, crony, fellow, mate; also colleague, coworker, equal, peer

as·so·ci·a·tion noun
1 a : the act of associating
b : the state of being associated
2 : an organization of persons : SOCIETY

Synonyms
[1b] affiliation, alliance, collaboration, confederation, connection, cooperation, hookup, liaison, partnership, relation, relationship, union; also business, dealings, interaction
Antonyms
dissociation
[2] brotherhood, club, college, congress, council, fellowship, fraternity, guild, institute, institution, league, order, organization, society; also collective, commune, community, cooperative

as·so·cia·tive adjective
: of, relating to, or involved in association esp. of ideas or images

as·so·nance noun
: repetition of vowels esp. as an alternative to rhyme in verse

— as·so·nant adjective or noun

as soon as conjunction
: immediately at or shortly after the time that <we'll start as soon as they arrive>

as·sort verb
1 : to distribute into like groups : CLASSIFY
2 : HARMONIZE

Synonyms
break down, categorize, class, classify, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, separate, sort—more at CLASSIFY

as·sort·ed adjective
: consisting of various kinds

Synonyms
heterogeneous, miscellaneous, mixed, motley, varied—more at MISCELLANEOUS

as·sort·ment noun
1 a : the act of assorting
b : the state of being assorted
2 : a collection of assorted things or persons

Synonyms
[1b] diversity, miscellaneous, variety—more at VARIETY
[2] hodgepodge, jumble, medley, mélange, miscellany, motley, potpourri, rummage, variety, welter

asst abbreviation
assistant

as·suage verb as·suaged; as·suag·ing
1 : to make (as pain or grief) less : EASE
2 : to put an end to by satisfying

Synonyms
[1] allay, alleviate, ease, help, mitigate, mollify, palliate, relieve, soothe—more at HELP
[2] quench, sate, satiate, satisfy

as·sume verb as·sumed; as·sum·ing
1 : to take upon oneself
2 : to pretend to have or be
3 : to take as granted or true though not proved

Synonyms
[1] accept, bear, shoulder, take over, undertake; also adopt, embrace
Antonyms
disavow, disclaim, disown, repudiate
[2] affect, counterfeit, fake, feign, pretend, profess, put on, sham, simulate—more at FEIGN
[3] postulate, premise, presume, presuppose, suppose; also accept, believe, credit, swallow

as·sumed adjective
1 : not real or genuine <an ~ cheerfulness> <a ~ name>
2 : taken for granted : SUPPOSED

Synonyms
[1] affected, artificial, bogus, contrived, fake, false, feigned, phony, put-on, sham—more at ARTIFICIAL
[2] apparent, evident, ostensible, reputed, seeming, supposed—more at APPARENT

as·sump·tion noun
1 : the taking up of a person into heaven
2 cap : August 15 observed in commemoration of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
3 : a taking upon oneself
4 : PRETENSION
5 a : an assuming that something is true
b : a fact or statement taken for granted : SUPPOSITION

Synonyms
postulate, premise, presumption, supposition; also hypothesis, proposition, theory, thesis

as·sur·ance noun
1 : PLEDGE
2 chiefly British : INSURANCE
3 : the state of being assured: as
a : SECURITY
b : a being certain in the mind
c : confidence of mind or manner; also : excessive self-confidence

Synonyms
[3b] certainty, certitude, confidence, conviction, positiveness, sureness—more at CONFIDENCE
[3c] aplomb, confidence, self-assurance, self-confidence, self-esteem—more at CONFIDENCE

as·sure verb as·sured; as·sur·ing
1 : to make safe
2 : to give confidence to
3 : to state confidently to
4 : to make certain the coming or attainment of

Synonyms
cinch, ensure, guarantee, guaranty, insure, secure—more at ENSURE

1assured adjective
1 : sure of oneself
2 : satisfied as to the certainty or truth of a matter

Synonyms
[1] confident, secure, self-assured, self-confident—more at CONFIDENT
[2] certain, clear, cocksure, confident, doubtless, positive, sanguine, sure—more at CERTAIN

2assured noun, plural assured or assureds
: INSURED

as·ta·tine noun
: an unstable radioactive chemical element

as·ter noun
: any of various mostly fall-blooming leafy-stemmed composite herbs with daisylike purple, white, pink, or yellow flower heads

as·ter·isk noun
[ORIGIN: L asteriscus, fr. Gk asteriskos, lit., little star, dim. of astēr star]

: a character * used as a reference mark or as an indication of the omission of letters or words

astern adverb or adjective
1 : in, at, or toward the stern
2 : BACKWARD

as·ter·oid noun
: any of the numerous small celestial bodies found esp. between Mars and Jupiter

asth·ma noun
: a chronic lung disorder marked by recurrent episodes of labored breathing, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and coughing

— asth·mat·ic adjective or noun

as though conjunction
: as it would be or as one would do if : AS IF

astig·ma·tism noun
: a defect in a lens or an eye causing improper focusing

— as·tig·mat·ic adjective

astir adjective
1 : exhibiting activity
2 : being out of bed

Synonyms
alive, animated, busy, lively, vibrant—more at ALIVE

as to preposition
1 : ABOUT, CONCERNING <uncertain as to what went on>
2 : ACCORDING TO <graded as to size>

as·ton·ish verb
: to strike with sudden and usu. great wonder : AMAZE

Synonyms
amaze, astound, bowl, dumbfound, flabbergast, floor, shock, startle, stun, stupefy, surprise—more at SURPRISE

as·ton·ish·ing adjective
: causing astonishment : SURPRISING

— as·ton·ish·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
amazing, astounding, eye-opening, shocking, startling, stunning, surprising—more at SURPRISING

as·ton·ish·ment noun
: the state of being astonished

Synonyms
admiration, amazement, awe, wonder, wonderment—more at WONDER

as·tound verb
: to fill with bewilderment or wonder

— as·tound·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
amaze, astonish, bowl, dumbfound, flabbergast, floor, shock, startle, stun, stupefy, surprise—more at SURPRISE

as·tound·ing adjective
: causing astonishment or amazement

Synonyms
amazing, astonishing, awesome, fabulous, marvelous, prodigious, stunning, stupendous, surprising, wonderful—more at MARVELOUS

1astraddle adverb
: on or above and extending onto both sides

2astraddle preposition
: ASTRIDE

as·tra·khan noun, often cap
1 : karakul of Russian origin
2 : a cloth with a usu. wool, curled, and looped pile resembling karakul

as·tral adjective
: of, relating to, or coming from the stars

Synonyms
star, starry, stellar—more at STELLAR

astray adverb or adjective
1 : off the right path or route
2 : into error

Synonyms
afield, amiss, awry, wrong—more at WRONG

1astride adverb
1 : with one leg on each side
2 : with legs apart

2astride preposition
: with one leg on each side of

1astringent adjective
: able or tending to shrink body tissues

— as·trin·gen·cy noun

2astringent noun
: an astringent agent or substance

astrol abbreviation
astrologer; astrology

as·tro·labe noun
: an instrument formerly used for observing the positions of celestial bodies

as·trol·o·gy noun
: divination based on the supposed influence of the stars upon human events

— as·trol·o·ger noun

— as·tro·log·i·cal adjective

astron abbreviation
astronomer; astronomy

as·tro·naut noun
: a traveler in a spacecraft

as·tro·nau·tics noun
: the science of the construction and operation of spacecraft

— as·tro·nau·tic or as·tro·nau·ti·cal adjective

as·tro·nom·i·cal also as·tro·nom·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to astronomy
2 : extremely large <an ~ amount of money>

Synonyms
colossal, enormous, giant, gigantic, huge, prodigious, titanic, tremendous, whopping—more at HUGE

astronomical unit noun
: a unit of length used in astronomy equal to the mean distance of the earth from the sun or about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers)

as·tron·o·my noun, plural -mies
: the science of objects and matter beyond the earth's atmosphere

— as·tron·o·mer noun

as·tro·phys·ics noun
: astronomy dealing esp. with the physical properties and dynamic processes of celestial objects

— as·tro·phys·i·cal adjective

— as·tro·phys·i·cist noun

as·tute adjective
[ORIGIN: L astutus, fr. astus craft]

: shrewdly discerning; also : WILY

— as·tute·ly adverb

— as·tute·ness noun

Synonyms
canny, hardheaded, knowing, sharp, shrewd, smart, wily—more at SHREWD

asun·der adverb or adjective
1 : into separate pieces <torn ~>
2 : separated in position from each other

ASV abbreviation
American Standard Version

1as well as conjunction
: and in addition : and moreover <brave as well as loyal>

2as well as preposition
: in addition to : BESIDES <the coach, as well as the team, is ready>

asy·lum noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L, fr. Gk asylon, neut. of asylos inviolable, fr. a- not + sylon right of seizure]

1 : a place of refuge
2 : protection given to esp. political fugitives
3 : an institution for the care of the needy or sick and esp. of the insane

Synonyms
harbor, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, shelter—more at SHELTER

asym·met·ri·cal or asym·met·ric adjective
: not symmetrical

— asym·me·try noun

as·ymp·tote noun
: a straight line that is associated with a curve and tends to approximate it along an infinite branch

— as·ymp·tot·ic adjective

— as·ymp·tot·i·cal·ly adverb

at preposition
1 — used to indicate a point in time or space <be here ~ 3 o'clock>
2 — used to indicate a goal <swung ~ the ball>
3 — used to indicate position or condition <~ rest>
4 — used to indicate means, cause, or manner <sold ~ auction>

At symbol
astatine

AT abbreviation
automatic transmission

at all adverb
: in any way : in any circumstances <not at all likely>

at·a·vism noun
: appearance in an individual of a character typical of an ancestral form; also : such an individual or character

— at·a·vis·tic adjective

atax·ia noun
: an inability to coordinate muscular movements

ate past of EAT

1-ate noun suffix
1 : one acted upon (in a specified way) <distillate>
2 : chemical compound or complex derived from a (specified) compound or element <acetate>

2-ate noun suffix
1 : office : function : rank : group of persons holding a (specified) office or rank <episcopate>
2 : state : dominion : jurisdiction <emirate>

3-ate adjective suffix
1 : acted on (in a specified way) : being in a (specified) state <temperate> <degenerate>
2 : marked by having <vertebrate>

4-ate verb suffix
1 : cause to be modified or affected by <pollinate> : cause to become <activate>
2 : furnish with <aerate>

ate·lier noun
1 : an artist's or designer's studio
2 : WORKSHOP

athe·ist noun
: one who denies the existence of God

— athe·ism noun

— athe·is·tic adjective

ath·e·nae·um or ath·e·ne·um noun
: LIBRARY 1

ath·ero·scle·ro·sis noun
: arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of fatty substances in and the hardening of the inner layer of the arteries

— ath·ero·scle·rot·ic adjective

athirst adjective
1 archaic : THIRSTY
2 : having a strong eager desire

Synonyms
ardent, avid, eager, enthusiastic, gung ho, keen, raring—more at EAGER

ath·lete noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L athleta, fr. Gk athlētēs, fr. athlein to contend for a prize, fr. athlon prize, contest]

: a person who is trained to compete in athletics

athlete's foot noun
: ringworm of the feet

ath·let·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to athletes or athletics
2 : VIGOROUS, ACTIVE
3 : STURDY, MUSCULAR

ath·let·ics noun singular or plural
: exercises and games requiring physical skill, strength, and endurance

athletic supporter noun
: an elastic pouch used to support the male genitals and worn esp. during athletic activity

1athwart preposition
1 : to or on the opposite side of : ACROSS
2 : in opposition to

Synonyms
across, over, through—more at ACROSS

2athwart adverb
: obliquely across

Synonyms
crosswise, obliquely, transversely—more at CROSSWISE

atilt adverb or adjective
1 : in a tilted position
2 : with lance in hand

-ation noun suffix
: action or process <flirtation> : something connected with an action or process <discoloration>

Atl abbreviation
Atlantic

at·las noun
: a book of maps

atm abbreviation
atmosphere; atmospheric

ATM noun
: a computerized electronic machine that performs basic banking functions

at·mo·sphere noun
1 : the gaseous envelope of a celestial body; especially : the mass of air surrounding the earth
2 : a surrounding influence or environment
3 : a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of air at sea level or about 14.7 pounds per square inch (10 newtons per square centimeter)
4 : a dominant effect

— at·mo·spher·ic adjective

— at·mo·spher·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
air, aura, climate, flavor, mood, note, temper—more at AURA
climate, environment, environs, medium, milieu, setting, surroundings—more at ENVIRONMENT

at·mo·sphe·rics noun plural
: radio noise from atmospheric electrical phenomena

atoll noun
: a coral island consisting of a reef surrounding a lagoon

at·om noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L atomus, fr. Gk atomos, fr. atomos indivisible, fr. a- not + temnein to cut]

1 : a tiny particle : BIT
2 : the smallest particle of a chemical element that can exist alone or in combination

Synonyms
bit, grain, granule, molecule, particle

atom·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to atoms; also : NUCLEAR 2 <~ energy>
2 : extremely small

Synonyms
infinitesimal, microscopic, miniature, minute, tiny—more at TINY

atomic bomb noun
: a very destructive bomb utilizing the energy released by splitting the atom

atomic clock noun
: a very precise clock regulated by the natural vibration of atoms or molecules (as of cesium)

atomic number noun
: the number of protons in the nucleus of an element

atomic weight noun
: the mass of one atom of an element

at·om·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to reduce to minute particles

Synonyms
crush, grind, powder, pulverize—more at POWDER

at·om·iz·er noun
: a device for dispensing a liquid (as perfume) as a mist

atom smasher noun
: ACCELERATOR 3

aton·al adjective
: marked by avoidance of traditional musical tonality

— ato·nal·i·ty noun

— aton·al·ly adverb

atone verb atoned; aton·ing
1 : to make amends
2 : EXPIATE

atone·ment noun
1 : the reconciliation of God and man through the death of Jesus Christ
2 : reparation for an offense : SATISFACTION

1atop preposition
: on top of

2atop adverb or adjective
: on, to, or at the top

ATP noun
[ORIGIN: adenosinetriphosphate]

: a compound that occurs widely in living tissue and supplies energy for many cellular processes by undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis

atri·um noun, plural atria also atri·ums
1 : the central room of a Roman house; also : an open patio or court in the center of a building (as a hotel)
2 : an anatomical cavity or passage; especially : one of the chambers of the heart that receives blood from the veins

— atri·al adjective

atro·cious adjective
1 : savagely brutal, cruel, or wicked
2 : inspiring horror, dismay, or disgust : APPALLING
3 : utterly revolting
4 : of very poor quality

— atro·cious·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2, 3] appalling, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, hideous, horrible, horrid, shocking, terrible—more at HORRIBLE
[4] awful, execrable, lousy, punk, rotten, terrible, wretched—more at WRETCHED

atro·cious·ness noun
: the quality or state of being atrocious

Synonyms
atrocity, frightfulness, hideousness, horror, monstrosity, repulsiveness—more at HORROR

atroc·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being atrocious : ATROCIOUSNESS
2 : an atrocious act or object <the atrocities of war>

Synonyms
atrociousness, depravity, enormity, heinousness, monstrosity, vileness, wickedness—more at ENORMITY

at·ro·phy noun, plural -phies
: decrease in size or wasting away of a bodily part or tissue

— atrophy verb

at·ro·pine noun
: a drug from belladonna and related plants used esp. to relieve spasms and to dilate the pupil of the eye

att abbreviation
1 attached
2 attention
3 attorney

at·tach verb
1 : to seize legally in order to force payment of a debt
2 : to assign (an individual or unit in the military) temporarily
3 : to bind by personal ties
4 : to make fast (as by tying or gluing) : FASTEN
5 : to be fastened or connected

Synonyms
[2] appoint, assign, commission, constitute, designate, detail, name—more at APPOINT
[4] affix, fasten, fix—more at FASTEN

at·ta·ché noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a technical expert on the diplomatic staff of an ambassador

at·ta·ché case noun
: a small thin suitcase used esp. for carrying business papers; also : BRIEFCASE

at·tach·ment noun
1 : legal seizure of property
2 : connection by ties of affection and regard
3 : a device attached to a machine or implement
4 : a connection by which one thing is attached to another

Synonyms
affection, devotion, fondness, love, passion—more at LOVE

1attack verb
1 : to set upon with force or words : ASSAIL
2 : to set to work on

Synonyms
assail, assault, beset, charge, descend, jump, pounce, raid, rush, storm, strike; also gang (up on), mob, swarm
abuse, assail, belabor, blast, castigate, excoriate, jump, lambaste, slam, vituperate; also berate, harangue, harass, harry, revile, scold

2attack noun
1 : the act or action of attacking with physical force or unfriendly words
2 : a fit of sickness

Synonyms
[1] aggression, assault, charge, descent, offense, offensive, onset, onslaught, raid, rush, strike; also ambuscade, ambush
[2] bout, case, fit, seizure, siege, spell; also relapse, recurrence

at·tain verb
1 : to reach as an end : ACHIEVE <~ a goal>
2 : to come to as the end of a progression or course of movement <~ the top of the hill> <~ a ripe old age>

— at·tain·abil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
achieve, hit, make, score, win—more at ACHIEVE

at·tain·able adjective
: capable of being attained

Synonyms
achievable, doable, feasible, possible, practicable, realizable, viable, workable—more at POSSIBLE
accessible, acquirable, available, obtainable, procurable—more at AVAILABLE

at·tain·der noun
: extinction of the civil rights of a person upon sentence of death or outlawry

at·tain·ment noun
1 : the act of attaining : the condition of being attained
2 : something that has been accomplished : ACCOMPLISHMENT

Synonyms
[1] actuality, consummation, fruition, fulfillment, realization—more at FRUITION
[2] accomplishment, achievement, coup, success, triumph—more at ACCOMPLISHMENT

at·taint verb
: to condemn to loss of civil rights

at·tar noun
[ORIGIN: Pers aṭir perfumed, fr. Ar, fr. iṭr perfume]

: a fragrant floral oil

1attempt verb
: to make an effort toward

Synonyms
assay, endeavor, essay, seek, strive, try; also fight, strain, struggle, toil, trouble, work

2attempt noun
: the act or an instance of attempting

Synonyms
crack, endeavor, essay, fling, go, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack; also bid, striving, struggle, throes, undertaking

at·tend verb
1 : to look after : TEND
2 : to go or stay with as a companion, nurse, or servant
3 : to be present at
4 : to apply oneself
5 : to pay attention
6 : to direct one's attention

Synonyms
[1] care, mind, oversee, superintend, supervise, tend—more at TEND
[2] accompany, convoy, escort, squire—more at ACCOMPANY
[5] hark, hear, heed, listen, mind—more at LISTEN

at·ten·dance noun
1 : the act or fact of attending
2 : the number of persons present; also : the number of times a person attends

1attendant noun
: one that attends another to render a service

Synonyms
companion, escort, guard, guide—more at ESCORT

2attendant adjective
: accompanying or following as a consequence or result <~ circumstances>

Synonyms
consequent, consequential, due, resultant—more at RESULTANT
coincident, concomitant, concurrent—more at COINCIDENT

at·ten·tion noun
1 : the act or state of attending esp. through applying the mind to an object of sense or thought
2 : CONSIDERATION
3 : an act of courtesy
4 : a position of readiness assumed on command by a soldier

Synonyms
absorption, concentration; also fixation, obsession, preoccupation
Antonyms
inattention
awareness, cognizance, ear, eye, heed, notice, observance, observation; also advisement, care, concern, consideration, regard, watch

attention deficit disorder noun
: a behavioral syndrome esp. of children that is marked by hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and inattention

attention–deficit/hyperactivity disorder noun
: ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

at·ten·tive adjective
1 : regarding with care or attention : OBSERVANT
2 : heedful of the comfort of others

— at·ten·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] absorbed, engrossed, intent, observant, rapt; also interested, intrigued, involved
Antonyms
distracted, inattentive, unfocused, unobservant
[1] alert, awake, vigilant, watchful, wide-awake—more at ALERT
[2] considerate, kind, solicitous, thoughtful—more at THOUGHTFUL

at·ten·tive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being attentive

Synonyms
alertness, lookout, surveillance, vigilance, watch—more at VIGILANCE

at·ten·u·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to make or become thin
2 : WEAKEN

— attenuate adjective

— at·ten·u·a·tion noun

at·test verb
1 : to certify as genuine by signing as a witness
2 : MANIFEST
3 : to bear witness : TESTIFY

Synonyms
[1] authenticate, avouch, certify, testify, vouch, witness—more at CERTIFY
[3] depose, swear, testify, witness—more at TESTIFY

at·tes·ta·tion noun
1 : the act of attesting
2 : the proof or evidence by which something is attested

Synonyms
confirmation, corroboration, documentation, evidence, proof, substantiation, testament, testimony, validation, witness—more at PROOF

at·tic noun
: the space or room in a building immediately below the roof

1attire verb at·tired; at·tir·ing
: to put garments on : DRESS, ARRAY

Synonyms
apparel, array, clothe, deck, dress, garb, rig, suit—more at CLOTHE

2attire noun
: garments in general : DRESS, CLOTHES

Synonyms
apparel, clothing, dress, duds, raiment, wear—more at CLOTHING

at·ti·tude noun
1 : POSTURE
2 : a mental position or feeling with regard to a fact or state
3 : the position of something in relation to something else
4 : a cocky, arrogant, or hostile manner

at·ti·tu·di·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
: to assume an affected mental attitude : POSE

attn abbreviation
attention

at·tor·ney noun, plural -neys
: one who is legally appointed to transact business on another's behalf; especially : one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients or to advise as to legal rights and obligations in other matters : LAWYER

Synonyms
advocate, counsel, lawyer—more at LAWYER

attorney general noun, plural attorneys general or attorney generals
: the chief legal representative and adviser of a nation or state

at·tract verb
1 : to draw to or toward oneself : cause to approach
2 : to draw by emotional or aesthetic appeal

at·trac·tant noun
: a substance (as a pheromone) used to attract insects or other animals

at·trac·tion noun
1 : the act or power of attracting; especially : personal charm
2 : an attractive quality, object, or feature
3 : a force tending to draw particles together

Synonyms
draw, lodestone, magnet—more at MAGNET

at·trac·tive adjective
1 : having or relating to the power to attract
2 : arousing interest or pleasure

— at·trac·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] alluring, captivating, charming, elfin, engaging, fascinating, fetching, glamorous, magnetic, seductive—more at FASCINATING
[2] beautiful, handsome, lovely, pretty—more at BEAUTIFUL

at·trac·tive·ness noun
: the state or quality of being attractive

Synonyms
allure, appeal, captivation, charisma, charm, enchantment, fascination, glamour, magic, magnetism—more at CHARM
beauty, comeliness, handsomeness, looks, loveliness, prettiness—more at BEAUTY

attrib abbreviation
attributive

1attribute noun
1 : an inherent characteristic
2 : a word ascribing a quality; especially : ADJECTIVE

Synonyms
character, characteristic, feature, mark, peculiarity, point, property, quality, trait—more at CHARACTERISTIC

2attribute verb -ut·ed; -ut·ing
1 : to explain as to cause or origin <~ the illness to fatigue>
2 : to regard as a characteristic

— at·trib·ut·able adjective

— at·tri·bu·tion noun

Synonyms
accredit, ascribe, credit, impute—more at CREDIT

at·trib·u·tive adjective
: joined directly to a modified noun without a linking verb <red in red hair is an ~ adjective>

— attributive noun

at·tri·tion noun
1 : the act of wearing away by or as if by rubbing
2 : the act of weakening or exhausting by constant harassment, abuse, or attack
3 : a reduction in numbers as a result of resignation, retirement, or death

at·tune verb
: to bring into harmony : TUNE

— at·tune·ment noun

atty abbreviation
attorney

ATV abbreviation
all-terrain vehicle

atyp·i·cal adjective
: not typical

— atyp·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
aberrant, abnormal, exceptional, extraordinary, irregular, odd, peculiar, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted—more at EXCEPTIONAL

Au symbol
[ORIGIN: L aurum]

gold

au·burn adjective
: reddish brown

— auburn noun

au cou·rant adjective
[ORIGIN: F, lit., in the current]

: UP-TO-DATE, STYLISH

1auction noun
[ORIGIN: L auction-, auctio, fr. augēre to increase]

: public sale of property to the highest bidder

2auction verb auc·tioned; auc·tion·ing
: to sell at auction

auc·tion·eer noun
: an agent who conducts an auction

aud abbreviation
audit; auditor

au·da·cious adjective
1 : intrepidly daring
2 : contemptuous of law, religion, or decorum : INSOLENT

— au·da·cious·ly adverb

— au·da·cious·ness noun

Synonyms
adventurous, bold, daring, enterprising, gutsy, hardy, nervy, venturesome—more at BOLD

au·dac·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being audacious; also : the quality of being bold to the point of rudeness

Synonyms
brass, brazenness, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, nerve, presumption, sauce, sauciness, temerity—more at EFFRONTERY

1audible adjective
: capable of being heard

— au·di·bil·i·ty noun

— au·di·bly adverb

2audible noun
: a play called at the line of scrimmage

au·di·ence noun
1 : a formal interview
2 : an opportunity of being heard
3 : an assembly of listeners or spectators

1audio adjective
1 : of or relating to frequencies (as of radio waves) corresponding to those of audible sound waves
2 : of or relating to sound or its reproduction and esp. high-fidelity reproduction
3 : relating to or used in the transmission or reception of sound

2audio noun
1 : the transmission, reception, or reproduction of sound
2 : the section of television or motion-picture equipment that deals with sound

au·di·ol·o·gy noun
: a branch of science dealing with hearing and esp. with the treatment of individuals having trouble with hearing

— au·di·o·log·i·cal adjective

— au·di·ol·o·gist noun

au·dio·phile noun
: one who is enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction

au·dio·tape noun
: a tape recording of sound

au·dio·vi·su·al adjective
: of, relating to, or making use of both hearing and sight

au·dio·vi·su·als noun plural
: audiovisual teaching materials (as videotapes)

1audit noun
1 : a formal examination and verification of financial accounts
2 : a methodical examination and review

Synonyms
check, checkup, examination, inspection, review, scan, scrutiny, survey—more at INSPECTION

2audit verb
1 : to perform an audit on or for
2 : to attend (a course) without expecting formal credit

Synonyms
check, examine, inspect, review, scan, scrutinize, survey—more at INSPECT

1audition noun
: HEARING; especially : a trial performance to appraise an entertainer's merits

2audition verb -tioned; -tion·ing
: to give an audition to; also : to give a trial performance

au·di·tor noun
1 : LISTENER
2 : a person who audits

au·di·to·ri·um noun, plural -riums or -ria
1 : the part of a public building where an audience sits
2 : a hall or building used for public gatherings

au·di·to·ry adjective
: of or relating to hearing or to the sense or organs of hearing

Synonyms
acoustic, aural, auricular; also audible, clear, discernible, distinct, distinguishable, heard, perceptible

auditory tube noun
: EUSTACHIAN TUBE

auf Wie·der·seh·en interjection
[ORIGIN: G]

— used to express farewell

Aug abbreviation
August

au·ger noun
: a tool for boring

aught noun
: the arithmetical symbol 0 denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity : ZERO, CIPHER

Synonyms
cipher, naught, nil, nothing, zero, zip—more at ZERO

aug·ment verb
: to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense : ENLARGE, INCREASE

Synonyms
add, aggrandize, amplify, boost, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, increase, multiply, raise, swell, up—more at INCREASE

aug·men·ta·tion noun
1 a : the act or process of augmenting
b : the state of being augmented
2 : something that augments : ADDITION

Synonyms
accretion, addition, boost, expansion, gain, increase, increment, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement—more at INCREASE

au gra·tin adjective
[ORIGIN: F, lit., with the burnt scrapings from the pan]

: covered with bread crumbs or grated cheese and browned

1augur noun
: one held to foretell events by omens : DIVINER, SOOTHSAYER

Synonyms
diviner, forecaster, fortune-teller, futurist, prognosticator, prophet, seer, soothsayer—more at PROPHET

2augur verb
1 : to foretell esp. from omens
2 : to give promise of : show potential for a good outcome

Synonyms
[1] forecast, foretell, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy—more at FORETELL
[2] bode, promise—more at BODE

au·gu·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : divination from omens
2 : an occurrence or phenomenon believed to portend a future event : OMEN, PORTENT

Synonyms
auspice, foreboding, omen, portent, presage—more at OMEN

au·gust adjective
: marked by majestic dignity or grandeur

— au·gust·ly adverb

Synonyms
dignified, grand, imposing, magnificent, majestic, regal, royal, splendid, stately

Au·gust noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE, fr. L Augustus, fr. Augustus Caesar]

: the 8th month of the year

au·gust·ness noun
: the quality or state of being august

Synonyms
grandeur, grandness, magnificence, majesty, nobility, nobleness, stateliness—more at MAGNIFICENCE

au jus adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

: served in the juice obtained from roasting

auk noun
: any of several stocky black-and-white diving seabirds that breed in colder parts of the northern hemisphere

auld adjective, chiefly Scottish
: OLD

aunt noun
1 : the sister of one's father or mother
2 : the wife of one's uncle

au pair noun
[ORIGIN: F, on even terms]

: a usu. young foreign person who does domestic work for a family in return for room and board and to learn the family's language

au·ra noun
1 : a distinctive atmosphere surrounding a given source
2 : a luminous radiation

Synonyms
air, atmosphere, climate, flavor, mood, note, temper; also feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit

au·ral adjective
: of or relating to the ear or to the sense of hearing

Synonyms
acoustic, auditory, auricular—more at AUDITORY

au·re·ole or au·re·o·la noun
: HALO, NIMBUS

au re·voir noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., till seeing again]

: a concluding remark or gesture at parting : GOOD-BYE

Synonyms
adieu, bon voyage, farewell, good-bye—more at GOOD-BYE

au·ri·cle noun
: an atrium of the heart

au·ric·u·lar adjective
1 : told privately <~ confession>
2 : known or recognized by the sense of hearing

Synonyms
acoustic, auditory, aural—more at AUDITORY

au·ro·ra noun, plural auroras or au·ro·rae
1 : the first appearance of light in the morning followed by sunrise
2 : a luminous phenomenon of streamers or arches of light appearing in the upper atmosphere esp. of a planet's polar regions

— au·ro·ral adjective

Synonyms
cockcrow, dawn, morning, sunrise—more at DAWN

aurora aus·tra·lis noun
: an aurora that occurs in earth's southern hemisphere

aurora bo·re·al·is noun
: an aurora that occurs in earth's northern hemisphere

AUS abbreviation
Army of the United States

aus·pice noun, plural aus·pic·es
[ORIGIN: L auspicium, fr. auspic-, auspex diviner by birds, fr. avis bird + specere to look, look at]

1 : observation of birds by an augur
2 plural : kindly patronage and protection
3 : a prophetic sign or omen

Synonyms
augury, foreboding, omen, portent, presage—more at OMEN

aus·pi·cious adjective
1 : promising success : PROPITIOUS
2 : FORTUNATE, PROSPEROUS

— aus·pi·cious·ly adverb

— aus·pi·cious·ness noun

Synonyms
bright, encouraging, favorable, heartening, hopeful, likely, promising, propitious, rosy, upbeat—more at HOPEFUL

aus·tere adjective
1 : stern and cold in appearance or manner : STERN, SEVERE
2 : ABSTEMIOUS
3 : UNADORNED <~ style>

— aus·tere·ly adverb

— aus·ter·i·ty noun

Synonyms
authoritarian, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, ramrod, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict—more at SEVERE

aus·tral adjective
: SOUTHERN

Aus·tra·lian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Australia

— Australian adjective

Aus·tri·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Austria

— Austrian adjective

Aus·tro·ne·sian adjective
: of, relating to, or constituting a family of languages spoken in the area extending from Madagascar eastward through the Malay Peninsula to Hawaii and Easter Island

auth abbreviation
1 authentic
2 author
3 authorized

au·then·tic adjective
: not false or imitation

— au·then·tic·i·ty noun

Synonyms
bona fide, genuine, real, right, true; also actual, historical, original
Antonyms
bogus, counterfeit, fake, false, mock, phony, pseudo, sham, spurious, unauthentic, unreal
accurate, exact, faithful, precise, right, strict, true, veracious—more at FAITHFUL

au·then·ti·cal·ly adverb
: in actual fact

Synonyms
actually, genuinely, really, veritably, very—more at VERY

au·then·ti·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to prove genuine

— au·then·ti·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
attest, avouch, certify, testify, vouch, witness—more at CERTIFY

au·thor noun
[ORIGIN: ME auctour, fr. AF auctor, autor, fr. L auctor originator, author, fr. augēre to increase]

1 : one that originates or creates
2 : one that writes or composes a literary work

Synonyms
creator, father, founder, originator—more at FATHER

au·thor·ess noun
: a woman author

au·thor·i·tar·i·an adjective
1 : characterized by or favoring the principle of blind obedience to authority
2 : characterized by or favoring concentration of political power in an authority not responsible to the people

— authoritarian noun

Synonyms
autocratic, bossy, despotic, dictatorial, domineering, imperious, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical, tyrannous—more at BOSSY
austere, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, ramrod, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict—more at SEVERE

au·thor·i·ta·tive adjective
: supported by, proceeding from, or being an authority

— au·thor·i·ta·tive·ly adverb

— au·thor·i·ta·tive·ness noun

Synonyms
forceful, influential, weighty—more at INFLUENTIAL

au·thor·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a citation used in support of a statement or in defense of an action; also : the source of such a citation
2 : one appealed to as an expert
3 : power to influence thought or behavior
4 : freedom granted : RIGHT
5 a : persons in command
b : the office, authority, or function of governing : GOVERNMENT
6 : convincing force

Synonyms
[2] ace, adept, expert, master, scholar, virtuoso, whiz, wizard—more at EXPERT
[3] clout, influence, pull, sway, weight—more at INFLUENCE
[5b] administration, government, jurisdiction, regime, rule—more at RULE
[6] arm, clutch, command, control, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, power, sway—more at POWER

au·tho·ri·za·tion noun
: the act of authorizing

Synonyms
allowance, clearance, concurrence, consent, leave, license, permission, sanction, sufferance—more at PERMISSION
commission, delegation, license, mandate—more at COMMISSION

au·tho·rize verb -rized; -riz·ing
1 : to establish by or as if by authority : SANCTION
2 : to invest esp. with legal authority

Synonyms
[1] approve, clear, OK, ratify, sanction, warrant—more at APPROVE
[2] accredit, certify, commission, empower, enable, invest, license, qualify

au·tho·rized adjective
: sanctioned by authority

au·thor·ship noun
1 : the state of being an author
2 : the source of a piece of writing, music, or art

au·tism noun
: a disorder that appears by age three and is characterized esp. by impaired ability to communicate with others and form normal social relationships and by repetitive patterns of behavior

— au·tis·tic adjective

1auto noun, plural autos
: a usu. 4-wheeled automotive vehicle designed for passenger transportation : AUTOMOBILE

2auto abbreviation
automatic

au·to·bahn noun
: a German, Swiss, or Austrian expressway

au·to·bi·og·ra·phy noun
: the biography of a person narrated by that person

— au·to·bi·og·ra·pher noun

— au·to·bi·o·graph·i·cal adjective

— au·to·bi·o·graph·i·cal·ly adverb

au·toch·tho·nous adjective
: INDIGENOUS, NATIVE

au·to·clave noun
: an apparatus (as for sterilizing) using superheated high-pressure steam

au·toc·ra·cy noun, plural -cies
: government by one person having unlimited power

Synonyms
despotism, dictatorship, totalitarianism, tyranny—more at DESPOTISM

au·to·crat noun
1 : a person (as a monarch) ruling with unlimited authority
2 : one who has undisputed influence or power

Synonyms
[1] monarch, ruler, sovereign—more at MONARCH
[2] despot, dictator, oppressor, tyrant—more at DESPOT

au·to·crat·ic adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being an autocracy
2 : characteristic of or resembling an autocrat : DESPOTIC

— au·to·crat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
absolute, despotic, dictatorial, tyrannical, tyrannous—more at ABSOLUTE
authoritarian, bossy, domineering, imperious, masterful, overbearing, peremptory—more at BOSSY

1autograph noun
1 : an original manuscript
2 : a person's signature written by hand

2autograph verb
: to write one's signature on

au·to·im·mune adjective
: of, relating to, or caused by antibodies or lymphocytes that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them <~ diseases>

— au·to·im·mu·ni·ty noun

au·to·mate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to operate automatically using mechanical or electronic devices
2 : to convert to automatic operation

— au·to·ma·tion noun

automated teller machine noun
: a computer terminal allowing access to one's own bank accounts

1automatic adjective
1 : largely or wholly involuntary
2 : made so that certain parts act in a desired manner at the proper time : SELF-ACTING

— au·to·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] involuntary, mechanical, spontaneous; also conditioned, natural, reactive, reflex, simple, subliminal, unconscious, unforced
[2] laborsaving, robotic, self-acting—more at LABORSAVING

2automatic noun
: an automatic device; especially : an automatic firearm

au·tom·a·ton noun, plural -atons or -a·ta
1 : an automatic machine; especially : ROBOT
2 : an individual who acts mechanically

au·to·mo·bile noun
: a usu. 4-wheeled automotive vehicle for passenger transportation

Synonyms
car, machine, motor vehicle—more at CAR

au·to·mo·tive adjective
1 : of or relating to automobiles, trucks, or buses
2 : SELF-PROPELLED

au·to·nom·ic nervous system noun
: a part of the vertebrate nervous system that governs involuntary actions and that consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system

au·ton·o·mous adjective
: having the right or power of self-government

— au·ton·o·mous·ly adverb

Synonyms
free, independent, self-governing, separate, sovereign—more at FREE

au·ton·o·my noun
: the quality or state of being independent, free, and self-directing

Synonyms
freedom, independence, liberty, self-government, sovereignty—more at FREEDOM

au·top·sy noun, plural -sies
[ORIGIN: Gk autopsia act of seeing with one's own eyes, fr. autos self + opsis sight]

: examination of a dead body usu. with dissection sufficient to determine the cause of death or extent of change produced by disease

— autopsy verb

au·tumn noun
: the season between summer and winter

— au·tum·nal adjective

aux abbreviation
auxiliary

1auxiliary adjective
1 : providing help
2 : functioning in a subsidiary capacity
3 : accompanying a verb form to express person, number, mood, or tense <~ verbs>

Synonyms
accessory, peripheral, supplementary; also backup, makeshift, substitute
Antonyms
chief, main, principal

2auxiliary noun, plural -ries
1 : an auxiliary person, group, or device
2 : an auxiliary verb

aux·in noun
: a plant hormone that stimulates growth in length

av abbreviation
1 avenue
2 average
3 avoirdupois

AV abbreviation
1 ad valorem
2 audiovisual
3 Authorized Version

1avail verb
: to produce or result in as a benefit or advantage

Synonyms
benefit, profit, serve—more at BENEFIT

2avail noun
: advantage toward attainment of a goal or purpose : USE <effort was of no ~>

Synonyms
account, service, use, utility—more at USE

avail·able adjective
1 : present or ready for immediate use : USABLE
2 : capable of being reached : ACCESSIBLE

— avail·abil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
[1] fit, functional, operable, practicable, serviceable, usable, useful—more at USABLE
[2] accessible, acquirable, attainable, obtainable, procurable; also purchasable
Antonyms
inaccessible, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable

av·a·lanche noun
: a mass of snow, ice, earth, or rock sliding down a mountainside

avant–garde noun
[ORIGIN: F, vanguard]

: those esp. in the arts who create or apply new or experimental ideas and techniques

— avant–garde adjective

av·a·rice noun
: excessive desire for wealth : GREED

Synonyms
acquisitiveness, avidity, covetousness, cupidity, greed, rapaciousness—more at GREED

av·a·ri·cious adjective
: excessively acquisitive

Synonyms
acquisitive, avid, covetous, grasping, greedy, mercenary, rapacious—more at GREEDY

avast verb imperative
— a nautical command to stop or cease

av·a·tar noun
[ORIGIN: Skt avatāra descent]

: INCARNATION

avaunt adverb
: AWAY, HENCE

avdp abbreviation
avoirdupois

ave abbreviation
avenue

Ave Ma·ria noun
: HAIL MARY

avenge verb avenged; aveng·ing
: to take vengeance for

Synonyms
requite, retaliate, revenge; also castigate, fix, get, penalize, punish, scourge

aveng·er noun
: one that avenges

Synonyms
castigator, nemesis, scourge—more at NEMESIS

av·e·nue noun
1 : a way or route to a place or goal : PATH
2 : a broad street

Synonyms
[1, 2] approach, passage, path, route, way—more at PASSAGE
[2] artery, road, route, street, way—more at WAY

aver verb averred; aver·ring
1 a : to verify or prove to be true in pleading a cause
b : to allege or assert in pleading
2 : to declare positively

Synonyms
[1b, 2] affirm, allege, assert, avouch, avow, claim, contend, declare, insist, maintain, profess, protest, warrant—more at CLAIM

1average noun
[ORIGIN: earlier, proportionally distributed charge for damage at sea, modif. of MF avarie damage to ship or cargo, fr. It avaria, fr. Ar awārīyah damaged merchandise]

1 : ARITHMETIC MEAN
2 a : an estimation of or approximation to an arithmetic mean
b : a level (as of intelligence) typical of a group, class, or series
3 : a ratio of successful tries to total tries esp. in athletics <batting ~ of .303>

Synonyms
norm, normal, par, standard; also golden mean, mean, median, middle, commonplace, ordinary, rule, run, status quo, usual

2average adjective
1 : equaling or approximating an arithmetic mean
2 : being about midway between extremes
3 : not out of the ordinary

Synonyms
[2] intermediate, median, medium, middle, moderate, modest—more at MIDDLE
[3] common, commonplace, everyday, normal, ordinary, routine, run-of-the-mill, standard, typical, usual—more at ORDINARY

3average verb av·er·aged; av·er·ag·ing
1 : to be at or come to an average
2 : to be, do, or get usually
3 : to find the average of

averse adjective
: having an active feeling of dislike or reluctance <~ to exercise>

aver·sion noun
1 : a feeling of repugnance for something with a desire to avoid it
2 : something decidedly disliked

Synonyms
[1] disgust, distaste, loathing, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion—more at DISGUST
[1, 2] allergy, disfavor, disinclination, dislike—more at DISLIKE

avert verb
1 : to turn aside or away <~ the eyes>
2 : to ward off

Synonyms
forestall, help, obviate, preclude, prevent—more at PREVENT

avg abbreviation
average

avi·an adjective
[ORIGIN: L avis bird]

: of, relating to, or derived from birds

avi·ary noun, plural -ar·ies
: a place for keeping birds confined

avi·a·tion noun
1 : the operation of heavier-than-air aircraft
2 : aircraft manufacture, development, and design

avi·a·tor noun
: an airplane pilot

Synonyms
airman, flier, pilot—more at PILOT

avi·a·trix noun, plural -trix·es or -tri·ces
: a woman airplane pilot

av·id adjective
1 : desirous to the point of greed : GREEDY
2 : enthusiastic in pursuit of an interest

— av·id·ly adverb

— av·id·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] acquisitive, avaricious, covetous, grasping, greedy, mercenary, rapacious—more at GREEDY
[2] ardent, eager, enthusiastic, keen, nuts, raring—more at EAGER

avid·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being avid

Synonyms
acquisitiveness, avarice, covetousness, cupidity, greed, rapaciousness—more at GREED
appetite, ardor, eagerness, enthusiasm, excitement, keenness, thirst—more at EAGERNESS

avi·on·ics noun plural
: electronics designed for use in aerospace vehicles

— avi·on·ic adjective

av·o·ca·do noun, plural -dos also -does
[ORIGIN: modif. of Sp aguacate, fr. Nahuatl āhuacatl, avocado, testicle]

: a pulpy green to purple nutty-flavored edible fruit of a tropical American tree; also : this tree

av·o·ca·tion noun
: HOBBY

av·o·cet noun
: any of several long-legged shorebirds with webbed feet and slender upward-curving bills

avoid verb
1 : to keep away from : SHUN
2 : to prevent the occurrence of
3 : to refrain from

— avoid·able adjective

— avoid·ably adverb

Synonyms
dodge, duck, elude, escape, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun—more at ESCAPE

avoid·ance noun
: an act or practice of avoiding or withdrawing from something

Synonyms
cop-out, escape, evasion, out—more at ESCAPE

av·oir·du·pois noun
[ORIGIN: ME avoir de pois goods sold by weight, fr. AF, lit., goods of weight]

1 : AVOIRDUPOIS WEIGHT
2 : WEIGHT, HEAVINESS; especially : personal weight

avoirdupois weight noun
: a system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces and an ounce of 16 drams (28 grams)

avouch verb
1 : to declare positively : AVER
2 : to maintain as just or true : vouch for

Synonyms
[1] affirm, allege, assert, aver, avow, claim, contend, declare, insist, maintain, profess, protest, warrant—more at CLAIM
[2] attest, authenticate, certify, testify, vouch, witness—more at CERTIFY

avow verb
: to declare openly

Synonyms
affirm, allege, assert, aver, avouch, claim, contend, declare, insist, maintain, profess, protest, warrant—more at CLAIM

avow·al noun
: an open declaration or acknowledgment

Synonyms
acknowledgment, admission, concession, confession—more at CONFESSION
affirmation, assertion, claim, declaration, profession, protestation—more at PROTESTATION

avun·cu·lar adjective
: of, relating to, or resembling an uncle

await verb
: to wait for : EXPECT

Synonyms
anticipate, expect, hope, watch—more at EXPECT
bide, hold on, stay, wait—more at WAIT

1awake verb awoke also awaked ; awo·ken or awaked also awoke; awak·ing
: to bring back to consciousness : wake up

Synonyms
arouse, rouse, wake

2awake adjective
: fully conscious, alert, and aware

Synonyms
sleepless, wakeful, wide-awake—more at WAKEFUL
alert, attentive, vigilant, watchful, wide-awake—more at ALERT

awak·en verb awak·ened; awak·en·ing
: to bring back to consciousness : wake up

1award verb
1 : to give by judicial decision <~ damages>
2 : to confer or bestow as being deserved, earned, or needed

Synonyms
accord, confer, grant—more at CONFER

2award noun
1 : a final decision : JUDGMENT
2 : something awarded : PRIZE

Synonyms
decoration, distinction, honor, plume, prize; also badge, crown, cup, laurel, medal, order, ribbon, trophy

aware adjective
: having perception or knowledge : CONSCIOUS

Synonyms
alive, cognizant, conscious, mindful, sensible, sentient—more at CONSCIOUS

aware·ness noun
: the quality or state of being aware

Synonyms
attention, cognizance, ear, eye, heed, notice, observance, observation—more at ATTENTION

awash adjective
1 : washed by waves or tide
2 : AFLOAT
3 : covered with water : FLOODED

1away adverb
1 : from this or that place <go ~>
2 : out of the way
3 : in another direction <turn ~>
4 : out of existence <fade ~>
5 : from one's possession <give ~>
6 : without interruption <chatter ~>
7 : at a distance in space or time <far ~> <~ back in 1910>

2away adjective
1 : absent from a place : ABSENT
2 : distant in space or time <a lake 10 miles ~>

Synonyms
[1] absent, missing, out—more at ABSENT
[2] distant, far, far-off, remote—more at DISTANT

1awe noun
1 : an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime
2 : respectful fear inspired by authority

Synonyms
admiration, amazement, astonishment, wonder, wonderment—more at WONDER

2awe verb awed; aw·ing
: to inspire with awe

aweigh adjective
: just clear of the bottom <anchors ~>

awe·some adjective
1 : expressive of awe
2 : inspiring awe

Synonyms
amazing, astonishing, astounding, marvelous, stunning, surprising, wonderful—more at MARVELOUS

awe·struck also awe·strick·en adjective
: filled with awe

Synonyms
amazed, stunned, thunderstruck—more at THUNDERSTRUCK

aw·ful adjective
1 : inspiring awe
2 : extremely disagreeable, unpleasant, or shoddy
3 : very great <an ~ lot of money>

Synonyms
appalling, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, grisly, gruesome, hideous, horrible, horrid, repellent, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, shocking, terrible—more at HORRIBLE
atrocious, execrable, lousy, punk, rotten, wretched—more at WRETCHED

aw·ful·ly adverb
: to a great degree : VERY

awhile adverb
: for a while

awhirl adjective
: being in a whirl

awk·ward adjective
1 : lacking dexterity or skill (as in the use of hands)
2 : lacking ease or grace (as of movement or expression)
3 : difficult to explain : EMBARRASSING
4 : difficult to deal with

— awk·ward·ly adverb

— awk·ward·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] clumsy, gauche, gawky, graceless, inelegant, stiff, stilted, uncomfortable, uneasy, ungainly, ungraceful, wooden
Antonyms
graceful, suave, urbane
[3] disconcerting, embarrassing, uncomfortable; also confusing, difficult, disagreeable impossible, inconvenient, intolerable, troublesome, unpleasant, unwieldy
[4] clumsy, cranky, cumbersome, ungainly, unhandy, unwieldy—more at CUMBERSOME

awl noun
: a pointed instrument for making small holes

aw·ning noun
: a rooflike cover (as of canvas) extended over or in front of a place as a shelter

AWOL noun
: a person who is absent without leave

— AWOL adjective or adverb

awry adverb or adjective
1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction : ASKEW
2 : off the correct or expected course : AMISS

Synonyms
[1] askew, cockeyed, crooked, listing, lopsided, oblique, slantwise, uneven; also asymmetrical, unbalanced, unsymmetrical
Antonyms
even, level, straight
[2] afield, amiss, astray, wrong—more at WRONG

ax or axe noun
: a chopping or cutting tool with an edged head fitted parallel to a handle

ax·i·al adjective
1 : of, relating to, or functioning as an axis
2 : situated around, in the direction of, on, or along an axis

— ax·i·al·ly adverb

ax·i·om noun
[ORIGIN: L axioma, fr. Gk axiōma, lit., something worthy, fr. axioun to think worthy, fr. axios worth, worthy]

1 : a statement generally accepted as true : MAXIM
2 : a proposition regarded as a self-evident truth

— ax·i·om·at·ic adjective

— ax·i·om·at·i·cal·ly adverb

ax·is noun, plural ax·es
1 : a straight line around which a body rotates
2 : a straight line or structure with respect to which a body or figure is symmetrical
3 : one of the reference lines of a system of coordinates
4 : an alliance between major powers

ax·le noun
: a shaft on which a wheel revolves

ayah noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi & Urdu āyā, fr. Pg aia, fr. L avia grandmother]

: a nurse or maid native to India

aya·tol·lah noun
[ORIGIN: Pers āyatollāh, lit., sign of God, fr. Ar aya sign, miracle + allāh God]

: an Islamic religious leader — used as a title of respect

1aye also ay adverb
: for a limitless time : ALWAYS, EVER

2aye also ay adverb
: YES — used as a function word to express assent or agreement

3aye also ay noun, plural ayes
: an affirmative vote

AZ abbreviation
Arizona

aza·lea noun
: any of numerous rhododendrons with funnel-shaped blossoms and usu. deciduous leaves

az·i·do·thy·mi·dine noun
: AZT

az·i·muth noun
: horizontal direction expressed as an angular distance from a fixed point

AZT noun
: an antiviral drug used to treat AIDS

Az·tec noun
: a member of a Nahuatl-speaking people that founded the Mexican empire and were conquered by Hernan Cortes in 1519

— Az·tec·an adjective

azure noun
: the blue of the clear sky

— azure adjective

B

1b noun, plural b's or bs often cap
1 : the 2d letter of the English alphabet
2 : a grade rating a student's work as good

2b abbreviation, often cap
1 bachelor
2 bass
3 bishop
4 book
5 born

B symbol
boron

Ba symbol
barium

BA abbreviation
1 bachelor of arts
2 batting average

bab·bitt noun
: an alloy used for lining bearings; especially : one containing tin, copper, and antimony

1babble verb bab·bled; bab·bling
1 : to talk enthusiastically or excessively
2 : to utter meaningless sounds

Synonyms
[1, 2] chatter, drivel, gabble, gibber, jabber, prattle, sputter; also gab, jaw, patter, prate, rattle, run on

2babble noun
1 : foolish or idle talk
2 : continuous meaningless vocal sounds : a murmur or a continuity of confused sounds

Synonyms
gabble, gibberish, gobbledygook, hogwash, nonsense, piffle, prattle—more at GIBBERISH

bab·bler noun
: one that babbles

babe noun
1 : an extremely young child : BABY
2 slang : GIRL, WOMAN

ba·bel noun, often cap
[ORIGIN: fr. the Tower of Babel, Gen 11:4–9]

: a place or scene of noise and confusion; also : a confused sound

ba·boon noun
[ORIGIN: ME babewin, fr. MF babouin, fr. baboue grimace]

: any of several large apes of Asia and Africa with doglike muzzles

ba·bush·ka noun
[ORIGIN: Russ, grandmother, dim. of baba old woman]

: a kerchief for the head

Synonyms
bandanna, kerchief—more at BANDANNA

1baby noun, plural babies
1 : a very young child : INFANT
2 : the youngest or smallest of a group
3 : a childish person

— baby adjective

— ba·by·hood noun

Synonyms
child, infant, newborn; also cherub

2baby verb ba·bied; ba·by·ing
: to tend or treat often with excessive care

Synonyms
coddle, mollycoddle, nurse, pamper, spoil; also cater (to), humor, indulge
Antonyms
abuse, ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, mishandle, mistreat, misuse

baby boom noun
: a marked rise in birthrate

— baby boom·er noun

ba·by·ish adjective
: resembling a baby : CHILDISH, INFANTILE

Synonyms
childish, immature, infantile, juvenile, kiddish—more at CHILDISH

baby's breath noun
: any of a genus of herbs that are related to the pinks and have small delicate flowers

ba·by·sit verb -sat ; -sit·ting
: to care for children usu. during a short absence of the parents

ba·by·sit·ter noun
: a person usu. hired for relatively short periods of time to take care of a child or children while the parents are away from the home

bac·ca·lau·re·ate noun
1 : the degree of bachelor conferred by colleges and universities
2 : a sermon delivered to a graduating class

bac·ca·rat noun
: a card game in which three hands are dealt and players may bet either or both hands against the dealer's

bac·cha·nal noun
1 : ORGY
2 : REVELER

bac·cha·na·lia noun, plural bacchanalia
: a drunken orgy

— bac·cha·na·lian adjective or noun

bach·e·lor noun
1 : a person who has received the usu. lowest degree conferred by a 4-year college
2 : an unmarried man

— bach·e·lor·hood noun

bach·e·lor·ette noun
: a young unmarried woman

bachelor's button noun
: a European plant related to the daisies and having blue, pink, or white flower heads

ba·cil·lus noun, plural -li
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. ML, small staff, dim. of L baculus staff]

: any of numerous rod-shaped bacteria; also : a disease-producing bacterium

— bac·il·lary adjective

1back noun
1 : the rear or dorsal part of the human body; also : the corresponding part of a lower animal
2 : the part or surface opposite the front
3 : a player in the backfield in football

— back·less adjective

2back adverb
1 : to, toward, or at the rear
2 : AGO
3 : so as to be restrained or retarded
4 : to, toward, or in a former place or state
5 : in return or reply

Synonyms
[1, 4] about, around, round—more at AROUND

3back adjective
1 : located at or in the back
2 : OVERDUE
3 : moving or operating backward
4 : not current

Synonyms
hind, hindmost, posterior, rear
Antonyms
anterior, fore, forward, front

4back verb
1 : to assist by material, moral, or financial assistance : SUPPORT
2 : to go or cause to go backward or in reverse
3 : to furnish with a back : form the back of

Synonyms
advocate, champion, endorse, patronize, support—more at SUPPORT
abet, aid, assist, help, prop, support—more at HELP

back·ache noun
: a pain in the lower back

back away verb
: to move away (as from a stand on an issue or from a commitment)

Synonyms
fall back, recede, retire, retreat, withdraw—more at RETREAT

back–bench·er noun
: a rank-and-file member of a British legislature

back·bite verb -bit ; -bit·ten ; -bit·ing
: to say mean or spiteful things about someone who is absent

— back·bit·er noun

back·board noun
: a board placed at or serving as the back of something

back·bone noun
1 : the bony column in the back of a vertebrate that is the chief support of the trunk and consists of a jointed series of vertebrae enclosing and protecting the spinal cord
2 : firm resolute character

Synonyms
[1] spine, vertebral column—more at SPINE
[2] fiber, fortitude, grit, guts, pluck, spunk—more at FORTITUDE

back down verb
: to withdraw from a commitment or position

Synonyms
cop out, renege—more at RENEGE

back·drop noun
1 : a painted cloth hung across the rear of a stage
2 : the scenery or ground behind something : BACKGROUND

back·er noun
: one that supports

Synonyms
advocate, apostle, booster, champion, exponent, friend, promoter, proponent, supporter—more at EXPONENT
guarantor, patron, sponsor, surety—more at SPONSOR

back·field noun
: the football players whose positions are behind the line

1backfire noun
: a loud noise caused by the improperly timed explosion of fuel in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine

2backfire verb
1 : to make or undergo a backfire
2 : to have a result opposite to what was intended

back·gam·mon noun
: a game played with pieces on a double board in which the moves are determined by throwing dice

back·ground noun
1 : the scenery behind something
2 : the setting within which something takes place; also : the sum of a person's experience, training, and understanding

back·hand noun
: a stroke (as in tennis) made with the back of the hand turned in the direction of movement; also : the side on which such a stroke is made

— back·hand verb

back·hand·ed adjective
1 : not straightforward and open : characterized by wiliness and trickery; especially : SARCASTIC <a ~ compliment>
2 : using or made with a backhand

back·hoe noun
: an excavating machine having a bucket that is drawn toward the machine

back·ing noun
1 : something forming a back
2 : the act or process of supporting : AID; also : a body of supporters

Synonyms
aid, assist, assistance, boost, help, lift, support—more at HELP

back·lash noun
1 : a sudden violent backward movement or reaction
2 : a strong adverse reaction

1backlog noun
1 : a large log at the back of a hearth fire
2 : an accumulation of tasks unperformed or materials not processed

2backlog verb
: to accumulate in reserve

back of preposition
: in or to a place or situation to the rear of : BEHIND

back off verb
: to withdraw from a commitment or position : BACK DOWN

back out verb
: to withdraw esp. from a commitment or contest

1backpack noun
: a camping pack supported by an aluminum frame and carried on the back

2backpack verb
: to hike with a backpack

— back·pack·er noun

back·ped·al verb
: RETREAT

back·rest noun
: a rest for the back

back·side noun
: the seat of the body : BUTTOCKS

Synonyms
bottom, butt, buttocks, posterior, rear, rump, seat—more at BUTTOCKS

back·slap verb
: to display excessive cordiality

— back·slap·per noun

back·slide verb -slid ; -slid or -slid·den ; -slid·ing
: to lapse morally or in religious practice

back·slid·er noun
: one that backslides <a ~ who pleads his former righteousness>

back·spin noun
: a backward rotary motion of a ball

1backstage adjective
1 : relating to or occurring in the area behind a stage
2 : of or relating to the private lives of theater people
3 : of or relating to the inner working or operation

2backstage adverb
1 : in or to a backstage area
2 : SECRETLY

back·stairs adjective
: SECRET, FURTIVE; also : SORDID, SCANDALOUS

1backstop noun
: something serving as a stop behind something else; especially : a screen or fence to keep a ball from leaving the field of play

2backstop verb
1 : SUPPORT
2 : to serve as a backstop to

back·stretch noun
: the side opposite the homestretch on a racecourse

back·stroke noun
: a swimming stroke executed on the back

back talk noun
: impudent, insolent, or argumentative replies

Synonyms
cheek, impertinence, impudence, insolence, sauce; also comeback, rejoinder, retort, riposte, wisecrack

back·track verb
1 : to retrace one's course
2 : to reverse a position or stand

back·up noun
: one that serves as a substitute or alternative

Synonyms
pinch hitter, relief, replacement, reserve, stand-in, sub, substitute—more at SUBSTITUTE

1backward or back·wards adverb
1 : toward the back
2 : with the back foremost
3 : in a reverse or contrary direction or way
4 : toward the past; also : toward a worse state

2backward adjective
1 : directed, turned, or done backward
2 : DIFFIDENT, SHY
3 : retarded in development

— back·ward·ly adverb

— back·ward·ness noun

back·wash noun
: a backward flow or movement (as of water or air) produced by a propelling force (as the motion of oars)

back·wa·ter noun
1 : water held or turned back in its course
2 : an isolated or backward place or condition

back·woods noun plural
1 : wooded or partly cleared areas far from cities
2 : a remote or isolated place

Synonyms
[1, 2] bush, frontier, hinterland, sticks, up-country—more at FRONTIER

ba·con noun
: salted and smoked meat from the sides or back of a pig

bac·te·ri·cid·al adjective
: destroying bacteria

— bac·te·ri·cide noun

bac·te·ri·ol·o·gy noun
1 : a science dealing with bacteria
2 : bacterial life and phenomena

— bac·te·ri·o·log·ic or bac·te·ri·o·log·i·cal adjective

— bac·te·ri·ol·o·gist noun

bac·te·rio·phage noun
: any of various viruses that attack specific bacteria

bac·te·ri·um noun, plural -ria
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. Gk baktērion staff]

: any of a group of single-celled microorganisms including some that are disease producers and others that are valued esp. for their chemical effects (as fermentation)

— bac·te·ri·al adjective

bad adjective worse ; worst
1 : below standard : POOR; also : UNFAVORABLE <a ~ report>
2 : having deteriorated because of spoiling : DECAYED
3 a : morally unacceptable or reprehensible : EVIL
b : not well-behaved : NAUGHTY
4 a : causing discomfort : DISAGREEABLE <a ~ taste>
b : causing harm : HARMFUL
5 : having a defect : FAULTY <~ wiring>; also : not valid <a ~ check>
6 : being in poor health : UNWELL, ILL
7 : full of regret : SORRY

Synonyms
[1] deficient, inferior, lousy, off, poor, substandard, unacceptable, unfavorable, unsatisfactory, wanting, wretched, wrong; also defective, faulty
Antonyms
acceptable, satisfactory
[2] decayed, putrid, rotten—more at ROTTEN
[3a] evil, immoral, iniquitous, nefarious, sinful, unethical, unsavory, vile, villainous, wicked; also base, contemptible, despicable, dirty, disreputable, evil-minded, ignoble, ill, infernal, low, mean
Antonyms
good, ethical, moral, right, righteous, virtuous
[4a] disagreeable, distasteful, nasty, rotten, sour, unpleasant—more at UNPLEASANT
[4b] adverse, baleful, baneful, damaging, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, ill, injurious, mischievous, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial—more at HARMFUL

bade past and past participle of BID

badge noun
: a device or token usu. worn as a sign of status

1badger noun
: any of several sturdy burrowing mammals with long claws on their forefeet

2badger verb
: to harass or annoy persistently

ba·di·nage noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: playful talk back and forth : BANTER

bad·land noun
: a region marked by intricate erosional sculpturing and scanty vegetation — usu. used in pl.

bad·ly adverb
: in a bad manner <played ~>

bad·min·ton noun
: a court game played with light rackets and a shuttlecock volleyed over a net

bad–mouth verb
: to criticize severely

bad·ness noun
: the quality or state of being bad

Bae·de·ker noun
: GUIDEBOOK

1baffle verb baf·fled; baf·fling
1 : to interfere with or slow the progress of : FRUSTRATE, THWART
2 : to cause to be mentally confused : PERPLEX

Synonyms
[1] balk, beat, checkmate, foil, frustrate, thwart—more at FRUSTRATE
[2] addle, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, confound, confuse, disorient, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, puzzle—more at CONFUSE

2baffle noun
: a device (as a wall or screen) to deflect, check, or regulate flow (as of liquid or sound)

— baf·fled adjective

baf·fle·ment noun
: the state of being baffled

Synonyms
bewilderment, confusion, distraction, muddle, mystification, perplexity, puzzlement, whirl—more at CONFUSION

1bag noun
: a flexible usu. closable container (as for storing or carrying)

Synonyms
handbag, pocketbook, purse—more at PURSE

2bag verb bagged; bag·ging
1 : to expand from internal pressure : BULGE
2 : to put in a bag
3 : to get possession of; especially : to take in hunting

Synonyms
capture, catch, get, grab, nab, seize, snare, trap—more at CATCH

ba·gasse noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: plant residue (as of sugarcane) left after a product (as juice) has been extracted

bag·a·telle noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: TRIFLE

ba·gel noun
[ORIGIN: Yiddish beygl]

: a hard glazed doughnut-shaped roll

bag·gage noun
1 : the traveling bags and personal belongings of a traveler : LUGGAGE
2 : things that get in the way

baggies noun plural
: baggy pants or shorts

bag·gy adjective bag·gi·er; -est
: puffed out or hanging like a bag

— bag·gi·ly adverb

— bag·gi·ness noun

bag·man noun
: a person who collects or distributes illicitly gained money on behalf of another

ba·gnio noun, plural bagnios
[ORIGIN: It bagno, lit., public bath]

: BROTHEL

bag·pipe noun
: a musical wind instrument consisting of a bag, a tube with valves, and sounding pipes — often used in pl.

ba·guette noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., rod]

1 : a gem having the shape of a narrow rectangle; also : the shape itself
2 : a long thin loaf of French bread

Ba·ha·mi·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of the Bahama Islands

1bail noun
: a container for ladling water out of a boat

2bail verb
: to dip and throw out water from a boat

— bail·er noun

3bail noun
: security given to guarantee a prisoner's appearance when legally required; also : one giving such security or the release secured

4bail verb
: to release under bail; also : to procure the release of by giving bail

— bail·able adjective

5bail noun
: the arched handle (as of a pail or kettle)

bai·liff noun
1 : an aide of a British sheriff who serves writs and makes arrests; also : a minor officer of a U.S. court
2 : an estate or farm manager esp. in Britain : STEWARD

bai·li·wick noun
: one's special province or domain

bail·out noun
: a rescue from financial distress

bairn noun, chiefly Scottish
: CHILD

1bait verb
1 : to persecute by continued attacks
2 : to harass with dogs usu. for sport <~ a bear>
3 : to furnish (as a hook) with bait
4 : ALLURE, ENTICE
5 : to give food and drink to (as an animal)

Synonyms
bug, hassle, heckle, needle, ride, taunt, tease—more at TEASE

2bait noun
1 : a lure for catching animals (as fish)
2 : an inducement to pleasure or gain : LURE, TEMPTATION

baize noun
: a coarse feltlike fabric

1bake verb baked; bak·ing
1 : to cook or become cooked in dry heat esp. in an oven
2 : to dry and harden by heat <~ bricks>

— bak·er noun

2bake noun
: a social gathering featuring baked food

baker's dozen noun
: THIRTEEN

bak·ery noun, plural -er·ies
: a place for baking or selling baked goods

bake sale noun
: a fund-raising event at which usu. homemade foods are sold

bake·shop noun
: BAKERY

baking powder noun
: a powder that consists of a carbonate, an acid, and a starch and that makes the dough rise in baking cakes and biscuits

baking soda noun
: SODIUM BICARBONATE

bak·sheesh noun
: payment (as a tip or bribe) to expedite service

bal abbreviation
balance

bal·a·lai·ka noun
[ORIGIN: Russ]

: a triangular 3-stringed instrument of Russian origin played by plucking or strumming

1balance noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. VL *bilancia, fr. LL bilanc-, bilanx having two scalepans, fr. L bi two + lanc-, lanx plate]

1 : a weighing device : SCALE
2 : a weight, force, or influence counteracting the effect of another
3 : an oscillating wheel used to regulate a timepiece
4 : a state of equilibrium
5 : a remaining group, part, or trace : REST; especially : an amount in excess esp. on the credit side of an account
6 : mental and emotional steadiness
7 : an aesthetically pleasing integration of elements

Synonyms
[2] canceler, counterbalance, counterweight, offset
[4] equilibrium, equipoise, poise
Antonyms
imbalance
[5] leavings, leftovers, odds and ends, remainder, remains, remnant, residue, rest—more at REMAINDER
[7] coherence, consonance, harmony, proportion, symmetry, symphony, unity—more at HARMONY

2balance verb bal·anced; bal·anc·ing
1 : to compute the balance of an account
2 : to arrange so that one set of elements equals another; also : to equal or equalize in weight, number, or proportions
3 : WEIGH
4 : to bring or come to a state or position of balance; also : to bring into harmony or proportion

Synonyms
equalize, equate, even, level—more at EQUALIZE

bal·anced adjective
: being in a state of balance (as physically, emotionally, or aesthetically)

Synonyms
clearheaded, lucid, normal, right, sane, stable—more at SANE
congruous, consonant, harmonious—more at HARMONIOUS

bal·brig·gan noun
: a knitted cotton fabric used esp. for underwear

bal·co·ny noun, plural -nies
1 : a platform projecting from the side of a building and enclosed by a railing
2 : a gallery inside a building

bald adjective
1 : lacking a natural or usual covering (as of hair)
2 : lacking embellishment or decoration : PLAIN

— bald·ly adverb

— bald·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] bare, exposed, naked, open, uncovered—more at NAKED
[2] plain, simple, unadorned, undecorated, unvarnished—more at PLAIN

bal·da·chin or bal·da·chi·no noun, plural -chins or -chinos
: a canopylike structure over an altar

bald cypress noun
: either of two large swamp trees of the southern U.S. with hard red wood

bald eagle noun
: an eagle of No. America that when mature has white head and neck feathers and a white tail

bal·der·dash noun
: NONSENSE

bald·ing adjective
: getting bald

bal·dric noun
: a belt worn over the shoulder to carry a sword or bugle

1bale noun
: a large or closely packed bundle

2bale verb baled; bal·ing
: to pack in a bale

— bal·er noun

ba·leen noun
: a horny substance attached in plates to the upper jaw of some large whales (baleen whales)

bale·ful adjective
1 : likely to cause or capable of producing harm or death
2 : foreboding or foreshadowing evil : OMINOUS

Synonyms
[1] adverse, bad, baneful, damaging, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, pernicious—more at HARMFUL
[2] dire, foreboding, menacing, ominous, portentous, sinister—more at OMINOUS

1balk noun
1 : HINDRANCE, CHECK, SETBACK
2 : an illegal motion of the pitcher in baseball while in position

2balk verb
1 : to hinder the passage, progress, or accomplishment of : THWART
2 : to stop short and refuse to go on
3 : to commit a balk in sports

Synonyms
baffle, beat, checkmate, foil, frustrate, thwart—more at FRUSTRATE

balky adjective
: refusing or likely to refuse to proceed, act, or function as directed or expected <a ~ mule>

1ball noun
1 : a rounded body or mass (as at the base of the thumb or for use as a missile or in a game)
2 : a game played with a ball
3 : a pitched baseball that misses the strike zone and is not swung at by the batter
4 : a hit or thrown ball in various games <foul ~>

— on the ball

: COMPETENT, KNOWLEDGEABLE, ALERT

Synonyms
orb, sphere

2ball verb
: to form into a ball

Synonyms
agglomerate, conglomerate, roll, round, wad—more at WAD

3ball noun
: a large formal dance

Synonyms
dance, formal, prom—more at DANCE

bal·lad noun
1 : a narrative poem of strongly marked rhythm suitable for singing
2 : a simple song : AIR
3 : a slow romantic song

bal·lad·eer noun
: a singer of ballads

1ballast noun
1 : heavy material used to stabilize a ship or control a balloon's ascent
2 : crushed stone laid in a railroad bed or used in making concrete

2ballast verb
: to provide with ballast

ball bearing noun
: a bearing in which the revolving part turns upon steel balls that roll easily in a groove; also : one of the balls in such a bearing

ball·car·ri·er noun
: the football player carrying the ball in an offensive play

bal·le·ri·na noun
: a female ballet dancer

bal·let noun
1 : dancing in which fixed poses and steps are combined with light flowing movements often to convey a story; also : a theatrical art form using ballet dancing
2 : a company of ballet dancers

bal·let·o·mane noun
: a devotee of ballet

bal·lis·tic missile noun
: a missile that is guided during ascent and that falls freely during descent

bal·lis·tics noun singular or plural
1 : the science of the motion of projectiles (as bullets) in flight
2 : the flight characteristics of a projectile

— ballistic adjective

1balloon noun
1 : a bag filled with gas or heated air so as to rise and float in the atmosphere
2 : a toy consisting of an inflatable bag

— bal·loon·ist noun

2balloon verb
1 : to swell or puff out
2 : to travel in a balloon
3 : to increase rapidly

Synonyms
[1, 3] appreciate, build, burgeon, enlarge, escalate, expand, increase, mushroom, rise, swell, wax—more at INCREASE

1ballot noun
[ORIGIN: It ballotta small ball used in secret voting, fr. It dial., dim. of balla ball]

1 : a piece of paper used to cast a vote
2 : the action or a system of voting; also : the right to vote

2ballot verb
: to decide by ballot : VOTE

1ballpark noun
: a park in which ball games are played

2ballpark adjective
: approximately correct <~ estimate>

ball·point noun
: a pen whose writing point is a small rotating metal ball that inks itself from an inner container

ball·room noun
: a large room for dances

1ballyhoo noun, plural -hoos
: extravagant statements and claims made for publicity

2ballyhoo verb bal·ly·hoo·ed; bal·ly·hoo·ing; bal·ly·hoos
: to drum up interest in by means of ballyhoo : PUBLICIZE

Synonyms
boast, plug, promote, publicize, tout—more at PUBLICIZE

balm noun
1 : a fragrant healing or soothing lotion or ointment
2 : any of several spicy fragrant herbs of the mint family
3 : something that comforts or soothes

balm·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being balmy

Synonyms
absurdity, asininity, craziness, daftness, fatuity, folly, foolishness, inanity, insanity, lunacy, madness, silliness, simplicity, zaniness

balmy adjective balm·i·er; -est
1 a : gently soothing : MILD
b : being pleasant and not too cool or too hot
2 a : disordered in mind
b : lacking in judgment : FOOLISH

Synonyms
[1a] benign, bland, delicate, gentle, light, mellow, mild, soft, soothing, tender—more at GENTLE
[1b] clement, equable, gentle, mild, moderate, temperate—more at CLEMENT
[2a, b] crazy, cuckoo, daft, foolish, kooky, lunatic, mad, nonsensical, nutty, silly

ba·lo·ney noun
: NONSENSE

bal·sa noun
: the extremely light strong wood of a tropical American tree; also : the tree

bal·sam noun
1 : a fragrant aromatic and usu. resinous substance oozing from various plants; also : a preparation containing or smelling like balsam
2 : a balsam-yielding tree (as balsam fir)
3 : a common garden ornamental plant

— bal·sam·ic adjective

balsam fir noun
: a resinous American evergreen tree that is widely used for pulpwood and as a Christmas tree

balsamic vinegar noun
: an aged Italian vinegar made from white grapes

Bal·ti·more oriole noun
: a common American oriole in which the male is brightly colored with orange, black, and white

bal·us·ter noun
[ORIGIN: F balustre, fr. It balaustro, fr. balaustra wild pomegranate flower, fr. L balaustium; fr. its shape]

: an upright support for a rail (as of a staircase)

bal·us·trade noun
: a row of balusters topped by a rail

bam·boo noun, plural bamboos
: any of various woody mostly tall tropical grasses including some with strong hollow stems used for building, furniture, or utensils

bamboo curtain noun, often cap B&C
: a political, military, and ideological barrier in eastern Asia

bam·boo·zle verb -boo·zled; -boo·zling
: TRICK, HOODWINK

1ban verb banned; ban·ning
: to hinder or prevent by authority

Synonyms
bar, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe—more at FORBID

2ban noun
1 : CURSE
2 : a legal or formal prohibition

Synonyms
embargo, interdict, interdiction, prohibition, proscription, veto—more at PROHIBITION

ba·nal adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

: lacking originality, freshness, or novelty : COMMONPLACE, TRITE

Synonyms
commonplace, hackneyed, musty, stale, stereotyped, threadbare, tired, trite—more at STALE

ba·nal·i·ty noun
: something banal : COMMONPLACE

Synonyms
cliché, commonplace, platitude, shibboleth—more at COMMONPLACE

ba·nana noun
: a treelike tropical plant bearing thick clusters of yellow or reddish finger-shaped fruit; also : this fruit

1band noun
1 : something that binds, ties, or goes around
2 : a strip or stripe that can be distinguished (as by color or texture) from nearby matter
3 : a range of wavelengths (as in radio)

Synonyms
[1] bond, chain, fetter, irons, ligature, manacle, shackle—more at BOND
[2] circle, eye, hoop, loop, ring, round—more at RING
[2] bar, streak, stripe—more at STRIPE

2band verb
1 : to tie up, finish, or enclose with a band
2 : to gather together or unite esp. for some common end
3 : to furnish or decorate with a band

— band·er noun

Synonyms
[1] belt, gird, girdle, wrap—more at GIRD
[1] bind, gird, tie, truss—more at TIE
[2] ally, associate, club, confederate, conjoin, cooperate, federate, league, unite—more at ALLY

3band noun
: a group of persons, animals, or things; especially : a group of musicians organized for playing together

Synonyms
company, crew, gang, outfit, party, squad, team—more at GANG

1bandage noun
: a strip of material used esp. in dressing wounds

2bandage verb ban·daged; ban·dag·ing
: to dress or cover with a bandage

ban·dan·na or ban·dana noun
: a large colored figured handkerchief

Synonyms
babushka, kerchief; also shawl

B and B abbreviation
bed-and-breakfast

band·box noun
: a usu. cylindrical box for carrying clothing

band·ed adjective
: having or marked with bands

ban·de·role or ban·de·rol noun
: a long narrow forked flag or streamer

ban·dit noun
[ORIGIN: It bandito, fr. bandire to banish]

1 pl also ban·dit·ti : an outlaw who lives by plunder; especially : a member of a band of marauders
2 : ROBBER

— ban·dit·ry noun

ban·do·lier or ban·do·leer noun
: a belt slung over the shoulder esp. to carry ammunition

band saw noun
: a saw in the form of an endless steel belt running over pulleys

band·stand noun
: a usu. roofed platform on which a band or orchestra performs outdoors

b and w abbreviation
black and white

band·wag·on noun
1 : a wagon carrying musicians in a parade
2 : a movement that attracts growing support

Synonyms
campaign, cause, crusade, drive, movement—more at CAMPAIGN

1bandy verb ban·died; ban·dy·ing
1 : to exchange (as blows or quips) esp. in rapid succession
2 : to use in a glib or offhand way

2bandy adjective
: curved outward <~ legs>

bane noun
1 : a substance that through its chemical action usu. kills, injures, or impairs an organism : POISON
2 : WOE, HARM; also : a source of this

Synonyms
poison, toxin, venom—more at POISON

bane·ful adjective
: productive of destruction or woe : seriously harmful

Synonyms
bad, baleful, damaging, deleterious, harmful, hurtful, injurious, noxious, pernicious—more at HARMFUL

1bang verb
1 : to knock against something with a forceful jolt : BUMP <fell and ~ed his knee>
2 : to strike, thrust, or move vigorously and often with a loud noise

Synonyms
[1,2] bash, bump, collide, crash, hit, impact, knock, smash, strike—more at HIT

2bang noun
1 : a resounding blow
2 : a sudden loud noise
3 : a sudden wave of emotion <I get a ~ out of all this>

Synonyms
[2] blast, boom, clap, crack, crash, pop, report, slam, smash—more at CLAP
[3] exhilaration, kick, thrill, titillation—more at THRILL

3bang adverb
: DIRECTLY, RIGHT

4bang noun
: a fringe of hair cut short (as across the forehead) — usu. used in pl.

5bang verb
: to cut a bang in

Ban·gla·deshi noun
: a native or inhabitant of Bangladesh

— Bangladeshi adjective

ban·gle noun
: an ornamental band or chain worn around the wrist; also : a loose-hanging ornament

bang–up adjective
: FIRST-RATE, EXCELLENT <a ~ job>

ban·ish verb
1 : to require by authority to leave a country
2 : to drive out : EXPEL

Synonyms
[1] deport, displace, exile, expatriate, transport; also dismiss, eject, eliminate, evict, exclude, expel, oust, throw out
[2] boot, bounce, cast, drum, eject, expel, oust, rout, run off, throw out—more at EJECT

ban·ish·ment noun
: a legal expulsion from a country

Synonyms
deportation, displacement, exile, expulsion—more at EXILE

ban·is·ter noun
1 : an upright often vase-shaped support for a rail
2 : a handrail with its supporting posts
3 : HANDRAIL

ban·jo noun, plural banjos also banjoes
: a musical instrument with a long neck, a drumlike body, and usu. five strings

— ban·jo·ist noun

1bank noun
1 : a piled-up mass (as of cloud or earth)
2 : an undersea elevation
3 : rising ground bordering a lake, river, or sea
4 : the sideways slope of a surface along a curve or of a vehicle as it rounds a curve

Synonyms
bar, drift, mound; also snowbank, snowdrift

2bank verb
1 : to form a bank about
2 : to cover (as a fire) with fuel to keep inactive
3 : to build (a curve) with the roadbed or track inclined laterally upward from the inside edge
4 : to pile or heap in a bank; also : to arrange in a tier
5 : to incline (an airplane) laterally

3bank noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF or It; MF banque, fr. It banca, lit., bench]

1 : an establishment concerned esp. with the custody, loan, exchange, or issue of money, the extension of credit, and the transmission of funds
2 : a stock of or a place for holding something in reserve <a blood ~>

4bank verb
1 : to conduct the business of a bank
2 : to deposit money or have an account in a bank

— bank·er noun

— bank·ing noun

5bank noun
: a group of objects arranged close together (as in a row or tier) <a ~ of file drawers>

bank·book noun
: the depositor's book in which a bank records deposits and withdrawals

bank·card noun
: a credit card issued by a bank

bank·note noun
: a promissory note issued by a bank and circulating as money

bank·roll noun
: supply of money : FUNDS

1bankrupt noun
[ORIGIN: modif. of MF banquerote bankruptcy, fr. It bancarotta, fr. banca bank + rotta broken]

: an insolvent person; especially : one whose property is turned over by court action to a trustee to be handled for the benefit of his creditors

2bankrupt adjective
1 : reduced to financial ruin; especially : legally declared a bankrupt
2 : wholly lacking in or deprived of some essential <morally ~>

— bank·rupt·cy noun

3bankrupt verb
: to reduce to bankruptcy

1banner noun
1 : a piece of cloth attached to a staff and used by a leader as his standard
2 : a usu. rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation), as a signaling device, or as a decoration : FLAG
3 : an advertisement that runs usu. across the top of a Web page

Synonyms
[1, 2] colors, ensign, flag, jack, pennant, standard, streamer—more at FLAG

2banner adjective
: distinguished from all others esp. in excellence <a ~ year>

Synonyms
A1, excellent, grand, great, stellar, superior, unsurpassed—more at EXCELLENT

ban·nock noun
: a flat oatmeal or barley cake usu. cooked on a griddle

banns noun plural
: public announcement esp. in church of a proposed marriage

1banquet noun
[ORIGIN: MF, fr. It banchetto, fr. dim. of banca bench]

: a ceremonial dinner

Synonyms
dinner, feast, feed, spread—more at FEAST

2banquet verb
: to partake of or treat with a banquet

ban·quette noun
: a long upholstered bench esp. along a wall

ban·shee noun
[ORIGIN: Ir bean sídhe & ScGael bean sìth, lit., woman of fairyland]

: a female spirit in Gaelic folklore whose wailing warns a family that one of them will soon die

ban·tam noun
1 : any of numerous small domestic fowls that are often miniatures of standard breeds
2 : a small but pugnacious person

1banter verb
: to speak to in a witty and teasing manner

2banter noun
: good-natured witty joking

Synonyms
chaff, persiflage, raillery, repartee; also barb, crack, dig, gag, jest, joke, quip, sally, wisecrack, witticism

Ban·tu noun, plural Bantu or Bantus
1 : a member of a group of African peoples of central and southern Africa
2 : a group of African languages spoken by the Bantu

Ban·tu·stan noun
: an all-black enclave in the Republic of So. Africa with a limited degree of self-government

ban·yan noun
[ORIGIN: earlier banyan Hindu merchant, fr. Hindi baniyā; fr. a merchant's pagoda erected under a tree of the species in Iran]

: a large tropical Asian tree whose aerial roots grow downward to the ground and form new trunks

ban·zai noun
: a Japanese cheer or cry of triumph

bao·bab noun
: a tropical African tree with a short swollen trunk and sour edible gourdlike fruits

bap·tism noun
1 : a Christian sacrament signifying spiritual rebirth and symbolized by the ritual use of water
2 : an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named

— bap·tis·mal adjective

baptismal name noun
: GIVEN NAME

Bap·tist noun
: a member of any of several Protestant denominations emphasizing baptism by immersion of believers only

bap·tis·tery or bap·tis·try noun, plural -ter·ies or -tries
: a place esp. in a church used for baptism

bap·tize verb bap·tized; bap·tiz·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF baptiser, fr. L baptizare, fr. Gk baptizein to dip, baptize, fr. baptein to dip]

1 a : to administer baptism to
b : to give a name to : CHRISTEN
2 a : to purify esp. by an ordeal
b : to induct into membership by or as if by special rites : INITIATE

Synonyms
[2b] inaugurate, induct, initiate, install, invest—more at INSTALL

1bar noun
1 : a long narrow piece of material (as wood or metal) used esp. for a lever, fastening, or support
2 a : something that blocks or is intended to block passage : OBSTACLE
b : a submerged or partly submerged bank (as of sand) along a shore or in a river often obstructing navigation
3 a : the railing in a law court at which prisoners are stationed
b : the legal profession or the whole body of lawyers
4 : a stripe, band, or line much longer than wide
5 : a counter at which food or esp. drink is served; also : BARROOM
6 : a vertical line across the musical staff

Synonyms
[2a] block, chain, embarrassment, encumbrance, handicap, hindrance, interference, obstacle—more at ENCUMBRANCE
[5] barroom, café, pub, public house, saloon, tavern—more at BARROOM

2bar verb barred; bar·ring
1 : to fasten, confine, or obstruct with or as if with a bar or bars
2 : to mark with bars : STRIPE
3 : to shut or keep out : EXCLUDE
4 : to command against : FORBID

Synonyms
[3] ban, count out, debar, eliminate, except, exclude, rule out—more at EXCLUDE
[4] ban, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe—more at FORBID

3bar preposition
: with the exclusion or exception of : EXCEPT

Synonyms
aside from, barring, besides, but, except, outside, save—more at EXCEPT

4bar abbreviation
barometer; barometric

Bar abbreviation
Baruch

barb noun
1 : a sharp projection extending backward (as from the point of an arrow)
2 : a biting critical remark

— barbed adjective

Synonyms
affront, dart, dig, indignity, insult, name, offense, outrage, put-down, sarcasm, slight, slur, wound—more at INSULT

1barbarian adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being a land, culture, or people alien to and usu. believed to be inferior to another's
2 : lacking refinement, learning, or artistic or literary culture

2barbarian noun
: one that is barbarian

bar·bar·ic adjective
1 : BARBARIAN
2 : marked by a lack of restraint : WILD
3 : mercilessly harsh or cruel : BARBAROUS

bar·ba·rism noun
1 : the social condition of barbarians; also : the use or display of barbarian or barbarous acts, attitudes, or ideas
2 : a word or expression that offends standards of correctness or purity

bar·bar·i·ty noun
: barbarous cruelty

Synonyms
brutality, cruelty, inhumanity, sadism, savagery, viciousness, wantonness—more at CRUELTY

bar·ba·rous adjective
1 : lacking culture or refinement
2 : using linguistic barbarisms
3 : mercilessly harsh or cruel

— bar·ba·rous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] heathen, heathenish, Neanderthal, rude, savage, uncivil, uncivilized, uncultivated, wild—more at SAVAGE
[3] brutal, cruel, heartless, inhumane, sadistic, savage, vicious—more at CRUEL

1barbecue noun
: a social gathering at which barbecued food is served

2barbecue verb -cued; -cu·ing
1 : to cook over hot coals or on a revolving spit
2 : to cook in a highly seasoned vinegar sauce

bar·bell noun
: a bar with adjustable weights attached to each end used for exercise and in weight-lifting competition

bar·ber noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF barboor, fr. barbe beard, fr. L barba]

: one whose business is cutting and dressing hair and shaving and trimming beards

bar·ber·ry noun
: any of a genus of spiny shrubs bearing yellow flowers and oblong red berries

bar·bi·tu·rate noun
: any of various compounds (as a salt or ester) formed from an organic acid (bar*bi*tu*ric acid ); especially : one used as a sedative or hypnotic

bar·ca·role or bar·ca·rolle noun
: a Venetian boat song characterized by a beat suggesting a rowing rhythm; also : a piece of music imitating this

bar chart noun
: BAR GRAPH

bar code noun
: a set of printed and variously spaced bars and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned to identify the object it labels

— bar–cod·ed adjective

bard noun
: one who writes poetry : a maker of verses : POET

Synonyms
minstrel, poet, versifier—more at POET

1bare adjective bar·er; bar·est
1 : devoid of customary or natural covering : NAKED
2 : open to view : UNCONCEALED, EXPOSED
3 : containing nothing : EMPTY
4 : leaving nothing to spare : MERE
5 : lacking ornament : PLAIN, UNADORNED

Synonyms
[1] bald, exposed, naked, nude, open, uncovered—more at NAKED
[3] blank, devoid, empty, stark, vacant, void—more at EMPTY
[5] bald, naked, plain, simple, unadorned, undecorated, unvarnished—more at PLAIN

2bare verb bared; bar·ing
: to make or lay bare : UNCOVER

Synonyms
disclose, discover, divulge, expose, reveal, spill, tell, uncover, unmask, unveil—more at REVEAL

bare·back or bare·backed adverb or adjective
: without a saddle

bare·faced adjective
1 : having the face uncovered; especially : BEARDLESS
2 : not concealed : OPEN

— bare·faced·ly adverb

bare·foot or bare·foot·ed adverb or adjective
: with bare feet

bare–hand·ed adverb or adjective
1 : without gloves
2 : without tools or weapons

bare·head·ed adverb or adjective
: without a hat

ba·ris·ta noun
: a person who makes and serves coffee to the public

bare·ly adverb
1 : PLAINLY, MEAGERLY
2 : by a narrow margin : only just <~ enough money>

Synonyms
hardly, just, marginally, scarcely, slightly—more at JUST

bare·ness noun
: the quality or state of being bare

bar·fly noun
: a drinker who frequents bars

1bargain noun
1 : an agreement between parties settling a transaction
2 : an advantageous purchase
3 : a transaction, situation, or event regarded in the light of its results

Synonyms
[1] accord, agreement, compact, contract, convention, covenant, deal, pact, settlement, understanding—more at AGREEMENT
[2] buy, deal, steal; also markdown

2bargain verb
1 : to negotiate over the terms of an agreement; also : to come to terms
2 : BARTER

Synonyms
chaffer, deal, dicker, haggle, negotiate, palter; also argue, bicker, clash, quibble, squabble, wrangle

bar·gain–base·ment adjective
: markedly inexpensive

1barge noun
1 : a broad flat-bottomed boat usu. moved by towing
2 : a motorboat supplied to a flagship (as for an admiral)
3 : a ceremonial boat elegantly furnished

— barge·man noun

2barge verb barged; barg·ing
1 : to carry by barge
2 : to move or thrust oneself clumsily or rudely

bar graph noun
: a graphic technique for comparing amounts by rectangles whose lengths are proportional to the amounts they represent

bari·tone noun
[ORIGIN: F baryton or It baritono, fr. Gk barytonos deep sounding, fr. barys heavy + tonos tone]

: a male voice between bass and tenor; also : a man with such a voice

bar·i·um noun
: a silver-white metallic chemical element that occurs only in combination

1bark verb
1 : to make the short loud cry of a dog
2 : to speak or utter in a curt loud tone : SNAP

2bark noun
: the sound made by a barking dog

3bark noun
: the tough corky outer covering of a woody stem or root

4bark verb
1 : to strip the bark from
2 : to rub the skin from

Synonyms
[1, 2] flay, hull, husk, peel, shell, skin—more at PEEL

5bark noun
: a ship of three or more masts with the aft mast fore-and-aft rigged and the others square-rigged

bar·keep also bar·keep·er noun
: BARTENDER

bark·er noun
: a person who stands at the entrance esp. to a show and tries to attract customers to it

bar·ley noun
: a cereal grass with seeds used as food and in making malt liquors; also : its seed

bar mitz·vah noun, often cap B&M
[ORIGIN: Heb bar miṣwāh, lit., son of the (divine) law]

1 : a Jewish boy who at about 13 years of age assumes religious responsibilities
2 : the ceremony recognizing a boy as a bar mitzvah

barn noun
[ORIGIN: ME bern, fr. OE bereærn, fr. bere barley + ærn house, store]

: a building used esp. for storing hay and grain and for housing livestock or farm equipment

bar·na·cle noun
: any of numerous small marine crustaceans free-swimming when young but permanently fixed (as to rocks, whales, or ships) when adult

barn·storm verb
: to travel through the country making brief stops to entertain (as with shows or flying stunts) or to campaign for political office

barn·yard noun
: a usu. fenced area adjoining a barn

baro·graph noun
: a recording barometer

ba·rom·e·ter noun
: an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure

— baro·met·ric adjective

bar·on noun
1 : a member of the lowest grade of the British peerage
2 : a man who possesses great power or influence in some field of activity

— bar·ony noun

Synonyms
czar, king, magnate, mogul, prince, tycoon—more at MAGNATE

bar·on·age noun
: PEERAGE

bar·on·ess noun
1 : the wife or widow of a baron
2 : a woman holding a baronial title in her own right

bar·on·et noun
: a man holding a rank of honor below a baron but above a knight

— bar·on·et·cy noun

ba·ro·ni·al adjective
1 : of or relating to a baron or the baronage
2 : generous or more than adequate in size, scope, or capacity : STATELY

Synonyms
grand, grandiose, imposing, magnificent, majestic, monumental, stately—more at GRAND

ba·roque adjective
: marked by the use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtapositioning of contrasting elements

ba·rouche noun
[ORIGIN: G Barutsche, fr. It biroccio, ultim. fr. LL birotus two-wheeled, fr. L bi- two + rota wheel]

: a 4-wheeled carriage with a high driver's seat in front and a folding top

bar·racks noun singular or plural
: a building or group of buildings for lodging soldiers

bar·ra·cu·da noun, plural -da or -das
: any of several large slender predaceous sea fishes including some used for food

bar·rage noun
1 : a heavy concentration of fire (as of artillery)
2 : vigorous or rapid outpouring of many things at once

Synonyms
bombardment, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, shower, storm, volley; also broadside, burst, outburst; deluge, flood, flood tide, flush, gush, inundation, outflow, outpouring, overflow, spate, surge, torrent

barred adjective
: marked by or divided off by bars : STRIPED

1barrel noun
1 : a round bulging cask with flat ends of equal diameter
2 a : the amount contained in a barrel
b : a great quantity
3 : a drum or cylindrical part <gun ~>

— bar·reled adjective

Synonyms
[1] cask, hogshead, keg, pipe, puncheon—more at CASK
[2b] abundance, loads, lot, much

2barrel verb -reled or -relled; -rel·ing or -rel·ling
1 : to pack in a barrel
2 : to travel at high speed

Synonyms
dash, fly, hurry, hurtle, rush, speed, tear, zip, zoom—more at HURRY

bar·rel·head noun
: the flat end of a barrel

— on the barrelhead

: asking for or granting no credit <paid cash on the barrelhead>

barrel roll noun
: an airplane maneuver in which a complete revolution about the longitudinal axis is made

1barren adjective
1 : not producing fruit, spores, or offspring : STERILE
2 a : not productive <a ~ scheme>
b : producing little or no vegetation : DESOLATE
3 : lacking interest or charm
4 : DULL, STUPID

— bar·ren·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] impotent, infertile, sterile—more at STERILE
[2b] infertile, poor, stark, unproductive, waste; also bleak, dead, desolate, inhospitable, lifeless
Antonyms
fertile, fruitful, lush, luxuriant, productive, rich

2barren noun
: a tract of barren land

Synonyms
desert, desolation, waste, wasteland—more at WASTELAND

bar·rette noun
: a clasp or bar for holding the hair in place

1barricade verb -cad·ed; -cad·ing
: to block, obstruct, or fortify with a barricade

2barricade noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF, fr. barriquer to barricade, fr. barrique barrel]

1 : a hastily thrown-up obstruction or fortification
2 : something that impedes progress or achievement : BARRIER

bar·ri·er noun
: something that separates, demarcates, or serves as a barricade <racial ~s> <traffic ~s>

Synonyms
fence, hedge, wall; also bar, encumbrance, handicap, hindrance, hurdle, impediment, obstacle, obstruction, roadblock, stop

barrier island noun
: a long broad sandy island lying parallel to a shore

barrier reef noun
: a coral reef roughly parallel to a shore and separated from it by a lagoon

bar·ring preposition
: excluding by exception

Synonyms
aside from, bar, besides, but, except, outside, save—more at EXCEPT

bar·rio noun, plural -ri·os
1 : a district of a city or town in a Spanish-speaking country
2 : a Spanish-speaking quarter in a U.S. city

bar·ris·ter noun
: a British counselor admitted to plead in the higher courts

bar·room noun
: a room or establishment whose main feature is a bar for the sale of liquor

Synonyms
bar, café, pub, public house, saloon, tavern; also cabaret, dive, joint, nightclub, speakeasy

1barrow noun
: a large burial mound of earth and stones

2barrow noun
1 : WHEELBARROW
2 : a cart with a boxlike body and two shafts for pushing it

Bart abbreviation
baronet

bar·tend·er noun
: a person who serves liquor at a bar

1barter verb
: to trade by exchange of goods

— bar·ter·er noun

2barter noun
1 : the act or practice of carrying on trade by bartering
2 : the thing given in exchange in bartering

Synonyms
commutation, exchange, swap, trade, truck—more at EXCHANGE

Ba·ruch noun
: homiletic book included in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha

bas·al adjective
1 : situated at or forming the base
2 : BASIC

basal metabolism noun
: the turnover of energy in a fasting and resting organism using energy solely to maintain vital cellular activity, respiration, and circulation as measured by the rate at which heat is given off

ba·salt noun
: a dark fine-grained igneous rock

— ba·sal·tic adjective

1base noun, plural bas·es
1 a : the lowest part or place : BOTTOM
b : the physical or philosophical foundation upon which something is based
2 : a side or face on which a geometrical figure stands; also : the length of a base
3 : a main ingredient or fundamental part
4 : the point of beginning an act or operation
5 : a place on which a force depends for supplies
6 : a number (as 5 in 5^7) that is raised to a power; especially : a number that when raised to a power equal to the logarithm of a number yields the number itself <the logarithm of 100 to ~ 10 is 2 since 10^2 = 100>
7 : the number of units in a given digit's place of a number system that is required to give the numeral 1 in the next higher place <the decimal system uses a ~ of 10>; also : such a system using an indicated base <convert from ~ 10 to ~ 2>
8 : any of the four stations at the corners of a baseball diamond
9 : a chemical compound (as lime or ammonia) that reacts with an acid to form a salt, has a bitter taste, and turns litmus blue

— base·man noun

Synonyms
[1a] bottom, foot—more at BOTTOM
[1b] basis, bedrock, footing, foundation, ground, groundwork, keystone, underpinning
[3] center, core, cynosure, eye, focus, heart, hub, mecca, nucleus, seat—more at CENTER

2base verb based; bas·ing
1 : to form or serve as a base for
2 : ESTABLISH

Synonyms
ground, rest; also establish, found

3base adjective
1 : of inferior quality : DEBASED, ALLOYED
2 : characterized by baseness, lowness, or meanness : CONTEMPTIBLE, IGNOBLE
3 : MENIAL, DEGRADING
4 : of little value

— base·ly adverb

— base·ness noun

Synonyms
contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, dishonorable, ignoble, low, mean, snide, sordid, vile, wretched—more at IGNOBLE

base·ball noun
: a game played with a bat and ball by two teams on a field with four bases arranged in a diamond; also : the ball used in this game

base·board noun
: a line of boards or molding covering the joint of a wall and the adjoining floor

base·born adjective
1 : MEAN, IGNOBLE
2 : of humble birth
3 : of illegitimate birth

base exchange noun
: a post exchange at a naval or air force base

base hit noun
: a hit in baseball that enables the batter to reach base safely with no error made and no base runner forced out

BASE jumping noun
[ORIGIN: building, antenna, span, earth]

: the activity of parachuting from a high structure or cliff

base·less adjective
: having no base or basis : GROUNDLESS

Synonyms
groundless, invalid, unfounded, unreasonable, unsubstantiated, unsupported, unwarranted; also illogical, irrational, nonlogical, unconscionable, unsound
Antonyms
reasonable, reasoned, substantiated, valid, well-founded

base·line noun
1 : a line serving as a basis esp. to calculate or locate something
2 : the area within which a baseball player must keep when running between bases

base·ment noun
1 : the part of a building that is wholly or partly below ground level
2 : the lowest or fundamental part of something

base on balls
: an advance to first base awarded a baseball player who during a turn at bat takes four pitches that are balls

base runner noun
: a baseball player who is on base or is attempting to reach a base

1bash verb
1 : to strike violently : HIT
2 : to smash by a blow
3 : to attack physically or verbally

Synonyms
[1] bang, collide, crash, hit, ram, slam, smash, strike
[3] bat, batter, beat, hammer, lambaste, pelt, pound, thrash

2bash noun
1 : a heavy blow
2 : a festive social gathering : PARTY

bash·ful adjective
: inclined to shrink from public attention

— bash·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
coy, demure, diffident, introverted, modest, retiring, sheepish, shy—more at SHY

ba·sic adjective
1 : of, relating to, or forming the base or essence : FUNDAMENTAL
2 : of, relating to, or having the character of a chemical base

— ba·sic·i·ty noun

Synonyms
elemental, elementary, essential, fundamental, rudimentary, underlying—more at ELEMENTARY

BA·SIC noun
[ORIGIN: Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code]

: a simplified language for programming a computer

ba·si·cal·ly adverb
1 : at a basic level
2 : for the most part
3 : in a basic manner

Synonyms
altogether, chiefly, generally, largely, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, primarily, principally—more at CHIEFLY

ba·sil noun
: any of several mints with fragrant leaves used in cooking

ba·sil·i·ca noun
[ORIGIN: L, fr. Gk basilikē, fr. fem. of basilikos royal, fr. basileus king]

1 : an early Christian church building consisting of nave and aisles with clerestory and apse
2 : a Roman Catholic church given ceremonial privileges

bas·i·lisk noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L basiliscus, fr. Gk basiliskos, fr. dim. of basileus king]

: a legendary reptile with fatal breath and glance

ba·sin noun
1 : an open usu. circular vessel with sloping sides for holding liquid (as water)
2 : a hollow or enclosed place containing water; also : the region drained by a river

ba·sis noun, plural ba·ses
1 : the lowest part or place : FOUNDATION
2 : a fundamental principle

Synonyms
base, bedrock, footing, foundation, ground, groundwork, keystone, underpinning—more at BASE

bask verb
1 : to lie or relax in comfortable warmth
2 : to enjoy something warmly comforting <~ing in his friends' admiration>

Synonyms
loll, lounge, relax, repose, rest—more at REST

bas·ket noun
: a container made of woven material (as twigs or grasses); also : any of various lightweight usu. wood containers

— bas·ket·ful noun

bas·ket·ball noun
: a game played on a court by two teams who try to throw an inflated ball through a raised goal; also : the ball used in this game

basket case noun
1 : a person who has all four limbs amputated
2 : a person who is mentally incapacitated or worn out (as from nervous tension)

basket weave noun
: a textile weave resembling the checkered pattern of a plaited basket

basmati rice noun
: an aromatic long-grain rice originating in southern Asia

bas mitzvah variant of BAT MITZVAH

Basque noun
1 : a member of a people inhabiting a region bordering on the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain and southwestern France
2 : the language of the Basque people

— Basque adjective

bas–re·lief noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a sculpture in relief with the design raised very slightly from the background

1bass noun, plural bass or bass·es
: any of numerous sport and food bony fishes (as a striped bass)

2bass adjective
: of low pitch

Synonyms
deep, low, throaty—more at DEEP

3bass noun
1 : a deep sound or tone
2 : the lower half of the musical pitch range
3 : the lowest part in a 4-part chorus; also : a singer having this voice or part

bas·set hound noun
: any of an old breed of short-legged hunting dogs of French origin having long ears and a short smooth coat

bas·si·net noun
: a baby's bed that resembles a basket and often has a hood over one end

bas·so noun, plural bassos or bas·si
[ORIGIN: It]

: a bass singer

bas·soon noun
: a musical wind instrument lower in pitch than the oboe

bass·wood noun
: any of several New World lindens or their wood

bast noun
: BAST FIBER

1bastard noun
1 : an illegitimate child
2 : an offensive or disagreeable person

2bastard adjective
1 : not recognized as lawful offspring : ILLEGITIMATE
2 : of an inferior or nontypical kind, size, or form; also : SPURIOUS

— bas·tardy noun

bas·tard·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to reduce from a higher to a lower state : DEBASE

1baste verb bast·ed; bast·ing
: to sew with long stitches so as to keep temporarily in place

2baste verb bast·ed; bast·ing
: to moisten (as meat) at intervals with liquid while cooking

bast fiber noun
: a strong woody plant fiber obtained chiefly from phloem and used esp. in making ropes

bas·ti·na·do or bas·ti·nade noun, plural -na·does or -nades
1 : a blow or beating esp. with a stick
2 : a punishment consisting of beating the soles of the feet

bas·tion noun
1 : a projecting part of a fortification
2 : a fortified position

Synonyms
citadel, fastness, fort, fortification, fortress, hold, stronghold—more at FORT

1bat noun
1 : a stout stick : CLUB
2 : a sharp blow
3 : an implement (as of wood) used to hit a ball (as in baseball)
4 : a turn at batting — usu. used with at

Synonyms
[1] bludgeon, club, cudgel, staff, truncheon—more at CLUB
[2] belt, blow, box, clout, crack, hit, punch, slug, wallop, whack—more at BLOW

2bat verb bat·ted; bat·ting
: to hit with or as if with a bat

3bat noun
: any of an order of night-flying mammals with forelimbs modified to form wings

4bat verb bat·ted; bat·ting
: WINK, BLINK

batch noun
1 : a quantity (as of bread) baked at one time
2 : a quantity of material for use at one time or produced at one operation
3 : a quantity (as of persons or things) considered as a group

Synonyms
array, assemblage, block, bunch, collection, group, set

bate verb bat·ed; bat·ing
: MODERATE, REDUCE

bath noun, plural baths
1 : a washing of the body
2 : water for washing the body
3 : a liquid in which objects are immersed so that it can act on them
4 : a room containing a bathtub or shower and usu. a sink and toilet : BATHROOM
5 : a financial loss <took a ~ in the market>

bathe verb bathed; bath·ing
1 : to wash in liquid and esp. water; also : to apply water or a medicated liquid to <bathed her eyes>
2 : to take a bath; also : to take a swim
3 : to wash along, over, or against so as to wet
4 : to suffuse with or as if with light

— bath·er noun

Synonyms
[1, 3] douse, drench, soak, sop, souse, wash, water, wet—more at WET

bath·house noun
1 : a building equipped for bathing
2 : a building containing dressing rooms for bathers

bathing suit noun
: SWIMSUIT

ba·thos noun
[ORIGIN: Gk, lit., depth]

1 : the sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style
2 : insincere or overdone pathos

— ba·thet·ic adjective

bath·robe noun
: a loose often absorbent robe worn before and after bathing or as a dressing gown

bath·room noun
: a room containing a bathtub or shower and usu. a sink and toilet

Synonyms
lavatory, toilet—more at TOILET

bath·tub noun
: a usu. fixed tub for bathing

ba·tik noun
[ORIGIN: Javanese baṭik]

1 : an Indonesian method of hand-printing textiles by coating with wax the parts not to be dyed; also : a design so executed
2 : a fabric printed by batik

ba·tiste noun
: a fine sheer fabric of plain weave

bat·man noun
: an orderly of a British military officer

bat mitz·vah also bas mitzvah noun, often cap B&M
[ORIGIN: Heb bath miṣwāh, lit., daughter of the (divine) law]

1 : a Jewish girl who at about 13 years of age assumes religious responsibilities
2 : the ceremony recognizing a girl as a bat mitzvah

ba·ton noun
: STAFF, ROD; especially : a stick with which the leader directs an orchestra or band

bats·man noun
: a batter esp. in cricket

bat·tal·ion noun
1 : a large body of troops organized to act together : ARMY
2 : a military unit composed of a headquarters and two or more units (as companies)

Synonyms
army, host, legion—more at ARMY

1batten verb
1 : to grow or make fat
2 : THRIVE

2batten noun
: a strip of wood used esp. to seal or strengthen a joint

3batten verb
: to fasten with battens

1batter verb
: to beat or damage with repeated blows

Synonyms
bash, beat, bludgeon, club, pound, thrash, thump, wallop—more at BEAT

2batter noun
: a soft mixture (as for cake) basically of flour and liquid

3batter noun
: one that bats; especially : the player whose turn it is to bat

battering ram noun
1 : an ancient military machine for battering down walls
2 : a heavy metal bar with handles used to batter down doors

bat·tery noun, plural -ter·ies
1 : BEATING; especially : unlawful beating or use of force on a person
2 : a grouping of artillery pieces for tactical purposes; also : the guns of a warship
3 : a group of electric cells for furnishing electric current; also : a single electric cell <a flashlight ~>
4 : a number of similar items grouped or used as a unit <a ~ of tests>
5 : the pitcher and catcher of a baseball team

bat·ting noun
: layers or sheets of cotton or wool (as for lining quilts)

1battle noun
[ORIGIN: ME batel, fr. AF bataille battle, battalion, fr. LL battalia combat, alter. of battualia fencing exercises, fr. L battuere to beat]

1 : a general military engagement
2 : an extended contest, struggle, or controversy

Synonyms
fight, fray, scrabble, struggle—more at STRUGGLE
combat, conflict, confrontation, contest, rivalry, struggle, tug-of-war, warfare—more at CONTEST

2battle verb bat·tled; bat·tling
1 : to engage in battle : FIGHT
2 : to contend with full strength, vigor, skill, or resources

Synonyms
[1] clash, combat, fight, scrimmage, skirmish, war—more at FIGHT
[2] combat, contend, counter, fight, oppose—more at FIGHT

bat·tle–ax noun
1 : a long-handled ax formerly used as a weapon
2 : a quarrelsome domineering woman

battle fatigue noun
: COMBAT FATIGUE

bat·tle·field noun
: a place where a battle is fought

bat·tle·ment noun
: a decorative or defensive parapet on top of a wall

bat·tle·ship noun
: a warship of the most heavily armed and armored class

bat·tle·wag·on noun
: BATTLESHIP

bat·ty adjective bat·ti·er; -est
: disordered in mind : CRAZY

bau·ble noun
: a small ornament (as a jewel or ring) : TRINKET

Synonyms
curiosity, gewgaw, knickknack, novelty, ornamental, trinket—more at KNICKKNACK

baud noun, plural baud also bauds
: a unit of data transmission speed

baux·ite noun
: a clayey mixture that is the chief ore of aluminum

bawd noun
1 : MADAM 2
2 : PROSTITUTE

bawdy adjective bawd·i·er; -est
: offensive to morality or virtue : LEWD

— bawd·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
coarse, crude, indecent, obscene, smutty, unprintable, vulgar
lewd, racy, ribald, spicy, suggestive—more at SUGGESTIVE

bawd·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being bawdy <his ribaldry and ~>

Synonyms
coarseness, indecency, lewdness, nastiness, obscenity, ribaldry, smut, vulgarity—more at OBSCENITY

1bawl verb
: to cry or cry out loudly; also : to scold harshly

Synonyms
blubber, cry, sob, weep—more at CRY
call, cry, holler, shout, vociferate, yell—more at CALL

2bawl noun
: a long loud cry : BELLOW

1bay adjective
: reddish brown

2bay noun
1 : a bay-colored animal
2 : a reddish brown color

3bay noun
1 : a section or compartment of a building or vehicle
2 : a compartment projecting outward from the wall of a building and containing a window (bay window)

4bay verb
: to bark with deep long tones

Synonyms
howl, keen, wail, yowl—more at HOWL

5bay noun
1 : the position of one unable to escape and forced to face danger
2 : a baying of dogs

6bay noun
: an inlet of a body of water (as the sea) usu. smaller than a gulf

Synonyms
bight, cove, estuary, gulf, inlet—more at GULF

7bay noun
: the European laurel; also : a shrub or tree resembling this

bay·ber·ry noun
: a hardy deciduous shrub of coastal eastern No. America bearing small hard berries coated with a white wax used for candles; also : its fruit

bay leaf noun
: the dried leaf of the European laurel used in cooking

1bayonet noun
: a daggerlike weapon made to fit on the muzzle end of a rifle

2bayonet verb -net·ed also -net·ted; -net·ing also -net·ting
: to use or stab with a bayonet

bay·ou noun
[ORIGIN: Louisiana French, fr. Choctaw bayuk]

: a marshy or sluggish body of water

bay rum noun
: a fragrant liquid used esp. as a cologne or aftershave lotion

ba·zaar noun
1 : a group of shops : MARKETPLACE
2 : a fair for the sale of articles usu. for charity

ba·zoo·ka noun
[ORIGIN: bazooka (a crude musical instrument made of pipes and a funnel)]

: a weapon consisting of a tube and launching an explosive rocket able to pierce armor

1BB noun
: a small round shot pellet

2BB abbreviation
base on balls

BBB abbreviation
Better Business Bureau

BBC abbreviation
British Broadcasting Corporation

bbl abbreviation
barrel; barrels

BC abbreviation
1 before Christ — often printed in small capitals and often punctuated
2 British Columbia

B cell noun
[ORIGIN: bone-marrow-derived cell]

: any of the lymphocytes that secrete antibodies when mature

B complex noun
: VITAMIN B COMPLEX

bd abbreviation
1 board
2 bound

bdl or bdle abbreviation
bundle

bdrm abbreviation
bedroom

be verb, past 1st & 3d singular was ; 2d singular were ; plural were; past subjunctive were; past part been ; pres part be·ing ; pres 1st singular am ; 2d singular are ; 3d singular is ; plural are; pres subjunctive be
1 : to equal in meaning or symbolically <God is love>; also : to have a specified qualification or relationship <leaves are green> <this fish is a trout>
2 a : to have objective existence <I think, therefore I am>
b : to have or occupy a particular place <here is your pen>
3 : to take place : OCCUR <the meeting is tonight>
4 — used with the past participle of transitive verbs as a passive voice auxiliary <the door was opened>
5 — used as the auxiliary of the present participle in expressing continuous action <he is sleeping>
6 — used as an auxiliary with the past participle of some intransitive verbs to form archaic perfect tenses
7 — used as an auxiliary with to and the infinitive to express futurity, prearrangement, or obligation <you are to come when called>

Synonyms
[2a] breathe, exist, live, subsist; also abide, continue, endure, last, lead, persist, survive
Antonyms
depart, die, expire, pass away, perish, succumb
[2b] lie, sit, stand

Be symbol
beryllium

1beach noun
: a sandy or gravelly part of the shore of an ocean or lake

2beach verb
: to run or drive ashore

beach buggy noun
: DUNE BUGGY

beach·comb·er noun
: a person who searches along a shore for something of use or value

beach·head noun
: a small area on an enemy-held shore occupied in the initial stages of an invasion

bea·con noun
1 : a signal fire
2 : a guiding or warning signal (as a lighthouse)
3 : a radio transmitter emitting signals for guidance of aircraft

1bead noun
[ORIGIN: ME bede prayer, prayer bead, fr. OE bed, gebed prayer]

1 plural : a series of prayers and meditations made with a rosary
2 : a small piece of material pierced for threading on a line (as in a rosary)
3 : a small globular body
4 : a narrow projecting rim or band

— bead·ing noun

— beady adjective

2bead verb
: to form into a bead

bea·dle noun
: a usu. English parish officer whose duties include keeping order in church

bea·gle noun
: a small short-legged smooth-coated hound

beak noun
: the bill of a bird and esp. of a bird of prey; also : a pointed projecting part

— beaked adjective

bea·ker noun
1 : a large widemouthed drinking cup
2 : a widemouthed thin-walled laboratory vessel

1beam noun
1 : a large long piece of timber or metal
2 : the bar of a balance from which the scales hang
3 : the breadth of a ship at its widest part
4 : a ray or shaft of light
5 : a collection of nearly parallel rays (as X-rays) or particles (as electrons)
6 : a constant radio signal transmitted for the guidance of pilots; also : the course indicated by this signal

2beam verb
1 : to send out light
2 : to aim (a broadcast) by directional antennas
3 : to smile with joy

beam·ing adjective
1 : marked by, emitting, or reflecting strong or clear rays of light
2 : marked by or expressive of extreme and unreserved joy, happiness, or satisfaction

Synonyms
[1] bright, brilliant, incandescent, luminous, shiny—more at BRIGHT
[2] aglow, glowing, radiant, sunny—more at RADIANT

1bean noun
: the edible seed borne in pods by some leguminous plants; also : a plant or a pod bearing these

2bean verb
: to strike on the head with an object

bean·bag noun
: a cloth bag partially filled typically with dried beans and used as a toy

bean·ball noun
: a pitch thrown at a batter's head

bean curd noun
: TOFU

bean·ie noun
: a small round tight-fitting skullcap

beano noun, plural beanos
: BINGO

1bear noun, plural bears
1 or pl bear : any of a family of large heavy mammals with shaggy hair and small tails
2 : a gruff or sullen person
3 : one who sells (as securities) in expectation of a price decline

Synonyms
complainer, crab, crank, grouch, grumbler, whiner—more at GROUCH

2bear verb bore ; borne also born ; bear·ing
1 : to move while supporting : CARRY
2 : to be equipped with
3 : to give as testimony <~ witness to the facts of the case>
4 : to give birth to; also : PRODUCE, YIELD <a tree that ~s regularly>
5 a : to support (as a weight or structure) <bore the weight on piles>
b : to accept or allow oneself to be subject to : take on or endure <~ pain>
6 : to go in an indicated direction <~ to the right>
7 : to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way : CONDUCT
8 : to hold in the mind or emotions
9 : to exert pressure or influence
10 : to have relevance or a valid connection : PERTAIN — often used with on or upon <facts ~ing on the question>

— bear·er noun

Synonyms
[1] carry, cart, convey, ferry, haul, lug, pack, tote, transport—more at CARRY
[5a] bolster, brace, buttress, carry, prop, shore, stay, support, uphold—more at SUPPORT
[5b] accept, assume, shoulder, take over, undertake—more at ASSUME
[5b] abide, brook, countenance, endure, meet, stand, stick out, stomach, support, sustain, take, tolerate; also accept, allow, permit, suffer, swallow
[8] cherish, entertain, harbor, have, hold, nurse—more at HARBOR
usually bear on [10] appertain, apply, pertain, refer, relate—more at APPLY

bear·able adjective
: capable of being borne

Synonyms
endurable, sufferable, supportable, sustainable, tolerable; also livable
Antonyms
insufferable, insupportable, intolerable, unbearable, unendurable, unsupportable

1beard noun
1 : the hair that grows on the face of a man
2 : a growth of bristly hairs (as on a goat's chin)

— beard·ed adjective

— beard·less adjective

2beard verb
: to confront boldly

Synonyms
brave, brazen, confront, dare, defy, face—more at FACE

bear down verb
: to exert full strength and concentrated attention

— bear down on

: to weigh heavily on

Synonyms
usually bear down on depress, press, shove, weigh—more at PRESS

bear·ing noun
1 : manner of carrying oneself : COMPORTMENT
2 : a supporting object, purpose, or point
3 : a machine part in which another part (as an axle or pin) turns
4 : an emblem in a coat of arms
5 : the position or direction of one point with respect to another or to the compass; also : a determination of position
6 plural : comprehension of one's situation
7 : connection with or influence on something; also : SIGNIFICANCE

Synonyms
[1] actions, behavior, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment—more at BEHAVIOR
[7] applicability, pertinence, relevance, significance—more at PERTINENCE
[7] association, connection, linkage, relation, relationship—more at CONNECTION

bear·ish adjective
1 : resembling a bear in build or in roughness, gruffness, or surliness <a ~ man>
2 : marked by, tending to cause, or fearful of falling prices (as in a stock market)

Synonyms
bilious, cantankerous, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-tempered, ornery, splenetic, surly

bear market noun
: a market in which securities or commodities are persistently falling in value

bear out verb
: to give new assurance of the validity of : CONFIRM, SUBSTANTIATE <a theory borne out by data>

Synonyms
confirm, corroborate, substantiate, support, validate, verify, vindicate—more at CONFIRM

bear·skin noun
: an article made of the skin of a bear

beast noun
1 : any of a kingdom of living things typically differing from plants in capacity for active movement, in rapid response to stimulation, and in lack of cellulose cell walls : ANIMAL; especially : a 4-footed mammal
2 : a contemptible person

Synonyms
[1] animal, creature, critter
[2] brute, devil, fiend, monster, savage, villain—more at FIEND

1beastly adjective beast·li·er; -est
1 : BESTIAL
2 : ABOMINABLE, DISAGREEABLE

— beast·li·ness noun

2beastly adverb
: to a high degree : VERY, EXCEEDINGLY

1beat verb beat; beat·en or beat; beat·ing
1 : to strike repeatedly
2 : TREAD
3 : to affect or alter by beating <~ metal into sheets>
4 : to sound (as an alarm) on a drum
5 a : to get the better of : OVERCOME
b : to become better, greater, or stronger than : SURPASS
6 : to act or arrive before <~ his brother home>
7 : to beat or vibrate rhythmically : THROB
8 : to flap or thrash at vigorously
9 : to glare or strike with oppressive intensity <the sun ~ down on the caravan>

Synonyms
[1] bash, bat, batter, club, drub, pound, thrash, thump, wallop, whale, whip; also assail, attack, box, bust, cane, chop, clobber, clout, crack, cudgel, cuff, hit, horsewhip, knock, lam, lash, lay on, paste, punch, slap, smack, smash, sock, spank, swat, swipe, thwack, whack
[3] forge, hammer, pound—more at HAMMER
[5a] best, conquer, crush, defeat, lick, overcome, prevail, rout, skunk, subdue, thrash, triumph, trounce, wallop, whip; also nose out
Antonyms
lose (to)
[5b] better, eclipse, excel, outdistance, outdo, outshine, outstrip, surpass, top, transcend—more at SURPASS

2beat noun
1 a : a single stroke or blow esp. of a series
b : a rhythmic throbbing, contraction and expansion, or vibration : PULSATION
2 : a rhythmic stress in poetry or music or the rhythmic effect of these
3 : a regularly traversed course

Synonyms
[1b] palpitation, pulsation, pulse, throb—more at PULSATION
[2] cadence, measure, meter, rhythm—more at RHYTHM

3beat adjective
1 : consumed entirely : EXHAUSTED
2 : of or relating to beatniks

Synonyms
bushed, dead, drained, exhausted, prostrate, spent, weary, worn-out—more at WEARY

4beat noun
: BEATNIK

beat·er noun
: one that beats

be·atif·ic adjective
: giving or indicative of great joy or bliss

be·at·i·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to make supremely happy
2 : to declare to have attained the blessedness of heaven and authorize the title “Blessed” for

— be·at·i·fi·ca·tion noun

be·at·i·tude noun
1 : a state of utmost bliss
2 : any of the declarations made in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:3–12) beginning “Blessed are”

beat·nik noun
: a person who rejects the mores of established society and indulges in exotic philosophizing and self-expression

beau noun, plural beaux or beaus
[ORIGIN: F, fr. beau beautiful, fr. L bellus pretty]

1 : a man of fashion : DANDY
2 : one who courts a woman or seeks to marry her

Synonyms
boyfriend, fellow, man, swain—more at BOYFRIEND

beau geste noun, plural beaux gestes or beau gestes
[ORIGIN: F]

: a graceful or magnanimous gesture

beau ide·al noun, plural beau ideals
[ORIGIN: F]

: the perfect type or model

Synonyms
classic, epitome, exemplar, ideal, model, nonpareil, paragon, perfection, quintessence—more at QUINTESSENCE

Beau·jo·lais noun
: a French red table wine

beau monde noun, plural beau mondes or beaux mondes
[ORIGIN: F]

: the world of high society and fashion

beau·te·ous adjective
: having beauty : BEAUTIFUL

— beau·te·ous·ly adverb

beau·ti·cian noun
: COSMETOLOGIST

beau·ti·ful adjective
: characterized by beauty : LOVELY

— beau·ti·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
attractive, fair, gorgeous, handsome, knockout, lovely, pretty, ravishing, stunning; also alluring, appealing, charming, delightful, glamorous, prepossessing
Antonyms
homely, plain, ugly, unattractive, unhandsome, unlovely

beautiful people noun plural, often cap B&P
: wealthy or famous people whose lifestyle is usu. expensive and well-publicized

beau·ti·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to make more beautiful

— beau·ti·fi·ca·tion noun

— beau·ti·fi·er noun

Synonyms
adorn, deck, decorate, embellish, enrich, garnish, grace, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE

beau·ty noun, plural beauties
1 : qualities that give pleasure to the senses or exalt the mind : LOVELINESS
2 : a beautiful person or thing; especially : a beautiful woman
3 : an extreme or egregious example or instance

Synonyms
[1] attractiveness, comeliness, handsomeness, looks, loveliness, prettiness; also allure, appeal, attraction, glamor
Antonyms
homeliness, plainness, ugliness
[2] dream, knockout; also belle, charmer, honey
[3] crackerjack, dandy, jim-dandy, knockout, pip—more at JIM-DANDY

beauty shop noun
: an establishment where hairdressing, facials, and manicures are done

beaux arts noun plural
[ORIGIN: F]

: FINE ARTS

bea·ver noun, plural beavers
: a large fur-bearing herbivorous rodent that builds dams and underwater houses of mud and sticks; also : its fur

be·calm verb
: to keep (as a ship) motionless by lack of wind

be·cause conjunction
: for the reason that

Synonyms
for, now, since, whereas—more at SINCE

because of preposition
: by reason of

Synonyms
due to, owing to, through, with

beck noun
: a beckoning gesture; also : SUMMONS

beck·on verb
: to summon or signal esp. by a nod or gesture; also : ATTRACT

be·cloud verb
: to prevent clear perception or realization of

Synonyms
befog, blur, cloud, darken, dim, fog, haze, mist, obscure, overcast, overshadow, shroud—more at CLOUD

be·come verb -came ; -come; -com·ing
1 : to come to be <~ tired>
2 : to suit or be suitable to <her dress ~s her>

Synonyms
come, get, go, grow, run, turn, wax; also alter, change, metamorphose, modify, mutate, transfigure, transform, transmute

be·com·ing adjective
: adapted to a use or purpose : SUITABLE, FIT; also : ATTRACTIVE

— be·com·ing·ly adverb

1bed noun
1 : an article of furniture to sleep on
2 : a plot of ground prepared for plants
3 : an underlying base or support : BOTTOM
4 : LAYER, STRATUM

Synonyms
bunk, pad, sack; also bedstead, mattress, pallet

2bed verb bed·ded; bed·ding
1 : to put or go to bed
2 : to fix in a foundation : EMBED
3 : to plant in beds
4 : to lay or lie flat or in layers

bed–and–breakfast noun
: an establishment offering lodging and breakfast

be·daub verb
: to spread or daub over a surface : SMEAR

be·daz·zle verb
: to confuse by or as if by a strong light; also : FASCINATE

— be·daz·zle·ment noun

bed·bug noun
: a wingless bloodsucking bug infesting houses and esp. beds

bed·clothes noun plural
: BEDDING 1

bed·ding noun
1 : materials for making up a bed
2 : FOUNDATION

be·deck verb
: to furnish with something ornamental : ADORN

Synonyms
adorn, array, beautify, deck, decorate, do, dress, embellish, enrich, garnish, grace, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE

be·dev·il verb
1 : to cause distress : TORMENT
2 : CONFUSE, MUDDLE

Synonyms
afflict, agonize, curse, harrow, martyr, persecute, plague, rack, torment, torture—more at AFFLICT

be·dew verb
: to wet with or as if with dew

bed·fast adjective
: BEDRIDDEN

bed·fel·low noun
1 : one sharing the bed of another
2 : a close associate : ALLY

be·di·zen verb
: to dress or adorn with showy or vulgar finery

bed·lam noun
[ORIGIN: Bedlam, popular name for the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem, London, an insane asylum, fr. ME Bedlem Bethlehem]

1 often cap : an insane asylum
2 : a scene of uproar and confusion

Synonyms
circus, hell, madhouse—more at MADHOUSE

bed·ou·in or bed·u·in noun, plural bedouin or bedouins or beduin or beduins often cap
[ORIGIN: ME Bedoyne, fr. MF bedoïn, fr. Ar badawī desert dweller]

: a nomadic Arab of the Arabian, Syrian, or No. African deserts

bed·pan noun
: a shallow vessel used by a bedridden person for urination or defecation

bed·post noun
: the post of a bed

be·drag·gled adjective
: soiled and disordered as if by being drenched

bed·rid·den adjective
: kept in bed by illness or weakness

1bedrock noun
1 : the solid rock underlying surface materials (as soil)
2 : the bottom of something considered as its foundation

Synonyms
base, basis, footing, foundation, ground, groundwork, keystone, underpinning—more at BASE

2bedrock adjective
: solidly fundamental, basic, or reliable <traditional ~ values>

bed·roll noun
: bedding rolled up for carrying

bed·room noun
: a room containing a bed and used esp. for sleeping

bed·side noun
: the place beside a bed esp. of a sick or dying person

bed·sore noun
: an ulceration of tissue deprived of adequate blood supply by prolonged pressure

bed·spread noun
: a usu. ornamental cloth cover for a bed

Synonyms
counterpane, spread—more at COUNTERPANE

bed·stead noun
: the framework of a bed

bed·time noun
: time for going to bed

bed–wet·ting noun
: involuntary discharge of urine esp. in bed during sleep

— bed–wet·ter noun

1bee noun
: any of numerous 4-winged insects (as honeybees or bumblebees) that feed on nectar and pollen and that sometimes produce honey or have a painful sting

2bee noun
: a gathering of people for a specific purpose <quilting ~>

beech noun, plural beech·es or beech
: any of a genus of deciduous hardwood trees with smooth gray bark and small sweet triangular nuts; also : the wood of a beech

— beech·en adjective

beech·nut noun
: the nut of a beech

1beef noun, plural beefs or beeves
1 : the flesh of a steer, cow, or bull; also : the dressed carcass of a beef animal
2 : a steer, cow, or bull esp. when fattened for food
3 : MUSCLE, BRAWN
4 plural beefs : expression of grief, pain, or dissatisfaction : COMPLAINT

Synonyms
complaint, fuss, grievance, gripe, grumble, murmur, plaint, squawk—more at COMPLAINT

2beef verb
1 : to increase or add substance, strength, or power to : STRENGTHEN — usu. used with up
2 : to express grief, pain, or discontent : COMPLAIN

Synonyms
usually beef up [1] fortify, harden, strengthen, toughen—more at STRENGTHEN
usually beef up [1] amplify, boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up—more at INTENSIFY
[2] bellyache, carp, complain, crab, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, moan, squawk, wail, whine—more at COMPLAIN

beef·eat·er noun
: a yeoman of the guard of an English monarch

beef·steak noun
: a slice of beef suitable for broiling or frying

beefy adjective beef·i·er; -est
: heavily and powerfully built : BRAWNY

Synonyms
brawny, burly, husky—more at HUSKY

bee·hive noun
: HIVE 1, 3

bee·keep·er noun
: a person who raises bees

— bee·keep·ing noun

bee·line noun
: a straight direct course

been past participle of BE

beep·er noun
: a small radio receiver that beeps when signaled to alert the person carrying it

beer noun
: an alcoholic beverage brewed from malt and hops

— beery adjective

bees·wax noun
: WAX 1

beet noun
: a garden plant with edible leaves and a thick sweet root used as a vegetable, as a source of sugar, or as forage; also : its root

1beetle noun
: any of an order of insects having four wings of which the stiff outer pair covers the membranous inner pair when not in flight

2beetle verb bee·tled; bee·tling
: to jut out : PROJECT

Synonyms
bulge, overhang, poke, project, protrude, stick out—more at BULGE

be·fall verb -fell ; -fall·en
: to happen to : OCCUR

Synonyms
be, betide, chance, come, go, happen, occur, pass, transpire—more at HAPPEN

be·fit verb
: to be suitable to

Synonyms
do, fit, go, serve, suit—more at DO

be·fog verb
1 : to make dark, dim, or indistinct : OBSCURE
2 : to make mentally unclear or uncertain : CONFUSE

Synonyms
[1] becloud, blur, cloud, darken, dim, fog, haze, mist, obscure, overcast, overshadow, shroud—more at CLOUD
[2] addle, baffle, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, confound, confuse, disorient, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, puzzle—more at CONFUSE

1before adverb or adjective
1 : in front
2 : at an earlier time : PREVIOUSLY

Synonyms
ahead, beforehand, previously—more at AHEAD

2before preposition
1 : in front of <stood ~ him>
2 : earlier than <got there ~ me>
3 : in a more important category than <put quality ~ quantity>

Synonyms
ahead of, ere, of, previous to, prior to, to; also till, until, up to
Antonyms
after, following

3before conjunction
1 : earlier than the time that <he got here ~ I did>
2 : more willingly than <she'd starve ~ she'd steal>

be·fore·hand adverb or adjective
: in advance

Synonyms
ahead, before, early, previously—more at AHEAD

be·foul verb
: to make foul (as with dirt or waste)

Synonyms
begrime, besmirch, blacken, dirty, muddy, smirch, soil, stain—more at DIRTY
contaminate, defile, foul, poison, pollute, taint—more at CONTAMINATE

be·friend verb
: to act as friend to

be·fud·dle verb
: to muddle or stupefy with or as if with drink : CONFUSE

Synonyms
addle, baffle, befog, bemuse, bewilder, confound, confuse, disorient, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, puzzle—more at CONFUSE

beg verb begged; beg·ging
1 : to ask as a charity; also : ENTREAT
2 : EVADE; also : assume as established, settled, or proved <~ the question>

Synonyms
appeal, beseech, entreat, implore, importune, petition, plead, pray, solicit, supplicate; also sponge

be·get verb -got ; -got·ten or -got; -get·ting
: to become the father of : SIRE

1beggar noun
: one that begs; especially : a person who begs as a way of life

2beggar verb
: IMPOVERISH

beg·gar·ly adjective
1 : contemptibly mean or inadequate
2 : marked by unrelieved poverty <a ~ life>

beg·gary noun
: extreme poverty

Synonyms
destitution, impecuniousness, impoverishment, indigence, need, pauperism, penury, poverty, want—more at POVERTY

be·gin verb be·gan ; be·gun ; be·gin·ning
1 : to do the first part of an action : COMMENCE
2 : to come into being : ARISE; also : FOUND
3 : ORIGINATE, INVENT

Synonyms
[1] commence, embark, enter, get off, launch, open, start, strike; also create, generate, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, invent, originate
Antonyms
conclude, end, finish, terminate
[2] arise, commence, dawn, form, found, materialize, originate, spring, start; also be, breathe, exist, live, subsist
Antonyms
cease, end, stop

be·gin·ner noun
: one that begins something; especially : an inexperienced person

Synonyms
fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newcomer, novice, recruit, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro; also apprentice, cub
Antonyms
old-timer, vet, veteran

be·gin·ning noun
: the point at which something starts : START

Synonyms
birth, commencement, dawn, genesis, launch, morning, onset, outset, start, threshold; also creation, inauguration, initiation, institution
Antonyms
close, conclusion, end, ending

beg off verb
: to ask to be excused from something

be·gone verb
: to go away : DEPART — used esp. in the imperative

be·go·nia noun
: any of a genus of tropical herbs widely grown for their showy leaves and waxy flowers

be·grime verb be·grimed; be·grim·ing
: to make dirty

Synonyms
befoul, besmirch, blacken, dirty, foul, grime, mire, muddy, smirch, soil, stain—more at DIRTY

be·grudge verb
1 : to give or concede reluctantly
2 : to be reluctant to grant or allow

be·guile verb be·guiled; be·guil·ing
1 : to lead by deception
2 : to while away
3 : to engage the interest of by guile

Synonyms
[1] deceive, dupe, fool, hoax, misinform, mislead, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE
[1] decoy, entice, lead on, lure, seduce, tempt—more at LURE
[3] bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate, wile—more at CHARM

be·guine noun
[ORIGIN: AmerF béguine, fr. F béguin flirtation]

: a vigorous popular dance of the islands of Saint Lucia and Martinique

be·gum noun
: a Muslim woman of high rank

be·half noun
: BENEFIT, SUPPORT, DEFENSE

be·have verb be·haved; be·hav·ing
1 : to bear, comport, or conduct oneself in a particular and esp. a proper way
2 : to act, function, or react in a particular way

Synonyms
acquit, bear, comport, conduct, demean, deport, quit; also check, collect, compose, constrain, contain, control, curb, handle, inhibit, quiet, repress, restrain

be·hav·ior noun
: way of behaving; especially : personal conduct

— be·hav·ior·al adjective

Synonyms
actions, bearing, comportment, conduct, demeanor, deportment; also etiquette, form, manners, mores, proprieties

be·hav·ior·ism noun
: a school of psychology concerned with the objective evidence of behavior without reference to conscious experience

be·head verb
: to remove the head from

be·he·moth noun
1 : a huge powerful animal described in Job 40:15–24
2 : something of monstrous size or power

Synonyms
blockbuster, colossus, giant, jumbo, leviathan, mammoth, monster, titan, whale, whopper—more at GIANT

be·hest noun
1 : an authoritative order : COMMAND
2 : an urgent prompting

Synonyms
charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, edict, instruction, order, word—more at COMMAND

1behind adverb or adjective
1 : BACK, BACKWARD <look ~>
2 : later in time : LATE

Synonyms
belated, delinquent, late, overdue, tardy—more at LATE

2behind preposition
1 : in or to a place or situation in back of or to the rear of <look ~ you> <the staff stayed ~ the troops>
2 : inferior to (as in rank) : BELOW <three games ~ the first-place team>
3 : in support of : SUPPORTING <we're ~ you all the way>
4 — used as a function word to indicate backwardness, delay, or deficiency <~ the times>

be·hind·hand adjective
: being in arrears

be·hold verb -held ; -hold·ing
1 : to have in sight : SEE
2 — used imperatively to direct the attention

— be·hold·er noun

Synonyms
descry, discern, distinguish, espy, eye, look, note, notice, observe, perceive, regard, remark, see, sight, spy, view, witness—more at SEE

be·hold·en adjective
: OBLIGATED, INDEBTED

be·hoof noun
: ADVANTAGE, PROFIT

be·hoove verb be·hooved; be·hoov·ing
: to be necessary, proper, or advantageous for

beige noun
: a pale dull yellowish brown

— beige adjective

be·ing noun
1 a : EXISTENCE
b : something that actually exists
2 : the qualities or constitution of an existent thing
3 : a living thing; especially : PERSON

Synonyms
[1b] entity, individual, object, substance, thing—more at ENTITY
[3] body, creature, human, individual, life, man, mortal, party, person

be·la·bor verb
: to assail (as with words) tiresomely or at length

Synonyms
abuse, assail, attack, blast, castigate, excoriate, jump, lambaste, slam, vituperate—more at ATTACK

be·lat·ed adjective
: delayed beyond the usual time : LATE

Synonyms
behind, delinquent, late, overdue, tardy—more at LATE

be·lay verb
1 : to wind (a rope) around a pin or cleat in order to hold secure
2 : QUIT, STOP — used in the imperative

belch verb
1 : to expel (gas) from the stomach through the mouth
2 : to gush forth <a volcano ~ing lava>

— belch noun

Synonyms
disgorge, eject, erupt, expel, jet, spew, spout, spurt—more at ERUPT

bel·dam or bel·dame noun
[ORIGIN: ME beldam grandmother, fr. AF bel beautiful + ME dam lady, mother]

: an old woman

be·lea·guer verb
1 : to surround with armed forces : BESIEGE
2 : HARASS <~ed parents>

bel·fry noun, plural belfries
: a tower for a bell (as on a church); also : the part of the tower in which the bell hangs

Belg abbreviation
Belgian; Belgium

Bel·gian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Belgium

— Belgian adjective

Belgian waffle noun
: a waffle with large depressions and often served with fruit topping

be·lie verb -lied; -ly·ing
1 : to give a false impression of : MISREPRESENT
2 : to show (something) to be false
3 : to run counter to

Synonyms
confute, disprove, rebut, refute—more at DISPROVE

be·lief noun
1 : CONFIDENCE, TRUST
2 : something (as a tenet or creed) believed

Synonyms
conviction, eye, feeling, judgment, mind, notion, opinion, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, view—more at OPINION
credence, credit, faith; also axiom, law, precept, principle, tenet
Antonyms
disbelief, discredit, doubt, unbelief

be·liev·able adjective
: capable of being believed esp. as within the range of known possibility or probability

Synonyms
credible, likely, plausible, probable; also acceptable, conceivable, imaginable, possible, practical, reasonable
Antonyms
implausible, improbable, incredible, unbelievable, unlikely

be·lieve verb be·lieved; be·liev·ing
1 : to have religious convictions
2 : to have a firm conviction about something : accept as true
3 : to hold as an opinion : SUPPOSE

— be·liev·er noun

Synonyms
[2] accept, credit, swallow, trust; also account, accredit, understand
Antonyms
disbelieve, discredit, reject
[3] consider, deem, feel, figure, guess, hold, imagine, suppose, think; also esteem, regard, view

be·like adverb, archaic
: PROBABLY

be·lit·tle verb -lit·tled; -lit·tling
1 : to make seem little or less
2 : to speak slightingly about : DISPARAGE

Synonyms
cry down, decry, deprecate, depreciate, diminish, discount, disparage, minimize, put down, write off—more at DECRY

1bell noun
1 : a hollow metallic device that makes a ringing sound when struck
2 : the sounding or stroke of a bell (as on shipboard to tell the time); also : time so indicated
3 : something with the flared form of a typical bell

2bell verb
: to provide with a bell

bel·la·don·na noun
[ORIGIN: It, lit., beautiful lady]

: a medicinal extract (as atropine) from a poisonous European herb related to the potato; also : this herb

bell–bot·toms noun plural
: pants with wide flaring bottoms

— bell–bottom adjective

bell·boy noun
: BELLHOP

belle noun
: an attractive and popular girl or woman

belles let·tres noun plural
[ORIGIN: F]

: literature that is an end in itself and not practical or purely informative

— bel·le·tris·tic adjective

bell·hop noun
: a hotel or club employee who takes guests to rooms, carries luggage, and runs errands

bel·li·cose adjective
: favoring or inclined to start quarrels or wars : WARLIKE, PUGNACIOUS

Synonyms
aggressive, argumentative, belligerent, combative, contentious, discordant, disputatious, militant, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike—more at BELLIGERENT

bel·li·cos·i·ty noun
: showy or extreme combativeness or aggressiveness

bel·lig·er·ence noun
: an aggressive or truculent attitude, atmosphere, or disposition

Synonyms
aggression, aggressiveness, fight, militancy, pugnacity, truculence; also antagonism, fierceness, hostility, unfriendliness
Antonyms
pacifism

bel·lig·er·en·cy noun
1 : the status of a nation engaged in war
2 : BELLIGERENCE, TRUCULENCE

bel·lig·er·ent adjective
1 : waging war
2 : inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combativeness : TRUCULENT

— belligerent noun

Synonyms
aggressive, argumentative, bellicose, combative, contentious, discordant, disputatious, militant, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike; also antagonistic, fierce, hostile
Antonyms
nonbelligerent, pacific, peaceable, peaceful

bel·low verb
1 : to make the deep hollow sound characteristic of a bull
2 : to shout in a deep voice

— bellow noun

Synonyms
boom, growl, roar, thunder—more at ROAR

bel·lows noun singular or plural
: a closed device with sides that can be spread apart and then pressed together to draw in air and expel it through a tube

bell·weth·er noun
: one that takes the lead or initiative

1belly noun, plural bellies
[ORIGIN: ME bely bellows, belly, fr. OE belg bag, skin]

1 : the part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis : ABDOMEN
2 : the underpart of an animal's body

Synonyms
abdomen, gut, potbelly, solar plexus, stomach, tummy—more at STOMACH

2belly verb bel·lied; bel·ly·ing
: to swell or fill beyond a point : BULGE

Synonyms
billow, bulge, overhang, protrude, start, stick out—more at BULGE

1bellyache noun
: pain in the abdomen

2bellyache verb
: to find fault : COMPLAIN

Synonyms
beef, carp, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, moan, murmur, mutter, repine, squawk, wail, whine—more at COMPLAIN

belly button noun
: the human navel

belly dance noun
: a usu. solo dance emphasizing movement of the belly

— belly dance verb

— belly dancer noun

belly laugh noun
: a deep hearty laugh

be·long verb
1 : to be suitable or appropriate; also : to be properly situated <shoes ~ in the closet>
2 : to be the property <this ~s to me>; also : to be attached (as through birth or membership) <~ to a club>
3 : to form an attribute or part <this wheel ~s to the cart>
4 : to be classified <whales ~ among the mammals>

be·long·ings noun plural
: moveable property : EFFECTS, POSSESSIONS

Synonyms
chattels, effects, holdings, paraphernalia, possessions, things—more at POSSESSION

1beloved adjective
: dearly loved

Synonyms
darling, dear, favorite, loved, pet, precious, special, sweet

2beloved noun
: one who is loved; especially : SWEETHEART

1below adverb
1 : in or to a lower place or rank
2 : on earth
3 : in hell

Synonyms
down, downward, over—more at DOWN
beneath, under; also beside, near, nearby
Antonyms
up

2below preposition
1 : lower than
2 : inferior to (as in rank)

be·low·decks adverb
: inside the superstructure of a boat or down to a lower deck

1belt noun
1 : a strip (as of leather) worn about the waist
2 : a flexible continuous band to communicate motion or convey material
3 : a region marked by some distinctive feature; especially : one suited to a particular crop

Synonyms
[1] cincture, cummerbund, girdle, sash; also band, waistband
[3] land, region, tract, zone—more at REGION

2belt verb
1 : to encircle or secure with a belt
2 : to beat with or as if with a belt
3 : to mark with an encircling band
4 : to sing loudly

Synonyms
[1] band, gird, girdle, wrap—more at GIRD

3belt noun
1 : a jarring blow : WHACK
2 : DRINK <a ~ of whiskey>

belt–tightening noun
: a reduction in spending

belt·way noun
: a highway around a city

be·lu·ga noun
[ORIGIN: Russ]

1 : a large white sturgeon of the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and their tributaries that is a source of caviar; also : caviar from beluga roe
2 : a whale of arctic and subarctic waters that is white when mature

bel·ve·dere noun
[ORIGIN: It, lit., beautiful view]

: a structure (as a summerhouse) designed to command a view

be·mire verb
: to cover or soil with or sink in mire

be·moan verb
: to express deep grief or distress over : LAMENT, DEPLORE

Synonyms
bewail, deplore, grieve, lament, mourn, wail—more at LAMENT

be·muse verb
: to make confused : BEWILDER

Synonyms
addle, baffle, befog, befuddle, bewilder, confound, confuse, disorient, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, puzzle—more at CONFUSE

1bench noun
1 : a long seat for two or more persons
2 : the seat of a judge in court; also : the office or dignity of a judge
3 a : COURT
b : the persons who sit as judges
4 : a table for holding work and tools <a carpenter's ~>

Synonyms
court, judge, justice, magistrate—more at JUDGE

2bench verb
1 : to furnish with benches
2 : to seat on a bench
3 : to remove from or keep out of a game

bench mark noun
1 : a mark on a permanent object serving as an elevation reference in topographical surveys
2 usually bench·mark : a point of reference for measurement; also : STANDARD

bench press noun
: a press in weight lifting performed by a lifter lying on a bench

— bench–press verb

bench warrant noun
: a warrant issued by a presiding judge or by a court against a person guilty of contempt or indicted for a crime

1bend verb bent ; bend·ing
1 : to draw (as a bow) taut
2 : to curve or cause a change of shape in <~ a bar>
3 : to make fast : SECURE
4 : DEFLECT
5 : to turn in a certain direction <bent his steps toward town>
6 : to direct strenuously or with interest : APPLY <bent themselves to the task>
7 : SUBDUE
8 : to curve downward
9 : YIELD, SUBMIT

Synonyms
[2] arc, arch, bow, crook, curve, hook, round, sweep, swerve, wheel—more at CURVE
[5] aim, cast, direct, head, level, set, train—more at AIM
[6] address, apply, buckle, devote, give—more at APPLY

2bend noun
1 : an act or process of bending
2 : something bent; especially : CURVE
3 plural : a painful and sometimes fatal disorder caused by release of gas bubbles in the tissues upon too rapid decrease in air pressure after a stay in a compressed atmosphere

Synonyms
angle, arc, arch, bow, crook, curve, turn, wind; also kink, warp
Antonyms
straight line

3bend noun
: a knot by which a rope is fastened (as to another rope)

bend·er noun
: SPREE

1beneath adverb
: in or to a lower position : BELOW

Synonyms
below, under—more at BELOW

2beneath preposition
1 : in or to a lower position than : BELOW, UNDER <stood ~ a tree>
2 : unworthy of <considered such behavior ~ her>
3 : concealed by

bene·dic·tion noun
: the invocation of a blessing esp. at the close of a public worship service

ben·e·fac·tion noun
: a charitable donation

Synonyms
alms, beneficence, charity, contribution, donation, philanthropy—more at CONTRIBUTION

ben·e·fac·tor noun
: one that confers a benefit and esp. a benefaction

ben·e·fac·tress noun
: a woman who is a benefactor

ben·e·fice noun
: an ecclesiastical office to which the revenue from an endowment is attached

be·nef·i·cence noun
1 : beneficent quality
2 : a benefit conferred : BENEFACTION

Synonyms
alms, benefaction, charity, contribution, donation, philanthropy—more at CONTRIBUTION

be·nef·i·cent adjective
1 : doing or producing good (as by acts of kindness or charity)
2 : BENEFICIAL

Synonyms
benevolent, compassionate, good-hearted, humane, kind, kindly, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warmhearted—more at HUMANE
altruistic, benevolent, charitable, humanitarian, philanthropic—more at CHARITABLE

ben·e·fi·cial adjective
: being of benefit or help : HELPFUL

— ben·e·fi·cial·ly adverb

Synonyms
advantageous, favorable, helpful, profitable, salutary; also gratifying, rewarding, satisfying
Antonyms
disadvantageous, unfavorable, unhelpful

ben·e·fi·cia·ry noun, plural -ries
: one that receives a benefit (as the income of a trust or the proceeds of an insurance)

1benefit noun
1 : ADVANTAGE <the ~s of exercise>
2 a : useful aid
b : material aid provided or due (as in sickness or unemployment) as a right
3 : a performance or event to raise funds

Synonyms
advantage, aid, boon, help—more at HELP

2benefit verb -fit·ed also -fit·ted; -fit·ing also -fit·ting
1 : to be useful or profitable to
2 : to receive benefit

Synonyms
avail, profit, serve; also succeed, work (for)

be·nev·o·lence noun
1 : charitable nature
2 : an act of kindness : CHARITY

— be·nev·o·lent·ly adverb

Synonyms
amity, cordiality, fellowship, friendliness, friendship, goodwill, kindliness—more at GOODWILL

be·nev·o·lent adjective
: marked by or disposed to doing good

Synonyms
beneficent, compassionate, good-hearted, humane, kind, kindly, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warmhearted—more at HUMANE
altruistic, beneficent, charitable, humanitarian, philanthropic—more at CHARITABLE

be·night·ed adjective
1 : overtaken by darkness or night
2 : living in ignorance

be·nign adjective
[ORIGIN: ME benigne, fr. AF, fr. L benignus]

1 : of a gentle disposition; also : showing kindness
2 : of a mild kind; especially : not malignant <~ tumors>

— be·nig·ni·ty noun

Synonyms
balmy, bland, delicate, gentle, light, mellow, mild, soft, soothing, tender—more at GENTLE

be·nig·nant adjective
: having a kind and gentle nature

ben·i·son noun
: a prayer that blesses : BLESSING, BENEDICTION

bent noun
1 : strong inclination or interest
2 : power of endurance

Synonyms
devices, disposition, genius, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, talent, tendency, turn—more at INCLINATION

ben·thic adjective
: of, relating to, or occurring at the bottom of a body of water

ben·ton·ite noun
: an absorptive clay used esp. as a filler (as in paper)

bent·wood adjective
: made of wood bent into shape <a ~ rocker>

be·numb verb
1 : to make inactive : DULL, DEADEN
2 : to make numb esp. by cold

ben·zene noun
: a colorless volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbon used in organic synthesis and as a solvent

ben·zine noun
: any of various flammable petroleum distillates used as solvents or as motor fuels

ben·zo·ate noun
: a salt or ester of benzoic acid

ben·zo·ic acid noun
: a white crystalline acid used as a preservative and antiseptic and in synthesizing chemicals

ben·zo·in noun
: a balsamlike resin from trees of southern Asia used esp. in medicine and perfumes

be·queath verb
[ORIGIN: ME bequethen, fr. OE becwethan, fr. be- + cwethan to say]

1 : to leave by will
2 : to hand down

be·quest noun
1 : the action of bequeathing
2 : something bequeathed : LEGACY

Synonyms
birthright, heritage, inheritance, legacy—more at INHERITANCE

be·rate verb
: to scold harshly

Synonyms
castigate, chew out, dress down, lecture, rail, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold, upbraid—more at SCOLD

Ber·ber noun
: a member of any of various peoples living in northern Africa west of Tripoli

ber·ceuse noun, plural berceuses
[ORIGIN: F, fr. bercer to rock]

1 : LULLABY
2 : a musical composition that resembles a lullaby

1bereaved adjective
: grieving the death of a loved one

— be·reave·ment noun

2bereaved noun, plural bereaved
: one who is bereaved

be·reft adjective
1 : deprived of or lacking something — usu. used with of
2 : grieving the death of a loved one : BEREAVED

Synonyms
destitute, devoid, void—more at DEVOID

be·ret noun
: a round soft cap with no visor

berg noun
: ICEBERG

beri·beri noun
: a deficiency disease marked by weakness, wasting, and nerve damage and caused by lack of thiamine

berke·li·um noun
: an artificially prepared radioactive chemical element

berm noun
: a narrow shelf or path at the top or bottom of a slope; also : a mound or bank of earth

Ber·mu·das noun plural
: BERMUDA SHORTS

Bermuda shorts noun plural
: knee-length walking shorts

ber·ry noun, plural berries
1 : a small pulpy fruit (as a strawberry)
2 : a simple fruit (as a grape, tomato, or banana) with the wall of the ripened ovary thick and pulpy
3 : the dry seed of some plants (as coffee)

1berserk adjective
[ORIGIN: ON berserkr warrior frenzied in battle, prob. fr. ber- bear + serkr shirt]

: FRENZIED, CRAZED

2berserk adverb
: in a berserk manner

Synonyms
amok, frantically, harum-scarum, hectically, helter-skelter, madly, pell-mell, wild, wildly—more at HELTER-SKELTER

1berth noun
1 : adequate distance esp. for a ship to maneuver
2 : the place where a ship is anchored or a vehicle rests
3 ACCOMMODATIONS
4 : an employment for which one has been hired : JOB, POSITION

2berth verb
1 : to bring or come into a berth
2 : to allot a berth to

ber·yl noun
: a hard silicate mineral occurring as green, yellow, pink, or white crystals

be·ryl·li·um noun
: a light strong metallic chemical element used as a hardener in alloys

be·seech verb -sought or -seeched; -seech·ing
: to beg earnestly or urgently : ENTREAT

Synonyms
appeal, beg, entreat, implore, importune, petition, plead, pray, solicit, supplicate—more at BEG

be·seem verb, archaic
: BEFIT

be·set verb
1 : TROUBLE, HARASS
2 a : to set upon : ASSAIL
b : SURROUND

Synonyms
assail, assault, attack, charge, descend, jump, pounce, raid, rush, storm, strike—more at ATTACK

be·set·ting adjective
: persistently present

1beside preposition
1 : by the side of <sit ~ me>
2 : BESIDES: as
a : other than
b : together with
3 : not relevant to

2beside adverb, archaic
: BESIDES

1besides preposition
1 : other than
2 : together with

Synonyms
aside from, bar, barring, but, except, outside, save—more at EXCEPT

2besides adverb
1 : as well : ALSO
2 : in addition to what precedes : MOREOVER

Synonyms
additionally, again, also, further, furthermore, likewise, more, moreover, then, too, withal, yet

be·siege verb
1 : to lay siege to
2 : to press with requests

— be·sieg·er noun

Synonyms
barricade, block, cut off, dam, encircle, surround

be·smear verb
: to spread with something oily, thick, or sticky : SMEAR

be·smirch verb
: to make soiled or tarnished : SMIRCH, SOIL

Synonyms
befoul, begrime, blacken, dirty, foul, grime, mire, muddy, smirch, soil, stain—more at DIRTY

be·som noun
: BROOM

be·sot verb be·sot·ted; be·sot·ting
1 : INFATUATE
2 : to make dull esp. by drinking

be·spat·ter verb
: to splash with or as if with a liquid : SPATTER

be·speak verb -spoke ; -spo·ken ; -speak·ing
1 : to hire, engage, or claim beforehand : PREARRANGE
2 : ADDRESS
3 : REQUEST
4 : to be a sign or indication of <~s considerable practice>
5 : FORETELL

Synonyms
betray, demonstrate, display, evince, expose, give away, manifest, reveal, show—more at SHOW

be·sprin·kle verb
: SPRINKLE

1best adjective, superlative of GOOD
1 : excelling all others
2 : most productive (as of good or satisfaction)
3 : LARGEST, MOST

2best adverb, superlative of WELL
1 : in the best way
2 : MOST

3best noun
1 : something that is best
2 : best clothes <Sunday ~>

Synonyms
[1] choice, cream, elect, elite, fat, flower, pick, prime—more at ELITE
[2] array, bravery, caparison, feather, finery, frippery, full dress, gaiety, regalia—more at FINERY

4best verb
: to get the better of

Synonyms
beat, defeat, master, overcome, prevail, triumph, trounce, wallop, whip, win

bes·tial adjective
1 : of or relating to beasts
2 : resembling a beast esp. in brutality or lack of intelligence

bes·ti·al·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the condition or status of a lower animal
2 : display or gratification of bestial traits or impulses

bes·ti·ary noun, plural -ar·ies
: a medieval allegorical or moralizing work on the appearance and habits of animals

be·stir verb
: to rouse to action

best man noun
: the principal groomsman at a wedding

be·stow verb
1 : PUT, PLACE, STOW
2 : to present as a gift

Synonyms
contribute, donate, give, present—more at GIVE

be·stow·al noun
: something bestowed or given

Synonyms
donation, freebie, gift, lagniappe, present—more at GIFT

be·stride verb -strode ; -strid·den ; -strid·ing
: to ride, sit, or stand astride

1bet noun
1 a : something that is wagered, risked, or pledged usu. between two parties on the outcome of a contest
b : the making of such a bet
2 : OPTION <the back road is your best ~>

2bet verb bet also bet·ted; bet·ting
1 : to stake on the outcome of an issue or a contest <~ $2 on the race>
2 : to make a bet with
3 : to lay a bet

Synonyms
gamble, go, lay, stake, wager; also bid, offer

3bet abbreviation
between

be·ta noun
1 : the 2d letter of the Greek alphabet — Β or β
2 : a nearly complete version of a new product (as computer software)

beta–block·er noun
: any of a group of drugs that decrease the rate and force of heart contractions and lower high blood pressure

be·ta–car·o·tene noun
: an isomer of carotene found in dark green and dark yellow vegetables and fruits

be·take verb -took ; -tak·en ; -tak·ing
: to cause (oneself) to go

beta particle noun
: a high-speed electron; especially : one emitted by a radioactive nucleus

beta ray noun
1 : BETA PARTICLE
2 : a stream of beta particles

beta test noun
: a field test of the beta version of a product prior to commercial release

be·tel noun
: a climbing pepper whose leaves are chewed together with lime and betel nut as a stimulant esp. by southern Asians

betel nut noun
: the astringent seed of an Asian palm that is chewed with betel leaves

bête noire noun, plural bêtes noires
[ORIGIN: F, lit., black beast]

: a person or thing strongly disliked, avoided, or feared

Synonyms
bogey, bugbear, hobgoblin, ogre—more at BOGEY
abhorrence, abomination, anathema, antipathy, aversion, hate—more at HATE

beth·el noun
[ORIGIN: Heb bēth'ēl house of God]

: a place of worship esp. for seamen

be·think verb -thought ; -think·ing
1 : to bring to mind or think of again : REMEMBER
2 : PONDER

be·tide verb
: to happen to

Synonyms
be, befall, chance, come, go, happen, occur, pass, transpire—more at HAPPEN

be·times adverb
: in good time : EARLY

be·to·ken verb
1 : PRESAGE
2 : to give evidence of

be·tray verb
1 : to lead astray; especially : SEDUCE
2 : to deliver to an enemy
3 : ABANDON
4 : to prove unfaithful to
5 : to reveal unintentionally; also : SHOW

Synonyms
bespeak, demonstrate, display, evince, expose, give away, manifest, reveal, show—more at SHOW

be·tray·al noun
: the act of betraying or fact of being betrayed

Synonyms
disloyalty, double cross, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, infidelity, perfidy, treachery, treason, unfaithfulness; also abandonment, desertion

be·tray·er noun
: one who betrays (something or someone)

Synonyms
informer, stool pigeon, tattletale, telltale—more at INFORMER
apostate, double-crosser, quisling, recreant, traitor, turncoat—more at TRAITOR

be·troth verb
: to promise to marry

be·troth·al noun
: the act of betrothing or fact of being betrothed; also : a mutual promise or contract for a future marriage

be·trothed noun
: the person to whom one is betrothed

Synonyms
intended; also admirer, beau, beloved, boyfriend, darling, dear, favorite, fellow, flame, girlfriend, honey, love, lover, steady, swain, sweet, sweetheart, valentine

1better adjective, comparative of GOOD
1 : greater than half
2 : improved in health
3 : more attractive, favorable, or commendable
4 : more advantageous or effective
5 : improved in accuracy or performance

2better verb
1 : to make or become better
2 : to surpass in excellence : EXCEL

Synonyms
[1] ameliorate, amend, enhance, enrich, improve, perfect, refine—more at IMPROVE
[2] beat, eclipse, excel, outdistance, outdo, outshine, outstrip, surpass, top, transcend—more at SURPASS

3better adverb, comparative of WELL
1 : in a superior manner
2 : to a higher or greater degree; also : MORE

4better noun
1 : something better; also : a superior esp. in merit or rank
2 : superiority of position or condition : ADVANTAGE

5better verbal auxiliary
: had better <you ~ hurry>

bet·ter·ment noun
: IMPROVEMENT

bet·tor or bet·ter noun
: one that bets

1between preposition
1 : by the common action of <earned $10,000 ~ the two of them>
2 : in the interval separating <an alley ~ two buildings>; also : in intermediate relation to
3 : in point of comparison of <choose ~ two cars>

2between adverb
: in an intervening space or interval

be·twixt adverb or preposition
: BETWEEN

1bevel noun
1 : a device for adjusting the slant of the surfaces of a piece of work
2 : the angle or slant that one surface or line makes with another when not at right angles

2bevel verb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling
1 : to cut or shape to a bevel
2 : INCLINE, SLANT

bev·er·age noun
: a drinkable liquid

Synonyms
drink, libation, quencher—more at DRINK

bevy noun, plural bev·ies
1 : a large group or collection
2 : a group of animals and esp. quail together

be·wail verb
: to express deep sorrow for usu. by wailing and lamentation

Synonyms
bemoan, deplore, grieve, lament, mourn, wail—more at LAMENT

be·ware verb
: to be on one's guard : be wary of

Synonyms usually beware of
guard, mind; also attend, heed, mark, note, notice

be·wil·der verb
: to perplex or confuse esp. by complexity or variety

Synonyms
addle, baffle, befog, befuddle, bemuse, confound, confuse, disorient, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, puzzle—more at CONFUSE

be·wil·der·ment noun
1 : the quality or state of being bewildered
2 : a bewildering tangle or confusion

Synonyms
bafflement, confusion, distraction, muddle, mystification, perplexity, puzzlement, whirl—more at CONFUSION

be·witch verb
1 : to affect by witchcraft
2 : to attract as if by the power of witchcraft : CHARM, FASCINATE

Synonyms
[1] charm, enchant, hex, spell; also curse, jinx, possess
[2] allure, beguile, captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate, wile—more at CHARM

be·witch·ment noun
1 : the act or power of bewitching; also : a spell that bewitches
2 : the state of being bewitched

Synonyms
charm, conjuration, enchantment, incantation, spell—more at SPELL
enchantment, magic, necromancy, sorcery, witchcraft, wizardry—more at MAGIC

bey noun
1 : a former Turkish provincial governor
2 : the former native ruler of Tunis or Tunisia

1beyond adverb
1 : on or to the farther side
2 : BESIDES

Synonyms
farther, further, yonder—more at FARTHER

2beyond preposition
1 : at a greater distance than
2 : past the reach or sphere of
3 : BESIDES

Synonyms
outside, without; also except
Antonyms
within

be·zel noun
1 : a rim that holds a transparent covering (as on a watch)
2 : the faceted part of a cut gem that rises above the setting

bf abbreviation
boldface

BG or B Gen abbreviation
brigadier general

bhang noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi bhāṅg]

: a mildly intoxicating preparation of the leaves and flowering tops of uncultivated hemp

Bi symbol
bismuth

BIA abbreviation
Bureau of Indian Affairs

bi·an·nu·al adjective
: occurring twice a year

— bi·an·nu·al·ly adverb

1bias noun
1 : a line diagonal to the grain of a fabric
2 : a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment : PREJUDICE

Synonyms
favor, partiality, partisanship, prejudice; also favoritism, nepotism
Antonyms
impartiality, neutrality, objectivity

2bias adverb
: on the bias : DIAGONALLY

3bias verb bi·ased or bi·assed; bi·as·ing or bi·as·sing
: to give a settled and often prejudiced outlook to : PREJUDICE

bi·ased adjective
: exhibiting or characterized by bias

Synonyms
one-sided, partial, partisan, prejudiced—more at PARTIAL

bi·ath·lon noun
: a composite athletic contest consisting of cross-country skiing and target shooting with a rifle

1bib noun
: a cloth or plastic shield tied under the chin to protect the clothes while eating

2bib abbreviation
Bible; biblical

bi·be·lot noun, plural bibelots
: a small household ornament or decorative object

bi·ble noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF, fr. ML biblia, fr. Gk, pl. of biblion book, dim. of byblos papyrus, book, fr. Byblos, ancient Phoenician city from which papyrus was exported]

1 cap : the sacred scriptures of Christians comprising the Old and New Testaments
2 cap : the sacred scriptures of Judaism; also : those of some other religion
3 : a publication that is considered authoritative for its subject

— bib·li·cal adjective

bib·li·og·ra·phy noun, plural -phies
1 : the history or description of writings or publications
2 : a list of writings (as on a subject or of an author)

— bib·li·og·ra·pher noun

— bib·li·o·graph·ic also bib·li·o·graph·i·cal adjective

bib·lio·phile noun
: a lover of books

bib·u·lous adjective
1 : highly absorbent
2 : fond of alcoholic beverages

bi·cam·er·al adjective
: having or consisting of two legislative branches

bicarb noun
: SODIUM BICARBONATE

bi·car·bon·ate noun
: an acid carbonate

bi·cen·te·na·ry noun
: BICENTENNIAL

— bicentenary adjective

bi·cen·ten·ni·al noun
: a 200th anniversary or its celebration

— bicentennial adjective

bi·ceps noun, plural biceps also bicepses
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L, two-headed, fr. bi- two + caput head]

: a muscle (as in the front of the upper arm) having two points of origin

1bicker noun
: petulant quarreling : ALTERCATION

2bicker verb
: to engage in a petty quarrel

Synonyms
argue, brawl, dispute, fall out, fight, hassle, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle—more at ARGUE

bi·coast·al adjective
: living or working on both the East and West coasts of the U.S.

bi·con·cave adjective
: concave on both sides

bi·con·vex adjective
: convex on both sides

bi·cus·pid noun
: PREMOLAR

1bicycle noun
: a light 2-wheeled vehicle with a steering handle, saddle, and pedals

2bicycle verb -cy·cled; -cy·cling
: to ride a bicycle

— bi·cy·cler noun

— bi·cy·clist noun

1bid verb bade or bid; bid·den or bid also bade; bid·ding
1 : to issue an order to : COMMAND, ORDER
2 : INVITE
3 : to give expression to
4 : to make a bid : OFFER

— bid·der noun

Synonyms
boss, charge, command, direct, enjoin, instruct, order, tell—more at COMMAND

2bid noun
1 : the act of one who bids; also : an offer for something
2 : INVITATION
3 : an announcement in a card game of what a player proposes to accomplish
4 : an attempt to win or gain <a ~ for mayor>

bid·da·ble adjective
1 : OBEDIENT, DOCILE
2 : capable of being bid

bid·dy noun, plural biddies
: HEN; also : a young chicken

bide verb bode or bid·ed; bided; bid·ing
1 : to wait for
2 : to wait awhile : TARRY
3 : DWELL

Synonyms
await, hold on, stay, tarry, wait—more at WAIT

bi·det noun
: a bathroom fixture used esp. for bathing the external genitals and the posterior parts of the body

bi·di·rec·tion·al adjective
: involving, moving, or taking place in two usu. opposite directions

— bi·di·rec·tion·al·ly adverb

bi·en·ni·al adjective
1 : taking place once in two years
2 : lasting two years
3 : producing leaves the first year and fruiting and dying the second year

— biennial noun

— bi·en·ni·al·ly adverb

bi·en·ni·um noun, plural -niums or -nia
[ORIGIN: L, fr. bi- two + annus year]

: a period of two years

bier noun
: a stand bearing a coffin or corpse

bi·fo·cal adjective
: having two focal lengths

bifocals noun plural
: eyeglasses with lenses that have one part that corrects for near vision and one for distant vision

bi·fur·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to divide into two branches or parts

— bi·fur·ca·tion noun

big adjective big·ger; big·gest
1 : large in size, amount, or scope
2 : PREGNANT; also : SWELLING
3 : of great importance or significance : IMPORTANT
4 : POPULAR

Synonyms
[1] bumper, considerable, goodly, grand, great, large, sizable, substantial, voluminous—more at LARGE
[3] consequential, eventful, important, major, material, meaningful, momentous, significant, substantial, weighty—more at IMPORTANT

big·ness noun
: quality or state of being big

Synonyms
grandness, greatness, largeness—more at LARGENESS

big·a·my noun
: the act of marrying one person while still legally married to another

— big·a·mist noun

— big·a·mous adjective

big bang theory noun
: a theory in astronomy: the universe originated in an explosion (big bang) from a single point of nearly infinite energy density

big brother noun
1 : an older brother
2 : a man who serves as a friend, father figure, or role model for a boy
3 cap both Bs : the leader of an authoritarian state or movement

Big Dipper noun
: the seven principal stars of Ursa Major in a form resembling a dipper

big·foot noun
: SASQUATCH

big·horn noun, plural bighorn or bighorns
: a wild sheep of mountainous western No. America

bight noun
1 : a curve in a coast; also : the bay formed by such a curve
2 : a slack part in a rope

Synonyms
bay, cove, estuary, gulf, inlet—more at GULF

big–name adjective
: widely popular <a ~ performer>

— big name noun

big·ot noun
: one intolerantly devoted to his or her own prejudices or opinions

— big·ot·ry noun

big·ot·ed adjective
: obstinately and blindly attached to some creed, opinion, or practice

Synonyms
intolerant, narrow, narrow-minded, prejudiced—more at INTOLERANT

big shot noun
: an important person

Synonyms
celebrity, figure, luminary, nabob, notable, personage, personality, somebody, standout, star, superstar, VIP

big time noun
1 : a high-paying vaudeville circuit requiring only two performances a day
2 : the top rank of an activity or enterprise

— big–tim·er noun

big top noun
1 : the main tent of a circus
2 : CIRCUS

big·wig noun
: an important person

bike noun
1 : BICYCLE
2 : MOTORCYCLE

bik·er noun
: MOTORCYCLIST; especially : one who is a member of an organized gang

bike·way noun
: a thoroughfare for bicycles

bi·ki·ni noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. Bikini, atoll in the Marshall Islands]

: a woman's brief 2-piece bathing suit

bi·lat·er·al adjective
1 : having or involving two sides
2 : affecting reciprocally two sides or parties

— bi·lat·er·al·ly adverb

bile noun
1 : a bitter greenish fluid secreted by the liver that aids in the digestion of fats
2 : an ill-humored mood

bilge noun
1 : the part of a ship that lies between the bottom and the point where the sides go straight up
2 : stale or worthless remarks or ideas

bi·lin·gual adjective
: expressed in, knowing, or using two languages

bil·ious adjective
1 : marked by or suffering from disordered liver function
2 : of or indicative of a peevish ill-natured disposition : ILL-TEMPERED

Synonyms
bearish, cantankerous, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-tempered, ornery, splenetic, surly

bil·ious·ness noun
: an ill-natured disposition

Synonyms
grumpiness, irritability, peevishness, perverseness, perversity

bilk verb
: CHEAT, SWINDLE

1bill noun
1 : the jaws of a bird together with their horny covering; also : a mouth structure (as of a turtle) resembling these
2 : the visor of a cap or hood

— billed adjective

2bill verb
: to caress fondly

3bill noun
1 : an itemized statement of particulars; also : INVOICE
2 : a written document or note
3 : a printed advertisement (as a poster) announcing an event
4 : a draft of a law presented to a legislature for enactment
5 : a written statement of a legal wrong suffered or of some breach of law
6 : a piece of paper money

Synonyms
[1] account, check, invoice, statement, tab; also receipt, reckoning
[3] placard, poster—more at POSTER

4bill verb
1 : to enter in or prepare a bill; also : to submit a bill or account to
2 : to advertise by bills or posters

bill·board noun
: a flat surface on which advertising bills are posted

1billet noun
1 : an order requiring a person to provide lodging for a soldier; also : quarters assigned by or as if by such an order
2 : a regular paying position : APPOINTMENT

2billet verb
: to assign lodging to by billet

Synonyms
accommodate, chamber, domicile, harbor, house, lodge, put up, quarter, roof, shelter, take in—more at HOUSE

bil·let–doux noun, plural billets–doux
[ORIGIN: F billet doux, lit., sweet letter]

: a love letter

bill·fold noun
: WALLET

bil·liards noun
: any of several games played on an oblong table by driving balls against each other or into pockets with a cue

bil·lings·gate noun
[ORIGIN: Billingsgate, old gate and fish market, London, England]

: coarsely abusive language

bil·lion noun
1 : a thousand millions
2 British : a million millions

— billion adjective

— bil·lionth adjective or noun

1billow noun
1 : a moving ridge or swell on the surface of a liquid : WAVE; especially : a great wave
2 : a rolling mass (as of fog or flame) like a great wave

— bil·lowy adjective

Synonyms
surge, swell, wave—more at WAVE

2billow verb
1 : to rise and roll in waves
2 : to swell out <~ing sails>

Synonyms
bag, balloon, beetle, belly, bulge, overhang, poke, project, protrude, start, stick out—more at BULGE

bil·ly noun, plural billies
: a heavy usu. wooden club : BILLY CLUB

billy club noun
: a heavy usu. wooden club; especially : a police officer's club

bil·ly goat noun
: a male goat

bi·met·al adjective
: BIMETALLIC

— bimetal noun

bi·me·tal·lic adjective
: made of two different metals — often used of devices having a bonded expansive part

— bimetallic noun

bi·met·al·lism noun
: the use of two metals at fixed ratios to form a standard of value for a monetary system

1bimonthly adjective
1 : occurring every two months
2 : occurring twice a month : SEMIMONTHLY

— bimonthly adverb

2bimonthly noun
: a bimonthly publication

bin noun
: a box, crib, or enclosure used for storage

bi·na·ry adjective
1 : consisting of two things or parts
2 : relating to, being, or belonging to a system of numbers having 2 as its base <the ~ digits 0 and 1>
3 : involving a choice between or condition of two alternatives only (as on-off, yes-no)

— binary noun

Synonyms
bipartite, double, dual, duplex, twin—more at DOUBLE

binary star noun
: a system of two stars revolving around each other

bin·au·ral adjective
: of or relating to sound reproduction involving the use of two separated microphones and two transmission channels to achieve a stereophonic effect

bind verb bound ; bind·ing
1 a : to make secure by tying
b : to restrain as if by tying
2 : to put under an obligation; also : to constrain with legal authority
3 : to dress or cover with a bandage
4 : to unite into a mass
5 : to compel as if by a pledge <a handshake ~s the deal>
6 : to strengthen or decorate with a band
7 : to fasten together and enclose in a cover <~ books>
8 : to exert a tying, restraining, or compelling effect

— bind·er noun

Synonyms
band, gird, tie, truss—more at TIE

bind·ing noun
: something (as a ski fastening, a cover, or an edging fabric) used to bind

1binge noun
: an unrestrained and often excessive indulgence : SPREE

Synonyms
fling, frolic, gambol, lark, revel, rollick, romp—more at FLING

2binge verb binged; binge·ing or bing·ing
: to go on a binge and esp. an eating binge

— bing·er noun

bin·go noun, plural bingos
: a game of chance played with cards having numbered squares corresponding to numbered balls drawn at random and won by covering five squares in a row

bin·na·cle noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of ME bitakle, fr. Pg or Sp; Pg bitácola & Sp bitácula, fr. L habitaculum dwelling place, fr. habitare to inhabit]

: a container holding a ship's compass

1binocular adjective
: of, relating to, or adapted to the use of both eyes

— bin·oc·u·lar·ly adverb

2binocular noun
1 : a binocular optical instrument (as a microscope)
2 : a hand-held optical instrument composed of two telescopes and a focusing device — usu. used in pl.

bi·no·mi·al noun
1 : a mathematical expression consisting of two terms connected by the sign plus (+) or minus (−)
2 : a biological species name consisting of two terms

— binomial adjective

bio·chem·is·try noun
: chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in living things

— bio·chem·i·cal adjective or noun

— bio·chem·ist noun

bio·de·grad·able adjective
: capable of being broken down esp. into innocuous products by the actions of living things (as microorganisms) <a ~ detergent>

— bio·de·grad·abil·i·ty noun

— bio·deg·ra·da·tion noun

— bio·de·grade verb

bio·di·ver·si·ty noun
: biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals

bio·en·gi·neer·ing noun
1 : the application of engineering principles to medicine and biology
2 : GENETIC ENGINEERING

bio·eth·ics noun
: the ethics of biological research and its applications esp. in medicine

— bio·eth·i·cal adjective

— bio·eth·i·cist noun

bio·feed·back noun
: the technique of making unconscious or involuntary bodily processes (as heartbeats or brain waves) objectively perceptible to the senses (as by use of an oscilloscope) in order to manipulate them by conscious mental control

biog abbreviation
biographer; biographical; biography

bio·ge·og·ra·phy noun
: a science that deals with the geographical distribution of plants and animals

— bio·ge·og·ra·pher noun

bi·og·ra·phy noun, plural -phies
: a written history of a person's life; also : such writings in general

— bi·og·ra·pher noun

— bi·o·graph·i·cal also bi·o·graph·ic adjective

biol abbreviation
biologic; biological; biologist; biology

bi·o·log·i·cal also bi·o·log·ic adjective
1 : of, relating to, or produced by biology or life and living processes
2 : related by direct genetic relationship rather than by adoption or marriage <~ parents>

— bi·o·log·i·cal·ly adverb

biological clock noun
: an inherent timing mechanism in a living system that is inferred to exist in order to explain the timing of various physiological and behavioral states and processes

biological warfare noun
: warfare in which harmful living organisms (biological weapons) are used against an enemy esp. to cause large-scale death and disease

bi·ol·o·gy noun
[ORIGIN: G Biologie, fr. Gk bios mode of life + logos word, discourse]

1 : a science that deals with living beings and life processes
2 : the life processes of an organism or group

— bi·ol·o·gist noun

bio·mass noun
1 : the amount of living matter (as in a unit area)
2 : plant materials and animal waste used esp. as fuel

bio·med·i·cal adjective
: of, relating to, or involving biological, medical, and physical science

bi·on·ic adjective
: having normal biological capability or performance enhanced by or as if by electronic or mechanical devices

bio·phys·ics noun
: a branch of science concerned with the application of physical principles and methods to biological problems

— bio·phys·i·cal adjective

— bio·phys·i·cist noun

bi·op·sy noun, plural -sies
: the removal of tissue, cells, or fluids from the living body for examination

bio·rhythm noun
: an innately determined rhythmic biological process (as sleep); also : the internal mechanism controlling such a process

bio·sphere noun
1 : the part of the world in which life can exist
2 : living beings together with their environment

bio·tech noun
: BIOTECHNOLOGY

bio·tech·nol·ogy noun
: biological science when applied esp. in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology

bio·ter·ror·ism noun
: terrorism involving the use of biological weapons

bi·ot·ic adjective
: of or relating to life; especially : caused by living beings

bi·o·tin noun
: a vitamin of the vitamin B complex found esp. in yeast, liver, and egg yolk and active in growth promotion

bi·o·tite noun
: a dark mica containing iron, magnesium, potassium, and aluminum

bi·par·ti·san adjective
: marked by or involving cooperation, agreement, and compromise between two major political parties

— bi·par·ti·san·ship noun

bi·par·tite adjective
1 : being in two parts
2 : shared by two <~ treaty>

Synonyms
binary, double, dual, duplex, twin—more at DOUBLE

bi·ped noun
: a 2-footed animal

— bi·ped·al adjective

bi·plane noun
: an aircraft with two wings placed one above the other

bi·po·lar adjective
: having or involving the use of two poles

— bi·po·lar·i·ty noun

bipolar disorder noun
: any of several psychological disorders of mood characterized by usu. alternating episodes of depression and mania

bi·ra·cial adjective
: of, relating to, or involving members of two races

1birch noun
1 : any of a genus of mostly short-lived deciduous shrubs and trees with membranous outer bark and pale close-grained wood; also : this wood
2 : a birch rod or bundle of twigs for flogging

— birch or birch·en adjective

2birch verb
: to beat with or as if with a birch : WHIP

1bird noun
: any of a class of warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates having the body feathered and the forelimbs modified to form wings

2bird verb
: to observe or identify wild birds in their native habitat

— bird·er noun

bird·bath noun
: a usu. ornamental basin set up for birds to bathe in

bird·house noun
: an artificial nesting place for birds; also : AVIARY

bird·ie noun
: a score of one under par on a hole in golf

bird·lime noun
: a sticky substance smeared on twigs to snare small birds

bird of prey
: a carnivorous bird (as a hawk, falcon, or vulture) that feeds wholly or chiefly on meat taken by hunting or on carrion

bird·seed noun
: a mixture of small seeds (as of hemp or millet) used for feeding birds

bird's–eye adjective
1 : marked with spots resembling birds' eyes <~ maple>
2 a : seen from above as if by a flying bird <~ view>
b : having or involving a bird's-eye view : CURSORY

Synonyms
all-around, broad, cursory, general, nonspecific, overall—more at GENERAL

bi·ret·ta noun
: a square cap with three ridges on top worn esp. by Roman Catholic clergymen

birth noun
1 : the act or fact of being born or of bringing forth young
2 : descent in a line from a common progenitor : LINEAGE
3 : rise, beginning, or derivation from a source

Synonyms
[2] ancestry, blood, bloodline, breeding, descent, extraction, family tree, genealogy, line, lineage, origin, parentage, pedigree, stock, strain—more at ANCESTRY
[3] beginning, commencement, dawn, genesis, launch, morning, onset, outset, start, threshold—more at BEGINNING

birth canal noun
: the channel formed by the cervix, vagina, and vulva through which the fetus passes during birth

birth control noun
: control of the number of children born esp. by preventing or lessening the frequency of conception

birth·day noun
: the day or anniversary of one's birth

birth defect noun
: a physical or biochemical defect present at birth and inherited or environmentally induced

birth·mark noun
: an unusual mark or blemish on the skin at birth

birth·place noun
: place of birth or origin

birth·rate noun
: the number of births per number of individuals in a given area or group during a given time

birth·right noun
: a right, privilege, or possession to which one is entitled by birth

Synonyms
prerogative, right—more at RIGHT

birth·stone noun
: a gemstone associated symbolically with the month of one's birth

bis·cuit noun
[ORIGIN: ME bisquite, fr. AF besquit, fr. (pain) besquit twice-cooked bread]

1 : a crisp flat cake; especially British : CRACKER 2
2 : a small quick bread made from dough that has been rolled and cut or dropped from a spoon

bi·sect verb
: to divide into two usu. equal parts; also : CROSS, INTERSECT

— bi·sec·tion noun

— bi·sec·tor noun

bi·sex·u·al adjective
1 : possessing characters of or having sexual desire for both sexes
2 : of, relating to, or involving both sexes

— bisexual noun

— bi·sex·u·al·i·ty noun

bish·op noun
[ORIGIN: ME bisshop, fr. OE bisceop, fr. LL episcopus, fr. Gk episkopos, lit., overseer, fr. epi- on, over + skeptesthai to look]

1 : a member of the clergy ranking above a priest and typically governing a diocese
2 : any of various Protestant church officials who superintend other clergy
3 : a chess piece that can move diagonally across any number of adjoining unoccupied squares

bish·op·ric noun
1 : DIOCESE
2 : the office of bishop

bis·muth noun
: a heavy brittle grayish white metallic chemical element used in alloys and medicine

bi·son noun, plural bison
: BUFFALO 2

bisque noun
: a thick cream soup

bis·tro noun, plural bistros
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a small or unpretentious restaurant
2 : BAR; also : NIGHTCLUB

1bit noun
1 : the biting or cutting edge or part of a tool
2 : the part of a bridle that is placed in a horse's mouth

2bit noun
1 a : a morsel of food
b : a small piece or quantity of something
2 : a small coin; also : a unit of value equal to 12 1/2 cents
3 : something small or trivial
4 : an indefinite usu. small degree or extent <a ~ tired>

Synonyms
[1b] ace, crumb, dab, hint, lick, little, mite, nip, particle, shred, speck, spot, touch, trace—more at PARTICLE
[4] space, spell, stretch, while—more at WHILE

3bit noun
[ORIGIN: binary digit]

: a unit of computer information equivalent to the result of a choice between two alternatives; also : its physical representation

1bitch noun
1 : a female canine; especially : a female dog
2 : a malicious, spiteful, and domineering woman

2bitch verb
: COMPLAIN

1bite verb bit ; bit·ten also bit; bit·ing
1 : to grip with teeth or jaws; also : to wound or sting with or as if with fangs
2 : to cut or pierce with or as if with an edged instrument
3 : to cause to smart or sting
4 : to eat away by degrees as if by gnawing : CORRODE
5 : to take bait

Synonyms
usually bite on [1] champ, chew, chomp, crunch, gnaw, nibble; also lap, lick, munch
usually bite at [4] corrode, eat, erode, fret—more at EAT

2bite noun
1 : the act or manner of biting
2 : a small amount of food
3 a : a wound made by biting
b : a penetrating effect or sensation

Synonyms
[2] morsel, mouthful, nibble, taste, tidbit—more at MORSEL
[3b] acidity, asperity, bitterness, edge, harshness, pungency, sharpness, tartness

bit·ing adjective
: having the power to bite so as to cause physical or mental discomfort <a ~ wind>; especially : able to grip and impress deeply <a ~ wit>

Synonyms
bitter, cutting, keen, penetrating, piercing, raw, sharp—more at CUTTING
acute, agonizing, excruciating, sharp, smart—more at SHARP
acrid, caustic, cutting, mordant, pungent, sarcastic, satiric, scathing, sharp, tart—more at SARCASTIC

bit·mapped adjective
: of, relating to, or being a digital image or display for which an array of binary data specifies the value of each pixel

— bit·map noun

bit·ter adjective
1 : being or inducing the one of the basic taste sensations that is acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and is suggestive of hops
2 : marked by intensity or severity (as of distress or hatred)
3 : extremely harsh or cruel
4 : intensely unpleasant esp. in coldness or rawness

Synonyms
[2] acrid, acrimonious, hard, rancorous, resentful, sore; also disaffected, discontented, disgruntled, malcontent
[3] agonizing, galling, harrowing, harsh, hurtful, painful, tortuous; also insufferable, insupportable, intolerable, unacceptable, unbearable, unendurable, unsupportable
Antonyms
gratifying, pleasing, sweet
[3] brutal, burdensome, grim, hard, harsh, heavy, onerous, oppressive, severe, stiff, tough, trying—more at HARSH
[4] arctic, cold, freezing, frigid, frosty, glacial, icy, polar, raw, wintry—more at COLD

bit·ter·ly adverb
: in a bitter manner

Synonyms
hard, sadly, sorrowfully, unhappily, wretchedly—more at HARD

bit·tern noun
: any of various small or medium-sized herons

bit·ter·ness noun
: the quality or state of being bitter; also : something bitter

Synonyms
animosity, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, rancor—more at ENMITY
acidity, acrimony, acuteness, asperity, bite, edge, harshness, keenness, pungency, sharpness, tartness

bit·ters noun singular or plural
: a usu. alcoholic solution of bitter and often aromatic plant products used in mixing drinks and as a mild tonic

1bittersweet noun
1 : a poisonous nightshade with purple flowers and orange-red berries
2 : a woody vine with yellow capsules that open when ripe and disclose scarlet seed coverings

2bittersweet adjective
: being at once both bitter and sweet

bi·tu·mi·nous coal noun
: a coal that when heated yields considerable volatile waste matter

bi·valve noun
: any of a class of mollusks (as clams or scallops) with a shell composed of two separate parts that open and shut

— bivalve adjective

1bivouac noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. LG biwacht, fr. bi at + wacht guard]

: a temporary encampment or shelter

Synonyms
camp, encampment—more at CAMP

2bivouac verb -ouacked; -ouack·ing
: to form a bivouac : CAMP

1biweekly adjective
1 : occurring twice a week
2 : occurring every two weeks : FORTNIGHTLY

— biweekly adverb

2biweekly noun
: a biweekly publication

bi·year·ly adjective
1 : BIANNUAL
2 : BIENNIAL

bi·zarre adjective
: strikingly out of the ordinary: as
a : odd, extravagant, or eccentric in style or mode
b : involving sensational contrasts or incongruities : FANTASTIC

— bi·zarre·ly adverb

Synonyms
[a] curious, far-out, funny, odd, outlandish, peculiar, quaint, queer, quirky, screwy, strange, weird
[b] absurd, crazy, fanciful, fantastic, foolish, insane, nonsensical, preposterous, unreal, wild—more at FANTASTIC

bk abbreviation
1 bank
2 book

Bk symbol
berkelium

bkg abbreviation
banking

bkgd abbreviation
background

bks abbreviation
barracks

bkt abbreviation
1 basket
2 bracket

bl abbreviation
1 bale
2 barrel
3 blue

blab verb blabbed; blab·bing
1 : to talk idly or thoughtlessly
2 : to reveal a secret esp. by indiscreet chatter : TATTLE, GOSSIP

Synonyms
babble, chat, chatter, gab, gabble, prattle, rap, rattle, run on, talk

1black adjective
1 : of the color black; also : very dark
2 : SWARTHY
3 : of or relating to various groups of dark-skinned people
4 : of or relating to the African-American people or their culture
5 : SOILED, DIRTY
6 : lacking light <a ~ night>
7 : thoroughly sinister or evil : WICKED <~ magic>
8 : very sad, gloomy, or calamitous : DISMAL <a ~ outlook>
9 : SULLEN <a ~ mood>

— black·ish adjective

— black·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] ebony, raven; also dark, dusky, inky
Antonyms
white
[7] bad, evil, immoral, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unethical, unsavory, vicious, vile, villainous, wicked, wrong
[8] bleak, dark, depressing, dismal, dreary, gloomy, glum, gray, miserable, somber, sullen, wretched—more at GLOOMY

2black noun
1 : a black pigment or dye; also : something (as clothing) that is black
2 : the characteristic color of soot or coal
3 : a person of a dark-skinned race
4 : AFRICAN-AMERICAN

3black verb
: BLACKEN

black·a·moor noun
: a dark-skinned person

black–and–blue adjective
: darkly discolored from blood effused by bruising

black·ball verb
1 : to vote against; especially : to exclude from membership by casting a negative vote
2 : OSTRACIZE

— black·ball noun

Synonyms
kill, negative, veto—more at NEGATIVE

black bass noun
: any of several freshwater sunfishes native to eastern and central No. America

black bear noun
: a usu. black-furred bear of the N. American forests

1black belt noun, often cap both Bs
: an area densely populated by blacks

2black belt noun
: one who holds the rating of expert (as in judo or karate); also : the rating itself

black·ber·ry noun
: the usu. black or purple juicy but seedy edible fruit of various brambles; also : a plant bearing this fruit

black·bird noun
: any of various birds (as the red-winged blackbird) of which the male is largely or wholly black

black·board noun
: a smooth usu. dark surface used for writing or drawing on with chalk

black·body noun
: a body or surface that completely absorbs incident radiation with no reflection

black box noun
1 : a usu. complicated electronic device whose components and workings are unknown or mysterious to the user
2 : a device used in aircraft to record cockpit conversations and flight data

black death noun
: an epidemic of bacterial plague and esp. bubonic plague that spread rapidly in Europe and Asia in the 14th century

black·en verb black·ened; black·en·ing
1 : to make or become black or dark
2 : to speak evil of : DEFAME

Synonyms
[1] becloud, cloud, darken, dim, obscure, overcast, overshadow, shadow
[2] defame, libel, malign, slander, smear, traduce, vilify—more at SLANDER

black·ened adjective
: coated with spices and quickly seared in a very hot skillet <~ swordfish>

black eye noun
: a discoloration of the skin around the eye from bruising

black–eyed Su·san noun
: a coarse No. American plant that is related to the daisies and has deep yellow to orange flower heads with dark conical centers

Black·foot noun, plural Black·feet or Blackfoot
: a member of an American Indian people of Montana, Alberta, and Saskatchewan

black·guard noun
: SCOUNDREL, RASCAL

black·head noun
: a small usu. dark oily mass plugging the outlet of a skin gland

black hole noun
: a hypothetical celestial object with a gravitational field so strong that light cannot escape from it

black·ing noun
: a substance applied to something to make it black

1blackjack noun
1 : a leather-covered club with a flexible handle
2 : a card game in which the object is to be dealt cards having a higher count than the dealer but not exceeding 21

2blackjack verb
: to hit with or as if with a blackjack

black light noun
: invisible ultraviolet light

black·list noun
: a list of persons who are disapproved of and are to be punished or boycotted

— blacklist verb

black·mail noun
: extortion by threats esp. of public exposure; also : something so extorted

— blackmail verb

black·mail·er noun
: one who blackmails another

black market noun
: illicit trade in goods; also : a place where such trade is carried on

Black Mass noun
: a travesty of the Christian mass ascribed to worshipers of Satan

Black Muslim noun
: a member of a chiefly black group that professes Islamic religious belief

black nationalist noun, often cap B&N
: a member of a group of militant blacks who advocate separatism from whites and the formation of self-governing black communities

— black nationalism noun, often cap B&N

black·ness noun
: the quality or state of being black

black·out noun
1 : a period of darkness due to electrical power failure
2 : a transitory loss or dulling of vision or consciousness
3 : the prohibition or restriction of the telecasting of a sports event

Synonyms
faint, knockout, swoon—more at FAINT

black out verb
: to temporarily lose vision, consciousness, or memory

Synonyms
faint, pass out, swoon—more at FAINT

black pepper noun
: a spice that consists of the dried berry of a pepper plant that is ground with the black husk still on

black power noun
: the mobilization of the political and economic power of black Americans esp. to compel respect for their rights and improve their condition

black sheep noun
: a member of a group who is disreputable or who is not regarded favorably

black·smith noun
: a smith who forges iron

— black·smith·ing noun

black–tie adjective
: characterized by or requiring semiformal evening clothes consisting of a usu. black tie and tuxedo for men and a formal dress for women

black·thorn noun
: a European thorny plum

black·top noun
: a dark tarry material (as asphalt) used esp. for surfacing roads

— blacktop verb

black widow noun
: a venomous New World spider having the female black with an hourglass-shaped red mark on the underside of the abdomen

blad·der noun
: a sac in which liquid or gas is stored; especially : one in a vertebrate into which urine passes from the kidneys

blade noun
1 : a leaf of a plant and esp. of a grass; also : the flat part of a leaf as distinguished from its stalk
2 : something (as the flat part of an oar or an arm of a propeller) resembling the blade of a leaf
3 : the cutting part of an instrument or tool
4 : a weapon (as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority : SWORD; also : SWORDSMAN
5 : a dashing fellow <a gay ~>
6 : the runner of an ice skate

— blad·ed adjective

blain noun
: an inflammatory swelling or sore

blam·able adjective
: deserving blame

Synonyms
blameworthy, censurable, culpable, reprehensible—more at BLAMEWORTHY

1blame verb blamed; blam·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF blamer, blasmer, fr. L blasphemare to blaspheme, fr. Gk blasphēmein]

1 : to find fault with
2 : to hold responsible or responsible for

Synonyms
censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, fault, knock, pan, reprehend—more at CRITICIZE

2blame noun
1 : CENSURE, REPROOF
2 : responsibility for fault or error

Synonyms
culpability, fault, guilt, rap; also regret, remorse, self-reproach, shame
Antonyms
blamelessness

blame·less adjective
: free from blame or fault

— blame·less·ly adverb

— blame·less·ness noun

Synonyms
clear, faultless, guiltless, impeccable, innocent, irreproachable—more at INNOCENT

blame·wor·thy adjective
: deserving blame

— blame·wor·thi·ness noun

Synonyms
blamable, censurable, culpable, reprehensible; also bad, guilty, sinful, wicked
Antonyms
blameless, faultless, impeccable, irreproachable

blanch verb
: to make or become white or pale : BLEACH

Synonyms
bleach, blench, dull, fade, pale, wash out, whiten—more at PALE

blanc·mange noun
[ORIGIN: ME blancmanger, fr. MF blanc manger, lit., white food]

: a dessert made from gelatin or a starchy substance and milk usu. sweetened and flavored

bland adjective
1 : smooth in manner : SUAVE
2 : gently soothing <a ~ diet>; also : INSIPID

— bland·ly adverb

— bland·ness noun

Synonyms
balmy, benign, delicate, gentle, insipid, light, mellow, mild, soft, soothing, tender—more at GENTLE

blan·dish·ment noun
: flattering or coaxing speech or action : CAJOLERY

1blank adjective
1 a : showing or causing an appearance of dazed dismay
b : lacking expression
2 : free from writing or marks; also : having spaces to be filled in
3 : DULL, EMPTY <~ moments>
4 : ABSOLUTE, DOWNRIGHT <a ~ refusal>
5 : not shaped in final form

— blank·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1b] deadpan, expressionless, impassive, inexpressive, stolid, vacant; also dull, empty, vacuous, vapid
Antonyms
demonstrative, expressive
[2] bare, devoid, empty, stark, vacant, void—more at EMPTY

2blank noun
1 : an empty space
2 : a form with spaces for the entry of data
3 : an unfinished form (as of a key)
4 : a cartridge with propellant and a seal but no projectile

Synonyms
[1] blankness, emptiness, vacancy, vacuity, void—more at VACANCY
[2] document, form, paper—more at FORM

3blank verb
1 : to cover or close up : OBSCURE
2 : to keep from scoring

blank check noun
1 : a signed check with the amount unspecified
2 : complete freedom of action

1blanket noun
1 : a heavy woven often woolen covering
2 : a covering layer <a ~ of snow>

2blanket verb
1 : to cover with or as if with a blanket
2 : to cover so as to obscure, interrupt, suppress, or extinguish

Synonyms
[1] carpet, coat, cover, overlay, overlie, overspread—more at COVER
[2] blot out, cloak, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, hide, mask, obscure, occlude, occult, screen, shroud, veil—more at HIDE

3blanket adjective
: covering a group or class <~ insurance>; also : applicable in all instances <~ rules>

Synonyms
common, general, generic, global, overall, universal—more at GENERAL

blank·ness noun
: the quality or state of being blank

Synonyms
blank, emptiness, vacancy, vacuity, void—more at VACANCY

blank verse noun
: unrhymed iambic pentameter

blare verb blared; blar·ing
: to sound loud and harsh; also : to proclaim loudly

— blare noun

blar·ney noun
[ORIGIN: Blarney stone, a stone in Blarney Castle, near Cork, Ireland, held to bestow skill in flattery on those who kiss it]

: skillful flattery : BLANDISHMENT

Synonyms
adulation, blandishment, flattery, overpraise—more at FLATTERY

bla·sé adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

: apathetic to pleasure or excitement as a result of excessive indulgence; also : SOPHISTICATED

blas·pheme verb blas·phemed; blas·phem·ing
1 : to speak of or address with irreverence
2 : to utter blasphemy

— blas·phem·er noun

blas·phe·mous adjective
: impiously irreverent

Synonyms
profane, sacrilegious

blas·phe·my noun, plural -mies
1 : the act of expressing lack of reverence for God
2 : irreverence toward something considered sacred

Synonyms
[1, 2] defilement, desecration, impiety, irreverence, sacrilege; also cursing, profanity, swearing
Antonyms
adoration, glorification, worship

1blast noun
1 : a violent gust of wind; also : its effect
2 : sound made by a wind instrument
3 : a current of air forced at high pressure through a hole in a furnace (blast furnace)
4 : a sudden withering esp. of plants : BLIGHT
5 : an explosion or violent detonation; also : the often destructive shock wave of an explosion

Synonyms
[1] blow, flurry, gust, williwaw—more at GUST
[5] detonation, eruption, explosion—more at EXPLOSION

2blast verb
1 : to make a vigorous attack
2 a : to use an explosive
b : to discharge or propel something by means of an explosive : SHOOT
3 : to shatter by or as if by an explosive

Synonyms
[1] abuse, assail, attack, belabor, castigate, excoriate, jump, lambaste, slam, vituperate—more at ATTACK
[2b] discharge, fire, loose, shoot—more at SHOOT
[3] blow up, burst, demolish, explode, pop, shatter, smash; also dynamite

blast off verb
: TAKE OFF 4 — used esp. of rocket-propelled vehicles

— blast·off noun

bla·tant adjective
: offensively obtrusive : vulgarly showy

— bla·tan·cy noun

— bla·tant·ly adverb

Synonyms
conspicuous, egregious, flagrant, glaring, gross, obvious, patent, prominent, pronounced, rank, striking—more at EGREGIOUS

blath·er verb
: to talk foolishly at length

— blather noun

blath·er·skite noun
: a person who blathers

1blaze noun
1 : FIRE
2 : intense direct light often accompanied by heat <the ~ of TV lights>
3 : something (as a dazzling display or sudden outburst) suggesting fire <a ~ of autumn leaves>

Synonyms
flare, fluorescence, glare, gleam, glow, illumination, incandescence, light, luminescence, radiance, shine—more at LIGHT

2blaze verb blazed; blaz·ing
1 : to burn brightly; also : to flare up
2 : to be conspicuously bright

Synonyms
[1, 2] beat, burn, flame, flare, glare—more at GLARE

3blaze verb blazed; blaz·ing
: to make public or conspicuous

4blaze noun
1 : a usu. white stripe on the face of an animal
2 : a trail marker; especially : one made on a tree

5blaze verb blazed; blaz·ing
: to mark (as a tree or trail) with blazes

blaz·er noun
: a sports jacket often with notched collar and pockets that are stitched on

1blazon noun
1 : COAT OF ARMS
2 : ostentatious display

2blazon verb
1 : to publish widely : PROCLAIM
2 : DECK, ADORN

bldg abbreviation
building

bldr abbreviation
builder

1bleach verb
: to make or become white : BLANCH

Synonyms
blanch, blench, dull, fade, pale, wash out, whiten—more at PALE

2bleach noun
: a preparation used in bleaching

bleach·ers noun singular or plural
: a usu. uncovered stand of tiered seats for spectators

bleak adjective
1 : desolately barren and often windswept
2 : lacking warm or cheering qualities

— bleak·ish adjective

— bleak·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dirty, foul, inclement, nasty, raw, rough, squally, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent—more at FOUL
[2] black, dark, dismal, dreary, gloomy, gray, miserable, wretched—more at GLOOMY

bleak·ness noun
: the quality or state of being bleak

Synonyms
bite, bitterness, chill, nip, rawness, sharpness—more at CHILL

blear adjective
: dim with water or tears <~ eyes>

bleary adjective
1 : dull or dimmed esp. from fatigue or sleep
2 : poorly outlined or defined

Synonyms
dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indefinite, indistinct, unclear, undefined, undetermined—more at FAINT

bleat noun
: the cry of a sheep or goat or a sound like it

— bleat verb

bleed verb bled ; bleed·ing
1 : to lose or shed blood
2 a : to be wounded
b : to feel pain or distress
3 a : to flow or ooze from a wounded surface
b : to draw fluid from esp. in a controlled manner <~ steam from the pipes> <~ a tire>
4 : to extort money from

Synonyms
[2b] agonize, feel, grieve, hurt, mourn, sorrow, suffer—more at GRIEVE
[3a] exude, ooze, percolate, seep, strain, sweat, weep—more at EXUDE
[3b] drain, draw, pump, siphon, tap—more at DRAIN

bleed·er noun
: one that bleeds; especially : HEMOPHILIAC

bleeding heart noun
1 : a garden plant related to the poppies that has usu. deep pink drooping heart-shaped flowers
2 : a person who shows extreme sympathy esp. for an object of alleged persecution

1blemish verb
: to spoil by a flaw : MAR

Synonyms
mar, poison, spoil, stain, taint, tarnish, touch, vitiate—more at TAINT

2blemish noun
: a noticeable flaw

Synonyms
defect, deformity, disfigurement, fault, flaw, imperfection, mark, pockmark, scar; also abnormality, distortion, irregularity, malformation

1blench verb
[ORIGIN: ME, to deceive, blench, fr. OE blencan to deceive]

: to draw back or turn aside from lack of courage : FLINCH, QUAIL

Synonyms
flinch, quail, recoil, shrink, wince—more at FLINCH

2blench verb
: to grow or make pale

Synonyms
blanch, bleach, dull, fade, pale, wash out, whiten—more at PALE

1blend verb blend·ed; blend·ing
1 : to mix thoroughly
2 : to prepare (as coffee) by mixing different varieties
3 : to combine into an integrated whole
4 : to produce a harmonious effect : HARMONIZE

— blend·er noun

Synonyms
[1, 3] amalgamate, commingle, fuse, incorporate, intermingle, merge, mingle, mix
Antonyms
break down, break up, separate

2blend noun
: a product of blending

Synonyms
admixture, amalgam, combination, composite, compound, fusion, intermixture, mix, mixture; also coalescence, concoction, incorporation, intermingling, mingling

bless verb blessed also blest ; bless·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE blētsian, fr. blōd blood; fr. the use of blood in consecration]

1 : to consecrate by religious rite or word
2 : to sanctify with the sign of the cross
3 : to invoke divine care for
4 : to give glory to : PRAISE, GLORIFY
5 : to confer happiness upon

Synonyms
[1] consecrate, hallow, sanctify; also cleanse, purify
[4] extol, glorify, laud, magnify, praise—more at PRAISE

bless·ed also blest adjective
1 a : held in reverence
b : venerated as or as if sacred : HOLY
2 : BEATIFIED
3 : DELIGHTFUL

— bless·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1a] hallowed, holy, sacred, sacrosanct, sanctified—more at HOLY
[1b] divine, godlike, heavenly, holy, sacred, supernatural—more at HOLY

bless·ed·ness noun
: the quality or state of being blessed

Synonyms
bliss, felicity, gladness, happiness, joy—more at HAPPINESS
devoutness, godliness, holiness, piety, sainthood, sanctity—more at HOLINESS

bless·ing noun
1 a : the act or words of one who blesses
b : acknowledgment and acceptance or support of something : APPROVAL <gave their ~ to the proposal>
2 : a thing conducive to happiness
3 : grace said at a meal

Synonyms
[1a] consecration, sanctification—more at CONSECRATION
[1b] approbation, approval, favor, imprimatur, OK—more at APPROVAL
[2] benefit, boon, felicity, godsend, good, manna, windfall; also bonus, extra, lagniappe
Antonyms
affliction, bane, curse, evil, plague, scourge

blew past of BLOW

1blight noun
1 : a plant disease or injury marked by withering; also : an organism causing a blight
2 : an impairing or frustrating influence; also : a deteriorated condition <urban ~>

2blight verb
: to affect with or suffer from blight

blimp noun
: a nonrigid airship

1blind adjective
1 : lacking or grossly deficient in ability to see; also : intended for blind persons
2 : not based on reason, evidence, or knowledge <~ faith>
3 : not intelligently controlled or directed <~ chance>
4 : performed solely by using aircraft instruments <a ~ landing>
5 : hard to discern or make out : HIDDEN <a ~ seam>
6 : lacking an opening or outlet <a ~ alley>

— blind·ly adverb

— blind·ness noun

2blind verb
1 : to make blind
2 : to overpower with brightness : DAZZLE
3 : DARKEN; also : HIDE

3blind noun
1 : something (as a shutter) to hinder vision or keep out light
2 : a place of concealment
3 : SUBTERFUGE

blind date noun
: a date between persons who have not previously met; also : either of these persons

blind·er noun
: either of two flaps on a horse's bridle to prevent it from seeing to the side

blind·fold verb
: to cover the eyes of with or as if with a bandage

— blindfold noun

1blink verb
1 : to close and open the eyes involuntarily : WINK
2 : to shine dimly or intermittently : TWINKLE
3 : EVADE, IGNORE — often used with at

Synonyms
flash, twinkle, wink; also flicker, glance, glimmer, glint, glisten, glister, glitter, scintillate, shimmer, sparkle

2blink noun
1 : GLIMMER, SPARKLE
2 : a usu. involuntary shutting and opening of the eye

blink·er noun
: a blinking light used as a signal

blin·tze or blintz noun
[ORIGIN: Yiddish blintse]

: a thin rolled pancake with a filling usu. of cream cheese

blip noun
1 : a spot on a radar screen
2 : ABERRATION 1

bliss noun
: complete happiness : JOY

Synonyms
blessedness, felicity, gladness, happiness, joy—more at HAPPINESS

bliss·ful adjective
: full of, marked by, or causing bliss

— bliss·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
delighted, glad, happy, joyful, pleased—more at GLAD

1blister noun
1 : a raised area of skin containing watery fluid; also : an agent that causes blisters
2 : something (as a raised spot in paint) suggesting a blister
3 : a disease of plants marked by large swollen patches on the leaves

2blister verb
: to develop a blister; also : to cause blisters

blithe adjective blith·er; blith·est
: happily lighthearted

— blithe·ly adverb

Synonyms
bright, buoyant, cheerful, cheery, chipper, gay, lightsome, sunny, upbeat—more at CHEERFUL
boon, festive, gay, gleeful, jocund, jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful, sunny—more at MERRY

blithe·some adjective
: full of gaiety or high spirits

1blitz noun
1 : an intensive series of air raids
2 : a fast intensive campaign
3 : a rush of the passer by the defensive linebackers in football

2blitz verb
: to subject to a blitz; especially : to damage by a blitz

Synonyms
bombard, shell—more at BOMBARD

blitz·krieg noun
[ORIGIN: G, fr. Blitz lightning + Krieg war]

: a sudden violent enemy attack

bliz·zard noun
: a long severe snowstorm

blk abbreviation
1 black
2 block

bloat verb
: to swell by or as if by filling with water or air

blob noun
: a small lump or drop of a thick consistency

Synonyms
chunk, clod, clump, glob, gob, hunk, lump, nub, wad—more at LUMP

bloc noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., block]

: a combination of individuals or groups (as nations) working for a common purpose

Synonyms
body, coalition, combination, combine, faction, party, sect, set, side, wing—more at FACTION
alliance, coalition, combination, combine, confederacy, confederation, federation, league, union—more at CONFEDERACY

1block noun
1 : a solid piece of substantial material (as wood or stone)
2 : something that impedes progress or achievement : HINDRANCE, OBSTRUCTION; also : interruption of normal function of body or mind <heart ~>
3 : a frame enclosing one or more pulleys and having a hook or strap by which it may be attached
4 : a piece of material with a hand-cut design on its surface from which copies are to be made
5 : a large building divided into separate units (as apartments or offices)
6 : a row of houses or shops
7 : a city square; also : the distance along one of the sides of such a square
8 : a quantity of things considered as a unit <a ~ of seats>

Synonyms
[2] bar, clog, crimp, drag, embarrassment, hindrance, let, obstacle, obstruction, stop, stumbling block—more at OBSTACLE
[8] array, assemblage, batch, cluster, collection, group, package, set, suite

2block verb
1 : to make unsuitable for passage or progress by obstruction : OBSTRUCT
2 : to outline roughly <~ out a design>
3 : to provide or support with a block <~ up a wheel>

Synonyms
dam, fill, pack, plug, stop, stuff—more at FILL
choke, clog, close, congest, dam, jam, obstruct, plug, stop, stuff—more at CLOG

1blockade noun
: the isolation of a place usu. by troops or ships

2blockade verb
: to subject to or isolate with a blockade

— block·ad·er noun

block·age noun
: an act or instance of obstructing : the state of being blocked

block·bust·er noun
: one that is very large, successful, or violent <a ~ of a movie>

Synonyms
hit, smash, success, winner—more at HIT
behemoth, colossus, giant, jumbo, leviathan, mammoth, monster, titan, whale, whopper—more at GIANT

block·head noun
: a slow-witted or stupid person : DOLT, DUNCE

Synonyms
dodo, dolt, dope, dummy, dunce, idiot, nitwit, numskull, simpleton—more at IDIOT

block·house noun
: a small strong building used as a shelter (as from enemy fire) or observation post

1blond or blonde adjective
1 : fair in complexion
2 : of a light or bleached color <~ mahogany>

— blond·ish adjective

Synonyms
fair, flaxen, golden, sandy, straw; also gold, light, white
Antonyms
dark

2blond or blonde noun
: a person having blond hair

blood noun
1 : a usu. red liquid that circulates in the heart, arteries, and veins of animals
2 : LIFEBLOOD; also : LIFE
3 : human stock or lineage
4 a : relationship by descent from a common ancestor
b : persons related by means of a common ancestor : KINDRED
5 : the taking of life
6 : TEMPER, PASSION
7 : DANDY 1

— blood·less adjective

Synonyms
[3] ancestry, birth, bloodline, breeding, descent, extraction, family tree, genealogy, line, lineage, origin, parentage, pedigree, stock, strain—more at ANCESTRY
[4b] clan, family, folk, house, kin, kindred, kinfolk, line, lineage, people, race, stock, tribe—more at FAMILY

blood bank noun
: a place where blood or plasma is stored

blood·bath noun
: MASSACRE

blood count noun
: the determination of the number of blood cells in a specific volume of blood; also : the number of cells so determined

blood·cur·dling adjective
: arousing fright or horror

blood·ed adjective
1 : having blood of a specified kind <warm-blooded animals>
2 : entirely or largely purebred <~ horses>

blood group noun
: one of the classes into which human beings can be separated by the presence or absence in their blood of specific antigens

blood·hound noun
: any of a breed of large powerful hounds with long drooping ears, a wrinkled face, and keen sense of smell

blood·let·ting noun
1 : PHLEBOTOMY
2 : BLOODSHED

blood·line noun
: a sequence of direct ancestors esp. in a pedigree

Synonyms
ancestry, birth, blood, breeding, descent, extraction, family tree, genealogy, line, lineage, origin, parentage, pedigree, stock, strain—more at ANCESTRY

blood·mo·bile noun
: a motor vehicle equipped for collecting blood from donors

blood poisoning noun
: invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms from a focus of infection accompanied esp. by chills, fever, and prostration

blood pressure noun
: pressure of the blood on the walls of blood vessels and esp. arteries

blood·root noun
: a plant related to the poppy that has a red root and sap, a solitary leaf, and a white flower in early spring

blood·shed noun
: wounding or taking of life : CARNAGE, SLAUGHTER

blood·shot adjective
: inflamed to redness <~ eyes>

blood·stain noun
: a discoloration caused by blood

blood·stained adjective
: stained with blood; also : involved with slaughter

blood·stone noun
: a green quartz sprinkled with red spots

blood·stream noun
: the flowing blood in a circulatory system

blood·suck·er noun
: an animal that sucks blood; especially : LEECH

— blood·suck·ing adjective

blood test noun
: a test of the blood; especially : one for syphilis

blood·thirsty adjective
: eager to shed blood

— blood·thirst·i·ly adverb

— blood·thirst·i·ness noun

Synonyms
bloody, homicidal, murderous, sanguinary, sanguine; also barbaric, barbarous, cruel, heartless, inhumane, sadistic, savage, vicious, wanton

blood type noun
: BLOOD GROUP

— blood–typ·ing noun

blood vessel noun
: a vessel (as a vein or artery) in which blood circulates in the body

bloody adjective
1 : containing or made up of blood; also : smeared or stained with blood
2 : accompanied by or involving bloodshed

Synonyms
bloodthirsty, homicidal, murderous, sanguinary, sanguine—more at BLOODTHIRSTY

Bloody Mary noun, plural Bloody Marys
: a drink made essentially of vodka and tomato juice

1bloom noun
1 : the part of a seed plant that normally bears reproductive organs : FLOWER 1; also : flowers or amount of flowers (as of a plant)
2 : the period or state of flowering
3 : a state or time of beauty and vigor
4 : a powdery coating esp. on fruits and leaves
5 : rosy color; also : an appearance of freshness or health

— bloomy adjective

Synonyms
blossom, flower, flush, heyday, prime; also acme, apex, climax, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

2bloom verb
1 : to produce or yield flowers
2 : MATURE
3 : to glow esp. with healthy color

Synonyms
blossom, blow, burgeon, flower, unfold; also leaf, leave

bloo·mers noun plural
[ORIGIN: Amelia Bloomer †1894 Am. reformer]

: a woman's garment of short loose trousers gathered at the knee

bloop·er noun
1 : a fly ball hit barely beyond a baseball infield
2 : an embarrassing public blunder

1blossom noun
1 : the flower of a plant
2 : the period or state of flowering
3 : a peak period or stage of development

Synonyms
bloom, flower, flush, heyday, prime—more at BLOOM

2blossom verb
: to produce or yield flowers : BLOOM, FLOWER

Synonyms
bloom, blow, burgeon, flower, unfold—more at BLOOM

1blot noun
1 : SPOT, STAIN <ink ~s>
2 : a mark of reproach : moral flaw or blemish <a ~ on her record>

Synonyms
brand, smirch, spot, stain, stigma, taint—more at STAIN

2blot verb blot·ted; blot·ting
1 : SPOT, STAIN
2 : OBSCURE, ECLIPSE
3 obsolete : MAR; especially : DISGRACE
4 : to dry or remove with or as if with an absorbing material
5 : to make a blot

blotch noun
: a usu. large and irregular spot or mark (as of ink or color)

— blotchy adjective

blotch verb
: to mark or mar with blotches

Synonyms
mottle, spot

blot·ter noun
1 : a piece of blotting paper
2 : a book for preliminary records (as of sales or arrests)

blot·ting paper noun
: a spongy paper used to absorb ink

blot out verb
1 : to make obscure, insignificant, or inconsequential <~ out the sun>
2 : to destroy completely

Synonyms
[1] blanket, cloak, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, hide, mask, obscure, occlude, occult, screen, shroud, veil—more at HIDE
[2] annihilate, demolish, destroy, exterminate, extinguish, obliterate, pulverize, ruin, smash, waste, wipe out, wreck—more at DESTROY

blouse noun
1 : a loose outer garment like a smock
2 : a usu. loose garment reaching from the neck to about the waist

1blow verb blew ; blown ; blow·ing
1 : to move forcibly <the wind blew>
2 : to send forth a current of gas (as air)
3 : to act on with a current of gas or vapor; especially : to drive with such a current
4 : to sound or cause to sound <~ a horn>
5 : to breathe quickly or in a labored manner : PANT, GASP; also : to expel moist air in breathing <the whale blew>
6 : BOAST; also : BLUSTER
7 : MELT — used of an electrical fuse
8 : to shape or form by blown or injected air <~ glass>
9 : to shatter or destroy by or as if by explosion
10 : to make breathless by exertion
11 : to spend recklessly
12 : to foul up hopelessly <blew her lines>

— blow·er noun

Synonyms
[5] gasp, pant, puff, wheeze—more at GASP
[11] dissipate, fritter, lavish, misspend, run through, spend, squander, throw away, waste—more at WASTE

2blow noun
1 : a usu. strong blowing of air : GALE
2 : BOASTING, BRAG
3 : an act or instance of blowing

3blow verb blew ; blown ; blow·ing
: to produce or yield flowers : FLOWER, BLOOM

4blow noun
1 : a forcible stroke
2 : COMBAT <come to ~s>
3 : a severe and usu. unexpected calamity

Synonyms
belt, box, hit, knock, punch, slug, thump, wallop, whack; also flick, jab, poke, roundhouse, stab

blow–by–blow adjective
: minutely detailed <~ account>

blow–dry verb
: to dry and usu. style hair with a blow-dryer

blow–dryer noun
: a hand-held hair dryer

blow·fly noun
: any of a family of dipteran flies (as a bluebottle) that deposit their eggs or maggots on meat or in wounds

blow·gun noun
: a tube from which an arrow or a dart may be shot by the force of the breath

blow·out noun
1 : a festive social affair
2 : a bursting of something (as a tire) because of pressure of the contents (as air)

Synonyms
affair, event, fete, function, get-together, party—more at PARTY

blow·sy also blow·zy adjective
: DISHEVELED, SLOVENLY

blow·torch noun
: a small portable burner whose flame is made hotter by a blast of air or oxygen

blow·up noun
1 : EXPLOSION
2 : an outburst of temper
3 : a photographic enlargement

Synonyms
dudgeon, explosion, fireworks, fit, huff, scene, tantrum—more at TANTRUM

blow up verb
1 : to rend apart, shatter, or destroy by or as if by explosion
2 : to lose self-control; especially : to become violently angry
3 : to undergo or be destroyed by an explosion

Synonyms
[1, 3] blast, burst, demolish, detonate, explode, pop, shatter, smash—more at BLAST
[2] flare, flip, fulminate, rant, vituperate
Antonyms
calm (down)

blowy adjective
: marked by strong wind : WINDY

Synonyms
blustery, breezy, gusty, windy—more at WINDY

BLT noun
: a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich

1blubber verb
: to cry noisily

Synonyms
bawl, cry, sob, weep—more at CRY

2blubber noun
1 : the fat of large sea mammals (as whales)
2 : a noisy crying

1bludgeon noun
: a short often loaded club

Synonyms
bat, club, cudgel, staff, truncheon—more at CLUB

2bludgeon verb
: to strike with or as if with a bludgeon

Synonyms
bash, bat, batter, beat, club, pound—more at BEAT

1blue adjective blu·er; blu·est
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF blef, blew, of Gmc origin]

1 : of the color blue; also : BLUISH
2 : low in spirits : MELANCHOLY; also : DEPRESSING
3 : PURITANICAL
4 : INDECENT

— blue·ness noun

Synonyms
depressed, down, downcast, glum, low, melancholy, miserable, sad, unhappy

2blue noun
1 : a color between green and violet in the spectrum : the color of the clear daytime sky
2 : something (as clothing or the sky or ocean) that is blue

Synonyms
high, sky—more at SKY
brine, deep, ocean, sea—more at OCEAN

blue baby noun
: a baby with bluish skin due to faulty circulation caused by a heart defect

blue·bell noun
: any of various plants with blue bell-shaped flowers

blue·ber·ry noun
: the edible blue or blackish berry of various shrubs of the heath family; also : one of these shrubs

blue·bird noun
: any of several small No. American thrushes that are blue above and reddish-brown or pale blue below

blue·bon·net noun
: either of two low-growing annual lupines of Texas with silky foliage and blue flowers

blue·bot·tle noun
: any of several blowflies with iridescent blue bodies or abdomens

blue cheese noun
: cheese having veins of greenish blue mold

blue–col·lar adjective
: of, relating to, or being the class of workers whose duties call for work clothes

blue·fish noun
: a marine sport and food fish bluish above and silvery below

blue·grass noun
1 : KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS
2 : country music played on stringed instruments having free improvisation and close harmonies

blue jay noun
: a crested bright blue No. American jay

blue jeans noun plural
: pants usu. made of blue denim

blue·nose noun
: a person who advocates a rigorous moral code

blue·point noun
: a small oyster typically from the south shore of Long Island, New York

blue·print noun
1 : a photographic print in white on a blue ground used esp. for copying mechanical drawings and architects' plans
2 : a detailed plan of action

Synonyms
arrangement, design, game, plan, program, project, scheme, strategy, system—more at PLAN

blueprint verb
1 : to make a blueprint of
2 : to work out (as a program or plan) in detail

Synonyms
arrange, calculate, chart, design, frame, lay out, map, plan, project, scheme—more at PLAN

blues noun plural
1 : low spirits : MELANCHOLY
2 : music in a style marked by recurrent minor intervals and melancholy lyrics

Synonyms
dejection, depression, doldrums, dumps, melancholy, sadness—more at SADNESS

blue screen noun
: a cinematic technique in which a subject is filmed in front of a blue background so as to allow the creation of a composite with other footage

blue·stock·ing noun
: a woman having intellectual interests

blu·et noun
: a low No. American herb with dainty bluish flowers

blue whale noun
: a very large baleen whale that may reach a weight of 150 tons (135 metric tons) and a length of 100 feet (30 meters)

1bluff adjective
1 : having a broad flattened front
2 : rising steeply with a broad flat front
3 : good-naturedly frank and outspoken

2bluff noun
: a high steep bank : CLIFF

Synonyms
cliff, crag, escarpment, palisade, precipice, scarp—more at CLIFF

3bluff verb
: to frighten or deceive by pretense or a mere show of strength

Synonyms
deceive, dupe, fool, gull, misinform, mislead, trick—more at DECEIVE

4bluff noun
: an act or instance of bluffing; also : one who bluffs

blu·ing or blue·ing noun
: a preparation used in laundering to counteract yellowing of white fabrics

blu·ish adjective
: somewhat blue

1blunder verb
1 : to move clumsily or unsteadily
2 : to make a stupid or needless mistake

2blunder noun
: an avoidable and usu. serious mistake

Synonyms
error, fault, flub, fumble, goof, lapse, miscue, misstep, mistake, oversight, slip, stumble—more at ERROR

blun·der·buss noun
[ORIGIN: obs. D donderbus, fr. D donder thunder + obs. D bus gun]

: an obsolete short-barreled firearm with a flaring muzzle

1blunt adjective
1 : not sharp : DULL
2 : lacking in tact : BLUFF

— blunt·ly adverb

— blunt·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] dull, obtuse—more at DULL
[2] abrupt, bluff, brusque, curt, snippy; also gruff, rough, short
Antonyms
circuitous, mealymouthed

2blunt verb
: to make or become less sharp, definite, or forceful

Synonyms
dampen, deaden, dull, numb—more at DULL

1blur noun
1 : a smear or stain that obscures
2 : something vaguely perceived; especially : something moving too quickly to be clearly perceived

— blur·ry adjective

2blur verb blurred; blur·ring
: to make dim, imperfect, or confused : CLOUD, OBSCURE

Synonyms
becloud, befog, cloud, confuse, dim, fog, haze, mist, obscure, shroud—more at CLOUD

blurb noun
: a short publicity notice (as on a book jacket)

blurt verb
: to utter suddenly and impulsively

Synonyms usually blurt out
bolt, cry, ejaculate, spout

1blush noun
1 : a reddening of the face (as from modesty or confusion) : FLUSH
2 : a cosmetic used to tint the face pink

— blush·ful adjective

2blush verb
: to become red in the face esp. from shame, modesty, or confusion

Synonyms
bloom, color, crimson, flush, glow, redden; also rouge

1bluster verb
1 : to blow in stormy noisy gusts
2 : to talk or act with noisy swaggering threats

Synonyms
fulminate, rant, rave, spout—more at RANT

2bluster noun
1 : a violent boisterous blowing
2 : violent commotion
3 : loudly boastful or threatening speech

Synonyms
[2] cacophony, clamor, din, noise, racket, roar—more at NOISE
[3] bombast, brag, gas, grandiloquence, rant—more at BOMBAST

blus·tery adjective
: blowing boisterously <a ~ day>

Synonyms
blowy, breezy, gusty, windy—more at WINDY

blvd abbreviation
boulevard

B lymphocyte noun
: B CELL

BM abbreviation
bowel movement

B movie noun
: a cheaply produced motion picture

BO abbreviation
1 best offer
2 body odor
3 box office
4 branch office

boa noun
1 : a large snake (as the boa con*stric*tor or the related anaconda) that suffocates and kills its prey by constriction
2 : a fluffy scarf usu. of fur or feathers

boar noun
: a male swine; also : WILD BOAR

1board noun
1 : the side of a ship
2 : a thin flat length of sawed lumber; also : material (as cardboard) or a piece of material formed as a thin flat firm sheet
3 plural : a theater stage as representing the acting profession
4 a : a table spread with a meal
b : daily meals esp. when furnished for pay
5 : a table at which a council or magistrates sit
6 : a group or association of persons organized for a special responsibility (as the management of a business or institution); also : an organized commercial exchange
7 : a sheet of insulating material carrying circuit elements and inserted in an electronic device

2board verb
1 : to go or put aboard <~ a boat>
2 : to cover with boards
3 : to provide or be provided with meals and often lodging

Synonyms
accommodate, billet, bunk, domicile, harbor, house, lodge, put up, quarter

board·er noun
: one that boards; especially : one that is provided with regular meals or regular meals and lodging

Synonyms
lodger, renter, roomer, tenant—more at TENANT

board·ing·house noun
: a house at which persons are boarded

board·walk noun
: a promenade (as of planking) along a beach

1boast verb
1 : to praise oneself
2 : to mention or assert with excessive pride
3 : to prize as a possession; also : HAVE <the house ~s a fireplace>

— boast·ful adjective

— boast·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] brag, crow, plume, swagger; also puff (up)

2boast noun
1 : the act or an instance of boasting
2 : a cause for pride

Synonyms
credit, glory, honor, jewel, pride, treasure—more at GLORY

boat noun
: a small vessel for travel on water; also : SHIP

Synonyms
bottom, craft, ship, vessel; also canoe, catamaran, catboat, cockleshell, coracle, dinghy, dory, dugout, flatboat, float, gondola, houseboat, ironclad, kayak, launch, longboat, motorboat, outrigger, pontoon, punt, raft, rowboat, sail, sampan, scow, scull, shallop, shell, sloop, tender, umiak

boat·er noun
1 : one that travels in a boat
2 : a stiff straw hat

boat·man noun
: a man who operates, works on, or deals in boats

boat people noun plural
: refugees fleeing by boat

boat·swain noun
: a subordinate officer of a ship in charge of the hull and related equipment

1bob verb bobbed; bob·bing
1 : to move up and down jerkily or repeatedly
2 : to emerge, arise, or appear suddenly or unexpectedly

Synonyms
bobble, jog, jounce, nod, pump, seesaw—more at NOD

2bob noun
: a bobbing movement

3bob noun
1 : a knob, knot, twist, or curl esp. of ribbons, yarn, or hair
2 : a short haircut of a woman or child
3 : FLOAT 2
4 : a weight hanging from a line

4bob verb bobbed; bob·bing
: to cut hair in a bob

5bob noun, plural bob slang British
: SHILLING

bob·bin noun
: a cylinder or spindle for holding or dispensing thread (as in a sewing machine)

bob·ble verb bob·bled; bob·bling
1 : to move up and down in a short quick movement
2 : to make awkward attempts to do or find something; also : FUMBLE

— bobble noun

Synonyms
[1] bob, jog, jounce, nod, pump, seesaw—more at NOD
[2] botch, bungle, butcher, flub, foul up, fumble, mangle, mess, muff, murder—more at BOTCH

bob·by noun, plural bobbies
[ORIGIN: Bobby, nickname for Sir Robert Peel, who organized the London police force]
British
: a police officer

bobby pin noun
: a flat wire hairpin with prongs that press close together

bob·cat noun
: a small usu. rusty-colored No. American lynx

bob·o·link noun
: an American migratory songbird related to the meadowlarks

bob·sled noun
1 : a short sled usu. used as one of a joined pair
2 : a racing sled with two pairs of runners, a steering wheel, and a hand brake

— bobsled verb

bob·white noun
: any of a genus of quail; especially : a popular game bird of eastern and central No. America

boc·cie or boc·ci or boc·ce noun
: Italian lawn bowling played on a long narrow court

bock noun
: a strong dark beer usu. sold in early spring

bod noun
: BODY

1bode verb bod·ed; bod·ing
: to indicate by signs : PRESAGE

Synonyms
augur, promise; also forecast, foretell, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy

2bode past of BIDE

bo·de·ga noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. L apotheca storehouse]

: a store specializing in Hispanic groceries

bod·ice noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of bodies, pl. of body]

: the usu. close-fitting part of a dress above the waist

bodi·less adjective
: lacking a body or material form

Synonyms
immaterial, incorporeal, insubstantial, nonmaterial, nonphysical, spiritual, unsubstantial—more at IMMATERIAL

1bodily adjective
: of or relating to the body <~ contact>

Synonyms
animal, carnal, corporal, fleshly, material, physical, somatic—more at PHYSICAL

2bodily adverb
1 : in the flesh
2 : as a whole <lifted the crate up ~>

bod·kin noun
1 : DAGGER
2 : a pointed implement for punching holes in cloth
3 : a blunt needle for drawing tape or ribbon through a loop or hem

body noun, plural bod·ies
1 : the physical whole of a living or dead organism; also : the trunk or main mass of an organism as distinguished from its appendages
2 : a human being : PERSON
3 : the main part of something
4 : a mass of matter distinct from other masses
5 : a group of persons or things
6 : VISCOSITY, FIRMNESS
7 : richness of flavor — used esp. of wines

— bod·ied adjective

Synonyms
[2] being, creature, human, individual, life, mortal, person, sort, specimen—more at HUMAN
[3] bulk, core, generality, main, mass, staple, weight; also majority
[5] array, batch, bunch, cluster, crop, group, huddle, knot, lot, parcel, party

body·build·ing noun
: a developing of the body through exercise and diet

— body·build·er noun

body English noun
: bodily motions made in a usu. unconscious effort to influence the movement of a propelled object (as a ball)

body·guard noun
: a personal guard; also : RETINUE

body language noun
: body movements or postures interpreted as a means of communication

body stocking noun
: a sheer close-fitting one-piece garment for the torso that often has sleeves and legs

body·work noun
: the making or repairing of vehicle bodies

Boer noun
[ORIGIN: D, lit., farmer]

: a South African of Dutch or Huguenot descent

1bog noun
: wet, spongy, poorly drained, and usu. acid ground

— bog·gy adjective

Synonyms
fen, marsh, mire, morass, slough, swamp—more at SWAMP

2bog verb bogged; bog·ging
: to sink into or as if into a bog

bo·gey also bo·gie or bo·gy noun, plural bogeys also bogies
1 a : a visible disembodied spirit : SPECTER
b : a source of fear or annoyance
2 : a score of one over par on a hole in golf

Synonyms
[1a] apparition, ghost, phantasm, phantom, poltergeist, shade, shadow, specter, spirit, spook, vision, wraith—more at GHOST
[1b] bête noire, bugbear, hobgoblin, ogre; also apparition, ghost, phantasm, phantom, poltergeist, shade, specter, spirit, spook, wraith

bo·gey·man noun
: an imaginary monster used in threatening children

bog·gle verb bog·gled; bog·gling
: to overwhelm or be overwhelmed with fright or amazement

bo·gus adjective
: not genuine : SHAM

Synonyms
counterfeit, fake, false, inauthentic, phony, sham, spurious, unauthentic—more at COUNTERFEIT
artificial, factitious, imitation, mimic, mock, substitute, synthetic—more at IMITATION

Bo·he·mi·an noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Bohemia
2 often not cap : VAGABOND, WANDERER
3 often not cap : a person (as a writer or artist) living an unconventional life

— bohemian adjective, often cap

Synonyms
deviant, individualist, loner, maverick, nonconformist—more at NONCONFORMIST

1boil noun
: an inflamed swelling on the skin containing pus

2boil verb
1 a : to heat or become heated to a temperature (boil*ing point) at which vapor is formed and rises in bubbles <water ~s and changes to steam>
b : to act on or be acted on by a boiling liquid <~ eggs>
2 : to be in a state of seething agitation
3 : to churn violently as if boiling

Synonyms
[1b] coddle, stew; also scald
[2, 3] burn, churn, fume, rage, seethe, steam; also fulminate, rant, rave

3boil noun
: the act or state of boiling

boil·er noun
1 : a container in which something is boiled
2 : a strong vessel used in making steam
3 : a tank holding hot water

boil·ing adjective
: intensely agitated <~ with anger>

Synonyms
angry, furious, irate, mad, rabid, sore—more at ANGRY

boil·er·mak·er noun
: whiskey with a beer chaser

bois·ter·ous adjective
: noisily turbulent or exuberant

— bois·ter·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
rambunctious, raucous, rowdy; also rampageous, riotous, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, violent
Antonyms
orderly

bok choy noun
: a Chinese vegetable related to the mustards that forms a loose head of green leaves with long thick white stalks

bo·la or bo·las noun, plural bolas also bo·las·es
[ORIGIN: AmerSp bolas, fr. Sp bola ball]

: a cord with weights attached to the ends

bold adjective
1 : fearless before danger
2 : overstepping due bounds : IMPUDENT
3 : marked by great and continuous steepness : STEEP
4 : ADVENTUROUS, FREE <a ~ thinker>
5 : standing out prominently

— bold·ly adverb

— bold·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] adventurous, audacious, daring, enterprising, gutsy, hardy, nervy, venturesome; also brash, daredevil, foolhardy, heedless, hotheaded, impetuous, imprudent, impulsive, incautious, madcap, overbold, overconfident, rash, reckless, spirited, thoughtless, wild
Antonyms
unadventurous, unenterprising
[2] arch, brash, brazen, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY
[2] familiar, forward, free, immodest, presumptuous—more at PRESUMPTUOUS
[5] catchy, conspicuous, emphatic, marked, noticeable, prominent, pronounced, remarkable, striking—more at NOTICEABLE

bold·face noun
: a heavy-faced type; also : printing in boldface

— bold–faced adjective

bole noun
: the trunk of a tree

bo·le·ro noun, plural -ros
1 : a Spanish dance or its music
2 : a short loose jacket open at the front

Bo·liv·i·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Bolivia

— Bolivian adjective

boll noun
: a seed pod (as of cotton)

boll weevil noun
: a small grayish weevil that infests the cotton plant both as a larva and as an adult

boll·worm noun
: any of several moths and esp. the corn earworm whose larvae feed on cotton bolls

bo·lo·gna noun
[ORIGIN: short for Bologna sausage, fr. Bologna, Italy]

: a large smoked sausage of beef, veal, and pork

Bol·she·vik noun, plural Bolsheviks also Bol·she·vi·ki
[ORIGIN: Russ bol'shevik, fr. bol'shiĭ larger]

1 : a member of the party that seized power in Russia in the revolution of November 1917
2 : COMMUNIST

— Bolshevik adjective

bol·she·vism noun, often cap
: the doctrine or program of the Bolsheviks advocating violent overthrow of capitalism

1bolster noun
: a long pillow or cushion

2bolster verb
: to support with or as if with a bolster; also : REINFORCE

Synonyms
bear, brace, buttress, carry, prop, reinforce, shore, stay, support, uphold—more at SUPPORT

1bolt noun
1 : a missile (as an arrow) for a crossbow or catapult
2 : a flash of lightning : THUNDERBOLT
3 : a sliding bar used to fasten a door
4 : a roll of cloth or wallpaper of specified length
5 : a rod with a head at one end and a screw thread at the other used with a nut to fasten objects together
6 : a metal cylinder that drives the cartridge into the chamber of a firearm

2bolt verb
1 a : to move suddenly (as in fright or hurry) : START
b : to rush off or away (as in fleeing) <he ~ed out of the room>
2 : to break away (as from association) <~ from a political platform>
3 : to produce seed prematurely
4 : to secure or fasten with a bolt
5 : to swallow hastily or without chewing
6 : to say impulsively

Synonyms
[1a] jump, start, startle—more at START
[1b] break, flee, fly, retreat, run, run away, run off—more at RUN
[6] blurt, cry, ejaculate, spout

3bolt noun
: an act of bolting

bo·lus noun
1 : a large pill
2 : a soft mass of chewed food

1bomb noun
1 : a fused explosive device designed to detonate under specified conditions (as impact)
2 : an aerosol or foam dispenser (as of insecticide or hair spray) : SPRAY CAN
3 : a long pass in football

2bomb verb
1 : to attack with bombs
2 : to fail utterly

bom·bard verb
1 : to attack esp. with artillery or bombers
2 : to assail persistently
3 : to subject to the impact of rapidly moving particles (as electrons)

Synonyms
blitz, shell; also rake, strafe

bom·bard·ment noun
: the act or an instance of bombarding or the state of being bombarded

Synonyms
barrage, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, shower, storm, volley—more at BARRAGE

bom·bar·dier noun
: a bomber-crew member who releases the bombs

bom·bast noun
[ORIGIN: ME, cotton padding, fr. MF bombace, fr. ML bombax cotton, alter. of L bombyx silkworm, silk, fr. Gk]

: pretentious wordy speech or writing

— bom·bas·ti·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
bluster, brag, gas, grandiloquence, rant, rhetoric

bom·bas·tic adjective
: marked by or given to bombast

Synonyms
gaseous, grandiloquent, oratorical, rhetorical, windy—more at RHETORICAL

bom·ba·zine noun
1 : a twilled fabric with silk warp and worsted filling
2 : a silk fabric in twill weave dyed black

bomb·er noun
: one that bombs; especially : an airplane for dropping bombs

bomb·proof adjective
: safe against the explosive force of bombs

bomb·shell noun
1 : BOMB 1
2 : one that stuns, amazes, or completely upsets

Synonyms
bolt, jar, jolt, surprise—more at SURPRISE

bona fide adjective
[ORIGIN: L, in good faith]

1 : made in good faith <a bona fide agreement>
2 : neither specious nor counterfeit : GENUINE, REAL <a bona fide bargain>

Synonyms
authentic, genuine, real, right, true—more at AUTHENTIC

bo·nan·za noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, lit., calm sea, fr. ML bonacia, alter. of L malacia, fr. Gk malakia, lit., softness, fr. malakos soft]

: something yielding a rich return

bon·bon noun
: a candy with a creamy center and a soft covering (as of chocolate)

1bond noun
1 : something that binds or restrains : FETTER
2 : a binding or uniting force or tie <~s of friendship>
3 : an agreement or obligation often made binding by a pledge of money or goods
4 : a person who acts as surety for another
5 : an interest-bearing certificate of public or private indebtedness
6 : the state of goods subject to supervision pending payment of taxes or duties due

Synonyms
[1] band, chain, fetter, irons, ligature, manacle, shackle; also confinement, constraint, curb, hamper, hindrance, restraint, restriction
[2] cement, knot, ligature, link, tie; also attachment, connection, entanglement, fastening, joint, linkage
[3] contract, covenant, guarantee, guaranty, surety, warranty—more at GUARANTEE

2bond verb
1 : to assure payment of duties or taxes on (goods) by giving a bond
2 : to insure against losses caused by the acts of <~ a bank teller>
3 : to make or become firmly united as if by bonds <~ iron to copper>
4 : to form a close relationship <gave them a chance to ~ with their father>

bond·age noun
: a state of being bound usu. by compulsion : SLAVERY, SERVITUDE

Synonyms
enslavement, servitude, slavery, thrall, yoke—more at SLAVERY

bond·hold·er noun
: one that owns a government or corporation bond

bond·ing noun
1 : the formation of a close personal relationship esp. through frequent or constant association
2 : the attaching of a material (as porcelain) to a tooth surface esp. for cosmetic purposes

bond·man noun
: a person held in servitude as the chattel of another : SLAVE

Synonyms
chattel, slave, thrall—more at SLAVE

bonds·man noun
: SURETY 3

bond·wom·an noun
: a female slave or serf

1bone noun
1 : a hard largely calcareous tissue forming most of the skeleton of a vertebrate animal; also : one of the pieces of bone making up a vertebrate skeleton
2 : a hard animal substance (as ivory or baleen) similar to true bone
3 : something made of bone

— bone·less adjective

— bony also bon·ey adjective

2bone verb boned; bon·ing
: to free from bones <~ a chicken>

bone black noun
: the black carbon residue from calcined bones used esp. as a pigment

bone meal noun
: crushed or ground bone used esp. as fertilizer or feed

bon·er noun
: a stupid and ridiculous blunder

bone up verb
1 : to try to master necessary information quickly
2 : to refresh one's memory <boned up on the speech before giving it>

bon·fire noun
[ORIGIN: ME bonefire a fire of bones, fr. bon bone + fire]

: a large fire built in the open air

bon·go noun, plural bongos also bongoes
[ORIGIN: AmerSp bongó]

: one of a pair of small tuned drums played with the hands

bon·ho·mie noun
[ORIGIN: F bonhomie, fr. bonhomme good-natured man, fr. bon good + homme man]

: good-natured easy friendliness

bo·ni·to noun, plural -tos or -to
: any of several medium-sized tunas

bon mot noun, plural bons mots or bon mots
[ORIGIN: F, lit., good word]

: a clever remark

bon·net noun
: a covering (as a cap) for the head; especially : a hat for a woman or infant tied under the chin

bon·ny adjective bon·ni·er; -est chiefly British
: ATTRACTIVE, FAIR; also : FINE, EXCELLENT

bon·sai noun, plural bonsai
[ORIGIN: Jp]

: a potted plant (as a tree) dwarfed by special methods of culture; also : the art of growing such a plant

bo·nus noun
: something in addition to what is expected

Synonyms
dividend, extra, lagniappe, perquisite, tip; also fillip

bon vi·vant noun, plural bons vivants or bon vivants
[ORIGIN: F, lit., good liver]

: a person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes esp. in food and drink

bon voy·age noun
: a wish of well-being at parting : FAREWELL — often used as an interjection

Synonyms
adieu, au revoir, farewell, good-bye—more at GOOD-BYE

bony fish noun
: any of a very large group of fishes (as a salmon or marlin) with a bony rather than a cartilaginous skeleton

bonze noun
: a Buddhist monk

boo noun, plural boos
: a shout of disapproval or contempt

— boo verb

Synonyms
catcall, hiss, hoot, jeer, raspberry, snort—more at CATCALL

boo·by noun, plural boobies
: an awkward foolish person : DOPE

Synonyms
dope, fool, goose, jackass, nitwit, nut, simpleton, turkey—more at FOOL

booby hatch noun
: an insane asylum

booby prize noun
: an award for the poorest performance in a contest

booby trap noun
: a trap for the unwary; especially : a concealed explosive device set to go off when some harmless-looking object is touched

— booby–trap verb

Synonyms
catch, pitfall, snag—more at PITFALL
explosive

boo·dle noun
1 : bribe money
2 : a large amount of money

1book noun
1 : a set of sheets bound into a volume
2 : a long written or printed narrative or record
3 : a major division of a long literary work
4 cap : BIBLE

— in one's book

: in one's opinion

2book verb
1 : to engage, reserve, or schedule by or as if by writing in a book <~ seats on a plane>
2 : to enter charges against in a police register

book·case noun
: a piece of furniture consisting of shelves to hold books

book·end noun
: a support to hold up a row of books

book·ie noun
: BOOKMAKER

book·ish adjective
1 : fond of books and reading
2 a : inclined to rely unduly on book knowledge
b of words : literary and formal as opposed to colloquial and informal

Synonyms
erudite, learned, literary; also academic, pedantic, scholastic
Antonyms
colloquial, nonliterary

book·keep·er noun
: one who records the accounts or transactions of a business

— book·keep·ing noun

book·let noun
: a little book; especially PAMPHLET

Synonyms
brochure, circular, folder, leaflet, pamphlet—more at PAMPHLET

book·mak·er noun
: one who determines odds and receives and pays off bets

— book·mak·ing noun

book·mark or book·mark·er noun
: a marker for finding a place in a book

book·mo·bile noun
: a truck that serves as a traveling library

book·plate noun
: a label pasted in a book to show who owns it

book·sell·er noun
: one who sells books; especially : the proprietor of a bookstore

book·shelf noun
: a shelf for books

book·worm noun
: a person unusually devoted to reading and study

1boom verb
1 : to make a deep hollow sound
2 : to grow or cause to grow rapidly esp. in value, esteem, or importance

2boom noun
1 : a booming sound or cry
2 : a rapid expansion or increase esp. of economic activity

Synonyms
bang, blast, clap, crack, crash, pop, report, slam, smash, snap, thwack, whack—more at CLAP

3boom noun
[ORIGIN: D, tree, beam]

1 : a long spar used to extend the bottom of a sail
2 : a line of floating timbers used to obstruct passage or catch floating objects
3 : a beam projecting from the upright pole of a derrick to support or guide the object lifted
4 : a long supporting pole or arm (as for a microphone)

boom box noun
: a large portable radio and often CD or tape player

boo·mer·ang noun
[ORIGIN: Dharuk (an Australian aboriginal language) bumarin]

: a bent or angular club that can be so thrown as to return near the starting point

boom·ing adjective
1 : making a loud deep sound <his ~ voice>
2 : forcefully or powerfully executed <hit a ~ serve>

Synonyms
clamorous, loud, resounding, roaring, sonorous, stentorian, thunderous—more at LOUD

1boon noun
[ORIGIN: ME bone prayer, request, the favor requested, fr. ON bōn request]

1 : something that promotes well-being; also : useful aid
2 : something given or granted as a favor

Synonyms
[1] advantage, aid, benefit, help—more at HELP
[1] benefit, blessing, felicity, godsend, good, manna, windfall—more at BLESSING
[2] courtesy, favor, grace, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service, turn—more at FAVOR

2boon adjective
[ORIGIN: ME bon, fr. AF, good]

: enjoying companionship and the pleasures of feasting and drinking <a ~ companion>

Synonyms
companionable, convivial, extroverted, gregarious, outgoing, sociable, social—more at CONVIVIAL

boon·docks noun plural
[ORIGIN: Tagalog (language of the Philippines) bundok mountain]

1 : rough country filled with dense brush
2 : a rural area

boon·dog·gle noun
: a useless or wasteful project or activity

boor noun
1 : YOKEL
2 : a rude or insensitive person

Synonyms
beast, churl, clown, creep, cretin, cur, heel, jerk, joker, louse, lout, skunk, slob, snake—more at JERK

boor·ish adjective
: having the qualities or behavior of a boor

Synonyms
churlish, clownish, loutish, uncouth—more at CLOWNISH

1boost verb
1 : to push up from below
2 : to make or become greater : INCREASE, RAISE <~ prices>
3 : to enthusiastically promote or support (a cause) <voted a bonus to ~ morale>

Synonyms
[1] crane, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hike, hoist, jack, lift, pick up, raise, up, uphold—more at RAISE
[2] add, aggrandize, amplify, augment, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, increase, multiply, raise, swell, up—more at INCREASE
[2] amplify, beef, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen—more at INTENSIFY

2boost noun
1 : a push upward
2 : an act that brings help or encouragement
3 : an increase in amount

Synonyms
[2] aid, assist, assistance, backing, help, lift, support—more at HELP
[3] accretion, addition, augmentation, expansion, gain, increase, increment, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement—more at INCREASE

boost·er noun
: one that boosts; especially : an enthusiastic supporter

Synonyms
advocate, apostle, backer, champion, exponent, friend, promoter, proponent, supporter—more at EXPONENT

1boot noun, chiefly dialect
: something to equalize a trade
— to boot

: BESIDES

2boot verb, archaic
: AVAIL, PROFIT

3boot noun
1 : a covering for the foot and leg
2 : a protective sheath (as of a flower)
3 British : an automobile trunk
4 : KICK; also : a discharge from employment
5 : a navy or marine corps trainee

4boot verb
1 : KICK
2 : to eject or discharge summarily — often used with out
3 of a computer : to start or make ready for operation

Synonyms usually boot out
banish, bounce, cast, chase, dismiss, drum, eject, expel, oust, rout, run off, throw out—more at EJECT

boot·black noun
: a person who shines shoes

boot camp noun
1 : a navy or marine corps training camp
2 : a facility with a rigorous disciplinary program for young offenders

boo·tee or boo·tie noun
: an infant's knitted or crocheted sock

booth noun, plural booths
1 : a small enclosed stall (as at a fair)
2 : a small enclosure giving privacy for a person <voting ~> <telephone ~>
3 : a restaurant accommodation having a table between backed benches

boot·leg verb
: to make, transport, or sell (as liquor) illegally

— boot·leg adjective or noun

— boot·leg·ger noun

boot·less adjective
: producing no gain, good, or result : USELESS

— boot·less·ly adverb

— boot·less·ness noun

Synonyms
abortive, empty, fruitless, futile, ineffective, unavailing, unproductive, unsuccessful, useless, vain—more at FUTILE

1booty noun, plural booties
: plunder taken (as in war) : SPOIL

Synonyms
loot, plunder, spoil, swag—more at LOOT

2booty noun, plural booties slang
: BUTTOCK 2

1booze verb boozed; booz·ing
: to drink liquor to excess

— booz·er noun

2booze noun
: intoxicating liquor

— boozy adjective

Synonyms
alcohol, drink, intoxicant, liquor, moonshine, spirits—more at ALCOHOL

1bop verb bopped; bop·ping
: to reach with a blow : HIT, SOCK

2bop noun
: a blow esp. with the fist or a club

BOQ abbreviation
bachelor officers' quarters

bor abbreviation
borough

bo·rate noun
: a salt or ester of boric acid

bo·rax noun
: a crystalline borate of sodium that occurs as a mineral and is used as a flux and cleanser

bor·del·lo noun, plural -los
[ORIGIN: It]

: BROTHEL

1border noun
1 : an outer part or edge
2 : something that marks or fixes a limit : BOUNDARY

Synonyms
[1] borderland, frontier, march; also backwater, backwoods, hinterland, up-country
[2] bound, boundary, circumference, compass, confines, edge, end, fringe, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, verge; also crest, hem, lip

2border verb bor·dered; bor·der·ing
1 : to put a border on
2 : to touch at the edge or boundary : ADJOIN
3 : to approach the nature of a specified thing : VERGE <~s on the ridiculous>

Synonyms
usually border on [1] bound, fringe, margin, rim, skirt; also edge, hem, trim
usually border on [2] abut, adjoin, flank, fringe, join, skirt, touch, verge—more at ADJOIN

border collie noun, often cap B
: any of a British breed of medium-sized long-haired sheepdogs

bor·der·land noun
1 : territory at or near a border
2 : an outlying or intermediate region often not clearly defined

Synonyms
border, frontier, march—more at FRONTIER

bor·der·line adjective
: being in an intermediate position or state; especially : not quite up to what is standard or expected <~ intelligence>

1bore verb bored; bor·ing
1 : to make a hole in with or as if with a drill
2 : to make (as a well) by boring or digging away material

— bor·er noun

Synonyms
drill, hole, perforate, pierce, punch, puncture—more at PERFORATE

2bore noun
1 : a hole made by or as if by boring
2 : a cylindrical cavity
3 : the diameter of a hole or tube; especially : the interior diameter of a gun barrel or engine cylinder

3bore past of BEAR

4bore noun
: a tidal flood with a high abrupt front

5bore noun
: one that causes boredom

6bore verb bored; bor·ing
: to weary with tedious dullness

Synonyms
jade, tire, weary; also pall
Antonyms
absorb, engage, engross, grip, interest, intrigue

bo·re·al adjective
: of, relating to, or located in northern regions

bore·dom noun
: the condition of being weary and restless because of dullness

Synonyms
doldrums, ennui, listlessness, restlessness, tedium, tiredness, weariness; also cheerlessness, melancholy

bo·ric acid noun
: a white crystalline weak acid that contains boron and is used esp. as an antiseptic

born adjective
1 : brought into life by birth
2 : belonging by birth : NATIVE <American-born>
3 : having special natural abilities or character from birth <a ~ leader>

Synonyms
aboriginal, endemic, indigenous, native—more at NATIVE

born–again adjective
: having experienced a revival of a personal faith or conviction <~ believer> <~ liberal>

borne past participle of BEAR

bo·ron noun
: a chemical element that occurs in nature only in combination (as in borax)

bor·ough noun
[ORIGIN: ME burgh, fr. OE burg fortified town]

1 : a British town that sends one or more members to Parliament; also : an incorporated British urban area
2 : an incorporated town or village in some U.S. states; also : any of the five political divisions of New York City
3 : a civil division of the state of Alaska corresponding to a county in most other states

bor·row verb
1 : to take or receive (something) temporarily and with intent to return
2 : to take into possession or use from another source <~ a metaphor>

Synonyms
adopt, embrace, take up—more at ADOPT

borscht or borsch noun
[ORIGIN: Yiddish borsht & Ukrainian & Russ borshch]

: a soup made mainly from beets

bosh noun
[ORIGIN: Turk boş empty]

: foolish talk or action : NONSENSE

bosky adjective
: covered with trees or shrubs

1bosom noun
1 : the front of the human chest; especially : the female breasts
2 : the seat of secret thoughts and feelings
3 : the part of a garment covering the breast

— bos·omed adjective

2bosom adjective
: closely acquainted : INTIMATE

Synonyms
chummy, close, familiar, friendly, intimate, thick—more at FAMILIAR

1boss noun
: a knoblike ornament : STUD

2boss verb
: to ornament with bosses

3boss noun
1 : one (as a foreman or manager) exercising control or supervision
2 : a politician who controls votes or dictates policies

Synonyms
captain, chief, foreman, head, headman, helmsman, kingpin, leader, master, taskmaster; also administrator, commander, director, executive, general, manager, overseer, principal, standard-bearer, straw boss, superintendent, superior, supervisor

4boss verb
1 : to act as a boss : SUPERVISE
2 : to give usu. arbitrary orders to — usu. used with around

Synonyms
[1] captain, head, oversee, superintend, supervise; also command, control, direct, guide, manage, order, run, shepherd, show, steer
usually boss around [2] bid, charge, command, direct, enjoin, instruct, order, tell—more at COMMAND

bossy adjective
: inclined to issue orders

Synonyms
authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, domineering, imperious, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical, tyrannous; also arrogant, disdainful, haughty, lofty, lordly, proud, supercilious, superior

bosun variant of BOATSWAIN

bot abbreviation
botanical; botanist; botany

bot·a·ny noun, plural -nies
1 : a branch of biology dealing with plants and plant life
2 : plant life (as of a given region); also : the biology of a plant or plant group

— bo·tan·i·cal adjective

— bot·a·nist noun

— bot·a·nize verb

botch verb
: to foul up hopelessly : BUNGLE

— botch noun

Synonyms
bobble, bungle, butcher, flub, foul up, fumble, mangle, mess, muff, murder; also blunder, goof (up), gum (up)

1both pronoun
: both ones : the one as well as the other

2both conjunction
— used as a function word to indicate and stress the inclusion of each of two or more things specified by coordinated words, phrases, or clauses <~ New York and London>

3both adjective
: being the two : affecting the one and the other

1bother verb
1 a : to annoy esp. by petty provocation
b : to intrude upon : PESTER
2 a : to become concerned : become mentally troubled
b : to cause to be anxious or concerned

Synonyms
[1a] aggravate, annoy, bug, chafe, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rasp, rile, vex—more at IRRITATE
[1b] bug, disturb, intrude, pester; also inconvenience, trouble
[2a] fear, fret, stew, sweat, trouble, worry—more at WORRY
[2b] concern, discompose, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, unsettle, upset, worry—more at DISTURB

2bother noun
1 a : a state of petty discomfort, annoyance, or worry
b : something that causes petty annoyance or worry
2 : needless bustle or excitement

Synonyms
[1b] aggravation, annoyance, exasperation, frustration, hassle, headache, inconvenience, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, problem, thorn, vexation—more at ANNOYANCE
[2] bustle, commotion, disturbance, fuss, pother, stew, stir

both·er·some adjective
: causing bother

Synonyms
aggravating, annoying, frustrating, galling, irksome, irritating, pesty, vexatious—more at ANNOYING

1bottle noun
1 : a container (as of glass) with a narrow neck and usu. no handles
2 : the quantity held by a bottle
3 : intoxicating liquor

2bottle verb bot·tled; bot·tling
1 : to confine as if in a bottle : RESTRAIN
2 : to put into a bottle

bot·tle·neck noun
1 : a narrow passage or point of congestion
2 : something that obstructs or impedes

1bottom noun
1 a : an under or supporting surface
b : BUTTOCKS
2 : the surface on which a body of water lies
3 : the lowest part or place; also : an inferior position <start at the ~>
4 : BOTTOMLAND
5 a : the part of a ship's hull lying below the water
b : a craft for traveling on water : BOAT

— bottom adjective

— bot·tom·less adjective

Synonyms
[1a] underbelly, underside; also belly, sole
Antonyms
face, top
[3] base, foot; also basis, bed, bedrock, foundation, ground, groundwork, keystone, seat, underpinning
Antonyms
head, top

2bottom verb
1 : to furnish with a bottom
2 : to reach the bottom
3 : to reach a low point before rebounding — usu. used with out

bot·tom·land noun
: low land along a river

bottom line noun
1 : the essential point : CRUX
2 : the final result : OUTCOME

bot·u·lism noun
: an acute paralytic disease caused by a bacterial toxin (bot*u*li*num toxin ) esp. in tainted food

bou·doir noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. bouder to pout]

: a woman's dressing room or bedroom

bouf·fant adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

: puffed out <~ hairdos>

bough noun
: a usu. large or main branch of a tree

bought past and past participle of BUY

bouil·la·baisse noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a highly seasoned fish stew made with at least two kinds of fish

bouil·lon noun
: a clear soup made usu. from beef

boul·der noun
: a large detached rounded or worn mass of rock

— boul·dered adjective

bou·le·vard noun
[ORIGIN: F, modif. of MD bolwerc bulwark]

: a broad often landscaped thoroughfare

1bounce verb bounced; bounc·ing
1 : to cause to rebound <~ a ball>
2 : to rebound after striking
3 : to expel hastily from a place
4 : to issue (a check) on an account having insufficient funds

Synonyms
[2] carom, glance, rebound, ricochet, skim, skip—more at GLANCE
[3] banish, boot, cast, chase, dismiss, drum, eject, expel, oust, rout, run off, throw out—more at EJECT

2bounce noun
: the quality or state of being lively

— bouncy adjective

Synonyms
dash, drive, esprit, ginger, pep, punch, snap, spirit, verve, vim, zing, zip—more at SPIRIT

bounc·er noun
: a person employed in a public place to remove disorderly persons

1bound adjective
: intending to go

Synonyms
bent, decisive, determined, firm, intent, purposeful, resolute, set—more at DETERMINED

2bound noun
: something that limits or restrains : LIMIT, BOUNDARY

3bound verb
1 : to set limits to
2 : to form the boundary of
3 : to name the boundaries of

Synonyms
[1] circumscribe, define, delimit, demarcate, limit, mark, terminate—more at LIMIT
[2] border, fringe, margin, rim, skirt—more at BORDER

4bound past and past participle of BIND

5bound adjective
1 : constrained by or as if by bonds : CONFINED, OBLIGED
2 : enclosed in a binding or cover
3 : firmly decided : RESOLVED, DETERMINED; also : SURE

Synonyms
bent, decisive, determined, firm, intent, purposeful, resolute, resolved, set—more at DETERMINED

6bound noun
1 : the act or an instance of leaping into the air : JUMP
2 : REBOUND, BOUNCE

Synonyms
hop, jump, leap, spring, vault—more at JUMP

7bound verb
: to move by leaping : SPRING, BOUNCE

bound·ary noun, plural -aries
: something that marks or fixes a limit (as of territory)

Synonyms
bound, ceiling, confines, end, extent, limit, limitation, line, termination—more at LIMIT
border, bound, circumference, compass, confines, edge, end, fringe, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, verge—more at BORDER

bound·en adjective
: BINDING

bound·less adjective
: having no boundaries

— bound·less·ness noun

Synonyms
endless, illimitable, immeasurable, indefinite, infinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, unlimited—more at INFINITE

boun·te·ous adjective
1 : bestowing gifts or favors freely : GENEROUS
2 : more than enough : ABUNDANT

— boun·te·ous·ly adverb

— boun·te·ous·ness noun

boun·ti·ful adjective
1 : giving freely
2 : given or provided abundantly : PLENTIFUL

Synonyms
[1] charitable, free, generous, liberal, munificent, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing—more at GENEROUS
[2] abundant, ample, comfortable, generous, liberal, plentiful—more at PLENTIFUL

boun·ti·ful·ly adverb
: in a bountiful degree

Synonyms
generously, handsomely, liberally, well—more at WELL

boun·ti·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being bountiful

boun·ty noun, plural bounties
[ORIGIN: ME bounte goodness, fr. AF bunté, fr. L bonitas, fr. bonus good]

1 : liberality in giving : GENEROSITY
2 : something given liberally
3 : a reward, premium, or subsidy given usu. for doing something

Synonyms
generosity, liberality, philanthropy, unselfishness—more at LIBERALITY

bou·quet noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF, thicket, bunch of flowers, fr. OF (dial. of Normandy and Picardy) bosquet thicket, fr. bosc forest]

1 : flowers picked and fastened together in a bunch
2 : a distinctive aroma (as of wine)

Synonyms
aroma, fragrance, incense, perfume, redolence, scent, spice—more at FRAGRANCE

bour·bon noun
: a whiskey distilled from a corn mash

bour·geois noun, plural bourgeois
[ORIGIN: MF, fr. OF burgeis townsman, fr. burc, borg town, fr. L burgus fortified place, of Gmc origin]

: a middle-class person

— bourgeois adjective

bour·geoi·sie noun
: a social order dominated by bourgeois

bourne also bourn noun
: BOUNDARY; also : DESTINATION

bourse noun
: a European stock exchange

bout noun
1 : an athletic match : CONTEST
2 a : a fit of sickness : ATTACK <a ~ of measles>
b : OUTBREAK
3 : SESSION

Synonyms
[1] competition, contest, event, game, match, meet, tournament—more at GAME
[2a] attack, case, fit, seizure, siege, spell—more at ATTACK

bou·tique noun
: a small fashionable specialty shop

bou·ton·niere noun
: a flower or bouquet worn in a buttonhole

1bovine adjective
1 : of or relating to bovines
2 : having qualities (as placidity or dullness) characteristic of oxen or cows

2bovine noun
: any of a group of mammals including oxen, buffalo, and their close relatives

bovine spon·gi·form encephalopathy noun
: MAD COW DISEASE

1bow verb
1 : to give oneself over to the will or authority of another : YIELD
2 : to bend the head or body (as in submission, courtesy, or assent)

Synonyms
budge, capitulate, concede, give in, knuckle under, quit, submit, succumb, surrender, yield—more at YIELD

2bow noun
: an act or posture of bowing

3bow noun
1 a : something bent into a simple curve : BEND, ARCH
b : RAINBOW
2 : a weapon for shooting arrows; also : ARCHER
3 : a knot formed by doubling a line into two or more loops
4 : a wooden rod strung with horsehairs for playing an instrument of the violin family

Synonyms
angle, arc, arch, bend, crook, curve, turn, wind—more at BEND

4bow verb
1 : to bend into a curve
2 : to play (an instrument) with a bow

5bow noun
: the forward part of a ship

— bow adjective

bowd·ler·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to expurgate by omitting parts considered vulgar

bow·el noun
1 : INTESTINE; also : one of the divisions of the intestine — usu. used in pl.
2 plural : the inmost parts <the ~s of the earth>

bow·er noun
: a shelter of boughs or vines : ARBOR

1bowl noun
1 : a concave vessel used to hold liquids
2 : a drinking vessel
3 : a bowl-shaped part or structure; especially : an athletic stadium

— bowl·ful noun

Synonyms
circus, coliseum, stadium—more at STADIUM

2bowl noun
1 : a ball for rolling on a level surface in bowling
2 : a cast of the ball in bowling

3bowl verb
1 : to play a game of bowling; also : to roll a ball in bowling
2 : to travel (as in a vehicle) rapidly and smoothly
3 : to strike or knock down with a moving object

Synonyms
[2] breeze, coast, drift, flow, glide, roll, sail, skim, slide, slip, stream, sweep, whisk—more at FLOW
usually bowl down [3] down, drop, fell, floor, knock, level

bowl over verb
: to overwhelm with surprise; also : to make a vivid impression on

Synonyms
amaze, astonish, astound, dumbfound, flabbergast, floor, shock, startle, stun, stupefy, surprise—more at SURPRISE

bow·legged adjective
: having legs that bow outward at or below the knee

— bow·leg noun

1bowler noun
: a person who bowls

2bowler noun
: DERBY 3

bow·line noun
: a knot used to form a loop that neither slips nor jams

bowl·ing noun
: any of various games in which balls are rolled on a green or alley at an object or a group of objects; especially : TENPINS

bow·man noun
: ARCHER

bow·sprit noun
: a spar projecting forward from the prow of a ship

bow·string noun
: the cord connecting the two ends of a shooting bow

1box noun, plural box or box·es
: an evergreen shrub or small tree used esp. for hedges

2box noun
1 : a rigid typically rectangular receptacle often with a cover; also : the quantity held by a box
2 : a small compartment (as for a group of theater patrons); also : a boxlike receptacle or division
3 : any of six spaces on a baseball diamond where the batter, pitcher, coaches, and catcher stand
4 : PREDICAMENT

Synonyms
caddy, case, casket, chest, locker, trunk—more at CHEST

3box verb
: to enclose in or as if in a box

4box noun
: a punch or slap esp. on the ear

Synonyms
belt, blow, buffet, hit, punch, slug—more at BLOW

5box verb
1 : to strike with the hand
2 : to engage in boxing with

box·car noun
: a roofed freight car usu. with sliding doors in the sides

box cutter noun
: a small cutting tool with a retractable razor blade

1boxer noun
1 : a person who engages in boxing
2 : BOXER SHORTS

Synonyms
fighter, prizefighter, pugilist; also featherweight, heavyweight, light heavyweight, lightweight, middleweight, welterweight

2boxer noun
: any of a German breed of compact medium-sized dogs with a short usu. fawn or brindled coat

boxer shorts noun plural
: men's loose-fitting shorts worn as underwear

box·ing noun
: the sport of fighting with the fists

box office noun
: an office (as in a theater) where admission tickets are sold

box turtle noun
: any of several No. American land turtles able to withdraw completely into their shell

box·wood noun
: the tough hard wood of the box; also : a box tree or shrub

boy noun
1 : a male child : YOUTH
2 : SON

— boy·hood noun

— boy·ish adjective

— boy·ish·ly adverb

— boy·ish·ness noun

Synonyms
lad, nipper, shaver, stripling, youth; also adolescent, juvenile, kid, minor, moppet, teenager, youngster

boy·cott verb
[ORIGIN: Charles C. Boycott †1897 Eng. land agent in Ireland who was ostracized for refusing to reduce rents]

: to refrain from having any dealings with

— boycott noun

boy·friend noun
1 : a male friend
2 : a frequent or regular male companion of a girl or woman

Synonyms
beau, fellow, man, swain; also admirer, crush, steady

Boy Scout noun
: a member of any of various national scouting programs (as the Boy Scouts of America)

boy·sen·ber·ry noun
: a large bramble fruit with a raspberry flavor; also : the hybrid plant bearing it developed by crossing blackberries and raspberries

bo·zo noun, plural bozos
: a foolish or incompetent person

bp abbreviation
1 bishop
2 birthplace

BP abbreviation
1 batting practice
2 blood pressure
3 boiling point

bpl abbreviation
birthplace

BPOE abbreviation
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

br abbreviation
1 branch
2 brass
3 brown

1Br abbreviation
Britain; British

2Br symbol
bromine

BR abbreviation
bedroom

bra noun
: BRASSIERE

1brace verb braced; brac·ing
1 archaic : to make fast : BIND
2 : to tighten preparatory to use; also : to get ready for : prepare oneself
3 : to restore strength and activity to : INVIGORATE
4 : to furnish or support with a brace; also : STRENGTHEN
5 : to set firmly
6 : to gain courage or confidence

Synonyms
[3] animate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz, liven, pep, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify—more at ANIMATE
[4] bear, bolster, buttress, carry, prop, shore, stay, strengthen, support, uphold—more at SUPPORT
[6] forearm, fortify, nerve, ready, steel—more at FORTIFY

2brace noun, plural brac·es
1 or pl brace : two of a kind <a ~ of dogs>
2 : a crank-shaped device for turning a bit
3 : something (as a tie, prop, or clamp) that distributes, directs, or resists pressure or weight
4 plural : SUSPENDERS
5 : an appliance for supporting a body part (as the shoulders)
6 plural : a dental appliance used to exert pressure to straighten misaligned teeth
7 : one of two marks { } used to connect words or items to be considered together

Synonyms
[1] couple, duo, pair, twain, twosome—more at PAIR
[3] bulwark, buttress, mount, shore, stay, support, underpinning—more at SUPPORT

brace·let noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF, dim. of bras arm, fr. L bracchium, fr. Gk brachiōn]

1 : an ornamental band or chain worn around the wrist
2 : something (as handcuffs) resembling a bracelet

bra·ce·ro noun, plural -ros
: a Mexican laborer admitted to the U.S. esp. for seasonal farm work

brac·ing adjective
: giving strength, vigor, or freshness

Synonyms
invigorating, refreshing, restorative, stimulative, tonic—more at TONIC

brack·en noun
: a large coarse fern; also : a growth of such ferns

1bracket noun
1 : a projecting framework or arm designed to support weight; also : a shelf on such framework
2 : one of a pair of punctuation marks [ ] used esp. to enclose interpolated matter
3 : a continuous section of a series; especially : one of a graded series of income groups

Synonyms
category, class, division, family, grade, group, kind, order, set, species, type—more at CLASS

2bracket verb
1 : to furnish or fasten with brackets
2 a : to place within brackets
b : to separate or group with or as if with brackets

brack·ish adjective
: somewhat salty

— brack·ish·ness noun

bract noun
: an often modified leaf on or at the base of a flower stalk

brad noun
: a slender nail with a small head

brae noun, chiefly Scottish
: a hillside esp. along a river

1brag verb bragged; brag·ging
: to talk or assert boastfully

— brag·ger noun

Synonyms
boast, crow, plume, swagger—more at BOAST

2brag noun
: arrogant talk or manner

Synonyms
bluster, bombast, gas, grandiloquence, rant—more at BOMBAST

brag·ga·do·cio noun, plural -cios
1 : BRAGGART
2 : empty boasting
3 : arrogant pretension : COCKINESS

brag·gart noun
: one who brags

Brah·man or Brah·min noun
1 : a Hindu of the highest caste traditionally assigned to the priesthood
2 : any of a breed of large vigorous humped cattle developed in the southern U.S. from Indian stock
3 usually Brahmin : a person of high social standing and cultivated intellect and taste

Brah·man·ism noun
: orthodox Hinduism

1braid verb
1 : to form (strands) into a braid : PLAIT; also : to make from braids
2 : to ornament with braid

2braid noun
1 : a length of braided hair
2 : a cord or ribbon of three or more interwoven strands

Synonyms
[1, 2] lace, plait; also rickrack, stripe

braille noun, often cap
: a system of writing for the blind that uses characters made up of raised dots

1brain noun
1 : the part of the vertebrate central nervous system enclosed in the skull and continuous with the spinal cord that is composed of neurons and supporting structures and is the center of thought and nervous system control; also : a centralized mass of nerve tissue in an invertebrate
2 a : INTELLECT, INTELLIGENCE — often used in pl.
b : a very intelligent or intellectual person

— brained adjective

Synonyms
genius, intellect, thinker, whiz, wizard—more at GENIUS

2brain verb
1 : to kill by smashing the skull
2 : to hit on the head

brain·child noun
: a product of one's creative imagination

brain death noun
: final cessation of activity in the central nervous system esp. as indicated by a flat electroencephalogram

— brain–dead adjective

brain drain noun
: the departure of educated or professional people from one country, sector, or field to another usu. for better pay or living conditions

brain·less adjective
: lacking intelligence

brain·storm noun
: a sudden inspiration or idea

— brainstorm verb

brain·teas·er noun
: a challenging puzzle

brain·wash·ing noun
1 : a forcible indoctrination to induce someone to give up basic political, social, or religious beliefs and attitudes and to accept contrasting regimented ideas
2 : persuasion by propaganda or salesmanship

— brain·wash verb

brain wave noun
1 : BRAINSTORM
2 : rhythmic fluctuations of voltage between parts of the brain; also : a current produced by brain waves

brainy adjective
: having or showing a well-developed intellect

Synonyms
alert, bright, brilliant, clever, intelligent, keen, nimble, quick, quick-witted, sharp, smart—more at INTELLIGENT

braise verb braised; brais·ing
: to cook (meat) slowly in fat and little moisture in a closed pot

1brake noun
: a common bracken fern

2brake noun
: rough or wet land heavily overgrown (as with thickets or reeds)

Synonyms
brushwood, chaparral, coppice, covert, thicket—more at THICKET

3brake noun
: a device for slowing or stopping motion esp. by friction

— brake·less adjective

4brake verb braked; brak·ing
1 : to slow or stop by or as if by a brake
2 : to apply a brake

Synonyms
decelerate, retard, slow—more at SLOW

brake·man noun
: a train crew member who inspects the train and assists the conductor

bram·ble noun
: any of a large genus of prickly shrubs (as a blackberry) related to the roses; also : any rough prickly shrub or vine

bram·bly adjective
: like or full of brambles

Synonyms
prickly, scratchy, thorny—more at SCRATCHY

bran noun
: the edible broken husks of cereal grain sifted from flour or meal

1branch noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF branche, fr. LL branca paw]

1 : a natural subdivision (as a bough or twig) of a plant stem
2 : a division (as of an antler or a river) related to a whole like a plant branch to its stem
3 : a discrete element of a complex system: as
a : a separate but dependent part of a central organization <the executive ~>
b : a division of a family descended from one ancestor

— branched adjective

Synonyms
affiliate, chapter, local—more at CHAPTER

2branch verb
1 : to develop branches
2 : to spring out (as from a main stem) : DIVERGE
3 : to extend activities <the business is ~ing out>

Synonyms
diverge, fan, radiate—more at RADIATE
usually branch out diverge, divide, fork, separate—more at SEPARATE

1brand noun
1 : a piece of charred or burning wood
2 a : a mark made (as by burning) usu. to identify
b : a mark of disgrace : STIGMA
3 : a class of goods identified as the product of a particular firm or producer
4 : a distinctive kind <my own ~ of humor>

Synonyms
blot, smirch, spot, stain, stigma, taint—more at STAIN

2brand verb
1 : to mark with a brand
2 : STIGMATIZE

bran·dish verb
: to shake or wave menacingly

brand–new adjective
: conspicuously new and unused

Synonyms
fresh, pristine, virgin—more at FRESH
new, spick-and-span, unused—more at NEW

bran·dy noun, plural brandies
[ORIGIN: short for brandywine, fr. D brandewijn, fr. MD brantwijn, fr. brant distilled + wijn wine]

: a liquor distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice

— brandy verb

brash adjective
1 : prone to act in a rash, impetuous manner
2 : aggressively self-assertive

— brash·ly adverb

— brash·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] foolhardy, madcap, overbold, overconfident, reckless—more at FOOLHARDY
[2] arch, bold, brazen, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY

brass noun
1 : an alloy of copper and zinc; also : an object of brass
2 : brazen self-assurance
3 : persons of high rank (as in the military)

Synonyms
audacity, brazenness, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, nerve, presumption, sauce, sauciness, temerity—more at EFFRONTERY

brassy adjective
: shamelessly bold

bras·siere noun
: a woman's close-fitting undergarment designed to support the breasts

brat noun
: an ill-behaved child

— brat·ti·ness noun

— brat·ty adjective

bra·va·do noun, plural -does or -dos
1 : blustering swaggering conduct
2 : a show of bravery

1brave adjective brav·er; brav·est
[ORIGIN: MF, fr. It & Sp bravo courageous, wild, prob. fr. L barbarus barbarous]

1 : showing courage
2 : EXCELLENT, SPLENDID

— brave·ly adverb

Synonyms
courageous, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant, valorous; also determined, firm, game, plucky, resolute, undeterred, undismayed, unflinching, unswerving
Antonyms
cowardly, craven, fainthearted, fearful, pusillanimous, timorous

2brave verb braved; brav·ing
: to face or endure bravely

Synonyms
beard, brazen, confront, dare, defy, face—more at FACE

3brave noun
: an American Indian warrior

brav·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : the quality or state of being brave : COURAGE
2 : fine clothes; also : showy display

Synonyms
courage, daring, fearlessness, gallantry, guts, hardihood, heart, heroism, nerve, stoutness, valor—more at COURAGE

bra·vo noun, plural bravos
: a shout of approval — often used as an interjection in applauding

bra·vu·ra noun
1 : a florid brilliant musical style
2 : self-assured brilliant performance

— bravura adjective

1brawl noun
: a noisy quarrel

— brawl·er noun

Synonyms
altercation, argument, bicker, disagreement, dispute, fight, quarrel, row, wrangle—more at ARGUMENT
fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee, row; also battle, clash, combat, conflict, contest, fight, fisticuffs, scrap, scrimmage, scuffle, struggle, tussle

2brawl verb
: to quarrel or fight noisily

Synonyms
argue, bicker, dispute, fall out, fight, hassle, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle—more at ARGUE

brawn noun
: strong muscles; also : muscular strength

— brawn·i·ness noun

brawny adjective
: having well-developed muscles

Synonyms
muscular, rugged, sinewy, stalwart, stout, strong—more at STRONG

bray noun
: the characteristic harsh cry of a donkey

— bray verb

braze verb brazed; braz·ing
: to solder with an alloy (as brass) that melts at a lower temperature than the metals being joined

— braz·er noun

1brazen adjective
1 : made of brass
2 : sounding harsh and loud
3 : of the color of brass
4 : marked by contemptuous boldness

— bra·zen·ly adverb

Synonyms
arch, bold, brash, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY

2brazen verb
: to face boldly or defiantly

Synonyms
beard, brave, confront, dare, defy, face—more at FACE

bra·zen·ness noun
: the quality or state of being brazen

Synonyms
discourtesy, disrespect, impertinence, impudence, incivility, insolence, rudeness—more at DISCOURTESY
audacity, brass, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, nerve, presumption, sauce, sauciness, temerity—more at EFFRONTERY

1brazier noun
: a worker in brass

2brazier noun
1 : a vessel holding burning coals (as for heating)
2 : a device on which food is grilled

Bra·zil·ian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Brazil

— Brazilian adjective

Bra·zil nut noun
: a triangular oily edible nut borne in large capsules by a tall So. American tree; also : the tree

1breach noun
1 : a breaking of a law, obligation, tie (as of friendship), or standard (as of conduct)
2 : an interruption or opening made by or as if by breaking through

Synonyms
[1] infraction, infringement, offense, transgression, trespass, violation, wrong
Antonyms
observance
[2] break, discontinuity, gap, gulf, hole, interval, opening, rent, rift, separation—more at GAP

2breach verb
1 : to make a breach in
2 : to leap out of water <whales ~ing>
3 : to fail to keep or honor : violate a trust

Synonyms
break, transgress, violate—more at VIOLATE

1bread noun
1 : baked food made basically of flour or meal
2 : a substance with food value : FOOD

2bread verb
: to cover with bread crumbs before cooking

bread·bas·ket noun
: a major cereal-producing region

bread·fruit noun
: a round usu. seedless fruit resembling bread in color and texture when baked; also : a tall tropical tree related to the mulberry and bearing breadfruit

bread·stuff noun
: GRAIN, FLOUR

breadth noun
1 a : distance from side to side : WIDTH
b : a wide expanse
2 : comprehensive quality : SCOPE <~ of knowledge>

Synonyms
[1b] expanse, extent, reach, spread, stretch—more at EXPANSE
[2] amplitude, compass, extent, range, reach, realm, scope, sweep, width—more at RANGE

bread·win·ner noun
: a member of a family whose wages supply its livelihood

1break verb broke ; bro·ken ; break·ing
1 : to separate into parts usu. suddenly or violently : come or force apart
2 : to violate a command or law : TRANSGRESS <~ a law>
3 : to force a way into, out of, or through
4 a : to disrupt the order or unity of <~ ranks> <~ up a gang>
b : to cause the destruction or loss of effectiveness of; also : to bring to submission or helplessness
5 : EXCEED, SURPASS <~ a record>
6 a : to cause to suffer financial ruin
b : to reduce in rank <broken from sargeant to private>
7 a : to make known
b : to find an explanation or solution for; also : to discover the essentials of (a code or cipher system)
8 a : to stop or bring to an end suddenly : HALT
b : to act or change abruptly (as a course or activity)
9 : to come esp. suddenly into being or notice <as day ~s>
10 : to fail under stress
11 : HAPPEN, DEVELOP
12 : to escape with sudden forceful effort

Synonyms
[1] bust, fracture, fragment; also blast, blow up, burst, detonate, explode
[2] breach, transgress, violate—more at VIOLATE
[6b] bust, degrade, demote, downgrade, reduce—more at DEMOTE
[7b] answer, crack, decode, dope, figure out, puzzle, resolve, riddle, solve, unravel, work, work out—more at SOLVE
[8a] break off, cease, cut, desist, discontinue, drop, end, halt, knock off, lay off, leave off, quit, shut off, stop—more at STOP
[10] break down, conk, crash, cut out, die, fail, stall—more at FAIL
[12] bolt, flee, fly, retreat, run, run away, run off—more at RUN

2break noun
1 : an act of breaking
2 : a result of breaking; especially : an interruption of strength or continuity <coffee ~> <a ~ in the wall>
3 : a stroke of good luck

Synonyms
breach, discontinuity, gap, gulf, hole, interval, opening, rent, rift, separation—more at GAP
breath, breather, recess, respite; also time-out

break·able adjective
: capable of being broken

— breakable noun

Synonyms
delicate, fragile, frail—more at FRAGILE

break·age noun
1 : the action of breaking
2 : articles or amount broken
3 : loss due to things broken

break·down noun
1 : functional failure; especially : a physical, mental, or nervous collapse
2 : DISINTEGRATION
3 : the process of decomposing : DECOMPOSITION
4 : division into categories : ANALYSIS

Synonyms
[3] corruption, decay, decomposition, putrefaction, rot, spoilage—more at CORRUPTION
[4] analysis, assay, breakup, dissection—more at ANALYSIS

break down verb
1 : to stop functioning because of breakage or wear
2 : to divide into parts or categories
3 : to undergo decomposition
4 : to succumb to mental or emotional stress

Synonyms
[1] break, conk, crash, cut out, die, fail, stall—more at FAIL
[2] assort, categorize, class, classify, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, separate, sort—more at CLASSIFY
[3] corrupt, decay, decompose, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, rot, spoil—more at DECAY
[4] crack, flip, freak—more at CRACK

break·er noun
1 : one that breaks
2 : a wave that breaks into foam (as against the shore)

break·fast noun
: the first meal of the day

— breakfast verb

break in verb
1 : to enter a building by force
2 : to hinder by speaking when another is speaking : INTERRUPT; also : INTRUDE
3 : TRAIN

— break–in noun

Synonyms
chime in, cut in, interpose, interrupt, intrude—more at INTERRUPT

break·neck adjective
: very fast or dangerous <~ speed>

Synonyms
breathless, dizzy, fast, fleet, lightning, rapid, rattling, speedy, swift—more at FAST

break off verb
: to stop abruptly : bring or come to an end

Synonyms
break, cease, cut, desist, discontinue, drop, end, halt, knock off, lay off, leave off, quit, shut off, stop—more at STOP

break out verb
1 : to develop or erupt suddenly or with force
2 : to develop a skin rash

Synonyms
burst, erupt, explode, flame, flare, go off—more at ERUPT

break·through noun
1 : an act or instance of breaking through an obstruction or defensive line
2 : a sudden advance in knowledge or technique

Synonyms
advance, advancement, enhancement, improvement, refinement—more at ADVANCE

break·up noun
1 : the act or process of dissolving : DISSOLUTION
2 : a division into smaller units

Synonyms
dissolution, division, partition, schism, separation, split—more at SEPARATION

break up verb
1 : to cease to exist as a unified whole
2 : to break into pieces

Synonyms
[1] disband, disperse, dissolve—more at DISBAND
[2] disconnect, disjoint, dissever, dissociate, disunite, divide, divorce, part, resolve, separate, sever, split, sunder, unyoke—more at SEPARATE

break·wa·ter noun
: a structure protecting a harbor or beach from the force of waves

bream noun, plural bream or breams
: any of various small freshwater sunfishes

breast noun
1 : either of the pair of mammary glands extending from the front of the chest esp. in pubescent and adult human females
2 : the front part of the body between the neck and the abdomen
3 : the seat of emotion and thought

breast·bone noun
: STERNUM

breast–feed verb
: to feed (a baby) from a mother's breast rather than from a bottle

breast·plate noun
: a metal plate of armor for the breast

breast·stroke noun
: a swimming stroke executed by extending both arms forward and then sweeping them back with palms out while kicking backward and outward with both legs

breast·work noun
: a temporary fortification

breath noun
1 a : the act or power of breathing
b : opportunity or time to breathe; especially : a pause in an activity
2 : a slight breeze
3 : air inhaled or exhaled in breathing
4 : spoken sound
5 : SPIRIT

— breath·less·ly adverb

— breath·less·ness noun

— breathy adjective

Synonyms
[1b] break, breather, pause, recess, respite—more at BREAK
[2] air, breeze, puff, waft, zephyr—more at BREEZE

breathe verb breathed; breath·ing
1 : to inhale and exhale
2 : to be alive : LIVE
3 : to halt for rest
4 : to utter softly or secretly

— breath·able adjective

Synonyms
be, exist, live, subsist—more at BE

breath·er noun
1 : one that breathes
2 : a short rest

Synonyms
break, breath, recess, respite—more at BREAK

breath·less adjective
1 a : panting or gasping for breath
b : not breathing : not alive
2 : very rapid or strenuous
3 : oppressive because of no fresh air or breeze

Synonyms
[1b] dead, deceased, defunct, gone, late, lifeless—more at DEAD
[2] breakneck, brisk, dizzy, fast, fleet, hasty, lightning, nippy, quick, rapid, rattling, snappy, speedy, swift—more at FAST
[3] close, stuffy—more at STUFFY

breath·tak·ing adjective
1 : making one out of breath
2 : producing excitement : EXCITING, THRILLING <~ beauty>

— breath·tak·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
electric, exciting, exhilarating, rousing, stirring, thrilling—more at EXCITING

brec·cia noun
: a rock consisting of sharp fragments held in fine-grained material

breech noun
1 plural : trousers ending near the knee; also : PANTS
2 : the hind end of the body : BUTTOCKS, RUMP
3 : the part of a firearm at the rear of the barrel

1breed verb bred ; breed·ing
1 : BEGET; also : ORIGINATE
2 : to propagate sexually; also : MATE
3 : to bring (a person) to maturity through nurturing care and education : BRING UP
4 : to produce (fissionable material) from material that is not fissionable

— breed·er noun

Synonyms
[2] mate, multiply, procreate, propagate, reproduce—more at PROCREATE
[3] bring up, foster, raise, rear—more at BRING UP

2breed noun
1 : a strain of similar and presumably related plants or animals usu. developed in domestication
2 : a group, set, or kind sharing common attributes : SORT, CLASS

Synonyms
class, description, feather, ilk, kind, like, manner, nature, order, sort, species, type—more at SORT

breed·ing noun
1 : line of descent : ANCESTRY
2 : training in polite social interaction
3 : sexual propagation of plants or animals

Synonyms
ancestry, birth, blood, bloodline, descent, extraction, family tree, genealogy, line, lineage, origin, parentage, pedigree, stock, strain—more at ANCESTRY

1breeze noun
1 : a light wind
2 : something easily done : CINCH, SNAP

— breeze·less adjective

Synonyms
[1] air, breath, puff, waft, zephyr; also draft, whiff
[2] child's play, cinch, picnic, pushover, snap—more at CINCH

2breeze verb breezed; breez·ing
: to progress quickly and easily; also : to move swiftly and airily

Synonyms
bowl, coast, drift, flow, glide, roll, sail, skim, slide, slip, stream, sweep, whisk—more at FLOW
dash, fly, hasten, hurry, run, rush, speed, whirl, zip, zoom—more at HURRY

breeze·way noun
: a roofed open passage connecting two buildings (as a house and garage)

breezy adjective
1 : swept by breezes
2 : briskly informal

— breez·i·ly adverb

— breez·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] blowy, blustery, gusty, windy—more at WINDY
[2] affable, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, laid-back—more at EASYGOING

breth·ren plural of BROTHER
— used esp. in formal or solemn address

Brethren noun plural
: members of one of several Protestant denominations originating chiefly in a German religious movement and stressing personal religious experience

bre·via·ry noun, plural -ries often cap
: a book of prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings used by Roman Catholic priests

brev·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : shortness or conciseness of expression
2 : shortness of duration

Synonyms
[1, 2] briefness, conciseness, shortness; also abbreviation, abridgment, compression, condensation, contraction, curtailment

brew verb
1 : to prepare (as beer) by steeping, boiling, and fermenting
2 : to prepare (as tea) by steeping in hot water

— brew noun

— brew·er noun

— brew·ery noun

1briar also brier noun
: a plant (as a bramble or rose) with a thorny or prickly usu. woody stem

2briar noun
: a tobacco pipe made from the root or stem of a European heath

1bribe noun
[ORIGIN: ME, morsel given to a beggar, bribe, fr. AF, morsel]

: something (as money or a favor) given or promised to a person to influence conduct

2bribe verb bribed; brib·ing
: to influence by offering a bribe

— brib·er noun

— brib·ery noun

brib·able adjective
: capable of being bribed

Synonyms
corruptible, purchasable, venal—more at VENAL

bric–a–brac noun plural
[ORIGIN: F]

: small ornamental articles

1brick noun
: a block molded from moist clay and hardened by heat used esp. for building

2brick verb
: to close, cover, or pave with bricks

brick·bat noun
1 : a piece of a hard material (as a brick) esp. when thrown as a missile
2 : an uncomplimentary remark

brick·lay·er noun
: a person who builds or paves with bricks

— brick·lay·ing noun

1bridal noun
[ORIGIN: ME bridale, fr. OE brȳdealu, fr. brȳd bride + ealu ale]

: a marriage festival or ceremony : WEDDING

2bridal adjective
: of or relating to a bride or a wedding

bride noun
: a woman just married or about to be married

bride·groom noun
: a man just married or about to be married

brides·maid noun
: a woman who attends a bride at her wedding

1bridge noun
1 : a structure built over a depression or obstacle for use as a passageway
2 : something (as the upper part of the nose) resembling a bridge in form or function
3 : a curved piece raising the strings of a musical instrument
4 : the forward part of a ship's superstructure from which it is navigated
5 : an artificial replacement for missing teeth

2bridge verb bridged; bridg·ing
: to build a bridge over

— bridge·able adjective

3bridge noun
: a card game for four players developed from whist

bridge·head noun
: an advanced position seized in enemy territory

bridge·work noun
: dental bridges

1bridle noun
1 : headgear with which a horse is controlled
2 : CURB, RESTRAINT

2bridle verb bri·dled; bri·dling
1 a : to put a bridle on
b : to restrain with or as if with a bridle
2 : to show hostility or scorn usu. by tossing the head

Synonyms
check, constrain, contain, control, curb, govern, inhibit, regulate, rein, restrain, tame

Brie noun
: a soft cheese with a whitish rind and a pale yellow interior

1brief adjective
1 : short in duration or extent
2 : marked by brevity of expression or statement : CONCISE; also : CURT

— brief·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] little, short, short-lived—more at SHORT
[2] compact, compendious, concise, crisp, curt, epigrammatic, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, terse—more at CONCISE

2brief noun
1 : a concise statement or document; especially : one summarizing a law client's case or a legal argument
2 plural : short snug underpants

3brief verb
: to give final instructions or essential information to

Synonyms
acquaint, advise, apprise, clue, enlighten, familiarize, fill in, inform, instruct, tell, wise—more at ENLIGHTEN

brief·case noun
: a flat flexible case for carrying papers

brief·ness noun
: the quality or state of being brief

Synonyms
brevity, conciseness, shortness—more at BREVITY
brevity, compactness, conciseness, crispness, succinctness, terseness—more at SUCCINCTNESS

bri·er variant of BRIAR

1brig noun
: a 2-masted square-rigged sailing ship

2brig noun
: the place of confinement for offenders on a naval ship

3brig abbreviation
brigade

bri·gade noun
1 : a military unit composed of a headquarters, one or more units of infantry or armored forces, and supporting units
2 : a group organized for a particular purpose (as fire fighting)

brig·a·dier general noun
: a commissioned officer (as in the army) ranking next below a major general

brig·and noun
: BANDIT

— brig·and·age noun

brig·an·tine noun
: a 2-masted square-rigged ship with a fore-and-aft mainsail

Brig Gen abbreviation
brigadier general

bright adjective
1 : radiating or reflecting light
2 : ILLUSTRIOUS, GLORIOUS
3 a : having a cheerful nature
b : mentally quick and resourceful : INTELLIGENT, CLEVER
4 : conducive to cheer

— bright adverb

— bright·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] beaming, brilliant, effulgent, glowing, incandescent, lambent, lucent, lucid, luminous, lustrous, radiant, refulgent, shiny; also blazing, burning, fiery
Antonyms
dim, dull, lackluster
[1] ablaze, alight, light; also floodlit, highlighted, spotlighted
Antonyms
blackened, dark, darkened, darkling, dimmed, dusky
[3a] blithe, buoyant, cheerful, cheery, chipper, gay, lightsome, sunny, upbeat—more at CHEERFUL
[3b] alert, brainy, brilliant, clever, intelligent, keen, nimble, quick, quick-witted, sharp, smart—more at INTELLIGENT
[4] auspicious, encouraging, fair, favorable, golden, heartening, hopeful, likely, promising, propitious, rosy, upbeat—more at HOPEFUL

bright·en verb
: to make or become bright or brighter

— bright·en·er noun

bright·ness noun
: the state or quality of being bright

bril·liance noun
: the quality or state of being brilliant

Synonyms
augustness, glory, grandeur, grandness, magnificence, majesty, nobility, nobleness, resplendence, splendor, stateliness—more at MAGNIFICENCE
dazzle, effulgence, illumination, lightness, lucidity, luminosity, radiance, refulgence, splendor; also blaze, flare, flicker, light
Antonyms
blackness, dark, darkness, duskiness

bril·lian·cy noun
: the quality or state of being brilliant

1brilliant adjective
[ORIGIN: F brillant, prp. of briller to shine, fr. It brillare]

1 : very bright
2 : STRIKING, DISTINCTIVE
3 : very intelligent

— bril·liant·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] beaming, bright, effulgent, glowing, incandescent, lambent, lucent, lucid, luminous, lustrous, radiant, refulgent, shiny—more at BRIGHT
[3] alert, brainy, bright, clever, intelligent, keen, nimble, quick, quick-witted, sharp, smart—more at INTELLIGENT

2brilliant noun
: a gem cut in a particular form with many facets

1brim noun
1 : an upper or outer margin : EDGE, RIM
2 : the projecting rim of a hat

— brim·less adjective

2brim verb brimmed; brim·ming
: to be or become full often to overflowing

brim·ful adjective
: full to the brim

Synonyms
chock-full, crowded, fat, fraught, full, loaded, packed, replete—more at FULL

brim·stone noun
: SULFUR

brin·dled adjective
: having dark streaks or flecks on a gray or tawny ground <a ~ Great Dane>

brine noun
1 : water saturated with salt
2 : the water of a sea or salt lake : OCEAN

Synonyms
blue, deep, ocean, sea—more at OCEAN

bring verb brought ; bring·ing
1 : to cause to come with one
2 : INDUCE, PERSUADE, LEAD
3 : PRODUCE, EFFECT
4 : to sell for <~ a good price>

— bring·er noun

Synonyms
cost, fetch, go, sell—more at COST

bring about verb
: to cause to take place

Synonyms
cause, create, effect, effectuate, generate, induce, make, produce, prompt, result, work, yield—more at EFFECT

bring up verb
1 : to give a parent's fostering care to
2 : to come or bring to a sudden halt
3 : to call to notice

Synonyms
[1] breed, foster, raise, rear; also father, mother
[3] broach, introduce, moot, raise—more at INTRODUCE

brink noun
1 : an edge at the top of a steep place
2 : the point of onset

briny adjective
: of, relating to, or resembling brine or the sea

— brin·i·ness noun

Synonyms
saline, salty—more at SALTY

brio noun
: VIVACITY, SPIRIT

bri·quette or bri·quet noun
: a compacted often brick-shaped mass of fine material <a charcoal ~>

bris also briss noun
: the Jewish rite of circumcision

brisk adjective
1 : keenly alert : LIVELY
2 : INVIGORATING
3 : acting or capable of acting with speed

Synonyms
active, animate, animated, energetic, jaunty, lively, peppy, perky, pert, spirited, sprightly, springy, vital, vivacious—more at LIVELY

bris·ket noun
: the breast or lower chest of a quadruped; also : a cut of beef from the brisket

brisk·ly adverb
: in a brisk manner

Synonyms
apace, fast, hastily, pronto, quick, quickly, rapidly, speedily, swift, swiftly—more at FAST

brisk·ness noun
: the quality or state of being brisk

Synonyms
animation, exuberance, liveliness, lustiness, robustness, sprightliness, vibrancy, vitality—more at VITALITY

bris·ling noun
: SPRAT

1bristle noun
: a short stiff coarse hair

— bris·tle·like adjective

2bristle verb bris·tled; bris·tling
1 : to stand stiffly erect
2 : to show angry defiance
3 : to appear as if covered with bristles

bris·tly adjective
: consisting of or like bristles

Brit abbreviation
Britain; British

Bri·tan·nic adjective
: BRITISH

britch·es noun plural
: BREECHES, TROUSERS

Brit·ish noun plural
: the people of Great Britain or the Commonwealth

— British adjective

— Brit·ish·ness noun

British thermal unit noun
: the quantity of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit

Brit·on noun
1 : a member of a people inhabiting Britain before the Anglo-Saxon invasion
2 : a native or inhabitant of Great Britain

brit·tle adjective brit·tler; brit·tlest
: easily broken

— brit·tle·ness noun

bro noun, plural bros
1 : BROTHER 1
2 : SOUL BROTHER

1broach noun
: a pointed tool

2broach verb
1 : to pierce (as a cask) in order to draw the contents
2 : to introduce as a topic of conversation

Synonyms
bring up, introduce, moot, raise—more at INTRODUCE

1broad adjective
1 : having a specified extension from side to side : WIDE
2 : extending far and wide
3 : CLEAR, OPEN
4 : easily understood : OBVIOUS <a ~ hint>
5 : COARSE, CRUDE <~ stories>
6 : tolerant in outlook
7 : GENERAL
8 : dealing with main or essential points

— broad·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] expansive, extended, extensive, far-flung, far-reaching, wide, widespread—more at EXTENSIVE
[4] apparent, clear, clear-cut, distinct, evident, lucid, manifest, obvious, palpable, patent, perspicuous, plain, transparent, unambiguous, unequivocal, unmistakable—more at CLEAR
[8] all-around, bird's-eye, general, nonspecific, overall—more at GENERAL

2broad noun, slang
: WOMAN

broad·band noun
: a system of high-speed telecommunications in which a frequency range is divided into multiple independent channels for simultaneous transmission of signals

1broadcast verb broadcast also broad·cast·ed; broad·cast·ing
1 : to scatter or sow broadcast
2 : to make widely known
3 : to transmit a broadcast

— broad·cast·er noun

Synonyms
circulate, disseminate, propagate, spread, strew—more at SPREAD
advertise, announce, blaze, declare, enunciate, placard, post, proclaim, promulgate, publicize, publish, sound—more at ANNOUNCE

2broadcast adverb
: to or over a wide area

3broadcast noun
1 : the transmission of sound or images by radio or television
2 : a single radio or television program

broad·cloth noun
1 : a smooth dense woolen cloth
2 : a fine soft cloth of cotton, silk, or synthetic fiber

broad·en verb
: WIDEN

broad·loom adjective
: woven on a wide loom esp. in a solid color

broad·ly adverb
: in a broad manner; especially : to a great extent

Synonyms
considerably, greatly, largely, much, sizably

broad–mind·ed adjective
: tolerant of varied opinions

— broad–mind·ed·ly adverb

— broad–mind·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
liberal, nonorthodox, nontraditional, open-minded, progressive, radical, unconventional, unorthodox—more at LIBERAL

1broadside noun
1 : a sheet of paper printed usu. on one side (as an advertisement)
2 : all of the guns on one side of a ship; also : their simultaneous firing
3 : a volley of abuse or denunciation

2broadside adverb
1 : with one side forward : SIDEWAYS
2 : from the side <the car was hit ~>

broad–spectrum adjective
: effective against a wide range of organisms <~ antibiotics>

broad·sword noun
: a broad-bladed sword

broad·tail noun
: a karakul esp. with flat and wavy fur

bro·cade noun
: a usu. silk fabric with a raised design

broc·co·li noun
[ORIGIN: It, pl. of broccolo flowering top of a cabbage, dim. of brocco small nail, sprout, fr. L broccus projecting]

: the stems and immature usu. green or purple flower heads of either of two garden vegetable plants closely related to the cabbage; also : either of the plants

bro·chette noun
: SKEWER

bro·chure noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. brocher to sew, fr. MF, to prick, fr. OF brochier, fr. broche pointed tool]

: an unbound printed publication with no cover or with a paper cover : PAMPHLET, BOOKLET

Synonyms
booklet, circular, folder, leaflet, pamphlet—more at PAMPHLET

bro·gan noun
: a heavy shoe

brogue noun
: a dialect or regional pronunciation; especially : an Irish accent

broil verb
: to cook by exposure to radiant heat : GRILL

— broil noun

broil·er noun
1 : a utensil for broiling
2 : a young chicken fit for broiling

broil·ing adjective
: extremely hot

Synonyms
burning, fiery, hot, red-hot, scorching, sultry, torrid—more at HOT

1broke past of BREAK

2broke adjective
: having no money or assets : PENNILESS

Synonyms
destitute, impecunious, indigent, needy, penniless, penurious, poor, poverty-stricken—more at POOR

1broken past participle of BREAK

2broken adjective
1 : SHATTERED
2 a : having gaps or breaks : INTERRUPTED, DISRUPTED
b : being irregular, interrupted, or full of obstacles
3 : SUBDUED, CRUSHED
4 : BANKRUPT
5 : imperfectly spoken <~ English>

— bro·ken·ly adverb

Synonyms
bumpy, coarse, irregular, jagged, lumpy, pebbly, ragged, rough, rugged, uneven—more at UNEVEN

bro·ken·heart·ed adjective
: overcome by grief or despair

Synonyms
depressed, despondent, disconsolate, heartsick, miserable, mournful, sad, sorrowful, unhappy, wretched—more at SAD

bro·ker noun
: an agent who negotiates contracts of purchase and sale

— broker verb

bro·ker·age noun
1 : the business of a broker
2 : the fee or commission charged by a broker

bro·mide noun
: a compound of bromine and another element or chemical group including some (as potassium bromide) used as sedatives

bro·mid·ic adjective
: TRITE, UNORIGINAL

bro·mine noun
[ORIGIN: F brome bromine, fr. Gk brōmos stink]

: a deep red liquid corrosive chemical element that gives off an irritating vapor

bronc noun
: an unbroken or partly broken range horse of western No. America; also : MUSTANG

bron·chi·al adjective
: of, relating to, or affecting the bronchi or their branches

bron·chi·tis noun
: inflammation of the bronchi and their branches

— bron·chit·ic adjective

bron·chus noun, plural bron·chi
: either of the main divisions of the windpipe each leading to a lung

bron·co noun, plural broncos
[ORIGIN: MexSp, fr. Sp, rough, wild]

: BRONC

bron·to·sau·rus also bron·to·saur noun
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. Gk brontē thunder + sauros lizard]

: any of a genus of large 4-footed and probably herbivorous sauropod dinosaurs of the Jurassic

Bronx cheer noun
: RASPBERRY 2

1bronze verb bronzed; bronz·ing
: to give the appearance of bronze to

2bronze noun
1 : an alloy of copper and tin and sometimes other elements; also : something made of bronze
2 : a yellowish brown color

— bronzy adjective

brooch noun
: an ornamental clasp or pin

1brood noun
: a family of young animals or children and esp. of birds

2brood adjective
: kept for breeding <a ~ mare>

3brood verb
1 : to sit on eggs to hatch them; also : to shelter (hatched young) with the wings
2 : to think anxiously or gloomily about something

— brood·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
hatch, incubate, set, sit—more at SET

brood·er noun
1 : one that broods
2 : a heated structure for raising young birds

1brook noun
: a small natural stream

Synonyms
creek, rill, rivulet, streamlet—more at CREEK

2brook verb
: to stand for : TOLERATE, BEAR

Synonyms
abide, bear, countenance, endure, meet, stand, stick out, stomach, support, sustain, take, tolerate—more at BEAR

brook·let noun
: a small brook

brook trout noun
: a common speckled cold-water char of No. America

broom noun
1 : any of several shrubs of the legume family with long slender branches and usu. yellow flowers
2 : an implement with a long handle (broom*stick ) used for sweeping

bros plural of BRO

broth noun, plural broths
1 : liquid in which meat or sometimes vegetable food has been cooked
2 : a fluid culture medium

broth·el noun
: a house of prostitution

broth·er noun, plural brothers also breth·ren
1 : a male having one or both parents in common with another individual
2 : a man who is a religious but not a priest
3 : KINSMAN; also : SOUL BROTHER

— broth·er·li·ness noun

— broth·er·ly adjective

broth·er·hood noun
1 : the state of being brothers or a brother
2 : an association (as a labor union or monastic society) for a particular purpose : FRATERNITY
3 : the whole body of persons in a business or profession

Synonyms
association, club, college, congress, council, fellowship, fraternity, guild, institute, institution, league, order, organization, society—more at ASSOCIATION

broth·er–in–law noun, plural brothers–in–law
: the brother of one's spouse; also : the husband of one's sister or of one's spouse's sister

brougham noun
: a light closed horse-drawn carriage with the driver outside in front

brought past and past participle of BRING

brou·ha·ha noun
: HUBBUB, UPROAR

brow noun
1 : the eyebrow or the ridge on which it grows; also : FOREHEAD
2 : the projecting upper part of a steep place

brow·beat verb -beat; -beat·en or -beat; -beat·ing
: to intimidate by sternness or arrogance

Synonyms
bully, cow, hector, intimidate—more at INTIMIDATE

1brown adjective
: of the color brown; also : of dark or tanned complexion

2brown noun
: a color like that of coffee or chocolate that is a blend of red and yellow darkened by black

— brown·ish adjective

3brown verb
: to make or become brown

brown bag·ging noun
: the practice of carrying one's lunch usu. in a brown bag

— brown bag·ger noun

brown bear noun
: any of various large typically brown-furred bears including the grizzly bear

brown·ie noun
1 : a legendary cheerful elf who performs good deeds at night
2 cap : a member of a program of the Girl Scouts for girls in the first through third grades
3 : a small square or rectangle of chocolate cake

Synonyms
dwarf, elf, fairy, fay, gnome, hobgoblin, leprechaun, pixie, puck, troll—more at FAIRY

brown·nose verb
: to ingratiate oneself with

— brownnose noun

brown·out noun
: a period of reduced voltage of electricity caused esp. by high demand and resulting in reduced illumination

brown rice noun
: hulled but unpolished rice that retains most of the bran layers

brown·stone noun
: a dwelling faced with reddish brown sandstone

1browse verb browsed; brows·ing
1 : to feed on browse; also : GRAZE
2 : to read or look over something in a casual way
3 : to access (as the World Wide Web) with a browser

Synonyms
[1] forage, graze, pasture—more at GRAZE
[2] dip, glance, glimpse, peek, skim—more at GLANCE

2browse noun
: tender shoots, twigs, and leaves fit for food for cattle

brows·er noun
: a computer program for accessing sites or information on a network (as the World Wide Web)

bru·in noun
: BEAR

bru·schet·ta noun
: an appetizer of grilled bread with toppings

1bruise verb bruised; bruis·ing
1 : to inflict a bruise on; also : to become bruised
2 : to break down (as leaves or berries) by pounding

2bruise noun
: a surface injury to flesh : CONTUSION

bruis·er noun
: a big husky man

bruit verb
: to make widely known by common report

brunch noun
: a meal that combines a late breakfast and an early lunch

bru·net or bru·nette adjective
[ORIGIN: F brunet, masc., brunette, fem., brownish, fr. OF, fr. brun brown, of Gmc origin]

: having brown or black hair and usu. a relatively dark complexion

— brunet or brunette noun

brunt noun
: the main shock, force, or stress esp. of an attack; also : the greater burden

1brush noun
1 : BRUSHWOOD
2 : scrub vegetation or land covered with it

2brush noun
1 : a device composed of bristles set in a handle and used esp. for cleaning or painting
2 : a bushy tail (as of a fox)
3 : an electrical conductor that makes contact between a stationary and a moving part (as of a motor)
4 : a quick light touch in passing

3brush verb
1 : to treat (as in cleaning or painting) with a brush
2 a : to remove with or as if with a brush
b : to dismiss in an offhand manner — usu. used with aside or off
3 : to touch gently in passing

Synonyms
usually brush aside or brush off [2b] condone, disregard, excuse, gloss, ignore, pardon, pass over, shrug off, wink—more at EXCUSE
[3] graze, kiss, nick, shave, skim; also bump, contact, scrape, strike, sweep, swipe, touch

4brush noun
: a brief encounter or skirmish : SKIRMISH

Synonyms
encounter, hassle, run-in, scrape, skirmish—more at ENCOUNTER

brush–off noun
: a curt offhand dismissal

Synonyms
cold shoulder, rebuff, repulse, snub—more at COLD SHOULDER

brush up verb
: to renew one's skill

brush·wood noun
1 : small branches of wood esp. when cut
2 : a thicket of shrubs and small trees

Synonyms
brake, chaparral, coppice, covert, thicket—more at THICKET

brusque adjective
[ORIGIN: F brusque, fr. It brusco, fr. ML bruscus a plant with stiff twigs used for brooms]

: blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious harshness : CURT, BLUNT, ABRUPT

— brusque·ly adverb

Synonyms
abrupt, bluff, blunt, curt, snippy—more at BLUNT

brus·sels sprout noun, often cap B
: one of the edible small heads borne on the stalk of a plant closely related to the cabbage; also, pl : this plant

bru·tal adjective
1 : befitting a brute : CRUEL
2 : physically discomforting : HARSH, SEVERE <~ weather>
3 : unpleasantly accurate

— bru·tal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] barbarous, cruel, heartless, inhumane, sadistic, savage, vicious, wanton—more at CRUEL
[2] bitter, burdensome, cruel, excruciating, grievous, grim, hard, harsh, heavy, inhuman, murderous, onerous, oppressive, rough, rugged, severe, stiff, tough, trying—more at HARSH

bru·tal·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being brutal

Synonyms
barbarity, cruelty, inhumanity, sadism, savagery, viciousness, wantonness—more at CRUELTY

bru·tal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make brutal
2 : to treat brutally

1brute adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF brut rough, fr. L brutus brutish, lit., heavy]

1 : of or relating to beasts
2 : BRUTAL
3 : UNREASONING; also : purely physical <~ strength>

2brute noun
1 : a 4-footed animal : BEAST
2 : a brutal person

Synonyms
[1] animal, beast, creature, critter—more at ANIMAL
[2] beast, devil, fiend, monster, savage, villain

brut·ish adjective
1 : BRUTE 1
2 : strongly sensual; also : showing little intelligence

BS abbreviation
bachelor of science

BSA abbreviation
Boy Scouts of America

bskt abbreviation
basket

Bt abbreviation
baronet

btry abbreviation
battery

Btu abbreviation
British thermal unit

bu abbreviation
bushel

1bubble noun
1 : a globule of gas in a liquid
2 : a thin film of liquid filled with gas
3 : something lacking firmness or solidity

2bubble verb bub·bled; bub·bling
: to form, rise in, or give off bubbles

bub·bly adjective
: full of or showing good spirits

Synonyms
buoyant, effervescent, exuberant, frolicsome, high-spirited, vivacious—more at EXUBERANT

bub·kes noun plural
[ORIGIN: Yiddish]

: the least amount <didn't win ~>

bu·bo noun, plural buboes
: an inflammatory swelling of a lymph gland

bu·bon·ic plague noun
: plague caused by a bacterium transmitted to human beings by flea bites and marked esp. by chills and fever and by buboes usu. in the groin

buc·ca·neer noun
: any of the freebooters preying on Spanish ships and settlements esp. in 17th century West Indies; broadly : PIRATE

Synonyms
corsair, freebooter, pirate, rover—more at PIRATE

1buck noun, plural bucks
1 or pl buck : a male animal (as a deer or antelope)
2 a : a male human being
b : a man with unusual consideration for personal appearance : DANDY
3 : DOLLAR

Synonyms
[2a] chap, dude, fellow, gent, gentleman, guy, hombre, jack, joker, lad, male, man—more at MAN
[2b] dandy, dude, fop, gallant—more at DANDY

2buck verb
1 : to spring with an arching leap <a ~ing horse>
2 : to charge against something; also : to strive for advancement sometimes without regard to ethical behavior
3 : to offer resistance to

Synonyms
[1] hitch, jerk, jolt, twitch—more at JERK
[3] defy, fight, oppose, repel, resist, withstand—more at RESIST

buck·board noun
: a 4-wheeled horse-drawn wagon with a floor of long springy boards

buck·et noun
1 : a cylindrical open-top container with a handle : PAIL
2 a : an object resembling a bucket in collecting, scooping, or carrying something
b : as much as a bucket will hold; broadly : a large quantity

— buck·et·ful noun

bucket seat noun
: a low separate seat for one person (as in an automobile)

buck·eye noun
: any of various trees or shrubs related to the horse chestnut; also : the large nutlike seed of such a shrub or tree

buck fever noun
: nervous excitement of an inexperienced hunter at the sight of game

1buckle noun
: a clasp (as on a belt) for two loose ends

2buckle verb buck·led; buck·ling
1 : to fasten with a buckle
2 : to apply oneself with vigor
3 : to crumple up : BEND, COLLAPSE

Synonyms
address, apply, bend, devote, give—more at APPLY

3buckle noun
: BEND, FOLD, KINK

buck·ler noun
: SHIELD

buck·ram noun
: a coarse stiff cloth used esp. for binding books

buck·saw noun
: a saw set in a usu. H-shaped frame for sawing wood

buck·shot noun
: lead shot that is from .24 to .33 inch (about 6.1 to 8.4 millimeters) in diameter

buck·skin noun
1 : the skin of a buck
2 : a soft usu. suede-finished leather

— buckskin adjective

buck·tooth noun
: a large projecting front tooth

— buck–toothed adjective

buck·wheat noun
: either of two plants grown for their triangular seeds which are used as a cereal grain; also : these seeds

bu·col·ic adjective
[ORIGIN: L bucolicus, fr. Gk boukolikos, fr. boukolos cowherd]

: relating to or typical of rural life and esp. shepherds or herdsmen : PASTORAL

Synonyms
country, pastoral, rural, rustic—more at RURAL

1bud noun
1 : an undeveloped plant shoot (as of a leaf or a flower); also : a partly opened flower
2 : an asexual reproductive structure that detaches from the parent and forms a new individual
3 : something not yet fully developed <nipped in the ~>

2bud verb bud·ded; bud·ding
1 : to form or put forth buds; also : to reproduce by asexual buds
2 : to be or develop like a bud
3 : to reproduce a desired variety (as of peach) by inserting a bud in a plant of a different variety

Bud·dhism noun
: a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teachings of Gautama Buddha

— Bud·dhist noun or adjective

bud·dy noun, plural buddies
1 : one associated with another esp. in an action; also : FRIEND
2 : FELLOW

Synonyms
chum, comrade, crony, familiar, friend, intimate, pal—more at FRIEND

budge verb budged; budg·ing
1 : to change the place, position, or direction of : MOVE, SHIFT
2 : to give up resistance : YIELD

Synonyms
[1] dislocate, displace, disturb, move, remove, shift, transfer—more at MOVE
[2] bow, capitulate, concede, give in, knuckle under, quit, submit, succumb, surrender, yield—more at YIELD

bud·ger·i·gar noun
: a small brightly colored Australian parrot often kept as a pet

1budget noun
[ORIGIN: ME bowgette, fr. MF bougette, dim. of bouge leather bag, fr. L bulga]

1 : a store or supply accumulated or available
2 : a financial report containing estimates of income and expenses; also : a plan for coordinating income and expenses
3 : the amount of money available for a particular use

— bud·get·ary adjective

Synonyms
[1, 3] account, deposit, fund, kitty, nest egg, pool, supply—more at FUND

2budget verb
1 : to allow for in a budget
2 : to draw up a budget

3budget adjective
: INEXPENSIVE

bud·gie noun
: BUDGERIGAR

1buff noun
1 : a yellow to orange yellow color
2 : one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit : FAN, ENTHUSIAST

Synonyms
addict, aficionado, bug, devotee, enthusiast, fan, fanatic, fancier, fiend, freak, lover, maniac, nut—more at FAN

2buff adjective
: of the color buff

3buff verb
: to make smooth and glossy usu. by friction

Synonyms
burnish, dress, gloss, grind, polish, rub, shine, smooth—more at POLISH

buf·fa·lo noun, plural -lo or -loes also -los
1 : WATER BUFFALO
2 : a large shaggy-maned No. American wild bovine mammal that has short horns and heavy forequarters with a large muscular hump

1buffer noun
: something or someone that protects or shields (as from physical damage or a financial blow)

Synonyms
bumper, cushion, fender, pad—more at CUSHION

2buffer noun
: one that buffs

1buffet noun
: a blow esp. with the hand : SLAP

2buffet verb
1 a : to strike with the hand
b : to pound repeatedly
2 : to struggle against or on

Synonyms
bash, bat, batter, beat, hammer, pound, thump—more at BEAT

3buffet noun
1 : piece of dining-room furniture having compartments and shelves for holding articles of table service : SIDEBOARD
2 : a counter for refreshments; also : a meal at which people serve themselves informally

buff leather noun
: a strong supple oil-tanned leather

buf·foon noun
[ORIGIN: MF bouffon, fr. It buffone]

: a ludicrous figure : CLOWN

— buf·foon·ery noun

Synonyms
clown, harlequin, zany—more at CLOWN

1bug noun
1 : an insect or other creeping or crawling invertebrate animal; especially : an insect pest (as a bedbug)
2 : any of an order of insects with sucking mouthparts and incomplete metamorphosis that includes many plant pests
3 : an unexpected flaw or imperfection <a ~ in a computer program>
4 a : a disease-producing germ
b : a disease caused by a germ
5 : a concealed listening device
6 : one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit

— bug·gy adjective

Synonyms
[4b] affection, ailment, complaint, complication, condition, disease, disorder, fever, ill, illness, infirmity, malady, sickness, trouble—more at DISEASE
[6] addict, aficionado, buff, devotee, enthusiast, fan, fanatic, fancier, fiend, freak, lover, maniac, nut—more at FAN

2bug verb bugged; bug·ging
1 : to annoy esp. by petty provocation
2 : to plant a concealed microphone in

Synonyms
bait, hassle, heckle, needle, ride, taunt, tease—more at TEASE
aggravate, annoy, bother, chafe, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rasp, rile, vex—more at IRRITATE

3bug verb bugged; bug·ging of the eyes
: PROTRUDE, BULGE

bug·a·boo noun, plural -boos
: an imaginary object of fear : BOGEY

bug·bear noun
: an imaginary object of fear : BOGEY; also : a source of dread

Synonyms
bête noire, bogey, hobgoblin, ogre—more at BOGEY

bug·gy noun, plural buggies
1 : a light horse-drawn carriage
2 : a carriage for a baby

bu·gle noun
[ORIGIN: ME, buffalo, instrument made of buffalo horn, bugle, fr. AF, fr. L buculus, dim. of bos head of cattle]

: a valveless brass instrument resembling a trumpet and used esp. for military calls

— bu·gler noun

bug out verb
: to depart in a hurry; also : to flee in panic

1build verb built ; build·ing
1 a : to form or have formed by ordering and uniting materials <~ a house>
b : to develop or bring into being esp. according to a set plan
2 : to produce or create gradually <~ an argument on facts>
3 : to become progressively greater : INCREASE, ENLARGE; also : ENHANCE
4 : to engage in building

— build·er noun

Synonyms
[1a, 1b] assemble, construct, erect, fabricate, make, make up, piece, put up, raise, rear, set up; also fashion, forge, frame, manufacture, mold, produce, shape
Antonyms
disassemble, dismantle, take down
usually build up [2] carve, forge, grind, hammer, work out
usually build up [3] accumulate, appreciate, balloon, burgeon, enhance, enlarge, escalate, expand, increase, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, snowball, swell, wax—more at INCREASE

2build noun
: form or mode of structure; especially : PHYSIQUE

Synonyms
constitution, figure, form, frame, physique, shape—more at PHYSIQUE

build·ing noun
1 : a usu. roofed and walled structure (as a house) for permanent use
2 : the art or business of constructing buildings

build·up noun
: the act or process of building up; also : something produced by this

built–in adjective
1 : forming an integral part of a structure
2 : INHERENT

bulb noun
1 : an underground resting stage of a plant (as a lily or an onion) consisting of a short stem base bearing one or more buds enclosed in overlapping leaves; also : a fleshy plant structure (as a tuber) resembling a bulb
2 : a plant having or growing from a bulb
3 : a rounded more or less bulb-shaped object or part (as for an electric lamp)

— bul·bous adjective

Bul·gar·i·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Bulgaria

— Bulgarian adjective

1bulge verb bulged; bulg·ing
: to become or cause to become protuberant

Synonyms
bag, balloon, beetle, belly, billow, overhang, poke, project, protrude, start, stick out; also dome

2bulge noun
: a swelling projecting part

Synonyms
overhang, projection, protrusion; also dome
Antonyms
concavity, dent, depression, hollow, indentation, pit

bu·li·mia noun
1 : an abnormal and constant craving for food
2 : a serious eating disorder chiefly of females that is characterized by compulsive overeating usu. followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse

— bu·lim·ic adjective or noun

1bulk noun
1 : MAGNITUDE, VOLUME
2 : material that forms a mass in the intestine; especially : FIBER 2
3 : a large mass
4 : the major portion

Synonyms
body, core, generality, main, mass, staple, weight—more at BODY

2bulk verb
1 : to cause to swell or bulge
2 : to appear as a factor : LOOM

bulk·head noun
1 : a partition separating compartments
2 : a structure built to cover a shaft or a cellar stairway

bulky adjective bulk·i·er; -est
: having bulk; especially : being large and unwieldy

1bull noun
1 : a male bovine animal; also : a usu. adult male of various large animals (as the moose, elephant, or whale)
2 : one who buys securities or commodities in expectation of a price increase

— bull·ish adjective

2bull adjective
1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a bull : MALE
2 : large of its kind

3bull noun
[ORIGIN: ME bulle, fr. ML bulla, fr. L, bubble, amulet]

1 : a papal letter
2 : DECREE

4bull noun, slang
: NONSENSE

5bull abbreviation
bulletin

1bulldog noun
: any of a breed of compact muscular short-haired dogs of English origin

2bulldog verb
: to throw (a steer) by seizing the horns and twisting the neck

bull·doze verb
1 : to move, clear, or level with a tractor-driven machine (bull*doz*er) having a broad blade for pushing
2 : to force as if by using a bulldozer

Synonyms
elbow, muscle, press, push—more at PRESS

bul·let noun
[ORIGIN: MF boulette small ball & boulet missile, dims. of boule ball, fr. L bulla bubble]

: a missile to be shot from a firearm

bul·let·proof adjective
1 : impenetrable to bullets; also : INVINCIBLE
2 : not subject to corrections, alteration, or modification

bul·le·tin noun
1 : a brief public report intended for immediate release on a matter of public interest
2 : a periodical publication (as of a college)

— bulletin verb

Synonyms
advertisement, announcement, notice, notification, release—more at ANNOUNCEMENT

bulletin board noun
1 a board (as of cork) for posting notices
2 : a public forum on a computer network in which users write or read messages or download files

bull·fight noun
: a spectacle in which people ceremonially fight with and usu. kill bulls in an arena

— bull·fight·er noun

bull·frog noun
: a large deep-voiced frog

bull·head noun
: any of several common freshwater catfishes of the U.S.

bull·head·ed adjective
: stupidly stubborn : HEADSTRONG

bul·lion noun
: gold or silver esp. in bars or ingots

bull market noun
: a market in which securities or commodities are persistently rising in value

bull·ock noun
: a young bull; also : STEER

bull pen noun
: a place on a baseball field where pitchers warm up; also : the relief pitchers of a baseball team

bull session noun
: an informal discussion

bull's–eye noun, plural bull's–eyes
: the center of a target; also : a shot that hits the bull's-eye

1bully noun, plural bullies
: a person habitually cruel to others who are weaker

Synonyms
gangster, goon, hood, hoodlum, mobster, mug, punk, rowdy, ruffian, thug, tough—more at HOODLUM

2bully adjective
: EXCELLENT, FIRST-RATE — often used interjectionally

3bully verb bul·lied; bul·ly·ing
: to behave as a bully toward

Synonyms
browbeat, cow, hector, intimidate—more at INTIMIDATE

bul·rush noun
: any of several large rushes or sedges of wetlands

bul·wark noun
1 : a wall-like defensive structure
2 : a strong support or protection

Synonyms
brace, buttress, mount, shore, stay, support, underpinning—more at SUPPORT

1bum adjective
1 : of poor quality <~ advice>
2 : DISABLED <a ~ knee>

2bum verb bummed; bum·ming
1 : to spend time unemployed and wandering; also : LOAF
2 : to obtain by begging

3bum noun
1 : LOAFER
2 : a person who is devoted to a recreational activity <a ski ~>
3 : a person who has no job and wanders from place to place : VAGRANT, TRAMP

Synonyms
hobo, tramp, vagabond, vagrant—more at TRAMP

bum·ble·bee noun
: any of numerous large hairy social bees

bum·mer noun
1 : an unpleasant experience
2 : something that fails or disappoints : FAILURE

Synonyms
bust, catastrophe, debacle, dud, failure, fiasco, fizzle, flop, lemon, loser, turkey, washout—more at FAILURE

1bump noun
1 : a local bulge; especially : a swelling of tissue
2 : a sudden forceful blow or impact

Synonyms
[1] knot, lump, nodule, swelling; also growth, tumor, wart
[2] collision, concussion, crash, impact, jar, jolt, shock, smash, strike, wallop—more at IMPACT

2bump verb
1 : to strike or knock forcibly; also : to move by or as if by bumping
2 : to collide with

Synonyms
bang, bash, collide, crash, hit, impact, knock, ram, slam, smash, strike, swipe, thud—more at HIT

1bumper noun
1 : a cup or glass filled to the brim
2 : something unusually large

2bumper adjective
: unusually large

Synonyms
big, grand, great, large, outsize, oversize, whopping—more at LARGE

3bumper noun
: a device for absorbing shock or preventing damage; especially : a usu. metal bar at either end of an automobile

Synonyms
buffer, cushion, fender, pad—more at CUSHION

bump·kin noun
: an awkward and unsophisticated country person

Synonyms
clodhopper, hick, hillbilly, provincial, rustic, yokel—more at HICK

bump·tious adjective
: obtusely and often noisily self-assertive

bumpy adjective
: having or covered with bumps; also : marked by bumps or jolts

Synonyms
broken, coarse, irregular, jagged, lumpy, pebbly, ragged, rough, rugged, uneven—more at UNEVEN

bun noun
: a sweet biscuit or roll

1bunch noun
1 : SWELLING
2 : a number of things of the same kind

— bunchy adjective

Synonyms
array, assemblage, bank, batch, block, clump, cluster, collection, group, huddle, knot, lot, package, parcel, set, suite

2bunch verb
: to form into a group or bunch

Synonyms
cluster, crowd, huddle, press—more at PRESS

bun·co or bun·ko noun, plural buncos or bunkos
: a swindling scheme

— bunco verb

1bundle noun
1 : several items bunched and fastened together; also : something wrapped for carrying
2 : a considerable amount : LOT
3 : a small band of mostly parallel nerve or muscle fibers

Synonyms
pack, package, parcel—more at PACKAGE

2bundle verb bun·dled; bun·dling
: to gather or tie in a bundle

bun·dling noun
: a former custom of a courting couple's occupying the same bed without undressing

bung noun
: the stopper in the bunghole of a cask

bun·ga·low noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi & Urdu banglā, lit., (house) in the Bengal style]

: a one-storied house with a low-pitched roof

bun·gee cord noun
: a long elastic cord used esp. as a fastening or shock-absorbing device

bungee jump verb
: to jump for sport from a height (as from a bridge) while attached to a sturdy bungee cord

— bungee jumper noun

bung·hole noun
: a hole for emptying or filling a cask

bun·gle verb bun·gled; bun·gling
: to do badly : BOTCH

— bungle noun

— bun·gler noun

Synonyms
bobble, botch, butcher, flub, foul up, fumble, mangle, mess, muff, murder—more at BOTCH

bun·ion noun
: an inflamed swelling of the first joint of the big toe

1bunk noun
: BED; especially : a built-in bed that is often one of a tier

2bunk noun
: insincere or foolish talk : BUNKUM, NONSENSE

Synonyms
claptrap, drivel, folly, foolishness, fudge, hogwash, humbug, nonsense, piffle, rot, silliness, slush, stupidity, trash—more at NONSENSE

bunk bed noun
: one of two single beds usu. placed one above the other

bun·ker noun
1 : a bin or compartment for storage (as for coal on a ship)
2 : a protective embankment or dugout
3 : a sand trap or embankment constituting a hazard on a golf course

bun·kum or bun·combe noun
[ORIGIN: Buncombe County, N.C.; fr. a remark made by its congressman, who defended an irrelevant speech by claiming that he was speaking to Buncombe]

: insincere or foolish talk

bun·ny noun, plural -nies
: RABBIT

Bun·sen burner noun
: a gas burner usu. consisting of a straight tube with air holes at the bottom

1bunt verb
1 : 1BUTT
2 : to push or tap a baseball lightly without swinging the bat

2bunt noun
: an act or instance of bunting; also : a bunted ball

1bunting noun
: any of numerous small stout-billed finches

2bunting noun
: a thin fabric used esp. for flags; also : FLAGS

1buoy noun
1 : a floating object anchored in water to mark something (as a channel)
2 : a float consisting of a ring of buoyant material to support a person who has fallen into the water

2buoy verb
1 : to mark by a buoy
2 : to keep afloat
3 : to raise the spirits of — usu. used with up

Synonyms usually buoy up
cheer, comfort, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire, steel—more at ENCOURAGE

buoy·an·cy noun
1 : the tendency of a body to float or rise when submerged in a fluid
2 : the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it
3 : resilience of spirit

buoy·ant adjective
: having buoyancy: as
a : capable of floating
b : having or inducing high spirits

Synonyms
blithe, bright, cheerful, cheery, chipper, gay, lightsome, sunny, upbeat—more at CHEERFUL
bubbly, effervescent, exuberant, frolicsome, high-spirited, vivacious—more at EXUBERANT

1bur variant of BURR

2bur abbreviation
bureau

1burden noun
1 a : something that is carried : LOAD
b : a duty or obligation one must take care of : RESPONSIBILITY
2 : something oppressive : ENCUMBRANCE
3 : goods or merchandise loaded to be conveyed : CARGO; also : capacity for cargo

Synonyms
[1a, 3] cargo, draft, freight, haul, lading, load, payload, weight—more at LOAD
[1b] charge, commitment, duty, need, obligation, responsibility—more at OBLIGATION

2burden verb
: to encumber or oppress with something heavy, laborious, or disheartening

Synonyms
depress, oppress, sadden—more at DEPRESS
encumber, load, lumber, saddle, weight—more at LOAD

3burden noun
1 : REFRAIN, CHORUS
2 : a main theme or idea : GIST

bur·den·some adjective
: imposing or constituting a burden

Synonyms
grim, hard, harsh, heavy, oppressive, rough, rugged, severe, stiff, tough, trying—more at HARSH
arduous, challenging, demanding, exacting, grueling, laborious, onerous, taxing, toilsome—more at DEMANDING

bur·dock noun
: any of a genus of coarse composite herbs with globe-shaped flower heads surrounded by prickly bracts

bu·reau noun, plural bureaus also bu·reaux
[ORIGIN: F, desk, cloth covering for desks, fr. OF burel woolen cloth, ultim. fr. L burra shaggy cloth]

1 : a chest of drawers
2 : an administrative unit (as of a government department)
3 : a branch of a publication or wire service in an important news center

Synonyms
department, desk, division, office—more at DIVISION

bu·reau·cra·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : a body of appointive government officials
2 : government marked by specialization of functions under fixed rules and a hierarchy of authority; also : an unwieldy administrative system burdened with excessive complexity and lack of flexibility

bu·reau·crat noun
: a member of a bureaucracy

— bu·reau·crat·ic adjective

bur·geon verb
1 : to put forth fresh growth (as from buds)
2 : to grow and expand rapidly

Synonyms
[1] bloom, blossom, blow, flower, unfold—more at BLOOM
[2] accumulate, appreciate, balloon, build, enlarge, escalate, expand, increase, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, snowball, swell, wax—more at INCREASE
[2] flourish, prosper, thrive—more at THRIVE

burgh noun
: a Scottish town

bur·gher noun
1 : an inhabitant of a borough or a town
2 : a prosperous solid citizen

Synonyms
townie; also denizen, dweller, inhabitant, occupant, national, native, resident

bur·glar·ize verb
: to break into and steal from; also : to commit burglary

Synonyms
rip off, rob, steal—more at ROB

bur·glary noun, plural -glar·ies
: forcible entry into a building esp. at night with the intent to commit a crime (as theft)

— bur·glar noun

bur·gle verb bur·gled; bur·gling
: to commit burglary on

bur·go·mas·ter noun
: the chief magistrate of a town in some European countries

bur·gun·dy noun, plural -dies often cap
1 : a red or white table wine from the Burgundy region of France
2 : an American red table wine

buri·al noun
: the act or process of burying

Synonyms
entombment, interment, sepulture; also funeral
Antonyms
exhumation, unearthing

bur·ka or bur·qa noun
: a loose garment that covers the face and body and is worn in public by certain Muslim women

burl noun
: a hard woody often flattened hemispherical outgrowth on a tree

bur·lap noun
: a coarse fabric usu. of jute or hemp used esp. for bags

1burlesque noun
[ORIGIN: burlesque, adj., comic, droll, fr. F, fr. It burlesco, fr. burla joke, fr. Sp]

1 : a witty or derisive literary or dramatic imitative work
2 : broadly humorous theatrical entertainment consisting of several items (as songs, skits, or dances)

Synonyms
caricature, parody, spoof, takeoff—more at PARODY

2burlesque verb bur·lesqued; bur·lesqu·ing
: to make ludicrous by burlesque

Synonyms
caricature, imitate, mimic, mock, parody, take off, travesty—more at MIMIC

bur·ly adjective bur·li·er; -est
: strongly and heavily built : HUSKY

Synonyms
beefy, brawny, husky—more at HUSKY

Bur·mese noun, plural Burmese
: a native or inhabitant of Burma (Myanmar)

— Burmese adjective

1burn verb burned or burnt ; burn·ing
1 : to be on fire
2 : to feel or look as if on fire
3 : to alter or become altered by or as if by the action of fire or heat
4 : to use as fuel <~ coal>; also : to destroy by fire <~ trash>
5 : to cause or make by fire <~ a hole>; also : to affect as if by heat
6 : to become emotionally excited or agitated
7 : to record (as music or data) on by means of a laser <~ a CD>

Synonyms
[1, 2] blaze, flame, flare, glow; also fire, ignite, kindle
[4] fire, ignite, inflame, kindle, light; also char, scorch
Antonyms
douse, extinguish, put out, quench, snuff (out)
[6] boil, fume, rage, seethe, steam—more at BOIL

2burn noun
: an injury or effect produced by or as if by burning

burn·er noun
: the part of a fuel-burning or heat-producing device where the flame or heat is produced

burn·ing adjective
1 a : being on fire
b : affecting with or as if with heat
2 : existing in an extreme degree <a ~ desire>

Synonyms
[1a] ablaze, afire, fiery—more at ABLAZE
[1b] broiling, fiery, hot, red-hot, scorching, sultry, torrid—more at HOT
[2] ardent, charged, emotional, fervent, feverish, hot-blooded, impassioned, passionate, red-hot, vehement—more at FERVENT

bur·nish verb
: to make shiny esp. by rubbing : POLISH

— bur·nish·er noun

— bur·nish·ing adjective or noun

Synonyms
buff, dress, gloss, grind, polish, rub, shine, smooth—more at POLISH

bur·noose or bur·nous noun
: a hooded cloak worn esp. by Arabs

burn·out noun
1 : the cessation of operation of a jet or rocket engine
2 : exhaustion of one's physical or emotional strength; also : a person suffering from burnout

Synonyms
collapse, exhaustion, fatigue, lassitude, prostration, tiredness, weariness—more at FATIGUE

burn out verb
1 : to drive out or destroy the property of by fire
2 : to cause to fail, wear out, or become exhausted esp. from overwork or overuse; also : to suffer burnout

Synonyms
do in, drain, exhaust, fag, fatigue, tire, tucker, wash out, wear, wear out, weary—more at EXHAUST

burp noun
: an act of belching

— burp verb

burp gun noun
: a small submachine gun

burr noun
1 usually bur : a rough or prickly envelope of a fruit; also : a plant that bears burs
2 : roughness left in cutting or shaping metal
3 : WHIR

— bur·ry adjective

bur·ri·to noun
[ORIGIN: AmerSp, fr. Sp, little donkey, dim. of burro]

: a flour tortilla rolled around a filling and baked

bur·ro noun, plural burros
[ORIGIN: Sp]

: a usu. small donkey

1burrow noun
: a hole in the ground made by an animal (as a rabbit)

Synonyms
den, hole, lair, lodge—more at DEN

2burrow verb
1 : to form by tunneling; also : to make a burrow
2 : to progress by or as if by digging

— bur·row·er noun

bur·sar noun
: a treasurer esp. of a college

bur·si·tis noun
: inflammation of the serous sac (bur*sa ) of a joint (as the elbow or shoulder)

1burst verb burst or burst·ed; burst·ing
1 : to fly apart or into pieces : to cause to burst
2 : to show one's feelings suddenly; also : PLUNGE <~ into song>
3 : to enter or emerge suddenly
4 : to be filled to the breaking point

Synonyms
[1] blast, blow up, demolish, explode, pop, shatter, smash—more at BLAST
usually burst forth [3] break out, erupt, explode, flame, flare, go off—more at ERUPT

2burst noun
1 a : a sudden outbreak : SPURT
b : a vehement outburst (as of emotion)
2 : EXPLOSION
3 : result of bursting

Synonyms
[1a] flare, flare-up, flash, flurry, flutter, outbreak, outburst, spurt—more at OUTBREAK
[1b] agony, eruption, explosion, fit, flare, flare-up, flash, flush, gale, gush, gust, outburst, paroxysm, spasm, storm—more at OUTBURST

Bu·run·di·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Burundi

bury verb bur·ied; bury·ing
1 : to deposit in the earth; also : to inter with funeral ceremonies
2 : to conceal from view or in obscurity : HIDE
3 : SUBMERGE, ENGROSS — usu. used with in

Synonyms
cache, conceal, ensconce, hide, secrete—more at HIDE

1bus noun, plural bus·es or bus·ses
[ORIGIN: short for omnibus, fr. F, fr. L, for all, dat. pl. of omnis all]

: a large motor vehicle for carrying passengers

2bus verb bused or bussed; bus·ing or bus·sing
1 : to travel or transport by bus
2 : to work as a busboy

3bus abbreviation
business

bus·boy noun
: a waiter's helper

bus·by noun, plural busbies
: a military full-dress fur hat

bush noun
1 : SHRUB
2 : rough uncleared country
3 : a thick tuft <a ~ of hair>

— bushy adjective

Synonyms
backwoods, frontier, hinterland, up-country—more at FRONTIER

bushed adjective
: drained of strength and energy : TIRED, EXHAUSTED

Synonyms
beat, dead, drained, effete, jaded, limp, prostrate, spent, tired, weary, worn-out—more at WEARY

bush·el noun
1 : a measure of dry capacity equal to 4 pecks
2 : a large quantity

Synonyms
abundance, heap, loads, lot, much, plenty, profusion, quantity

bush·ing noun
: a usu. removable cylindrical lining for an opening of a mechanical part to limit the size of the opening, resist wear, or serve as a guide

bush·mas·ter noun
: a large venomous tropical American pit viper

bush·whack verb
1 : AMBUSH
2 : to clear a path through esp. by chopping down bushes and branches

— bush·whack·er noun

busi·ly adverb
: in a busy manner

busi·ness noun
1 : OCCUPATION; also : TASK, MISSION
2 a : a commercial or industrial enterprise
b : the dealings and transactions involved in buying and selling : TRADE <~ is good>
3 : a subject under consideration : AFFAIR, MATTER
4 : personal concern

Synonyms
[2a] company, concern, enterprise, establishment, firm, house, outfit—more at ENTERPRISE
[2b] commerce, marketplace, trade, traffic—more at COMMERCE

busi·ness·man noun
: a man engaged in business esp. as an executive

busi·ness·per·son noun
: a businessman or businesswoman

busi·ness·wom·an noun
: a woman engaged in business esp. as an executive

bus·kin noun
1 : a laced boot reaching halfway to the knee
2 : tragic drama

buss noun
: KISS

— buss verb

1bust noun
[ORIGIN: F buste, fr. It busto, fr. L bustum tomb]

1 : sculpture representing the upper part of the human figure
2 : the part of the human torso between the neck and the waist; especially : the breasts of a woman

2bust verb bust·ed also bust; bust·ing
1 : to break or smash esp. with force; also : BURST
2 : to ruin financially
3 : TAME
4 : to reduce to a lower grade or rank : DEMOTE
5 slang : ARREST; also : RAID
6 : to strike heavily with or as if with the fist or a bat

Synonyms
[1] break, burst, fracture, fragment—more at BREAK
[2] ruin
[4] break, degrade, demote, downgrade, reduce—more at DEMOTE
[6] bang, bash, bat, clobber, clout, hammer, hit, pound, punch, slug, strike, thump

3bust noun
1 : a drinking session
2 : a complete failure : FLOP
3 : a business depression
4 : a quick blow with or as if with the fist : PUNCH, SOCK
5 slang : a police raid; also : ARREST

Synonyms
bummer, catastrophe, debacle, dud, failure, fiasco, fizzle, flop, lemon, loser, turkey, washout—more at FAILURE

1bustle verb bus·tled; bus·tling
: to move or work in a brisk busy manner

2bustle noun
: briskly energetic activity

Synonyms
commotion, disturbance, hubbub, hullabaloo, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil—more at COMMOTION

3bustle noun
: a pad or frame worn to support the fullness at the back of a woman's skirt

1busy adjective busi·er; -est
1 : engaged in action : not idle
2 : being in use <~ telephones>
3 : full of activity <~ streets>
4 : MEDDLING

Synonyms
[1] active, assiduous, diligent, engaged, laborious, occupied, sedulous, working; also absorbed, concentrating, focused, engrossed, immersed, intent, preoccupied
[3] alive, animated, astir, lively, vibrant—more at ALIVE

2busy verb bus·ied; busy·ing
: to make or keep busy : OCCUPY

Synonyms
absorb, engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy—more at ENGAGE

busy·body noun
: an officious or inquisitive person : MEDDLER

Synonyms
interloper, intruder, kibitzer, meddler; also peeper, peeping Tom, snoop, spy

busy·work noun
: work that appears productive but only keeps one occupied

1but conjunction
1 : except for the fact <would have protested ~ that he was afraid>
2 : THAT <there's no doubt ~ he won>
3 : without the certainty that <never rains ~ it pours>
4 : on the contrary <not one, ~ two job offers>
5 : YET <poor ~ proud>
6 : with the exception of <none ~ the strongest attempt it>

Synonyms
except, only, yet—more at EXCEPT

2but preposition
: other than : EXCEPT <this letter is nothing ~ an insult>; also : with the exception of <no one here ~ me>

Synonyms
aside from, bar, barring, besides, except, outside, save—more at EXCEPT

3but adverb
1 : being nothing more than
2 : to the contrary

Synonyms
[1] just, merely, only, simply—more at JUST
[2] howbeit, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, though, withal, yet—more at HOWEVER

bu·tane noun
: either of two gaseous hydrocarbons used as a fuel

butch adjective
: notably masculine in appearance or manner

1butcher noun
[ORIGIN: ME bocher, fr. AF, fr. buc he-goat]

1 : one who slaughters animals or dresses their flesh; also : a dealer in meat
2 : one that kills brutally or needlessly
3 : one that botches

2butcher verb
1 : to slaughter and dress for meat <~ hogs>
2 : to kill barbarously
3 : to foul up hopelessly : BOTCH

Synonyms
[2] massacre, slaughter—more at MASSACRE
[3] bobble, botch, bungle, flub, foul up, fumble, mangle, mess, muff, murder—more at BOTCH

butch·ery noun
1 : the preparation of meat for sale
2 : cruel and ruthless slaughter of human beings

Synonyms
carnage, massacre, slaughter—more at MASSACRE

but·ler noun
[ORIGIN: ME buteler, fr. AF butiller, fr. OF botele bottle]

: the chief male servant of a household

1butt verb
: to strike with the head or horns

2butt noun
: a blow or thrust with the head or horns

3butt noun
: a large cask

4butt noun
1 : TARGET
2 : an object of abuse or ridicule

Synonyms
laughingstock, mark, mock, mockery, target—more at LAUGHINGSTOCK

5butt noun
1 : a large, thicker, or bottom end of something
2 : BUTTOCKS

6butt verb
1 : ABUT
2 : to place or join edge to edge without overlapping

butte noun
: an isolated steep hill

1butter noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE butere, fr. L butyrum butter, fr. Gk boutyron, fr. bous cow + tyros cheese]

1 : a solid edible emulsion of fat obtained from cream by churning
2 : a substance resembling butter

— but·tery adjective

2butter verb
: to spread with or as if with butter

but·ter–and–eggs noun singular or plural
: a common perennial herb related to the snapdragon that has showy yellow and orange flowers

butter bean noun
1 : LIMA BEAN
2 : WAX BEAN
3 : a green shell bean

butter cream noun
: a sweet butter-based mixture used esp. as a filling or frosting

but·ter·cup noun
: any of a genus of herbs having usu. yellow flowers with five petals and sepals

but·ter·fat noun
: the natural fat of milk and chief constituent of butter

but·ter·fin·gered adjective
: likely to let things fall or slip through the fingers

— but·ter·fin·gers noun singular or plural

but·ter·fly noun
: any of a group of slender day-flying insects with broad often brightly-colored wings

but·ter·milk noun
: the liquid remaining after butter is churned

but·ter·nut noun
: the sweet egg-shaped nut of an American tree related to the walnut; also : this tree

butternut squash noun
: a smooth buff-colored cylindrical winter squash

but·ter·scotch noun
: a candy made from brown sugar, corn syrup, and water; also : the flavor of such candy

butt in verb
: to meddle in the affairs of others

Synonyms
interfere, intrude, meddle, mess, nose, obtrude, poke, pry, snoop—more at INTERFERE

but·tock noun
1 : the back of a hip that forms one of the fleshy parts on which a person sits
2 plural : the seat of the body : RUMP

Synonyms usually buttocks
backside, bottom, butt, posterior, rear, rump, seat

1button noun
1 : a small knob secured to an article (as of clothing) and used as a fastener by passing it through a buttonhole or loop
2 : something that resembles a button
3 : PUSH BUTTON
4 : a hidden sensitivity that can be manipulated to produce a desired response <he is constantly pushing my ~s>
5 : a usu. box-shaped computer icon that when clicked initiates a software function

2button verb
: to close or fasten with or as if with buttons

1buttonhole noun
: a slit or loop for a button to pass through

2buttonhole verb
: to detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of

1buttress noun
[ORIGIN: ME butres, fr. AF (arche) boteraz thrusting (arch), ultim. fr. buter to thrust]

1 : a projecting structure to support a wall
2 : something that supports or strengthens : SUPPORT

Synonyms
dependence, mainstay, pillar, reliance, standby, support—more at DEPENDENCE
brace, bulwark, mount, shore, stay, support, underpinning—more at SUPPORT

2buttress verb
: to furnish or shore up with a buttress : SUPPORT

Synonyms
bear, bolster, brace, carry, prop, shore, stay, support, uphold—more at SUPPORT

bux·om adjective
: healthily plump; especially : full-bosomed

1buy verb bought ; buy·ing
1 : to obtain for a price : PURCHASE; also : BRIBE
2 : to accept as true

— buy·er noun

Synonyms
acquire, get, obtain, pick up, procure, purchase, secure, take

2buy noun
1 : PURCHASE 1, 2
2 : an exceptional value : BARGAIN

Synonyms
bargain, deal, steal—more at BARGAIN

1buzz verb
1 : to make a buzz
2 : to fly fast and close to

Synonyms
drone, hum, whir, whish, whiz, zip, zoom—more at WHIR

2buzz noun
1 : a low humming sound
2 : RUMOR, GOSSIP

Synonyms
drone, hum, purr, whir, whiz, zoom—more at HUM

buz·zard noun
: any of various usu. large birds of prey and esp. the turkey vulture

buzz·er noun
: a device that signals with a buzzing sound

buzz saw noun
: CIRCULAR SAW

buzz·word noun
: a voguish word or phrase often from technical jargon

BV abbreviation
Blessed Virgin

BVM abbreviation
Blessed Virgin Mary

BWI abbreviation
British West Indies

bx abbreviation
box

BX abbreviation
base exchange

1by preposition
1 : in proximity to : NEAR <stood ~ the window>
2 : through or through the medium of <left ~ the door>
3 : into the vicinity of and beyond : PAST <drove ~ the house>
4 : DURING, AT <studied ~ night>
5 : no later than <get here ~ 3 p.m.>
6 : through the means or direct agency of <~ force>
7 : in conformity with; also : ACCORDING TO <did it ~ the book>
8 : with respect to <a vet ~ profession>
9 : to the amount or extent of <won ~ a nose>
10 — used to express relationship in multiplication, in division, and in measurements <divide a ~ b> <multiply ~ 6> <15 feet ~ 20 feet>

Synonyms
[1] about, around, near, next to—more at AROUND
[6] per, through, with

2by adverb
1 a : near at hand
b : at or to another's house : IN <stop ~>
2 : PAST
3 : ASIDE, APART

Synonyms
around, close, hard, in, near, nearby, nigh—more at NEAR

bye noun
: a position of a participant in a tournament who advances to the next round without playing

by–elec·tion also bye–election noun
: a special election held between regular elections in order to fill a vacancy

by·gone adjective
: gone by

— bygone noun

Synonyms
dead, defunct, extinct, gone—more at EXTINCT

by·law or bye·law noun
: a rule adopted by an organization for managing its internal affairs

by–line noun
: a line at the beginning of a news story or magazine article giving the writer's name

BYO abbreviation
bring your own

BYOB abbreviation
bring your own beer; bring your own booze; bring your own bottle

1bypass noun
: a passage to one side or around a blocked or congested area; also : a surgical procedure establishing this <a coronary ~>

2bypass verb
: to avoid by means of a bypass

Synonyms
circumvent, detour, skirt—more at DETOUR

by·path noun
: BYWAY

by·play noun
: action engaged in on the side (as of a stage) while the main action proceeds

by–prod·uct noun
: a sometimes unexpected product or result produced in addition to the main product or result

by·stand·er noun
: one present but not participating

byte noun
: a group of 8 bits that a computer processes as a unit

by·way noun
1 : a little-traveled side road
2 : a secondary aspect

by·word noun
1 : a proverbial saying : PROVERB
2 : one that is noteworthy or notorious

Synonyms
adage, aphorism, epigram, maxim, proverb, saying—more at SAYING

Byz·an·tine adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient city of Byzantium or the Byzantine Empire
2 often not cap : intricately involved and often devious

C

1c noun, plural c's or cs often cap
1 : the 3d letter of the English alphabet
2 slang : a sum of $100
3 : a grade rating a student's work as fair

2c abbreviation, often cap
1 calorie
2 carat
3 Celsius
4 cent
5 centigrade
6 centimeter
7 century
8 chapter
9 circa
10 cocaine
11 copyright

C symbol
carbon

ca abbreviation
circa

Ca symbol
calcium

CA abbreviation
1 California
2 chartered accountant
3 chief accountant
4 chronological age

cab noun
1 : a light closed horse-drawn carriage
2 : an automobile available on call to carry a passenger for a fare determined by a running meter or a flat rate : TAXICAB
3 : the covered compartment for the engineer and controls of a locomotive; also : a similar compartment (as on a truck)

CAB abbreviation
Civil Aeronautics Board

ca·bal noun
[ORIGIN: F cabale, fr. ML cabbala cabala, fr. Heb qabbālāh, lit., received (lore)]

: a secret group of plotters or political conspirators

Synonyms
conspiracy, gang, mob, ring, syndicate—more at RING

cabala variant of KABBALAH

ca·bana noun
: a shelter at a beach or swimming pool

cab·a·ret noun
: a place of entertainment open at night usu. serving food and liquor and often having a floor show : NIGHTCLUB

cab·bage noun
[ORIGIN: ME caboche, fr. MF dial., lit., head, noggin]

: a vegetable related to the mustard with a dense head of leaves

cab·bie or cab·by noun, plural cabbies
: a driver of a cab

cab·er·net sau·vi·gnon noun
: a dry red wine made from a single variety of black grape

cab·in noun
1 : a private room on a ship; also : a compartment below deck on a boat for passengers or crew
2 : the passenger or cargo compartment of a vehicle (as an airplane or automobile)
3 : a small simple one-story house

Synonyms
camp, cottage, hut, hutch, shack, shanty—more at SHACK

cabin boy noun
: a boy working as servant on a ship

cabin class noun
: a class of accommodations on a passenger ship superior to tourist class and inferior to first class

cabin cruiser noun
: CRUISER 3

cab·i·net noun
1 : a case or cupboard for holding or displaying articles
2 : the advisory council of a head of state (as a president or sovereign)

Synonyms
buffet, closet, cupboard, hutch, locker, sideboard; also bookcase, secretary; shelving; console

cab·i·net·mak·er noun
: a woodworker who makes fine furniture

— cab·i·net·mak·ing noun

cab·i·net·work noun
: the finished work of a cabinetmaker

1cable noun
1 : a very strong rope, wire, or chain
2 : a bundle of insulated wires usu. twisted around a central core
3 : CABLEGRAM
4 : CABLE TELEVISION

Synonyms
cord, lace, line, rope, string, wire—more at CORD

2cable verb ca·bled; ca·bling
: to telegraph by cable

cable car noun
: a vehicle moved by an endless cable

ca·ble·cast noun
: a cable television transmission

— cablecast verb

ca·ble·gram noun
: a message sent by a submarine telegraph cable

cable modem noun
: a modem for connecting a computer to a network over a cable television line

cable television noun
: a system of television reception in which signals from distant stations are sent by cable to the receivers of paying subscribers

cab·o·chon noun
: a gem or bead cut in convex form and highly polished but not given facets; also : this style of cutting

— cabochon adverb

ca·boose noun
: a car usu. at the rear of a freight train for the use of the train crew and railroad workers

cab·ri·o·let noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a light 2-wheeled one-horse carriage
2 : a convertible coupe

cab·stand noun
: a place where cabs wait for passengers

ca·cao noun, plural cacaos
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. Nahuatl cacahuatl]

: a So. American tree whose seeds (cacao beans) are the source of cocoa and chocolate; also : its dried fatty seeds

cac·cia·to·re adjective
[ORIGIN: It]

: cooked with tomatoes and herbs <chicken ~>

1cache noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a hiding place esp. for preserving provisions
2 : something hidden or stored in a cache

Synonyms
deposit, hoard, reserve, stash, stockpile, store—more at STORE

2cache verb
: to place, hide, or store in a cache

ca·chet noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a seal used esp. as a mark of official approval
2 : a feature or quality conferring prestige; also : PRESTIGE
3 : a design, inscription, or advertisement printed or stamped on mail

1cackle verb cack·led; cack·ling
1 : to make the sharp broken cry characteristic of a hen
2 : to laugh or chatter noisily

2cackle noun
: the action or noise of cackling

Synonyms
chortle, laugh, laughter, snicker, titter—more at LAUGH

cack·ler noun
: one that cackles

ca·coph·o·ny noun, plural -nies
: harsh or discordant sound

— ca·coph·o·nous adjective

Synonyms
bluster, clamor, din, noise, racket, roar—more at NOISE

cac·tus noun, plural cac·ti or cac·tus·es also cactus
: any of a large family of drought-resistant flowering plants with succulent stems and with leaves replaced by scales or prickles

cad noun
: a man who deliberately disregards another's feelings

— cad·dish adjective

— cad·dish·ly adverb

— cad·dish·ness noun

ca·dav·er noun
: a dead body esp. of a human being

Synonyms
corpse, remains—more at CORPSE

ca·dav·er·ous adjective
: suggesting a corpse esp. in gauntness or pallor

— ca·dav·er·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
ashen, livid, lurid, pale, pasty, peaked—more at PALE
gaunt, haggard, skeletal, wasted

cad·die or cad·dy noun, plural caddies
[ORIGIN: Sc, errand boy, modif. of F cadet military cadet]

: a person who assists a golfer esp. by carrying the clubs

— caddie or caddy verb

cad·dy noun, plural caddies
[ORIGIN: Malay kati a unit of weight]

: a small box, can, or chest; especially : one to keep tea in

Synonyms
box, case, casket, chest, locker, trunk—more at CHEST

ca·dence noun
: the measure or beat of a rhythmical flow : RHYTHM

Synonyms
beat, measure, meter, rhythm—more at RHYTHM

ca·denced adjective
: marked by cadence

Synonyms
measured, metrical, rhythmic—more at RHYTHMIC

ca·den·za noun
[ORIGIN: It]

: a brilliant sometimes improvised passage usu. toward the close of a musical composition

ca·det noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. Occitan (Gascony) capdet chief, fr. L capitellum, fr. L caput head]

1 : a younger son or brother
2 : a student in a service academy

Ca·dette noun
: a member of a Girl Scout program for girls in sixth through ninth grades

cadge verb cadged; cadg·ing
: SPONGE, BEG <~ a free meal>

— cadg·er noun

cad·mi·um noun
: a bluish-white metallic chemical element used esp. in protective platings

cad·re noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : FRAMEWORK
2 : a central unit esp. of trained personnel able to assume control and train others
3 : a group of indoctrinated leaders active in promoting the interests of a revolutionary party

ca·du·ceus noun, plural -cei
[ORIGIN: L]

1 : the staff of a herald; especially : a representation of a staff with two entwined snakes and two wings at the top
2 : an insignia bearing a caduceus and symbolizing a physician

cae·cum variant of CECUM

Cae·sar noun
1 : any of the Roman emperors succeeding Augustus Caesar — used as a title
2 often not cap : a powerful ruler : AUTOCRAT, DICTATOR; also : the civil or temporal power

caesarean variant of CESAREAN

cae·sura noun, plural -suras or -su·rae
: a break in the flow of sound usu. in the middle of a line of verse

ca·fé noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., coffee]

1 : a usu. small and informal establishment serving various refreshments (as coffee) : RESTAURANT
2 : a room or establishment whose main feature is a bar for the sale of liquor : BARROOM
3 : a place of entertainment open at night usu. serving food and liquor and providing music and space for dancing and often having a floor show : NIGHTCLUB

Synonyms
[2] bar, barroom, pub, public house, saloon, tavern—more at BARROOM
[3] disco, discotheque, nightclub—more at NIGHTCLUB

ca·fé au lait noun
: coffee with hot milk in about equal parts

caf·e·te·ria noun
[ORIGIN: AmerSp cafetería coffeehouse]

: a restaurant in which the customers serve themselves or are served at a counter

caf·feine noun
: a stimulating alkaloid found esp. in coffee and tea

caf·fein·at·ed adjective
1 : stimulated by or as if by caffeine
2 : containing caffeine

caf·fe lat·te noun
[ORIGIN: It]

: espresso mixed with hot or steamed milk

caf·tan noun
[ORIGIN: Russ kaftan, fr. Turk, fr. Pers qaftān]

: an ankle-length garment with long sleeves worn in countries of the eastern Mediterranean

1cage noun
1 : an openwork enclosure for confining an animal
2 : something resembling a cage

Synonyms
coop, corral, pen, pound; also fence; cote, fold; aquarium, terrarium

2cage verb caged; cag·ing
: to put or keep in or as if in a cage

ca·gey also ca·gy adjective ca·gi·er; -est
1 : wary of being trapped or deceived : SHREWD
2 : marked by cleverness

— ca·gi·ly adverb

Synonyms
artful, crafty, cunning, devious, foxy, guileful, slick, sly, subtle, wily—more at ARTFUL

ca·gi·ness noun
: skill in devising or using indirect or subtle methods

Synonyms
artfulness, artifice, canniness, craft, craftiness, cunning, guile, slyness, wiliness—more at CUNNING

CAGS abbreviation
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

ca·hoot noun
: PARTNERSHIP, LEAGUE — usu. used in pl. <officials in ~s with the underworld>

cai·man noun
: any of several Central and So. American reptiles closely related to alligators and crocodiles

cairn noun
: a heap of stones serving as a memorial or a landmark

cais·son noun
1 : a usu. 2-wheeled vehicle for artillery ammunition
2 : a watertight chamber used in underwater construction work or as a foundation

caisson disease noun
: 2BEND 3

cai·tiff adjective
[ORIGIN: ME caitif, fr. AF caitif, chaitif wretched, despicable, fr. L captivus captive]

: being base, cowardly, or despicable

— caitiff noun

ca·jole verb ca·joled; ca·jol·ing
[ORIGIN: F cajoler]

: to persuade or coax esp. with flattery or false promises

— ca·jole·ment noun

— ca·jol·ery noun

Synonyms
coax, wheedle—more at COAX

Ca·jun noun
: a Louisianian descended from French-speaking immigrants from Acadia (Nova Scotia)

— Cajun adjective

1cake noun
1 : a baked or fried breadlike food usu. in a small flat shape
2 : a sweet baked food made from batter or dough usu. containing flour, sugar, or shortening, and a leaven (as baking powder)
3 : a hardened or compacted substance <a ~ of soap>
4 : something easily done <the quiz was ~>

2cake verb caked; cak·ing
1 : to cover or overlay with or as if with a crust : ENCRUST
2 : to form or harden into a cake

cake·walk noun
1 : a stage dance typically involving a high prance with backward tilt
2 : a one-sided contest or an easy task

cal abbreviation
1 calendar
2 caliber

Cal abbreviation
1 California
2 calorie

cal·a·bash noun
: the fruit of a gourd; also : a utensil made from its hard shell

cal·a·boose noun
[ORIGIN: Sp calabozo dungeon]

: JAIL

ca·la·di·um noun
: any of a genus of tropical American ornamental plants related to the arums

cal·a·mari noun
[ORIGIN: It]

: squid used as food

cal·a·mine noun
: a lotion of oxides of zinc and iron

ca·lam·i·tous adjective
: being, causing, or accompanied by calamity

— ca·lam·i·tous·ly adverb

— ca·lam·i·tous·ness noun

Synonyms
cataclysmic, catastrophic, destructive, disastrous, fatal, fateful, ruinous, unfortunate—more at FATAL

ca·lam·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : great distress or misfortune
2 : an event causing great harm or loss and affliction : DISASTER

Synonyms
cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, disaster, tragedy—more at DISASTER

calc abbreviation
calculate; calculated

cal·car·e·ous adjective
: resembling calcium carbonate in hardness; also : containing calcium or calcium carbonate

cal·cif·er·ous adjective
: producing or containing calcium carbonate

cal·ci·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to make or become calcareous

— cal·ci·fi·ca·tion noun

cal·ci·mine noun
: a thin water paint used esp. on plastered surfaces

— calcimine verb

cal·cine verb cal·cined; cal·cin·ing
: to heat to a high temperature but without fusing to drive off volatile matter and often to reduce to powder

— cal·ci·na·tion noun

cal·cite noun
: a crystalline mineral consisting of calcium carbonate

— cal·cit·ic adjective

cal·ci·um noun
: a silver-white soft metallic chemical element occurring only in combination

calcium carbonate noun
: a substance found in nature as limestone and marble and in plant ashes, bones, and shells

cal·cu·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
[ORIGIN: L calculare, fr. calculus pebble (used in reckoning)]

1 : to determine by mathematical processes : COMPUTE
2 : to reckon by exercise of practical judgment : ESTIMATE
3 : to design or adapt for a purpose by forethought or careful plan
4 : COUNT, RELY

— cal·cu·la·ble adjective

— cal·cu·la·tor noun

Synonyms
[1] compute, figure, reckon, work out; also conjecture, estimate, guess, judge, suppose; add up, sum, tally, total; add, cipher, divide, multiply, subtract; calibrate, gauge, measure, scale; ascertain, discover, dope (out), figure out, find out; recompute, refigure
[2] call, conjecture, estimate, figure, gauge, guess, judge, make, place, put, reckon, suppose—more at ESTIMATE
[3] arrange, blueprint, chart, design, frame, lay out, map, plan, project, scheme—more at PLAN

cal·cu·lat·ed adjective
1 : undertaken after estimating the probability of success or failure <a ~ risk>
2 : planned purposefully : DELIBERATE

Synonyms
[1, 2] advised, deliberate, measured, reasoned, studied, thoughtful—more at DELIBERATE

cal·cu·lat·ing adjective
: marked by shrewd consideration esp. of self-interest

— cal·cu·lat·ing·ly adverb

cal·cu·la·tion noun
1 : the process or an act of calculating
2 : the result of an act of calculating
3 : studied care; also : cold heartless planning to promote self-interest

Synonyms
arithmetic, computation, reckoning; also mathematics; addition, division, multiplication, subtraction; appraisal, assessment, estimation, evaluation, judgment

cal·cu·lus noun, plural -li also -lus·es
[ORIGIN: L, pebble (used in reckoning)]

1 : a method of computation or calculation in a special notation (as of logic)
2 : a branch of mathematics concerned with the rate of change of functions and with methods of finding lengths, areas, and volumes
3 : a concretion usu. of mineral salts esp. in hollow organs or ducts

cal·de·ra noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, lit., cauldron]

: a large crater usu. formed by the collapse of a volcanic cone

cal·dron variant of CAULDRON

1calendar noun
1 : an arrangement of time into days, weeks, months, and years; also : a sheet or folder containing such an arrangement for a period
2 : an orderly list

Synonyms
agenda, docket, program, schedule, timetable—more at PROGRAM

2calendar verb
: to enter in a calendar

1calender verb
: to press (as cloth or paper) between rollers or plates so as to make smooth or glossy or to thin into sheets

2calender noun
: a machine for calendering

ca·lends noun singular or plural
: the first day of the ancient Roman month

ca·len·du·la noun
: any of a genus of yellow-flowered herbs related to the daisies

1calf noun, plural calves
1 : the young of the domestic cow; also : the young of various large mammals (as the elephant or whale)
2 : CALFSKIN

2calf noun, plural calves
: the fleshy back of the leg below the knee

calf·skin noun
: leather made of the skin of a calf

cal·i·ber or cal·i·bre noun
[ORIGIN: MF calibre, fr. It calibro, fr. Ar qālib shoemaker's last]

1 : degree of mental capacity, excellence, or importance
2 : the diameter of a projectile
3 : the diameter of the bore of a gun

Synonyms
class, grade, quality, rate—more at QUALITY

cal·i·brate verb -brat·ed; -brat·ing
: to adjust precisely

cal·i·bra·tion noun
: a set of graduated marks indicating values or positions — usu. used in pl.

cal·i·co noun, plural -coes or -cos
1 : printed cotton fabric
2 : a mottled or spotted animal

— calico adjective

Calif abbreviation
California

Cal·i·for·nia poppy noun
: a widely cultivated herb with usu. yellow or orange flowers that is related to the poppies

cal·i·for·ni·um noun
: an artificially prepared radioactive chemical element

cal·i·per noun
1 : any of various instruments having two arms, legs, or jaws used esp. to measure diameter or thickness — usu. used in pl.
2 : a device for pressing a frictional material against the sides of a rotating wheel or disk

ca·liph noun
: a successor of Muhammad as head of Islam — used as a title

— ca·liph·ate noun

cal·is·then·ics noun singular or plural
[ORIGIN: Gk kalos beautiful +sthenos strength]

: bodily exercises usu. done without apparatus

— cal·is·then·ic adjective

calk variant of CAULK

1call verb
1 a : to speak in a loud distinct voice so as to be heard at a distance esp. in order to attract the attention of, summon, or make a request of another : SHOUT, CRY
b : to utter a characteristic note or cry
2 : to utter in a loud clear voice
3 : to announce authoritatively
4 : to invite or command (a group) to meet : SUMMON
5 : to make a request or demand <~ for an investigation>
6 : to halt (a baseball game or other public event) because of unsuitable conditions (as rain or darkness)
7 : to demand payment of (a loan); also : to demand surrender of (as a bond) for redemption
8 : to get or try to get in communication by telephone
9 : to make a brief stop or visit at a place <called on a friend>
10 a : to speak of or address by name : give a name to
b : regard as or characterize as of a certain kind : describe as
11 : to estimate or consider for practical purposes <~ it ten miles>
12 : to temporarily transfer control of computer processing to (as a subroutine or procedure)

Synonyms
[1a] bawl, cry, holler, shout, vociferate, yell; also bellow, roar; whoop; scream, screech, shriek, shrill, squeak, squeal; caterwaul, howl, wail, yawp, yowl
[4] assemble, convene, convoke, muster, summon—more at CONVOKE
[5] ask, insist, plead, press, quest, request, seek, solicit, sue
[8] dial, telephone; also buzz
[9] drop, pop, stop, visit; also barge (in); look up, see; frequent, hang around (in), hang out (at), haunt, resort (to)
[10a] baptize, christen, denominate, designate, dub, entitle, label, name, style, term, title—more at NAME
[11] calculate, conjecture, estimate, figure, gauge, guess, judge, make, place, put, reckon, suppose—more at ESTIMATE

2call noun
1 : SHOUT
2 : the cry of an animal (as a bird)
3 : a request or a command to come or assemble : INVITATION, SUMMONS
4 a : a calling on another for something due or supposed to be due : CLAIM
b : an instance of asking for something : REQUEST
5 : a brief usu. formal visit
6 : an act of calling on the telephone
7 : DECISION <a tough ~>
8 : a temporary transfer of control of computer processing to a particular set of instructions

cal·la lily noun
: a plant related to the arums and grown for its large white lilylike bract that surrounds a fleshy spike of small yellow flowers

call·back noun
a calling back; especially : RECALL 5

call–board noun
: a board for posting notices (as of rehearsal calls)

call down verb
: REPRIMAND

call·er noun
: one that calls : a person who makes a brief visit

Synonyms
guest, visitor

call girl noun
: a prostitute with whom appointments are made by phone

cal·lig·ra·phy noun
: artistic or elegant handwriting; also : the art of producing such writing

— cal·lig·ra·pher noun

call–in adjective
: allowing listeners to engage in broadcast telephone conversations <a ~ show>

call in verb
1 : to order to return or be returned
2 : to summon to one's aid
3 : to report by telephone

call·ing noun
1 : a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action
2 : the activity in which one customarily engages as an occupation

Synonyms
employment, line, occupation, profession, trade, vocation, work—more at OCCUPATION

cal·li·ope noun
[ORIGIN: fr. Calliope, chief of the Muses, fr. L, fr. Gk Kalliopē]

: a keyboard musical instrument similar to an organ and made up of a series of whistles

call number noun
: a combination of characters assigned to a library book to indicate its place on a shelf

call off verb
: to give up (an undertaking or planned activity) : CANCEL

Synonyms
abort, call, cancel, drop, recall, repeal, rescind, revoke—more at CANCEL

cal·los·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being callous
2 : CALLUS 1

1callous adjective
1 : being thickened and hardened <~ skin>
2 : feeling no emotion or sympathy

— cal·lous·ly adverb

— cal·lous·ness noun

Synonyms
hard, heartless, inhuman, inhumane, pitiless, ruthless, soulless, stony, uncharitable, unfeeling, unsympathetic—more at HARD

2callous verb
: to make callous

cal·low adjective
[ORIGIN: ME calu bald, fr. OE]

: lacking adult sophistication <a ~ youth>

— cal·low·ness noun

Synonyms
adolescent, green, immature, inexperienced, juvenile, raw; also babyish, childish, infantile; boyish, girlish, maidenly, virginal, youthful; ingenuous, innocent, naive (or naïve); unseasoned, untrained, untried
Antonyms
adult, experienced, grown-up, mature, ripe

call–up noun
: an order to report for active military service

call up verb
: to summon for active military duty

cal·lus noun
1 : a callous area on skin or bark
2 : tissue that is converted into bone in the healing of a bone fracture

— callus verb

call–waiting noun
: a telephone service by which during a call in progress an incoming call is signaled (as by a click)

1calm noun
1 : a period or a condition free from storms, high winds, or rough water
2 : complete or almost complete absence of wind
3 : a state of tranquillity

Synonyms
[1, 3] calmness, hush, peace, placidity, quiet, quietness, repose, serenity, still, stillness, tranquillity; also lull, pause, respite; silence; comity, concord, harmony
Antonyms
bustle, commotion, hubbub, hurly-burly, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil, uproar

2calm verb
1 : to make or become calm
2 : to make peaceful : induce quietude and repose in instead of agitation, passion, or excitement — often used with down

Synonyms
[1, 2] allay, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, still, tranquilize; also alleviate, assuage, ease, mitigate, relieve; appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, placate; lull, relax, stupefy
Antonyms
agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, perturb, upset
[2] collect, compose, contain, control, settle—more at COLLECT
usually calm down [2] cool, hush, quiet, settle—more at QUIET

3calm adjective
1 : marked by calm : STILL
2 : free from agitation, excitement, or disturbance <a ~ manner>

Synonyms
[1, 2] collected, composed, cool, placid, self-possessed, serene, still, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed, unruffled, unshaken, untroubled, unworried; also imperturbable, nerveless, unflappable, unshakable; disciplined, self-contained; affable, breezy, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, laid-back; carefree, nonchalant, unconcerned; assured, confident, self-assured; aloof, detached, dispassionate, indifferent; impassive, phlegmatic, stolid
Antonyms
agitated, discomposed, disturbed, perturbed, upset
[2] halcyon, hushed, peaceful, placid, quiet, serene, still, tranquil, untroubled; also calming, pacific, restful, soothing; inactive, inert, quiescent, reposing, resting; smooth, unruffled; clear, cloudless, fair, sunny, sunshiny
Antonyms
agitated, angry, stormy, turbulent

calm·ly adverb
: in a calm manner : with calm

Synonyms
quiet, quietly, still—more at STILL

calm·ness noun
: the quality or state of being calm

Synonyms
aplomb, composure, coolness, equanimity, placidity, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity—more at EQUANIMITY

cal·o·mel noun
: a chloride of mercury used esp. as a fungicide

ca·lor·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to heat
2 : of, relating to, or containing calories

cal·o·rie also cal·o·ry noun, plural -ries
: a unit for measuring heat; especially : one for measuring the value of foods for producing heat and energy in the human body equivalent to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree Celsius

cal·o·rim·e·ter noun
: an apparatus for measuring quantities of heat

— cal·o·rim·e·try noun

cal·u·met noun
: an American Indian ceremonial pipe

ca·lum·ni·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to make false and malicious statements about

— ca·lum·ni·a·tion noun

— ca·lum·ni·a·tor noun

cal·um·ny noun, plural -nies
: false and malicious accusation

— ca·lum·ni·ous adjective

calve verb calved; calv·ing
: to give birth to a calf

calves plural of CALF

Cal·vin·ism noun
: the theological system of John Calvin and his followers

— Cal·vin·ist noun or adjective

— Cal·vin·is·tic adjective

ca·lyp·so noun, plural -sos
: a style of music originating in the British West Indies and having lyrics that usu. satirize local personalities and events

ca·lyx noun, plural ca·lyx·es or ca·ly·ces
: the usu. green or leaflike outer part of a flower consisting of sepals

cal·zo·ne noun
: a baked or fried turnover of pizza dough stuffed with cheese and various fillings

1cam noun
: a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage by which rotary motion is transformed into linear motion or vice versa

2cam noun
: CAMERA

ca·ma·ra·de·rie noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: friendly feeling and goodwill among comrades

Synonyms
companionship, company, comradeship, fellowship, society—more at COMPANIONSHIP

cam·bi·um noun, plural -bi·ums or -bia
: a thin cellular layer between xylem and phloem of most higher plants from which new tissues develop

— cam·bi·al adjective

Cam·bo·di·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Cambodia

— Cambodian adjective

Cam·bri·an adjective
: of, relating to, or being the earliest period of the Paleozoic era

— Cambrian noun

cam·bric noun
: a fine thin white linen or cotton fabric

cam·cord·er noun
: a small portable video camera and recorder

came past of COME

cam·el noun
: either of two large hoofed cud-chewing mammals used esp. in desert regions of Asia and Africa for carrying and riding

camel hair also camel's hair noun
1 : the hair of a camel or a substitute for it
2 : cloth made of camel hair or of camel hair and wool

ca·mel·lia noun
: any of a genus of shrubs and trees related to the tea plant and grown in warm regions and greenhouses for their showy roselike flowers

Cam·em·bert noun
: a soft cheese with a grayish rind and yellow interior

cam·eo noun, plural -eos
1 : a gem carved in relief; also : a small medallion with a profiled head in relief
2 : a brief appearance esp. by a well-known actor in a play or movie

cam·era noun
: a device with a lightproof chamber fitted with a lens through which the image of an object is projected onto a surface for recording (as on film) or for conversion into electrical signals (as for television broadcast)

— cam·era·man noun

— cam·era·wom·an noun

Cam·er·oo·ni·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of the Republic of Cameroon or the Cameroons region

— Cameroonian adjective

cam·i·sole noun
: a short sleeveless garment for women

camomile variant of CHAMOMILE

1camouflage noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : the disguising of military equipment with paint, nets, or foliage; also : the disguise itself
2 : concealment by means of disguise
3 : deceptive behavior

Synonyms
disguise, guise—more at DISGUISE

2camouflage verb
: to conceal or disguise by camouflage

Synonyms
cloak, disguise, dress up, mask—more at DISGUISE

1camp noun
1 : a place where tents or buildings are erected for usu. temporary shelter; also : a building in such a place for occasional use
2 : a collection of tents or other shelters
3 : a program offering recreational activities (as boating and hiking) for a limited time <summer ~>
4 : a body of persons encamped
5 : a training session for athletes outside of the regular season

Synonyms
cabin, chalet, cottage, lodge—more at COTTAGE
bivouac, encampment; also barracks; colony, plantation, settlement; concentration camp, prison camp

2camp verb
1 : to make or occupy a camp
2 : to live in a camp or outdoors

3camp noun
1 : exaggerated effeminate mannerisms
2 : something so outrageous, inappropriate, or theatrical as to be considered amusing

— camp adjective

— camp·i·ly adverb

— camp·i·ness noun

— campy adjective

4camp verb
: to engage in camp : exhibit the qualities of camp

cam·paign noun
1 : a series of military operations forming one distinct stage in a war
2 : a series of activities designed to bring about a particular result <advertising ~>

— campaign verb

Synonyms
bandwagon, cause, crusade, drive, movement; also attack, march, offensive

cam·paign·er noun
: one that goes on, engages in, or conducts a campaign

Synonyms
applicant, aspirant, candidate, contender, hopeful, prospect, seeker—more at CANDIDATE

cam·pa·ni·le noun, plural -ni·les or -ni·li
: a usu. freestanding bell tower

cam·pa·nol·o·gy noun
: the art of bell ringing

— cam·pa·nol·o·gist noun

camp·er noun
1 : one who camps
2 : a portable dwelling (as a specially equipped vehicle) for use during casual travel and camping

Synonyms
caravan, motor home, trailer; also van

Camp Fire Girl noun
: a member of a national organization of girls from ages 5 to 18

camp follower noun
1 : a civilian (as a prostitute) who follows a military unit to attend or exploit its personnel
2 : a follower of a group who is not an adherent; especially : a politician who joins a movement solely for personal gain

camp·ground noun
: the area or place used for a camp, for camping, or for a camp meeting

cam·phor noun
: a gummy volatile aromatic compound obtained from an evergreen Asian tree (camphor tree) and used esp. in medicine

camp meeting noun
: a series of evangelistic meetings usu. held outdoors

camp·o·ree noun
: a gathering of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts from a given geographic area

camp·site noun
: a place suitable for or used as the site of a camp

cam·pus noun
[ORIGIN: L, plain]

: the grounds and buildings of a college or school; also : grounds resembling a campus <hospital ~>

cam·shaft noun
: a shaft to which a cam is fastened

1can verb, past could pres sing & pl can
1 : be able to
2 : may perhaps <~ he still be alive>
3 : be permitted by conscience or feeling to <you ~ hardly blame her>
4 : have permission to <you ~ go now>

2can noun
1 : a usu. cylindrical container or receptacle <garbage ~> <coffee ~>
2 : JAIL
3 : TOILET

3can verb canned; can·ning
1 : to put in a can : preserve by sealing in airtight cans or jars
2 slang : to discharge from employment
3 slang : to put a stop or an end to

— can·ner noun

Can or Canad abbreviation
Canada; Canadian

Can·a·da goose noun
: a common wild goose of No. America

Ca·na·di·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Canada

— Canadian adjective

ca·naille noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. It canaglia, fr. cane dog]

: RABBLE, RIFFRAFF

ca·nal noun
1 : a tubular passage in the body : DUCT
2 : an artificial waterway (as for boats or irrigation)

Synonyms
aqueduct, channel, conduit, flume, raceway, watercourse—more at CHANNEL

can·a·lize verb -lized; -liz·ing
1 : to provide with a canal or make into or like a channel
2 : to provide with an outlet; especially : to direct into preferred channels

— ca·nal·i·za·tion noun

can·a·pé noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., sofa, fr. ML canopeum, canapeum mosquito net]

: a piece of bread or toast or a cracker topped with a savory food

ca·nard noun
: a false or unfounded report or story

ca·nary noun, plural ca·nar·ies
[ORIGIN: fr. the Canary islands]

1 : a usu. sweet wine similar to Madeira
2 : a usu. yellow or greenish finch often kept in a cage as a pet

ca·nas·ta noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, lit., basket]

: rummy played with two full decks of cards plus four jokers

canc abbreviation
canceled

can·can noun
: a woman's dance of French origin characterized by high kicking

1cancel verb -celed or -celled; -cel·ing or -cel·ling
[ORIGIN: ME cancellen, fr. AF canceller, chanceller, fr. LL cancellare, fr. L, to make like a lattice, fr. cancelli lattice]

1 : to destroy the force or validity of <~ a magazine subscription>
2 : to match in force or effect : OFFSET — often used with out
3 : to cross out : DELETE
4 : to remove (a common divisor) from a numerator and denominator; also : to remove (equivalents) on opposite sides of an equation or account
5 : to mark (a postage stamp or check) so that it cannot be reused
6 : to neutralize each other's strength or effect

Synonyms
[1] abort, call, call off, drop, recall, repeal, rescind, revoke; also abrogate, annul, invalidate, nullify, void, write off; recant, retract, take back, withdraw; countermand, reverse; end, halt, stop, terminate; give up, relinquish, surrender
Antonyms
continue, keep
usually cancel out [2] annul, compensate, correct, counteract, counterbalance, make up, neutralize, offset—more at OFFSET

2cancel noun
1 : CANCELLATION
2 : a deleted part

can·cel·er or can·cel·ler noun
: a force or influence that cancels out or offsets an opposing force

Synonyms
balance, counteraction, counterbalance, counterweight, equipoise, offset

can·cel·la·tion noun
: the act or an instance of canceling : the calling off of an arrangement

Synonyms
abortion, calling, recall, repeal, rescission, revocation; also annulment, invalidation, neutralization, nullification; abolition, ending, halting, stopping, termination; giving up, relinquishment, surrender
Antonyms
continuation

can·cer noun
[ORIGIN: L, lit., crab]

1 cap : a zodiacal constellation between Gemini and Leo usu. pictured as a crab
2 cap : the 4th sign of the zodiac in astrology; also : one born under this sign
3 : a malignant tumor that tends to spread in the body; also : an abnormal state marked by such tumors
4 : a malignant evil that spreads destructively

— can·cer·ous adjective

— can·cer·ous·ly adverb

can·de·la·bra noun
: an ornamental branched candlestick or lamp with several lights

can·de·la·brum noun, plural -bra also -brums
: CANDELABRA

can·did adjective
1 : marked by honest sincere expression : FRANK, STRAIGHTFORWARD
2 : relating to photography of subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed

— can·did·ly adverb

— can·did·ness noun

Synonyms
direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, honest, open, outspoken, plain, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved—more at FRANK

can·di·da·cy noun, plural -cies
: the state of being a candidate

can·di·date noun
[ORIGIN: L candidatus, fr. candidatus clothed in white, fr. candidus white; fr. the white toga worn by office seekers in ancient Rome]

: one who seeks or is proposed for an office, honor, or membership

Synonyms
applicant, aspirant, campaigner, contender, hopeful, prospect, seeker; also entrant, competitor, contestant; also-ran, dark horse, favorite, finisher, has-been, runner-up; nominee; claimant, pretender

can·di·da·ture noun, chiefly British
: CANDIDACY

can·died adjective
: preserved in or encrusted with sugar

1candle noun
: a usu. slender mass of tallow or wax molded around a wick that is burned to give light

2candle verb can·dled; can·dling
: to examine (as eggs) by holding between the eye and a light

— can·dler noun

can·dle·light noun
1 : the light of a candle; also : any soft artificial light
2 : the time when candles are lit : TWILIGHT

can·dle·lit adjective
: illuminated by candlelight <a ~ dinner>

Can·dle·mas noun
: February 2 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the presentation of Christ in the temple

can·dle·stick noun
: a holder with a socket for a candle

can·dle·wick noun
: a soft cotton yarn; also : embroidery made with this yarn usu. in tufts

can·dor noun
: unreserved, honest, or sincere expression : FRANKNESS

Synonyms
directness, forthrightness, frankness, openness, plainness; also earnestness, sincerity, sobriety; artlessness, genuineness, naïveté, simplicity; bluntness; freedom, license, unrestraint
Antonyms
dissembling, pretense

C and W abbreviation
country and western

1candy noun, plural candies
[ORIGIN: ME sugre candy, fr. MF sucre candi, fr. OF sucre sugar + Ar qandī candied, fr. qand crystallized sugar]

1 : a confection made from sugar often with flavoring and filling
2 : something that appeals in a light or frivolous way

2candy verb can·died; can·dy·ing
: to encrust in sugar often by cooking in a syrup

candy strip·er noun
: a teenage volunteer worker at a hospital

1cane noun
1 : a slender hollow or pithy stem (as of a reed or bramble)
2 : a tall woody grass or reed (as sugarcane)
3 a : a walking stick
b : a rod for flogging

2cane verb caned; can·ing
1 : to beat with a cane
2 : to weave or make with cane

— can·er noun

cane·brake noun
: a thicket of cane

1canine noun
1 : a pointed tooth between the outer incisor and the first premolar
2 : a canine mammal (as a domestic dog)

Synonyms
dog, hound—more at DOG

2canine adjective
[ORIGIN: L caninus, fr. canis dog]

: of or relating to dogs or to the family to which they belong

can·is·ter noun
: an often cylindrical container

can·ker noun
: a spreading sore that eats into tissue

— can·ker·ous adjective

can·ker·worm noun
: either of two moths and esp. their larvae that are pests of fruit and shade trees

can·na noun
: any of a genus of tropical herbs with large leaves and racemes of bright-colored flowers

can·na·bis noun
: any of the psychoactive preparations (as marijuana) or chemicals (as THC) derived from hemp; also : HEMP

canned adjective
: prepared in standardized form for general use or wide distribution

can·nery noun, plural -ner·ies
: a factory for the canning of foods

can·ni·bal noun
[ORIGIN: NL Canibalis a member of a Caribbean Indian people, fr. Sp Caníbal]

: one that eats the flesh of its own kind

— can·ni·bal·ism noun

— can·ni·bal·is·tic adjective

can·ni·bal·ise British variant of CANNIBALIZE

can·ni·bal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to take usable parts from (as an inoperative machine) to construct or repair another machine
2 : to practice cannibalism

can·ni·ness noun
: skill in devising or using indirect or subtle methods

Synonyms
artfulness, artifice, caginess, craft, craftiness, cunning, guile, slyness, wiliness—more at CUNNING

can·non noun, plural cannons or cannon
[ORIGIN: ME canon, fr. AF, fr. It cannone, lit., large tube, fr. canna reed, tube, fr. L, cane, reed]

: a large heavy gun; especially : one mounted on a carriage

can·non·ade noun
1 : a heavy fire of artillery
2 : an attack (as with words) likened to artillery fire : BOMBARDMENT

— cannonade verb

Synonyms
barrage, bombardment, fusillade, hail, salvo, shower, storm, volley—more at BARRAGE

can·non·ball noun
: a usu. round solid missile for a cannon

can·non·eer noun
: an artillery gunner

can·not
: can not

— cannot but

: to be unable to do otherwise than <we cannot but wonder why>

can·nu·la noun, plural -las or -lae
: a small tube for insertion into a body cavity or into a duct or vessel

can·ny adjective can·ni·er; -est
: marked by clever discerning awareness : SHREWD <a canny lawyer>

— can·ni·ly adverb

Synonyms
astute, hardheaded, knowing, sharp, shrewd, smart—more at SHREWD

ca·noe noun
: a light narrow boat with sharp ends and curved sides that is usu. propelled by paddles

— canoe verb

— ca·noe·ist noun

ca·no·la noun
: a rape plant producing seeds that are low in a toxic acid and yield an edible oil (canola oil) high in monounsaturated fatty acids; also : this oil

1canon noun
1 : a regulation decreed by a church council; also : a provision of canon law
2 : an official or authoritative list (as of works of literature)
3 : an accepted principle <the ~s of good taste>

2canon noun
: a member of the clergy on the staff of a cathedral

ca·non·i·cal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or forming a canon
2 : conforming to a general rule or acceptable procedure : ORTHODOX
3 : of or relating to a canon of a cathedral

— ca·non·i·cal·ly adverb

can·on·ize verb can·on·ized ; can·on·iz·ing
1 : to declare (a deceased person) an officially recognized saint
2 : to treat as illustrious, preeminent, or sacred

— can·on·i·za·tion noun

Synonyms
adore, deify, dote, idolize, worship—more at IDOLIZE

canon law noun
: the law governing a church

can·o·py noun, plural -pies
[ORIGIN: ME canope, fr. ML canopeum mosquito net, fr. L conopeum, fr. Gk kōnōpion, fr. kōnōps mosquito]

1 : an overhanging cover, shelter, or shade
2 : the uppermost spreading layer of a forest
3 : a transparent cover for an airplane cockpit
4 : the fabric part of a parachute

— canopy verb

Synonyms
ceiling, roof, tent; also screen, shade, shelter, shield, sunshade; canvas, fly

1cant verb
: to give a slant to

Synonyms
angle, cock, heel, incline, lean, list, slant, slope, tilt, tip—more at LEAN

2cant noun
1 : an oblique or slanting surface
2 : upward or downward slant or inclination or degree of slope : TILT, SLANT

Synonyms
diagonal, grade, inclination, incline, lean, pitch, slant, slope, tilt, upgrade—more at SLANT

3cant verb
1 : to beg in a whining manner
2 : to talk hypocritically

4cant noun
1 : the special idiom of a profession or trade : JARGON
2 : insincere speech; especially : insincerely pious words or statements

Synonyms
[1] argot, jargon, language, lingo, slang, terminology, vocabulary—more at TERMINOLOGY
[2] dissimulation, hypocrisy, insincerity, piety—more at HYPOCRISY

Cant abbreviation
Canticle of Canticles

can·ta·bi·le adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It]

: in a singing manner — used as a direction in music

can·ta·loupe also can·ta·loup noun
: MUSKMELON; especially : one with orange flesh and rough skin

can·tan·ker·ous adjective
: marked by ill humor, irritability, and determination to disagree : ILL-NATURED

— can·tan·ker·ous·ly adverb

— can·tan·ker·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
bearish, bilious, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-natured, ill-tempered, ornery, splenetic, surly

can·ta·ta noun
[ORIGIN: It]

: a choral composition usu. sung to instrumental accompaniment

canted adjective
: placed at an incline or given a degree of cant : SLANTED

Synonyms
diagonal, inclined, leaning, listing, oblique, slanted, slantwise—more at DIAGONAL

can·teen noun
[ORIGIN: F cantine bottle case, canteen (store), fr. It cantina wine cellar]

1 : a flask for carrying liquids
2 : a place of recreation and entertainment for military personnel
3 : a small cafeteria or counter at which snacks are served

can·ter noun
: a horse's 3-beat gait resembling but smoother and slower than a gallop

— canter verb

Can·ter·bury bell noun
: any of several plants related to the bluebell that are cultivated for their showy flowers

can·ti·cle noun
1 : SONG
2 : any of several liturgical songs taken from the Bible

Synonyms
anthem, carol, chorale, hymn, psalm, spiritual—more at HYMN

Canticle of Canticles noun
: SONG OF SONGS

1cantilever noun
: a projecting beam or structure supported only at one end; also : either of a pair of such structures projecting toward each other so that when joined they form a bridge

2cantilever verb
1 : to support by a cantilever <a ~ed shelf>
2 : to build as a cantilever
3 : to project as a cantilever

can·tle noun
: the upwardly projecting rear part of a saddle

can·to noun, plural cantos
[ORIGIN: It, fr. L cantus song]

: one of the major divisions of a long poem

can·ton noun
: a small territorial division of a country; especially : one of the political divisions of Switzerland

— can·ton·al adjective

can·ton·ment noun
: usu. temporary quarters for troops

can·tor noun
1 : a choir leader
2 : a synagogue official who sings liturgical music and leads the congregation in prayer

can·vas also can·vass noun
1 : a strong cloth formerly much used for making tents and sails
2 : a set of sails
3 : a group of tents
4 : a piece of cloth prepared as a surface for painting; also : a painting on this surface
5 : the canvas-covered floor of a boxing or wrestling ring

can·vas·back noun
: a No. American wild duck with red head and gray back

1canvass also can·vas verb can·vassed; can·vas·sing
: to go through (a district) or to (persons) to solicit votes or orders for goods or to determine public opinion or sentiment

— can·vass·er noun

Synonyms
poll, solicit, survey; also interrogate, interview, question; feel (out), sound (out)

2canvass noun
: an act or instance of canvassing

can·yon noun
: a deep narrow valley with high steep sides

Synonyms
defile, flume, gap, gorge, gulch, gulf, notch, pass, ravine; also abyss, chasm, cirque, cleft, crevasse, crevice, fissure; dale, glen, hollow, vale, valley; basin, floodplain, plain; arroyo, coulee, gully, gutter

1cap noun
1 : a covering for the head esp. with a visor and no brim
2 : something that serves as a cover or protection esp. for a tip, knob, or end <a bottle ~>
3 : a container holding an explosive charge
4 : an upper limit (as on expenditures)

Synonyms
[1] hat, headgear—more at HAT
[2] cover, lid, top—more at COVER

2cap verb capped; cap·ping
1 : to provide or protect with a cap
2 : to form a cap over : CROWN
3 : OUTDO, SURPASS
4 : CLIMAX

3cap abbreviation
1 capacity
2 capital
3 capitalize; capitalized

CAP abbreviation
Civil Air Patrol

ca·pa·bil·i·ty noun
1 : the quality or state of being capable physically, intellectually, morally, or legally
2 : natural talent or acquired proficiency esp. in a particular work or activity

Synonyms
[1] ability, capacity, competence, faculty—more at ABILITY
[2] credentials, qualification, stuff—more at QUALIFICATION

ca·pa·ble adjective
: having ability, capacity, or power to do something : ABLE, COMPETENT

Synonyms
able, competent, fit, good, qualified, suitable—more at COMPETENT

ca·pa·bly adverb
: in a capable manner

Synonyms
ably, adeptly, expertly, masterfully, proficiently, skillfully, well—more at WELL

ca·pa·cious adjective
: able to contain much

— ca·pa·cious·ly adverb

— ca·pa·cious·ness noun

Synonyms
ample, commodious, roomy, spacious—more at SPACIOUS

ca·pac·i·tance noun
: the property of an electric nonconductor that permits the storage of energy

ca·pac·i·tor noun
: an electronic circuit device for temporary storage of electrical energy

1capacity noun, plural -ties
1 : legal qualification or fitness
2 : the ability to contain, receive, or accommodate
3 : the maximum amount or number that can be contained
4 : an individual's mental or physical ability and skill in doing something : ABILITY
5 : position or character assigned or assumed <will be happy to serve in any ~>

Synonyms
[4] ability, capability, competence, faculty—more at ABILITY
[5] appointment, billet, function, job, place, position, post, situation—more at JOB
[5] function, job, part, place, position, purpose, role, task, work—more at ROLE

2capacity adjective
: equaling maximum capacity <a ~ crowd>

cap–a–pie or cap–à–pie adverb
[ORIGIN: MF]

: from head to foot : at all points

1caparison noun
1 : an ornamental covering for a horse
2 : rich clothing

Synonyms
array, best, bravery, feather, finery, frippery, full dress, gaiety, regalia—more at FINERY

2caparison verb
: to dress richly

1cape noun
1 : a point of land jutting out into water
2 often cap : CAPE COD COTTAGE

Synonyms
arm, headland, peninsula, point, promontory, spit; also breakwater, jetty

2cape noun
: a sleeveless garment hanging from the neck over the shoulders

Cape Cod cottage noun
: a compact rectangular dwelling of one or one-and-a-half stories usu. with a steep gable roof

1caper noun
: the flower bud or young berry of a Mediterranean shrub pickled for use as a relish; also : this shrub

2caper verb ca·pered; ca·per·ing
: to leap about in a playful manner

Synonyms
cavort, disport, frisk, frolic, gambol, lark, rollick, romp, sport—more at FROLIC

3caper noun
1 : a frolicsome leap
2 : a capricious escapade
3 : an illegal or questionable act

Synonyms
antic, escapade, frolic, monkeyshine, practical joke, prank, trick—more at PRANK

cape·skin noun
: a light flexible leather made from sheepskins

Cape Verd·ean noun
: a native or inhabitant of the Republic of Cape Verde

cap·ful noun, plural cap·fuls also caps·ful
: as much as a cap will hold

cap·il·lar·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: the action by which the surface of a liquid where it is in contact with a solid (as in a slender tube) is raised or lowered depending on the relative attraction of the molecules of the liquid for each other and for those of the solid

1capillary adjective
1 : resembling a hair
2 : having a very small bore <~ tube>
3 : of or relating to capillaries or to capillarity

2capillary noun, plural -lar·ies
: any of the tiny thin-walled blood vessels that carry blood between the smallest arteries and their corresponding veins

1capital noun
: the top part or piece of an architectural column

2capital adjective
1 : conforming to the series A, B, C rather than a, b, c <~ letters> <~ G>
2 : punishable by death <a ~ crime>
3 : most serious <a ~ error>
4 : first in importance or position : CHIEF; also : being the seat of government <the ~ city>
5 : of or relating to capital <~ expenditures>; especially : relating to or being assets that add to the long-term net worth of a corporation
6 : of the first order of size, importance, or quality : FIRST-RATE, EXCELLENT

3capital noun
1 : accumulated wealth esp. as used to produce more wealth
2 : the total face value of shares of stock issued by a company
3 : persons holding capital
4 : ADVANTAGE, GAIN
5 : a letter larger than the ordinary small letter and often different in form
6 a : the capital city of a state, province, or country
b : a city preeminent in some activity <the fashion ~>

Synonyms
assets, fortune, means, opulence, riches, substance, wealth, wherewithal—more at WEALTH

capital gain noun
: the increase in value of an asset (as stock or real estate) between the time it is bought and the time it is sold

capital goods noun plural
: machinery, tools, factories, and commodities used in the production of goods

cap·i·tal·ise British variant of CAPITALIZE

cap·i·tal·ism noun
: an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods and by prices, production, and distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market

1capitalist noun
1 : a person who has capital esp. invested in business
2 : a person of great wealth : PLUTOCRAT
3 : a believer in capitalism

2capitalist or cap·i·tal·is·tic adjective
1 : owning capital
2 : practicing or advocating capitalism
3 : marked by capitalism

— cap·i·tal·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

cap·i·tal·iza·tion noun
1 : the act or process of capitalizing
2 : the total amount of money used as capital in a business

cap·i·tal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to write or print with an initial capital or in capitals
2 : to convert into or use as capital
3 : to supply capital for
4 : to gain by turning something to advantage <~ on an opponent's mistake>

Synonyms
[3] endow, finance, fund, stake, subsidize, underwrite—more at FINANCE
usually capitalize on [4] abuse, cash in, exploit, impose, play, use—more at EXPLOIT

cap·i·tal·ly adverb
: ADMIRABLY, EXCELLENTLY

cap·i·ta·tion noun
: a direct uniform tax levied on each person

cap·i·tol noun
: the building in which a legislature holds its sessions

ca·pit·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to surrender esp. on conditions agreed upon
2 : to cease resisting

Synonyms
[1, 2] bow, budge, concede, give in, give up, knuckle under, quit, submit, succumb, surrender, yield—more at YIELD

ca·pit·u·la·tion noun
1 : the act of surrendering or yielding
2 : the terms of surrender

Synonyms
relinquishment, submission, surrender—more at SURRENDER

ca·pon noun
: a castrated male chicken

cap·puc·ci·no noun
[ORIGIN: It, lit., Capuchin; fr. the likeness of its color to that of a Capuchin's habit]

: espresso mixed with foamy hot milk or cream and often flavored with cinnamon

ca·pric·cio noun, plural -cios
[ORIGIN: It, lit., whim, prank]

: an instrumental piece in free form usu. lively in tempo and brilliant in style

ca·price noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. It capriccio]

1 : a sudden whim or fancy
2 : an inclination to do things impulsively
3 : CAPRICCIO

Synonyms
fancy, freak, notion, vagary, whim—more at WHIM

ca·pri·cious adjective
1 : marked or guided by a sudden whim or fancy
2 : not guided by steady judgment or purpose

— ca·pri·cious·ly adverb

— ca·pri·cious·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] impulsive, whimsical—more at WHIMSICAL
[2] changeable, fickle, fluid, inconstant, mercurial, mutable, temperamental, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, variable, volatile—more at FICKLE

Cap·ri·corn noun
1 : a zodiacal constellation between Sagittarius and Aquarius usu. pictured as a goat
2 : the 10th sign of the zodiac in astrology; also : one born under this sign

cap·ri·ole noun
: 3CAPER 1; also : an upward leap of a horse with a backward kick at the height of the leap

— capriole verb

caps abbreviation
1 capitals
2 capsule

cap·sa·i·cin noun
: a colorless compound found in various capsicums that gives hot peppers their hotness

cap·si·cum noun
: PEPPER 2

cap·size verb cap·sized; cap·siz·ing
: to turn over : UPSET, OVERTURN

cap·stan noun
1 : a machine for moving or raising heavy weights that consists of a vertical drum which can be rotated and around which cable is turned
2 : a rotating shaft that drives recorder tape

cap·su·lar adjective
: of, relating to, or resembling a capsule

cap·su·lat·ed adjective
: enclosed in a capsule

1capsule noun
1 a : a membrane or sac enclosing a body part (as of a joint)
b : a surrounding saclike structure that protects something held inside
2 : a case bearing spores or seeds
3 : a gelatin shell for packaging something (as a drug or vitamins)
4 : a small pressurized compartment or vehicle (as for space flight)

Synonyms
[1b] armor, case, casing, cocoon, cover, housing, husk, jacket, pod, sheath, shell—more at CASE
[3] pill, tablet

2capsule adjective
1 : very brief
2 : very compact

Capt abbreviation
captain

1captain noun
1 : a commander of a body of troops
2 : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps ranking next below a major
3 : an officer in charge of a ship
4 : a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a rear admiral or a commodore
5 : one who leads or supervises (as a sports team or work crew)
6 : a dominant figure

— cap·tain·cy noun

Synonyms
[1] commander—more at COMMANDER
[5] boss, chief, foreman, head, headman, helmsman, kingpin, leader, master, taskmaster—more at BOSS

2captain verb
: to be or fill the role of captain <~ed the football team>

Synonyms
boss, head, oversee, superintend, supervise—more at BOSS
boss, command, control, govern, preside, rule—more at GOVERN
boss, command, dominate, head, lead, spearhead—more at LEAD

cap·tion noun
1 : a heading esp. of an article or document : TITLE
2 : the explanatory matter accompanying an illustration
3 : a motion-picture subtitle

— cap·tion verb

cap·tious adjective
: marked by an inclination to find fault

— cap·tious·ly adverb

— cap·tious·ness noun

Synonyms
carping, critical, hypercritical, overcritical—more at CRITICAL

cap·ti·vate verb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
: to attract and hold irresistibly by some special charm or art

— cap·ti·va·tor noun

Synonyms
allure, beguile, bewitch, charm, enchant, fascinate, wile—more at CHARM

cap·ti·vat·ing adjective
: having the ability to captivate : CHARMING

Synonyms
alluring, attractive, charming, elfin, engaging, fascinating, fetching, glamorous, magnetic, seductive—more at FASCINATING

cap·ti·va·tion noun
: the action or power of influencing and dominating by some special charm or irresistible appeal

Synonyms
allure, appeal, attractiveness, charisma, charm, enchantment, fascination, glamour, magic, magnetism—more at CHARM

cap·tive adjective
1 : made prisoner esp. in war
2 : kept within bounds : CONFINED
3 : held under control

captive noun
: one captured and held prisoner

Synonyms
capture, internee, prisoner; also convict, jailbird; parolee
Antonyms
captor

cap·tiv·i·ty noun
: state or condition of being held captive esp. in war

Synonyms
confinement, imprisonment, incarceration, internment—more at INTERNMENT

cap·tor noun
: one that captures

1capture noun
1 : the act of capturing
2 : one that has been captured

2capture verb cap·tured; cap·tur·ing
1 a : to take, seize, or catch esp. as captive or prize by effort or skill
b : to take control of esp. by force <~ the city>
c : to gain or win esp. through effort
2 : to preserve in a relatively permanent form

Synonyms
[1a] bag, catch, collar, corral, get, grab, grapple, hook, land, nab, seize, snare, trap—more at CATCH
[1c] acquire, attain, carry, draw, earn, gain, garner, get, land, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure, win—more at EARN

Ca·pu·chin noun
: a member of an austere branch of the order of St. Francis of Assisi engaged in missionary work and preaching

car noun
1 : a vehicle moving on wheels
2 : the compartment of an elevator
3 : the part of a balloon or airship that carries passengers or equipment

Synonyms
automobile, machine, motor vehicle; also bus, coach, minibus; beach buggy, brougham, compact, convertible, coupe, dune buggy, fastback, hardtop, hatchback, hot rod, jeep, limousine, roadster, sedan, sports car, station wagon, stock car, subcompact, van; flivver, jalopy

car·a·cole noun
: a half turn to right or left executed by a mounted horse

— caracole verb

car·a·cul noun
: the pelt of a karakul lamb after the curl begins to loosen

ca·rafe noun
1 : a bottle with a flaring lip used esp. to hold wine
2 : a usu. glass pitcher for pouring coffee

car·am·bo·la noun
1 : a five-angled green to yellow edible tropical fruit of star-shaped cross section
2 : a tropical Asian tree widely cultivated for carambolas

car·a·mel noun
1 : an amorphous substance obtained by heating sugar and used for flavoring and coloring
2 : a firm chewy candy

car·a·pace noun
: a protective case or shell on the back of some animals (as turtles or crabs)

1carat variant of KARAT

2carat noun
: a unit of weight for precious stones equal to 200 milligrams

car·a·van noun
1 : a group of travelers journeying together through desert or hostile regions
2 : a group of vehicles traveling in a file
3 : a covered wagon or motortruck equipped as traveling living quarters

Synonyms
[2] armada, cavalcade, fleet, line, motorcade, train—more at FLEET
[3] camper, motor home, trailer—more at CAMPER

car·a·van·sa·ry or car·a·van·se·rai noun, plural -ries or -rais or -rai
[ORIGIN: Pers kārvānsarāī, fr. kārvān caravan + sarāī palace, inn]

1 : an inn in eastern countries where caravans rest at night
2 : an establishment that provides lodging and usu. meals for the public : HOTEL, INN

car·a·vel noun
: a small 15th and 16th century ship with a broad bow, high narrow poop, and usu. three masts

car·a·way noun
: an aromatic herb related to the carrot with fruits (caraway seed) used in seasoning and medicine; also : its fruit

car·bide noun
: a compound of carbon with another element

car·bine noun
: a short-barreled lightweight rifle

car·bo·hy·drate noun
: any of various compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (as sugars and starches)

car·bol·ic acid noun
: PHENOL

car·bon noun
1 : a nonmetallic chemical element occurring in nature esp. as diamond and graphite and as a constituent of coal, petroleum, and limestone
2 : a sheet of carbon paper; also : CARBON COPY 1

— car·bon·less adjective

car·bo·na·ceous adjective
: relating to, containing, or composed of carbon

1carbonate noun
: a salt or ester of carbonic acid

2carbonate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to combine or infuse with carbon dioxide <carbonated beverages>

— car·bon·ation noun

carbon black noun
: any of various black substances consisting chiefly of carbon and used esp. as pigments

carbon copy noun
1 : a copy made by carbon paper
2 : one that strongly resembles or closely corresponds to another : DUPLICATE

Synonyms
counterpart, double, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, image, likeness, match, picture, replica, ringer, spit—more at IMAGE

carbon dating noun
: the determination of the age of old material (as an archaeological specimen) by its content of carbon 14

carbon dioxide noun
: a heavy colorless gas that does not support combustion and is formed in animal respiration and in the combustion and decomposition of organic substances

carbon 14 noun
: a heavy radioactive form of carbon used esp. in dating archaeological materials

car·bon·ic acid noun
: a weak acid that decomposes readily into water and carbon dioxide

car·bon·if·er·ous adjective
1 : producing or containing carbon or coal
2 cap : of, relating to, or being the period of the Paleozoic era between the Devonian and the Permian

— Carboniferous noun

carbon monoxide noun
: a colorless odorless very poisonous gas formed by the incomplete burning of carbon

carbon paper noun
: a thin paper coated with a pigment and used for making copies

carbon tet·ra·chlo·ride noun
: a colorless nonflammable toxic liquid used esp. as a solvent

carbon 12 noun
: the most abundant isotope of carbon having a nucleus of 6 protons and 6 neutrons and used as a standard for measurements of atomic weight

car·boy noun
[ORIGIN: Pers qarāba, fr. Ar qarrāba demijohn]

: a large container for liquids

car·bun·cle noun
: a painful inflammation of the skin and underlying tissue that discharges pus from several openings

car·bu·re·tor noun
: an apparatus for premixing vaporized fuel and air and supplying the mixture to an internal combustion engine

car·cass noun
: a dead body; especially : one of an animal dressed for food

car·cin·o·gen noun
: an agent causing or inciting cancer

— car·ci·no·gen·ic adjective

— car·ci·no·ge·nic·i·ty noun

car·ci·no·ma noun, plural -mas also -ma·ta
: a malignant tumor of epithelial origin

— car·ci·no·ma·tous adjective

1card verb
: to comb with a card : cleanse and untangle before spinning

— card·er noun

2card noun
: an instrument for combing fibers (as wool or cotton)

3card noun
1 : PLAYING CARD
2 plural : a game played with playing cards; also : card playing
3 : an emotional issue used to one's advantage (as in a political campaign)
4 : a usu. clownishly amusing person : WAG
5 : a flat stiff usu. small piece of paper, cardboard, or plastic often bearing pictures or information
6 : PROGRAM; especially : a sports program

Synonyms
comedian, comic, humorist, jester, joker, wag, wit—more at HUMORIST

4card verb
1 : to list or schedule on a card
2 : SCORE
3 : to ask for identification (as at a bar)

5card abbreviation
cardinal

car·da·mom noun
: the aromatic capsular fruit of an East Indian herb related to the ginger whose seeds are used as a spice or condiment and in medicine; also : this plant

card·board noun
: a material thicker than paper and made from cellulose fiber

card–car·ry·ing adjective
: being a regularly enrolled member of an organization (as a political party)

card catalog noun
: a catalog (as of books) in which the entries are arranged systematically on cards

car·di·ac adjective
[ORIGIN: L cardiacus, fr. Gk kardiakos, fr. kardia heart]

1 : of, relating to, or located near the heart
2 : of, relating to, or affected with heart disease

car·di·gan noun
: a sweater or jacket usu. without a collar and with a full-length opening in the front

1cardinal noun
1 : an ecclesiastical official of the Roman Catholic Church ranking next below the pope
2 : a crested No. American finch that is nearly completely red in the male

2cardinal adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. LL cardinalis, fr. L serving as a hinge, fr. cardo hinge]

1 : of basic importance : CHIEF, MAIN, PRIMARY
2 : very serious <a ~ sin>

— car·di·nal·ly adverb

Synonyms
arch, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost, grand, key, main, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primary, principal, sovereign, supreme—more at FOREMOST

car·di·nal·ate noun
: the office, rank, or dignity of a cardinal

cardinal flower noun
: a No. American plant that bears a spike of brilliant red flowers

cardinal number noun
: a number (as 1, 5, 82, 357) that is used in simple counting and answers the question “how many?”

cardinal point noun
: one of the four principal compass points north, south, east, and west

car·dio adjective
: CARDIOVASCULAR 2

car·di·ol·o·gy noun
: the study of the heart and its action and diseases

— car·di·ol·o·gist noun

car·dio·pul·mo·nary resuscitation noun
: a procedure to restore normal breathing after cardiac arrest that includes the clearance of air passages to the lungs, mouth-to-mouth method of artificial respiration, and heart massage by the exertion of pressure on the chest

car·dio·vas·cu·lar adjective
1 : of or relating to the heart and blood vessels
2 : causing a temporary increase in heart rate <a ~ workout>

card·sharp·er or card·sharp noun
: a cheater at cards

1care noun
1 : a disquieted state of uncertainty and responsibility : ANXIETY
2 : painstaking or watchful attention
3 : responsibility for the care of another <under a doctor's ~>
4 : a person or thing that is an object of attention, anxiety, or solicitude

Synonyms
[2] alertness, caution, circumspection, heedfulness—more at CAUTION
[2] carefulness, heed, heedfulness, pains, scrupulousness; also exactness, meticulousness, particularity; dutifulness, responsibility; bother, effort, trouble; alertness, vigilance, watchfulness
Antonyms
carelessness, heedlessness
[3] custody, guardianship, keeping, safekeeping, trust, ward—more at CUSTODY
[3] charge, guidance, headship, oversight, regulation, superintendence, supervision—more at SUPERVISION

2care verb cared; car·ing
1 : to feel trouble or anxiety
2 : to feel interest or concern <~ about freedom>
3 : to give care — usu. used with for <~ for the sick>
4 a : to have a liking, fondness, taste, or inclination
b : have regard or respect
5 : to be concerned about <nobody ~s what I do>
6 : to have or express a wish for — usu. used with for

Synonyms
usually care for [3] aid, minister, mother, nurse—more at NURSE
usually care for [3] attend, mind, oversee, superintend, supervise, tend—more at TEND
usually care for [4a] accept, approve, countenance, favor, OK, subscribe

CARE abbreviation
Cooperative for American Relief to Everywhere

ca·reen verb
1 : to put (a ship or boat) on a beach esp. in order to clean or repair its hull
2 : to sway from side to side
3 : CAREER

Synonyms
lurch, pitch, rock, roll, seesaw, sway, toss, wobble—more at ROCK

1career noun
[ORIGIN: MF carrière, fr. Old Occitan carriera street, fr. ML carraria road for vehicles, fr. L carrus car]

1 : COURSE, PASSAGE; also : speed in a course <ran at full ~>
2 : an occupation or profession followed as a life's work

2career verb
: to go at top speed esp. in a headlong manner

Synonyms
barrel, bowl, fly, hurry, hurtle, pelt, race, rocket, rush, shoot, speed, tear, zip, zoom—more at HURRY

care·free adjective
: free from care or worry

Synonyms
careless, cavalier, easygoing, gay, happy-go-lucky, insouciant, lighthearted, unconcerned; also breezy, nonchalant; casual, informal, laid-back, relaxed; heedless, irresponsible, lackadaisical, negligent, reckless
Antonyms
careworn

care·ful adjective care·ful·ler; care·ful·lest
1 : using or taking care
2 : marked by solicitude, caution, or prudence

— care·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] conscientious, fussy, meticulous, painstaking—more at PAINSTAKING
[2] alert, cautious, circumspect, considerate, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary; also attentive, chary, observant, vigilant, watchful; foresighted, provident; cagey, noncommittal; calculating, scheming, shrewd; considerate, thoughtful; deliberate, slow
Antonyms
careless, heedless, incautious, unguarded, unsafe, unwary

care·ful·ness noun
: the quality of being careful : close or steady attention (as to a task)

Synonyms
alertness, care, caution, circumspection, heedfulness—more at CAUTION

care·giv·er noun
: a person who provides direct care (as for children, the disabled, or the chronically ill)

care·less adjective
1 : free from care : UNTROUBLED
2 : having no concern or interest <~ of the consequences>
3 : not taking care esp. to avoid danger or harm
4 a : not taking ordinary or proper care
b : not showing or receiving care

— care·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2, 3] heedless, mindless, unguarded, unsafe, unwary; also bold, impetuous, rash, reckless; inattentive, unobservant; blithe, inconsiderate, thoughtless; absentminded, forgetful, unmindful; lax, neglectful, negligent, remiss; imprudent, indiscreet, injudicious; inadvertent, unintentional, unplanned
Antonyms
alert, cautious, circumspect, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary
[4a] derelict, lax, negligent, remiss, slack—more at NEGLIGENT

care·less·ness noun
: failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would in like circumstances

Synonyms
dereliction, heedlessness, laxness, negligence, remissness, slackness—more at NEGLIGENCE

1caress noun
: a tender or loving touch or embrace

2caress verb
: to touch or stroke tenderly or lovingly

— ca·ress·er noun

Synonyms
fondle, love, pat, pet, stroke—more at FONDLE

car·et noun
[ORIGIN: L, there is lacking, fr. carēre to lack, be without]

: a mark ‸ used to indicate the place where something is to be inserted

care·tak·er noun
1 : one in charge usu. as occupant in place of an absent owner
2 : one temporarily fulfilling the functions of an office

Synonyms
custodian, guardian, janitor, keeper, warden, watchman—more at CUSTODIAN

care·worn adjective
: showing the effects of grief or anxiety

car·fare noun
: passenger fare (as on a streetcar or bus)

car·go noun, plural cargoes or cargos
: the goods carried in a ship, airplane, or vehicle : FREIGHT

Synonyms
freight, load, payload, shipment; also consignment; bale, bundle, packet; manifest

Ca·rib·be·an adjective
: of or relating to the eastern and southern West Indies or the Caribbean Sea

car·i·bou noun, plural caribou or caribous
: a large circumpolar gregarious deer of northern taiga and tundra that usu. has palmate antlers in both sexes — used esp. for one of the New World

1caricature noun
1 : distorted representation to produce a ridiculous effect
2 : a representation esp. in literature or art having the qualities of caricature

— car·i·ca·tur·ist noun

Synonyms
[1] farce, joke, mockery, parody, sham, travesty—more at MOCKERY
[2] burlesque, parody, spoof, takeoff—more at PARODY

2caricature verb
: to make or draw a caricature of : represent in caricature

Synonyms
burlesque, imitate, mimic, mock, parody, take off, travesty—more at MIMIC

car·ies noun, plural caries
: tooth decay

car·il·lon noun
: a set of tuned bells sounded by hammers controlled from a keyboard

car·i·ous adjective
: affected with caries

car·jack·ing noun
: the theft of an automobile by force or intimidation

— car·jack·er noun

car·load noun
: a load that fills a car

car·mi·na·tive adjective
: expelling gas from the alimentary canal

— carminative noun

car·mine noun
: a vivid red

car·nage noun
: great destruction of life : SLAUGHTER

Synonyms
butchery, massacre, slaughter—more at MASSACRE

car·nal adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. LL carnalis, fr. L carn-, caro flesh]

1 : of or relating to the body
2 : relating to or given to sensual pleasures and appetites
3 : of or relating to this world : earthly rather than heavenly or spiritual

— car·nal·i·ty noun

— car·nal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] animal, bodily, corporal, fleshly, material, physical, somatic—more at PHYSICAL
[2] fleshly, luscious, sensual, sensuous, voluptuous—more at SENSUAL
[3] earthly, fleshly, material, mundane, temporal, terrestrial, worldly—more at EARTHLY

car·na·tion noun
: a cultivated pink of any of numerous usu. double-flowered varieties derived from an Old World species

car·nau·ba wax noun
: a brittle yellowish wax from a Brazilian palm that is used esp. in polishes

car·ne·lian noun
: a hard tough reddish quartz used as a gem

car·ni·val noun
[ORIGIN: It carnevale, alter. of carnelevare, lit., removal of meat]

1 : a season of merrymaking just before Lent
2 : a boisterous merrymaking
3 : a traveling enterprise offering amusements
4 : an organized program of entertainment

Synonyms
celebration, festival, festivity, fete, fiesta, gala, jubilee—more at FESTIVAL

car·niv·o·ra noun plural
: carnivorous mammals

car·ni·vore noun
: a flesh-eating animal; especially : any of an order of mammals (as dogs, cats, bears, minks, and seals) feeding mostly on animal flesh

car·niv·o·rous adjective
1 : feeding on animal tissues
2 : of or relating to the carnivores

— car·niv·o·rous·ly adverb

— car·niv·o·rous·ness noun

car·ny or car·ney or car·nie noun, plural carnies or carneys
1 : CARNIVAL 3
2 : one who works with a carnival

1carol noun
: a song of joy or devotion

Synonyms
anthem, canticle, chorale, hymn, psalm, spiritual—more at HYMN

2carol verb
: to sing esp. in a cheerful manner

car·ol·er or car·ol·ler noun
: one that carols

Synonyms
singer, songster, vocalist, voice—more at SINGER

1carom noun
1 : a shot in billiards in which the cue ball strikes two other balls
2 : a rebounding esp. at an angle

2carom verb
: to strike and rebound

Synonyms
bounce, glance, rebound, ricochet, skim, skip—more at GLANCE

car·o·tene noun
: any of several orange to red pigments (as beta-carotene) formed esp. in plants and used as a source of vitamin A

ca·rot·en·oid noun
: any of various usu. yellow to red pigments (as carotenes) found widely in plants and animals

ca·rot·id adjective
: of, relating to, or being the chief artery or pair of arteries that pass up the neck and supply the head

— carotid noun

ca·rous·al noun
: a period of heavy drinking : CAROUSE

ca·rouse noun
[ORIGIN: MF carrousse, fr. carous, adv., all out (in boire carous to empty the cup), fr. G garaus]

: a drunken revel

— carouse verb

— ca·rous·er noun

Synonyms
drunk; also binge, jag, spree; blowout, orgy

car·ou·sel noun
1 : MERRY-GO-ROUND
2 : a circular conveyor

1carp verb
: to find fault

— carp noun

Synonyms
beef, bellyache, cavil, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, moan, squawk, wail, whine—more at COMPLAIN

2carp noun, plural carp or carps
: a large variable Asian freshwater fish of sluggish waters often raised for food

1carpal adjective
: relating to the wrist or the bones of the wrist

2carpal noun
: a carpal element or bone

carpal tunnel syndrome noun
: a condition characterized esp. by weakness, pain, and disturbances of sensation (as numbness) in the hand and fingers and caused by compression of a nerve in the wrist

car·pe di·em noun
[ORIGIN: L, lit., pluck the day]

: enjoyment of the present without concern for the future

car·pel noun
: one of the highly modified leaves that together form the ovary of a flower of a seed plant

car·pen·ter noun
: one who builds or repairs wooden structures

— carpenter verb

— car·pen·try noun

carp·er noun
: an excessive faultfinder

Synonyms
castigator, caviler, censurer, critic, faultfinder, nitpicker, railer, scold—more at CRITIC

1carpet noun
: a heavy fabric used as a floor covering

2carpet verb
: to cover with or as if with a carpet

Synonyms
blanket, coat, cover, overlay, overlie, overspread—more at COVER

car·pet·bag noun
: a traveling bag common in the 19th century

car·pet·bag·ger noun
: a Northerner in the South after the American Civil War usu. seeking private gain under the reconstruction governments

car·pet·ing noun
: material for carpets; also : CARPETS

carping adjective
: marked by or inclined to querulous and often perverse criticism

Synonyms
captious, critical, hypercritical, overcritical—more at CRITICAL

car pool noun
: an arrangement in which a group of people commute together by car; also : a group having this arrangement

— car·pool verb

car·port noun
: an open-sided automobile shelter

car·pus noun
: the wrist or its bones

car·ra·geen·an or car·ra·geen·in noun
: a colloid extracted esp. from a dark purple branching seaweed and used in foods esp. to stabilize and thicken them

car·rel noun
: a table often partitioned or enclosed for individual study in a library

car·riage noun
1 : the act of carrying
2 : manner of holding the body
3 : a wheeled vehicle
4 British : a railway passenger coach
5 : a movable part of a machine for supporting some other moving part <a typewriter ~>

carriage trade noun
: trade from well-to-do or upper-class people

car·ri·er noun
1 : one that carries
2 : a person or organization in the transportation business
3 : AIRCRAFT CARRIER
4 : one whose system carries the causative agents of a disease but who is immune to the disease
5 : an individual having a gene for a trait or condition that is not expressed outwardly
6 : an electromagnetic wave whose amplitude or frequency is varied in order to convey a radio or television signal

carrier pigeon noun
: a pigeon used esp. to carry messages

car·ri·on noun
: dead and decaying flesh

car·rot noun
: the elongated usu. orange root of a common garden plant that is eaten as a vegetable; also : this plant

carrousel variant of CAROUSEL

1carry verb car·ried; car·ry·ing
[ORIGIN: ME carien, fr. AF carier, fr. carre vehicle, fr. L carrus]

1 : to move while supporting : TRANSPORT, CONVEY
2 : to influence by mental or emotional appeal
3 : to get possession or control of : CAPTURE, WIN
4 : to transfer from one place (as a column) to another <~ a number in adding>
5 : to have or wear on one's person; also : to bear within one
6 : to have within or as part of itself : INVOLVE, INCLUDE
7 : to hold or bear (oneself) in a specified way
8 : to keep in stock for sale
9 : to sustain the weight or burden of : SUPPORT
10 : to prolong in space, time, or degree
11 : to keep on one's books as a debtor
12 : to succeed in (an election)
13 : to win adoption (as in a legislature)
14 a : to present to the public for use or as entertainment
b : PUBLISH, PRINT
15 : to reach or penetrate to a distance

Synonyms
[1] bear, cart, convey, ferry, haul, lug, pack, tote, transport; also deliver, hand over, transfer; forward, send, ship, transmit; bring, fetch, take; move, remove, shift
[6] comprehend, contain, embrace, encompass, entail, include, involve, number, take in—more at INCLUDE
[9] bear, bolster, brace, buttress, prop, shore, stay, support, uphold—more at SUPPORT

2carry noun
1 : the range of a gun or projectile or of a struck or thrown ball
2 : PORTAGE
3 : an act or method of carrying <fireman's ~>

car·ry·all noun
: a large bag or carrying case

Synonyms
grip, handbag, portmanteau, suitcase, traveling bag—more at TRAVELING BAG

carry away verb
: to arouse to a high and often excessive degree of emotion

Synonyms
enrapture, enthrall, entrance, ravish, transport—more at ENTRANCE

carrying charge noun
: a charge added to the price of merchandise sold on the installment plan

car·ry–on noun
: a piece of luggage suitable for being carried aboard an airplane by a passenger

— carry–on adjective

carry on verb
1 : to have the direction of : CONDUCT, MANAGE
2 : to behave in a foolish, excited, or improper manner
3 : to continue in spite of hindrance or discouragement

Synonyms
administer, conduct, control, direct, govern, guide, handle, manage, operate, oversee, regulate, run, superintend, supervise—more at CONDUCT

carry out verb
1 : to bring to a successful conclusion
2 : to put into execution

Synonyms
accomplish, achieve, commit, compass, do, execute, follow through, fulfill, make, perform—more at PERFORM

car·sick adjective
: affected with motion sickness esp. in an automobile

— car sickness noun

1cart noun
1 : a heavy 2-wheeled wagon
2 : a small wheeled vehicle

2cart verb
: to convey in or as if in a cart

— cart·er noun

Synonyms
bear, carry, convey, ferry, haul, lug, pack, tote, transport—more at CARRY

cart·age noun
: the act of or rate charged for carting

carte blanche noun, plural cartes blanches
[ORIGIN: F, lit., blank document]

: full discretionary power

car·tel noun
: a combination of independent business enterprises designed to limit competition

Synonyms
combination, combine, syndicate, trust; also chain, conglomerate, multinational; association, organization, pool

car·ti·lage noun
: a usu. translucent somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of young vertebrate embryos and later is mostly converted to bone in higher vertebrates

— car·ti·lag·i·nous adjective

cartilaginous fish noun
: any of a class of fishes (as a shark or ray) having the skeleton wholly or largely composed of cartilage

car·tog·ra·phy noun
: the making of maps

— car·tog·ra·pher noun

— car·to·graph·ic adjective

car·ton noun
: a cardboard box or container

car·toon noun
1 : a preparatory sketch (as for a painting)
2 : a drawing intended as humor, caricature, or satire
3 : a group of cartoons or drawings arranged in a narrative sequence : COMIC STRIP

— cartoon verb

— car·toon·ist noun

Synonyms
[1] delineation, drawing, sketch—more at DRAWING
[3] comic strip—more at COMIC STRIP

car·tridge noun
1 : a tube containing a complete charge for a firearm
2 : a container of material for insertion into an apparatus
3 : a small case containing a phonograph needle and transducer that is attached to a tonearm
4 : a case containing a magnetic tape or disk
5 : a case for holding integrated circuits containing a computer program

cart·wheel noun
1 : a large coin (as a silver dollar)
2 : a lateral handspring with arms and legs extended

carve verb carved; carv·ing
1 : to cut with care or precision : shape by cutting
2 : to cut or hew out esp. with some effort : make or get by or as if by cutting — often used with out <~ out a fortune>
3 : to slice and serve meat at table

— carv·er noun

Synonyms usually carve out
build, forge, grind, hammer, work out

cary·at·id noun, plural -ids or -i·des
: a sculptured draped female figure used as an architectural column

CAS abbreviation
certificate of advanced study

ca·sa·ba noun
: any of several muskmelons with a yellow rind and sweet flesh

1cascade noun
1 : a steep usu. small waterfall
2 : something arranged in a series or succession of stages so that each stage derives from or acts upon the product of the preceding

2cascade verb cas·cad·ed; cas·cad·ing
: to fall, pass, or connect in or as if in a cascade

cas·cara noun
: the dried bark of a small Pacific coastal tree of the U.S. and southern Canada used as a laxative; also : this tree

1case noun
[ORIGIN: ME cas, fr. AF, fr. L casus fall, chance, fr. cadere to fall]

1 a : a set of circumstances or conditions
b : a set of circumstances constituting a problem : a matter for consideration or decision
2 : an inflectional form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective indicating its grammatical relation to other words; also : such a relation whether indicated by inflection or not
3 : what actually exists or happens : FACT
4 : a suit or action in law : CAUSE
5 : a convincing argument
6 a : an instance of disease or injury
b : a sick individual esp. when awaiting medical care or treatment : PATIENT
7 : an instance or example of a particular type : INSTANCE, EXAMPLE

— in case

: as a precaution

— in case of

: in the event of

Synonyms
[1a] contingency, event, eventuality, possibility—more at EVENT
[1b] knot, matter, problem, trouble—more at PROBLEM
[5] argument, explanation, rationale, reason—more at REASON
[7] example, exemplar, illustration, instance, representative, sample, specimen—more at EXAMPLE

2case noun
[ORIGIN: ME cas, fr. AF case, chase, fr. L capsa]

1 : a box or container for holding something; also : a box with its contents
2 : an outer covering
3 : a divided tray for holding printing type
4 : CASING 2

Synonyms
[1] box, caddy, casket, chest, locker, trunk—more at CHEST
[2] armor, capsule, casing, cocoon, cover, housing, husk, jacket, pod, sheath, shell; also bark, crust; mail, plate, plating, shield; hide, skin; envelope, wrapper; backing, coating, facing

3case verb cased; cas·ing
1 : to enclose in or cover with a case
2 : to inspect esp. with intent to rob

ca·sein noun
: any of several phosphorus-containing proteins occurring in or produced from milk

case·ment noun
: a window that opens like a door

case·work noun
: social work that involves the individual person or family

— case·work·er noun

1cash noun
[ORIGIN: MF or It; MF casse money box, fr. It cassa, fr. L capsa chest, case]

1 : ready money
2 : money or its equivalent paid at the time of purchase or delivery

Synonyms
currency, dough, lucre, money, pelf, tender—more at MONEY

2cash verb
: to pay or obtain cash for

ca·shew noun
: an edible kidney-shaped nut of a tropical American tree related to the sumacs; also : the tree

1cashier verb
: to dismiss from service; especially : to dismiss in disgrace

Synonyms
dismiss, fire, remove, retire, sack—more at DISMISS

2cashier noun
1 : a bank official responsible for moneys received and paid out
2 : a person who receives and records payments

cashier's check noun
: a check drawn by a bank upon its own funds and signed by its cashier

cash in verb
1 : to convert into cash <cash in bonds>
2 : to settle accounts and withdraw from a gambling game or business deal
3 : to obtain advantage or financial profit — often used with on <cash in on a best seller>

cash·less adjective
: relying on monetary transactions that use electronic means rather than cash

Synonyms usually cash in on
abuse, capitalize, exploit, impose, play, use—more at EXPLOIT

cash·mere noun
: fine wool from the undercoat of an Indian goat (cashmere goat) or a yarn spun of this; also : a soft twilled fabric orig. woven from this yarn

cash out verb
: to convert noncash assets into cash

cash register noun
: a business machine that usu. has a money drawer, indicates each sale, and records the money received

cash–strapped adjective
: lacking sufficient money

cas·ing noun
1 : something that encases
2 : the frame of a door or window

Synonyms
armor, capsule, case, cocoon, cover, housing, husk, jacket, pod, sheath, shell—more at CASE

ca·si·no noun, plural -nos
[ORIGIN: It, fr. casa house]

1 : a building or room for social amusements; especially : one used for gambling
2 also cas·si·no : a card game in which players win cards by matching those on the table

cask noun
: a barrel-shaped container usu. for liquids; also : the quantity held by such a container

Synonyms
barrel, hogshead, keg, pipe, puncheon; also tub, vat; can, drum

cas·ket noun
1 : a small chest or box (as for jewels)
2 : a usu. fancy coffin for burying a corpse : COFFIN

Synonyms
box, caddy, case, chest, locker, trunk—more at CHEST

casque noun
: HELMET

cas·sa·va noun
: any of several tropical spurges with rootstocks yielding a nutritious starch from which tapioca is prepared; also : the rootstock or its starch

cas·se·role noun
1 : a dish in which food may be baked and served
2 : food cooked and served in a casserole

cas·sette also ca·sette noun
1 : a lightproof container for photographic plates or film
2 : a plastic case containing magnetic tape

cas·sia noun
1 : a coarse cinnamon bark
2 : any of a genus of leguminous herbs, shrubs, and trees of warm regions including several which yield senna

cas·sit·er·ite noun
: a dark mineral that is the chief tin ore

cas·sock noun
: an ankle-length garment worn esp. by Roman Catholic and Anglican clergy

cas·so·wary noun, plural -war·ies
: any of a genus of large flightless birds closely related to the emu

1cast verb cast; cast·ing
1 : to cause to move or send forth by throwing : THROW, FLING
2 : to point, extend, or project in a specified line or course : DIRECT <~ a glance>
3 : to deposit (a ballot) formally
4 : to throw off, out, or away : DISCARD, SHED
5 : COMPUTE; especially : to add up
6 : to assign the parts of (a play) to actors; also : to assign to a role or part
7 a : to shape (a substance) by pouring it in liquid or plastic form into a mold and letting it harden without pressure
b : to give form to : establish or create in a particular form <the book is ~ in the form of an autobiography>
8 : to make (as a knot or stitch) by looping or catching up

Synonyms
[1] catapult, chuck, dash, fire, fling, heave, hurl, hurtle, launch, peg, pelt, pitch, sling, throw, toss—more at THROW
[2] aim, bend, direct, head, level, set, train—more at AIM
[4] discard, ditch, dump, fling, jettison, junk, lose, reject, scrap, shed, shuck, slough, throw away, throw out, unload—more at DISCARD
[7b] compose, craft, draft, draw, formulate, frame, prepare—more at COMPOSE

2cast noun
1 : THROW, FLING
2 : a throw of dice
3 : the set of actors in a dramatic production
4 : something formed in or as if in a mold; also : a rigid surgical dressing (as for protecting and supporting a fractured bone)
5 : a slight change in the appearance of a substance by a trace of some added hue : a trace of a particular quality : TINGE, HUE
6 a : a turning of the eye in a particular direction
b : a physical form or character : SHAPE
c : facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling : LOOK
7 : something thrown out or off, shed, or expelled <worm ~s>
8 : a forecast or conjecture concerning future events or conditions

Synonyms
[5] color, hue, shade, tinge, tint, tone—more at COLOR
[6b] configuration, conformation, figure, form, geometry, shape
[6c] countenance, expression, face, look, visage—more at LOOK

cast about verb
: to seek here and there : look around

Synonyms usually cast about for
forage, hunt, pursue, quest, search, seek—more at SEEK

cas·ta·net noun
[ORIGIN: Sp castañeta, fr. castaña chestnut, fr. L castanea]

: a rhythm instrument consisting of two small wooden, ivory, or plastic shells held in the hand and clicked together

cast around verb
: to look around : SEEK

1castaway adjective
1 : thrown away : REJECTED
2 : cast adrift or ashore as a survivor of a shipwreck

2castaway noun
: one who has been cast away, cast off, or rejected

Synonyms
outcast, reject—more at OUTCAST

caste noun
[ORIGIN: Pg casta, lit., race, lineage, fr. fem. of casto pure, chaste, fr. L castus]

1 : one of the hereditary social classes in Hinduism
2 : a division of a society based on wealth, inherited rank, or occupation
3 : social position : PRESTIGE
4 : a system of rigid social stratification

Synonyms
class, estate, folk, order, stratum—more at CLASS

cas·tel·lat·ed adjective
: having battlements like a castle

cast·er noun
1 or cas·tor : a small container to hold salt or pepper at the table
2 : a small wheel that turns freely and is used to support and move furniture, trucks, and equipment

cas·ti·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to punish or criticize severely

Synonyms
berate, chew out, dress down, flay, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste, lecture, rail, rate, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold, score, upbraid—more at SCOLD
chasten, chastise, correct, discipline, penalize, punish—more at PUNISH

cas·ti·ga·tion noun
: severe punishment or criticism

Synonyms
chastisement, correction, desert, discipline, nemesis, penalty, punishment, wrath—more at PUNISHMENT

cas·ti·ga·tor noun
: one that castigates

Synonyms
carper, caviler, censurer, critic, faultfinder, nitpicker, railer, scold—more at CRITIC

cast·ing noun
1 : CAST 7
2 : something cast in a mold

casting vote noun
: a deciding vote cast by a presiding officer to break a tie

cast iron noun
: a hard brittle alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon cast in a mold

cas·tle noun
1 : a large fortified building or set of buildings
2 : a large or imposing house
3 : 3ROOK

Synonyms
estate, hall, manor, mansion, palace, villa—more at MANSION

cast–off adjective
: thrown away or aside

— cast·off noun

cas·tor oil noun
: a thick yellowish oil extracted from the poisonous seeds of an herb (castor–oil plant) and used as a lubricant and purgative

cast out verb
: to banish, expel, or drive away (as from a former home or country)

Synonyms
banish, boot, bounce, chase, dismiss, drum, eject, expel, oust, rout, run off, throw out—more at EJECT

cas·trate verb cas·trat·ed; cas·trat·ing
: to deprive of sex glands and esp. testes

— cas·tra·tion noun

— cas·tra·tor noun

ca·su·al adjective
1 : resulting from or occurring by chance
2 : occurring without regularity : OCCASIONAL
3 : feeling or showing little concern : NONCHALANT
4 : designed for informal use <~ clothing>

— ca·su·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] accidental, chance, fluky, fortuitous, incidental, unintended, unintentional, unplanned, unpremeditated, unwitting—more at ACCIDENTAL
[2] choppy, discontinuous, erratic, fitful, intermittent, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady—more at FITFUL
[3] apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, insouciant, nonchalant, perfunctory, unconcerned, uncurious, uninterested—more at INDIFFERENT
[4] everyday, informal, workaday; also sporty
Antonyms
dressy, formal

ca·su·al·ness noun
: the quality, state, or fact of being casual or disinterested

ca·su·al·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : serious or fatal accident
2 : a military person lost through death, injury, sickness, or capture or through being missing in action
3 : a person or thing injured, lost, or destroyed

Synonyms
[1] accident, mischance, mishap—more at ACCIDENT
[3] fatality, loss, victim; also failure, loser

ca·su·ist·ry noun, plural -ries
: specious argument : RATIONALIZATION

— ca·su·ist noun

— ca·su·is·tic or ca·su·is·ti·cal adjective

ca·sus bel·li noun, plural ca·sus belli
[ORIGIN: NL, occasion of war]

: a cause or pretext for a declaration of war

1cat noun
1 : a carnivorous mammal long domesticated as a pet and for catching rats and mice
2 : any of a family of animals (as the lion, lynx, or leopard) including the domestic cat
3 : a spiteful woman
4 : GUY

Synonyms
feline, kitty, puss; also mouser; kit, kitten; tabby, tomcat

2cat abbreviation
catalog

ca·tab·o·lism noun
: destructive metabolism involving the release of energy and resulting in the breakdown of complex materials

— cat·a·bol·ic adjective

cat·a·clysm noun
1 : a surging flood of water : DELUGE
2 : a violent change or upheaval

Synonyms
[1] cataract, deluge, flood, inundation, overflow, spate, torrent—more at FLOOD
[2] calamity, catastrophe, debacle, disaster, tragedy—more at DISASTER
[2] convulsion, paroxysm, storm, tempest, tumult, upheaval, uproar—more at CONVULSION

cat·a·clys·mic or cat·a·clys·mal adjective
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a cataclysm <a ~ nuclear war>

Synonyms
calamitous, catastrophic, destructive, devastating, disastrous, fatal, fateful, ruinous, unfortunate—more at FATAL

cat·a·comb noun
: an underground burial place with galleries and recesses for tombs

cat·a·falque noun
: an ornamental structure sometimes used in solemn funerals to hold the body

cat·a·lep·sy noun, plural -sies
: a trancelike nervous condition characterized esp. by loss of voluntary motion

— cat·a·lep·tic adjective or noun

1catalog or cat·a·logue noun
1 : a simple series of items (as the names of persons or objects) : LIST, REGISTER
2 : a systematic list of items with descriptive details; also : a book containing such a list

Synonyms
checklist, list, listing, menu, register, registry, roll, roster, schedule, table—more at LIST

2catalog or catalogue verb -loged or -logued; -log·ing or -logu·ing
1 : to make a catalog of
2 : to enter in a catalog

— cat·a·log·er or cat·a·logu·er noun

Synonyms
enroll, enter, index, inscribe, list, put down, record, register, schedule, slate—more at LIST

ca·tal·pa noun
: any of a genus of broad-leaved trees with showy flowers and long slim pods

ca·tal·y·sis noun, plural -y·ses
: a change and esp. increase in the rate of a chemical reaction brought about by a substance (cat*a*lyst ) that is itself unchanged at the end of the reaction

— cat·a·lyt·ic adjective

— cat·a·lyt·i·cal·ly adverb

catalytic converter noun
: an automobile exhaust-system component in which a catalyst changes harmful gases into mostly harmless products

cat·a·lyze verb -lyzed; -lyz·ing
: to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)

cat·a·ma·ran noun
[ORIGIN: Tamil (a language of southern India) kaṭṭumaram, fr. kaṭṭu to tie + maram tree]

: a boat with twin hulls

cat·a·mount noun
: a large powerful tawny-brown cat : COUGAR; also : LYNX

1catapult noun
1 : an ancient military machine for hurling missiles
2 : a device for launching an airplane (as from an aircraft carrier)

2catapult verb
: to throw or launch by or as if by a catapult

Synonyms
cast, chuck, dash, fire, fling, heave, hurl, hurtle, launch, peg, pelt, pitch, sling, throw, toss—more at THROW

cat·a·ract noun
1 : a cloudiness of the lens of the eye obstructing vision
2 a : a large waterfall; also : steep rapids in a river
b : an overwhelming downpour or rush

Synonyms
cataclysm, deluge, flood, inundation, overflow, spate, torrent—more at FLOOD

ca·tarrh noun
: inflammation of a mucous membrane esp. of the nose and throat

— ca·tarrh·al adjective

ca·tas·tro·phe noun
[ORIGIN: Gk katastrophē, fr. katastrephein to overturn, fr. kata- down + strephein to turn]

1 : a great disaster or misfortune
2 : utter failure

Synonyms
calamity, cataclysm, debacle, disaster, tragedy—more at DISASTER

cat·a·stroph·ic adjective
: of, relating to, resembling, or resulting in catastrophe

— cat·a·stroph·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
calamitous, cataclysmic, destructive, disastrous, fatal, fateful, ruinous, unfortunate—more at FATAL

cat·a·ton·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or marked by schizophrenia characterized esp. by stupor, negativism, rigidity, purposeless excitement, and bizarre posturing

— catatonic noun

cat·bird noun
: an American songbird with a catlike mewing call

cat·boat noun
: a single-masted sailboat with a single large sail extended by a long boom

cat·call noun
: a loud cry made esp. to express disapproval

— catcall verb

Synonyms
boo, hiss, hoot, jeer, raspberry; also sneer, taunt; whistle
Antonyms
cheer

1catch verb caught ; catch·ing
[ORIGIN: ME cacchen, fr. AF cacher, chacher, chacer to hunt, ultim. fr. L captare to chase]

1 : to capture esp. after pursuit
2 : to capture, take, or entangle in or as if in a snare : TRAP
3 : to discover unexpectedly <caught in the act>
4 : to become suddenly aware of
5 : to take hold of : SNATCH <~ at a straw>
6 : stop or interrupt the progress or course of
7 : to get entangled
8 : to become affected with or by <~ fire> <~ cold>
9 a : to seize and hold firmly
b : to cause to be seized and held
10 : OVERTAKE
11 : to be in time for <~ a train>
12 : to take in and retain <didn't ~ your name>
13 : to look at or listen to

Synonyms
[2, 9a] bag, capture, collar, corral, get, grab, grapple, hook, land, nab, seize, snare, trap; also lasso, rope; apprehend, arrest, detain; clasp, clutch, grasp, grip, hold, secure; ensnare, entangle, entrap; abduct, kidnap, spirit (away or off)
Antonyms
miss
[5] collar, grab, nab, seize, snap, snatch
[6] arrest, check, draw up, fetch up, halt, hold up, stall, stay, still, stop—more at HALT
[8] come down, contract, get, sicken, take—more at CONTRACT

2catch noun
1 a : something caught
b : the total quantity caught at one time <a good ~ of fish>
2 : the act of catching; also : a game consisting of throwing and catching a ball
3 : something that catches or checks or holds immovable <a door ~>
4 : one that is worth catching or acquiring esp. as a mate
5 : FRAGMENT, SNATCH
6 : a concealed difficulty or complication

Synonyms
[1b] haul, take, yield—more at HAUL
[4] gem, jewel, pearl, plum, prize, treasure—more at PRIZE
[6] booby trap, pitfall, snag—more at PITFALL

catch·all noun
: something to hold a variety of odds and ends

catch–as–catch–can adjective
: using any means available

catch·er noun
: one that catches; especially : a player positioned behind home plate in baseball

catch·ing adjective
1 : communicable by infection : CONTAGIOUS <the flu is ~>
2 : spreading or capable of spreading rapidly to others <their enthusiasm was ~>

Synonyms
[1, 2] communicable, contagious, transmittable—more at CONTAGIOUS

catch·ment noun
1 : something that catches water
2 : the action of catching water

catch on verb
1 a : to become aware : LEARN
b : to grasp the meaning of : UNDERSTAND
2 : to become popular

Synonyms
[1a] ascertain, discover, find out, hear, learn, realize, see—more at DISCOVER
usually catch on to [1b] appreciate, apprehend, catch, comprehend, get, grasp, make, make out, perceive, see, seize, tumble, understand—more at COMPREHEND

catch·pen·ny adjective
: using sensationalism or cheapness for appeal <a ~ newspaper>

catch·phrase noun
: a word or expression frequently used to represent or characterize a person, group, idea, or point of view

catch–22 noun, plural catch–22's or catch–22s often cap C
[ORIGIN: fr. Catch-22, a paradoxical rule found in the novel Catch-22 (1961) by Joseph Heller]

: a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule; also : the circumstance or rule that denies a solution

catchup variant of KETCHUP

catch up verb
: to travel or work fast enough to overtake or complete

catch·word noun
1 : GUIDE WORD
2 : CATCHPHRASE

catchy adjective catch·i·er; -est
1 : likely to catch the interest or attention
2 : requiring skill or caution (as in doing or handling) : TRICKY

Synonyms
[1] bold, conspicuous, emphatic, marked, noticeable, prominent, pronounced, remarkable, striking—more at NOTICEABLE
[2] delicate, difficult, knotty, problematic, spiny, thorny, ticklish, touchy, tough, tricky—more at TRICKY

cat·e·chism noun
: a summary or test (as of religious doctrine) usu. in the form of questions and answers

— cat·e·chist noun

— cat·e·chize verb

cat·e·chu·men noun
: a religious convert receiving training before baptism

cat·e·gor·i·cal adjective
1 : not modified or restricted : ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED <a ~ denial>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a category

— cat·e·gor·i·cal·ly adverb

cat·e·go·rize verb -rized; -riz·ing
: to put into a category : CLASSIFY

— cat·e·go·ri·za·tion noun

Synonyms
assort, break down, class, classify, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, separate, sort—more at CLASSIFY

cat·e·go·ry noun, plural -ries
: a division within a system of classification; especially : CLASS, GROUP, KIND

Synonyms
bracket, class, division, family, grade, group, kind, order, set, species, type—more at CLASS

ca·ter verb
[ORIGIN: obs. cater buyer of provisions, fr. ME catour, short for acatour, fr. AF, fr. acater, achater to buy]

1 : to provide a supply of food
2 : to supply what is wanted

— ca·ter·er noun

Synonyms
[1] board, feed, provision—more at FEED
usually cater to [2] gratify, humor, indulge—more at INDULGE

catercorner or cater–cornered variant of KITTY-CORNER

cat·er·pil·lar noun
[ORIGIN: ME catyrpel, fr. OF catepelose, lit., hairy cat]

: a wormlike often hairy insect larva esp. of a butterfly or moth

cat·er·waul verb
: to make a harsh cry

— caterwaul noun

cat·fish noun
: any of an order of chiefly freshwater stout-bodied fishes with slender tactile processes around the mouth

cat·gut noun
: a tough cord made usu. from sheep intestines

ca·thar·sis noun, plural ca·thar·ses
1 : an act of purging or purification
2 : elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression

1cathartic adjective
: of, relating to, or producing catharsis

2cathartic noun
: PURGATIVE

ca·the·dral noun
: the principal church of a diocese

cath·e·ter noun
: a tube for insertion into a bodily passage or cavity usu. for injecting or drawing off material or for keeping a passage open

cath·e·ter·i·za·tion noun
: the use of or introduction of a catheter

— cath·e·ter·ize verb

cath·ode noun
1 : the negative electrode of an electrolytic cell
2 : the positive terminal of a battery
3 : the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube

— cath·od·al adjective

— ca·thod·ic adjective

cathode–ray tube noun
: a vacuum tube in which a beam of electrons is projected on a fluorescent screen to produce a luminous spot

cath·o·lic adjective
[ORIGIN: ME catholik relating to the church universal, ultim. fr. Gk katholikos universal, general, fr. katholou in general]

1 cap : of or relating to Catholics and esp. Roman Catholics
2 : GENERAL, UNIVERSAL

Cath·o·lic noun
: a member of a church claiming historical continuity from the ancient undivided Christian church; especially : a member of the Roman Catholic Church

— Ca·thol·i·cism noun

cath·o·lic·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 cap : the character of being in conformity with a Catholic church
2 : liberality of sentiments or views
3 : comprehensive range

cat·ion noun
: the ion in an electrolyte that migrates to the cathode; also : a positively charged ion

cat·kin noun
: a long flower cluster (as of a willow) bearing crowded flowers and prominent bracts

cat·like adjective
: resembling a cat or its behavior; especially : STEALTHY

1catnap noun
: a very short light nap

Synonyms
doze, drowse, forty winks, nap, siesta, snooze, wink—more at NAP

2catnap verb
: to sleep for a short period of time

cat·nip noun
: an aromatic mint that is esp. attractive to cats

cat–o'–nine–tails noun, plural cat–o'–nine–tails
: a whip made of usu. nine knotted cords fastened to a handle

CAT scan noun
[ORIGIN: computerized axial tomography]

: an image made by computed tomography

CAT scanner noun
: a medical instrument consisting of integrated X-ray and computing equipment that is used to make CAT scans

cat's cradle noun
: a game played with a string looped on the fingers in such a way as to resemble a small cradle

cat's–eye noun, plural cat's–eyes
: any of various iridescent gems

cat's–paw noun, plural cat's–paws
: a person used by another as a tool

cat·tail noun
: any of a genus of tall reedlike marsh plants with furry brown spikes of tiny flowers

cat·ti·ly adverb
: in a catty manner

cat·ti·ness noun
: the quality or state of being catty

Synonyms
acidity, acrimony, asperity, bitterness, tartness, virulence, vitriol—more at ACRIMONY
despite, hatefulness, malice, malignity, meanness, nastiness, spite, spleen, venom, viciousness—more at MALICE

cat·tle noun plural
: LIVESTOCK; especially : domestic bovines (as cows, bulls, or calves)

— cat·tle·man noun

cat·ty adjective cat·ti·er; -est
: slyly spiteful

Synonyms
cruel, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, virulent—more at HATEFUL

catty–corner or catty–cornered variant of KITTY-CORNER

CATV abbreviation
community antenna television

cat·walk noun
: a narrow walk (as along a bridge)

Cau·ca·sian adjective
: of or relating to the white race of mankind

— Caucasian noun

— Cau·ca·soid adjective or noun

cau·cus noun
: a meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usu. to decide upon policies and candidates

— caucus verb

cau·dal adjective
: of, relating to, or located near the tail or the hind end of the body

— cau·dal·ly adverb

cau·di·llo noun, plural -llos
: a Spanish or Latin-American military dictator

caught past and past participle of CATCH

caul noun
: the inner fetal membrane of higher vertebrates esp. when covering the head at birth

caul·dron noun
: a large kettle

cau·li·flow·er noun
[ORIGIN: It cavolfiore, fr. cavolo cabbage + fiore flower]

: a garden plant closely related to cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of undeveloped flowers; also : this head used as a vegetable

cauliflower ear noun
: an ear deformed from injury and excessive growth of scar tissue

1caulk verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF cauker, calcher to trample, fr. L calcare, fr. calx heel]

: to stop up and make tight against leakage (as a boat or its seams)

— caulk·er noun

2caulk also caulk·ing noun
: material used to caulk

caus·al adjective
1 : expressing or indicating cause
2 : relating to or acting as a cause

— cau·sal·i·ty noun

— caus·al·ly adverb

cau·sa·tion noun
1 : the act or process of causing
2 : the means by which an effect is produced

1cause noun
1 : REASON, MOTIVE
2 a : something that brings about a result
b : a person or thing that is the agent of bringing something about
3 : a suit or action in court : CASE
4 : a question or matter to be decided
5 : a principle or movement earnestly supported

— cause·less adjective

Synonyms
[2a] bandwagon, campaign, crusade, drive, movement—more at CAMPAIGN
[2a, 2b] antecedent, occasion, reason; also consideration, determinant, factor; impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus; mother, origin, root, source, spring
Antonyms
aftereffect, aftermath, consequence, corollary, development, effect, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot

2cause verb caused; caus·ing
: to be the cause or occasion of

— caus·a·tive adjective

— caus·er noun

Synonyms
bring about, create, effect, effectuate, generate, induce, make, produce, prompt, result, work, yield—more at EFFECT

cause cé·lè·bre noun, plural causes célèbres
[ORIGIN: F, lit., celebrated case]

1 : a legal case that excites widespread interest
2 : a notorious person, thing, incident, or episode

cau·se·rie noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : an informal conversation : CHAT
2 : a short informal essay

cause·way noun
: a raised way or road across wet ground or water

1caustic adjective
1 : CORROSIVE
2 : marked by incisive sarcasm : SHARP <~ wit>

Synonyms
acrid, biting, cutting, mordant, pungent, sarcastic, satiric, scathing, sharp, tart—more at SARCASTIC

2caustic noun
1 : a substance that burns or destroys organic tissue by chemical action
2 : SODIUM HYDROXIDE

cau·ter·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to burn or sear usu. to prevent infection or bleeding

— cau·ter·i·za·tion noun

1caution noun
1 : a warning or reminder of possible danger or risk : ADMONITION, WARNING
2 : prudent forethought to minimize risk
3 : one that astonishes

Synonyms
[1] admonition, alarm, alert, notice, warning—more at WARNING
[2] alertness, care, carefulness, circumspection, heedfulness; also attentiveness, vigilance, watchfulness; foresight, foresightedness, providence; calculation, canniness, deliberateness, deliberation, shrewdness
Antonyms
carelessness, heedlessness, recklessness
[3] flash, marvel, miracle, phenomenon, portent, prodigy, sensation, wonder—more at WONDER

2caution verb
: to advise caution to

Synonyms
alert, forewarn, warn—more at WARN

cau·tion·ary adjective
: having the characteristics of or serving as a caution

Synonyms
warning; also didactic, moralistic, moralizing; advisory, counseling (or counselling); punishing, punitive

cau·tious adjective
: marked by or given to caution : CAREFUL

— cau·tious·ly adverb

Synonyms
alert, careful, circumspect, considerate, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary—more at CAREFUL

cau·tious·ness noun
: the quality or state of being cautious

cav abbreviation
1 cavalry
2 cavity

cav·al·cade noun
1 a : a procession of riders or carriages
b : a procession of vehicles
2 : a dramatic sequence or procession

Synonyms
armada, caravan, fleet, line, motorcade, train—more at FLEET

1cavalier noun
[ORIGIN: MF, fr. It cavaliere, fr. Old Occitan cavalier, fr. LL caballarius horseman, fr. L caballus horse]

1 : a mounted soldier : KNIGHT
2 cap : an adherent of Charles I of England
3 : a man who is esp. attentive to women : GALLANT

2cavalier adjective
1 : DEBONAIR
2 : marked by or given to offhand dismissal of important matters
3 : marked by lofty disregard of others' interests or feelings : HAUGHTY

— cav·a·lier·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2, 3] arrogant, haughty, high-handed, high-hat, highfalutin, imperious, important, lofty, lordly, masterful, overweening, peremptory, pompous, presumptuous, pretentious, supercilious, superior, uppity—more at ARROGANT

cav·al·ry noun, plural -ries
: troops mounted on horseback or moving in motor vehicles

— cav·al·ry·man noun

1cave noun
: a natural underground chamber open to the surface

Synonyms
grotto; also abyss, chasm, gulf, hollow; subway, tunnel; excavation, mine, pit, shaft, well; bunker, dugout, foxhole; burrow, covert, den, hole, lair, lodge, shelter

2cave verb caved; cav·ing
1 : to collapse or cause to collapse — usu. used with in
2 : to cease to resist : SUBMIT — usu. used with in

Synonyms usually cave in
collapse, crumple, give, go, yield—more at COLLAPSE

ca·ve·at noun
[ORIGIN: L, let him beware]

: WARNING

caveat emp·tor noun
[ORIGIN: NL, let the buyer beware]

: a principle in commerce: without a warranty the buyer takes a risk

cave–in noun
1 : the action of caving in
2 : a place where earth has caved in

cave·man noun
1 : a cave dweller esp. of the Stone Age
2 : a man who acts in a rough or crude manner

cav·ern noun
: a natural underground chamber or series of chambers open to the surface : CAVE; especially : one of large or unknown size

— cav·ern·ous adjective

— cav·ern·ous·ly adverb

cav·i·ar also cav·i·are noun
: the salted roe of a large fish (as sturgeon) used as an appetizer

cav·il verb -iled or -illed; -il·ing or -il·ling
: to make frivolous objections or raise trivial objections to

— cavil noun

Synonyms
carp, fuss, quibble—more at QUIBBLE

cav·il·er or cav·il·ler noun
: a person who complains and criticizes for trivial reasons

Synonyms
carper, castigator, censurer, critic, faultfinder, nitpicker, railer, scold—more at CRITIC

cav·ing noun
: the sport of exploring caves : SPELUNKING

cav·i·ta·tion noun
: the formation of partial vacuums in a liquid by a swiftly moving solid body (as a propeller) or by high-intensity sound waves

cav·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : an unfilled space within a mass : a hollow place
2 : an area of decay in a tooth

Synonyms
concavity, dent, depression, hole, hollow, indentation, pit, recess—more at HOLE

ca·vort verb
: to bound, prance, or frisk about : CAPER

Synonyms
caper, disport, frisk, frolic, gambol, lark, rollick, romp, sport—more at FROLIC

ca·vy noun, plural cavies
: GUINEA PIG 1

caw verb
: to utter the harsh call of the crow or a similar cry

— caw noun

cay noun
: 4KEY

cay·enne pepper noun
: a condiment consisting of ground dried fruits or seeds of a hot pepper

cayman variant of CAIMAN

Ca·yu·ga noun, plural Cayuga or Cayugas
: a member of an American Indian people of New York

Cay·use noun
1 plural Cayuse or Cayuses : a member of an American Indian people of Oregon and Washington
2 plural cayuses not cap West : a native range horse

Cb symbol
columbium

CB noun
: CITIZENS BAND; also : the radio set used for citizens-band communications

CBC abbreviation
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

CBD abbreviation
cash before delivery

CBS abbreviation
Columbia Broadcasting System

CBW abbreviation
chemical and biological warfare

cc abbreviation
cubic centimeter

CC abbreviation
1 carbon copy
2 community college
3 country club

CCD noun
: CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICE

CCTV abbreviation
closed-circuit television

CCU abbreviation
1 cardiac care unit
2 coronary care unit
3 critical care unit

ccw abbreviation
counterclockwise

cd abbreviation
cord

Cd symbol
cadmium

1CD noun
: CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT

2CD noun
: a small optical disk usu. containing recorded music or computer data; also : the content of a CD

3CD abbreviation
Civil Defense

CDR abbreviation
commander

CD–ROM noun
: a CD containing computer data that cannot be altered

CDT abbreviation
central daylight (saving) time

Ce symbol
cerium

CE abbreviation
1 chemical engineer
2 civil engineer
3 Corps of Engineers

cease verb ceased; ceas·ing
: to come or bring to an end : STOP

Synonyms
break off, break up, close, conclude, desist, die, discontinue, end, expire, finish, halt, quit, stop, terminate; also lay off (of), refrain (from); knock off; break down, conk (out), cut out, stall; pause, stay, suspend
Antonyms
continue, hang on, persist

cease–fire noun
: a suspension of active hostilities

cease·less adjective
: being without pause or stop : continuing without interruption

— cease·less·ly adverb

— cease·less·ness noun

Synonyms
continual, continuous, incessant, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted—more at CONTINUOUS
dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, permanent, perpetual, undying, unending—more at EVERLASTING

ce·cum also cae·cum noun, plural ce·ca
: the blind pouch at the beginning of the large intestine into which the small intestine opens

— ce·cal also cae·cal adjective

ce·dar noun
: any of numerous coniferous trees (as a juniper) noted for their fragrant durable wood; also : this wood

cede verb ced·ed; ced·ing
1 : to yield or give up
2 : to transfer (as property) to another : ASSIGN, TRANSFER

— ced·er noun

Synonyms
[1] deliver, give up, hand over, leave, relinquish, render, surrender, turn over, yield—more at SURRENDER
[2] alienate, assign, deed, make over, transfer—more at TRANSFER

ce·dil·la noun
: a mark placed under the letter c (as ç) to show that the c is to be pronounced like s

ceil·ing noun
1 : the overhead inside lining of a room
2 : something thought of as an overhanging shelter or canopy
3 : the height above the ground of the base of the lowest layer of clouds when over half of the sky is obscured
4 : the greatest height at which an airplane can operate efficiently
5 : a prescribed upper limit <price ~>

Synonyms
[2] canopy, roof, tent—more at CANOPY
[5] bound, boundary, confines, end, extent, limit, limitation, line, termination—more at LIMIT

cel·an·dine noun
: a yellow-flowered herb related to the poppies

cel·e·brant noun
: one who celebrates

Synonyms
merrymaker, reveler, roisterer; also carouser, wassailer; cutup
Antonyms
killjoy, party pooper

cel·e·brate verb -brat·ed; -brat·ing
1 : to perform (as a sacrament) with appropriate rites
2 : to honor (as a holiday) by solemn ceremonies or by refraining from ordinary business
3 : to observe a notable occasion with festivities
4 : EXTOL

— cel·e·bra·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
[1, 2] commemorate, keep, observe—more at KEEP

cel·e·brat·ed adjective
: widely known and often referred to

Synonyms
famed, famous, noted, notorious, prominent, renowned, star, well-known—more at FAMOUS

cel·e·bra·tion noun
: the act or process of celebrating

Synonyms
carnival, festival, festivity, fete, fiesta, gala, jubilee—more at FESTIVAL

cel·e·bra·tor noun
: one that celebrates

ce·leb·ri·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the state of being celebrated
2 : a celebrated person

Synonyms
[1] fame, notoriety, renown—more at FAME
[2] figure, light, luminary, notable, personage, personality, somebody, standout, star, superstar, VIP; also favorite, hero, idol; demigod, dignitary, eminence, immortal, pillar, worthy; baron, big shot, bigwig, magnate, mogul, nabob
Antonyms
nobody

ce·ler·i·ty noun
: rapidity of motion or action : SPEED, RAPIDITY

Synonyms
fastness, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, speed, swiftness, velocity—more at SPEED

cel·ery noun, plural -er·ies
: a European herb related to the carrot and widely grown for the crisp edible stems of its leaves

celery cabbage noun
: CHINESE CABBAGE 2

ce·les·ta or ce·leste noun
: a keyboard instrument with hammers that strike steel plates

ce·les·tial adjective
1 : of, relating to, or suggesting heaven or divinity : HEAVENLY
2 : of or relating to the sky

— ce·les·tial·ly adverb

Synonyms
Elysian, empyrean, heavenly, supernal; also ethereal, supernatural, transcendent, transcendental, unearthly, unworldly; angelic, beatific, blissful; utopian; cosmic, stellar
Antonyms
hellish, infernal

celestial navigation noun
: navigation by observation of the positions of stars

celestial sphere noun
: an imaginary sphere of infinite radius against which the celestial bodies appear to be projected

cel·i·ba·cy noun
1 : the state of being unmarried; especially : abstention by vow from marriage
2 : abstention from sexual intercourse

cel·i·bate noun
: one who lives in celibacy

— celibate adjective

cell noun
1 a : a small room (as in a convent or prison) usu. for one person
b : a small compartment, cavity, or bounded space
2 : a tiny mass of protoplasm that usu. contains a nucleus, is enclosed by a membrane, and forms the smallest structural unit of living matter capable of functioning independently
3 : a container holding an electrolyte either for generating electricity or for use in electrolysis
4 : a single unit in a device for converting radiant energy into electrical energy

— celled adjective

Synonyms
[1a] chamber, closet, room—more at ROOM
[1a, 1b] bay, cabin, chamber, compartment, cubicle, room—more at COMPARTMENT

cel·lar noun
1 : the part of a building that is wholly or partly below ground level : BASEMENT
2 : the lowest position (as in an athletic league)
3 : a stock of wines

cel·lar·ette or cel·lar·et noun
: a case or cabinet for a few bottles of wine or liquor

cell body
: the nucleus-containing central part of a neuron

cel·lo noun, plural cellos
: a bass member of the violin family tuned an octave below the viola

— cel·list noun

cel·lo·phane noun
: a thin transparent material made from cellulose and used as a wrapping

cell phone noun
: a portable cordless telephone for use in a cellular system

cel·lu·lar adjective
1 : of, relating to, or consisting of cells
2 : of, relating to, or being a radiotelephone system in which a geographical area is divided into small sections each served by a transmitter of limited range

cel·lu·lite noun
: deposits of lumpy fat within connective tissue (as in the thighs, hips, and buttocks)

cel·lu·lose noun
: a complex carbohydrate of the cell walls of plants used esp. in making paper or rayon

— cel·lu·los·ic adjective or noun

Cel·si·us adjective
: relating to or having a scale for measuring temperature on which the interval between the triple point and the boiling point of water is divided into 99.99 degrees with 0.01° being the triple point and 100.00° the boiling point

Celt noun
: a member of any of a group of peoples (as the Irish or Welsh) of western Europe

— Celt·ic adjective

cem·ba·lo noun, plural -ba·li or -balos
[ORIGIN: It]

: HARPSICHORD

1cement noun
1 : a powder that is produced from a burned mixture chiefly of clay and limestone and that is used in mortar and concrete; also : CONCRETE
2 a : a binding element or substance (as glue, paste, or plaster)
b : something serving to unite firmly
3 : CEMENTUM; also : a substance for filling cavities in teeth

Synonyms
[2a] adhesive, glue, size—more at GLUE
[2b] bond, knot, ligature, link, tie—more at BOND

2cement verb
1 : to unite by or as if by cement
2 : to cover with concrete

— ce·ment·er noun

ce·men·tum noun
: a specialized external bony layer covering the dentin of the part of a tooth normally within the gum

cem·e·tery noun, plural -ter·ies
[ORIGIN: ME cimitery, fr. AF cimiterie, fr. LL coemeterium, fr. Gk koimētērion sleeping chamber, burial place, fr. koiman to put to sleep]

: a burial ground : GRAVEYARD

cen·o·bite noun
: a member of a religious group living together in a monastic community

— cen·o·bit·ic adjective

ceno·taph noun
[ORIGIN: F cénotaphe, fr. L cenotaphium, fr. Gk kenotaphion, fr. kenos empty + taphos tomb]

: a tomb or a monument erected in honor of a person whose body is elsewhere

Ce·no·zo·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or being the era of geologic history that extends from about 65 million years ago to the present

— Cenozoic noun

cen·ser noun
: a vessel for burning incense (as in a religious ritual)

1censor noun
1 : one of two early Roman magistrates whose duties included taking the census
2 : an official who inspects printed matter or sometimes motion pictures with power to suppress anything objectionable

— cen·so·ri·al adjective

2censor verb
: to subject to censorship

cen·so·ri·ous adjective
: marked by or given to censure : CRITICAL

— cen·so·ri·ous·ly adverb

— cen·so·ri·ous·ness noun

cen·sor·ship noun
1 : the action of a censor esp. in stopping the transmission or publication of matter considered objectionable
2 : the office of a Roman censor

cen·sur·able adjective
: deserving or open to censure

Synonyms
blamable, blameworthy, culpable, reprehensible—more at BLAMEWORTHY
objectionable, obnoxious, offensive, reprehensible—more at OBJECTIONABLE

1censure noun
1 : the act of blaming or condemning sternly
2 : an official reprimand

Synonyms
denunciation, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reproof, stricture; also admonishment, admonition, castigation, chastisement, punishment; criticism, deprecation, depreciation, disparagement
Antonyms
citation, commendation, endorsement

2censure verb cen·sured; cen·sur·ing
: to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy

Synonyms
condemn, damn, decry, denounce, reprehend, reprobate—more at CONDEMN
blame, condemn, criticize, denounce, fault, knock, pan, reprehend—more at CRITICIZE
condemn, denounce, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove; also admonish, castigate, chastise, punish; belittle, criticize, deprecate, depreciate, disparage
Antonyms
cite, commend, endorse

cen·sur·er noun
: one that censures

Synonyms
carper, castigator, caviler, critic, faultfinder, nitpicker, railer, scold—more at CRITIC

cen·sus noun
1 : a periodic governmental count of population
2 : COUNT, TALLY

— cen·sus verb

1cent noun
[ORIGIN: MF, hundred, fr. L centum]

1 : a monetary unit equal to 1/100 of a basic unit of value (as of a dollar)
2 : a coin, token, or note representing one cent

2cent abbreviation
1 centigrade
2 central
3 century

cen·taur noun
: any of a race of creatures in Greek mythology half man and half horse

cen·te·nar·i·an noun
: a person who is 100 or more years old

cen·te·na·ry noun, plural -ries
: CENTENNIAL

— centenary adjective

cen·ten·ni·al noun
: a 100th anniversary or its celebration

— centennial adjective

1center noun
1 : the point that is equally distant from all points on the circumference of a circle or surface of a sphere; also : MIDDLE 1
2 : the point about which an activity concentrates or from which something originates
3 : a region of concentrated population
4 : a middle part
5 often cap : political figures holding moderate views esp. between those of conservatives and liberals
6 : a player occupying a middle position (as in football or basketball)

Synonyms
[1] core, middle, midpoint, midst; also inside, interior
Antonyms
perimeter, periphery
[2] base, core, cynosure, eye, focus, heart, hub, mecca, nucleus, seat; also kernel, nub, pith; deep, thick; essence, quintessence, soul; attraction, lodestone, magnet

2center verb
1 : to place or fix at or around a center or central area
2 : to give a central focus or basis : CONCENTRATE
3 : to have a center : FOCUS

Synonyms
[1, 2] centralize, compact, concentrate, consolidate, unify, unite—more at CENTRALIZE

cen·ter·board noun
: a retractable keel used esp. in sailboats

cen·ter·piece noun
1 : an object in a central position; especially : an adornment in the center of a table
2 : one that is of central importance or interest in a larger whole

cen·tes·i·mal adjective
: marked by or relating to division into hundredths

cen·ti·grade adjective
: relating to, conforming to, or having a thermometer scale on which the interval between the freezing and boiling points of water is divided into 100 degrees with 0° representing the freezing point and 100° the boiling point <10° ~>

cen·ti·gram noun
: a metric unit of measure equal to 1/100 gram

cen·ti·li·ter noun
: a metric unit of measure equal to 1/100 liter

cen·ti·me·ter noun
: a metric unit of measure equal to 1/100 meter

centimeter–gram–second adjective
: of, relating to, or being a system of units based on the centimeter as the unit of length, the gram as the unit of mass, and the second as the unit of time

cen·ti·pede noun
[ORIGIN: L centipeda, fr. centum hundred + pes foot]

: any of a class of long flattened segmented arthropods with one pair of legs on each segment except the first which has a pair of poison fangs

1central adjective
1 : constituting a center
2 : belonging to the center as the most important part : PRINCIPAL
3 : situated at, in, or near the center
4 : centrally placed and superseding separate units <~ heating>

— cen·tral·ly adverb

Synonyms
arch, cardinal, chief, dominant, first, foremost, grand, key, main, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primary, principal, sovereign, supreme—more at FOREMOST

2central noun
: a central controlling office

cen·tral·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to bring to a central point or under central control

— cen·tral·i·za·tion noun

— cen·tral·iz·er noun

Synonyms
center, compact, concentrate, consolidate, unify, unite; also coordinate, harmonize, integrate, orchestrate; blend, coalesce, combine, fuse, incorporate, merge; conjoin, join, link; assemble, collect, gather; reunify, reunite
Antonyms
decentralize, spread (out)

central nervous system noun
: the part of the nervous system which integrates nervous function and activity and which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord

cen·trif·u·gal adjective
[ORIGIN: NL centrifugus, fr. centr- center + L fugere to flee]

1 : proceeding or acting in a direction away from a center or axis
2 : using or acting by centrifugal force

centrifugal force noun
: the apparent force felt by an object moving in a curved path and acting outward from a center of rotation

cen·tri·fuge noun
: a machine using centrifugal force (as for separating substances of different densities or for removing moisture)

cen·trip·e·tal adjective
[ORIGIN: NL centripetus, fr. centr- center + L petere seek]

: proceeding or acting in a direction toward a center or axis

centripetal force noun
: the force needed to keep an object revolving about a point moving in a circular path

cen·trist noun
1 often cap : a member of a center party
2 : one who holds moderate views

cen·tu·ri·on noun
: an officer commanding a Roman century

cen·tu·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : a subdivision of a Roman legion
2 : a group or sequence of 100 like things
3 : a period of 100 years

century plant noun
: a Mexican agave maturing and flowering only once in many years and then dying

CEO noun
: the executive with the chief decision-making authority in an organization or business

ce·phal·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to the head
2 : directed toward or situated on or in or near the head

ce·ram·ic noun
1 plural : the art or process of making articles from a nonmetallic mineral (as clay) by firing
2 : a product produced by ceramics

— ceramic adjective

ce·ra·mist or ce·ram·i·cist noun
: one who engages in ceramics

1cereal adjective
[ORIGIN: L cerealis, fr. Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture]

: relating to grain or to the plants that produce it; also : made of grain

2cereal noun
1 : a grass (as wheat) yielding grain suitable for food; also : its grain
2 : a food and esp. a breakfast food prepared from the grain of a cereal

cer·e·bel·lum noun, plural -bellums or -bel·la
[ORIGIN: ML, fr. L, dim. of cerebrum brain]

: a part of the brain that projects over the medulla and is concerned esp. with coordination of muscular action and with bodily balance

— cer·e·bel·lar adjective

ce·re·bral adjective
1 : of or relating to the brain, intellect, or cerebrum
2 : appealing to or involving the intellect

— ce·re·bral·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] inner, intellectual, mental, psychological—more at MENTAL

cerebral cortex noun
: the surface layer of gray matter of the cerebrum that functions chiefly in coordination of sensory and motor information

cerebral palsy noun
: a disorder caused by brain damage usu. before, during, or shortly after birth and marked esp. by defective muscle control

cer·e·brate verb -brat·ed; -brat·ing
: THINK

— cer·e·bra·tion noun

ce·re·brum noun, plural -brums or -bra
[ORIGIN: L, brain]

: the enlarged front and upper part of the brain that contains the higher nervous centers

cere·ment noun
: a shroud for the dead

1ceremonial adjective
1 : of, relating to, or forming a ceremony
2 : stressing careful attention to form and detail

— cer·e·mo·ni·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
ceremonious, conventional, formal, orthodox, regular, routine—more at FORMAL

2ceremonial noun
: a ceremonial act or system : RITUAL, FORM

cer·e·mo·ni·ous adjective
1 : devoted to forms and ceremony
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a ceremony : CEREMONIAL
3 : according to formal usage or procedure
4 : marked by ceremony

— cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb

— cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
[3, 4] correct, decorous, formal, proper, starchy; also sober, solemn, stately; chivalrous, courtly, gallant; genteel, polished, refined; civil, courteous, polite, red-carpet
Antonyms
casual, easygoing, informal, laid-back

cer·e·mo·ny noun, plural -nies
1 : a formal act or series of acts prescribed by law, ritual, or convention
2 : a conventional act of politeness
3 : a mere outward form with no deeper significance
4 : FORMALITY

Synonyms
ceremonial, form, formality, observance, rite, ritual, solemnity—more at RITE

ce·re·us noun
: any of various cacti of the western U.S. and tropical America

ce·rise noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., cherry]

: a moderate red color

ce·ri·um noun
: a malleable metallic chemical element used esp. in alloys

cer·met noun
: a strong alloy of a heat-resistant compound and a metal used esp. for turbine blades

cert abbreviation
certificate; certification; certified; certify

1certain adjective
1 : not subject to change or fluctuation : FIXED, SETTLED
2 : of a specific but unspecified character <~ people in authority>
3 a : capable of being depended on : DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE
b : incapable of failing
4 : INDISPUTABLE, UNDENIABLE
5 : assured in mind or action
6 : INEVITABLE

Synonyms
[1] determinate, final, firm, fixed, flat, frozen, hard, hard-and-fast, set, settled, stable—more at FIXED
[2] anonymous, one, some, unidentified, unnamed, unspecified; also particular, specific
[5] assured, clear, cocksure, confident, doubtless, positive, sanguine, sure; also self-assured, self-confident; decisive, resolute, unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering
Antonyms
doubtful, dubious, uncertain, unsure

2certain pronoun
: certain ones

cer·tain·ly adverb
1 : in a manner that is certain : with certainty
2 : it is certain that

Synonyms
definitely, doubtless, forsooth, incontestably, indeed, indisputably, really, surely, truly, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably—more at INDEED

cer·tain·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : something that is certain
2 : the quality or state of being certain

Synonyms
assurance, certitude, confidence, conviction, positiveness, sureness—more at CONFIDENCE

cer·tif·i·cate noun
1 : a document testifying to the truth of a fact
2 : a document testifying that one has fulfilled certain requirements (as of a course or school)
3 : a document giving evidence of ownership or debt <a stock ~>

certificate of deposit
: a money-market bond redeemable without penalty only on maturity

cer·ti·fi·ca·tion noun
1 : the act of certifying : the state of being certified
2 : a certified statement

certified mail noun
: first class mail for which proof of delivery may be secured but no indemnity value is claimed

certified public accountant noun
: an accountant who has met the requirements of a state law and has been granted a certificate

cer·ti·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to attest as being true
2 : to endorse officially
3 : to guarantee (a bank check) as good by a statement to that effect stamped on its face
4 : to provide with a usu. professional certificate or license

— cer·ti·fi·able adjective

— cer·ti·fi·ably adverb

— cer·ti·fi·er noun

Synonyms
[1] attest, authenticate, avouch, testify, vouch, witness; also guarantee, warrant; affirm, assert, aver, avow, profess
[4] accredit, authorize, commission, empower, enable, invest, license, qualify—more at AUTHORIZE

cer·ti·tude noun
: the state of being or feeling certain

Synonyms
assurance, certainty, confidence, conviction, positiveness, sureness—more at CONFIDENCE

ce·ru·le·an adjective
: AZURE

ce·ru·men noun
: EARWAX

cer·vi·cal adjective
: of or relating to a neck or cervix

cervical cap noun
: a contraceptive device in the form of a thimble-shaped molded cap that fits over the uterine cervix and blocks sperm from entering the uterus

cer·vix noun, plural cer·vi·ces or cer·vix·es
1 : NECK; especially : the back part of the neck
2 : a constricted portion of an organ or part; especially : the narrow outer end of the uterus

ce·sar·e·an or cae·sar·e·an also ce·sar·i·an noun, often cap
: CESAREAN SECTION

— cesarean or caesarean also cesarian adjective, often cap

cesarean section also caesarean section noun, often cap C
[ORIGIN: fr. the legendary association of such a delivery with the Roman cognomen Caesar]

: surgical incision of the walls of the abdomen and uterus for delivery of offspring

ce·si·um noun
: a silver-white soft ductile chemical element

ces·sa·tion noun
: a temporary or final ceasing (as of action)

Synonyms
close, closure, conclusion, end, ending, expiration, finish, halt, lapse, shutdown, stop, stoppage, termination—more at END

ces·sion noun
: a yielding (as of rights) to another

cess·pool noun
: an underground pit or tank for receiving household sewage

ce·ta·cean noun
: any of an order of aquatic mostly marine mammals that includes whales, porpoises, dolphins, and related forms

— cetacean adjective

cf abbreviation
[ORIGIN: L confer]

compare

Cf symbol
californium

CF abbreviation
cystic fibrosis

CFC abbreviation
chlorofluorocarbon

cg abbreviation
centigram

CG abbreviation
1 coast guard
2 commanding general

cgs abbreviation
centimeter-gram-second

ch abbreviation
1 chain
2 champion
3 chapter
4 church

CH abbreviation
1 clearinghouse
2 courthouse
3 customhouse

Cha·blis noun, plural Cha·blis
1 : a dry sharp white Burgundy wine
2 : a white California wine

cha–cha noun
: a fast rhythmic ballroom dance of Latin American origin

Chad·ian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Chad

— Chadian adjective

chafe verb chafed; chaf·ing
1 : to bring trouble or distress to : cause agitation or anxiety to : IRRITATE, VEX
2 : FRET
3 : to warm by rubbing
4 : to rub so as to wear away
5 : to make sore by rubbing

Synonyms
[1] aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rasp, rile, vex—more at IRRITATE
[4] abrade, erode, fray, fret, gall, rub, wear—more at ABRADE
[5] abrade, gall, irritate; also graze, scrape, scratch; burn, inflame; flay, peel, skin

cha·fer noun
: any of various scarab beetles

1chaff noun
1 : debris (as husks) separated from grain in threshing
2 : something comparatively worthless

Synonyms
deadwood, dust, garbage, junk, litter, refuse, riffraff, rubbish, scrap, trash, waste—more at GARBAGE

2chaff noun
: light jesting talk : BANTER

Synonyms
banter, persiflage, raillery, repartee—more at BANTER

3chaff verb
: to tease good-naturedly

Synonyms
jive, josh, kid, rally, razz, rib, ride, roast, tease—more at TEASE

chaf·fer verb
: to discuss terms : haggle esp. over a price

— chaf·fer·er noun

Synonyms
bargain, deal, dicker, haggle, negotiate, palter—more at BARGAIN

chaf·finch noun
: a common European finch with a cheerful song

chaffy adjective
: of little importance or worth

Synonyms
empty, junky, no-good, null, valueless, worthless—more at WORTHLESS

chaf·ing dish noun
: a utensil for cooking food at the table

1chagrin noun
: mental uneasiness or annoyance caused by failure, disappointment, or humiliation

2chagrin verb cha·grined ; cha·grin·ing
: to cause to feel chagrin

1chain noun
[ORIGIN: ME cheyne, fr. AF chaene, fr. L catena]

1 : a flexible series of connected links
2 : a chainlike surveying instrument; also : a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
3 : something that confines, restrains, or secures : BOND, FETTER
4 : a series of things linked, connected, or associated together <a ~ of events> <a mountain ~>

Synonyms
[3] band, bond, fetter, irons, ligature, manacle, shackle—more at BOND
[4] progression, sequence, string, train; also chain reaction; belt, circle, cycle; continuum, gamut, scale, spectrum; flow, river, stream; file, line, queue, row, succession

2chain verb
1 : to fasten, bind, or connect with a chain; also : FETTER
2 : to join together so as to make a chain

Synonyms
[1] bind, enchain, fetter, handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel
[2] compound, connect, couple, hitch, hook, join, link, yoke—more at CONNECT

chain gang noun
: a gang of convicts chained together

chain letter noun
: a letter sent to several persons with a request that each send copies to an equal number of persons

chain mail noun
: flexible armor of interlocking metal rings

chain reaction noun
1 : a series of events in which each event initiates the succeeding one
2 : a chemical or nuclear reaction yielding products that cause further reactions of the same kind

chain saw noun
: a portable power saw that has teeth linked together to form an endless chain

— chain·saw verb

chain–smoke verb
: to smoke esp. cigarettes continuously

chain store noun
: any of numerous stores under the same ownership that sell the same lines of goods

1chair noun
[ORIGIN: ME chaiere, fr. AF, fr. L cathedra, fr. Gk kathedra, fr. kata- down + hedra seat]

1 : a seat with a back for one person
2 : ELECTRIC CHAIR
3 : an official seat or a seat of authority, state, or dignity; also : an office or position of authority or dignity
4 : the presiding officer of a meeting or event : CHAIRMAN

Synonyms
head, headship, helm, rein—more at HEAD

2chair verb
: to act as chairman of

chair·lift noun
: a motor-driven conveyor for skiers consisting of seats hung from a moving cable

chair·man noun
: the presiding officer of a meeting or of a committee

— chair·man·ship noun

Synonyms
chair, moderator, president, speaker

chair·per·son noun
: the presiding officer of a meeting or assembly : CHAIRMAN

chair·wom·an noun
: a woman who serves as chairman

chaise noun
: a 2-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with a folding top

chaise longue noun, plural chaise longues
[ORIGIN: F, lit., long chair]

: a long reclining chair

chaise lounge noun
: CHAISE LONGUE

chal·ced·o·ny noun, plural -nies
: a translucent pale blue or gray quartz

chal·co·py·rite noun
: a yellow mineral constituting an important ore of copper

cha·let noun
1 : a herdsman's cabin in the Swiss mountains
2 a : a building in the style of a Swiss cottage with a wide roof overhang
b : a cottage or house in chalet style

Synonyms
cabin, camp, cottage, lodge—more at COTTAGE

chal·ice noun
: a drinking cup; especially : the eucharistic cup

1chalk noun
1 : a soft limestone
2 : chalk or chalky material esp. when used as a crayon

— chalky adjective

2chalk verb
1 : to rub or mark with chalk
2 : to record with or as if with chalk — usu. used with up

chalk·board noun
: BLACKBOARD

chalk up verb
1 : ASCRIBE, CREDIT
2 : ATTAIN, ACHIEVE

1challenge verb chal·lenged; chal·leng·ing
[ORIGIN: ME chalengen to accuse, fr. OF chalengier, fr. L calumniari to accuse falsely, fr. calumnia calumny]

1 : to order to halt and prove identity
2 : to dispute esp. as being unjust, invalid, or untrue : to take exception to : DISPUTE
3 : to issue an invitation to compete against one esp. in single combat : DARE, DEFY

Synonyms
[2] contest, dispute, query, question; also doubt, mistrust; kick (about), object (to), protest; combat, fight, oppose, resist
Antonyms
accept, believe, embrace, swallow
[3] dare, defy; also beard, brave, brazen, breast, confront, face

2challenge noun
1 : a summons to a duel
2 : an invitation to compete in a sport
3 : a calling to account or into question
4 : an exception taken to a juror
5 : a sentry's command to halt and prove identity
6 : a stimulating or interesting task or problem

Synonyms
complaint, demur, expostulation, fuss, kick, objection, protest, question, remonstrance—more at OBJECTION

challenged adjective
: presented with difficulties (as by a disability)

Synonyms
disabled, handicapped—more at DISABLED

chal·leng·er noun
: one that challenges; specif : a contender for a championship (as boxing)

Synonyms
competition, competitor, contender, contestant, rival—more at COMPETITOR

challenging adjective
: arousing competitive interest, thought, or action <a ~ course of study>

Synonyms
arduous, burdensome, demanding, exacting, grueling, laborious, onerous, taxing, toilsome—more at DEMANDING

chal·lis noun, plural chal·lises
: a lightweight clothing fabric of wool, cotton, or synthetic yarns

cham·ber noun
1 : a partitioned part of the inside of a building : ROOM
2 : an enclosed space or cavity
3 : a hall for meetings of a legislative body
4 : a judge's consultation room — usu. used in pl.
5 : a legislative or judicial body; also : a council for a business purpose
6 : the part of a firearm that holds the cartridge or powder charge during firing

— cham·bered adjective

Synonyms
[1, 2] bay, cabin, cell, compartment, cubicle—more at COMPARTMENT

cham·ber·lain noun
1 : a chief officer in the household of a king or nobleman
2 : TREASURER

cham·ber·maid noun
: a maid who takes care of bedrooms

chamber music noun
: music intended for performance by a few musicians before a small audience

cham·bray noun
: a lightweight clothing fabric of white and colored threads

cha·me·leon noun
[ORIGIN: ME camelion, fr. MF, fr. L chamaeleon, fr. Gk chamaileōn, fr. chamai on the ground + leōn lion]

: a small lizard whose skin changes color esp. according to its surroundings

1chamfer verb
1 : to cut a furrow in (as a column) : GROOVE
2 : to make a chamfer on : BEVEL

2chamfer noun
: a beveled edge

cham·ois noun, plural cham·ois
1 : a small goatlike antelope of Europe and the Caucasus region of Russia
2 also cham·my : a soft leather made esp. from the skin of the sheep or goat
3 : a cotton fabric made in imitation of chamois leather

cham·o·mile noun
: any of a genus of strong-scented herbs related to the daisies and having flower heads that yield a bitter substance used esp. in tonics and teas

1champ verb
1 : to chew noisily
2 : to show impatience of delay or restraint

2champ noun
: a winner of first prize or first place in competition : CHAMPION; also : one who shows marked superiority

Synonyms
champion, victor, winner—more at CHAMPION

cham·pagne noun
: a white effervescent wine

1champion noun
1 : a militant advocate or defender
2 : one that wins first prize or place in a contest
3 : one that is acknowledged to be better than all others

Synonyms
[1] advocate, apostle, backer, booster, exponent, friend, promoter, proponent, supporter—more at EXPONENT
[2] champ, victor, winner; also finalist, semifinalist; medalist, prizewinner; star, superstar

2champion verb
: to protect or fight for as a champion

Synonyms
advocate, back, endorse, patronize, support—more at SUPPORT

cham·pi·on·ship noun
1 : the position or title of a champion
2 : the act of championing : DEFENSE
3 : a contest held to determine a champion

1chance noun
1 : something that happens without apparent cause
2 : the unpredictable element in existence : LUCK
3 : a situation favoring some purpose : OPPORTUNITY
4 : the likelihood of a particular outcome in an uncertain situation : PROBABILITY
5 : a gamble or risk taken in hopes of a favorable outcome with a real possibility of loss
6 : a raffle ticket

— by chance

: in the haphazard course of events

Synonyms
[2] accident, circumstance, hazard, luck; also randomness, uncertainty; fluke; destiny, doom, fate, fortune, lot; danger, peril, risk
[3] occasion, opening, opportunity, room—more at OPPORTUNITY
[4] odds, percentage, probability—more at PROBABILITY
[5] enterprise, flier, gamble, speculation, venture—more at GAMBLE

2chance verb chanced; chanc·ing
1 : to take place by chance : HAPPEN
2 : to encounter or discover by chance — used with upon
3 : to leave the outcome of to chance
4 : to accept the risk of

Synonyms
[1] be, befall, betide, come, go, happen, occur, pass, transpire—more at HAPPEN
usually chance upon [2] encounter, find, happen, hit, meet, stumble
[4] gamble, hazard, risk, venture—more at RISK

3chance adjective
: happening, experienced, or encountered by chance, without forethought, plan, or intention

Synonyms
accidental, casual, fluky, fortuitous, incidental, unintended, unintentional, unplanned, unpremeditated, unwitting—more at ACCIDENTAL

chan·cel noun
: the part of a church including the altar and choir

chan·cel·lery or chan·cel·lory noun, plural -ler·ies or -lor·ies
1 : the position or office of a chancellor
2 : the building or room where a chancellor works
3 : the office or staff of an embassy or consulate

chan·cel·lor noun
1 : a high state official in various countries
2 : the head of a university
3 : a judge in the equity court in various states of the U.S.
4 : the chief minister of state in some European countries

— chan·cel·lor·ship noun

chan·cery noun, plural -cer·ies
1 : any of various courts of equity in the U.S. and Britain
2 : a record office for public or diplomatic archives
3 : a chancellor's court or office
4 : the office of an embassy

chan·cre noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. OF, fr. L cancer]

: a primary sore or ulcer at the site of entry of an infective agent (as of syphilis)

chan·croid noun
: a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium and characterized by chancres that differ from those of syphilis in lacking hardened margins

chancy adjective chanc·i·er; -est
1 Scottish : AUSPICIOUS
2 : RISKY

chan·de·lier noun
: a branched lighting fixture suspended from a ceiling

chan·dler noun
[ORIGIN: ME chandeler a maker or seller of candles, fr. AF, fr. chandele candle, fr. L candela]

: a dealer in provisions and supplies of a specified kind <ship's ~>

— chan·dlery noun

1change verb changed; chang·ing
1 : to make or become different : ALTER
2 : to replace with another
3 : to give or receive an equivalent sum in notes or coins of usu. smaller denominations or of another currency
4 : to put fresh clothes or covering on <~ a bed>
5 : to put on different clothes
6 : to switch to or with another : EXCHANGE <neither liked his seat so they ~ed with each other>

— chang·er noun

Synonyms
[1] alter, make over, modify, recast, redo, refashion, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary; also deform, metamorphose, mutate; revolutionize, transfigure, transform, transmute; commute, convert, exchange
Antonyms
fix, freeze, set, stabilize
[1] fluctuate, mutate, shift, vary; also metamorphose, transmute; better, improve; deteriorate, worsen; seesaw, teeter, vacillate, waver
Antonyms
stabilize
[2, 6] commute, exchange, shift, substitute, swap, switch, trade; also interchange; displace, replace, supersede; cede, surrender, yield

2change noun
1 : the act, process, or result of changing
2 : a fresh set of clothes
3 : money given in exchange for other money of higher denomination
4 : money returned when a payment exceeds the sum due
5 : coins esp. of small denominations

Synonyms
alteration, difference, modification, revise, revision, variation; also amendment, correction, rectification; conversion, deformation, distortion, metamorphosis, mutation, transfiguration, transformation; fluctuation, oscillation, shift; displacement, replacement, substitution; adjustment, modulation, regulation
Antonyms
fixation, stabilization

change·able adjective
1 : subject to change <~ plans>
2 : able or apt to vary <~ weather>

Synonyms
[1] adaptable, adjustable, elastic, flexible, fluid, malleable, variable—more at FLEXIBLE
[2] capricious, fickle, fluid, inconstant, mercurial, mutable, temperamental, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, variable, volatile—more at FICKLE

change·ful adjective
: notably variable : UNCERTAIN

change·ling noun
: a child secretly exchanged for another in infancy

change·over noun
: the action of changing over : CONVERSION

Synonyms
conversion, metamorphosis, transfiguration, transformation—more at CONVERSION

change ringing noun
: the art or practice of ringing a set of tuned bells in continually varying order

1channel noun
1 : the bed of a stream
2 : the deeper part of a waterway
3 : a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water : STRAIT
4 : a means of passage or transmission
5 : a range of frequencies of sufficient width for a single radio or television transmission
6 : a usu. tubular enclosed passage : CONDUIT
7 : a long gutter, groove, or furrow usu. for the passage of water

Synonyms
[3] narrows, sound, strait; also arm, bay, gulf, inlet; roads, roadstead; reach, stretch
[6] conduit, duct, leader, line, penstock, pipe, tube—more at PIPE
[6, 7] aqueduct, canal, conduit, flume, raceway, watercourse; also millrace, millstream; river, rivulet, stream

2channel verb -neled or -nelled; -neling or -nel·ling
1 : to make a channel in
2 : to direct into or through a channel

Synonyms
conduct, direct, funnel, pipe, siphon; also carry, convey, transmit; concentrate, consolidate, focus

chan·nel·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to direct through or into a channel or restricted area : CHANNEL

— chan·nel·iza·tion noun

chan·son noun, plural chan·sons
: SONG; especially : a cabaret song

1chant verb
1 : to make melodic sounds with the voice : SING; especially : to sing a chant
2 : to utter or recite in the manner of a chant
3 : to celebrate or praise in song

— chant·er noun

Synonyms
carol, descant, sing, vocalize—more at SING

2chant noun
1 : a repetitive melody in which several words are sung to one tone : SONG; especially : a liturgical melody
2 : a manner of singing or speaking in musical monotones

chan·te·relle noun
: a fragrant edible mushroom

chan·teuse noun, plural chan·teuses
[ORIGIN: F]

: a woman who is a concert or nightclub singer

chan·tey or chan·ty noun, plural chanteys or chanties
: a song sung by sailors in rhythm with their work

chan·ti·cleer noun
: ROOSTER

Chanukah variant of HANUKKAH

cha·os noun
1 often cap : the confused unorganized state existing before the creation of distinct forms
2 : the inherent unpredictability in the behavior of a natural system (as the atmosphere or the beating heart)
3 : a state of utter confusion or disorder

Synonyms
confusion, disarray, disorder, disorganization, havoc, hell, jumble, mess, muddle, shambles; also anarchy, lawlessness, misrule; knot, snarl, tangle; labyrinth, maze, web; maelstrom, storm; clutter, litter, mishmash, shuffle; hodgepodge, medley, miscellany, motley
Antonyms
order, orderliness

chaos theory noun
: a branch of mathematical and physical theory concerned with chaotic systems

cha·ot·ic adjective
: completely confused or disordered

— cha·ot·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
confused, disheveled, disordered, messy, muddled, sloppy, unkempt, untidy—more at MESSY

1chap verb chapped; chap·ping
: to dry and crack open usu. from wind and cold <chapped lips>

2chap noun
: a jaw with its fleshy covering — usu. used in pl.

3chap noun
: an adult male individual : FELLOW

Synonyms
buck, dude, fellow, gent, gentleman, guy, hombre, jack, joker, lad, male, man—more at MAN

4chap abbreviation
chapter

chap·ar·ral noun
1 : a dense impenetrable thicket of shrubs or dwarf trees
2 : an ecological community esp. of southern California composed of shrubby plants

Synonyms
brake, brushwood, coppice, covert, thicket—more at THICKET

chap·book noun
: a small book of ballads, tales, or tracts

cha·peau noun, plural cha·peaus or cha·peaux
[ORIGIN: MF]

: HAT

cha·pel noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF chapele, fr. ML cappella, fr. LL cappa cloak; fr. the cloak of St. Martin of Tours preserved as a sacred relic in a chapel built for that purpose]

1 : a private or subordinate place of worship
2 : an assembly at an educational institution usu. including devotional exercises
3 : a place of worship used by a Christian group other than an established church

1chaperone or chap·er·on noun
[ORIGIN: F chaperon, lit., hood, fr. MF, head covering, fr. chape cape, fr. LL cappa]

1 : a person (as a matron) who accompanies young unmarried women in public for propriety
2 : an older person who accompanies young people at a social gathering to ensure proper behavior

2chaperone or chaperon verb -oned; -on·ing
1 : to attend upon : ESCORT
2 : to act as a chaperone to or for

— chap·er·on·age noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] accompany, attend, convoy, escort, squire—more at ACCOMPANY

chap·fall·en adjective
1 : having the lower jaw hanging loosely
2 : DEJECTED, DEPRESSED

chap·lain noun
1 : a member of the clergy officially attached to a special group (as the army)
2 : a person chosen to conduct religious exercises (as for a club)

— chap·lain·cy noun

chap·let noun
1 : a wreath for the head
2 : a string of beads : NECKLACE

chap·man noun, British
: an itinerant dealer : PEDDLER

chaps noun plural
[ORIGIN: MexSp chaparreras]

: leather leggings resembling trousers without a seat that are worn esp. by western ranch hands

chap·ter noun
1 : a main division of a book
2 : a body of canons (as of a cathedral)
3 : a local branch of a society or fraternity

Synonyms
affiliate, branch, local; also arm, division, wing; offshoot; lodge, post

1char noun, plural char or chars
: any of a genus of trouts (as the common brook trout) with small scales

2char verb charred; char·ring
1 : to burn or become burned to charcoal
2 : to burn slightly or partly : SCORCH

Synonyms
scorch, sear, singe—more at SCORCH

3char verb charred; char·ring
: to work as a cleaning woman

char·ac·ter noun
[ORIGIN: ME caracter, fr. MF caractère, fr. L character mark, distinctive quality, fr. Gk charaktēr, fr. charassein to scratch, engrave]

1 : a graphic symbol (as a letter) used in writing or printing
2 : a symbol that represents information; also : a representation of such a character that may be accepted by a computer
3 : a distinguishing feature : ATTRIBUTE
4 : the complex of mental and ethical traits marking a person or a group
5 : a person marked by conspicuous often peculiar traits
6 : one of the persons in a novel or play
7 : reputation esp. when good : good name : REPUTATION
8 : moral excellence

Synonyms
[4] complexion, constitution, genius, identity, nature, personality, tone—more at NATURE
[5] crackpot, crank, eccentric, kook, nut, oddball, screwball, weirdo—more at ECCENTRIC
[7] mark, name, note, report, reputation—more at REPUTATION
[8] decency, goodness, honesty, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, uprightness, virtue—more at MORALITY

1characteristic noun
: a distinguishing trait, quality, or property

Synonyms
attribute, character, feature, mark, peculiarity, point, property, quality, trait; also badge, indication, sign; emblem, symbol, token; excellence, merit, virtue; individuality, singularity, uniqueness

2characteristic adjective
: serving to mark individual character

— char·ac·ter·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
classic, distinct, distinctive, individual, peculiar, proper, symptomatic, typical; also idiosyncratic; identifiable, pronounced, unmistakable; general, generic; common, normal, regular, usual; particular, special, specific; model, paradigmatic
Antonyms
atypical, nontypical

char·ac·ter·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to describe the character of
2 : to be a characteristic of

— char·ac·ter·iza·tion noun

Synonyms
define, depict, describe, portray, represent; also categorize, classify, pigeonhole, type; identify, indicate, name, specify; distinguish, individualize, mark, particularize, stamp

cha·rades noun singular or plural
: a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak

char·coal noun
1 : a porous carbon prepared from vegetable or animal substances
2 : a piece of fine charcoal used in drawing; also : a drawing made with charcoal

chard noun
: SWISS CHARD

char·don·nay noun, often cap
[ORIGIN: F]

: a dry white wine made from a single variety of white grape

1charge noun
1 : a quantity (as of fuel or ammunition) required to fill something to capacity
2 : a store or accumulation of force
3 : an excess or deficiency of electrons in a body
4 : THRILL, KICK
5 : a task or duty imposed
6 : a person or thing committed to the care of another : CARE
7 : control of the acts, workings, or disposition of something
8 a : a direction or order calling for compliance
b : instructions from a judge to a jury
9 : the price demanded for something : COST, PRICE; also : a debit to an account
10 : a formal assertion of illegality : INDICTMENT
11 : a violent rush forward (as to attack) : ATTACK, ASSAULT

Synonyms
[5] assignment, job, mission, operation, post—more at MISSION
[7] care, guidance, headship, oversight, regulation, superintendence, supervision—more at SUPERVISION
[8a] behest, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, edict, instruction, order, word—more at COMMAND
[9] cost, fee, figure, price—more at PRICE
[10] complaint, count, indictment, rap; also accusation, allegation; arraignment, impeachment; implication, innuendo, insinuation; censure, denunciation; incrimination

2charge verb charged; charg·ing
1 : to load or fill to capacity
2 : to give an electric charge to; also : to restore the activity of (a storage battery) by means of an electric current
3 : to impose a task or responsibility on
4 : to command, instruct, or exhort with authority : COMMAND, ORDER <I ~ you not to go>
5 : to make an assertion against esp. by ascribing guilt or blame : ACCUSE
6 : to rush against : rush forward in assault
7 : to make liable for payment; also : to record a debt or liability against
8 : to fix as a price

— charge·able adjective

Synonyms
[3] assign, commission, entrust, trust—more at ENTRUST
[6] assail, assault, attack, beset, descend, jump, pounce, raid, rush, storm, strike—more at ATTACK
[7] assess, exact, fine, impose, lay, levy, put—more at IMPOSE
[8] ask, command, demand; also overcharge, undercharge; bring, fetch, sell (for); discount, mark down, mark up; assess, price, value

charged adjective
1 : possessing or showing strong emotion
2 : capable of arousing strong emotion; also : EXCITING

Synonyms
ardent, burning, emotional, fervent, feverish, fiery, glowing, hot-blooded, impassioned, passionate, red-hot, vehement, warm—more at FERVENT

charge–coupled device noun
: a semiconductor device used esp. as an optical sensor

char·gé d'af·faires noun, plural chargés d'affaires
[ORIGIN: F]

: a diplomat who substitutes for an ambassador or minister

1charger noun
: a large platter

2charger noun
1 : a device or a worker that charges something
2 : WARHORSE

char·i·ot noun
: a 2-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle of ancient times used esp. in war and in races

— char·i·o·teer noun

cha·ris·ma noun
: a personal quality of leadership arousing popular loyalty or enthusiasm

— char·is·mat·ic adjective

Synonyms
allure, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charm, enchantment, fascination, glamour, magic, magnetism—more at CHARM

char·i·ta·ble adjective
1 : liberal in giving to needy people
2 : merciful or lenient in judging others

— char·i·ta·ble·ness noun

— char·i·ta·bly adverb

Synonyms
[1] bountiful, free, generous, liberal, munificent, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing—more at GENEROUS
[2] altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, humanitarian, philanthropic; also selfless, self-sacrificing; bounteous, bountiful, free, generous, greathearted, handsome, liberal, magnanimous, munificent, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing; compassionate, humane, kind
Antonyms
self-centered, selfish

char·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a disposition to goodwill, kindliness, and sympathy
2 : an act or feeling of generosity
3 : the giving of aid to the poor; also : ALMS
4 : an institution engaged in relief of the poor
5 : leniency in judging others

Synonyms
[2, 3] alms, benefaction, beneficence, contribution, donation, philanthropy—more at CONTRIBUTION

char·la·tan noun
: a person making usu. showy pretenses to knowledge or ability : FRAUD

Synonyms
fake, fraud, hoaxer, humbug, mountebank, phony, pretender, quack

Charles·ton noun
: a lively dance in which the knees are swung in and out and the heels are turned sharply outward on each step

char·ley horse noun
: a muscular pain, cramping, or stiffness from a strain or bruise

1charm noun
[ORIGIN: ME charme, fr. AF, fr. L carmen song, fr. canere to sing]

1 : a practice or expression believed to have magic power
2 : something worn about the person to ward off evil or bring good fortune : AMULET
3 : a trait that fascinates or allures
4 : physical grace or attraction
5 : a small ornament worn on a bracelet or chain
6 : a quark with a charge of +2/3 and a measured energy of approximately 1.5 billion electron volts

Synonyms
[1] bewitchment, conjuration, enchantment, incantation, spell—more at SPELL
[2] amulet, fetish, mascot, talisman; also emblem, symbol, token, totem
Antonyms
hoodoo, jinx
[4] allure, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charisma, enchantment, fascination, glamour, magic, magnetism; also attraction, call, lure, seduction; agreeableness, desirableness, niceness, pleasantness, sweetness
Antonyms
repulsion, repulsiveness

2charm verb
1 : to affect by or as if by a magic spell
2 : to protect by or as if by charms
3 : to please, soothe, or delight by compelling attraction : FASCINATE, ENCHANT <~s customers with his suave manner>

— charm·er noun

Synonyms
allure, beguile, bewitch, captivate, enchant, fascinate, wile; also disarm, draw, entice, lure, pull, seduce, tempt; delight, gratify, please; arrest, enrapture, enthrall, entrance; appeal (to), interest, intrigue; beckon, court, invite, solicit, woo
bewitch, enchant, hex, spell—more at BEWITCH

charmed adjective
: extremely lucky or prosperous <a ~ life>

charm·er noun
1 : one that charms : ENCHANTER, MAGICIAN
2 : one that pleases, intrigues, or fascinates

charm·ing adjective
: marked by compelling attraction or appeal

— charm·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
alluring, attractive, captivating, elfin, engaging, fascinating, fetching, glamorous, magnetic, seductive—more at FASCINATING

char·nel house noun
: a building or chamber in which bodies or bones are deposited

1chart noun
1 : an outline map detailing certain geographical aspects of an area : MAP
2 : a sheet giving information in the form of a table, list, or diagram; also : GRAPH

2chart verb
1 : to make a chart of
2 : to lay out a plan for : PLAN

Synonyms
arrange, blueprint, calculate, design, frame, lay out, map, plan, project, scheme—more at PLAN

1charter noun
1 : an official document granting rights or privileges (as to a colony, town, or college) from a sovereign or a governing body
2 : CONSTITUTION
3 : a written instrument from a society creating a branch
4 : a mercantile lease of a ship

2charter verb
1 : to grant a charter to
2 British : CERTIFY <~ed engineer>
3 : to hire, rent, or lease for temporary use

— char·ter·er noun

charter member noun
: an original member of an organization

char·treuse noun
: a brilliant yellow green

char·wom·an noun
: a cleaning woman esp. in large buildings

chary adjective chari·er; -est
[ORIGIN: ME, sorrowful, dear, fr. OE cearig sorrowful, fr. caru sorrow]

1 : CAUTIOUS, CIRCUMSPECT
2 : SPARING

— char·i·ly adverb

1chase noun
1 a : the act of chasing : PURSUIT
b : HUNTING
2 : something pursued : QUARRY
3 : a tract of unenclosed land used as a game preserve

Synonyms
following, pursuit, tracing—more at PURSUIT

2chase verb chased; chas·ing
1 : to follow rapidly : PURSUE
2 : to pursue for food or in sport : HUNT
3 : to seek out <chasing down clues>
4 : to cause to depart or flee : drive away
5 : RUSH, HASTEN

Synonyms
[1] dog, follow, hound, pursue, shadow, tag, tail, trace, track, trail—more at FOLLOW
[4] banish, boot, bounce, cast, dismiss, drum, eject, expel, oust, rout, run off—more at EJECT

3chase verb chased; chas·ing
: to decorate (a metal surface) by embossing or engraving

4chase noun
: FURROW, GROOVE

chas·er noun
1 : one that chases
2 : a mild drink (as beer) taken after hard liquor

chasm noun
: a deep cleft in the surface (as of a planet) : GORGE 2

chas·sis noun, plural chas·sis
: the supporting frame of a structure (as an automobile or television set)

chaste adjective chast·er; chast·est
1 : innocent of unlawful sexual intercourse : VIRTUOUS, PURE
2 : CELIBATE
3 : pure in thought : MODEST
4 : severe or simple in design

Synonyms
[1, 3] clean, decent, immaculate, modest, pure, virtuous; also spotless, stainless, unblemished, undefiled, unsoiled, unspotted, unstained, unsullied, untainted, untarnished; decorous, proper, seemly; cultivated, refined, tasteful; harmless, innocent, innocuous, inoffensive
Antonyms
immodest, impure, indecent, unchaste, unclean

chaste·ly adverb
: in a chaste manner

Synonyms
modestly, purely, righteously, virtuously—more at PURELY

chas·ten verb
1 : to correct through punishment or suffering : DISCIPLINE
2 : PURIFY

— chas·ten·er noun

Synonyms
castigate, chastise, correct, discipline, penalize, punish—more at PUNISH

chaste·ness noun
: the state or quality of being chaste

chas·tise verb chas·tised; chas·tis·ing
[ORIGIN: ME chastisen, alter. of chasten]

1 : to punish esp. bodily
2 : to censure severely : CASTIGATE

Synonyms
[1, 2] castigate, chasten, correct, discipline, penalize, punish—more at PUNISH

chas·tise·ment noun
: the action, an act, or the means of chastising; especially : PUNISHMENT

Synonyms
castigation, correction, desert, discipline, nemesis, penalty, punishment, wrath—more at PUNISHMENT

chas·ti·ty noun
: the quality or state of being chaste; especially : sexual purity

Synonyms
modesty, purity; also goodness, righteousness; morality, probity, rectitude; decency, decorum, propriety
Antonyms
immodesty, impurity, unchastity

cha·su·ble noun
: the outer vestment of the priest at mass

chat noun
1 : light familiar informal talk
2 : online discussion in a chat room

— chat verb

Synonyms
chatter, chitchat, gabfest, gossip, palaver, rap, talk; also colloquy, conference, discourse, parley, powwow, symposium; debate, dialogue, exchange, give-and-take

chat verb
: to talk in a light and familiar manner

Synonyms
gab, jaw, palaver, patter, talk, visit; also gossip, tattle; descant, discuss, expatiate
usually chat with speak, talk

châ·teau noun, plural châ·teaus or châ·teaux
[ORIGIN: F, fr. OF chastel, fr. L castellum castle, dim. of castra camp]

1 : a feudal castle in France
2 : a large country house
3 : a French vineyard estate

chat·e·laine noun
1 : the mistress of a chateau
2 : a clasp or hook for a watch, purse, or keys

chat·tel noun
1 : an item of tangible property other than real estate
2 : a person held in servitude : SLAVE, BONDMAN

Synonyms usually chattels
effects, holdings, paraphernalia, possession, things—more at POSSESSION

chat room noun
: a real-time online interactive discussion group

1chatter verb
1 : to utter speechlike but meaningless sounds
2 : to talk idly, incessantly, or fast
3 : to click repeatedly or uncontrollably

Synonyms
[1] babble, drivel, gabble, gibber, jabber, prattle, sputter—more at BABBLE
[2] babble, blab, chat, gab, gabble, gas, jabber, jaw, palaver, patter, prattle, rap, rattle, run on—more at CHAT

2chatter noun
: idle talk

chat·ter·box noun
: one who talks incessantly

Synonyms
jabberer, magpie, talker; also gossip, tattler, tattletale

chat·ter·er noun
: a person who rambles on and on

chat·ty adjective chat·ti·er; -est
1 : fond of chatting : TALKATIVE <a ~ neighbor>
2 : having the style and manner of light familiar conversation <a ~ letter>

— chat·ti·ly adverb

— chat·ti·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] conversational, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, talkative—more at TALKATIVE
[2] colloquial, conversational, newsy; also casual, familiar, informal, intimate; digressive, discursive, rambling; communicative, expansive, garrulous, talkative
Antonyms
bookish, literary

1chauffeur noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., stoker, fr. chauffer to heat]

: a person employed to drive an automobile

2chauffeur verb chauf·feured; chauf·feur·ing
1 : to do the work of a chauffeur
2 : to transport in the manner of a chauffeur

chau·vin·ism noun
[ORIGIN: F chauvinisme, fr. Nicolas Chauvin, fictional soldier of excessive patriotism and devotion to Napoleon]

1 : excessive or blind patriotism
2 : an attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex

— chau·vin·is·tic adjective

— chau·vin·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

chau·vin·ist noun or adjective
: one who practices chauvinism

cheap adjective
1 : of small cost : INEXPENSIVE
2 : costing little effort to obtain
3 : of inferior quality or worth : SHODDY
4 : worthy of scorn
5 : not generous or liberal in using, giving, or spending : STINGY

— cheap adverb

— cheap·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] cut-rate, inexpensive, low, reasonable; also moderate, popular; discounted, lowered, reduced; wholesale
Antonyms
costly, dear, expensive, high, premium
[3] bad, bum, coarse, common, cut-rate, execrable, inferior, junky, lousy, mediocre, miserable, poor, rotten, second-rate, shoddy, sleazy, terrible, trashy, wretched; also useless, valueless, worthless; flashy, garish, gaudy, meretricious, showy, tawdry; seedy, shabby, tacky; counterfeit, fake, phony, sham
Antonyms
excellent, fine, first-rate, good, superior, top-notch

cheap·en verb
1 : to make or become cheap or cheaper in price or value
2 : to make tawdry

Synonyms
depreciate, depress, mark down, write off—more at DEPRECIATE

cheap·ness noun
: the quality or state of being cheap

Synonyms
closeness, miserliness, parsimony, stinginess, tightness—more at PARSIMONY

cheap·skate noun
: a miserly or stingy person; especially : one who tries to avoid paying a fair share of costs

Synonyms
miser, niggard, skinflint, tightwad—more at MISER

1cheat verb
1 : to deprive of something through fraud or deceit
2 : to practice fraud or trickery
3 : to violate rules (as of a game) dishonestly

— cheat·er noun

Synonyms
bleed, chisel, cozen, defraud, fleece, gyp, hustle, mulct, rook, shortchange, skin, squeeze, stick, sting, swindle, victimize—more at FLEECE

2cheat noun
1 : the act of deceiving : FRAUD, DECEPTION
2 : one that cheats : a dishonest person

Synonyms
dodger, hoaxer, shark, sharper, swindler, trickster—more at TRICKSTER

1check noun
1 : exposure of a chess king to an attack
2 : a sudden stoppage of progress
3 : a sudden pause or break
4 : something that stops or restrains
5 : a standard for testing or evaluation
6 : a strict or close inspection : a study of by close examination : EXAMINATION
7 : the act of testing or verifying
8 : a written order to a bank to pay money
9 : a ticket or token showing ownership or identity
10 : a slip indicating an amount due
11 : a pattern in squares; also : a fabric in such a pattern
12 : a mark typically ✓ placed beside an item to show that it has been noted
13 : CRACK, SPLIT

Synonyms
[4] condition, constraint, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, restriction—more at RESTRICTION
[6] audit, checkup, examination, inspection, review, scan, scrutiny, survey—more at INSPECTION
[10] account, bill, invoice, statement, tab—more at BILL

2check verb
1 : to put (a chess king) in check
2 : to slow down or stop
3 : to restrain the action or force of : CURB
4 : to compare with a source, original, or authority : VERIFY — often used with out
5 : to inspect or test for satisfactory condition
6 : to mark with a check as examined
7 : to consign for shipment for one holding a passenger ticket
8 : to mark into squares
9 : to leave or accept for safekeeping in a checkroom
10 : to prove to be consistent or truthful
11 : CRACK, SPLIT
12 : to correspond often detail for detail

Synonyms
[2] arrest, catch, draw up, fetch up, halt, hold up, stall, stay, still, stop—more at HALT
[3] bridle, constrain, contain, control, curb, govern, inhibit, regulate, rein, restrain, tame—more at CONTROL
usually check out [5] audit, examine, inspect, review, scan, scrutinize, survey—more at INSPECT
[12] accord, agree, answer, coincide, comport, conform, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, square, tally; also equal, match, parallel
Antonyms
differ (from), disagree (with)

check·book noun
: a book containing blank checks

1checker noun
: a piece in the game of checkers

2checker verb
1 : to variegate with different colors or shades
2 : to vary with contrasting elements <a ~ed career>
3 : to mark into squares

3checker noun
: one that checks; especially : one who checks out purchases in a supermarket

check·er·ber·ry noun
: WINTERGREEN 1; also : the spicy red fruit of this plant

check·er·board noun
: a board of 64 squares of alternate colors used in various games

check·ered adjective
: marked by inconsistent fortune or recurring problems <his ~ past>

check·ers noun
: a game for two played on a checkerboard with each player having 12 pieces

check in verb
: to report one's presence or arrival (as at a hotel)

check·list noun
1 : a list of things to be checked or done
2 : a comprehensive list

Synonyms
[1, 2] catalog, list, listing, menu, register, registry, roll, roster, schedule, table—more at LIST

check·mate verb
[ORIGIN: ME chekmaten, fr. chekmate, interj. used to announce checkmate, fr. MF eschec mat, fr. Ar shāh māt, fr. Per, lit., the king is left unable to escape]

1 : to thwart completely : FRUSTRATE
2 : to attack (an opponent's king) in chess so that escape is impossible

— checkmate noun

Synonyms
baffle, balk, beat, foil, frustrate, thwart—more at FRUSTRATE

check·off noun
: the deduction of union dues from a worker's paycheck by the employer

check·out noun
1 : the action or an instance of checking out
2 : a counter at which checking out is done
3 : the process of examining and testing something as to readiness for intended use

check out verb
1 : to settle one's account (as at a hotel) and leave
2 : to total or have totaled the cost of purchases in a store and to make or receive payment for them

check·point noun
: a point at which a check is performed

check·room noun
: a room at which baggage, parcels, or clothing is left for safekeeping

checks and balances noun plural
: a system allowing each branch of a government to restrict the actions of another branch (as by a veto)

check·up noun
: the act of checking something or someone : EXAMINATION; especially : a general physical examination

Synonyms
audit, check, examination, inspection, review, scan, scrutiny, survey—more at INSPECTION

ched·dar noun, often cap
: a hard mild to sharp white or yellow cheese of smooth texture

cheek noun
1 : the fleshy side part of the face
2 : insolent boldness and self-assurance : IMPUDENCE, AUDACITY
3 : BUTTOCK 1

— cheeked adjective

Synonyms
audacity, brass, brazenness, chutzpah, effrontery, gall, impertinence, impudence, nerve, presumption, sauce, sauciness, temerity—more at EFFRONTERY

cheek·bone noun
: the bone or bony ridge below the eye

cheek·i·ness noun
: insolence or impudence of speech or behavior

cheeky adjective cheek·i·er; -est
: insolently bold : IMPUDENT, SAUCY

— cheek·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
arch, bold, brash, brazen, cocky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY

cheep verb
: to utter faint shrill sounds : PEEP

— cheep noun

Synonyms
chirp, peep, pipe, tweet, twitter—more at CHIRP

1cheer noun
[ORIGIN: ME chere face, cheer, fr. AF, face, fr. ML cara, prob. fr. Gk kara head, face]

1 : state of mind or heart : SPIRIT
2 : lightness of mind and feeling
3 : hospitable entertainment : WELCOME
4 : food and drink for a feast
5 : something that gladdens
6 : a shout of applause or encouragement

Synonyms
[1] frame, humor, mode, mood, spirit, temper—more at MOOD
[2] cheerfulness, festivity, glee, hilarity, joviality, merriment, mirth, mirthfulness—more at MIRTH

2cheer verb
1 : to give hope or courage to : COMFORT — usu. used with up
2 : to make glad
3 : to urge on esp. by shouts
4 : to applaud or show approval of esp. with shouts
5 : to grow or be cheerful — usu. used with up

— cheer·er noun

Synonyms
usually cheer up [1] buoy, comfort, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire, steel—more at ENCOURAGE
[4] acclaim, applaud, crack up, hail, laud, praise, salute, tout—more at ACCLAIM

cheer·ful adjective
1 : having or showing good spirits
2 : conducive to good spirits : pleasant and bright

Synonyms
[1] blithe, bright, buoyant, cheery, chipper, gay, lightsome, sunny, upbeat; also hopeful, sanguine; jaunty, lively, perky, sprightly, vivacious; carefree, careless, cavalier, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, insouciant, lighthearted, unconcerned; boon, jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful; glad, happy, pleased
Antonyms
dour, gloomy, glum, morose, saturnine, sulky, sullen
[2] bright, cheery, gay, glad; also gladdening, heartening, heartwarming; gleaming, radiant, sparkling
Antonyms
bleak, cheerless, dark, depressing, dismal, dreary, gloomy, gray

cheer·ful·ly adverb
: in a cheerful manner

Synonyms
gaily, happily, heartily, jovially, merrily, mirthfully—more at GAILY

cheer·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being cheerful

Synonyms
cheer, festivity, glee, hilarity, joviality, merriment, mirth, mirthfulness—more at MIRTH

cheer·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being cheery

cheer·lead·er noun
: a person who directs organized cheering esp. at a sports event

cheer·less adjective
: lacking qualities that cheer : BLEAK, DISPIRITING

— cheer·less·ly adverb

— cheer·less·ness noun

cheery adjective cheer·i·er; -est
1 : marked by cheerfulness or good spirits : CHEERFUL
2 : causing or suggesting cheerfulness <~ music>

— cheer·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] blithe, bright, buoyant, cheerful, chipper, gay, lightsome, sunny, upbeat—more at CHEERFUL
[2] bright, cheerful, gay, glad—more at CHEERFUL

cheese noun
: the curd of milk usu. pressed into cakes and cured for use as food

cheese·burg·er noun
: a hamburger topped with cheese

cheese·cake noun
1 : a dessert consisting of a creamy filling usu. containing cheese baked in a shell
2 : photographs of shapely scantily clad women

cheese·cloth noun
: a lightweight coarse cotton gauze

cheese·par·ing noun
: miserly economizing

— cheeseparing adjective

cheese·steak noun
: a sandwich of thinly sliced beef topped with melted cheese

cheesy adjective chees·i·er; -est
1 : resembling, suggesting, or containing cheese
2 slang : CHEAP 3

chee·tah noun
[ORIGIN: Hindu cītā leopard, fr. Skt citraka, fr. citra bright, variegated]

: a large long-legged swift-moving spotted cat of Africa and southwestern Asia

chef noun
1 : a cook who manages the kitchen (as of a restaurant)
2 : a person who prepares food for eating : COOK

chef d'oeu·vre noun, plural chefs d'oeuvre
: MASTERPIECE

chem abbreviation
chemical; chemist; chemistry

1chemical adjective
1 : of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2 : acting or operated or produced by chemicals

— chem·i·cal·ly adverb

2chemical noun
: a substance obtained by a chemical process or used for producing a chemical effect

chemical engineering noun
: engineering dealing with the industrial application of chemistry

chemical warfare noun
: warfare using incendiary mixtures, smokes, or irritant, burning, or asphyxiating gases

chemical weapon noun
: a weapon used in chemical warfare

che·mise noun
1 : a woman's one-piece undergarment
2 : a loose straight-hanging dress

chem·ist noun
1 : one trained in chemistry
2 British : PHARMACIST

chem·is·try noun, plural -tries
1 : the science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the changes they undergo
2 : chemical composition or properties <the ~ of gasoline>
3 : a strong mutual attraction; also : harmonious interaction among people (as on a team)

che·mo noun
: CHEMOTHERAPY

che·mo·ther·a·py noun
: the use of chemicals in the treatment or control of disease

— che·mo·ther·a·peu·tic adjective

che·nille noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., caterpillar, fr. OF, fr. L canicula, dim. of canis dog]

: a fabric with a deep fuzzy pile often used for bedspreads and rugs

cher·ish verb
1 : to hold dear : feel or treat with care and affection
2 : to keep deeply in mind

— cher·ish·able adjective

— cher·ish·er noun

Synonyms
[1] adore, love, worship—more at LOVE
[1] appreciate, love, prize, treasure, value—more at LOVE
[2] bear, entertain, harbor, have, hold, nurse—more at HARBOR

Cher·o·kee noun, plural Cherokee or Cherokees
: a member of an American Indian people orig. of Tennessee and No. Carolina; also : their language

che·root noun
: a cigar cut square at both ends

cher·ry noun, plural cherries
[ORIGIN: ME chery, fr. AF cherise, cirice (taken as a plural), fr. LL ceresia, fr. L cerasus cherry tree, fr. Gk kerasos]

1 : the small fleshy pale yellow to deep blackish red fruit of a tree related to the roses; also : the tree or its wood
2 : a moderate red

chert noun
: a rock resembling flint and consisting essentially of fine crystalline quartz and fibrous chalcedony

— cherty adjective

cher·ub noun
1 plural cher·u·bim : an angel of the 2d highest rank
2 plural cherubs : a chubby rosy person

— che·ru·bic adjective

chess noun
: a game for two played on a chessboard with each player having 16 pieces

— chess·man noun

chess·board noun
: a checkerboard used in the game of chess

chest noun
1 : a box, case, or boxlike receptacle for storage or shipping
2 : the part of the body enclosed by the ribs and sternum

— chest·ed adjective

— chest·ful noun

Synonyms
box, caddy, case, casket, locker, trunk; also footlocker; safe, safe-deposit box

ches·ter·field noun
1 : an overcoat with a velvet collar
2 : a large sofa usu. with upright armrests

chest·nut noun
1 : the edible nut of any of a genus of trees related to the beech and oaks; also : this tree
2 : a grayish to reddish brown
3 : an old joke or story

che·val glass noun
: a full-length mirror that may be tilted in a frame

che·va·lier noun
: a member of one of various orders of knighthood or of merit

chev·i·ot noun, often cap
1 : a twilled fabric with a rough nap
2 : a sturdy soft-finished cotton fabric

chev·ron noun
: a sleeve badge of one or more V-shaped or inverted V-shaped stripes worn to indicate rank or service (as in the armed forces)

1chew verb
: to crush, grind, or gnaw (as food) with the teeth

— chew·able adjective

— chew·er noun

— chew on

: to think about : PONDER <chew on the proposals>

— chew the fat

: to make conversation : CHAT

Synonyms
bite, champ, chomp, crunch, gnaw, nibble

2chew noun
1 : an act of chewing
2 : something for chewing

chew out verb
: to bawl out : to criticize severely

Synonyms
berate, castigate, dress down, flay, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste, lecture, rail, rate, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold, score, upbraid—more at SCOLD

chew over verb
: to meditate on : think about reflectively

Synonyms
cogitate, consider, contemplate, debate, deliberate, entertain, meditate, mull, ponder, question, ruminate, study, think, weigh—more at PONDER

chewy adjective
: requiring much chewing <~ candy>

Chey·enne noun, plural Cheyenne or Cheyennes
[ORIGIN: AmerF, fr. Dakota šahíyena]

: a member of an American Indian people of the western plains of the U.S.; also : their language

chg abbreviation
1 change
2 charge

chi noun
: the 22d letter of the Greek alphabet — Χ or χ

Chi·an·ti noun
: a dry usu. red wine

chiar·oscu·ro noun, plural -ros
[ORIGIN: It, fr. chiaro clear, light + oscuro obscure, dark]

1 : pictorial representation in terms of light and shade without regard to color
2 : the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art

1chic noun
: STYLISHNESS

2chic adjective
: cleverly stylish : SMART; also : currently fashionable

Synonyms
à la mode, fashionable, in, modish, sharp, smart, snappy, stylish—more at STYLISH

Chi·ca·na noun
: an American woman or girl of Mexican descent

— Chicana adjective

chi·cane noun
: CHICANERY

chi·ca·nery noun, plural -ner·ies
: deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry : TRICKERY

Synonyms
artifice, hanky-panky, subterfuge, trickery, wile—more at TRICKERY

Chi·ca·no noun, plural -nos
: an American of Mexican descent

— Chicano adjective

chi·chi adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : SHOWY, FRILLY
2 : ARTY, PRECIOUS
3 : CHIC

— chichi noun

chick noun
1 : a young chicken; also : a young bird
2 slang : a young woman

chick·a·dee noun
: any of several small grayish American birds with black or brown caps

Chick·a·saw noun, plural Chickasaw or Chickasaws
: a member of an American Indian people of Mississippi and Alabama

1chicken noun
1 : a common domestic fowl esp. when young; also : its flesh used as food
2 : one who is easily frightened and easily daunted : COWARD

Synonyms
coward, craven, dastard, poltroon, recreant, sissy—more at COWARD

2chicken adjective
1 : being or behaving like a coward : COWARDLY
2 slang : insistent on petty esp. military discipline

Synonyms
cowardly, craven, dastardly, pusillanimous, recreant, spineless, yellow—more at COWARDLY

chicken feed noun, slang
: an insignificant sum of money

chick·en·heart·ed adjective
: being or behaving like a coward : COWARDLY

chicken out verb
: to lose one's courage

chicken pox noun
: an acute contagious virus disease esp. of children characterized by a low fever and vesicles

chicken wire noun
: a light wire netting of hexagonal mesh

chick·pea noun
: an Asian herb of the legume family cultivated for its short pods with one or two edible seeds; also : its seed

chick·weed noun
: any of several low-growing small-leaved weeds related to the pinks

chi·cle noun
: a gum from the latex of a tropical tree used as the chief ingredient of chewing gum

chic·o·ry noun, plural -ries
: a usu. blue-flowered herb related to the daisies and grown for its root and for use in salads; also : its dried ground root used to flavor or adulterate coffee

chide verb chid or chid·ed ; chid or chid·den or chided; chid·ing
: to speak disapprovingly to

Synonyms
admonish, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove

1chief adjective
1 : highest in rank
2 : most important

Synonyms
[1] first, foremost, head, high, lead, preeminent, premier, primary, prime, principal, supreme—more at HEAD
[2] arch, cardinal, central, dominant, first, foremost, grand, key, main, paramount, predominant—more at FOREMOST

2chief noun
1 : the leader of a body or organization : HEAD
2 : the principal or most valuable part

— chief·dom noun

Synonyms
boss, captain, foreman, head, headman, helmsman, kingpin, leader, master, taskmaster—more at BOSS

chief·ly adverb
: for the most part : most importantly

Synonyms
altogether, basically, generally, largely, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, primarily, principally; also nearly, practically, virtually; approximately, broadly, roughly; commonly, frequently, normally, ordinarily, usually; incompletely, partially, partly

chief master sergeant noun
: a noncommissioned officer of the highest rank in the air force

chief petty officer noun
: an enlisted man in the navy ranking next below a senior chief petty officer

chief·tain noun
: a chief esp. of a band, tribe, or clan

— chief·tain·cy noun

— chief·tain·ship noun

chief warrant officer noun
: a warrant officer of senior rank

chif·fon noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., rag, fr. chiffe old rag]

: a sheer fabric esp. of silk

chif·fo·nier noun
: a high narrow chest of drawers

chig·ger noun
: a bloodsucking larval mite that causes intense itching

chi·gnon noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF chaignon chain, collar, nape]

: a knot of hair worn at the back of the head

Chi·hua·hua noun
: any of a breed of very small large-eared dogs that originated in Mexico

chil·blain noun
: a sore or inflamed swelling (as on the feet or hands) caused by exposure to cold

child noun, plural chil·dren
1 : an unborn or recently born person
2 : a young person between the periods of infancy and youth
3 : a male or female offspring : SON, DAUGHTER
4 : one strongly influenced by another or by a place or state of affairs

— child·less adjective

— child·less·ness noun

— child·like adjective

Synonyms
[1] baby, infant, newborn—more at BABY
[2] cub, juvenile, kid, youngster, youth; also adolescent, minor; schoolboy, schoolgirl; moppet, nestling, toddler, tot, tyke; brat, imp, squirt, urchin, whippersnapper; cherub; preteen, subteen, teenager; nipper, lad, shaver, stripling; hoyden, tomboy
Antonyms
adult, grown-up

child·bear·ing noun
: of or relating to the process of conceiving, being pregnant with, and giving birth to children : CHILDBIRTH

— childbearing adjective

child·birth noun
: the act or process of giving birth to offspring

Synonyms
delivery, labor; also pains; pregnancy; abortion, miscarriage; cesarean section

child·hood noun
: the state or period of being a child

child·ish adjective
: marked by or suggestive of immaturity and lack of poise

— child·ish·ly adverb

— child·ish·ness noun

Synonyms
adolescent, babyish, immature, infantile, juvenile, kiddish; also boyish, girlish; childlike, innocent, naive, simple, unsophisticated
Antonyms
adult, grown-up, mature

1childproof adjective
1 : made to prevent opening or use by children <~ lighters>
2 : made safe for children

2childproof verb
: to make childproof <~ a house>

child's play noun
1 : an extremely simple task or act
2 : something that is insignificant

Synonyms
[1] breeze, cinch, picnic, pushover, snap—more at CINCH

Chil·ean noun
: a native or inhabitant of Chile

— Chilean adjective

chili or chile or chil·li noun, plural chil·ies or chil·es or chil·lies
1 : a pungent pepper related to the tomato
2 : a thick sauce of meat and chilies
3 : CHILI CON CARNE

chili con car·ne noun
[ORIGIN: AmerSp chile con carne chili with meat]

: a spiced stew of ground beef and chilies or chili powder usu. with beans

chili powder noun
: a seasoning made of ground chilies and other spices

chili sauce noun
: a spiced tomato sauce usu. made with red and green peppers

1chill noun
1 : a feeling of coldness accompanied by shivering
2 : moderate coldness
3 : a check to enthusiasm or warmth of feeling

Synonyms
bite, bitterness, bleakness, nip, rawness, sharpness; also briskness, crispness; coldness, frigidity, iciness; cold, freeze, snap

2chill adjective
1 : moderately cold
2 : affected by a penetrating cold : benumbed or shivering with cold : COLD, RAW
3 : cool in manner or feeling : lacking warmth : UNFRIENDLY <a ~ reception>
4 : DEPRESSING, DISPIRITING

3chill verb
1 : to make or become cold or chilly
2 : to make cool esp. without freezing
3 : RELAX

— chill·er noun

chill·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being chilly

chill·ing adjective
: gravely disturbing or frightening <a ~ scene>

chilly adjective chill·i·er; -est
1 : noticeably cold
2 : unpleasantly affected by cold
3 : lacking warmth of feeling

Synonyms
[1] bitter, bleak, chill, nippy, raw, sharp; also brisk, crisp; arctic, cold, freezing, frigid, frosty, icy
[3] chill, cold, cold-blooded, cool, frigid, frosty, glacial, icy, unfriendly, unsympathetic, wintry—more at COLD

1chime noun
1 : a set of bells musically tuned
2 : the sound of a set of bells — usu. used in pl.
3 : a musical sound suggesting bells

2chime verb chimed; chim·ing
1 : to make bell-like sounds
2 : to indicate (as the time of day) by chiming
3 : to be or act in accord : be in harmony

Synonyms
knell, peal, ring, toll—more at RING

chime in verb
: to break into or join in a conversation

Synonyms
break, cut in, interpose, interrupt, intrude—more at INTERRUPT

chi·me·ra noun
[ORIGIN: L chimaera, fr. Gk chimaira she-goat, chimera]

1 : an imaginary monster made up of incongruous parts
2 a : an illusion or fabrication of the mind
b : an impossible dream

Synonyms
conceit, daydream, delusion, dream, fancy, fantasy, figment, hallucination, illusion, phantasm, pipe dream, unreality, vision—more at FANTASY

chi·me·ri·cal also chi·me·ric adjective
1 : existing only as the product of unchecked imagination : fantastically visionary or improbable
2 : given to fantastic schemes

Synonyms
fabulous, fanciful, fantastic, fictitious, imaginary, made-up, mythical, phantom, pretend, unreal—more at IMAGINARY

chim·ney noun, plural chimneys
1 : a vertical structure extending above the roof of a building for carrying off smoke
2 : a glass tube around a lamp flame

chimp noun
: CHIMPANZEE

chim·pan·zee noun
: an African ape related to the much larger gorilla

1chin noun
: the part of the face below the lower lip including the prominence of the lower jaw

— chin·less adjective

2chin verb chinned; chin·ning
: to raise (oneself) while hanging by the hands until the chin is level with the support

chi·na noun
: porcelain ware; also : domestic pottery in general

Chi·na·town noun
: the Chinese quarter of a city

chinch bug noun
: a small black and white bug destructive to cereal grasses

chin·chil·la noun
1 : either of two small So. American rodents with soft pearl-gray fur; also : this fur
2 : a heavy long-napped woolen cloth

chine noun
: the back or spine of an animal or man : BACKBONE, SPINE; also : a cut of meat including all or part of the backbone

Chi·nese noun, plural Chinese
1 : a native or inhabitant of China
2 : any of a group of related languages of China

— Chinese adjective

Chinese cabbage noun
1 : BOK CHOY
2 : an Asian garden plant related to the cabbage and widely grown in the U.S. for its tight elongate cylindrical heads of pale green to cream-colored leaves

Chinese checkers noun
: a game in which each player in turn transfers a set of marbles from a home point to the opposite point of a pitted 6-pointed star

Chinese gooseberry noun
: a subtropical vine that bears kiwifruit; also : KIWIFRUIT

Chinese lantern noun
: a collapsible translucent cover for a light

1chink noun
: a small crack or fissure

Synonyms
cleft, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure, rift, split—more at CRACK

2chink verb
: to fill the chinks of : stop up

3chink noun
: a slight sharp metallic sound

4chink verb
: to make a slight sharp metallic sound

Synonyms
jingle, tinkle—more at JINGLE

chi·no noun, plural chinos
1 : a usu. khaki cotton twill
2 plural : an article of clothing made of chino

Chi·nook noun, plural Chinook or Chinooks
: a member of an American Indian people of Oregon

chintz noun
: a usu. glazed printed cotton cloth

chintzy adjective chintz·i·er; -est
1 : decorated with or as if with chintz
2 : GAUDY, CHEAP
3 : STINGY

chin–up noun
: the act of chinning oneself

1chip noun
1 : a small usu. thin and flat piece (as of wood) cut or broken off
2 : a thin crisp morsel of food
3 : a counter used in games (as poker)
4 plural slang : something generally accepted as a means of payment : MONEY
5 : a flaw left after a chip is removed
6 : INTEGRATED CIRCUIT
7 : a very small slice of silicon containing electronic circuits

Synonyms
[1] flake, splinter; also bit, disk, fragment, particle, scrap, shard; shiver, smithereens; shred, tatter; clipping, paring, shaving; leaf, sheet, slice; chunk, hunk, lump, slab
[5] hack, indentation, nick, notch—more at NOTCH

2chip verb chipped; chip·ping
1 : to cut or break chips from
2 : to break off in small pieces at the edges
3 : to play a chip shot

chip in verb
: to give money or assistance to an enterprise : CONTRIBUTE

Synonyms
contribute, kick in, pitch in—more at CONTRIBUTE

chip·munk noun
[ORIGIN: earlier chitmunk, prob. fr. Ojibwa ačitamo·nʼ red squirrel]

: any of a genus of small striped No. American and Asian rodents closely related to the squirrels and marmots

chi·pot·le noun
: a smoked and usu. dried jalapeño pepper

chipped beef noun
: smoked dried beef sliced thin

1chipper noun
: one that chips

2chipper adjective
1 : being high in spirits : CHEERFUL
2 : being in good health : being in a state of physical well-being

Synonyms
[1] blithe, bright, buoyant, cheerful, cheery, gay, lightsome, sunny, upbeat—more at CHEERFUL
[2] able-bodied, fit, hale, healthy, hearty, robust, sound, well, whole, wholesome—more at HEALTHY

Chip·pe·wa noun, plural Chippewa or Chippewas
: OJIBWA

chip shot noun
: a short usu. low shot to the green in golf

chi·rog·ra·phy noun
: HANDWRITING, PENMANSHIP

— chi·ro·graph·ic adjective

chi·rop·o·dy noun
: PODIATRY

— chi·rop·o·dist noun

chi·ro·prac·tic noun
: a system of therapy based esp. on manipulation of body structures

— chi·ro·prac·tor noun

1chirp noun
: a short sharp sound characteristic of a small bird or cricket

2chirp verb
: to make a usu. repetitive short sharp sound

Synonyms
cheep, peep, pipe, tweet, twitter; also cackle, chatter, jabber; sing, trill, warble

1chisel noun
: a metal tool with a sharpened edge at one end used to chip, carve, or cut into a solid material (as wood or stone)

2chisel verb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling
1 : to work with or as if with a chisel
2 a : to obtain something from by unfair practices : CHEAT
b : to obtain by shrewd often unfair methods

— chis·el·er noun

Synonyms
bleed, cheat, cozen, defraud, fleece, gyp, hustle, mulct, rook, shortchange, skin, squeeze, stick, sting, swindle, victimize—more at FLEECE

1chit noun
[ORIGIN: ME chitte kitten, cub]

1 : CHILD
2 : a pert young woman

2chit noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi ciṭṭhī letter, note]

: a signed voucher for a small debt

chit·chat noun
: casual or trifling conversation

— chitchat verb

Synonyms
chat, chatter, gabfest, gossip, palaver, rap, talk—more at CHAT

chi·tin noun
: a sugar polymer that forms part of the hard outer integument esp. of insects

— chi·tin·ous adjective

chit·ter·lings or chit·lins noun plural
: the intestines of hogs esp. when prepared as food

chi·val·ric adjective
: relating to chivalry : CHIVALROUS

chiv·al·rous adjective
1 : of or relating to chivalry
2 : marked by honor, courtesy, and generosity
3 : marked by gracious courtesy esp. to women

— chiv·al·rous·ly adverb

— chiv·al·rous·ness noun

Synonyms
gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, lordly, magnanimous, noble, sublime—more at NOBLE

chiv·al·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : mounted men-at-arms
2 : the system or practices of knighthood
3 : the spirit or character of the ideal knight

chive noun
: an herb related to the onion that has leaves used for flavoring

chla·myd·ia noun, plural -i·ae
1 : any of a genus of bacteria that cause various diseases of the eye and urogenital tract
2 : a disease or infection caused by chlamydiae

chlo·ral hydrate noun
: a white crystalline compound used as a hypnotic and sedative

chlor·dane noun
: a highly chlorinated persistent insecticide

chlo·ride noun
: a compound of chlorine with another element or group

chlo·ri·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to treat or combine with chlorine or a chlorine compound

— chlo·ri·na·tion noun

— chlo·ri·na·tor noun

chlo·rine noun
: a nonmetallic chemical element that is found alone as a strong-smelling greenish yellow irritating gas and is used as a bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant

chlo·rite noun
: a usu. green mineral found with and resembling mica

chlo·ro·flu·o·ro·car·bon noun
: any of several gaseous compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, fluorine, and sometimes hydrogen and are used esp. as solvents, refrigerants, and aerosol propellants

1chloroform noun
: a colorless heavy fluid with etherlike odor used as a solvent and anesthetic

2chloroform verb
: to treat with chloroform to produce anesthesia or death

chlo·ro·phyll noun
: the green coloring matter of plants that functions in photosynthesis

chm abbreviation
chairman

chock noun
: a wedge for steadying something or for blocking the movement of a wheel

— chock verb

chock·a·block adjective
: very full : CROWDED

chock–full or chock·ful adjective
: full to the limit : CRAMMED

Synonyms
brimful, crammed, crowded, fat, fraught, full, loaded, packed, replete—more at FULL

choc·o·late noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. Nahuatl chocolātl]

1 : a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans; also : a drink prepared from this
2 : a candy made of or with a coating of chocolate
3 : a dark brown color

— choc·o·laty or choc·o·lat·ey adjective

Choc·taw noun, plural Choctaw or Choctaws
: a member of an American Indian people of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana; also : their language

1choice noun
1 : the act of choosing : SELECTION
2 : the power or opportunity of choosing : OPTION
3 : the best part
4 : a person or thing selected
5 : a variety offered for selection

Synonyms
[1] election, selection—more at SELECTION
[2] alternative, discretion, option, pick, preference, way; also say, voice, vote; inclination, liking, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, tendency; discernment, judgment, perspicacity
[3] best, cream, elect, elite, fat, flower, pick, prime—more at ELITE

2choice adjective choic·er; choic·est
1 : worthy of being chosen
2 : selected with care
3 : of high quality

Synonyms
dainty, delicate, elegant, exquisite, rare, select; also elite, exclusive; excellent, outstanding, premium, prime, superior

choir noun
1 : an organized company of singers (as in a church service)
2 : the part of a church occupied by the singers or by the clergy

Synonyms
chorale, chorus—more at CHORUS

choir·boy noun
: a boy member of a church choir

choir·mas·ter noun
: the director of a choir (as in a church)

1choke verb choked; chok·ing
1 : to hinder breathing (as by obstructing the trachea) : STRANGLE
2 : to check the growth or action of
3 : to obstruct by filling up or clogging : CLOG, OBSTRUCT
4 : to enrich the fuel mixture of (a motor) by restricting the carburetor air intake
5 : to perform badly in a critical situation

Synonyms
[1] smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate—more at SMOTHER
[1] garrote, strangle, throttle; also asphyxiate, smother, suffocate
[3] block, clog, close, congest, dam, jam, obstruct, plug, stop, stuff—more at CLOG

2choke noun
1 : the act of choking
2 : a narrowing in size toward the muzzle in the bore of a gun
3 : a valve for choking a gasoline engine

chok·er noun
: something (as a necklace) worn tightly around the neck

cho·ler noun
: a tendency toward anger : IRASCIBILITY

chol·era noun
: any of several bacterial diseases usu. marked by severe vomiting and dysentery

cho·ler·ic adjective
1 : easily moved to often unreasonable or excessive anger : hot-tempered
2 : ANGRY, IRATE

Synonyms
crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, irritable, peevish, perverse, petulant, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snippy, testy, waspish—more at IRRITABLE

cho·les·ter·ol noun
: a physiologically important waxy steroid alcohol found in animal tissues and in high concentrations implicated as a cause of arteriosclerosis

chomp verb
: to chew or bite on something heavily

Synonyms
bite, champ, chew, crunch, gnaw, nibble

choose verb chose ; cho·sen ; choos·ing
1 : to select esp. after consideration
2 : to make a final choice or judgment about : DECIDE
3 : to have a preference for

— choos·er noun

Synonyms
[1] cull, elect, handpick, name, opt, pick, prefer, select, single, take; also appoint, designate, nominate, tab; accept, adopt, embrace, espouse
Antonyms
decline, refuse, reject, turn down
[2] conclude, decide, determine, figure, opt, resolve—more at DECIDE

choosy or choos·ey adjective choos·i·er; -est
: very particular in making choices

Synonyms
demanding, exacting, particular, picky, selective—more at SELECTIVE

1chop verb chopped; chop·ping
1 : to cut or sever usu. by repeated blows
2 : to cut into small pieces : MINCE
3 : to strike (a ball) with a short quick downward stroke

Synonyms
[1] cut, fell, hew—more at FELL
[2] hash, mince; also chip, grind, mash, puree, slice

2chop noun
1 : a sharp downward blow or stroke
2 : a small cut of meat often including part of a rib
3 : a short abrupt motion (as of a wave)

3chop noun
1 : an official seal or stamp
2 : a mark on goods to indicate quality or kind; also : QUALITY, GRADE

chop·house noun
: RESTAURANT

chop·per noun
1 : one that chops
2 plural slang : TEETH
3 : HELICOPTER

chop·pi·ness noun
: the quality or state of being choppy

1choppy adjective chop·pi·er; -est
1 : rough with small waves
2 : interrupted by ups and downs : moving along with fits and starts

— chop·pi·ly adverb

Synonyms
casual, discontinuous, erratic, fitful, intermittent, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady—more at FITFUL

2choppy adjective chop·pi·er; -est
: CHANGEABLE, VARIABLE <a ~ wind>

chops noun plural
1 : the fleshy covering of the jaws
2 : expertise in a particular field or activity <acting ~>

chop·stick noun
: one of a pair of sticks used chiefly in Asian countries for lifting food to the mouth

chop su·ey noun, plural chop sueys
: a dish made of vegetables (as bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, onions, mushrooms) and meat or fish and served with rice

cho·ral adjective
: of, relating to, or sung by a choir or chorus or in chorus

— cho·ral·ly adverb

cho·rale noun
1 : a hymn or psalm sung in church; also : a harmonization of a traditional melody
2 : a group formed to sing church music : CHORUS, CHOIR

Synonyms
anthem, canticle, carol, hymn, psalm, spiritual—more at HYMN

1chord noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of ME cord, short for accord]

: three or more musical tones sounded simultaneously

2chord noun
1 : CORD 2
2 : a straight line joining two points on a curve

chore noun
[ORIGIN: ME char turn, piece of work, fr. OE chierr]

1 plural : the daily light work of a household or farm
2 : a routine task or job
3 : a difficult or disagreeable task

Synonyms
assignment, duty, job, stint, task; also endeavor, enterprise, project, undertaking; care, charge, commission, responsibility; function, mission, office; errand; circuit, round, route

cho·rea noun
: a nervous disorder marked by spasmodic uncontrolled movements

cho·re·og·ra·phy noun, plural -phies
: the art of composing and arranging dances and esp. ballets

— cho·reo·graph verb

— cho·re·og·ra·pher noun

— cho·reo·graph·ic adjective

— cho·reo·graph·i·cal·ly adverb

cho·ris·ter noun
: a singer in a choir

1chortle verb chor·tled; chor·tling
: to laugh or chuckle esp. in satisfaction or exultation

2chortle noun
: a sound expressive of pleasure or exultation

Synonyms
cackle, laugh, laughter, snicker, titter—more at LAUGH

1chorus noun
1 : an organized company of singers : CHOIR
2 : a group of dancers and singers (as in a musical comedy)
3 : a part of a song repeated at intervals
4 : a composition to be sung by a chorus; also : group singing
5 : sounds uttered by a number of persons or animals together <a ~ of boos>

Synonyms
choir, chorale; also ensemble; minstrelsy

2chorus verb
: to sing or utter in chorus

chose past of CHOOSE

cho·sen adjective
: selected or marked for special favor or privilege

Synonyms
elect, select—more at SELECT

1chow noun
: material that is taken or absorbed into the body in order to sustain growth and to furnish energy : FOOD

Synonyms
fare, food, grub, meat, provender, provisions, viands, victuals—more at FOOD

2chow verb
: EAT — often used with down

3chow noun
: CHOW CHOW

chow·chow noun
: chopped mixed pickles in mustard sauce

chow chow noun
: any of a breed of thick-coated straight-legged muscular dogs of Chinese origin with a blue-black tongue and a short tail curled close to the back

chow·der noun
: a soup or stew made from seafood or vegetables and containing milk or tomatoes

chow mein noun
: a seasoned stew of shredded or diced meat, mushrooms, and vegetables that is usu. served with fried noodles

chrism noun
: consecrated oil used esp. in baptism, confirmation, and ordination

Christ noun
[ORIGIN: ME Crist, fr. OE, fr. L Christus, fr. Gk Christos, lit., anointed]

: Jesus esp. as the Messiah

— Christ·like adjective

— Christ·ly adjective

chris·ten verb
1 : BAPTIZE
2 : to name at baptism
3 : to name or dedicate (as a ship) by a ceremony suggestive of baptism

— chris·ten·ing noun

Synonyms
[2, 3] baptize, call, denominate, designate, dub, entitle, label, name, style, term, title—more at NAME

Chris·ten·dom noun
1 : CHRISTIANITY
2 : the part of the world in which Christianity prevails

1Christian noun
: an adherent of Christianity

2Christian adjective
1 : of or relating to Christianity
2 : based on or conforming with Christianity
3 : of or relating to a Christian
4 : professing Christianity

chris·ti·an·ia noun
: CHRISTIE

Chris·ti·an·i·ty noun
: the religion derived from Jesus Christ, based on the Bible as sacred scripture, and professed by Christians

Chris·tian·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to make Christian

Christian name noun
: a name that precedes one's surname : GIVEN NAME

Christian Science noun
: a religion and system of healing founded by Mary Baker Eddy and taught by the Church of Christ, Scientist

— Christian Scientist noun

chris·tie or chris·ty noun, plural christies
: a skiing turn made by shifting body weight forward and skidding into a turn with parallel skis

Christ·mas noun
: December 25 celebrated as a church festival in commemoration of the birth of Christ and observed as a legal holiday

Christmas club noun
: a savings account in which regular deposits are made to provide money for Christmas shopping

Christ·mas·tide noun
: the season of Christmas

chro·mat·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to color
2 : proceeding by half steps of the musical scale

— chro·mat·i·cism noun

chro·mato·graph noun
: an instrument used in chromatography

chro·ma·tog·ra·phy noun
: the separation of a complex mixture into its component compounds as a result of the different rates at which the compounds travel through or over a stationary substance due to differing affinities for the substance

— chro·mato·graph·ic adjective

— chro·mato·graph·i·cal·ly adverb

chrome noun
1 : CHROMIUM
2 : a chromium pigment
3 : something plated with an alloy of chromium

chro·mi·um noun
: a bluish white metallic element used esp. in alloys and chrome plating

chro·mo·some noun
[ORIGIN: G Chromosom, fr. Gk chrōma color, pigment + sōma body]

: any of the rod-shaped or threadlike DNA-containing structures of cellular organisms that contain most or all of the genes of the organism

— chro·mo·som·al adjective

chro·mo·sphere noun
: the lower part of a star's atmosphere

chron abbreviation
1 chronicle
2 chronological; chronology

Chron abbreviation
Chronicles

chron·ic adjective
1 : marked by long duration or frequent recurrence <a ~ disease>
2 : being such habitually : HABITUAL <a ~ grumbler>

— chron·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
confirmed, habitual, inveterate—more at HABITUAL

chronic fatigue syndrome noun
: a disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by persistent profound fatigue

1chronicle noun
: an account of events arranged in the order of time : HISTORY, NARRATIVE

Synonyms
account, history, narrative, record, report, story—more at ACCOUNT

2chronicle verb -cled; -cling
: to record in or as if in a chronicle

chron·i·cler noun
: a writer or compiler of a chronicle

Chronicles noun
: either of two books of the Jewish and Christian Scripture

chro·no·graph noun
: an instrument for measuring and recording time intervals with accuracy

— chro·no·graph·ic adjective

— chro·nog·ra·phy noun

chro·nol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
1 : the science that deals with measuring time and dating events
2 : a chronological list or table
3 : arrangement of events in the order of their occurrence

— chron·o·log·i·cal adjective

— chron·o·log·i·cal·ly adverb

— chro·nol·o·gist noun

chro·nom·e·ter noun
: a very accurate timepiece

chrys·a·lid noun
: CHRYSALIS

chrys·a·lis noun, plural chry·sal·i·des or chrys·a·lis·es
: an insect pupa in a firm case without a cocoon

chry·san·the·mum noun
[ORIGIN: L, fr. Gk chrysanthemon, fr. chrysos gold + anthemon flower]

: any of various plants related to the daisies including some grown for their showy flowers or for medicinal products or insecticides; also : a flower of a chrysanthemum

chub noun, plural chub or chubs
: any of various small freshwater fishes related to the carp

chub·bi·ness noun
: the quality or state of being chubby

chub·by adjective chub·bi·er; -est
: short, thick, and well-rounded : PLUMP

Synonyms
corpulent, fat, fleshy, full, gross, obese, overweight, plump, portly, rotund, round—more at FAT

1chuck verb
1 : to give a pat or tap
2 : to throw with a short action of the arm or hand : TOSS
3 : DISCARD; also : EJECT
4 : to have done with

Synonyms
cast, catapult, dash, fire, fling, heave, hurl, hurtle, launch, peg, pelt, pitch, sling, throw, toss—more at THROW

2chuck noun
1 : a light pat under the chin
2 : TOSS

3chuck noun
1 : a cut of beef including most of the neck and the parts around the shoulder blade and the first three ribs
2 : a device for holding work or a tool in a machine (as a lathe)

chuck·hole noun
: POTHOLE

1chuckle verb chuck·led; chuck·ling
: to laugh in a quiet hardly audible manner

2chuckle noun
: a quiet hardly audible laugh

chuck wagon noun
: a wagon equipped with a stove and food supplies

1chug noun
: a dull explosive sound made by or as if by a laboring engine

2chug verb chugged; chug·ging
: to move or go with chugs

chuk·ka noun
: a usu. ankle-length leather boot

chuk·ker also chuk·ka noun
: a playing period of a polo game

1chum noun
: a close friend

Synonyms
buddy, comrade, crony, familiar, friend, intimate, pal—more at FRIEND

2chum verb chummed; chum·ming
1 : to room together
2 : to be a close friend

Synonyms
associate, consort, fraternize, hang around, hobnob, pal—more at ASSOCIATE

chum·mi·ness noun
: the quality or state of being chummy

chum·my adjective chum·mi·er; -est
: quite friendly : INTIMATE

— chum·mi·ly adverb

— chum·mi·ness noun

Synonyms
bosom, close, familiar, friendly, intimate, thick—more at FAMILIAR

chump noun
: stupid lout : FOOL, BLOCKHEAD

chunk noun
1 : a short thick piece
2 : a sizable amount

Synonyms
blob, clod, clump, glob, gob, hunk, lump, nub, wad—more at LUMP

chunky adjective chunk·i·er; -est
1 : compact, sturdy, and thick in build : STOCKY
2 : containing chunks

Synonyms
dumpy, heavyset, squat, stocky, stout, stubby, stumpy, thickset—more at STOCKY

church noun
[ORIGIN: ME chirche, fr. OE cirice, ultim. fr. LGk kyriakon, fr. Gk, neut. of kyriakos of the lord, fr. kyrios lord, master]

1 : a building for public and esp. Christian worship
2 often cap : the whole body of Christians
3 : DENOMINATION
4 : a group of persons assembled for worship : CONGREGATION
5 : public divine worship

church·go·er noun
: one who habitually attends church

— church·go·ing adjective or noun

church·less adjective
: not affiliated with a church

church·man noun
1 : CLERGYMAN
2 : a member of a church

church·war·den noun
: WARDEN 5

church·yard noun
: a yard that belongs to a church and is often used as a burial ground

churl noun
1 : a medieval peasant
2 : RUSTIC
3 : a rude ill-bred person

— churl·ish adjective

— churl·ish·ly adverb

— churl·ish·ness noun

Synonyms
beast, boor, clown, creep, cretin, cur, heel, jerk, joker, louse, lout, skunk, slob, snake—more at JERK

churl·ish adjective
: marked by a lack of civility or graciousness

— churl·ish·ly adverb

— churl·ish·ness noun

Synonyms
boorish, clownish, loutish, uncouth—more at CLOWNISH

1churn noun
: a container in which milk or cream is violently agitated in making butter

2churn verb
1 : to stir in a churn; also : to make (butter) by such stirring
2 : to stir or shake around esp. violently
3 : to experience violent motion or agitation

Synonyms
[2] agitate, stir, swirl, whirl—more at STIR
[3] boil, roil, seethe—more at SEETHE

churn out verb
: to produce mechanically or in large quantity

chute noun
1 : an inclined surface, trough, or passage down or through which something may pass <a coal ~> <a mail ~>
2 : PARACHUTE

chut·ney noun, plural chutneys
: a thick sauce containing fruits, vinegar, sugar, and spices

chutz·pah noun
: supreme self-confidence

Synonyms
audacity, brass, brazenness, cheek, effrontery, gall, nerve, presumption, sauce, sauciness, temerity—more at EFFRONTERY

CIA abbreviation
Central Intelligence Agency

cía abbreviation
[ORIGIN: Sp compañía]

company

ciao interjection
— used to express greeting or farewell

ci·ca·da noun
: any of a family of stout-bodied insects related to the aphids and having wide blunt heads and large transparent wings

ci·ca·trix noun, plural ci·ca·tri·ces
[ORIGIN: L]

: a scar resulting from formation and contraction of fibrous tissue in a wound

ci·ce·ro·ne noun, plural -ni
: a guide who conducts sightseers

CID abbreviation
Criminal Investigation Department

ci·der noun
: juice pressed from fruit (as apples) and used as a beverage, vinegar, or flavoring

cie abbreviation
[ORIGIN: F compagnie]

company

ci·gar noun
[ORIGIN: Sp cigarro]

: a roll of tobacco for smoking

cig·a·rette noun
[ORIGIN: F, dim. of cigare cigar]

: a slender roll of cut tobacco enclosed in paper for smoking

cig·a·ril·lo noun, plural -los
[ORIGIN: Sp]

1 : a very small cigar
2 : a cigarette wrapped in tobacco rather than paper

ci·lan·tro noun
: leaves of coriander used as a flavoring or garnish; also : the coriander plant

cil·i·ate noun
: any of a group of protozoans characterized by cilia

cil·i·um noun, plural -ia
1 : a minute short hairlike process; especially : one of a cell
2 : EYELASH

C in C abbreviation
commander in chief

1cinch noun
1 : a girth for a pack or saddle
2 : a thing done with ease

Synonyms
breeze, child's play, picnic, pushover, snap; also nothing
Antonyms
chore, headache, labor

2cinch verb
: to make certain : ASSURE

Synonyms
assure, ensure, guarantee, guaranty, insure, secure—more at ENSURE

cin·cho·na noun
: any of a genus of So. American trees related to the madder; also : the bitter quinine-containing bark of a cinchona

cinc·ture noun
: an article of dress encircling the body usu. at the waist : BELT, SASH

Synonyms
belt, cummerbund, girdle, sash—more at BELT

cin·der noun
1 : SLAG
2 plural : ASHES
3 : a hot piece of partly burned wood or coal
4 : a fragment of lava from an erupting volcano

— cinder verb

— cin·dery adjective

cinder block noun
: a building block made of cement and coal cinders

cin·e·ma noun
1 : a motion-picture theater
2 : the film industry : MOVIES

— cin·e·mat·ic adjective

cin·e·ma·theque noun
: a small movie house specializing in avant-garde films

cin·e·ma·tog·ra·phy noun
: motion-picture photography

— cin·e·ma·tog·ra·pher noun

— cin·e·mat·o·graph·ic adjective

cin·e·plex noun
: a complex that houses several movie theaters

cin·er·ar·i·um noun, plural -ia
: a place to receive the ashes of the cremated dead

— cin·er·ary adjective

cin·na·bar noun
: a red mineral that is the only important ore of mercury

cin·na·mon noun
: a spice prepared from the highly aromatic bark of any of several trees related to the true laurel; also : a tree that yields cinnamon

cinque·foil noun
: any of a genus of plants related to the roses with leaves having five lobes

1cipher noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF cifre, fr. ML cifra, fr. Ar ṣifr empty, zero]

1 : the symbol 0 denoting the absence of all magnitude or quantity : ZERO, NAUGHT
2 : a method of secret writing

Synonyms
aught, naught, nil, nothing, zero, zip—more at ZERO

2cipher verb
: to compute arithmetically

cir or circ abbreviation
circular

cir·ca preposition
: ABOUT <~ 1600>

cir·ca·di·an adjective
: being, having, characterized by, or occurring in approximately 24-hour intervals (as of biological activity)

1circle noun
1 : a closed curve every point of which is equally distant from a fixed point within it
2 : something circular
3 : an area of action or influence
4 : a series ending at its starting point : CYCLE
5 : a group bound by a common tie

Synonyms
[1, 2] band, eye, hoop, loop, ring, round—more at RING
[5] body, bunch, clan, clique, community, coterie, crowd, fold, gang, lot, ring, set—more at GANG

2circle verb cir·cled; cir·cling
1 : to enclose in a circle
2 : to move or revolve around; also : to move in a circle

Synonyms
[1] encircle, enclose, encompass, ring, surround—more at SURROUND
[2] circumnavigate, coil, compass, encircle, girdle, loop, orbit, ring, round—more at ENCIRCLE

cir·clet noun
: a small circle; especially : a circular ornament

cir·cuit noun
1 : a boundary around an enclosed space
2 : a course around a periphery
3 : a regular tour (as by a judge) around an assigned territory
4 : the complete path of an electric current; also : an assemblage of electronic components
5 : LEAGUE; also : a chain of theaters

— cir·cuit·al adjective

circuit breaker noun
: a switch that automatically interrupts an electric circuit under an abnormal condition

circuit court noun
: a court that sits at two or more places within one judicial district

cir·cu·i·tous adjective
1 : having a circular or winding course
2 : not being forthright or direct in language or action

Synonyms
[1] circular, indirect, roundabout—more at INDIRECT
[2] diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy—more at WORDY

cir·cuit·ry noun, plural -ries
: the plan or the components of an electric circuit

cir·cu·ity noun, plural -ities
: INDIRECTION

1circular adjective
1 : having the form of a circle : ROUND
2 : moving in or around a circle
3 : not forthright or direct in language or action : CIRCUITOUS
4 : intended for circulation <a ~ letter>

— cir·cu·lar·i·ty noun

Synonyms
circuitous, indirect, roundabout—more at INDIRECT

2circular noun
: a paper (as a leaflet) intended for wide distribution

Synonyms
booklet, brochure, folder, leaflet, pamphlet—more at PAMPHLET

cir·cu·lar·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to send circulars to
2 : to poll by questionnaire

circular saw noun
: a power saw with a round cutting blade

cir·cu·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to move or cause to move in a circle, circuit, or orbit
2 : to pass from place to place or from person to person
3 : to become well-known or widespread

— cir·cu·la·tion noun

Synonyms
[2, 3] broadcast, disseminate, propagate, spread, strew—more at SPREAD

cir·cu·la·to·ry adjective
: of or relating to circulation or the circulatory system

circulatory system noun
: the system of blood, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and heart concerned with the circulation of the blood and lymph

cir·cum·am·bu·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to circle on foot esp. as part of a ritual

cir·cum·cise verb -cised; -cis·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L circumcisus, pp. of circumcidere, lit., to cut around, fr. circum around + caedere to cut]

: to cut off the foreskin of

— cir·cum·ci·sion noun

cir·cum·fer·ence noun
1 : the perimeter of a circle
2 : the external boundary or surface of a figure or object

Synonyms
border, bound, boundary, compass, confines, edge, end, fringe, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, verge—more at BORDER

cir·cum·flex noun
: the mark ˆ over a vowel

cir·cum·lo·cu·tion noun
: the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea

Synonyms
prolixity, redundancy, verbiage, wordiness—more at VERBIAGE

cir·cum·lu·nar adjective
: revolving about or surrounding the moon

cir·cum·nav·i·gate verb
: to go completely around (as the earth) esp. by water

— cir·cum·nav·i·ga·tion noun

Synonyms
circle, coil, compass, encircle, girdle, loop, orbit, ring, round—more at ENCIRCLE

cir·cum·po·lar adjective
1 : continually visible above the horizon <a ~ star>
2 : surrounding or found near a pole of the earth

cir·cum·scribe verb
1 : to constrict the range or activity of
2 : to draw a line around

— cir·cum·scrip·tion noun

Synonyms
check, confine, control, curb, inhibit, limit, restrain, restrict
bound, define, delimit, demarcate, limit, mark, terminate—more at LIMIT

cir·cum·spect adjective
: careful to consider all circumstances and consequences : PRUDENT

— cir·cum·spec·tion noun

Synonyms
alert, careful, cautious, considerate, gingerly, guarded, heedful, prudent, safe, wary—more at CAREFUL

cir·cum·spec·tion noun
: careful consideration to minimize risk

Synonyms
alertness, care, carefulness, caution, heedfulness—more at CAUTION

cir·cum·stance noun
1 : a condition, fact, or event accompanying, conditioning, or determining another
2 : surrounding conditions
3 a : an inevitable and often adverse end : FATE
b : something that happens unpredictably : CHANCE
4 plural : situation with regard to wealth
5 : CEREMONY

Synonyms
[3a] destiny, doom, fate, fortune, lot, portion—more at FATE
[3b] accident, chance, hazard, luck—more at CHANCE

cir·cum·stan·tial adjective
1 : consisting of or depending on circumstances
2 : INCIDENTAL
3 : containing full details

— cir·cum·stan·tial·ly adverb

Synonyms
detailed, elaborate, full, minute, thorough—more at DETAILED

cir·cum·vent verb
1 a : to go around : make a full circuit around or bypass without going through
b : to manage to get around esp. by ingenuity or stratagem
2 : to check or defeat esp. by stratagem

— cir·cum·ven·tion noun

Synonyms
[1a, b] dodge, sidestep, skirt; also avoid, duck, elude, escape, eschew, evade, shake, shun; disobey, disregard, flout, ignore
Antonyms
comply (with), follow, keep, obey, observe
[1a, b] bypass, detour, skirt—more at DETOUR

cir·cus noun
1 : a large arena enclosed by tiers of seats on three or all four sides and used esp. for sports or spectacles
2 : a usu. traveling show that features feats of physical skill, wild animal acts, and performances by clowns
3 : a circus performance; also : the equipment, livestock, and personnel of a circus
4 : something suggestive of a circus (as in frenzied activity or razzle-dazzle) <a media ~>

Synonyms
[1] bowl, coliseum, stadium—more at STADIUM
[4] bedlam, hell, madhouse—more at MADHOUSE

cirque noun
: a deep steep-walled mountain basin usu. forming the blunt end of a valley

cir·rho·sis noun, plural -rho·ses
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. Gk kirrhos orange-colored]

: fibrosis of the liver

— cir·rhot·ic adjective or noun

cir·rus noun, plural cir·ri
: a wispy white cloud usu. of minute ice crystals at high altitudes

cis·lu·nar adjective
: lying between the earth and the moon or the moon's orbit

cis·tern noun
: an often underground tank for storing water

cit abbreviation
1 citation; cited
2 citizen

cit·a·del noun
1 : a fortress commanding a city
2 : a place of security or survival : STRONGHOLD

Synonyms
[1, 2] bastion, fastness, fort, fortification, fortress, hold, stronghold

ci·ta·tion noun
1 : an official summons to appear (as before a court)
2 a : something that is quoted
b : a passage referred to or given as an example : QUOTATION
3 : a formal statement of the achievements of a person; also : a specific reference in a military dispatch to meritorious performance of duty

Synonyms
accolade, commendation, encomium, eulogy, homage, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute—more at ENCOMIUM

cite verb cit·ed; cit·ing
1 : to summon to appear before a court
2 : to quote by way of example, authority, or proof : QUOTE
3 : to refer to esp. in commendation or praise
4 : to bring forward or call to another's attention esp. as an example

Synonyms
[2] advert, instance, mention, name, note, notice, quote, refer, specify, touch—more at MENTION
[4] adduce, instance, mention, quote

cit·i·fied adjective
: of, relating to, or characterized by an urban style of living

cit·i·zen noun
1 : an inhabitant of a city or town
2 : a person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to its protection

— cit·i·zen·ship noun

cit·i·zen·ry noun, plural -ries
: a whole body of citizens

citizens band noun
: a range of radio frequencies set aside for private radio communications

cit·ric acid noun
: a sour organic acid obtained from lemon and lime juices or by fermentation of sugars and used as a flavoring

cit·ron noun
1 : the oval lemonlike fruit of an Asian citrus tree; also : the tree
2 : a small hard-fleshed watermelon used esp. in pickles and preserves

cit·ro·nel·la noun
: a lemon-scented oil obtained from a fragrant grass of southern Asia and used in perfumes and as an insect repellent

cit·rus noun, plural citrus or cit·rus·es
: any of a genus of often thorny evergreen trees or shrubs grown for their fruits (as the orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit); also : the fruit

city noun, plural cit·ies
[ORIGIN: ME citie large or small town, fr. OF cité, fr. ML civitas, fr. L, citizenship, state, city of Rome, fr. civis citizen]

1 : an inhabited place larger or more important than a town
2 : a municipality in the U.S. governed under a charter granted by the state; also : an incorporated municipal unit of the highest class in Canada

city manager noun
: an official employed by an elected council to direct the administration of a city government

city–state noun
: an autonomous state consisting of a city and surrounding territory

civ abbreviation
1 civil; civilian
2 civilization

civ·et noun
: a yellowish strong-smelling substance obtained from a catlike mammal (civet cat) of Africa or Asia and used in making perfumes

civ·ic adjective
: of or relating to a city, citizenship, or civil affairs

civ·ics noun
: a social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens

civ·il adjective
1 : of or relating to citizens or to the state as a political body
2 : adequate in courtesy and politeness : COURTEOUS, POLITE
3 : of or relating to legal proceedings in connection with private rights and obligations <the ~ code>
4 : of or relating to the general population : not military or ecclesiastical

Synonyms
[1] national, public, state—more at NATIONAL
[2] courteous, genteel, gracious, mannerly, polite, well-bred—more at POLITE

civil defense noun
: protective measures and emergency relief activities conducted by civilians in case of enemy attack or natural disaster

civil disobedience noun
: refusal to obey governmental commands esp. as a nonviolent means of protest

civil engineer noun
: an engineer whose training or occupation is in the design and construction esp. of public works (as roads or harbors)

— civil engineering noun

ci·vil·ian noun
: a person not on active duty in a military, police, or fire-fighting force

ci·vil·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : civilized conduct : POLITENESS, COURTESY
2 : a polite act or expression

Synonyms
[1] courtesy, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness—more at POLITENESS
[2] amenity, courtesy, formality, gesture; also ceremony, observance, rite, ritual; etiquette, manners, proprieties; greetings, regards, respects; favor, grace, kindness

civ·i·li·za·tion noun
1 : a relatively high level of cultural and technological development
2 : the culture characteristic of a time or place

— civ·i·li·za·tion·al adjective

Synonyms
[1] cultivation, culture, polish, refinement—more at CULTURE
[2] culture, life, lifestyle, society; also customs, manners, mores; folklore, heritage, tradition

civ·i·lize verb -lized; -liz·ing
1 : to raise from a primitive state to an advanced and ordered stage of cultural development
2 : REFINE

civ·i·lized adjective
1 : characteristic of a state of civilization
2 : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Synonyms
cultivated, cultured, genteel, polished, refined—more at CULTIVATED

civil liberty noun
: freedom from arbitrary governmental interference specifically by denial of governmental power — usu. used in pl.

civ·il·ly adverb
1 : in terms of civil rights, matters, or law <~ dead>
2 : in a civil manner : POLITELY

civil rights noun plural
: the nonpolitical rights of a citizen; especially : those guaranteed by the 13th and 14th amendments to the Constitution and by acts of Congress

civil servant noun
: a member of a civil service

civil service noun
: the administrative service of a government

civil war noun
: a war between opposing groups of citizens of the same country

civ·vies noun plural
: civilian clothes as distinguished from a military uniform

CJ abbreviation
chief justice

ck abbreviation
1 cask
2 check

cl abbreviation
1 centiliter
2 class

Cl symbol
chlorine

1clack verb
1 : CHATTER, PRATTLE
2 : to make an abrupt striking sound or series of sounds

2clack noun
1 : rapid continuous talk : CHATTER
2 : a sound of clacking <the ~ of a typewriter>

clad adjective
1 : CLOTHED, COVERED
2 : being or consisting of coins made of outer layers of one metal bonded to a core of a different metal

1claim verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF claimer, clamer, fr. L clamare to cry out, shout]

1 : to ask for esp. as a right
2 : to call for : REQUIRE
3 : to state as a fact : MAINTAIN

Synonyms
[1] call, clamor, command, demand, enjoin, exact, insist, press, quest, stipulate—more at DEMAND
[3] affirm, allege, assert, aver, avouch, avow, contend, declare, insist, maintain, profess, protest, warrant; also announce, broadcast, proclaim; argue, rationalize, reason; confirm, justify, vindicate; defend, support, uphold
Antonyms
deny, gainsay

2claim noun
1 : a demand for something due or believed to be due
2 : a right to something usu. in another's possession
3 : an assertion open to challenge
4 : something claimed (as a tract of land)

Synonyms
[1] demand, dun, requisition—more at DEMAND
[2] call, pretense, pretension, right; also birthright, prerogative; favor, privilege; refusal
[3] affirmation, assertion, avowal, declaration, profession, protestation—more at PROTESTATION
[4] interest, share, stake—more at INTEREST

claim·ant noun
: a person making a claim

clair·voy·ant adjective
[ORIGIN: F, fr. clair clear + voyant seeing]

1 : unusually perceptive
2 : having the power of discerning objects not present to the senses

— clairvoyant noun

clair·voy·ance noun
: the power or faculty of discerning objects not present to the senses

clam noun
1 : any of numerous bivalve mollusks including many that are edible
2 : DOLLAR

clam·bake noun
: a party or gathering (as at the seashore) at which food is cooked usu. on heated rocks covered by seaweed

clam·ber verb
: to climb awkwardly

— clam·ber·er noun

clam·my adjective clam·mi·er; -est
: being damp, soft, sticky, and usu. cool

— clam·mi·ness noun

1clamor noun
1 : a noisy shouting
2 : a loud continuous noise
3 : insistent public expression (as of support or protest)

Synonyms
[1] howl, hubbub, hue and cry, hullabaloo, noise, outcry, roar, tumult, uproar; also clangor, din, jangle, racket
[2] bluster, cacophony, din, noise, racket, roar—more at NOISE

2clamor verb
: to appeal, demand, or protest by sustained noisy outcry : to become loudly insistent — often used with for

Synonyms usually clamor for
call, claim, command, demand, enjoin, exact, insist, press, quest, stipulate—more at DEMAND

clam·or·ous adjective
1 : marked by confused din or outcry
2 : full of noise : noisily insistent

Synonyms
[1] blatant, obstreperous, vociferous—more at VOCIFEROUS
[2] booming, deafening, earsplitting, loud, piercing, resounding, ringing, roaring, sonorous, stentorian, thunderous—more at LOUD

1clamp noun
: a device that holds or presses parts together firmly

2clamp verb
: to fasten with or as if with a clamp

Synonyms
anchor, catch, fasten, fix, hitch, moor, secure, set

clamp down verb
: to impose restrictions : become repressive

— clamp·down noun

Synonyms usually clamp down on
crack down, crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff, squash, squelch, subdue, suppress—more at QUELL

clam·shell noun
1 : the shell of a clam
2 : a bucket or grapnel (as on a dredge) having two hinged jaws

clam up verb
: to become silent

Synonyms
hush, quiet, shut up—more at SHUT UP

clan noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ScGael clann offspring, clan, fr. Old Irish cland plant, offspring, fr. L planta plant]

1 : a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor
2 : a group united by a common interest or common characteristics

— clan·nish noun

— clan·nish·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] blood, family, folk, house, kin, kindred, kinfolk, line, lineage, people, race, stock, tribe—more at FAMILY
[2] body, bunch, circle, clique, community, coterie, crowd, fold, gang, lot, ring, set—more at GANG

clan·des·tine adjective
: held in or conducted with secrecy

Synonyms
covert, furtive, hugger-mugger, private, secret, sneak, sneaky, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underground, underhanded—more at SECRET

clang noun
: a loud metallic ringing sound

— clang verb

Synonyms
clash; also chime, peel, ring; clink, jangle, jingle, tinkle; clap, clop, crack, crash

clan·gor noun
: a loud deeply resounding sound made esp. by metal objects struck together

clan·nish noun
: tending to associate only with a select group of similar background or status

— clan·nish·ness noun

clank noun
: a sharp brief metallic ringing sound

— clank verb

1clap verb clapped; clap·ping
1 : to strike noisily
2 : APPLAUD

2clap noun
1 : a loud noisy crash
2 : a sudden sometimes resounding blow or stroke
3 : the noise made by clapping the hands

Synonyms
bang, blast, boom, crack, crash, pop, report, slam, smash, snap, thwack, whack; also clang, clangor, clank, clash; knock, rap, tap; clamor, howl, hubbub, hue and cry, hullabaloo, outcry, roar, tumult, uproar

3clap noun
: GONORRHEA

clap·board noun
: a narrow board thicker at one edge than the other used for siding

— clap·board verb

clap·per noun
: one that claps; especially : the tongue of a bell

clap·trap noun
: pretentious nonsense

Synonyms
bunk, drivel, fiddlesticks, folly, foolishness, fudge, hogwash, humbug, nonsense, piffle, rot, silliness, slush, stupidity, trash—more at NONSENSE

claque noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. claquer to clap]

1 : a group hired to applaud at a performance
2 : a group of sycophants

clar·et noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF (vin) claret clear wine]

: a dry red wine

clar·i·fi·ca·tion noun
: the act or process of clarifying; also : something that clarifies

Synonyms
construction, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation—more at EXPLANATION

clar·i·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to make or become clear

Synonyms
clear, construe, demonstrate, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out—more at EXPLAIN
clear, distill, filter, purify; also process, refine; clean, cleanse, purge; extract, leach; screen, sieve, sift

clar·i·net noun
: a single-reed woodwind instrument in the form of a cylindrical tube with a moderately flaring end

— clar·i·net·ist or clar·i·net·tist noun

clar·i·on adjective
: brilliantly clear <a ~ call>

clar·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being clear : LUCIDITY

Synonyms
explicitness, lucidity, perspicuity, simplicity—more at SIMPLICITY

1clash verb
1 : to make or cause to make a clash
2 : to be incompatible
3 : to come into conflict

Synonyms
[2] collide, conflict, jar; also mismatch; battle, combat, fight, war (against); chafe, gall, grate, jangle; differ, disagree
Antonyms
blend, harmonize, match
usually clash with [3] battle, combat, fight, scrimmage, skirmish, war—more at FIGHT

2clash noun
1 : a noisy usu. metallic sound of collision
2 : a hostile encounter; also : a conflict of opinion

Synonyms
[1] clang—more at CLANG
[2] battle, combat, conflict, contest, fight, fracas, fray, hassle, scrap, scrimmage, scuffle, skirmish, struggle, tussle—more at FIGHT

1clasp noun
1 : a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together
2 : a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms : EMBRACE, GRASP

2clasp verb
: to enclose and hold with the arms or hands

Synonyms
caress, embrace, enfold, grasp, hug—more at EMBRACE
grasp, grip, hold, take—more at TAKE

1class noun
[ORIGIN: F classe, fr. L classis group called to military service, fleet, class]

1 : a group of students meeting regularly in a course; also : a group graduating together
2 : a course of instruction; also : the period when such a course is taught
3 a : social rank; especially : high social rank
b : high quality : ELEGANCE
4 : a group of the same general status or nature; especially : a major category in biological classification that is above the order and below the phylum
5 : a division or rating based on grade or quality

— class·less adjective

Synonyms
[3a] caste, estate, folk, order, place, position, rank, standing, status, stratum; also bracket, level, tier; place, grouping, hierarchy, stratification; clan, family, people, race, tribe
[3b] elegance, grace, handsomeness, majesty, refinement, stateliness—more at ELEGANCE
[4] breed, description, feather, ilk, kind, like, manner, nature, order, sort, species, type—more at SORT
[5] bracket, category, division, family, grade, group, kind, order, set, species, type; also description, feather, ilk, nature, sort; branch, section, subdivision, subgroup, variety; breed, race; classification, heading, label, rubric, title

2class verb
: to arrange in classes : CLASSIFY

Synonyms
assort, break down, categorize, classify, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, separate, sort—more at CLASSIFY

class action noun
: a legal action undertaken in behalf of the plaintiffs and all others having an identical interest in the alleged wrong

1classic adjective
1 : serving as a standard of excellence; also : TRADITIONAL
2 : CLASSICAL 2
3 : notable esp. as the best example
4 : AUTHENTIC
5 : typical or regarded as typical : ideally illustrative

Synonyms
[1] model, paradigmatic, quintessential, traditional—more at MODEL
[5] characteristic, distinct, distinctive, individual, peculiar, proper, symptomatic, typical—more at CHARACTERISTIC

2classic noun
1 : a work of enduring excellence and esp. of ancient Greece or Rome; also : its author
2 : a typical or perfect example
3 : a traditional event

Synonyms
beau ideal, epitome, exemplar, ideal, perfection, quintessence—more at QUINTESSENCE

clas·si·cal adjective
1 : CLASSIC
2 : of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman classics
3 : of or relating to a form or system of primary significance before modern times <~ economics>
4 : concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences
5 : handed down (as beliefs or customs) by example from one generation to another

— clas·si·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
conventional, customary, traditional—more at TRADITIONAL

clas·si·cism noun
1 : the principles or style of the literature or art of ancient Greece and Rome
2 : adherence to traditional standards believed to be universally valid

— clas·si·cist noun

clas·si·fied adjective
: withheld from general circulation for reasons of national security

clas·si·fieds noun plural
: advertisements grouped by subject

clas·si·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to arrange in or assign to classes

— clas·si·fi·able adjective

— clas·si·fi·ca·tion noun

— clas·si·fi·er noun

Synonyms
arrange, array, codify, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, range, systematize—more at ORDER
assort, break down, categorize, class, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, separate, sort; also arrange, order, organize, systematize; alphabetize, catalog, codify, file, index, list; pigeonhole, shelve; distinguish, identify, recognize; cull, screen, sift, winnow

class·mate noun
: a member of the same class (as in a college)

class·room noun
: a place where classes meet

classy adjective class·i·er; -est
: ELEGANT, STYLISH

— class·i·ness noun

clat·ter noun
1 : a rattling sound <the ~ of dishes>
2 : an agitated disturbance or noisy confusion

clatter verb
: to make a rattling sound

clause noun
1 : a group of words having its own subject and predicate but forming only part of a compound or complex sentence
2 : a separate part of an article or document

claus·tro·pho·bia noun
: abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces

— claus·tro·pho·bic adjective

clav·i·chord noun
: an early keyboard instrument in use before the piano

clav·i·cle noun
[ORIGIN: F clavicule, fr. NL clavicula, fr. L, dim. of L clavis key]

: COLLARBONE

cla·vier noun
1 : the keyboard of a musical instrument
2 : an early keyboard instrument

1claw noun
1 : a sharp usu. curved nail on the toe of an animal
2 : a sharp curved process (as on the foot of an insect); also : a pincerlike organ at the end of a limb of some arthropods (as a lobster)

— clawed adjective

2claw verb
: to rake, seize, or dig with or as if with claws

clay noun
1 : an earthy material that is plastic when moist but hard when fired and is used in making pottery; also : finely divided soil consisting largely of such clay
2 : EARTH, MUD
3 : a plastic substance used for modeling
4 : the mortal human body

— clay·ey adjective

clay·more noun
: a large 2-edged sword formerly used by Scottish Highlanders

clay pigeon noun
: a saucer-shaped target thrown from a trap in trapshooting

1clean adjective
1 : free from dirt or disease
2 a : free from moral taint or corruption : PURE
b : observing the rules : FAIR
3 : so decisive and complete as to leave no loose ends or uncertainty : THOROUGH <made a ~ break with the past>
4 : TRIM <a ship with ~ lines>; also : EVEN
5 : habitually neat

— clean·ly adverb

— clean·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] immaculate, spick-and-span, spotless, stainless, unsoiled, unsullied; also pure, undefiled, unpolluted, untainted, wholesome; cleanly, hygienic, sanitary; bleached, cleansed, purified, whitened; milky, snowy, white; flawless, unblemished; bright, shiny, sparkling
Antonyms
dirty, filthy, foul, grubby, soiled, spotted, stained, sullied, unclean
[2a] chaste, decent, immaculate, modest, pure—more at CHASTE
[2b] fair, legal, sportsmanlike
[3] all-out, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, full-scale, out-and-out, thorough, thoroughgoing, total—more at EXHAUSTIVE

2clean adverb
: all the way : COMPLETELY

Synonyms
absolutely, all, altogether, completely, entirely, fully, quite, totally, utterly, wholly

3clean verb
1 : to make or become clean
2 : to remove the entrails from
3 : to exhaust the stock of — usu. used with out

Synonyms
[2] draw, eviscerate, gut—more at GUT
usually clean out [3] consume, deplete, drain, exhaust, expend, spend, use up—more at DEPLETE

clean–cut adjective
1 : cut so that the surface or edge is smooth and even
2 : sharply defined or outlined
3 : giving an effect of wholesomeness

clean·er noun
: a preparation for cleaning

Synonyms
detergent, soap; also disinfectant, purifier, solvent

clean·ly adjective clean·li·er; -est
1 : careful to keep clean
2 : habitually kept clean

— clean·li·ness noun

clean room noun
: an uncontaminated room maintained for the manufacture or assembly of objects (as precision parts)

cleanse verb cleansed; cleans·ing
1 : to make clean
2 : to rid of impurities by or as if by washing

cleans·er verb
: a preparation (as a scouring powder or a skin cream) used for cleaning

cleansing noun
: the action or an act of cleansing esp. morally or spiritually

1cleanup noun
1 : an act or instance of cleaning
2 : a very large profit

2cleanup adjective
: being 4th in the batting order of a baseball team

clean up verb
1 : to make a spectacular business profit
2 : rid of debasing or harmful features or elements

1clear adjective
[ORIGIN: ME clere, fr. AF cler, fr. L clarus]

1 a : shining brightly : entirely light
b : UNTROUBLED, SERENE
2 : having the sky free from clouds : CLOUDLESS
3 a : CLEAN, PURE
b : easily seen through : TRANSPARENT
4 a : easily heard, seen, or understood
b : easy to perceive or determine with certainty
5 a : capable of sharp discernment
b : free from doubt
6 : free from guile or guilt : INNOCENT
7 : free from restriction, obstruction, or entanglement

— clear adverb

— clear·ly adverb

— clear·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] cloudless, fair, sunny, sunshiny, unclouded—more at FAIR
[3b] limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid, transparent; also colorless, uncolored; lucid, translucent; crystal, crystalline, glassy, sparkling; bright, brilliant, effulgent, luminous
Antonyms
cloudy, opaque
[4a] apparent, broad, clear-cut, distinct, evident, lucid, manifest, obvious, palpable, patent, perspicuous, plain, transparent, unambiguous, unequivocal, unmistakable; also comprehensible, decipherable, fathomable, intelligible, knowable, understandable; self-evident, self-explanatory; simple; overt, undisguised; appreciable, perceptible, recognizable, sensible, tangible; discernible, noticeable, observable, visible
Antonyms
dark, enigmatic, indistinct, mysterious, obscure, unclear; ambiguous, equivocal
[6] blameless, faultless, guiltless, impeccable, innocent, irreproachable—more at INNOCENT
[7] free, open, unobstructed—more at OPEN

2clear verb
1 : to make or become clear
2 : to go away : DISPERSE
3 a : to free from accusation or blame
b : to accept officially as satisfactory
c : to certify as trustworthy
4 : to explain or make understandable — often used with up
5 : to get free from obstruction
6 : to make clear or free from debt or obligation : SETTLE
7 : NET
8 : to get rid of : REMOVE
9 a : to free (as from contact or entanglement) : DISENTANGLE
b : to jump or go by without touching; also : PASS

Synonyms
[1] clarify, distill, filter, purify—more at CLARIFY
[3a] absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate—more at EXCULPATE
[3b] approve, authorize, OK, ratify, sanction, warrant—more at APPROVE
usually clear up [4] clarify, construe, demonstrate, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out—more at EXPLAIN
[6] discharge, foot, liquidate, pay, pay off, quit, recompense, settle, spring, stand—more at PAY
[9a] disengage, disentangle, extricate, free, liberate, release, untangle—more at EXTRICATE

3clear noun
: a clear space or part

clear·ance noun
1 : an act or process of clearing
2 : the distance by which one object clears another
3 : certification as clear of objection : AUTHORIZATION

Synonyms
allowance, authorization, concurrence, consent, leave, license, permission, sanction, sufferance—more at PERMISSION

clear–cut adjective
1 : sharply outlined : DISTINCT
2 : free from ambiguity or uncertainty : DEFINITE, UNEQUIVOCAL

Synonyms
definite, definitive, explicit, express, specific, unambiguous, unequivocal—more at EXPLICIT

clear·head·ed adjective
: having a clear understanding : able to think clearly

Synonyms
balanced, lucid, normal, right, sane, stable—more at SANE

clear·ing noun
1 : a tract of land cleared of wood and brush
2 : the passage of checks and claims through a clearinghouse

clear·ing·house noun
: an institution maintained by banks for making an exchange of checks and claims held by each bank against other banks; also : an informal channel for information or assistance

clear out verb
1 : to drive out or away usu. by force
2 : to go away or run from : DEPART

Synonyms
[1] disband, disperse, dissipate, scatter—more at SCATTER
[2] abscond, escape, flee, fly, get out, lam, run away, run off—more at ESCAPE
[2] depart, exit, get off, go, move, pull, quit, sally, shove, take off—more at GO

cleat noun
: a piece of wood or metal fastened on or projecting from something to give strength, provide a grip, or prevent slipping

cleav·age noun
1 : a splitting apart : SPLIT
2 : the depression between a woman's breasts esp. when exposed by a low-cut dress

1cleave verb cleaved or clove ; cleaved; cleav·ing
: to adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly : ADHERE, CLING

2cleave verb cleaved also cleft or clove ; cleaved also cleft or clo·ven ; cleav·ing
1 : to divide by force : split asunder
2 : DIVIDE

cleav·er noun
: a heavy chopping knife for cutting meat

clef noun
: a sign placed on the staff in music to show what pitch is represented by each line and space

cleft noun
: a space or opening made by or as if by splitting : FISSURE, CRACK

Synonyms
chink, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure, rift, split—more at CRACK

cleft palate noun
: a split in the roof of the mouth that appears as a birth defect

clem·a·tis noun
: any of a genus of vines or herbs related to the buttercups that have showy usu. white or purple flowers

clem·en·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : disposition to be merciful
2 : mildness of weather

Synonyms
charity, leniency, mercy, quarter—more at MERCY

clem·ent adjective
1 : MERCIFUL, LENIENT
2 : not severe in temperature : TEMPERATE, MILD

Synonyms
balmy, equable, gentle, mild, moderate, temperate; also clear, cloudless, fair, sunny, sunshiny; calm, halcyon, peaceful, placid, tranquil; delightful, fine, pleasant
Antonyms
harsh, inclement, intemperate, severe

clem·en·tine noun
: a small citrus fruit that is probably a hybrid between a tangerine and an orange

clench verb
1 : CLINCH 1
2 : to hold fast : CLUTCH
3 : to set or close tightly

Synonyms
cling, clutch, grip, hang on, hold, hold on—more at HOLD

clere·sto·ry noun
: an outside wall of a room or building that rises above an adjoining roof and contains windows

cler·gy noun
: a body of religious officials authorized to conduct services

cler·gy·man noun
: a member of the clergy

Synonyms
divine, ecclesiastic, father, minister, preacher, priest, reverend; also evangelist, missionary; deaconess, priestess; dean, pastor, rector, vicar; chaplain, confessor; canon, curate; friar, mendicant, monastic, monk, religious
Antonyms
layman

cler·ic noun
: a member of the clergy

cler·i·cal adjective
1 : of or relating to the clergy
2 : of or relating to a clerk

Synonyms
ministerial, pastoral, priestly, sacerdotal; also evangelical, missionary; apostolic, canonical, episcopal, papal, patriarchal, pontifical; ecclesiastic, ecclesiastical; divine, holy, religious, sacramental; rabbinic
Antonyms
lay, nonclerical

cler·i·cal·ism noun
: a policy of maintaining or increasing the power of a religious hierarchy

clerk noun
1 : CLERIC
2 a : an official responsible for correspondence, records, and accounts
b : a person employed to perform general office work
3 : a store salesperson

— clerk verb

— clerk·ship noun

Synonyms
register, registrar, scribe; also archivist, bookkeeper, recorder; annalist, chronicler

clev·er adjective
1 : showing skill or resourcefulness
2 : marked by wit or ingenuity

— clev·er·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] alert, brainy, bright, intelligent, keen, nimble, quick, quick-witted, sharp, smart—more at INTELLIGENT
[1] adroit, artful, creative, deft, imaginative, ingenious, innovative
Antonyms
uncreative, unimaginative
[2] facetious, humorous, jocular, smart, witty—more at WITTY

clev·er·ness noun
: the quality of being clever

Synonyms
adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, craft, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL

clev·is noun
: a U-shaped shackle used for fastening

1clew noun
1 : CLUE
2 : a metal loop on a lower corner of a sail

2clew verb
: to haul (a sail) up or down by ropes through the clews

cli·ché noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a trite phrase or expression

— cli·chéd adjective

Synonyms
banality, commonplace, platitude, shibboleth—more at COMMONPLACE

1click verb
1 : to make or cause to make a click
2 : to fit together : hit it off
3 : to function or operate smoothly or successfully
4 : to select or make a selection on a computer by pressing a button on a control device (as a mouse)

— click·able adjective

Synonyms
deliver, go over, pan out, succeed, work out—more at SUCCEED

2click noun
: a slight sharp noise

click·er noun
: a remote control device (as for a television)

cli·ent noun
1 : DEPENDENT
2 : a person who engages the professional services of another; also : PATRON, CUSTOMER
3 : a computer in a network that uses the services (as access to files) provided by a server

cli·en·tele noun
: a body of clients and esp. customers

cliff noun
: a high steep face of rock, earth, or ice

Synonyms
bluff, crag, escarpment, palisade, precipice, scarp; also tor; bulwark, embankment

cliff–hang·er noun
1 : an adventure serial or melodrama usu. presented in installments each of which ends in suspense
2 : a contest whose outcome is in doubt up to the very end

cli·mac·ter·ic noun
1 : a major turning point or critical stage
2 : MENOPAUSE; also : a corresponding period in the male

cli·mate noun
[ORIGIN: ME climat, fr. MF, fr. LL clima, fr. Gk klima inclination, latitude, climate, fr. klinein to lean]

1 : a region having specific climatic conditions
2 : the average weather conditions at a place over a period of years
3 : the prevailing set of conditions (as temperature and humidity) indoors
4 : a prevailing atmosphere or environment <the ~ of opinion>

— cli·mat·ic adjective

— cli·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
air, atmosphere, aura, flavor, mood, note, temper—more at AURA
atmosphere, environment, environs, medium, milieu, setting, surroundings—more at ENVIRONMENT

cli·ma·tol·o·gy noun
: the science that deals with climates

— cli·ma·to·log·i·cal adjective

— cli·ma·to·log·i·cal·ly adverb

— cli·ma·tol·o·gist noun

1climax noun
[ORIGIN: L, fr. Gk klimax ladder, fr. klinein to lean]

1 : a series of ideas or statements so arranged that they increase in force and power from the first to the last; also : the last member of such a series
2 : the highest point
3 : ORGASM

— cli·mac·tic adjective

Synonyms
acme, apex, crown, culmination, head, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tip-top, top, zenith—more at HEIGHT

2climax verb
: to come or bring to a climax : provide a culminating event for

1climb verb
1 : to rise to a higher point
2 : to go up or down esp. by use of hands and feet; also : to ascend in growing

— climb·er noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] arise, ascend, lift, mount, rise, soar, up—more at ASCEND

2climb noun
1 : a place where climbing is necessary
2 : the act of climbing : ascent by climbing

Synonyms
ascent, rise, soar—more at ASCENT

clime noun
: CLIMATE

1clinch verb
1 : to turn over or flatten the end of something sticking out <~ a nail>; also : to fasten by clinching
2 : to make final : SETTLE
3 : to hold fast or firmly

2clinch noun
1 : a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt
2 : an act or instance of clinching in boxing

clinch·er noun
: one that clinches; especially : a decisive fact, argument, act, or remark

cling verb clung ; cling·ing
1 a : to adhere as if glued
b : to hold or hold on tightly
2 : to have a strong emotional attachment
3 : to give support or maintain loyalty

Synonyms
[1a] adhere, hew, stick—more at STICK
usually cling to [1b] clench, clutch, grip, hang on, hold, hold on—more at HOLD
usually cling to [3] adhere, hew, keep, stick

cling·stone noun
: any of various fruits (as some peaches) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit

clin·ic noun
1 : a medical class in which patients are examined and discussed
2 : a group meeting for teaching a certain skill and working on individual problems <a reading ~>
3 : a facility (as of a hospital) for diagnosis and treatment of outpatients

clin·i·cal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or typical of a clinic; especially : involving direct observation of the patient
2 : scientifically dispassionate

— clin·i·cal·ly adverb

cli·ni·cian noun
: a person qualified in the clinical practice of medicine, psychiatry, or psychology as distinguished from one specializing in laboratory or research techniques or in theory

1clink verb
: to make or cause to make a sharp short metallic sound

2clink noun
: a clinking sound

clin·ker noun
: stony matter fused together : SLAG

1clip verb clipped; clip·ping
: to fasten with a clip

2clip noun
1 : a device that grips, clasps, or hooks
2 : a cartridge holder for a rifle

3clip verb clipped; clip·ping
1 : to cut or cut off with shears
2 : CURTAIL, DIMINISH
3 : HIT, PUNCH
4 : to illegally block (an opponent) in football

Synonyms
bob, crop, curtail, cut, cut back, dock, lop, nip, prune, shave, shear, trim; also manicure, mow; abbreviate, abridge, shorten

4clip noun
1 : a 2-bladed instrument for cutting esp. the nails
2 : a sharp blow
3 : a rapid pace

clip·board noun
: a small writing board with a spring clip at the top for holding papers

clip joint noun, slang
: an establishment (as a nightclub) that makes a practice of defrauding its customers

clip·per noun
1 : an implement for clipping esp. the hair or nails — usu. used in pl.
2 : a fast sailing ship

clip·ping noun
: a piece clipped from something (as a newspaper)

clique noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a small exclusive group of people : COTERIE

— cliqu·ey adjective

— cliqu·ish adjective

Synonyms
body, bunch, circle, clan, community, coterie, crowd, fold, gang, lot, ring, set—more at GANG

cli·to·ris noun, plural cli·to·ris·es
: a small erectile organ at the anterior or ventral part of the vulva homologous to the penis

— cli·to·ral adjective

clk abbreviation
clerk

clo abbreviation
clothing

1cloak noun
1 : a loose outer garment
2 : something that conceals

Synonyms
curtain, hood, mantle, mask, shroud, veil; also cover, screen, shield; facade, face, veneer

2cloak verb
: to cover or hide with a cloak

Synonyms
blanket, blot out, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, hide, mask, obscure, occult, screen, shroud, veil—more at HIDE

cloak–and–dagger adjective
: involving or suggestive of espionage

clob·ber verb
1 : to pound mercilessly
2 : to hit with force
3 : to defeat overwhelmingly

Synonyms
drub, rout, skunk, thrash, trim, trounce, wallop, whip

cloche noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., bell]

: a woman's small close-fitting hat

1clock noun
: a timepiece not intended to be carried on the person

2clock verb
1 : to time (a person or a performance) by a timing device
2 : to register (as speed) on a mechanical recording device

— clock·er noun

3clock noun
: an ornamental figure on a stocking or sock

clock·wise adverb
: in the direction in which the hands of a clock move

— clockwise adjective

clock·work noun
1 : the machinery that runs a mechanical device (as a clock or toy)
2 : the precision or regularity associated with a clock

clod noun
1 : a lump esp. of earth or clay
2 : a dull or insensitive person

Synonyms
[1] blob, chunk, clump, glob, gob, hunk, lump, nub, wad—more at LUMP
[2] hulk, lout, lubber, lug, oaf—more at OAF

clod·hop·per noun
1 : an uncouth rustic
2 : a large heavy shoe

Synonyms
bumpkin, hick, hillbilly, provincial, rustic, yokel—more at HICK

1clog noun
1 a : a weight attached to an animal to impede motion
b : something that shackles or impedes
2 : a thick-soled shoe

2clog verb clogged; clog·ging
1 a : to impede with a clog : HINDER
b : to halt or retard the progress, operation, or growth of : ENCUMBER
2 : to obstruct passage through
3 : to become filled with extraneous matter

Synonyms
[1b] cramp, delay, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere, manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel—more at HAMPER
[2] block, choke, close, congest, dam, jam, obstruct, plug, stop, stuff; also bung, fill, pack; flood, glut, inundate, overwhelm, swamp
Antonyms
clear, free, open (up), unclog

cloi·son·né adjective
: a colored decoration made of enamels poured into the divided areas in a design outlined with wire or metal strips

1cloister noun
[ORIGIN: ME cloistre, fr. OF, fr. ML claustrum, fr. L, bar, bolt, fr. claudere to close]

1 : a monastic establishment
2 : a covered usu. colonnaded passage on the side of a court

— clois·tral adjective

Synonyms
abbey, friary, monastery, priory—more at MONASTERY

2cloister verb
: to shut away from the world

clois·tered adjective
1 : being or living in or as if in a cloister
2 : providing shelter from contact with the outside world

Synonyms
covert, isolated, quiet, remote, secluded, secret—more at SECLUDED

clone noun
[ORIGIN: Gk klōn twig, slip]

1 : the collection of genetically identical cells or organisms produced asexually from a single ancestral cell or organism; also : an individual grown from a single cell and genetically identical to it <a sheep ~>
2 : a group of replicas of a biological molecule (as DNA)
3 : one that appears to be a copy of an original form

— clon·al adjective

— clone verb

clop noun
: a sound made by or as if by a hoof or wooden shoe against pavement

— clop verb

1close verb closed; clos·ing
1 : to bar passage through : SHUT
2 : to suspend the operations (as of a school)
3 : to bring or come to an end or period : END, TERMINATE
4 : to bring together the parts or edges of; also : to fill up
5 : to come near or approach close
6 : GRAPPLE <~ with the enemy>
7 : to enter into an agreement

— clos·able or close·able adjective

Synonyms
[3] conclude, end, finish, round, terminate, wind up, wrap up; also climax, crown; complete, consummate, perfect; halt, stop, suspend
Antonyms
begin, commence, inaugurate, open, start
[5] approach, near—more at APPROACH

2close noun
: a coming or bringing of something to a conclusion or an end : CONCLUSION, END

Synonyms
conclusion, consummation, end, ending, finale, finis, finish, windup—more at FINALE
cessation, closure, conclusion, end, ending, expiration, finish, halt, lapse, shutdown, stop, stoppage, termination—more at END

3close noun
: an enclosed space

Synonyms
court, courtyard, quadrangle, yard—more at COURT

4close adjective clos·er; clos·est
1 : having no openings : CLOSED
2 : narrowly restricting or restricted
3 : limited to a privileged class
4 a : SECLUDED
b : marked by a disposition to secrecy or extreme discreetness about divulging information : SECRETIVE
5 : RIGOROUS
6 : hot and stuffy : causing a sensation of being slightly smothered or stifled
7 : not generous in giving or spending : STINGY
8 : having little space between items or units
9 : fitting tightly; also : SHORT <~ haircut>
10 : being near in time, space, effect, or degree : NEAR
11 : marked by a warm friendship developing through long association : INTIMATE <~ friends>
12 : very precise and attentive to details : ACCURATE
13 : decided by a narrow margin <a ~ game>

— close·ly adverb

Synonyms
[4b] closemouthed, dark, reticent, secretive, uncommunicative—more at SECRETIVE
[6] breathless, stuffy—more at STUFFY
[8] compact, crowded, dense, packed, serried, thick, tight; also airtight, snug; compacted, compressed, condensed; firm, hard, solid; impenetrable, impermeable, impervious
Antonyms
loose, uncrowded
[10] immediate, near, nearby, nigh; also abutting, adjacent, adjoining, contiguous; approaching, coming, forthcoming, oncoming, upcoming
Antonyms
distant, far, faraway, far-off, remote
[11] bosom, chummy, familiar, friendly, intimate, thick—more at FAMILIAR
[13] narrow, neck and neck, nip and tuck, tight; also crowded

5close adverb
: in proximity of space or time

Synonyms
around, by, hard, in, near, nearby, nigh—more at NEAR

closed–circuit adjective
: used in, shown on, or being a television installation in which the signal is transmitted by wire to a limited number of receivers

closed shop noun
: an establishment having only members of a labor union on the payroll

close·fist·ed adjective
: not openhanded or liberal esp. in giving : STINGY

close–knit adjective
: closely bound together by social, cultural, economic, or political ties

close·mouthed adjective
1 : cautious or reticent in speaking
2 : disposed to secrecy about one's personal affairs

Synonyms
[1] laconic, reserved, reticent, silent, taciturn, uncommunicative—more at SILENT
[2] close, dark, reticent, secretive, uncommunicative—more at SECRETIVE

close·ness noun
: the quality or state of being close

Synonyms
familiarity, intimacy, nearness—more at FAMILIARITY
contiguity, immediacy, nearness, proximity—more at PROXIMITY

close·out noun
: a sale of a business's entire stock at low prices

close out verb
1 : to dispose of by a closeout
2 : to dispose of a business : SELL OUT

1closet noun
1 : a small room for privacy
2 : a small compartment for household utensils or clothing
3 : a state or condition of secrecy <came out of the ~>

Synonyms
[1] cell, chamber, room—more at ROOM
[2] buffet, cabinet, cupboard, hutch, locker, sideboard—more at CABINET

2closet verb
1 : to shut up in or as if in a closet
2 : to take into a private room for an interview

close–up noun
1 : a photograph or movie shot taken at close range
2 : an intimate view or examination

clo·sure noun
1 : an act of closing : the condition of being closed
2 : a bringing to a point of completion
3 : something that closes
4 : CLOTURE

Synonyms
cessation, close, conclusion, end, ending, expiration, finish, halt, lapse, shutdown, stop, stoppage, termination—more at END

1clot noun
: a mass formed by a portion of liquid (as blood) thickening and sticking together

2clot verb
: to become a clot

Synonyms
coagulate, congeal, gel, jell, set—more at COAGULATE

cloth noun, plural cloths
1 : a pliable fabric made usu. by weaving or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments
2 : TABLECLOTH
3 : distinctive dress of the clergy; also : CLERGY

clothe verb clothed or clad ; cloth·ing
1 : to provide with clothes : cover with clothes : DRESS
2 : to express by suitably significant language

Synonyms
[1] apparel, array, attire, caparison, deck, dress, garb, invest, rig, suit; also cloak, mantle; drape, swaddle, swathe; accoutre, equip, furnish, outfit
Antonyms
disrobe, strip, unclothe, undress
[2] articulate, couch, express, formulate, phrase, put, say, state, word

clothes noun plural
1 : covering for the human body or garments in general : CLOTHING
2 : BEDCLOTHES

clothes·horse noun
1 : a frame on which to hang clothes
2 : a conspicuously dressy person

clothes·line noun
: a rope or cord on which clothes are hung to dry

clothes moth noun
: any of several small pale moths whose larvae eat wool, fur, and feathers

clothes·pin noun
: a device for fastening clothes on a line

clothes·press noun
: a receptacle for clothes

cloth·ier noun
: a maker or seller of clothing

cloth·ing noun
: garments in general

Synonyms
apparel, attire, dress, duds, raiment, wear; also garment, vestment; array, bravery, finery; rags, tatters; costume, garb, getup, guise, outfit, rig, wardrobe; haberdashery

clo·ture noun
: the closing or limitation (as by calling for a vote) of debate in a legislative body

1cloud noun
[ORIGIN: ME, rock, cloud, fr. OE clūd]

1 : a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor (as water or ice) suspended in the atmosphere
2 : a usu. visible mass of minute airborne particles; also : a mass of obscuring matter in interstellar space
3 : CROWD, SWARM <a ~ of mosquitoes>
4 : something having a dark or threatening aspect

— cloud·i·ness noun

2cloud verb
1 : to darken or hide with or as if with a cloud : OBSCURE
2 : to make unclear or confused : CONFUSE
3 : TAINT, SULLY

Synonyms
[1] becloud, befog, blur, darken, dim, fog, haze, mist, obscure, overshadow, shroud; also blot out, conceal, hide, screen, shade; camouflage, cloak, cover, curtain, disguise, mask, veil; distort, falsify, garble, misrepresent
Antonyms
brighten, illuminate, illumine, lighten
[2] becloud, befog, blur, confuse, fog, muddy—more at CONFUSE

cloud·burst noun
: a sudden heavy rainfall

Synonyms
deluge, downpour, rain, rainstorm, storm, wet—more at RAIN

cloud·less adjective
: free from any cloud

Synonyms
clear, fair, sunny, sunshiny, unclouded—more at FAIR

cloud·let noun
: a small cloud

cloud nine noun
: a feeling of extreme well-being or elation — usu. used with on

cloudy adjective
1 : having a cloudy or overcast sky
2 : dimmed or dulled as if by clouds
3 : having visible material in suspension : MURKY

Synonyms
[1] dull, hazy, heavy, overcast—more at OVERCAST
[2] foggy, hazy, misty, murky, smoggy, soupy—more at HAZY
[3] muddy, murky, turbid; also dingy, filmy, hazy, unfiltered; opaque
Antonyms
clear

1clout noun
1 : a blow esp. with the hand
2 : the power to sway people : special influence

Synonyms
authority, influence, pull, sway, weight—more at INFLUENCE

2clout verb
: to hit forcefully

1clove noun
: one of the small bulbs that grows at the base of the scales of a large bulb <a ~ of garlic>

2clove past of CLEAVE

3clove noun
[ORIGIN: ME clowe, fr. AF clou (de girofle), lit., nail of clove, fr. L clavus nail]

: the dried flower bud of an East Indian tree used esp. as a spice

clo·ven past participle of CLEAVE

cloven foot noun
: CLOVEN HOOF

— cloven–foot·ed adjective

cloven hoof noun
: a foot (as of a sheep) with the front part divided into two parts

— cloven–hoofed adjective

clo·ver noun
: any of a genus of leguminous herbs with usu. 3-parted leaves and dense flower heads

clo·ver·leaf noun, plural cloverleafs or clo·ver·leaves
: an interchange between two major highways that from above resembles a four-leaf clover

1clown noun
1 : a rude ill-bred person : BOOR
2 : a fool or comedian in an entertainment (as a circus)

Synonyms
[1] beast, boor, churl, creep, cretin, cur, heel, jerk, joker, louse, lout, skunk, slob, snake—more at JERK
[2] buffoon, harlequin, zany; also cutup, madcap; fool, jester, motley; mime, mummer; comedian, comedienne, comic, joker, wag

2clown verb
: to act like a clown <always ~ing around>

Synonyms
act up, cut up, fool, horse, monkey, show off, skylark—more at CUT UP

clown·ish adjective
: resembling or befitting a clown (as in ignorance and lack of sophistication)

— clown·ish·ly adverb

— clown·ish·ness noun

Synonyms
boorish, churlish, loutish, uncouth; also coarse, ill-bred, uncultivated, unpolished, unrefined; tasteless, vulgar; beastly, bestial; doltish, oafish, stupid; discourteous, impolite, rude, uncivil
Antonyms
cultivated, polished, refined, well-bred; courtly, genteel, gentlemanly, ladylike; civil, courteous, polite

cloy verb
: to disgust or nauseate with excess of something orig. pleasing

— cloy·ing·ly adverb

clr abbreviation
clear

1club noun
1 : a heavy wooden stick or staff used as a weapon; also : BAT
2 : any of a suit of playing cards marked with a black figure resembling a clover leaf
3 a : a group of persons associated for a common purpose
b : the meeting place of a group or association

Synonyms
[1] bat, bludgeon, cudgel, staff, truncheon; also blackjack, mace; birch, switch; hammer, mallet, maul; walking stick
[3a] association, brotherhood, college, congress, council, fellowship, fraternity, guild, institute, institution, league, order, organization, society—more at ASSOCIATION

2club verb clubbed; club·bing
1 : to strike with a club
2 : to unite or combine for a common cause

Synonyms
[2] ally, associate, band, confederate, conjoin, cooperate, federate, league, unite—more at ALLY

club·foot noun
: a misshapen foot twisted out of position from birth; also : this deformed condition

— club·foot·ed adjective

club·house noun
1 : a house occupied by a club
2 : locker rooms used by an athletic team
3 : a building at a golf course with locker rooms and usu. a pro shop and a restaurant

club sandwich noun
: a sandwich of three slices of bread with two layers of meat (as turkey) and lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise

club soda noun
: SODA WATER

cluck noun
: the call of a hen esp. to her chicks

— cluck verb

1clue noun
1 : something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze; especially : a piece of evidence leading to the solution of a problem
2 : an indication that properly interpreted may lead to full understanding of something : IDEA, NOTION <has no ~ what he's doing>

Synonyms
[1, 2] cue, hint, idea, indication, inkling, intimation, lead, notion, suggestion—more at HINT

2clue verb clued; clue·ing or clu·ing
1 : to provide with a clue
2 : to give information to <~ me in>

Synonyms usually clue in
acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, enlighten, familiarize, fill in, inform, instruct, tell, wise—more at ENLIGHTEN

1clump noun
1 : a group of things clustered together
2 : a compact mass
3 : a heavy tramping sound

Synonyms
[1, 2] array, assemblage, bank, batch, block, bunch, cluster, collection, group, huddle, knot, lot, package, parcel, set, suite

2clump verb
: to tread clumsily and noisily

clum·sy adjective clum·si·er; -est
1 : lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace
2 : not tactful or subtle
3 : awkward or inefficient in use or construction : UNWIELDY

— clum·si·ly adverb

— clum·si·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] awkward, gawky, graceless, heavy-handed, lubberly, lumpish, ungainly, unhandy; also butterfingered, uncoordinated; oafish; bungling, gauche, inept, inexpert, maladroit, unskilled, unskillful; cumbersome, unwieldy
Antonyms
deft, dexterous, graceful, handy
[2] awkward, inept, inexpert, maladroit
[3] awkward, cranky, cumbersome, ungainly, unhandy, unwieldy—more at CUMBERSOME

clung past and past participle of CLING

clunk·er noun
1 : a dilapidated automobile
2 : a notable failure

1cluster noun
: a number of similar things that occur together : GROUP, BUNCH

Synonyms
array, assemblage, bank, batch, block, bunch, clump, collection, group, huddle, knot, lot, package, parcel, set, suite

2cluster verb
: to grow or gather in a cluster

Synonyms
assemble, collect, concentrate, conglomerate, congregate, convene, forgather, gather, meet, rendezvous—more at ASSEMBLE
bunch, crowd, huddle, press—more at PRESS

1clutch verb
: to grasp with or as if with the hand

Synonyms
clench, cling, grip, hang on, hold, hold on—more at HOLD

2clutch noun
1 a : the claws or a hand in the act of grasping
b : an often cruel or unrelenting control, power, or possession : CONTROL, POWER
2 : a device for gripping an object
3 : a coupling used to connect and disconnect a driving and a driven part of a mechanism; also : a lever or pedal operating such a coupling
4 : a crucial situation

Synonyms
[1b] arm, authority, command, control, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, power, sway—more at POWER
[4] crisis, crunch, emergency, head, juncture—more at EMERGENCY

3clutch adjective
: made, done, or successful in a crucial situation

4clutch noun
1 : a nest or batch of eggs; also : a brood of chicks
2 : GROUP, BUNCH

1clutter verb
: to fill or cover with a disorderly scattering of things

2clutter noun
: a crowded mass

Synonyms
assortment, hash, hodgepodge, jumble, litter, medley, mélange, miscellany, motley, muddle, potpourri, rummage, scramble, shuffle, tumble, variety, welter—more at MISCELLANY

cm abbreviation
centimeter

Cm symbol
curium

CM abbreviation
[ORIGIN: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands]

Northern Mariana Islands

cmdr abbreviation
commander

cml abbreviation
commercial

CMSgt abbreviation
chief master sergeant

CNO abbreviation
chief of naval operations

CNS abbreviation
central nervous system

co abbreviation
1 company
2 county

Co symbol
cobalt

CO abbreviation
1 Colorado
2 commanding officer
3 conscientious objector

c/o abbreviation
care of

1coach noun
[ORIGIN: MF coche, ultim. fr. Hung kocsi (szekér), lit., (wagon) of Kocs (town in Hungary)]

1 : a large closed 4-wheeled carriage with an elevated outside front seat for the driver
2 : a railroad passenger car esp. for day travel
3 : BUS
4 a : a private tutor
b : one who instructs or trains; especially : one who instructs players in a sport <a soccer ~>

2coach verb
: to instruct, direct, or prompt as a coach

Synonyms
counsel, guide, lead, mentor, pilot, shepherd, show, tutor—more at GUIDE

coach·man noun
: a man who drives a coach or carriage

co·ad·ju·tor noun
: one who works together with another : ASSISTANT; especially : an assistant bishop having the right of succession

co·ag·u·lant noun
: something that produces coagulation

co·ag·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to cause to become viscous or thickened into a coherent mass : CLOT

— co·ag·u·la·tion noun

Synonyms
clot, congeal, gel, jell, set; also concrete, firm (up), freeze, harden, solidify, stiffen; condense, thicken; curdle, lump (up)

1coal noun
1 : EMBER
2 : a black solid combustible mineral used as fuel

2coal verb
1 : to supply with coal
2 : to take in coal

co·a·lesce verb co·a·lesced; co·a·lesc·ing
1 : to grow together
2 : to unite into a whole : FUSE

— co·a·les·cence noun

Synonyms
associate, combine, conjoin, connect, couple, fuse, join, link, marry, unify, unite—more at UNITE

coal·field noun
: a region rich in coal deposits

coal gas noun
: gas from coal; especially : gas distilled from bituminous coal and used for heating

co·a·li·tion noun
1 : UNION
2 : a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for a common purpose

— co·a·li·tion·ist noun

Synonyms
alliance, bloc, combination, combine, confederacy, confederation, federation, league, union—more at CONFEDERACY

coal oil noun
: KEROSENE

coal tar noun
: tar distilled from bituminous coal and used in dyes and drugs

co–an·chor noun
: a newscaster who shares the duties of head broadcaster

coarse adjective coars·er; coars·est
1 : of ordinary or inferior quality
2 : composed of large parts or particles <~ sand>
3 : crude or unrefined in taste, manners, or language : CRUDE <~ manners>
4 : harsh or rough in tone or texture : ROUGH, HARSH

— coarse·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] bad, bum, cheap, common, cut-rate, inferior, junky, lousy, mediocre, poor, second-rate, shoddy, sleazy, trashy—more at CHEAP
[2] grainy, granular; also rough; unfiltered, unrefined; gravelly, gritty, sandy; pebbly, rocky, stony; lumpy, mealy
Antonyms
dusty, fine, floury, powdery
[3] common, crass, crude, gross, ill-bred, low, rough, rude, tasteless, uncouth, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar; also boorish, churlish, clownish, loutish, ungentlemanly; clumsy, lubberly, lumpish, oafish; inconsiderate, thoughtless; countrified, provincial, rustic; graceless, inelegant, tacky
Antonyms
cultivated, cultured, genteel, polished, refined, smooth, tasteful, well-bred

coarse·ness noun
: the quality or state of being coarse

Synonyms
grossness, indelicacy, lowness, rudeness, vulgarity—more at VULGARITY

coars·en verb
: to make or become coarse

1coast noun
[ORIGIN: ME cost, fr. AF coste, fr. L costa rib, side]

1 : SEASHORE
2 : a slide down a slope
3 : the immediate area of view — used in the phrase the coast is clear

— coast·al adjective

2coast verb
1 : to sail along the shore
2 : to move (as downhill on a sled) without effort

Synonyms
bowl, breeze, drift, flow, glide, roll, sail, skim, slide, slip, stream, sweep, whisk—more at FLOW

coast·er noun
1 : one that coasts
2 : a shallow container or a plate or mat to protect a surface

coaster brake noun
: a brake in the hub of the rear wheel of a bicycle

coast guard noun
: a military force employed in guarding or patrolling a coast

— coast·guards·man noun

coast·line noun
: the outline or shape of a coast

1coat noun
1 : an outer garment for the upper part of the body
2 : an external growth (as of fur or feathers) on an animal
3 : a covering layer <a ~ of paint>

— coat·ed adjective

Synonyms
fleece, fur, hair, pelage, pile, wool

2coat verb
: to cover usu. with a finishing or protective coat or layer

Synonyms
blanket, carpet, cover, overlay, overlie, overspread—more at COVER

coat·ing noun
: COAT, COVERING

coat of arms
: a shield or similar device for displaying the insignia of a family or group

co·au·thor noun
: a joint or associate author

— coauthor verb

coax verb
: to gain by gentle urging or flattery : WHEEDLE

Synonyms
cajole, wheedle; also adulate, flatter, overpraise; compliment, praise; beguile, charm, woo; beg, importune, urge; bug, nag, pester

co·ax·i·al adjective
: having coincident axes

— co·ax·i·al·ly adverb

coaxial cable noun
: a cable that consists of a tube of electrically conducting material surrounding a central conductor

cob noun
1 : a male swan
2 : CORNCOB
3 : a short-legged stocky horse

co·balt noun
[ORIGIN: G Kobalt, alter. of Kobold, lit., goblin; fr. its occurrence in silver ore, believed to be due to goblins]

: a tough shiny silver-white magnetic metallic chemical element found with iron and nickel

cob·ble verb cob·bled; cob·bling
: to make or put together roughly or hastily — often used with together or up <~ together a solution>

cob·bler noun
1 : a mender or maker of shoes
2 : a deep-dish fruit pie with a thick crust

cob·ble·stone noun
: a naturally rounded stone larger than a pebble and smaller than a boulder

co·bra noun
[ORIGIN: Pg cobra (de capello), lit., hooded snake]

: any of several venomous snakes of Asia and Africa that when excited expand the skin of the neck into a broad hood

cob·web noun
[ORIGIN: ME coppeweb, fr. coppe spider, fr. OE ātor coppe]

1 : SPIDERWEB; also : a thread spun by a spider or insect larva
2 : something flimsy or entangling

— cob·web·by adjective

co·caine noun
: a drug obtained from the leaves of a So. American shrub (co*ca ) that can result in severe psychological dependence and is sometimes used in medicine as a local anesthetic and illegally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

coc·cus noun, plural coc·ci
: a spherical bacterium

coc·cyx noun, plural coc·cy·ges also coc·cyx·es
: the end of the spinal column beyond the sacrum esp. in humans

co·chi·neal noun
: a red dye made from the dried bodies of females of a tropical American insect (cochineal insect)

co·chlea noun, plural co·chle·as or co·chle·ae
: the usu. spiral part of the inner ear containing nerve endings which carry information about sound to the brain

— co·chle·ar adjective

1cock noun
1 : the adult male of a bird and esp. of the common domestic chicken
2 : a device (as a faucet or valve) for regulating the flow of a liquid : VALVE, FAUCET
3 : LEADER
4 a : the hammer of a firearm
b : the position of the hammer when ready for firing

Synonyms
faucet, gate, spigot, tap, valve—more at FAUCET

2cock verb
1 : to draw back the hammer of a firearm
2 : to set or draw back in readiness for some action <~ your arm to throw>
3 : to turn or tilt usu. to one side

Synonyms
angle, cant, heel, incline, lean, list, slant, slope, tilt, tip—more at LEAN

3cock noun
: the act of tilting : the state or position of being tilted

Synonyms
bend, inclination, list, slant, tilt, tip—more at TILT

4cock noun
: a small pile (as of hay)

cock·ade noun
: an ornament worn on the hat as a badge

cock·a·tiel noun
: a small crested gray parrot often kept as a cage bird

cock·a·too noun, plural -toos
[ORIGIN: D kaketoe, fr. Malay kakatua]

: any of various large noisy crested parrots chiefly of Australia

cock·a·trice noun
: a legendary serpent with a deadly glance

cock·crow noun
: the first appearance of light in the morning followed by sunrise : DAWN

Synonyms
aurora, dawn, morning, sunrise—more at DAWN

cocked hat noun
: a hat with the brim turned up on two or three sides

cock·er·el noun
: a young male domestic chicken

cock·er spaniel noun
[ORIGIN: cocking woodcock hunting]

: any of a breed of small spaniels with long ears, square muzzle, and silky coat

cock·eyed adjective
1 : turned or tilted to one side
2 : slightly crazy : FOOLISH

Synonyms
askew, awry, crooked, listing, lopsided, oblique, slantwise, uneven—more at AWRY

cock·fight noun
: a contest of gamecocks usu. fitted with metal spurs

1cockle noun
: any of several weedy plants related to the pinks

2cockle noun
: a bivalve mollusk with a heart-shaped shell

cock·le·shell noun
1 : the shell of a cockle
2 : a light flimsy boat

cock·ney noun, plural cockneys
: a native of London and esp. of the East End of London; also : the dialect of a cockney

cock·pit noun
1 : a pit for cockfights
2 : a space or compartment in a vehicle from which it is steered, piloted, or driven

cock·roach noun
[ORIGIN: Sp cucaracha]

: any of an order or suborder of active nocturnal insects including some which infest houses and ships

cock·sure adjective
1 : perfectly sure : CERTAIN
2 : COCKY

Synonyms
assured, certain, clear, confident, doubtless, positive, sanguine, sure—more at CERTAIN

cock·tail noun
1 : an iced drink made of liquor and flavoring ingredients
2 : an appetizer (as tomato juice) served as a first course of a meal

cocky adjective cock·i·er; -est
: boldly and brashly self-confident

— cock·i·ly adverb

— cock·i·ness noun

Synonyms
arch, bold, brash, brazen, cheeky, fresh, impertinent, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY

co·coa noun
1 : CACAO
2 : chocolate deprived of some of its fat and powdered; also : a drink made of this heated with water or milk

cocoa butter noun
: a pale vegetable fat obtained from cacao beans

co·co·nut noun
: a large edible nut produced by a tall tropical palm (coconut palm)

co·coon noun
1 : a case usu. of silk formed by some insect larvae for protection during the pupal stage
2 : something suggesting a cocoon esp. in providing protection or in producing isolation

Synonyms
armor, capsule, case, casing, cover, housing, husk, jacket, pod, sheath, shell—more at CASE

cod noun, plural cod also cods
: a bottom-dwelling bony fish of the No. Atlantic that is an important food fish; also : a related fish of the Pacific Ocean

COD abbreviation
1 cash on delivery
2 collect on delivery

co·da noun
: a closing section in a musical composition that is formally distinct from the main structure

cod·dle verb cod·dled; cod·dling
1 : to cook slowly in water below the boiling point
2 : to treat with extreme or excessive care or kindness : PAMPER

Synonyms
baby, mollycoddle, nurse, pamper, spoil—more at BABY

1code noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF, fr. L caudex, codex trunk of a tree, document formed orig. from wooden tablets]

1 : a systematic statement of a body of law
2 : a system of principles or rules <moral ~>
3 : a system of signals
4 : a system of symbols (as in secret communication) with special meanings
5 : GENETIC CODE

2code verb cod·ed; cod·ing
: to put into the form or symbols of a code

co·deine noun
: a narcotic drug obtained from opium and used esp. as an analgesic and cough suppressant

co·dex noun, plural co·di·ces
: a manuscript book (as of the Scriptures or classics)

cod·fish noun
: COD

cod·ger noun
: an odd or cranky and usu. elderly fellow

cod·i·cil noun
: a legal instrument modifying an earlier will

cod·i·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to arrange in a systematic form

— cod·i·fi·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
arrange, array, classify, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, range, systematize—more at ORDER

co·ed noun
: a female student in a coeducational institution

— coed adjective

co·ed·u·ca·tion noun
: the education of male and female students at the same institution

— co·ed·u·ca·tion·al adjective

— co·ed·u·ca·tion·al·ly adverb

co·ef·fi·cient noun
1 : a constant factor as distinguished from a variable in a mathematical term
2 : a number that serves as a measure of some property (as of a substance, device, or process)

coe·len·ter·ate noun
: any of a phylum of radially symmetrical invertebrate animals including the corals, sea anemones, and jellyfishes

co·equal adjective
: equal with another

— coequal noun

— co·equal·i·ty noun

— co·equal·ly adverb

co·erce verb co·erced; co·erc·ing
1 : RESTRAIN, REPRESS
2 : to compel to an act or choice
3 : ENFORCE

— co·er·cive adjective

Synonyms
compel, constrain, drive, force, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure—more at FORCE

co·er·cion noun
: the act, process, or power of coercing

Synonyms
compulsion, constraint, duress, force, pressure—more at FORCE

co·e·val adjective
: of the same age

Synonyms
concurrent, contemporary, simultaneous, synchronous—more at CONTEMPORARY

coeval noun
: one of the same age

co·ex·ist verb
1 : to exist together or at the same time
2 : to live in peace with each other

co·ex·is·tence noun
: the quality or state of coexisting

co·ex·ten·sive adjective
: having the same scope or extent in space or time

C of C abbreviation
Chamber of Commerce

cof·fee noun
[ORIGIN: It & Turk; It caffè, fr. Turk kahve, fr. Ar qahwa]

: a drink made from the roasted and ground seeds of a fruit of a tropical shrub or tree; also : these seeds (coffee beans) or a plant producing them

cof·fee·house noun
: a place where refreshments (as coffee) are sold

coffee klatch noun
: KAFFEEKLATSCH

cof·fee·pot noun
: a pot for brewing or serving coffee

coffee shop noun
: a small restaurant

coffee table noun
: a low table customarily placed in front of a sofa

cof·fer noun
: a chest or box used esp. for valuables

cof·fer·dam noun
: a watertight enclosure from which water is pumped to expose the bottom of a body of water and permit construction

cof·fin noun
: a box or chest for a corpse to be buried in

C of S abbreviation
chief of staff

1cog noun
: a tooth on the rim of a wheel or gear

— cogged adjective

2cog abbreviation
cognate

co·gen·e·ra·tion noun
: the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat from the same fuel

co·gen·cy noun
: the quality or state of being cogent

Synonyms
effectiveness, force, impact, persuasiveness, pertinence, punch, relevance, soundness, strength
Antonyms
ineffectiveness

co·gent adjective
: having power to compel or constrain : CONVINCING

Synonyms
compelling, conclusive, convincing, decisive, effective, forceful, persuasive, pertinent, relevant, satisfying, sound, strong, telling, valid; also well-founded; important, significant, weighty; material
Antonyms
inconclusive, indecisive, ineffective, unconvincing

cog·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: to ponder or meditate on usu. intently : THINK, PONDER

— cog·i·ta·tion noun

— cog·i·ta·tive adjective

Synonyms
chew over, consider, contemplate, debate, deliberate, entertain, meditate, mull, ponder, question, ruminate, study, think, weigh—more at PONDER

co·gnac noun
: a French brandy

cog·nate adjective
1 : of the same or similar nature
2 : RELATED; especially : related by descent from the same ancestral language

— cognate noun

cog·ni·tive adjective
: of, relating to, or being conscious intellectual activity (as thinking, remembering, reasoning, or using language)

— cog·ni·tion noun

— cog·ni·tive·ly adverb

cog·ni·zance noun
1 : apprehension by the mind : AWARENESS
2 : NOTICE, HEED
3 : particular knowledge : conscious recognition

Synonyms
attention, awareness, ear, eye, heed, notice, observance, observation—more at ATTENTION

cog·ni·zant adjective
: knowledgeable of something esp. through personal experience

Synonyms
alive, aware, conscious, mindful, sensible, sentient—more at CONSCIOUS

cog·no·men noun, plural cognomens or cog·no·mi·na
: a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing : NAME; especially : NICKNAME

Synonyms
alias, nickname—more at NICKNAME
appellation, denotation, designation, handle, name, title—more at NAME

co·gno·scen·te noun, plural -scen·ti
[ORIGIN: obs. It]

: CONNOISSEUR

cog·wheel noun
: a wheel with cogs or teeth

co·hab·it verb
: to live together as husband and wife

— co·hab·i·ta·tion noun

co·here verb co·hered; co·her·ing
1 : to stick together
2 : to become united in principles, relationships, or interests

co·her·ence noun
: the quality or state of being coherent

Synonyms
balance, consonance, harmony, proportion, symmetry, symphony, unity—more at HARMONY

co·her·ent adjective
1 : having the quality of cohering
2 : logically consistent

— co·her·ent·ly adverb

Synonyms
analytic, good, logical, rational, reasonable, sensible, sober, sound, valid—more at LOGICAL

co·he·sion noun
1 : a sticking together
2 : molecular attraction by which the particles of a body are united

— co·he·sive adjective

— co·he·sive·ly adverb

— co·he·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
adherence, adhesion—more at ADHESION

co·ho noun, plural cohos or coho
: a rather small Pacific salmon with light-colored flesh

co·hort noun
1 : a group of warriors or followers
2 : one that keeps company with another : COMPANION, ACCOMPLICE

Synonyms
accomplice, associate, companion, comrade, crony, fellow, mate—more at ASSOCIATE

coif noun
1 : a close-fitting hat
2 : COIFFURE

coif·feur noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: HAIRDRESSER

coif·feuse noun
: a female hairdresser

coif·fure noun
: a manner of arranging the hair

1coil verb
: to wind in a spiral shape

Synonyms
curl, entwine, spiral, twine, twist, wind—more at WIND

2coil noun
: a series of rings or loops (as of coiled rope, wire, or pipe) : RING, LOOP

1coin noun
[ORIGIN: ME, wedge, corner, image on a coin, fr. AF coing, fr. L cuneus wedge]

1 : a piece of metal issued by government authority as money
2 : metal money

2coin verb
1 : to make (a coin) esp. by stamping : MINT
2 : CREATE, INVENT <~ a phrase>

— coin·er noun

coin·age noun
1 : the act or process of coining
2 a : something that has been coined
b : COINS

Synonyms
concoction, contrivance, creation, innovation, invention, wrinkle—more at INVENTION

co·in·cide verb -cid·ed; -cid·ing
1 : to occupy the same place in space or time
2 : to correspond or agree exactly

Synonyms
accord, agree, answer, check, comport, conform, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, square, tally—more at CHECK

co·in·ci·dence noun
1 : exact agreement
2 : occurrence together apparently without reason; also : an event that so occurs

co·in·ci·dent adjective
1 : of similar nature
2 : occupying the same space or time

Synonyms
attendant, concomitant, concurrent; also contemporaneous, contemporary, simultaneous, synchronous; associated, collateral, connected, related; consequent, resultant, resulting; ensuing, following, subsequent; accidental, casual, chance, fluky, fortuitous, freak, incident, incidental

co·in·ci·den·tal adjective
: occurring or existing at the same time

co·i·tus noun
[ORIGIN: L, fr. coire to come together]

: physical union of male and female genitalia : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

— co·i·tal adjective

1coke noun
: a hard gray porous fuel made by heating soft coal to drive off most of its volatile material

2coke noun
: COCAINE

1col abbreviation
1 colonial; colony
2 column

2col or coll abbreviation
1 collect, collected, collection
2 college, collegiate

Col abbreviation
1 colonel
2 Colorado
3 Colossians

COL abbreviation
1 colonel
2 cost of living

co·la noun
: a carbonated soft drink usu. containing sugar, caffeine, caramel, and special flavoring

col·an·der noun
: a perforated utensil for draining food

1cold adjective
1 : having a low or decidedly subnormal temperature
2 : lacking warmth of feeling
3 : suffering or uncomfortable from lack of warmth
4 : giving the appearance of being dead : UNCONSCIOUS

— cold·ly adverb

— cold·ness noun

— in cold blood

: with premeditation : DELIBERATELY

Synonyms
[1] arctic, bitter, chill, chilly, cool, freezing, frigid, frosty, glacial, icy, nippy, polar, raw, snappy, wintry; also subfreezing, subzero; cutting, keen, penetrating, piercing, sharp; bracing, brisk, crisp, invigorating, rigorous; chilled, cooled, frosted, frozen, iced, refrigerated, unheated
Antonyms
broiling, burning, fiery, hot, piping hot, red-hot, roasting, scalding, scorching, searing, sultry, summery, sweltering, torrid, tropical, warm, warming
[2] aloof, antisocial, cool, detached, distant, frosty, remote, standoffish, unsociable—more at COOL
[2] chill, chilly, cold-blooded, cool, frigid, frosty, glacial, icy, unfriendly, unsympathetic, wintry; also heartless, pitiless, unfeeling; reserved, soulless, undemonstrative, unemotional, unresponsive; apathetic, indifferent, unenthusiastic, uninterested; aloof, detached, impersonal
Antonyms
cordial, friendly, genial, hearty, sympathetic, warm, warm-blooded, warmhearted

2cold noun
1 a : a condition marked by low temperature
b : cold weather
2 : a chilly feeling
3 : a bodily disorder popularly associated with chilling; especially : COMMON COLD

3cold adverb
: TOTALLY, FINALLY

cold–blood·ed adjective
1 : lacking normal human feelings
2 : having a body temperature not internally regulated but close to that of the environment
3 : sensitive to cold

Synonyms
callous, hard, heartless, inhuman, inhumane, merciless, obdurate, pitiless, ruthless, soulless, stony, uncharitable, unfeeling, unsparing, unsympathetic—more at HARD
apathetic, impassive, phlegmatic, stoic, stolid, unemotional—more at IMPASSIVE

cold feet noun plural
: doubt or fear that prevents action

cold front noun
: an advancing edge of a cold air mass

cold shoulder noun
: cold or unsympathetic behavior

— cold–shoul·der verb

Synonyms
brush-off, rebuff, repulse, snub; also dismissal, rejection; banishment, ostracism

cold sore noun
: a group of fluid-filled blisters appearing in or about the mouth in the oral form of herpes simplex

cold sweat noun
: concurrent perspiration and chill usu. associated with fear, pain, or shock

1cold turkey noun
: abrupt complete cessation of the use of an addictive drug

2cold turkey adverb
1 : without a period of adjustment
2 : without preparation

cold war noun
: a conflict characterized by the use of means short of sustained overt military action

cole·slaw noun
[ORIGIN: D koolsla, fr. kool cabbage + sla salad]

: a salad made of raw cabbage

col·ic noun
1 : sharp sudden abdominal pain
2 : a condition marked by recurrent episodes of crying and irritability in an otherwise healthy infant

— col·icky adjective

col·i·se·um noun
: a large structure esp. for athletic contests

Synonyms
bowl, circus, stadium—more at STADIUM

co·li·tis noun
: inflammation of the colon

col·lab·o·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to work jointly with others (as in writing a book)
2 : to cooperate with an enemy force occupying one's country

— col·lab·o·ra·tive adjective

— col·lab·o·ra·tor noun

Synonyms
concert, cooperate, join, team—more at COOPERATE

col·lab·o·ra·tion noun
: the act of collaborating or a situation marked by collaborating

Synonyms
affiliation, alliance, association, confederation, connection, cooperation, hookup, liaison, partnership, relation, relationship, union—more at ASSOCIATION
cooperation, coordination, teamwork—more at TEAMWORK

col·lage noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., gluing]

: an artistic composition of fragments (as of printed matter) pasted on a surface

col·la·gen noun
: any of a group of fibrous proteins widely found in vertebrate connective tissue

1collapse verb col·lapsed; col·laps·ing
1 : to fall or shrink together abruptly
2 : to break down completely : DISINTEGRATE; also : to fall in : give way
3 a : to break down physically or mentally; especially : to fall helpless or unconscious
b : to suddenly lose force, significance, effectiveness, or worth
4 : to fold down compactly

— col·laps·ible adjective

Synonyms
cave, crumple, give, go, yield; also deflate, flatten, melt; break, break down, conk (out), crash, die, fail, give out, stall; burst, shatter, smash; crack, pop, snap

2collapse noun
: sudden failure : a failure to function

Synonyms
burnout, exhaustion, fatigue, lassitude, prostration, tiredness, weariness—more at FATIGUE
crash, cropper, defeat, failure, fizzle, nonsuccess—more at FAILURE

1collar noun
1 : a band, strip, or chain worn around the neck or the neckline of a garment
2 : something resembling a collar

— col·lar·less adjective

2collar verb
1 : to seize by the collar
2 : to take or seize by or as if by a sudden motion or grasp : GRAB
3 : to take or get control of

Synonyms
[2, 3] bag, capture, catch, corral, get, grab, grapple, hook, land, nab, seize, snare, trap—more at CATCH

col·lar·bone noun
: the bone of the shoulder that joins the breastbone and the shoulder blade

col·lard noun
: a stalked smooth-leaved kale — usu. used in pl.

col·late verb col·lat·ed; col·lat·ing
1 : to compare (as two texts) carefully and critically
2 : to assemble in proper order

1collateral adjective
1 : associated but of secondary importance
2 : descended from the same ancestors but not in the same line
3 : PARALLEL
4 : of, relating to, or being collateral used as security; also : secured by collateral

2collateral noun
: property (as stocks) used as security for the repayment of a loan

col·la·tion noun
1 : a light meal
2 : the act, process, or result of collating

col·league noun
: an associate esp. in a profession

1collect noun
: a short prayer comprising an invocation, petition, and conclusion

2collect verb
1 a : to bring or come together into one body or place : GATHER
b : to gather or exact from a number of persons or sources
2 : to gain control of <~ his thoughts>
3 : to receive payment of
4 : to form a layer, heap, or mass

— col·lect·ible or col·lect·able adjective or noun

— col·lec·tor noun

Synonyms
[1a] accumulate, amass, assemble, concentrate, garner, gather, group, lump, pick up, round up, scrape—more at GATHER
[2] calm, compose, contain, control, settle; also allay, lull, quiet, soothe, still, tranquilize
[4] accumulate, conglomerate, gather, heap, pile; also bank, drift, ridge

3collect adverb or adjective
: to be paid for by the receiver

col·lect·ed adjective
: possessed of calmness and composure often through concentrated effort : SELF-POSSESSED, CALM

Synonyms
calm, composed, cool, placid, self-possessed, serene, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed, unshaken, untroubled, unworried—more at CALM

col·lec·tion noun
1 : the act or process of collecting <garbage ~>
2 : something collected <a stamp ~>
3 : a number of individuals or objects brought together as a unit : GROUP

Synonyms
[2, 3] accumulation, assemblage, gathering—more at ACCUMULATION
[3] array, assemblage, bank, batch, block, bunch, clump, cluster, group, huddle, knot, lot, package, parcel, set, suite

1collective adjective
1 : of, relating to, or denoting a group of individuals considered as a whole
2 : involving all members of a group as distinct from its individuals
3 : shared or assumed by all members of the group

— col·lec·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2, 3] common, communal, concerted, conjoint, joint, mutual, public, united; also cooperative, reciprocal, symbiotic; mass, popular; general, generic, universal
Antonyms
individual, single, sole

2collective noun
1 : GROUP
2 : a cooperative unit or organization

collective bargaining noun
: negotiation between an employer and a labor union

col·lec·tiv·ism noun
: a political or economic theory advocating collective control esp. over production and distribution

col·lec·tiv·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to organize under collective control

— col·lec·tiv·i·za·tion noun

col·leen noun
: an Irish girl

col·lege noun
[ORIGIN: ME, endowed body of clergy or scholars, fr. AF, fr. L collegium society, fr. collega colleague, fr. com- with + legare to depute]

1 : a building used for an educational or religious purpose
2 : an institution of higher learning or division of a university granting a bachelor's degree; also : an institution offering instruction esp. in a vocational or technical field <barber ~>
3 : an organized body of persons having common interests or duties <~ of cardinals>

— col·le·giate adjective

Synonyms
association, brotherhood, club, congress, council, fellowship, fraternity, guild, institute, institution, league, order, organization, society—more at ASSOCIATION

col·le·gi·al·i·ty noun
: the relationship of colleagues

col·le·gian noun
: a college student or recent college graduate

col·le·gi·um noun, plural -gia or -giums
: a group in which each member has approximately equal power

col·lide verb col·lid·ed; col·lid·ing
1 : to come together with solid impact
2 : to come into conflict : CLASH

Synonyms
[1] bang, bash, bump, crash, hit, impact, knock, ram, slam, smash, strike, swipe, thud—more at HIT
[2] clash, conflict, jar—more at CLASH

col·lid·er noun
: a particle accelerator in which two beams of particles are made to collide

col·lie noun
: any of a breed of large dogs developed in Scotland for herding sheep that occur in rough-coated and smooth-coated varieties

col·lier noun
1 : a coal miner
2 : a ship for carrying coal

col·liery noun, plural -lier·ies
: a coal mine and its associated buildings

col·li·mate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
: to make (as light rays) parallel

col·li·sion noun
: an act or instance of colliding

Synonyms
bump, concussion, crash, impact, jar, jolt, shock, smash, strike, wallop—more at IMPACT
crack-up, crash, smash, wreck—more at CRASH

col·lo·ca·tion noun
: the act or result of placing or arranging together; especially : a noticeable arrangement or conjoining of linguistic elements (as words)

col·loid noun
: a substance in the form of submicroscopic particles that when in solution or suspension do not settle out; also : such a substance together with the medium in which it is dispersed

— col·loi·dal adjective

colloq abbreviation
colloquial

col·lo·qui·al adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of conversation and esp. of familiar and informal conversation

Synonyms
conversational, informal, nonliterary, vernacular, vulgar; also nonstandard, substandard, uneducated; slang, slangy
Antonyms
bookish, formal, learned, literary

col·lo·qui·al·ism noun
: a colloquial expression

col·lo·qui·um noun, plural -qui·ums or -quia
: CONFERENCE, SEMINAR

col·lo·quy noun, plural -quies
: a usu. formal conversation or conference

Synonyms
conference, council, forum, panel, parley, powwow, seminar, symposium—more at FORUM
argument, conference, deliberation, discourse, discussion, give-and-take, parley, talk—more at DISCUSSION

col·lu·sion noun
: secret agreement or cooperation for an illegal or deceitful purpose

— col·lu·sive adjective

Synonyms
connivance, conspiracy; also chicanery, foul play, skulduggery (or skullduggery); double-dealing, duplicity; cover-up, frame-up; intrigue, plot, scheme

Colo abbreviation
Colorado

co·logne noun
[ORIGIN: Cologne, Germany]

: a perfumed liquid

— co·logned adjective

Co·lom·bi·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Colombia

— Colombian adjective

1colon noun, plural colons or co·la
: the part of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum

— co·lon·ic adjective

2colon noun, plural colons
: a punctuation mark : used esp. to direct attention to following matter (as a list)

col·o·nel noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of coronel, fr. MF, fr. It colonnello column of soldiers, colonel, ultim. fr. L columna]

: a commissioned officer (as in the army) ranking next below a brigadier general

1colonial adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a colony; also : possessing or composed of colonies
2 often cap : of or relating to the original 13 colonies forming the U.S.

2colonial noun
: a member or inhabitant of a colony

co·lo·nial·ism noun
: control by one power over a dependent area or people; also : a policy advocating or based on such control

— co·lo·nial·ist noun or adjective

col·o·nist noun
1 : a member or inhabitant of a colony : COLONIAL
2 : one that colonizes or settles in a new country

Synonyms
[1, 2] frontiersman, homesteader, pioneer, settler—more at FRONTIERSMAN

col·o·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to establish a colony in or on
2 : SETTLE

— col·o·ni·za·tion noun

col·o·niz·er noun
: one that colonizes or settles in a new country

col·on·nade noun
: an evenly spaced row of columns usu. supporting the base of a roof structure

co·lo·nos·co·py noun, plural -pies
: endoscopic examination of the colon

— co·lon·o·scope noun

col·o·ny noun, plural -nies
1 : a body of people living in a new territory; also : the territory inhabited by these people
2 : a localized population of organisms <a ~ of bees>
3 : a group with common interests situated in close association <a writers' ~>; also : the area occupied by such a group

col·o·phon noun
1 : an inscription placed at the end of a book with facts relative to its production
2 : a distinctive symbol used by a printer or publisher

1color noun
1 : a phenomenon of light (as red or blue) or visual perception that enables one to differentiate otherwise identical objects; also : a hue as contrasted with black, white, or gray
2 : APPEARANCE
3 : complexion tint
4 plural : an identifying badge, pennant, or flag; also : military service <a call to the ~s>
5 : VIVIDNESS, INTEREST
6 : something used to give color

Synonyms
[1] cast, hue, shade, tinge, tint, tone; also complementary color, primary color, secondary color; brightness, saturation, value; coloration, coloring
usually colors [4] banner, ensign, flag, jack, pennant, standard, streamer—more at FLAG
[6] dye, pigment, stain—more at PIGMENT

2color verb
1 a : to give color to
b : to change the color of (as by dyeing, staining, or painting)
2 : to become red in the face : BLUSH
3 : to give a false or misleading representation of the facts

Synonyms
[1a, 1b] dye, paint, stain, tinge, tint; also brighten, lighten; darken, tone (down); daub
[2] bloom, blush, crimson, flush, glow, redden—more at BLUSH
[3] elaborate, embellish, embroider, exaggerate, magnify, pad, stretch—more at EMBROIDER
[3] distort, falsify, garble, misinterpret, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp—more at GARBLE

Col·o·ra·do potato beetle noun
: a black-and-yellow striped beetle that feeds on the leaves of the potato

col·or·ation noun
: use or arrangement of colors

col·or·a·tu·ra noun
1 : elaborate ornamentation in vocal music
2 : a soprano specializing in coloratura

col·or–blind adjective
1 : partially or totally unable to distinguish one or more chromatic colors
2 : not influenced by differences of race

— color blindness noun

col·ored adjective
1 : having color
2 : SLANTED, BIASED

col·or·fast adjective
: having color that does not fade or run

— col·or·fast·ness noun

col·or·ful adjective
: having striking colors

Synonyms
multicolored, variegated; also brave, bright, brilliant, gay; flashy, garish, gaudy, loud, showy; deep, rich, unbleached
Antonyms
colorless; monochromatic

col·or·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to add color to by means of a computer

— col·or·i·za·tion noun

col·or·less adjective
: lacking color

Synonyms
uncolored, unpainted, white; also clear, limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid, transparent; bleached, faded, washed; dull, faint, gray, neutral, pale, pallid
Antonyms
colored, dyed, painted, stained, tinged, tinted

co·los·sal adjective
: of very great size or degree

Synonyms
astronomical, enormous, giant, gigantic, grand, huge, mammoth, massive, monumental, tremendous

Co·los·sians noun
: a book of the New Testament of Christian Scripture

co·los·sus noun, plural co·los·si
[ORIGIN: L]

1 : a gigantic statue
2 : something of great size or scope

Synonyms
behemoth, blockbuster, giant, jumbo, leviathan, mammoth, monster, titan, whale, whopper—more at GIANT

col·por·teur noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a peddler of religious books

colt noun
1 : FOAL; also : a young male horse, ass, or zebra
2 : a young untried person

colt·ish adjective
: full of play : inclined to friskiness or liveliness

Synonyms
antic, elfish, fay, frisky, frolicsome, playful, sportive—more at PLAYFUL

col·um·bine noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. ML columbina, fr. L, fem. of columbinus dovelike, fr. columba dove]

: any of a genus of plants with showy spurred flowers that are related to the buttercups

co·lum·bi·um noun
: NIOBIUM

Columbus Day noun
: the 2d Monday in October or formerly October 12 observed as a legal holiday in many states in commemoration of the landing of Columbus

col·umn noun
1 : one of two or more vertical sections of a printed page; also : one in a usu. regular series of articles (as in a newspaper)
2 : a supporting pillar; especially : one consisting of a usu. round shaft, a capital, and a base
3 : something resembling a column <a ~ of water>
4 : a long row (as of soldiers)

— co·lum·nar adjective

Synonyms
[2] pier, pillar, post, stanchion—more at PILLAR
[4] cue, file, line, queue, range, string, train—more at LINE

col·um·nist noun
: a person who writes a newspaper or magazine column

com abbreviation
1 comedy; comic
2 comma
3 commercial organization

co·ma noun
: a state of deep unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison

— co·ma·tose adjective

Co·man·che noun, plural Comanche or Comanches
: a member of an American Indian people ranging from Wyoming and Nebraska south into New Mexico and Texas

1comb noun
1 : a toothed instrument for arranging the hair or for separating and cleaning textile fibers
2 : a fleshy crest on the head of a fowl
3 : HONEYCOMB

— combed adjective

2comb verb
1 : to draw a comb through for the purpose of arranging or cleaning
2 : to pass across with a scraping or raking action
3 : to eliminate (as with a comb) by a thorough going-over
4 : to search or examine systematically

3comb abbreviation
combination; combining

1combat noun
: a fight or contest between individuals or groups

Synonyms
battle, conflict, confrontation, contest, duel, face-off, rivalry, struggle, tug-of-war, warfare—more at CONTEST
battle, clash, conflict, contest, fight, fracas, fray, hassle, scrap, scrimmage, scuffle, skirmish, struggle, tussle—more at FIGHT

2combat verb -bat·ed or -bat·ted; -bat·ing or -bat·ting
1 : to fight with : FIGHT, CONTEND
2 : to struggle against : OPPOSE
3 : to engage in battle during war

— com·bat·ant noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] battle, clash, contend, counter, fight, oppose—more at FIGHT

combat fatigue noun
: a traumatic psychological reaction occurring under wartime conditions (as combat) that cause intense stress

com·bat·ive adjective
: marked by eagerness to fight or contend

Synonyms
aggressive, argumentative, bellicose, belligerent, contentious, discordant, disputatious, militant, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, truculent, warlike—more at BELLIGERENT

comb·er noun
1 : one that combs
2 : a long curling wave of the sea

com·bi·na·tion noun
1 a : a result or product of combining
b : an alliance of individuals, corporations, or states united to achieve a social, political, or economic end
c : two or more persons working as a team
2 : a sequence of letters or numbers chosen in setting a lock
3 a : the act or process of combining
b : the quality or state of being combined

Synonyms
[1a] admixture, amalgam, blend, composite, compound, fusion, intermixture, mix, mixture—more at BLEND
[1b] alliance, bloc, coalition, combine, confederacy, confederation, federation, league, union—more at CONFEDERACY
[1b, 1c] bloc, body, coalition, combine, faction, party, sect, set, side, wing—more at FACTION
[3a] connection, consolidation, coupling, junction, unification, union—more at UNION

1combine verb com·bined; com·bin·ing
1 : to become one : UNITE
2 : to cause (as two or more things or ideas) to mix together

Synonyms
[1] associate, coalesce, conjoin, connect, couple, fuse, join, link, marry, unify, unite—more at UNITE
[2] amalgamate, blend, commingle, fuse, incorporate, integrate, intermingle, merge, mingle, mix—more at MIX

2combine noun
1 : a combination esp. of business or political interests
2 : a machine that harvests and threshes grain while moving over a field

Synonyms
alliance, bloc, coalition, combination, confederacy, confederation, federation, league, union—more at CONFEDERACY
cartel, combination, syndicate, trust—more at CARTEL

comb·ings noun plural
: loose hairs or fibers removed by a comb

combining form noun
: a linguistic form that occurs only in compounds or derivatives

com·bo noun, plural combos
: a small jazz or dance band

com·bus·ti·ble adjective
: capable of being burned

— com·bus·ti·bil·i·ty noun

— combustible noun

Synonyms
flammable, ignitable, inflammable; also explosive, incendiary
Antonyms
fireproof, incombustible, noncombustible, nonflammable, noninflammable

com·bus·tion noun
1 : an act or instance of burning
2 : slow oxidation (as in the animal body)

comdg abbreviation
commanding

comdr abbreviation
commander

comdt abbreviation
commandant

come verb came ; come; com·ing
1 : to move toward something : APPROACH
2 : to arrive at a particular place, end, result, or conclusion : ARRIVE
3 : to reach the point of being or becoming <~ to a boil>
4 a : to reach a total : add up : AMOUNT <the bill came to $10>
b : to be equal or nearly equal in or at the end
5 : to come to pass : take place
6 : ORIGINATE, ARISE
7 : to be available
8 : REACH, EXTEND

— come across

1 : to make a specified impression <came across as rude>
2 : to find esp. by chance <came across an intriguing story>

— come clean

: CONFESS

— come into

: ACQUIRE, ACHIEVE

— come of age

: MATURE

— come to grips with

: to meet or deal with frankly

— come to pass

: HAPPEN

— come to terms

: to reach an agreement

Synonyms
[1] advance, approach, near; also drop (in), enter, pop (in)
Antonyms
go, retreat, withdraw
[2] arrive, land, show up, turn up; also hit, make, reach; pull (in), touch down; debark, disembark; barge (in), breeze (in), burst (in or into), waltz (in)
Antonyms
go
usually come to [4a, 4b] add up, amount, equal, number, sum, total—more at AMOUNT (TO)
[5] be, befall, betide, chance, go, happen, occur, pass, transpire—more at HAPPEN

come around verb
1 : to come round
2 : to recover consciousness

Synonyms
come round, come to, revive—more at COME TO

come·back noun
1 : a sharp or witty reply : RETORT
2 : a return to a former position or condition

— come back verb

Synonyms
[1] repartee, retort, riposte—more at RETORT
[1] answer, reply, response, retort, return—more at ANSWER
[2] convalescence, rally, recovery, recuperation, rehabilitation—more at CONVALESCENCE

co·me·di·an noun
1 : an actor in comedy
2 : a comic person; especially : an entertainer specializing in comedy

Synonyms
card, comic, humorist, jester, joker, wag, wit—more at HUMORIST

co·me·di·enne noun
: a woman who is a comedian

come·down noun
: a descent in rank or dignity

Synonyms
decline, descent, down, downfall, fall; also breakdown, collapse, crash, meltdown, ruin, undoing; defeat, disappointment, reversal, setback; bottom, nadir
Antonyms
aggrandizement, ascent, exaltation, rise, up

come down verb
1 : to lose or fall in estate or condition
2 a : to pass by tradition
b : to pass from a usu. high source
3 : to reduce itself : AMOUNT <it comes down to this>
4 : to become ill <come down with the measles>

Synonyms
catch, contract, get, sicken, take—more at CONTRACT

com·e·dy noun, plural -dies
[ORIGIN: ME, narrative that ends happily, fr. ML comoedia, fr. L, play with a happy ending, fr. Gk kōmōidia, fr. kōmos revel + aeidein to sing]

1 : a light amusing play with a happy ending
2 : a literary work treating a comic theme or written in a comic style
3 : humorous entertainment

— co·me·dic adjective

Synonyms
farce, humor, slapstick; also burlesque, parody, satire; banter, persiflage, wit; foolery, fun, horseplay, monkeyshines, shenanigans

come·li·ness noun
: the condition of being comely esp. with respect to grace or beauty of external form

Synonyms
attractiveness, beauty, handsomeness, looks, loveliness, prettiness—more at BEAUTY

come·ly adjective come·li·er; -est
: having a pleasing appearance : ATTRACTIVE, HANDSOME

come off verb
: SUCCEED

come–on noun
: INDUCEMENT, LURE

come out verb
1 a : to come into view
b : to become public
2 : to declare oneself
3 : to turn out in an outcome : end up : TURN OUT 5 <everything came out all right>

— come out with

: SAY 1

Synonyms
[1a] appear, materialize, show up, turn up—more at APPEAR
[1b] get out, leak, out, spread—more at GET OUT
[3] pan out, prove, turn out; also develop, emerge, evolve, play out, unfold, work out

com·er noun
1 : one that comes <all ~s>
2 : a promising beginner

come round verb
1 : to change direction
2 : to recover consciousness

Synonyms
come around, come to, revive—more at COME TO

1comestible adjective
: EDIBLE

2comestible noun
: FOOD — usu. used in pl.

com·et noun
[ORIGIN: ME comete, fr. OE cometa, fr. L, fr. Gk komētēs, lit., long-haired, fr. komē hair]

: a small bright celestial body that develops a long tail when near the sun

come to verb
: to regain consciousness

Synonyms
come around, come round, revive; also pull through, rally, recover; awake, awaken, wake up

come·up·pance noun
: a deserved rebuke or penalty

com·fit noun
: a candied fruit or nut

1comfort verb
1 : to give strength and hope to
2 : to ease the grief or trouble of : CONSOLE

Synonyms
[1] buoy, cheer, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire, steel—more at ENCOURAGE
[2] assure, cheer, console, reassure, solace, soothe; also commiserate, condole, sympathize; boost, buoy (up), elevate, lift, uplift; allay, alleviate, assuage, relieve; calm, quiet, relax, tranquilize
Antonyms
distress, torment, torture, trouble

2comfort noun
1 : the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled
2 : freedom from pain, trouble, or anxiety
3 : something that consoles : something that gives freedom or ease
4 : one that gives or brings comfort <all the ~s of home>

Synonyms
[2] alleviation, ease, relief—more at EASE
[2] cheer, consolation, relief, solace; also encouragement, inspiration, uplift; assurance, reassurance; alleviation, mitigation; contentment, gladness, happiness; commiseration, empathy, sympathy
[3, 4] amenity, convenience, luxury; also extra; benefit, help, service; delight, indulgence, joy, pleasure
Antonyms
burden, millstone, weight

com·fort·able adjective
1 : providing comfort or security
2 : feeling at ease
3 : affording an ease with money and a secure way of living without great wealth

— com·fort·ably adverb

Synonyms
[1] easy, snug, soft; also relaxing, reposeful, restful; genial, hospitable, inviting, pleasant; commodious, roomy, spacious; homely, homey
Antonyms
uncomfortable
[2] content, contented, peaceful, pleased, relaxed, untroubled
Antonyms
uncomfortable
[3] abundant, ample, bountiful, generous, liberal, plentiful—more at PLENTIFUL

com·fort·er noun
1 : one that comforts
2 : QUILT

comforting adjective
: providing or intended to provide comfort

Synonyms
encouraging, gratifying, heartening, heartwarming, rewarding, satisfying—more at HEARTWARMING
dreamy, narcotic, sedative, soothing—more at SOOTHING

com·fy adjective
: COMFORTABLE

1comic adjective
1 : relating to comedy or comic strips
2 : provoking laughter or amusement

2comic noun
1 : a comical individual esp. a professional entertainer who uses any of various physical or verbal means to be amusing : COMEDIAN
2 plural : the part of a newspaper devoted to comic strips

Synonyms
card, comedian, humorist, jester, joker, wag, wit—more at HUMORIST

com·i·cal adjective
: causing laughter

Synonyms
antic, comic, droll, farcical, funny, hilarious, humorous, hysterical, laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous, riotous, risible, screaming, uproarious—more at FUNNY
absurd, derisive, farcical, laughable, ludicrous, preposterous, ridiculous, risible, silly—more at RIDICULOUS

comic book noun
: a magazine containing sequences of comic strips

comic strip noun
: a group of cartoons in narrative sequence

Synonyms
cartoon; also comic book, funny paper(s); animated cartoon, animation; caricature

coming adjective
1 : immediately due in sequence or development : APPROACHING, NEXT
2 : gaining importance

Synonyms
approaching, forthcoming, imminent, impending, oncoming, pending—more at FORTHCOMING
following, next—more at NEXT

co·mi·ty noun, plural -ties
: friendly civility : COURTESY

coml abbreviation
commercial

comm abbreviation
1 command; commander
2 commerce; commercial
3 commission; commissioner
4 committee
5 common
6 commonwealth

com·ma noun
: a punctuation mark , used esp. as a mark of separation within the sentence

1command verb
1 : to direct authoritatively : ORDER
2 : to exercise a dominating influence over : have command of
3 : to overlook from a strategic position
4 : to demand or receive as one's due <~s a high fee>

Synonyms
[1] bid, boss, charge, direct, enjoin, instruct, order, tell; also ask, petition, request; beg, beseech, entreat; advise, counsel, warn; appoint, assign, authorize, commission; oversee, superintend, supervise; conduct, control, lead, manage; coerce, compel, constrain, force, oblige, require
Antonyms
mind, obey
[2] boss, captain, control, govern, preside, rule—more at GOVERN
[2] dominate, head, lead, spearhead—more at LEAD
[4] ask, charge, demand—more at CHARGE

2command noun
1 : an order given
2 a : ability to control : MASTERY
b : facility in use <a good ~ of French>
3 : the act of commanding
4 : a signal that actuates a device (as a computer); also : the activation of a device by means of a signal
5 a : a body of troops under a commander
b : an area or position that one commands
6 : a position of highest authority

Synonyms
[1] behest, charge, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, edict, instruction, order, word; also demand, requirement; injunction, mandate; law, precept, rule; ordinance, regulation, statute
[2a] arm, authority, clutch, control, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, power, sway—more at POWER

com·man·dant noun
: an officer in command

com·man·deer verb
: to take possession of by force

Synonyms
appropriate, arrogate, preempt, usurp—more at APPROPRIATE

com·mand·er noun
1 a : one in an official position of command or control
b : an officer commanding an army or subdivision of an army
2 : a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a captain

Synonyms
[1a, 1b] captain; also commissioned officer

com·mand·ment noun
: something that is commanded : COMMAND, ORDER; especially : any of the Ten Commandments

Synonyms
behest, charge, command, decree, dictate, direction, directive, edict, instruction, order, word—more at COMMAND

command module noun
: a space vehicle module designed to carry the crew and reentry equipment

com·man·do noun, plural -dos or -does
: a member of a military unit trained for surprise raids

command sergeant major noun
: a noncommissioned officer in the army ranking above a sergeant major

com·mem·o·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to call or recall to mind
2 : to serve as a memorial of
3 : to mark by some ceremony or observation : OBSERVE

— com·mem·o·ra·tion noun

Synonyms
celebrate, keep, observe—more at KEEP

com·mem·o·ra·tive adjective
: intended to commemorate an event

com·mence verb com·menced; com·menc·ing
: to have or make a beginning : BEGIN, START

Synonyms
arise, begin, dawn, form, materialize, originate, spring, start—more at BEGIN
begin, embark, enter, get off, launch, open, start, strike—more at BEGIN

com·mence·ment noun
1 : the act or time of a beginning
2 : the graduation exercises of a school or college

Synonyms
beginning, birth, dawn, genesis, launch, morning, onset, outset, start, threshold—more at BEGINNING

com·mend verb
1 : to entrust for care or preservation
2 : RECOMMEND
3 : PRAISE

— com·mend·ably adverb

— com·men·da·tion noun

— com·mend·er noun

Synonyms
commit, consign, delegate, deliver, entrust, give, hand over, leave, pass, transfer, transmit, trust, turn over, vest—more at GIVE

com·mend·able adjective
: worthy of being commended

Synonyms
admirable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy—more at ADMIRABLE

com·men·da·tion noun
: the act of commending : the expression of approval

Synonyms
accolade, citation, encomium, eulogy, homage, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute—more at ENCOMIUM

com·men·su·ra·ble adjective
: having a common measure or a common divisor

com·men·su·rate adjective
: equal in measure or extent; also : PROPORTIONAL, CORRESPONDING <a job ~ with her abilities>

com·ment noun
1 : an expression of opinion
2 : an explanatory, illustrative, or critical note or observation : REMARK

Synonyms
[1, 2] commentary, note, observation, reflection, remark—more at REMARK

comment verb
: to explain or interpret something by comment : OBSERVE

Synonyms
note, observe, opine, remark—more at REMARK

com·men·tary noun, plural -tar·ies
: a systematic series of comments

Synonyms
analysis, comment, exposition; also annotation, explication; note, observation, remark; report, review, write-up

com·men·ta·tor noun
: one who comments; especially : a person who discusses news events on radio or television

com·merce noun
: the buying and selling of commodities : TRADE

Synonyms
business, marketplace, trade, traffic; also free trade; dealings; merchandising, retailing, wholesaling; bartering

1commercial adjective
1 : having to do with commerce
2 : designed for profit or for mass appeal

— com·mer·cial·ly adverb

2commercial noun
: an advertisement broadcast on radio or television

com·mer·cial·ise British variant of COMMERCIALIZE

com·mer·cial·ism noun
1 : a spirit, method, or practice characteristic of business
2 : excessive emphasis on profit

com·mer·cial·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to manage on a business basis for profit
2 : to exploit for profit

com·mi·na·tion noun
: DENUNCIATION

— com·mi·na·to·ry adjective

com·min·gle verb
: to mingle or mix together : MINGLE, BLEND

Synonyms
amalgamate, blend, combine, fuse, incorporate, integrate, intermingle, merge, mingle, mix—more at MIX

com·mis·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to feel or express pity : SYMPATHIZE

Synonyms
bleed, feel, pity, sympathize—more at PITY

com·mis·er·a·tion noun
: the act of commiserating : the feeling or showing of sorrow or the expression of condolence for the wants or distresses of another

Synonyms
charity, compassion, feeling, heart, humanity, kindliness, kindness, mercy, pity, sympathy—more at HEART

com·mis·sar noun
[ORIGIN: Russ komissar]

: a Communist party official

com·mis·sar·i·at noun
1 : a system for supplying troops with food
2 : a department headed by a commissar

com·mis·sary noun, plural -sar·ies
1 : a store for equipment and provisions esp. for military personnel
2 : one delegated by a superior to execute a duty or an office

Synonyms
agent, attorney, delegate, deputy, envoy, factor, proxy, representative—more at AGENT

1commission noun
1 : a warrant granting certain powers and imposing certain duties; also : the fact of granting these powers or duties
2 : a certificate conferring military rank and authority
3 : authority to act as agent for another; also : something to be done by an agent
4 : a body of persons charged with performing a duty
5 : the doing of some act; also : the thing done
6 : the allowance made to an agent for transacting business for another

Synonyms
[1] authorization, delegation, license, mandate; also commendation, consignment; fostering, promotion; commanding, directing, ordering
[3] appointment, assignment, designation—more at APPOINTMENT
[5] accomplishment, achievement, discharge, enactment, execution, fulfillment, implementation, performance, perpetration; also dispatch, expedition; administration, direction, handling, management; application, operation, practice
Antonyms
nonfulfillment, nonperformance

2commission verb
1 : to give a commission to
2 : to order to be made
3 : to put (a ship) into a state of readiness for service

Synonyms
assign, charge, entrust, trust—more at ENTRUST
accredit, authorize, certify, delegate, empower, enable, invest, license, qualify—more at AUTHORIZE
appoint, assign, attach, constitute, designate, detail, name—more at APPOINT

commissioned officer noun
: an officer of the armed forces holding rank by a commission from the president

com·mis·sion·er noun
1 : a member of a commission
2 : an official in charge of a department of public service
3 : the administrative head of a professional sport

— com·mis·sion·er·ship noun

com·mit verb com·mit·ted; com·mit·ting
1 a : to put into charge or trust : ENTRUST
b : to put into a place for disposal or safekeeping
2 : to put in a prison or mental institution
3 : TRANSFER, CONSIGN
4 : to carry into action <~ a crime>
5 : to pledge or assign to some particular course or use

— com·mit·tal noun

Synonyms
[1b] commend, consign, delegate, deliver, entrust, give, hand over, leave, pass, transfer, transmit, trust, turn over, vest—more at GIVE
[2] confine, immure, imprison, jail—more at IMPRISON
[4] accomplish, achieve, carry out, compass, do, execute, follow through, fulfill, make, perform—more at PERFORM
[5] engage, pledge, troth—more at PLEDGE

com·mit·ment noun
: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future

Synonyms
burden, charge, duty, need, obligation, responsibility—more at OBLIGATION

com·mit·tee noun
: a body of persons selected to consider and act or report on some matter

— com·mit·tee·man noun

— com·mit·tee·wom·an noun

commo abbreviation
commodore

com·mode noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. commode, adj., suitable, convenient, fr. L commodus, fr. com- with + modus measure]

1 : a movable washstand with cupboard below
2 : TOILET 3

com·mo·di·ous adjective
: comfortably spacious : ROOMY

Synonyms
ample, capacious, roomy, spacious—more at SPACIOUS

com·mod·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a product of agriculture or mining
2 : an article of commerce — often used in plural
3 : something useful or valued <that valuable ~ patience>

Synonyms
usually commodities merchandise, wares—more at MERCHANDISE

com·mo·dore noun
1 : a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a rear admiral
2 : an officer commanding a group of merchant ships
3 : the chief officer of a yacht club

1common adjective
1 : belonging to or serving the community : PUBLIC
2 : shared by a number in a group
3 : widely or generally known, found, or observed : FAMILIAR <~ knowledge>
4 : VERNACULAR 3 <~ names of plants>
5 : not above the average esp. in social status
6 : lacking refinement : COARSE
7 : falling below ordinary standards

Synonyms
[1] blanket, general, generic, global, overall, public, universal—more at GENERAL
[2] collective, communal, concerted, conjoint, joint, mutual, public, united—more at COLLECTIVE
[3] commonplace, customary, everyday, familiar, frequent, normal, ordinary, regular, routine, standard, usual
Antonyms
extraordinary, infrequent, rare, uncommon, unfamiliar, unusual
[5] humble, ignoble, inferior, low, lowly, mean, plebeian, vulgar—more at IGNOBLE
[6] coarse, crass, crude, gross, ill-bred, low, rough, rude, tasteless, uncouth, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar—more at COARSE
[7] fair, indifferent, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary, passable, run-of-the-mill, second-rate, so-so—more at MEDIOCRE

2common noun
1 plural : the common people
2 plural : a dining hall
3 plural cap : the lower house of the British and Canadian parliaments
4 : a piece of land subject to common use

— in common

: shared together

com·mon·al·ty noun, plural -ties
: the common people

common cold noun
: a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus and characterized by a sore, swollen, and inflamed nose and throat, usu. by much mucus, and by coughing and sneezing

common denominator noun
1 : a common multiple of the denominators of a group of fractions
2 : a common trait or theme

common divisor noun
: a number or expression that divides two or more numbers or expressions without remainder

com·mon·er noun
: one of the common people : a person having no rank of nobility

Synonyms
usually commoners herd, masses, mob, people, plebeians, populace, rank and file

common fraction noun
: a fraction (as 1/2 or 3/4) in which the numerator and denominator are both integers and are separated by a horizontal or slanted line

common law noun
: a group of legal practices and traditions based on judges' decisions and social customs and usu. having the same force as laws passed by legislative bodies

common logarithm noun
: a logarithm whose base is 10

com·mon·ly adverb
: as a general thing : often in the usual course of events

Synonyms
generally, naturally, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually—more at NATURALLY

common market noun
: an economic association formed to remove trade barriers among members

common multiple noun
: a multiple of each of two or more numbers or expressions

1commonplace noun
: something that is ordinary or trite

Synonyms
banality, cliché, platitude, shibboleth; also inanity; generality, generalization, simplification; adage, proverb, saw, saying; old wives' tale, stereotype

2commonplace adjective
: commonly found or seen : ORDINARY

Synonyms
average, common, everyday, normal, ordinary, prosaic, routine, run-of-the-mill, standard, unexceptional, unremarkable, usual, workaday—more at ORDINARY

common sense noun
: ordinary good sense and judgment

— com·mon·sen·si·cal adjective

Synonyms
horse sense, sense, wisdom, wit; also street smarts; foresight, judgment, prudence; brains, gray matter, intelligence; practicality, rationality; acumen, discernment, insight

com·mon·weal noun
1 archaic : COMMONWEALTH
2 : the general welfare

com·mon·wealth noun
1 : the body of people politically organized into a state
2 : a state esp. conceived as a body politic founded on law and united by compact or by tacit agreement of the people for the common good; also : an association or federation of autonomous states

Synonyms
country, land, nation, sovereignty, state—more at NATION

com·mo·tion noun
1 : violent or sharp disturbance : noisy, unruly, or tumultuous stir
2 : mental excitement, uncertainty, or confusion

Synonyms
disturbance, furor, fuss, hubbub, hullabaloo, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil, uproar; also cacophony, clamor, din, howl, hue and cry, outcry, noise, racket, roar; disorder, unrest, upheaval; eruption, flare-up, flurry, outbreak, outburst; brawl, fracas, fray, hassle, melee, scuffle; dither, fever, fret, lather, tizzy

com·mu·nal adjective
1 : of or relating to a commune or community
2 : marked by collective ownership and use of property
3 : shared or used in common

Synonyms
collective, common, concerted, conjoint, joint, mutual, public, united—more at COLLECTIVE

1commune verb com·muned; com·mun·ing
: to communicate intimately

2commune noun
1 : the smallest administrative district in some European countries
2 : a community organized on a communal basis

com·mu·ni·ca·ble adjective
: capable of being communicated <~ diseases>

— com·mu·ni·ca·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
catching, contagious, transmittable—more at CONTAGIOUS

com·mu·ni·cant noun
1 : a church member entitled to receive Communion
2 : one that communicates; especially : INFORMANT

com·mu·ni·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to make known
2 : to pass from one to another : TRANSMIT
3 : to receive Communion
4 : to be in communication
5 : JOIN, CONNECT

— com·mu·ni·cat·or noun

Synonyms
convey, impart, spread, transfer, transfuse, transmit; also deliver, hand over, surrender, turn over; broadcast, diffuse, disseminate, propagate; contaminate, infect, poison

com·mu·ni·ca·tion noun
1 : an act of transmitting
2 : information communicated : a verbal or written message
3 : exchange of information or opinions
4 : a means of communicating

— com·mu·ni·ca·tive adjective

com·mu·nion noun
1 : a sharing of something with others
2 cap : a Christian sacrament in which bread and wine are consumed as the substance or symbols of Christ's body and blood in commemoration of the death of Christ
3 : intimate fellowship or rapport
4 : a body of Christians having a common faith and discipline

Synonyms
fellowship, rapport—more at RAPPORT

com·mu·ni·qué noun
: BULLETIN 1

com·mu·nism noun
1 : social organization in which goods are held in common
2 : a theory of social organization advocating common ownership of means of production and a distribution of products of industry based on need
3 cap : a political doctrine based on revolutionary Marxist socialism that was the official ideology of the U.S.S.R. and some other countries; also : a system of government in which one party controls state-owned means of production

— com·mu·nist noun or adjective, often cap

— com·mu·nis·tic adjective, often cap

com·mu·ni·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a body of people living in the same place under the same laws; also : a natural population of plants and animals that interact ecologically and live in one place (as a pond)
2 : society at large
3 : joint ownership
4 : common character : SIMILARITY, LIKENESS
5 : the people with common interests living in a particular area
6 : a body of persons of common and esp. professional interests scattered through a larger society

Synonyms
[4] correspondence, likeness, parallelism, resemblance, similarity, similitude—more at SIMILARITY
[6] brotherhood, corps, fellowship, fraternity—more at CORPS

community college noun
: a 2-year government-supported college that offers an associate degree

community property noun
: property held jointly by husband and wife

com·mu·ta·tion noun
: substitution of one form of payment or penalty for another

Synonyms
barter, exchange, swap, trade, truck—more at EXCHANGE

com·mu·ta·tive adjective
: of, having, or being the property that the result obtained using a mathematical operation on any two elements of a set does not differ with the order in which the elements are used <a × b = b × a because multiplication is ~>

— com·mu·ta·tiv·i·ty noun

com·mu·ta·tor noun
: a device (as on a generator or motor) for changing the direction of electric current

1commute verb com·mut·ed; com·mut·ing
1 : to give in exchange for another : EXCHANGE
2 : to revoke (a sentence) and impose a milder penalty
3 : to travel back and forth regularly

— com·mut·er noun

Synonyms
change, exchange, shift, substitute, swap, switch, trade—more at CHANGE

2commute noun
: a trip made in commuting

comp abbreviation
1 comparative; compare
2 compensation
3 compiled; compiler
4 composition; compositor
5 compound
6 comprehensive
7 comptroller

1compact adjective
1 : having a dense structure or parts or units closely packed or joined : SOLID, DENSE
2 : not diffuse or verbose : BRIEF, SUCCINCT
3 : occupying a small volume by efficient use of space <a ~ formation of troops>

Synonyms
[1] dense, firm, hard, rigid, solid, stiff, unyielding—more at FIRM
[2] brief, compendious, concise, crisp, epigrammatic, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, terse—more at CONCISE
[3] close, crowded, dense, packed, serried, thick, tight—more at CLOSE

2compact verb
1 : to pack together : COMPRESS
2 : to knit or draw together : CONSOLIDATE

— com·pac·tor noun

Synonyms
[1] compress, condense, constrict, contract, squeeze—more at COMPRESS
[2] center, centralize, concentrate, consolidate, unify, unite—more at CENTRALIZE

3compact noun
1 : a small case for cosmetics
2 : a small automobile

4compact noun
: an agreement or covenant between two or more parties

Synonyms
accord, agreement, bargain, contract, convention, covenant, deal, pact, settlement, understanding—more at AGREEMENT

com·pact disc noun
: CD

com·pa·dre noun
: a close friend : BUDDY

com·pact·ly adverb
: in a compact manner

Synonyms
concisely, crisply, laconically, shortly, succinctly, summarily, tersely—more at SHORTLY

com·pact·ness noun
: the quality or state of being compact

Synonyms
brevity, briefness, conciseness, crispness, succinctness, terseness—more at SUCCINCTNESS

1companion noun
[ORIGIN: ME compainoun, fr. AF cumpaing, cumpaignun, fr. LL companion-, companio, fr. L com- together + panis bread]

1 a : one that accompanies another : COMRADE
b : an intimate friend or associate
2 : one that is closely connected with something similar

Synonyms
[1a, 1b] associate, cohort, comrade, crony, fellow, mate—more at ASSOCIATE
[2] fellow, half, match, mate, twin—more at MATE

2companion noun
: COMPANIONWAY

com·pan·ion·able adjective
: marked by, conducive to, or suggestive of companionship

Synonyms
amicable, comradely, cordial, friendly, genial, hearty, neighborly, warm, warmhearted—more at FRIENDLY
boon, convivial, extroverted, gregarious, outgoing, sociable, social—more at CONVIVIAL

com·pan·ion·ship noun
: the fellowship existing among companions : COMPANY

Synonyms
camaraderie, company, comradeship, fellowship, society; also amity, benevolence, cordiality, friendliness, friendship, goodwill, kindliness; civility, comity, concord, harmony, rapport; charity, generosity; affinity, compassion, empathy, sympathy; chumminess, familiarity, inseparability, intimacy, nearness; affection, devotion, fondness, love

com·pan·ion·way noun
: a ship's stairway from one deck to another

com·pa·ny noun, plural -nies
1 : association with another or others : FELLOWSHIP; also : COMPANIONS
2 : GUESTS
3 : a group of persons or things
4 : an infantry unit consisting of two or more platoons and normally commanded by a captain
5 : a group of musical or dramatic performers
6 : the officers and crew of a ship
7 : an association of persons for carrying on a business

Synonyms
[1] camaraderie, companionship, comradeship, fellowship, society—more at COMPANIONSHIP
[3] band, crew, gang, outfit, party, squad, team—more at GANG
[7] business, concern, enterprise, establishment, firm, house, outfit—more at ENTERPRISE

com·pa·ra·ble adjective
: capable of being compared

— com·pa·ra·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
akin, alike, analogous, correspondent, like, parallel, similar, such—more at ALIKE

1comparative adjective
1 : of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes increase in quality, quantity, or relation
2 : considered as if in comparison to something else as a standard not quite attained : RELATIVE <a ~ stranger>

— com·par·a·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
approximate, near, relative; also alike, comparable, similar; equal, equivalent
Antonyms
absolute, complete, downright, out-and-out, outright, perfect, pure, unqualified

2comparative noun
: the comparative degree or form in a language

1compare verb com·pared; com·par·ing
1 : to represent as similar : LIKEN
2 a : to examine for likenesses and differences
b : to view in relation to
3 : to inflect or modify (an adjective or adverb) according to the degrees of comparison

Synonyms
[1] bracket, equate, liken; also associate, connect, couple, link; allude, refer, relate; equal, match, parallel
Antonyms
contrast
usually compare with [2b] approach, approximate, measure up, stack up—more at APPROXIMATE

2compare noun
: the possibility of comparing <beauty beyond ~>

com·par·i·son noun
1 : the act of comparing
2 : change in the form of an adjective or adverb to show different levels of quality, quantity, or relation

com·part·ment noun
1 : a separate division
2 : a section of an enclosed space

Synonyms
bay, cabin, cell, chamber, cubicle; also cubbyhole, pigeonhole; alcove, niche, nook, recess; cabinet, drawer; cavity, hole, hollow; booth, crib, stall; crypt, vault

com·part·men·tal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to separate into compartments

1compass verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF compasser to measure, fr. (assumed) VL compassare to pace off, fr. L com- + passus pace]

1 : CONTRIVE, PLOT
2 : to lie around : ENCIRCLE
3 : to bring about : ACHIEVE

Synonyms
[2] circle, circumnavigate, coil, encircle, girdle, loop, orbit, ring, round—more at ENCIRCLE
[3] accomplish, achieve, carry out, commit, do, execute, follow through, fulfill, make, perform—more at PERFORM

2compass noun
1 : an often rounded or curved boundary limit : BOUNDARY, CIRCUMFERENCE
2 : an enclosed space
3 : range or limit of perception, knowledge, interest, or concern : RANGE, SCOPE
4 : a device for determining direction by means of a magnetic needle swinging freely and pointing to the magnetic north; also : a nonmagnetic device that indicates direction
5 : an instrument for drawing circles or transferring measurements consisting of two legs joined by a pivot

Synonyms
[1] border, bound, boundary, circumference, confines, edge, end, fringe, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, verge—more at BORDER
[3] amplitude, breadth, extent, range, reach, realm, scope, sweep, width—more at RANGE

com·pas·sion noun
: sympathetic feeling : PITY, MERCY

Synonyms
charity, commiseration, feeling, heart, humanity, kindliness, kindness, mercy, pity, sympathy

com·pas·sion·ate adjective
: having or showing compassion

— com·pas·sion·ate·ly adverb

Synonyms
beneficent, benevolent, good-hearted, humane, kind, kindly, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warmhearted—more at HUMANE

com·pat·i·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being compatible

Synonyms
concord, harmony, peace—more at HARMONY

com·pat·i·ble adjective
: able to exist or act together harmoniously <~ colors> <~ drugs>

Synonyms
agreeable, amicable, congenial, harmonious, kindred, unanimous, united—more at HARMONIOUS
conformable, congruous, consistent, consonant, correspondent, harmonious—more at CONSISTENT

com·pa·tri·ot noun
: a fellow countryman

com·peer noun
: EQUAL, PEER

com·pel verb com·pelled; com·pel·ling
: to drive or urge with force

Synonyms
coerce, constrain, drive, force, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure—more at FORCE

compelling adjective
1 : demanding and holding one's attention <a ~ novel>
2 : tending to convince or convert by or as if by forcefulness of evidence

Synonyms
cogent, conclusive, convincing, decisive, effective, forceful, persuasive, satisfying, strong, telling—more at COGENT

com·pen·di·ous adjective
1 : marked by brief expression of a comprehensive matter : concise and comprehensive
2 : covering completely or broadly : COMPREHENSIVE

Synonyms
[1] brief, compact, concise, crisp, epigrammatic, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, terse—more at CONCISE
[2] complete, comprehensive, encyclopedic, full, global, inclusive, omnibus, panoramic, universal—more at ENCYCLOPEDIC

com·pen·di·um noun, plural -di·ums or -dia
1 : a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of knowledge
2 : COLLECTION

com·pen·sate verb -sat·ed; -sat·ing
1 a : to be equivalent to
b : to make up for : COUNTERBALANCE
2 : to make an appropriate and usu. counterbalancing payment to : PAY, REMUNERATE

— com·pen·sa·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
usually compensate for [1b] annul, cancel, correct, counteract, counterbalance, make up, neutralize, offset—more at OFFSET
[2] indemnify, pay, recompense, recoup, remunerate, requite; also refund, reimburse, repay; redress, remedy, repair

com·pen·sa·tion noun
1 : the act or action of making up, making good, or counterbalancing : rendering equal
2 : something that constitutes an equivalent or recompense

Synonyms
[1] disbursement, payment, remittance, remuneration—more at PAYMENT
[2] damages, indemnity, quittance, recompense, redress, remuneration, reparation, requital, restitution, satisfaction; also amends, atonement, expiation; refund, reimbursement, repayment; adjustment, settlement; punishment, reprisal, retaliation
[2] consideration, pay, payment, remittance, remuneration, requital—more at PAYMENT

com·pete verb com·pet·ed; com·pet·ing
: to seek or strive for something (as a position, possession, reward) for which others are also contending : CONTEND, VIE

Synonyms
battle, contend, fight, race, vie; also challenge, engage, play; jockey, maneuver; go out, try out; train, work

com·pe·tence noun
1 : adequate means for subsistence
2 : the quality or state of being functionally adequate or of having sufficient knowledge, judgment, skill, or strength : ABILITY

Synonyms
ability, capability, capacity, faculty—more at ABILITY

com·pe·ten·cy noun, plural -cies
: the quality or state of being competent

com·pe·tent adjective
: having requisite or adequate ability or qualities : CAPABLE, FIT, QUALIFIED

Synonyms
able, capable, fit, good, qualified, suitable; also accomplished, ace, adept, experienced, expert, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, veteran; prepared, schooled, trained
Antonyms
incompetent, inept, poor, unfit, unqualified

com·pe·ti·tion noun
1 : the act of competing : RIVALRY
2 a : a contest between rivals : CONTEST, MATCH
b : one that competes; also : one's competitors

— com·pet·i·tive adjective

— com·pet·i·tive·ly adverb

— com·pet·i·tive·ness noun

Synonyms
bout, contest, event, game, match, meet, tournament—more at GAME

com·pet·i·tor noun
: one that competes : RIVAL

Synonyms
challenger, competition, contender, contestant, rival; also finalist, semifinalist; entrant, player; adversary, antagonist, opponent

com·pile verb com·piled; com·pil·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF compiler, fr. L compilare to plunder]

1 : to compose out of materials from other documents
2 : to collect and edit into a volume
3 : to translate (a computer program) with a compiler
4 : to build up gradually <~ a record of four wins and two losses>

com·pi·la·tion noun
: something that is a product of the putting together of two or more items

Synonyms
album, anthology, miscellany—more at ANTHOLOGY

com·pil·er noun
1 : one that compiles
2 : a computer program that translates any program correctly written in a specific programming language into machine language

com·pla·cence noun
: the quality or state of being self-satisfied

Synonyms
conceit, ego, egotism, pride, self-conceit, self-esteem, self-importance, self-satisfaction, smugness, vainglory, vanity; also assurance, confidence, self-assurance, self-confidence; egoism, self-centeredness, selfishness; self-respect
Antonyms
humbleness, humility, modesty

com·pla·cen·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : SATISFACTION
2 : the quality or state of being self-satisfied

com·pla·cent adjective
: marked by complacency : SELF-SATISFIED

— com·pla·cent·ly adverb

Synonyms
conceited, egotistic, important, overweening, pompous, prideful, proud, self-important, self-satisfied, smug, stuck-up, vain—more at CONCEITED

com·plain verb
1 : to express grief, pain, or discontent
2 : to make a formal accusation

Synonyms
beef, bellyache, carp, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, moan, murmur, mutter, repine, squawk, wail, whine; also object (to), protest, quarrel (with); cavil, quibble; fret, stew, worry; blubber, cry, sob; bemoan, bewail, deplore, lament
Antonyms
rejoice

com·plain·ant noun
1 : the party who makes the complaint in a legal action or proceeding :
2 : one who complains

com·plain·er noun
: one that complains

Synonyms
bear, crab, crank, grouch, grumbler, whiner—more at GROUCH

com·plaint noun
1 : expression of grief, pain, or dissatisfaction
2 : a bodily ailment or disease
3 : a formal accusation against a person

Synonyms
[1] challenge, demur, expostulation, fuss, kick, objection, protest, question, remonstrance—more at OBJECTION
[1] beef, fuss, grievance, gripe, grumble, murmur, plaint, squawk; also challenge, demur, expostulation, kick, objection, protest, quibble, remonstrance
[3] charge, count, indictment, rap—more at CHARGE

com·plai·sance noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: disposition to please

— com·plai·sant adjective

com·pleat adjective
: PROFICIENT

com·plect·ed adjective
: having a specified facial complexion <dark-complected>

1complement noun
1 a : something that fills up or completes
b : the full quantity, number, or amount that makes a thing complete
2 : an added word by which a predicate is made complete
3 : a group of proteins in blood that combines with antibodies to destroy antigens

2complement verb
: to be complementary to : fill out

com·ple·men·ta·ry adjective
: serving to fill out or complete : being complements of each other

complementary medicine noun
: ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

1complete adjective com·plet·er; -est
1 : having all parts or elements
2 : brought to an end
3 : fully carried out
4 : fully realized : carried to the ultimate : ABSOLUTE 2 <~ silence>

— com·plete·ness noun

— com·ple·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] compendious, comprehensive, encyclopedic, full, global, inclusive, omnibus, panoramic, universal—more at ENCYCLOPEDIC
[1] comprehensive, entire, full, grand, intact, integral, perfect, plenary, total, whole; also unabridged, uncut, undiminished; all-out, exhaustive, extensive; full-blown, full-fledged, full-scale
Antonyms
imperfect, incomplete, partial
[2] done, down, over, through, up; also accomplished, achieved, attained, compassed, realized; dead, defunct, extinct, obsolete; expired
Antonyms
continuing, incomplete, ongoing, unfinished
[3] all-out, clean, comprehensive, exhaustive, full-scale, out-and-out, thorough, thoroughgoing, total—more at EXHAUSTIVE

2complete verb com·plet·ed; com·plet·ing
1 : to bring to an end and esp. into a perfected state : FINISH
2 : to make whole or perfect <the hat ~s the outfit>

Synonyms
[1, 2] consummate, finalize, finish, perfect—more at FINISH

com·plete·ly adverb
1 : so as to be complete : FULLY
2 : to a complete degree

Synonyms
[1, 2] altogether, dead, entirely, fast, flat, full, fully, perfectly, quite, thoroughly, well, wholly—more at FULLY

1complex noun
1 : a whole made up of or involving intricately interrelated elements
2 : a group of repressed desires and memories that exert a dominating influence on one's personality and behavior <a guilt ~>
3 : a building or group of buildings housing related units

Synonyms
establishment, facility, installation—more at FACILITY

2complex adjective
1 : composed of two or more parts
2 : consisting of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses <~ sentence>
3 : hard to separate, analyze, solve, or do
4 : marked by an involvement of many parts, aspects, or details necessitating careful study or attention

— com·plex·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 4] complicated, convoluted, elaborate, intricate, involved, knotty, sophisticated; also composite, compound, heterogeneous, mixed, multifarious, varied; challenging, difficult, tough; impenetrable, incomprehensible, inexplicable, unfathomable, unintelligible
Antonyms
plain, simple
[3] complicated, detailed, elaborate, fancy, intricate, involved, sophisticated

complex fraction noun
: a fraction with a fraction or mixed number in the numerator or denominator or both

com·plex·ion noun
1 : the hue or appearance of the skin esp. of the face
2 : overall aspect or character

— com·plex·ioned adjective

Synonyms
character, constitution, genius, nature, personality, tone—more at NATURE

com·plex·i·ty noun
1 : something complex
2 : the quality or state of being complex

Synonyms
[1] complication, difficulty, intricacy—more at COMPLICATION
[2] elaborateness, intricacy, sophistication; also diversity; impenetrability
Antonyms
plainness, simpleness, simplicity

complex number noun
: a number of the form a + b √-1 where a and b are real numbers

com·pli·ance noun
1 : the act of complying to a demand or proposal
2 : a disposition to yield

Synonyms
[1] conformity, obedience, observance, submission, subordination—more at OBEDIENCE
[2] deference, docility, obedience; also amiability, complaisance; servility, subservience, subserviency; conformity; receptiveness, receptivity; humoring, indulgence; acceptance, acquiescence, assent, consent; capitulation, submission, surrender; affability, amicability, congeniality, cordiality, friendliness, geniality, sociability
Antonyms
defiance, disobedience, recalcitrance

com·pli·ant adjective
: ready or disposed to comply

Synonyms
amenable, conformable, docile, obedient, submissive, tractable—more at OBEDIENT

com·pli·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to make or become complex or intricate

com·pli·cat·ed adjective
1 : consisting of parts intricately combined
2 : difficult to analyze, understand, or explain
3 : not simple or easy to fabricate or comprehend

— com·pli·cat·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] complex, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, intricate, involved, knotty, sophisticated—more at COMPLEX

com·pli·ca·tion noun
1 a : the quality or state of being complicated
b : a complex feature
2 : a disease or condition that develops during and affects the course of a primary disease or condition

Synonyms
complexity, difficulty, intricacy; also aftereffect, ramification, side effect; subtlety, technicality; annoyance, bother, headache, inconvenience, matter, trouble

com·plic·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: the state of being an accomplice

1compliment noun
1 : an expression of approval or admiration; especially : a flattering remark
2 plural : best wishes : REGARDS

Synonyms
usually compliments greetings, regards, respects; also approval, blessing, endorsement; acknowledgement, citation, commendation; adulation, flattery, praise

2compliment verb
: to pay a compliment to

com·pli·men·ta·ry adjective
1 : containing or expressing a compliment
2 : given free as a courtesy <~ ticket>

Synonyms
[1] appreciative, favorable, friendly, good, positive—more at FAVORABLE
[2] free, gratuitous—more at FREE

com·ply verb com·plied; com·ply·ing
: to conform, submit, or adapt (as to a regulation or to another's wishes) as required or requested

Synonyms
usually comply with conform, follow, mind, obey, observe—more at OBEY
usually comply with answer, fill, fulfill, keep, meet, redeem, satisfy—more at FULFILL

1component noun
: a component part

Synonyms
constituent, element, factor, ingredient, member—more at ELEMENT

2component adjective
: serving to form a part of : CONSTITUENT

com·port verb
1 : to be fitting : AGREE, ACCORD
2 : to behave in a manner conformable to what is right, proper, or expected : CONDUCT

Synonyms
[1] accord, agree, answer, check, coincide, conform, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, square, tally—more at CHECK
[2] acquit, bear, behave, conduct, demean, deport, quit—more at BEHAVE

com·port·ment noun
: manner of bearing : DEMEANOR

Synonyms
actions, bearing, behavior, conduct, demeanor, deportment—more at BEHAVIOR

com·pose verb com·posed; com·pos·ing
1 a : to form by putting together
b : to form the substance of
2 : to produce (as pages of type) by composition
3 : ADJUST, ARRANGE
4 : to free from agitation : CALM, QUIET
5 : to practice composition <~ music>

Synonyms
[1b] comprise, constitute, form, make up—more at CONSTITUTE
[2] cast, craft, draft, draw, formulate, frame, prepare; also fabricate, fashion, form, mold, sculpture, shape; couch, express, phrase, state, verbalize, word; author, pen, write; conceive, concoct, devise; build, construct, make; assemble, compound, piece (together)
[4] allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, tranquilize—more at CALM
[4] calm, collect, contain, control, settle—more at COLLECT

composed adjective
: free from agitation

Synonyms
calm, collected, cool, placid, self-possessed, serene, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed, unshaken, untroubled, unworried—more at CALM

com·pos·er noun
: one that composes : a person who writes music

1composite adjective
1 : made up of distinct parts or elements
2 : of, relating to, or being a large family of flowering plants (as a daisy or aster) that bear many small flowers united into compact heads resembling single flowers

2composite noun
1 : something composite
2 : a plant of the composite family

Synonyms
admixture, amalgam, blend, combination, compound, fusion, intermixture, mix, mixture—more at BLEND

com·po·si·tion noun
1 a : the act or process of composing
b : arrangement esp. in artistic form
2 : the arrangement or production of type for printing
3 : general makeup
4 : a product of mixing various elements or ingredients
5 a : a literary, musical, or artistic product
b : a brief piece of writing : ESSAY

Synonyms
[1b] arrangement, configuration, design, form, format, layout, makeup, pattern; also motif, theme
[5a] opus, piece, work; also classic, magnum opus, masterpiece, pièce de résistance, showpiece; model, outline, sketch; étude
[5b] article, essay, paper, theme—more at ESSAY

com·pos·i·tor noun
: one who sets type

com·post noun
: a fertilizing material consisting largely of decayed organic matter

com·po·sure noun
: a calmness or repose esp. of mind, bearing, or appearance : CALMNESS, SELF-POSSESSION

Synonyms
aplomb, calmness, coolness, equanimity, placidity, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity—more at EQUANIMITY

com·pote noun
1 : fruits cooked in syrup
2 : a bowl (as of glass) usu. with a base and stem for serving esp. fruit or compote

1compound verb
[ORIGIN: ME compounen, fr. AF *cumpundre, fr. L componere, fr. com- together + ponere to put]

1 : to put together (parts) so as to form a whole : COMBINE
2 : to form by combining parts <~ a medicine>
3 : SETTLE <~ a dispute>; also : to refrain from prosecuting (an offense) in return for a consideration
4 a : to increase (as interest) by an amount that can itself vary
b : to add to

Synonyms
[1] chain, combine, connect, couple, hitch, hook, join, link, yoke—more at CONNECT
[4b] add, aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, increase, multiply, raise, swell, up—more at INCREASE

2compound adjective
1 : made up of individual parts
2 : composed of united similar parts esp. of a kind usu. independent <a ~ plant ovary>
3 : formed by the combination of two or more otherwise independent elements <~ sentence>

3compound noun
1 : a word consisting of parts that are words
2 : something formed from a union of elements or parts; especially : a distinct substance formed by the union of two or more chemical elements

Synonyms
admixture, amalgam, blend, combination, composite, fusion, intermixture, mix, mixture—more at BLEND

4compound noun
[ORIGIN: by folk etymology fr. Malay kampung group of buildings, village]

: an enclosure containing buildings

compound interest noun
: interest computed on the sum of an original principal and accrued interest

com·pre·hend verb
1 : to grasp the nature, significance, or meaning of : UNDERSTAND
2 : to contain or hold within a total scope, significance, or amount : INCLUDE

— com·pre·hen·si·ble adjective

Synonyms
[1] appreciate, apprehend, catch, catch on, get, grasp, make, make out, perceive, see, seize, tumble, understand; also absorb, assimilate, digest, take in; know, realize, sense; fathom, penetrate
Antonyms
miss
[2] carry, contain, embrace, encompass, entail, include, involve, number, take in—more at INCLUDE

com·pre·hen·sion noun
: knowledge gained by comprehending

Synonyms
appreciation, apprehension, grasp, grip, perception, understanding; also absorption, assimilation, uptake; conception, visualization; awareness, consciousness, realization

com·pre·hen·sive adjective
: covering completely or broadly : covering all possibilities

— com·pre·hen·sive·ly adverb

— com·pre·hen·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
compendious, complete, encyclopedic, full, global, inclusive, omnibus, panoramic, universal—more at ENCYCLOPEDIC
complete, entire, full, grand, intact, integral, perfect, plenary, total, whole—more at COMPLETE

1compress verb
1 : to press or squeeze together
2 : to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing

— com·pres·sor noun

Synonyms
[1] condense, constrict, contract, shrink—more at CONTRACT
[2] compact, condense, constrict, contract, squeeze; also cram, crowd, jam, jam-pack, pack; abbreviate, abridge, curtail, shorten; downsize, shrink; concentrate, consolidate; simplify, streamline; decrease, diminish, lessen
Antonyms
expand, open, outspread

2compress noun
: a folded pad or cloth used to press upon a body part

compressed air noun
: air under pressure greater than that of the atmosphere

com·pres·sion noun
1 : the act or process of compressing
2 : the process of compressing the fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine
3 : conversion (as of data) in order to reduce the space occupied or the bandwidth required

Synonyms
condensation, constriction, contraction; also abbreviation, abridgment, curtailment, shortening; concentration, consolidation; simplification; decreasing, lessening
Antonyms
expansion

com·prise verb com·prised; com·pris·ing
1 : INCLUDE, CONTAIN
2 : to consist of : to be made up of
3 : to make up : COMPOSE, CONSTITUTE

Synonyms
compose, constitute, form, make up—more at CONSTITUTE

1compromise noun
: a settlement of differences reached by mutual concessions

Synonyms
accommodation, concession, give-and-take, negotiation—more at CONCESSION

2compromise verb -mised; -mis·ing
1 : to settle by compromise
2 a : to expose to suspicion or loss of reputation
b : to put in jeopardy : endanger by some act that cannot be recalled

Synonyms
adventure, gamble, hazard, imperil, jeopardize, menace, risk, venture

comp·trol·ler noun
: an official who audits and supervises expenditures and accounts

com·pul·sion noun
1 : an act of compelling
2 : a force that compels
3 : an irresistible persistent impulse to perform an act

Synonyms
coercion, constraint, duress, force, pressure—more at FORCE

com·pul·sive adjective
: of, having to do with, caused by, or suggestive of psychological compulsion or obsession

com·pul·so·ry adjective
: demanded, directed, or designated by authority

Synonyms
imperative, incumbent, involuntary, mandatory, necessary, nonelective, obligatory, peremptory—more at MANDATORY

com·punc·tion noun
: anxiety arising from guilt

Synonyms
misgiving, qualm, scruple—more at QUALM

com·pu·ta·tion noun
: the act or action of computing

— com·pu·ta·tion·al adjective

Synonyms
arithmetic, calculation, reckoning—more at CALCULATION

com·pute verb com·put·ed; com·put·ing
: to determine or ascertain esp. by mathematical means : arrive at an answer to or sum for : CALCULATE, RECKON

Synonyms
calculate, figure, reckon, work out—more at CALCULATE

computed tomography noun
: radiography in which a three-dimensional image of a body structure is constructed by computer from a series of plane cross-sectional images made along an axis

com·put·er noun
: a programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data

com·put·er·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to carry out, control, or produce by means of a computer
2 : to provide with computers
3 : to store in a computer; also : put into a form that a computer can use

— com·put·er·iza·tion noun

computerized axial tomography noun
: COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

com·rade noun
[ORIGIN: MF comarade group sleeping in one room, roommate, companion, fr. Sp comarada, fr. cámara room, fr. LL camera]

: an intimate friend or associate : COMPANION, ASSOCIATE

Synonyms
associate, cohort, companion, crony, fellow, mate—more at ASSOCIATE
buddy, chum, crony, familiar, friend, intimate, pal—more at FRIEND

com·rade·ly adjective
: of or like a comrade or partner

Synonyms
amicable, companionable, cordial, friendly, genial, hearty, neighborly, warm, warmhearted—more at FRIENDLY

com·rade·ship noun
: association as comrades

Synonyms
camaraderie, companionship, company, fellowship, society—more at COMPANIONSHIP

1con verb conned; con·ning
1 : to commit to memory by vocal or mental repetition : MEMORIZE
2 : STUDY

2con adverb
: in opposition : AGAINST

3con noun
: an opposing argument, person, or position <pros and ~s>

4con verb conned; con·ning
1 : SWINDLE
2 : PERSUADE, CAJOLE

5con noun
: CONVICT

conc abbreviation
concentrated

con·cat·e·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to link together in a series or chain

— con·cat·e·na·tion noun

con·cave adjective
: curved or rounded inward like the inside of a bowl

Synonyms
depressed, hollow, sunken—more at HOLLOW

con·cav·i·ty noun
: a concave line, surface, or space

Synonyms
cavity, dent, depression, hole, hollow, indentation, pit, recess—more at HOLE

con·ceal verb
: to place out of sight : HIDE

Synonyms
bury, cache, ensconce, hide, secrete—more at HIDE

con·ceal·ment noun
1 : the act or practice of concealing
2 : a hiding place

Synonyms
[1] secretion; also burial, burying, entombment, interment, interring
Antonyms
display, exhibition, exposure, parading, showing
[2] covert, den, hideout, lair, nest—more at HIDEOUT

con·cede verb con·ced·ed; con·ced·ing
1 : to admit to be true
2 : to make concession : GRANT, YIELD

Synonyms
[1] acknowledge, admit, agree, allow, confess, grant, own—more at ADMIT
[2] bow, budge, capitulate, give in, grant, knuckle under, quit, submit, succumb, surrender, yield—more at YIELD

con·ceit noun
1 : excessively high opinion of one's self or ability : VANITY
2 : an elaborate or strained metaphor
3 : a fanciful idea

Synonyms
[1] complacence, ego, egotism, pride, self-conceit, self-esteem, self-importance, self-satisfaction, smugness, vainglory, vanity
[3] chimera, daydream, delusion, dream, fancy, fantasy, figment, hallucination, illusion, phantasm, pipe dream, unreality, vision—more at FANTASY

con·ceit·ed adjective
: having or showing an excessively high opinion of oneself

— con·ceit·ed·ly adverb

— con·ceit·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
complacent, egotistic, important, overweening, pompous, prideful, proud, self-important, self-satisfied, smug, stuck-up, vain; also boastful, braggart, bragging; arrogant, cavalier, disdainful, haughty, lordly, self-assertive, snobbish, supercilious, superior, uppity; domineering, high-handed, imperious; highfalutin, pretentious; overconfident, presumptuous; confident, self-assured, self-confident; self-centered, selfish
Antonyms
humble, modest

con·ceive verb con·ceived; con·ceiv·ing
1 : to become pregnant or pregnant with <~ a child>
2 : to form an idea of : IMAGINE

— con·ceiv·able adjective

Synonyms
dream, envisage, fancy, imagine, picture, vision, visualize—more at IMAGINE

con·ceiv·ably adverb
: it may be conceived : POSSIBLY

Synonyms
maybe, perchance, perhaps, possibly—more at PERHAPS

con·cel·e·brant noun
: one that jointly participates in celebrating the Eucharist

1concentrate verb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
1 : to gather into one body, mass, or force
2 : to make less dilute
3 : to fix one's powers, efforts, or attentions

Synonyms
[1] center, centralize, compact, consolidate, unify, unite—more at CENTRALIZE
[1] accumulate, amass, assemble, collect, garner, gather, group, lump, pick up, round up, scrape
[3] fasten, focus, rivet, train; also aim, direct, level, point, zero (in on); attend, heed, mind

2concentrate noun
: something concentrated

concentrated adjective
1 : rich in respect to a particular or essential element
2 : not scattered or dispersed

Synonyms
[1] full, full-bodied, potent, rich, robust, strong—more at FULL-BODIED
[2] all, entire, undivided, whole—more at WHOLE

con·cen·tra·tion noun
1 : the act or process of concentrating : the state of being concentrated; especially : direction of attention on a single object
2 : the amount of a component in a given area or volume

Synonyms
absorption, attention—more at ATTENTION

concentration camp noun
: a camp where persons (as prisoners of war or political prisoners) are confined

con·cen·tric adjective
1 : having a common center <~ circles>
2 : COAXIAL

1concept noun
: something conceived in the mind : THOUGHT, NOTION, IDEA

Synonyms
idea, image, impression, notion, picture, thought—more at IDEA

2concept adjective
1 : organized around a main idea or theme <a ~ album>
2 : created to illustrate a concept <a ~ car>

con·cep·tion noun
1 : the process of conceiving or being conceived
2 : the power to form or understand ideas or concepts
3 : a general idea : CONCEPT
4 : the originating of something

con·cep·tu·al adjective
: of, relating to, or consisting of concepts

— con·cep·tu·al·ly adverb

con·cep·tu·al·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to form a conception of

1concern verb
1 : to relate to : be about <the novel ~s three soldiers>
2 : to be the business of : INVOLVE
3 : ENGAGE, OCCUPY
4 : to be a care, trouble, or distress to

Synonyms
[1] cover, deal, pertain, treat; also appertain (to), bear (on or upon), refer (to), relate (to); allude (to), glance (upon), mention, touch (upon); offer, present; contain, embrace, encompass, entail, include, incorporate
[2] affect, interest, involve, touch; also apply (to), relate (to); embroil, ensnare, entangle, implicate
[4] agitate, bother, discompose, disquiet, distress, disturb, exercise, freak, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, worry

2concern noun
1 : an uneasy state of blended interest, uncertainty, and apprehension : ANXIETY
2 : AFFAIR, MATTER
3 : a business organization

Synonyms
[1] agitation, anxiety, apprehension, care, disquiet, nervousness, perturbation, uneasiness, worry—more at ANXIETY
[3] business, company, enterprise, establishment, firm, house, outfit—more at ENTERPRISE

con·cerned adjective
1 : ANXIOUS, UNEASY
2 : INVOLVED

con·cern·ing preposition
: relating to : REGARDING

Synonyms
about, apropos of, of, on, regarding, respecting, toward—more at ABOUT

con·cern·ment noun
1 : something in which one is concerned
2 : IMPORTANCE, CONSEQUENCE

1concert noun
1 : agreement in a plan or design
2 : a concerted action
3 : a public performance (as of music)

2concert verb
1 : to plan together
2 : to settle or adjust by conferring and reaching an agreement

Synonyms
[1] collaborate, cooperate, join, team—more at COOPERATE
[2] arrange, conclude, negotiate—more at NEGOTIATE

con·cert·ed adjective
1 : mutually agreed on
2 : performed in unison

Synonyms
collective, common, communal, conjoint, joint, mutual, public, united—more at COLLECTIVE

con·cer·ti·na noun
: an instrument of the accordion family

concertina wire noun
: a coiled wire with sharp points for use as an obstacle

con·cert·mas·ter or con·cert·meis·ter noun
: the leader of the first violins of an orchestra and assistant to the conductor

con·cer·to noun, plural -ti or -tos
[ORIGIN: It]

: a piece for one or more solo instruments and orchestra in three movements

con·ces·sion noun
1 : an act of conceding or yielding
2 : something yielded
3 : a grant by a government of land or of a right to use it
4 : a grant of a portion of premises for some specific purpose; also : the activities or enterprise carried on

— con·ces·sion·ary adjective

Synonyms
[1] acknowledgment, admission, avowal, confession—more at CONFESSION
[1, 2] accommodation, compromise, give-and-take, negotiation; also arrangement, bargain, deal, understanding; agreement, settlement

con·ces·sion·aire noun
: one that owns or operates a concession

conch noun, plural conchs or conch·es
: a large spiral-shelled marine gastropod mollusk; also : its shell

con·cierge noun, plural con·cierges
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a resident in an apartment building who performs services for the tenants
2 : a usu. multilingual hotel staff member who usu. handles mail and reservations

con·cil·i·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to bring into agreement : RECONCILE
2 : to gain the goodwill of

— con·cil·i·a·tion noun

Synonyms
accommodate, conform, coordinate, harmonize, key, reconcile—more at HARMONIZE

con·cil·ia·to·ry adjective
: tending to conciliate

Synonyms
pacific, propitiatory—more at PACIFIC

con·cise adjective
: expressing much in few words : BRIEF

Synonyms
brief, compact, compendious, crisp, epigrammatic, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, terse; also abrupt, blunt, brusque, curt, short, snippy; abbreviated, abridged, condensed, shortened; meaty, substantial; meaningful, significant
Antonyms
diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, wordy

con·cise·ly adverb
: in a concise manner

Synonyms
compactly, crisply, laconically, shortly, succinctly, summarily, tersely—more at SHORTLY

con·cise·ness noun
: the quality or state of being concise

Synonyms
brevity, briefness, compactness, crispness, succinctness, terseness—more at SUCCINCTNESS

con·clave noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML, fr. L, room that can be locked, fr. com- together + clavis key]

: a private gathering; also : CONVENTION

con·clude verb con·clud·ed; con·clud·ing
1 : to bring or come to a close : END
2 a : to reach as a logically necessary end by reasoning : JUDGE
b : to make a decision about : DECIDE
3 : to bring about as a result

Synonyms
[1] close, end, finish, round, terminate, wind up, wrap up—more at CLOSE
[2a] deduce, extrapolate, gather, infer, judge, reason, understand—more at INFER
[2b] choose, decide, determine, figure, opt, resolve—more at DECIDE

con·clu·sion noun
1 : the logical consequence of a reasoning process
2 : the last part of anything : END
3 : a final decision or settlement : OUTCOME, RESULT

Synonyms
[1, 3] aftermath, consequence, corollary, development, effect, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequence, upshot—more at EFFECT
[2] close, consummation, end, ending, finale, finis, finish, windup—more at FINALE

con·clu·sive adjective
: putting an end to debate or question esp. by reason of irrefutability

— con·clu·sive·ly adverb

Synonyms
absolute, clear, decisive, definitive; also incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable, indubitable, irrefutable, undeniable, unquestionable; unchallenged, uncontested, undisputed; unambiguous, unequivocal; certain, definite, positive, sure
Antonyms
inconclusive, indecisive, unclear

con·coct verb
1 : to prepare by combining raw materials
2 a : to formulate by thought
b : to put together usu. for the purposes of deception : DEVISE

Synonyms
contrive, cook, devise, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, think—more at INVENT

con·coc·tion noun
1 : something that is concocted (as a food or scheme)
2 : something that suggests origin by concoction (as by mingling of diverse elements)

Synonyms
coinage, contrivance, creation, innovation, invention, wrinkle—more at INVENTION

1concomitant adjective
: accompanying esp. in a subordinate or incidental way

Synonyms
accompanying, attendant, attending, coincident, concurrent—more at COINCIDENT

2concomitant noun
: something that accompanies or is collaterally connected with something else

con·cord noun
: a state of agreement : HARMONY

Synonyms
compatibility, harmony, peace—more at HARMONY

con·cor·dance noun
1 : an alphabetical index of words in a book or in an author's works with the passages in which they occur
2 : AGREEMENT, COVENANT

con·cor·dant adjective
: HARMONIOUS, AGREEING

con·cor·dat noun
: CONCORDANCE 2

con·course noun
1 : a spontaneous coming together : GATHERING
2 : an open space or hall (as in a bus terminal) where crowds gather

1concrete adjective
1 : naming a real thing or class of things : not abstract
2 : not theoretical : ACTUAL
3 : made of or relating to concrete
4 : formed by coalition of particles into one solid mass

Synonyms
[2] actual, existent, factual, real, true, very—more at ACTUAL
[4] material, physical, substantial—more at MATERIAL

2concrete verb con·cret·ed; con·cret·ing
1 : to form into a solid mass : SOLIDIFY
2 : to cover with concrete

3concrete noun
: a hard building material made by mixing cement, sand, and gravel with water

con·cre·tion noun
: a hard mass esp. when formed abnormally in the body

con·cu·bine noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF, fr. L concubina, fr. com- with + cubare to lie]

: a woman who is not legally a wife but lives with a man and sometimes has a recognized position in his household; also : MISTRESS

— con·cu·bi·nage noun

con·cu·pis·cence noun
: ardent sexual desire : LUST

con·cur verb con·curred; con·cur·ring
1 : to act together
2 : to express agreement : AGREE
3 : to happen together : COINCIDE

con·cur·rence noun
1 : agreement in action or opinion
2 : occurrence together

Synonyms
accord, agreement, consensus, unanimity—more at AGREEMENT

con·cur·rent adjective
1 : happening or operating at the same time
2 : joint and equal in authority

Synonyms
coeval, contemporary, simultaneous, synchronous—more at CONTEMPORARY
attendant, coincident, concomitant—more at COINCIDENT

con·cus·sion noun
1 : a hard blow or collision; also : bodily injury (as to the brain) resulting from a sudden jar
2 : AGITATION, SHAKING

Synonyms
bump, collision, crash, impact, jar, jolt, shock, smash, strike, wallop—more at IMPACT

con·demn verb
1 : to declare to be wrong, reprehensible, or evil
2 : to pronounce guilty
3 : to sentence judicially
4 : to pronounce unfit for use or consumption <~ a building>
5 : to declare forfeited or taken for public use
6 : to pronounce judgment on the faults of

— con·dem·na·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] censure, damn, decry, denounce, reprehend, reprobate; also attack, blast, criticize, knock, pan, slam; belittle, deprecate, disparage; doom, sentence; convict; blacklist, excommunicate, ostracize; rebuke, reprimand, reproach; admonish, chide, reprove; lambaste, scold, upbraid
Antonyms
bless
[3] damn, doom, sentence—more at SENTENCE
[4] censure, denounce, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove—more at CENSURE
[6] blame, censure, criticize, denounce, fault, knock, pan, reprehend—more at CRITICIZE

con·den·sate noun
: a product of condensation

con·den·sa·tion noun
1 : the act or process of condensing
2 : abridgment and usu. compression of a literary work

Synonyms
[1] compression, constriction, contraction—more at COMPRESSION
[2] abbreviation, digest

con·dense verb con·densed; con·dens·ing
1 : to make or become more compact or dense : compress or concentrate into a smaller scope or volume
2 : to change from vapor to liquid

Synonyms
compact, compress, constrict, contract, squeeze—more at COMPRESS

condensed adjective
: reduced to a more compact form

con·dens·er noun
1 : one that condenses
2 : CAPACITOR

con·de·scend verb
1 : to descend to a less formal or dignified level
2 : to assume an air of superiority

— con·de·scend·ing·ly adverb

— con·de·scen·sion noun

con·dign adjective
: DESERVED, APPROPRIATE <~ punishment>

con·di·ment noun
: something used to make food savory; especially : a pungent seasoning (as pepper)

1condition noun
1 : something essential to the occurrence of some other thing
2 : state of being
3 : social status
4 plural : state of affairs : CIRCUMSTANCES
5 : a bodily state in which something is wrong <a heart ~>
6 : a state of health, fitness, or working order <in good ~>
7 : a restricting or modifying factor

Synonyms
[1] essential, must, necessity, provision, proviso, qualification, requirement, stipulation
[2, 6] estate, fettle, form, order, repair, shape, trim; also practice; kilter; pass, phase, stage
[7] check, constraint, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, restriction—more at RESTRICTION

2condition verb
1 : to put into proper condition for action or use
2 : to adapt, modify, or mold to respond in a particular way
3 : to modify so that an act or response previously associated with one stimulus becomes associated with another

Synonyms
[1, 2] acclimate, accommodate, adapt, adjust, conform, fit, shape—more at ADAPT

con·di·tion·al adjective
: containing, implying, or depending on a condition

— con·di·tion·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
contingent, dependent, subject—more at DEPENDENT

con·di·tioned adjective
: determined or established by conditioning

con·di·tion·er noun
: a preparation used to improve the condition of hair

con·do noun
: CONDOMINIUM 3

con·dole verb con·doled; con·dol·ing
: to express sympathetic sorrow

— con·do·lence noun

con·dom noun
: a usu. rubber sheath worn over the penis (as to prevent pregnancy or venereal infection during sexual intercourse)

con·do·min·i·um noun, plural -ums
1 : joint sovereignty (as by two or more nations)
2 : a politically dependent territory under condominium
3 : individual ownership of a unit (as an apartment) in a multiunit structure; also : a unit so owned

con·done verb con·doned; con·don·ing
: to overlook or forgive esp. by treating (an offense) as harmless or trivial

— con·do·na·tion noun

Synonyms
brush, disregard, excuse, gloss, ignore, pardon, pass over, shrug off, wink—more at EXCUSE

con·dor noun
[ORIGIN: Sp cóndor, fr. Quechua (a So. American Indian language) kuntur]

: a very large American vulture of the high Andes; also : a related nearly extinct vulture of southern California

con·duce verb con·duced; con·duc·ing
: to lead or contribute to a particular result

— con·du·cive adjective

1conduct noun
1 : the act, manner, or process of carrying on : MANAGEMENT, DIRECTION
2 : a mode or standard of personal behavior esp. as based on moral principles : BEHAVIOR

Synonyms
[1] administration, control, direction, government, guidance, management, operation, oversight, regulation, running, superintendence, supervision; also care, custody, guardianship, protection, tutelage; engineering, machination, manipulation
[2] actions, bearing, behavior, comportment, demeanor, deportment—more at BEHAVIOR

2conduct verb
1 : to bring by or as if by leading : GUIDE
2 : to direct or take part in the operation or management of : MANAGE, DIRECT
3 : to convey in a channel
4 : to cause (oneself) to act or behave in a particular and esp. in a controlled manner : BEHAVE

— con·duc·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] direct, guide, lead, marshal, pilot, route, show, steer, usher—more at LEAD
[2] administer, carry on, control, direct, govern, guide, handle, manage, operate, oversee, regulate, run, superintend, supervise; also care (for), keep, mind, tend, watch; lead, pilot, steer; guard, protect, safeguard
[3] channel, direct, funnel, pipe, siphon—more at CHANNEL
[4] acquit, bear, behave, comport, demean, deport, quit—more at BEHAVE

con·duc·tance noun
: the readiness with which a conductor transmits an electric current

con·duc·tive adjective
: having the power to conduct (as heat or electricity)

— con·duc·tiv·i·ty noun

con·duc·tor noun
1 : one that conducts; especially : a material that permits an electric current to flow easily
2 : a collector of fares in a public conveyance
3 : the leader of a musical ensemble

con·duit noun
1 : a natural or artificial channel through which something (as a fluid) is conveyed
2 : a tube or trough for protecting electric wires or cables
3 : a means of transmitting or distributing

Synonyms
channel, duct, leader, line, penstock, pipe, tube—more at PIPE
aqueduct, canal, channel, flume, raceway, watercourse—more at CHANNEL

con·dyle noun
: an articular prominence of a bone

— con·dy·lar adjective

cone noun
1 : the scaly fruit of trees of the pine family
2 : a solid figure formed by rotating a right triangle about one of its legs
3 : a solid figure that slopes evenly to a point from a usu. circular base
4 : any of the conical light-sensitive receptor cells of the retina that function in color vision
5 : something shaped like a cone

Con·es·to·ga wagon noun
: a broad-wheeled covered wagon used esp. for transporting freight across the prairies

co·ney noun, plural coneys
1 : RABBIT; also : its fur
2 : PIKA

conf abbreviation
1 conference
2 confidential

con·fab noun
: CONFABULATION 1

con·fab·u·la·tion noun
1 : CHAT; also : CONFERENCE
2 : a filling in of gaps in memory by fabrication

con·fec·tion noun
: a fancy dish or sweet; also : CANDY

con·fec·tion·er noun
: a maker of or dealer in confections

con·fec·tion·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : sweet foods
2 : a confectioner's place of business

Confed abbreviation
Confederate

con·fed·er·a·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : a league or compact for mutual support or common action : LEAGUE, ALLIANCE
2 cap : the 11 southern states that seceded from the U.S. in 1860 and 1861

Synonyms
alliance, bloc, coalition, combination, combine, confederation, federation, league, union; also cabal, conspiracy; cartel, syndicate, trust; faction, side, wing; association, group, organization; affiliation, cooperative, partnership

1confederate adjective
1 : united in a league : ALLIED
2 cap : of or relating to the Confederacy

2confederate noun
1 : one that is associated with another as a helper
2 cap : an adherent of the Confederacy

Synonyms
abettor, accessory, accomplice, cohort—more at ACCOMPLICE
abettor, ally, backer, supporter, sympathizer—more at ALLY

3confederate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to unite in a confederacy

Synonyms
ally, associate, band, club, conjoin, cooperate, federate, league, unite—more at ALLY

con·fed·er·a·tion noun
1 : an act of confederating : ALLIANCE
2 : LEAGUE

Synonyms
alliance, bloc, coalition, combination, combine, confederacy, federation, league, union—more at CONFEDERACY

con·fer verb con·ferred; con·fer·ring
1 : to give or grant from or as if from a position of superiority : BESTOW
2 : to exchange views : CONSULT

— con·fer·ee noun

Synonyms
[1] accord, award, bestow, give, grant; also contribute, donate, present; furnish, provide, supply; extend, offer, proffer; allocate, appropriate, assign
[2] advise, consult, counsel, parley, treat; also debate, deliberate, discuss, hash (over); coach, guide, tutor; recommend, suggest; direct, refer (to)

con·fer·ence noun
1 a : an interchange of views
b : a meeting for an exchange of views
2 : an association of athletic teams

Synonyms
[1a] argument, colloquy, deliberation, discourse, discussion, give-and-take, parley, talk—more at DISCUSSION
[1b] assembly, congress, convention, convocation, council, gathering, get-together, huddle, meeting, powwow, seminar—more at MEETING

con·fer·enc·ing noun
: the holding of conferences esp. by means of electronic devices

con·fess verb
1 : to tell or make known (as something wrong or damaging to oneself)
2 : to acknowledge one's sins to God or to a priest
3 : to receive the confession of (a penitent)

Synonyms
acknowledge, admit, agree, allow, concede, grant, own—more at ADMIT

con·fessed·ly adverb
: by confession : ADMITTEDLY

con·fes·sion noun
1 : an act of confessing (as in the sacrament of penance)
2 : an acknowledgment of guilt
3 : a formal statement of religious beliefs
4 : a religious body having a common creed

— con·fes·sion·al adjective

Synonyms
[1, 2] acknowledgment, admission, avowal, concession; also allowance; betrayal, disclosure, revelation; announcement, declaration, proclamation; contrition, regret, remorse, repentance

con·fes·sion·al noun
: a place where a priest hears confessions

con·fes·sor noun
1 : one that confesses
2 : a priest who hears confessions

con·fet·ti noun
[ORIGIN: It, pl. of confetto sweetmeat, fr. ML confectum, fr. L, neut. of confectus, pp. of conficere to prepare]

: bits of colored paper or ribbon for throwing (as at weddings)

con·fi·dant noun
: one to whom secrets are confided

con·fi·dante noun
: CONFIDANT; especially : one who is a woman

con·fide verb con·fid·ed; con·fid·ing
1 : to have or show faith : TRUST <~ in a friend>
2 : to tell confidentially <~ a secret>
3 : ENTRUST

1confidence noun
1 : faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way : TRUST
2 : a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances : SELF-ASSURANCE
3 : a state of trust or intimacy
4 : a communication made in confidence : SECRET 2
5 : the quality or state of being certain : CERTITUDE

Synonyms
[2] aplomb, assurance, self-assurance, self-confidence, self-esteem; also cockiness, complacence, complacency, conceit, ego, egotism, overconfidence, pride, self-conceit, self-importance, self-satisfaction, smugness, vainglory, vanity; calmness, composure, coolness, equanimity; self-possession
Antonyms
diffidence, self-doubt
[3] credence, faith, stock, trust—more at TRUST
[5] assurance, certainty, certitude, conviction, positiveness, sureness; also dogmatism; decisiveness, firmness, resolution
Antonyms
doubt, incertitude, uncertainty

2confidence adjective
: of or relating to swindling by false promises <a ~ game>

con·fi·dent adjective
1 : full of conviction : CERTAIN
2 : having or showing assurance and self-reliance

— con·fi·dent·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] assured, certain, clear, cocksure, doubtless, positive, sanguine, sure—more at CERTAIN
[2] assured, secure, self-assured, self-confident; also hopeful, rosy, sanguine, upbeat; complacent, conceited, egoistic, egotistic, important, overweening, pompous, prideful, proud, self-important, self-satisfied, smug, stuck-up, vain, vainglorious; calm, collected, composed, cool, placid, self-possessed, serene, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed
Antonyms
diffident, insecure

con·fi·den·tial adjective
1 : known only to a limited few : SECRET, PRIVATE
2 : entrusted with confidences <~ clerk>

— con·fi·den·tial·ly adverb

Synonyms
hushed, inside, intimate, private, secret—more at PRIVATE

con·fig·u·ra·tion noun
: relative arrangement of parts or elements : SHAPE

Synonyms
arrangement, composition, design, form, format, layout, makeup, pattern, shape—more at COMPOSITION

con·fig·ure verb -ured; -ur·ing
: to set up for operation esp. in a particular way

con·fine verb con·fined; con·fin·ing
1 : to hold within a location; also : IMPRISON
2 : to keep within limits <will ~ my remarks to one subject>

— con·fin·er noun

Synonyms
[1] commit, immure, imprison, jail—more at IMPRISON
[2] check, circumscribe, control, curb, inhibit, limit, restrain, restrict

con·fine·ment noun
: an act of confining : the state of being confined

Synonyms
captivity, imprisonment, incarceration, internment—more at INTERNMENT

con·fines noun plural
: something (as borders or walls) that encloses : something that restrains

Synonyms
boundary, ceiling, end, extent, limit, limitation, line, termination—more at LIMIT
border, boundary, circumference, compass, edge, end, fringe, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, verge—more at BORDER

con·firm verb
1 : to give approval to : RATIFY
2 : to make firm or firmer
3 : to administer the rite of confirmation to
4 : to give new assurance of the validity of : VERIFY, CORROBORATE

Synonyms
bear out, corroborate, substantiate, support, validate, verify, vindicate; also attest, authenticate, avouch, certify, testify (to), vouch (for), witness; guarantee, warrant; affirm, assert, aver, avow, profess
Antonyms
disprove, rebut, refute

con·fir·ma·tion noun
1 : a religious ceremony admitting a person to full membership in a church or synagogue
2 : an act of ratifying or corroborating; also : PROOF

Synonyms
attestation, corroboration, documentation, evidence, proof, substantiation, testament, testimony, validation, witness—more at PROOF

con·fir·ma·to·ry adjective
: serving to confirm

Synonyms
corroborative—more at CORROBORATIVE

confirmed adjective
1 : marked by long continuance and likely to persist
2 : fixed in habit and unlikely to change

Synonyms
[1] deep-rooted, deep-seated, inveterate, settled—more at INVETERATE
[2] chronic, habitual, inveterate—more at HABITUAL

con·fis·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
[ORIGIN: L confiscare, fr. com- with + fiscus treasury]

: to take possession of by or as if by public authority

— con·fis·ca·tion noun

— con·fis·ca·to·ry adjective

con·fit noun
: a garnish of fruit or vegetables cooked in a seasoned liquid

con·fla·gra·tion noun
: FIRE; especially : a large disastrous fire

Synonyms
fire, holocaust, inferno—more at FIRE

1conflict noun
1 : prolonged fighting esp. with weapons : WAR
2 : a clash between hostile or opposing elements, ideas, or forces

Synonyms
[1] battle, clash, combat, contest, fight, fracas, fray, hassle, scrap, scrimmage, scuffle, skirmish, struggle, war, warfare
[2] battle, combat, confrontation, contest, duel, face-off, rivalry, struggle, tug-of-war, warfare—more at CONTEST

2conflict verb
: to show opposition or irreconcilability : CLASH

Synonyms
clash, collide, jar—more at CLASH

con·flu·ence noun
1 : a coming together at one point
2 : the meeting or place of meeting of two or more streams

— con·flu·ent adjective

Synonyms
conjunction, convergence, meeting—more at CONVERGENCE

con·flux noun
: CONFLUENCE

con·form verb
1 a : to be similar or identical
b : to be in agreement or harmony : AGREE
2 : to be obedient or compliant — usu. used with to; also : COMPLY
3 : to make like : shape to fit

— con·form·ist adjective

Synonyms
[1b] accord, agree, answer, check, coincide, comport, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, square, tally—more at CHECK
usually conform to [2] comply, follow, mind, obey, observe—more at OBEY
[3] acclimate, accommodate, adapt, adjust, condition, fit, shape—more at ADAPT

con·form·able adjective
1 : corresponding or consistent in form or character
2 : giving compliance or obedience

Synonyms
usually conformable to [1] compatible, congruous, consistent, consonant, correspondent, harmonious—more at CONSISTENT
[2] amenable, compliant, docile, obedient, submissive, tractable—more at OBEDIENT

con·for·mance noun
: CONFORMITY

con·for·ma·tion noun
: formation of something by appropriate arrangement of parts or elements : an assembling into a whole

Synonyms
arrangement, configuration, format, layout, setup

con·for·mi·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : correspondence in form, manner, or character : HARMONY, AGREEMENT
2 : action in accordance with some specified standard or authority : COMPLIANCE, OBEDIENCE

Synonyms
[1] accord, agreement, consonance, harmony, tune; also assimilation, integration; oneness, solidarity, togetherness; affinity, empathy, sympathy
Antonyms
conflict, disagreement
[2] compliance, obedience, observance, submission, subordination—more at OBEDIENCE

con·found verb
1 : to throw (a person) into confusion or perplexity
2 : to put to shame : CONFUSE 2

Synonyms
[1] addle, baffle, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, confuse, disorient, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, puzzle—more at CONFUSE
[2] abash, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, rattle—more at EMBARRASS

con·fra·ter·ni·ty noun
: a society devoted esp. to a religious or charitable cause

con·frere noun
: COLLEAGUE, COMRADE

con·front verb
1 a : to face esp. in challenge
b : to deal unflinchingly with <~ed the issue>
2 : to cause to face or meet

Synonyms
[1a, 1b] beard, brave, brazen, dare, defy, face—more at FACE

con·fron·ta·tion noun
: the act of confronting : the state of being confronted

— con·fron·ta·tion·al adjective

Synonyms
battle, combat, conflict, contest, duel, face-off, rivalry, struggle, tug-of-war, warfare—more at CONTEST

Con·fu·cian adjective
: of or relating to the Chinese philosopher Confucius or his teachings

— Con·fu·cian·ism noun

con·fuse verb con·fused; con·fus·ing
1 a : to make mentally unclear or uncertain
b : to disturb the composure of
2 : to mix up : JUMBLE
3 : to fail to make clear or distinct

— con·fus·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1a] addle, baffle, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, confound, disorient, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, puzzle; also stick, stump; abash, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, nonplus, rattle; agitate, bother, chagrin, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, stun, unhinge, unsettle, upset; deceive, misguide, mislead
[1b] abash, confound, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, rattle—more at EMBARRASS
[3] becloud, befog, blur, cloud, fog, muddy; also complicate, perplex; entangle, snarl, tangle; disorder, jumble, mess (up), mix (up)
Antonyms
clarify

confused adjective
1 : being perplexed or disconcerted
2 : being disordered or mixed up

Synonyms
[1] dizzy, stunned—more at DIZZY
[2] chaotic, disheveled, disordered, messy, muddled, sloppy, unkempt, untidy—more at MESSY

con·fu·sion noun
1 : an act or instance of confusing
2 : the quality or state of being confused
3 : a confused mass or mixture

Synonyms
[2] bafflement, bewilderment, distraction, muddle, mystification, perplexity, puzzlement, whirl; also abashment, discomfiture, embarrassment, fluster, mortification; agitation, chagrin, discomfort, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturbance, perturbation, upset
[3] chaos, disarray, disorder, disorganization, havoc, hell, jumble, mess, muddle, shambles—more at CHAOS

con·fute verb con·fut·ed; con·fut·ing
: to overwhelm by argument : refute conclusively

— con·fu·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
belie, disprove, rebut, refute—more at DISPROVE

cong abbreviation
congress; congressional

con·ga noun
: a Cuban dance of African origin performed by a group usu. in single file

con·geal verb
1 : to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold : FREEZE
2 : to make or become hard or thick

Synonyms
[1] clot, coagulate, gel, jell, set—more at COAGULATE
[1, 2] concrete, firm, freeze, harden, set, solidify—more at HARDEN

con·gee noun
: porridge made from rice

con·ge·ner noun
: one related to another; especially : a plant or animal of the same taxonomic genus as another

— con·ge·ner·ic adjective

con·ge·nial adjective
1 : having the same nature, disposition, or tastes : KINDRED
2 : agreeably suited to one's nature, tastes, or outlook : AGREEABLE

— con·ge·ni·al·i·ty noun

— con·ge·nial·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] agreeable, amicable, compatible, harmonious, kindred, unanimous, united—more at HARMONIOUS
[2] agreeable, delectable, delicious, delightful, dreamy, felicitous, good, grateful, gratifying, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying

con·gen·i·tal adjective
: existing at or dating from birth

con·ger eel noun
: a large edible marine eel of the Atlantic

con·ge·ries noun, plural congeries
: AGGREGATION, COLLECTION

con·gest verb
1 : to cause excessive fullness of the blood vessels of (as a lung)
2 : to obstruct by overcrowding
3 : to concentrate in a small or narrow space

— con·ges·tion noun

— con·ges·tive adjective

Synonyms
block, choke, clog, close, dam, jam, obstruct, plug, stop, stuff—more at CLOG

congestive heart failure noun
: heart failure in which the heart is unable to keep enough blood circulating in the tissues or is unable to pump out the blood returned to it by the veins

1conglomerate adjective
[ORIGIN: L conglomerare to roll together, fr. com- together + glomerare to wind into a ball, fr. glomer-, glomus ball]

: made up of parts from various sources

2conglomerate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to gather into a mass : form a coherent whole

— con·glom·er·a·tion noun

Synonyms
accumulate, collect, gather, heap, pile—more at COLLECT

3conglomerate noun
1 : a mass formed of fragments from various sources; especially : a rock composed of fragments varying from pebbles to boulders held together by a cementing material
2 : a widely diversified corporation

Con·go·lese noun
: a native or inhabitant of Congo

— Congolese adjective

con·grat·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to express sympathetic pleasure to on account of success or good fortune : FELICITATE

— con·grat·u·la·to·ry adjective

con·grat·u·la·tion noun
1 : the act of congratulating
2 : a congratulatory expression — usu. used in pl.

con·gre·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L congregatus, pp. of congregare, fr. com- together + greg-, grex flock]

: to collect into a group or crowd : ASSEMBLE

Synonyms
assemble, cluster, collect, concentrate, conglomerate, convene, forgather, gather, meet, rendezvous—more at ASSEMBLE

con·gre·ga·tion noun
1 : an assembly of persons met esp. for worship; also : a group that habitually so meets
2 : a religious community or order
3 : the act or an instance of congregating

Synonyms
assemblage, assembly, conference, convocation, gathering, meeting, muster—more at GATHERING

con·gre·ga·tion·al adjective
1 : of or relating to a congregation
2 cap : observing the faith and practice of certain Protestant churches which recognize the independence of each congregation in church matters

— con·gre·ga·tion·al·ism noun, often cap

— con·gre·ga·tion·al·ist noun, often cap

con·gress noun
1 : an assembly esp. of delegates for discussion and usu. action on some question
2 : the body of senators and representatives constituting a nation's legislature

— con·gres·sio·nal adjective

Synonyms
assembly, conference, convention, convocation, council, gathering, get-together, huddle, meeting, powwow, seminar—more at MEETING

con·gress·man noun
: a member of a congress

con·gress·wom·an noun
: a woman who is a member of a congress

con·gru·ence noun
: the quality of agreeing or coinciding : CONGRUITY

— con·gru·ent adjective

con·gru·en·cy noun, plural -cies
: CONGRUENCE

con·gru·ity noun, plural -ities
: correspondence between things

con·gru·ous adjective
: being in agreement, harmony, or correspondence

Synonyms
balanced, consonant, harmonious—more at HARMONIOUS
compatible, conformable, consistent, consonant, correspondent, harmonious—more at CONSISTENT

con·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to a cone
2 : CONICAL

con·i·cal adjective
: resembling a cone esp. in shape

co·ni·fer noun
: any of an order of shrubs or trees (as the pines) that usu. are evergreen and bear cones

— co·nif·er·ous adjective

conj abbreviation
conjunction

con·jec·tur·al adjective
: of the nature of or involving or based on conjecture

Synonyms
hypothetical, speculative, theoretical—more at THEORETICAL

1conjecture noun
1 : a conclusion deduced by surmise or guesswork : GUESS, SURMISE
2 : inference from defective or presumptive evidence

Synonyms
[1, 2] guess, supposition, surmise; also hypothesis, theory, thesis; speculation; hunch, intuition; belief, faith

2conjecture verb
: to arrive at or deduce by conjecture : GUESS

Synonyms
calculate, call, estimate, figure, gauge, guess, judge, make, place, put, reckon, suppose—more at ESTIMATE
assume, guess, presume, speculate, suppose, surmise, suspect—more at GUESS

con·join verb
: to join together

— con·joint adjective

Synonyms
associate, coalesce, combine, connect, couple, fuse, join, link, marry, unify, unite—more at UNITE

con·joint adjective
: related to, made up of, or carried on by two or more in combination

Synonyms
collective, common, communal, concerted, joint, mutual, public, united—more at COLLECTIVE

con·ju·gal adjective
: of or relating to marriage : MATRIMONIAL

Synonyms
connubial, marital, matrimonial, nuptial—more at MARITAL

1conjugate adjective
1 : united esp. in pairs : COUPLED
2 : of kindred origin and meaning <sing and song are ~>

— con·ju·gate·ly adverb

2conjugate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : INFLECT <~ a verb>
2 : to join together : COUPLE

con·ju·ga·tion noun
1 : an arrangement of the inflectional forms of a verb
2 : the act of conjugating : the state of being conjugated

con·junct adjective
: JOINED, UNITED

con·junc·tion noun
1 : the act or an instance of conjoining : the state of being combined
2 : occurrence at the same time
3 : a word that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words

Synonyms
confluence, convergence, meeting—more at CONVERGENCE

con·junc·ti·va noun, plural -vas or -vae
: the mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids and continuing over the forepart of the eyeball

con·junc·tive adjective
1 : CONNECTIVE
2 : CONJUNCT
3 : being or functioning like a conjunction

con·junc·ti·vi·tis noun
: inflammation of the conjunctiva

con·junc·ture noun
1 : CONJUNCTION, UNION
2 : JUNCTURE 3

con·jun·to noun
: Mexican-American music influenced by the music of German immigrants to Texas

con·ju·ra·tion noun
: a magic expression used in conjuring

Synonyms
bewitchment, charm, enchantment, incantation, spell—more at SPELL

con·jure verb con·jured; con·jur·ing
1 : to implore earnestly or solemnly
2 : to practice magic; especially : to summon (as a devil) by sorcery
3 : to practice sleight of hand
4 a : to summon by or as if by invocation or incantation
b : to affect or effect by or as if by magic

con·jur·er or con·ju·ror noun
1 : one that practices magic arts : WIZARD
2 : one that performs feats of sleight of hand and illusion : MAGICIAN

Synonyms
enchanter, magician, necromancer, sorcerer, voodoo, witch, wizard—more at MAGICIAN

conk verb
: to become inoperative or ineffective : BREAK DOWN; especially : STALL <the motor ~ed out>

Synonyms
break, break down, crash, cut out, die, fail, stall—more at FAIL

Conn abbreviation
Connecticut

con·nect verb
1 : to join or fasten together in a single relationship often by something intervening : JOIN, LINK
2 : to associate in one's mind
3 : to establish a communications connection <~ to the Internet>

— con·nect·able adjective

— con·nec·tor noun

Synonyms
[1] chain, compound, couple, hitch, hook, join, link, yoke; also dovetail; concatenate, string; cement, coalesce, combine, fuse, unite
Antonyms
disconnect, disjoin, separate, unchain, uncouple, unhitch, unyoke
[2] associate, correlate, identify, link, relate—more at ASSOCIATE

con·nec·tion noun
1 a : the act of connecting : a coming into or being put in contact : JUNCTION, UNION
b : the state of being connected or linked
c : the place where a connection occurs
2 : logical relationship; especially : relation of a word to other words in a sentence
3 : family relationship
4 : something that connects or the point of the connecting
5 : a person related by blood or marriage
6 : relationship in social affairs or in business
7 : a set or group of persons connected or associated together in a common interest; especially : a religious denomination

Synonyms
[1a] combination, consolidation, coupling, junction, unification, union—more at UNION
[1b] association, bearing, kinship, liaison, linkage, relation, relationship; also correlation, interrelation; pertinence, relevance; bond, link, tie; affiliation, alliance, union; likeness, resemblance, similarity
[1c] coupling, joint, junction, juncture—more at JOINT
[2] applicability, bearing, pertinence, relevance—more at PERTINENCE
[6] affiliation, alliance, association, collaboration, confederation, cooperation, hookup, liaison, partnership, relation, relationship, union—more at ASSOCIATION

1connective adjective
: serving to connect

— con·nec·tiv·i·ty noun

2connective noun
: a word (as a conjunction) that connects words or word groups

connective tissue noun
: a tissue (as bone or cartilage) that forms a supporting framework for the body or its parts

con·nex·ion chiefly British variant of CONNECTION

con·ning tower noun
: a raised structure on the deck of a submarine

con·nip·tion noun
: a fit of rage, hysteria, or alarm

con·niv·ance noun
: knowledge of and active or passive consent to wrongdoing

Synonyms
collusion, conspiracy—more at COLLUSION

con·nive verb con·nived; con·niv·ing
[ORIGIN: F or L; F conniver, fr. L conivēre to close the eyes, connive]

1 : to pretend ignorance of something one ought to oppose as wrong
2 : to cooperate secretly : give secret aid

— con·niv·er noun

con·nois·seur noun
: a critical judge in matters of art or taste

con·no·ta·tion noun
: a meaning in addition to or apart from the thing explicitly named or described by a word

con·no·ta·tive adjective
1 : connoting or tending to connote
2 : relating to connotation

con·note verb con·not·ed; con·not·ing
: to suggest or mean as a connotation

con·nu·bi·al adjective
: of or relating to the married state : CONJUGAL

Synonyms
conjugal, marital, matrimonial, nuptial—more at MARITAL

con·quer verb
1 : to gain by force of arms : WIN
2 : to get the better of : OVERCOME

Synonyms
[1] prevail, triumph, win—more at WIN
[2] beat, crush, defeat, dominate, overcome, overpower, subdue, subject, vanquish

con·quer·or noun
: one that conquers

Synonyms
master, victor, winner—more at VICTOR

con·quest noun
1 : an act of conquering
2 : something conquered

Synonyms
domination, subjection; also triumph, victory, winning; beating, defeat, drubbing, licking, trouncing; enslavement

con·quis·ta·dor noun, plural -do·res or -dors
: CONQUEROR; especially : a leader in the Spanish conquest of the Americas in the 16th century

cons abbreviation
consonant

con·san·guin·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: blood relationship

— con·san·guin·e·ous adjective

con·science noun
: consciousness of the moral right and wrong of one's own acts or motives

— con·science·less adjective

con·sci·en·tious adjective
1 : guided by one's own sense of right and wrong
2 : marked by or done with exact or thoughtful attention

— con·sci·en·tious·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, principled, scrupulous; also good, righteous, upright, virtuous; dutiful, observant, respectful; overconscientious; reliable, trustworthy, trusty
Antonyms
cutthroat, dishonest, dishonorable, immoral, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unscrupulous
[2] careful, fussy, meticulous, painstaking—more at PAINSTAKING

conscientious objector noun
: a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces or to bear arms on moral or religious grounds

1conscious adjective
1 : perceiving, apprehending, or noticing with a degree of controlled thought or observation : AWARE
2 : known or felt by one's inner self
3 : mentally awake or alert : not asleep or unconscious
4 : INTENTIONAL

— con·scious·ness noun

Synonyms
alive, aware, cognizant, mindful, sensible, sentient; also attentive, heedful, observant, regardful, vigilant, watchful
Antonyms
insensible, unaware, unconscious, unmindful

2conscious noun
: the upper level of mental life of which a person is aware : CONSCIOUSNESS

con·scious·ly adverb
: in a conscious manner

Synonyms
deliberately, intentionally, knowingly, purposely, willfully—more at INTENTIONALLY

1conscript verb
: to enroll by compulsion for military or naval service

— con·scrip·tion noun

2conscript noun
: a conscripted person (as a military recruit)

con·se·crate verb -crat·ed; -crat·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L consecratus, pp. of consecrare, fr. com- together + sacrare to set aside as sacred, fr. sacer sacred]

1 : to induct (as a bishop) into an office with a religious rite
2 : to make or declare sacred <~ a church>
3 : to devote solemnly to a purpose

Synonyms
[2] bless, hallow, sanctify—more at BLESS
[3] allocate, dedicate, devote, earmark, reserve, save—more at DEVOTE

con·se·cra·tion noun
: the act or ceremony of consecrating

Synonyms
blessing, sanctification; also dedication

con·sec·u·tive adjective
: following in regular order : SUCCESSIVE

— con·sec·u·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
sequential, successive; also serial; constant, continuous, uninterrupted; ensuing, following, later, next, subsequent

con·sen·su·al adjective
: involving or based on mutual consent

con·sen·sus noun
1 : agreement in opinion, testimony, or belief
2 : collective opinion

Synonyms
accord, agreement, concurrence, unanimity—more at AGREEMENT

1consent verb
: to give assent or approval

2consent noun
: approval or acceptance of something done or proposed by another

Synonyms
allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, leave, license, permission, sanction, sufferance—more at PERMISSION

con·se·quence noun
1 : something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions : RESULT
2 : importance with respect to power to produce an effect

Synonyms
[1] aftermath, conclusion, corollary, development, effect, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequence, upshot—more at EFFECT
[2] import, magnitude, moment, significance, weight

con·se·quent adjective
: following as a result or effect

Synonyms
attendant, consequential, due, resultant—more at RESULTANT

con·se·quen·tial adjective
1 : having significant consequences : IMPORTANT
2 : showing self-importance
3 : following as a result

Synonyms
big, eventful, important, major, material, meaningful, momentous, significant, substantial, weighty—more at IMPORTANT

con·se·quent·ly adverb
: as a result : ACCORDINGLY

Synonyms
accordingly, ergo, hence, so, therefore, thus, wherefore—more at THEREFORE

con·ser·van·cy noun, plural -cies
: an organization or area designated to conserve natural resources

con·ser·va·tion noun
: a careful preservation and protection of something : PRESERVATION; especially : planned management of natural resources

Synonyms
maintenance, preservation, upkeep—more at MAINTENANCE

con·ser·va·tion·ist noun
: a person who advocates conservation esp. of natural resources

con·ser·va·tism noun
: disposition to keep to established ways : opposition to change

1conservative adjective
1 : PRESERVATIVE
2 : disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions
3 : MODERATE, CAUTIOUS
4 : marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners

— con·ser·va·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] old-fashioned, orthodox, reactionary, traditional; also conventional; faithful, loyal, steadfast, true-blue
Antonyms
liberal, nonorthodox, nontraditional, progressive, unorthodox
[4] muted, quiet, restrained, subdued, unpretentious—more at QUIET

2conservative noun
: a person who is conservative esp. in politics

con·ser·va·tor noun
1 : PROTECTOR, GUARDIAN
2 : one named by a court to protect the interests of an incompetent (as a child)

con·ser·va·to·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : a greenhouse for growing or displaying plants
2 : a place of instruction in one of the fine arts (as music)

1conserve verb con·served; con·serv·ing
: to keep from losing or wasting : preserve in a sound state

Synonyms
keep up, maintain, preserve, save—more at MAINTAIN

2conserve noun
1 : CONFECTION; especially : a candied fruit
2 : PRESERVE; especially : one prepared from a mixture of fruits

con·sid·er verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF considerer, fr. L considerare to observe, think about, fr. com- together + sider-, sidus heavenly body]

1 : to reflect on : think about with a degree of care or caution
2 : to be of the opinion : REGARD
3 : to think of : come to view, judge, or classify

— con·sid·ered adjective

Synonyms
[1] chew over, cogitate, contemplate, debate, deliberate, entertain, meditate, mull, ponder, question, ruminate, study, think, weigh—more at PONDER
[2, 3] account, call, count, esteem, hold, rate, reckon, regard, take; also believe, feel, sense, think; conceive, fancy, imagine

con·sid·er·able adjective
1 : worthy of consideration : of consequence or distinction
2 : large in extent, amount, or degree

Synonyms
good, goodly, healthy, respectable, significant, sizable, substantial, tidy; also big, colossal, enormous, gigantic, great, huge, immense, mammoth
Antonyms
inconsiderable, insignificant, insubstantial

con·sid·er·ably adverb
: to a notable extent or degree

Synonyms
broadly, greatly, hugely, largely, massively, monstrously, much, sizably, stupendously, tremendously, utterly, vastly—more at GREATLY

con·sid·er·ate adjective
1 : observant of the rights and feelings of others
2 : marked by or given to careful consideration

Synonyms
[1] attentive, kind, solicitous, thoughtful—more at THOUGHTFUL
[2] alert, careful, cautious, circumspect, gingerly, guarded, heedful, safe, wary—more at CAREFUL

con·sid·er·ation noun
1 : careful thought : DELIBERATION
2 : a matter taken into account
3 : thoughtful attention
4 : JUDGMENT, OPINION
5 : something given as recompense

Synonyms
[1] debate, deliberation, thought; also cogitation, contemplation, meditation, pondering, rumination; introspection, reflection; agonizing, hesitation, indecision
[5] compensation, pay, payment, recompense, remittance, remuneration, requital—more at PAYMENT

con·sid·er·ing preposition
: in view of : taking into account

con·sign verb
1 : to give over to another's charge, custody, or care : ENTRUST, COMMIT
2 : to deliver formally
3 : to send (goods) to an agent for sale

— con·sign·ee noun

— con·sign·or noun

Synonyms
commend, commit, delegate, deliver, entrust, give, hand over, leave, pass, transfer, transmit, trust, turn over, vest—more at GIVE

con·sign·ment noun
: something consigned esp. in a single shipment

con·sist verb
1 : to be inherent : LIE — usu. used with in
2 : to be composed or made up — usu. used with of

con·sis·tence noun
: CONSISTENCY

con·sis·ten·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : COHESIVENESS, FIRMNESS
2 : agreement or harmony in parts or of different things
3 : UNIFORMITY <~ of behavior>
4 : degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles

Synonyms
thickness, viscosity; also compactness, firmness, solidity

con·sis·tent adjective
: marked by agreement

Synonyms
compatible, conformable, congruous, consonant, correspondent, harmonious; also appropriate, fitting, meet, suitable
Antonyms
conflicting, incompatible, incongruous, inconsistent, inharmonious

con·sis·tent·ly adverb
: in a consistent manner

con·sis·to·ry noun, plural -ries
: a solemn assembly (as of Roman Catholic cardinals)

consol abbreviation
consolidated

con·so·la·tion noun
: the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled

Synonyms
cheer, comfort, relief, solace—more at COMFORT
comforting, solace; also commiseration, condolence, sympathy; counseling

1console noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : the desklike part of an organ at which the organist sits
2 : the combination of displays and controls of a device or system
3 : a cabinet for a radio or television set resting directly on the floor
4 : a small storage cabinet between bucket seats in an automobile

2console verb con·soled; con·sol·ing
: to soothe the grief of : COMFORT, SOLACE

— con·so·la·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
assure, cheer, comfort, reassure, solace, soothe—more at COMFORT

con·sol·i·date verb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
1 : to unite or become united into one whole : COMBINE
2 : to make stronger or more secure
3 : to form into a compact mass

Synonyms
[1, 3] center, centralize, combine, compact, concentrate, unify, unite—more at CENTRALIZE

con·sol·i·da·tion noun
: the act or process of consolidating : the state of being consolidated

Synonyms
combination, connection, coupling, junction, unification, union—more at UNION

con·som·mé noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a clear soup made from well-seasoned stock

con·so·nance noun
1 : harmony or agreement among components
2 : repetition of consonants esp. as an alternative to rhyme in verse

Synonyms
balance, coherence, harmony, proportion, symmetry, symphony, unity—more at HARMONY

1consonant adjective
: having consonance, harmony, or agreement

— con·so·nant·ly adverb

Synonyms
compatible, conformable, congruous, consistent, correspondent, harmonious—more at CONSISTENT

2consonant noun
1 : a speech sound (as p, g, n, l, s, r) characterized by constriction or closure at one or more points in the breath channel
2 : a letter other than a, e, i, o, and u

— con·so·nan·tal adjective

1consort noun
1 : a ship accompanying another
2 : a wife or husband : SPOUSE, MATE

2consort verb
1 : to spend time in the company of
2 : ACCORD, HARMONIZE

Synonyms
associate, chum, fraternize, hang around, hobnob, pal—more at ASSOCIATE

con·sor·tium noun, plural -sor·tia
[ORIGIN: L, fellowship]

: an agreement or combination (as of companies) formed to undertake a large enterprise

con·spec·tus noun
1 : a brief survey or summary
2 : SUMMARY

con·spic·u·ous adjective
1 : obvious to the eye or mind : PROMINENT
2 : attracting attention : STRIKING
3 : marked by a noticeable violation of good taste

— con·spic·u·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] bold, catchy, emphatic, marked, noticeable, prominent, pronounced, remarkable, striking—more at NOTICEABLE
[3] blatant, egregious, flagrant, glaring, gross, obvious, patent, prominent, pronounced, rank, striking—more at EGREGIOUS

con·spir·a·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : an agreement among conspirators : PLOT
2 : a group of conspirators

Synonyms
[1] design, intrigue, machination, plot, scheme—more at PLOT
[2] cabal, gang, mob, ring, syndicate—more at RING

con·spir·a·tor noun
: one that conspires

— con·spir·a·to·ri·al adjective

con·spire verb conspired; con·spir·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF conspirer, fr. L conspirare to be in harmony, conspire, fr. com- with + spirare to breathe]

: to plan secretly an unlawful act : PLOT

Synonyms
contrive, intrigue, machinate, plot, scheme—more at PLOT

const abbreviation
1 constant
2 constitution; constitutional

con·sta·ble noun
[ORIGIN: ME conestable, fr. OF, fr. LL comes stabuli, lit., officer of the stable]

: a public officer responsible for keeping the peace

Synonyms
cop, officer, police officer—more at OFFICER

con·stab·u·lary noun, plural -lar·ies
1 : the police of a particular district or country
2 : a police force organized like the military

con·stan·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : firmness of mind
2 : a state of being constant or unchanging

Synonyms
[1] allegiance, dedication, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness—more at FIDELITY
[2] fixedness, immutability, stability, steadiness; also consistency, regularity, sameness, uniformity; durability, permanence
Antonyms
instability, mutability, unsteadiness, variability

1constant adjective
1 : marked by firm steadfast resolution or faithfulness : STEADFAST, FAITHFUL
2 : fixed and invariable : remaining unchanged : UNCHANGING
3 : continually recurring : REGULAR

Synonyms
[1] devoted, faithful, fast, good, loyal, pious, staunch, steadfast, steady, true, true-blue—more at FAITHFUL
[2] stable, stationary, steady, unchanging, unvarying; also fast, fixed, hard-and-fast, immutable, inflexible, invariable, unalterable, unchangeable; established, set, settled; durable, enduring, lasting, permanent
Antonyms
changeful, changing, fluctuating, inconstant, varying, unstable, unsteady
[3] frequent, habitual, periodic, regular, repeated, steady

con·stant·ly adverb
: with regular occurrence

Synonyms
continually, frequently, often, repeatedly—more at OFTEN
always, continually, ever, forever, incessantly, invariably, perpetually, unfailingly—more at ALWAYS

2constant noun
: something unchanging

con·stel·la·tion noun
: any of 88 groups of stars forming patterns

con·ster·na·tion noun
: amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion

con·sti·pa·tion noun
: abnormally difficult or infrequent bowel movements

— con·sti·pate verb

con·stit·u·en·cy noun, plural -cies
: a body of constituents; also : an electoral district

1constituent noun
1 : a person entitled to vote for a representative for a district
2 : a component part

Synonyms
component, element, factor, ingredient, member—more at ELEMENT

2constituent adjective
1 : COMPONENT
2 : having power to create a government or frame or amend a constitution

con·sti·tute verb -tut·ed; -tut·ing
1 : to appoint to an office or duty
2 : to set up : ESTABLISH <~ a law>
3 : to make up (the element or elements of which a thing, person, or idea is made up) : COMPOSE

Synonyms
[1] appoint, assign, attach, commission, designate, detail, name—more at APPOINT
[2] establish, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set up, start—more at FOUND
[3] compose, comprise, form, make up; also embody, incorporate, integrate; complement, complete, supplement; fill out, flesh (out)

con·sti·tu·tion noun
1 : an established law or custom
2 : the physical makeup of the individual
3 : the structure, composition, or makeup of something <~ of the sun>
4 : the basic law in a politically organized body; also : a document containing such law

Synonyms
[2] build, figure, form, frame, physique, shape—more at PHYSIQUE
[3] character, complexion, genius, nature, personality, tone—more at NATURE

1constitutional adjective
1 : of or relating to the constitution of body or mind
2 : being in accord with the constitution of a state or society; also : of or relating to such a constitution

2constitutional noun
: an exercise (as a walk) taken for one's health

con·sti·tu·tion·al·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being constitutional

con·sti·tu·tion·al·ly adverb
: with respect to mental or spiritual makeup : with respect to bodily makeup

Synonyms
inherently, innately, intrinsically, naturally—more at NATURALLY

con·sti·tu·tive adjective
1 : CONSTRUCTIVE
2 : CONSTITUENT, ESSENTIAL

constr abbreviation
construction

con·strain verb
1 : to force by imposed stricture, restriction, or limitation : COMPEL
2 : CONFINE
3 : to withhold or restrain by force

Synonyms
[1] coerce, compel, drive, force, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure—more at FORCE
[3] bridle, check, contain, control, curb, govern, inhibit, regulate, rein, restrain, tame—more at CONTROL

con·straint noun
1 a : the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action : COMPULSION
b : the act or action of using force or threat of force to prevent or condition an action
c : a constraining condition, agency, or force : RESTRAINT
2 : repression of one's natural feelings

Synonyms
[1b] coercion, compulsion, duress, force, pressure—more at FORCE
[1c] check, condition, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, restriction—more at RESTRICTION
[2] reserve, restraint, self-control—more at RESERVE

con·strict verb
1 : to draw together : SQUEEZE
2 : to become constricted

— con·stric·tion noun

— con·stric·tive adjective

Synonyms
[1, 2] compact, compress, condense, contract, squeeze—more at COMPRESS

con·stric·tion noun
: the act or product of constricting

Synonyms
compression, condensation, contraction—more at COMPRESSION

con·stric·tor noun
: a snake that coils around and compresses its prey

con·struct verb
: to make or form by combining or arranging parts or elements : BUILD, MAKE

— con·struc·tor noun

Synonyms
assemble, build, erect, fabricate, make, make up, piece, put up, raise, rear, set up—more at BUILD

con·struc·tion noun
1 : the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining
2 a : the art, process, or manner of building
b : something built, created, or established : STRUCTURE
3 : syntactical arrangement of words in a sentence

Synonyms
clarification, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation—more at EXPLANATION

con·struc·tion·ist noun
: a person who construes a legal document (as the U.S. Constitution) in a specific way <a strict ~>

con·struc·tive adjective
: of or relating to construction or creation

con·strue verb con·strued; con·stru·ing
1 : to analyze the mutual relations of words in a sentence; also : TRANSLATE
2 : to understand or explain the sense or intention of usu. in a particular way or with respect to a given set of circumstances : EXPLAIN, INTERPRET

— con·stru·able adjective

Synonyms
clarify, clear, demonstrate, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out—more at EXPLAIN

con·sub·stan·ti·a·tion noun
: the actual substantial presence and combination of the body and blood of Christ with the eucharistic bread and wine

con·sul noun
1 : a chief magistrate of the Roman republic
2 : an official appointed by a government to reside in a foreign country to care for the commercial interests of the appointing government's citizens

— con·sul·ar adjective

— con·sul·ate noun

— con·sul·ship noun

con·sult verb
1 : to ask the advice or opinion of
2 : to deliberate together : CONFER

— con·sul·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
advise, confer, counsel, parley, powwow, treat—more at CONFER

con·sul·tant noun
: one who gives professional advice or services

con·sume verb con·sumed; con·sum·ing
1 : to do away with completely <consumed by fire>
2 a : to spend wastefully
b : to use up
3 : to eat up : DEVOUR
4 : to absorb the attention of : ENGROSS

— con·sum·able adjective

— con·sum·er noun

Synonyms
clean, deplete, drain, exhaust, expend, spend, use up—more at DEPLETE

con·sum·er·ism noun
: the promotion of consumers' interests (as against false advertising)

consumer price index noun
: an index measuring the change in the cost of widely purchased goods and services from the cost in some base period

1consummate adjective
1 : complete in every detail : PERFECT
2 : extremely skilled and accomplished
3 : of the highest degree

Synonyms
[2] accomplished, adept, crack, crackerjack, expert, good, great, master, masterful, masterly, proficient, skilled, skillful, virtuoso—more at PROFICIENT
[3] maximum, most, nth, paramount, supreme, top, ultimate, utmost—more at ULTIMATE

2consummate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
: to make complete : FINISH

Synonyms
complete, finalize, finish, perfect—more at FINISH

con·sum·ma·tion noun
: the ultimate end

Synonyms
close, conclusion, end, ending, finale, finis, finish, windup—more at FINALE
accomplishment, achievement, actuality, attainment, fruition, fulfillment, realization—more at FRUITION

con·sump·tion noun
1 : progressive bodily wasting away; also : TUBERCULOSIS
2 : the act of consuming or using up
3 : the use of economic goods

1consumptive adjective
1 : tending to consume
2 : relating to or affected with consumption

2consumptive noun
: a person who has consumption

cont abbreviation
1 containing
2 contents
3 continent; continental
4 continued
5 control

1contact noun
1 : a touching or meeting of bodies
2 : association or relationship (as in physical or mental or business or social meeting or communication) : CONNECTION
3 : a person serving as a go-between or source of information
4 : CONTACT LENS

2contact verb
1 : to come or bring into contact : TOUCH
2 : to get in communication with

contact lens noun
: a thin lens fitting over the cornea usu. to correct vision

con·ta·gion noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L contagio, fr. contingere to have contact with, pollute, fr. com together + tangere to touch]

1 : a contagious disease; also : the transmission of such a disease
2 : a disease-producing agent (as a virus)
3 : transmission of an influence on the mind or emotions

con·ta·gious adjective
1 : able to be passed by contact between individuals <colds are ~> <~ disease>; also : capable of passing on a contagious disease
2 : communicated or transmitted like a contagious disease; especially : exciting similar emotion or conduct in others

Synonyms
[1] catching, communicable, transmittable; also infectious, infective
[2] catching, infectious; also irresistible, overpowering, overwhelming; fetching, inviting, winning

con·tain verb
1 : to keep within limits : hold back or hold down
2 : to have within : HOLD
3 : to consist of wholly or in part : COMPRISE, INCLUDE

— con·tain·able adjective

— con·tain·ment noun

Synonyms
[1] bridle, check, constrain, control, curb, govern, inhibit, regulate, rein, restrain, tame—more at CONTROL
[3] carry, comprehend, comprise, embrace, encompass, entail, include, involve, number, take in—more at INCLUDE

con·tain·er noun
: a receptacle (as a box or jar) for holding goods; especially : one for shipment of goods

Synonyms
holder, receptacle, vessel; also cartridge; bin, box, carton, case, crate; bag, pocket, sack; cooler, warmer

con·tam·i·nant noun
: something that contaminates

Synonyms
adulterant, defilement, impurity, pollutant—more at IMPURITY

con·tam·i·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to soil, stain, or infect by contact or association

— con·tam·i·na·tion noun

Synonyms
befoul, defile, foul, poison, pollute, taint; also infect; besmirch, dirty, soil, sully; corrupt, rot, spoil; adulterate, doctor; dilute, water (down)
Antonyms
decontaminate, purify

contd abbreviation
continued

con·temn verb
: to view or treat with contempt : DESPISE

con·tem·plate verb -plat·ed; -plat·ing
[ORIGIN: L contemplari, fr. com- with + templum space marked out for observation of auguries]

1 : to view or consider with continued attention
2 : to view as contingent or probable or as an end or intention : INTEND

Synonyms
[1] chew over, cogitate, consider, debate, deliberate, entertain, meditate, mull, ponder, question, ruminate, study, think, weigh—more at PONDER
[2] aim, aspire, design, intend, mean, meditate, plan, propose—more at INTEND

con·tem·pla·tion noun
: an act of considering with attention

con·tem·pla·tive adjective
: marked by or given to contemplation

Synonyms
meditative, melancholy, pensive, reflective, ruminant, thoughtful; also introspective, retrospective; earnest, serious, sober, somber; analytical, logical, rational; deliberate, purposeful
Antonyms
unreflective

con·tem·po·ra·ne·ous adjective
: existing, occurring, or originating during the same time : CONTEMPORARY

1contemporary adjective
1 : occurring or existing at the same time
2 : marked by characteristics of the present period

Synonyms
[1] coeval, concurrent, simultaneous, synchronous; also accompanying, attendant, attending, coincident, concomitant
[2] current, hot, mod, modern, new, newfangled, red-hot, space-age, ultramodern, up-to-date—more at MODERN

2contemporary noun
: one of the same or nearly the same age as another

con·tempt noun
1 : the act of despising : the state of mind of one who despises
2 : the state of being despised
3 : disobedience to or open disrespect of a court or legislature

Synonyms
despite, disdain, scorn; also abhorrence, abomination, execration, hate, hatred, loathing; cattiness, hatefulness, malevolence, malice, malignancy, malignity, meanness, spite, spitefulness; aversion, disgust, distaste, horror, odium, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, grudge, hostility, jealousy, pique, resentment; bile, jaundice, rancor, spleen, venom, virulence, vitriol
Antonyms
admiration, esteem, regard, respect

con·tempt·ible adjective
: deserving contempt : DESPICABLE

— con·tempt·ibly adverb

Synonyms
base, despicable, detestable, dirty, dishonorable, ignoble, low, mean, snide, sordid, vile, wretched—more at IGNOBLE
despicable, lousy, nasty, pitiful, scabby, scurvy, sorry, wretched; also abhorrent, abominable, detestable, execrable, hateful, loathsome, odious; disgusting, repugnant, repulsive; disgraceful, dishonorable, shameful; base, ignoble, low, mean; shabby, sordid, squalid, vile; cowardly, craven, dastardly
Antonyms
admirable

con·temp·tu·ous adjective
: manifesting, feeling, or expressing contempt

— con·temp·tu·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
degrading, derogatory, disdainful, scornful, uncomplimentary—more at DEROGATORY

con·tend verb
1 : to strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties — often used with with
2 : to strive in debate : ARGUE
3 : to affirm in or as if in argument : MAINTAIN, ASSERT

Synonyms
[1] battle, compete, fight, race, vie—more at COMPETE
usually contend with [1] cope, grapple, handle, manage, maneuver, negotiate, swing, treat—more at HANDLE
[3] affirm, allege, argue, assert, aver, avouch, avow, claim, declare, insist, maintain, profess, protest, warrant—more at CLAIM

con·tend·er noun
: one that contends

Synonyms
applicant, aspirant, campaigner, candidate, hopeful, prospect, seeker—more at CANDIDATE
challenger, competition, competitor, contestant, rival—more at COMPETITOR

1content adjective
: having desires limited to whatever one has : SATISFIED

Synonyms
contented, happy, pleased, satisfied; also delighted, glad, joyful, joyous, jubilant; ecstatic, elated, enraptured, euphoric, overjoyed, rapturous, thrilled; appeased, mollified, pacified, placated
Antonyms
discontent, discontented, displeased, dissatisfied, malcontent, unhappy

2content verb
: to appease the desires of : SATISFY; especially : to limit (oneself) in requirements or actions

Synonyms
delight, gladden, gratify, please, rejoice, satisfy, suit, warm—more at PLEASE

3content noun
: the quality or state of being contented : CONTENTMENT

4content noun
1 : something contained <~s of a room>
2 : subject matter or topics treated (as in a book)
3 : material (as text or music) offered by a Web site
4 : essential meaning or significance
5 : the amount of material contained
6 : the ability to hold, receive, or accommodate

Synonyms
matter, motif, motive, question, subject, theme, topic—more at MATTER

con·tent·ed adjective
: easy in mind : satisfied esp. with one's lot in life

— con·tent·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
content, happy, pleased—more at CONTENT

con·tent·ed·ness noun
: the quality or state of being contented

Synonyms
content, contentment, gratification, happiness, pleasure, satisfaction

con·ten·tion noun
1 : CONTEST, STRIFE
2 : an idea or point for which a person argues

Synonyms
argument, assertion, thesis; also hypothesis, theory; proposal, proposition; assumption, presupposition, supposition; position, stand

con·ten·tious adjective
: exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes

— con·ten·tious·ly adverb

Synonyms
argumentative, disputatious, quarrelsome, scrappy—more at ARGUMENTATIVE

con·tent·ment noun
: ease of mind : SATISFACTION

Synonyms
delectation, delight, enjoyment, gladness, gratification, pleasure, relish, satisfaction—more at PLEASURE

con·ter·mi·nous adjective
: having the same or a common boundary

— con·ter·mi·nous·ly adverb

1contest verb
1 : to engage in a struggle or competition : COMPETE, VIE
2 : to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation : CHALLENGE, DISPUTE

Synonyms
challenge, dispute, query, question—more at CHALLENGE

2contest noun
: a struggle for superiority or victory

Synonyms
bout, competition, event, game, match, meet, tournament—more at GAME
battle, combat, conflict, confrontation, duel, face-off, rivalry, struggle, tug-of-war, warfare; also showdown; contention, discord, friction, strife; controversy, debate, disagreement

con·tes·tant noun
: one that participates in a contest

Synonyms
challenger, competition, competitor, contender, rival—more at COMPETITOR

con·text noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L contextus connection of words, coherence, fr. contexere to weave together]

: the parts of a discourse that surround a word or passage and help to explain its meaning; also : the circumstances surrounding an act or event

— con·tex·tu·al·ly adverb

con·ti·gu·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being contiguous

Synonyms
closeness, immediacy, nearness, proximity—more at PROXIMITY

con·tig·u·ous adjective
: being in contact : TOUCHING; also : ADJOINING

Synonyms
adjacent, adjoining, touching—more at ADJACENT

con·ti·nence noun
1 : SELF-RESTRAINT; especially : a refraining from sexual intercourse
2 : the ability to retain urine or feces voluntarily

1continent adjective
: exercising continence

2continent noun
1 : any of the great divisions of land on the globe
2 cap : the continent of Europe

1continental adjective
1 : of or relating to a continent; especially often cap : of or relating to the continent of Europe
2 often cap : of or relating to the colonies later forming the U.S.
3 : of or relating to cuisine based on classical European cooking

2continental noun
1 often cap : a soldier in the Continental army
2 : EUROPEAN

continental drift noun
: a hypothetical slow movement of the continents over a fluid layer deep within the earth

continental shelf noun
: a shallow submarine plain forming a border to a continent

continental slope noun
: a usu. steep slope from a continental shelf to the ocean floor

con·tin·gen·cy noun, plural -cies
: a chance or possible event

Synonyms
case, event, eventuality, possibility—more at EVENT

1contingent adjective
1 : liable but not certain to happen : POSSIBLE
2 : happening by chance : not planned
3 : dependent on something that may or may not occur — used with on or upon

Synonyms
usually contingent on or contingent upon conditional, dependent, subject—more at DEPENDENT

2contingent noun
: a quota (as of troops) supplied from an area or group

con·tin·u·al adjective
1 : continuing indefinitely in time without interruption : CONTINUOUS, UNBROKEN
2 : steadily recurring

Synonyms
[1] ceaseless, continuous, incessant, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted—more at CONTINUOUS
[2] intermittent, periodic, recurrent

con·tin·u·al·ly adverb
: in a continual way : in an unceasing or regular way

Synonyms
always, constantly, ever, forever, incessantly, invariably, perpetually, unfailingly—more at ALWAYS

con·tin·u·ance noun
1 : unbroken succession
2 : the extent of continuing : DURATION
3 : adjournment of legal proceedings

con·tin·u·a·tion noun
1 : extension or prolongation of a state or activity
2 : resumption after an interruption; also : something that carries on after a pause or break

Synonyms
duration, endurance, persistence, subsistence; also elongation, extension, lengthening, prolongation
Antonyms
ending, termination

con·tin·ue verb -tin·ued; -tinu·ing
1 : to maintain without interruption
2 : to remain in existence : ENDURE, LAST
3 : to remain in a place or condition
4 : to resume (as a story) after an intermission
5 : EXTEND; also : to persist in
6 : to allow to remain
7 : to keep (a legal case) on the calendar or undecided

Synonyms
[2] abide, endure, hold, keep up, last, persist, run on; also linger, remain, stay, stick around, tarry
Antonyms
cease, desist, discontinue, quit, stop
[4] renew, reopen, restart, resume—more at RESUME

con·ti·nu·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the state of being continuous
2 : something that has or provides continuity

con·tin·u·ous adjective
: continuing without interruption

— con·tin·u·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
ceaseless, continual, incessant, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted; also endless, eternal, everlasting, interminable, perpetual, unending; constant, stable, steady, unchanging, unvarying
Antonyms
noncontinuous

con·tin·u·um noun, plural -ua also -u·ums
: something that is the same throughout or consists of a series of variations or of a sequence of things in regular order

con·tort verb
: to twist out of shape

Synonyms
deform, distort, screw, warp; also deface, disfigure; wrench, wrest, wring; coil, curl, twine, wind, wreathe

con·tor·tion noun
: a twisting into abnormal or grotesque shape

Synonyms
deformation, distortion; also defacement, disfigurement

con·tor·tion·ist noun
: an acrobat able to twist the body into unusual postures

con·tour noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. It contorno fr. contornare to round off, fr. ML, to turn around, fr. L com- together + tornare to turn on a lathe, fr. tornus lathe]

1 : an outline esp. of a curving or irregular figure : OUTLINE
2 : SHAPE, FORM — often used in pl. <the ~s of a statue>

Synonyms
figure, outline, silhouette—more at OUTLINE

contr abbreviation
contract; contraction

con·tra·band noun
: goods legally prohibited in trade; also : smuggled goods

con·tra·cep·tion noun
: intentional prevention of conception and pregnancy

— con·tra·cep·tive adjective or noun

1contract noun
1 : a binding agreement
2 : an undertaking to win a specified number of tricks in bridge

— con·trac·tu·al adjective

— con·trac·tu·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
bond, covenant, guarantee, guaranty, surety, warranty—more at GUARANTEE

2contract verb
1 : to become affected with <~ a disease>
2 : to establish or undertake by contract
3 a : to reduce to smaller size by or as if by squeezing or forcing together : SHRINK, LESSEN; especially : to draw together esp. so as to shorten <~ a muscle>
b : to become reduced in size or volume
4 : to shorten (a word) by omitting letters or sounds in the middle

— con·tract·ible adjective

— con·trac·tor noun

Synonyms
[1] catch, come down, get, sicken, take; also break out (with); die (from), succumb (to); fail, sink, weaken
[3a, 3b] compress, condense, constrict, lessen, shrink; also collapse, deflate; dry (up), shrivel, wither; decrease, diminish, dwindle; recede, retreat, withdraw
Antonyms
expand, swell

con·trac·tile adjective
: able to contract

— con·trac·til·i·ty noun

con·trac·tion noun
: the action or process of contracting

Synonyms
compression, condensation, constriction—more at COMPRESSION

con·tra·dict verb
: to assert the contrary of : deny the truth of

Synonyms
deny, disallow, disavow, disclaim, gainsay, negate, negative, reject, repudiate—more at DENY

con·tra·dic·tion noun
: the act or an instance of contradicting

Synonyms
denial, disallowance, disavowal, disclaimer, negation, rejection, repudiation—more at DENIAL

con·tra·dic·to·ry adjective
: involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction

Synonyms
antipodal, antithetical, contrary, diametric, opposite, polar—more at OPPOSITE

con·tra·dis·tinc·tion noun
: distinction by contrast

con·trail noun
: a streak of condensed water vapor created by an airplane or rocket at high altitudes

con·tra·in·di·cate verb
: to make (a treatment or procedure) inadvisable

— con·tra·in·di·ca·tion noun

con·tral·to noun, plural -tos
: the lowest female voice; also : a singer having such a voice

con·trap·tion noun
: something devised or contrived : CONTRIVANCE

Synonyms
contrivance, gadget, gimmick, gizmo, jigger—more at GADGET

con·tra·pun·tal adjective
: of or relating to counterpoint

con·tra·ri·ety noun, plural -eties
: the state of being contrary : DISAGREEMENT, INCONSISTENCY

con·trari·wise adverb
1 : on the contrary
2 : VICE VERSA

con·trary adjective
1 : opposite in nature or position
2 : COUNTER, OPPOSED
3 : UNFAVORABLE — used of wind or weather
4 : unwilling to accept control or advice

— con·trari·ly adverb

— con·trary noun or adverb

Synonyms
[1] antipodal, antithetical, contradictory, diametric, opposite, polar—more at OPPOSITE
[4] defiant, disobedient, froward, intractable, rebellious, recalcitrant, refractory, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful—more at DISOBEDIENT

1contrast verb
[ORIGIN: F contraster, fr. MF, to oppose, resist, fr. VL *contrastare, fr. L contra- against + stare to stand]

1 : to show differences when compared
2 : to compare in such a way as to show differences

2contrast noun
1 : diversity of adjacent parts in color, emotion, tone, or brightness <the ~ of a photograph>
2 : unlikeness as shown when things are compared : DIFFERENCE

Synonyms
difference, disagreement, discrepancy, disparity, distinction, diversity, unlikeness—more at DIFFERENCE

con·tra·vene verb -vened; -ven·ing
1 : to go or act contrary to <~ a law>
2 : CONTRADICT

con·tre·temps noun, plural con·tre·temps
[ORIGIN: F]

: an inopportune or embarrassing occurrence

contrib abbreviation
contribution; contributor

con·trib·ute verb -ut·ed; -ut·ing
1 : to give along with others (as to a fund)
2 : HELP, ASSIST

— con·trib·u·tor noun

— con·trib·u·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
bestow, chip in, donate, give, kick in, pitch in, present

con·tri·bu·tion noun
1 : the act of contributing
2 : the thing contributed

Synonyms
alms, benefaction, beneficence, charity, donation, philanthropy; also offering, tithe; bequest, endowment, legacy; aid, assistance, relief, welfare; grant, subsidy

con·trite adjective
: feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming : PENITENT, REPENTANT

— con·trite·ly adverb

Synonyms
apologetic, penitent, regretful, remorseful, repentant, rueful, sorry; also sad, grieving, mournful, sorrowful, woeful
Antonyms
impenitent, remorseless, unapologetic, unrepentant

con·tri·tion noun
: the state of being contrite

Synonyms
guilt, penitence, remorse, repentance, self-reproach, shame—more at GUILT

con·triv·ance noun
1 : a mechanical device; broadly : something contrived, invented, or devised
2 : SCHEME, PLAN
3 : the act or faculty of contriving : the state of being contrived

Synonyms
contraption, creation, gadget, gimmick, gizmo, invention, jigger—more at GADGET

con·trive verb con·trived; con·triv·ing
1 : to form or create in an artistic or ingenious manner : PLAN, DEVISE
2 : to make devices : form plans, schemes, or designs
3 : to bring about with difficulty

Synonyms
[1] concoct, cook, devise, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, plan, think—more at INVENT
[2] conspire, intrigue, machinate, plot, scheme—more at PLOT

con·trived adjective
: lacking in natural or spontaneous quality

Synonyms
affected, artificial, assumed, bogus, factitious, fake, false, feigned, mechanical, mock, phony, put-on, sham, spurious, unnatural—more at ARTIFICIAL

con·triv·er noun
: one that contrives

1control verb con·trolled; con·trol·ling
[ORIGIN: ME countrollen to verify, fr. AF countrerouler, fr. countreroule copy of an account, audit, fr. ML contrarotulus, fr. L contra against + ML rotulus roll]

1 : to exercise restraining or directing influence over : REGULATE
2 : to have power over : RULE

Synonyms
[1] bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, inhibit, regulate, rein, restrain, tame; also bottle (up), repress, suppress; arrest, interrupt, stop; block, hinder, impede, obstruct; gag, muzzle, silence
[1] check, circumscribe, confine, curb, inhibit, limit, restrain, restrict—more at LIMIT
[2] boss, captain, command, govern, preside, rule—more at GOVERN
[2] administer, carry on, conduct, direct, govern, guide, handle, manage, operate, oversee, regulate, run, superintend, supervise—more at CONDUCT

2control noun
1 : power to direct or regulate
2 : the condition of being restrained, checked, or controlled; also : RESERVE, RESTRAINT
3 : a device for regulating a mechanism

Synonyms
arm, authority, clutch, command, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, power, sway—more at POWER

con·trol·ler noun
1 : COMPTROLLER
2 : one that controls

con·tro·ver·sy noun, plural -sies
1 : a clash of opposing views
2 : strife through expression of opposing views or claims : DISPUTE

— con·tro·ver·sial adjective

Synonyms
difference, disagreement, dispute, dissension

con·tro·vert verb
: DENY, CONTRADICT

— con·tro·vert·ible adjective

con·tu·ma·cious adjective
: stubbornly disobedient

— con·tu·ma·cy noun

— con·tu·ma·cious·ly adverb

con·tu·me·ly noun, plural -lies
: contemptuous treatment : INSULT

con·tu·sion noun
: BRUISE

— con·tuse verb

co·nun·drum noun
: an intricate and difficult problem : RIDDLE

Synonyms
enigma, mystery, mystification, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle, secret—more at MYSTERY

conv abbreviation
1 convention
2 convertible

con·va·lesce verb -lesced; -lesc·ing
: to recover health gradually

— con·va·les·cent adjective or noun

Synonyms
gain, heal, mend, rally, recover, recuperate, snap back; also come round, come to, revive; cheer (up), perk (up); pull through, survive; recruit

con·va·les·cence noun
: gradual recovery of health and strength after disease

Synonyms
comeback, rally, recovery, recuperation, rehabilitation; also resuscitation, revival; survival

con·vec·tion noun
: circulatory motion in a fluid due to warmer portions rising and cooler denser portions sinking; also : the transfer of heat by such motion

— con·vec·tion·al adjective

— con·vec·tive adjective

convection oven noun
: an oven with a fan that circulates hot air uniformly and continuously around the food

con·vene verb con·vened; con·ven·ing
1 : to come together, meet, or assemble in a group or body : ASSEMBLE, MEET
2 : to cause (persons) to assemble in a group or body : call or gather together

Synonyms
[1] assemble, cluster, collect, concentrate, conglomerate, congregate, forgather, gather, meet, rendezvous—more at ASSEMBLE
[2] assemble, call, convoke, muster, summon—more at CONVOKE

con·ve·nience noun
1 : SUITABLENESS
2 : a laborsaving device
3 : a suitable time <at your ~>
4 : personal comfort : EASE

Synonyms
amenity, comfort, luxury—more at COMFORT

convenience store noun
: a small market that is open long hours

con·ve·nient adjective
1 : suited to personal comfort or ease
2 : placed near at hand

— con·ve·nient·ly adverb

Synonyms
accessible, handy, reachable; also close, near, nigh; abutting, adjacent, adjoining
Antonyms
inaccessible, inconvenient, unhandy, unreachable

con·vent noun
[ORIGIN: ME covent, fr. OF, fr. ML conventus, fr. L, assembly, fr. convenire to come together]

: a local community or house of a religious order esp. of nuns

— con·ven·tu·al adjective

con·ven·ti·cle noun
: MEETING; especially : a secret meeting for worship

con·ven·tion noun
1 : an agreement esp. between states on a matter of common concern
2 : MEETING, ASSEMBLY
3 : an assembly of delegates convened for some purpose
4 : generally accepted custom, practice, or belief

Synonyms
[1] accord, agreement, bargain, compact, contract, covenant, deal, pact, settlement, understanding—more at AGREEMENT
[3] assembly, conference, congress, convocation, council, gathering, get-together, huddle, meeting, powwow, seminar—more at MEETING

con·ven·tion·al adjective
1 : sanctioned by general custom
2 : COMMONPLACE, ORDINARY

— con·ven·tion·al·i·ty noun

— con·ven·tion·al·ize verb

— con·ven·tion·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
current, customary, popular, standard, stock, usual—more at CURRENT
classical, customary, traditional—more at TRADITIONAL

con·verge verb con·verged; con·verg·ing
: to approach one common center or single point

— con·ver·gent adjective

con·ver·gence noun
: the act of converging

Synonyms
confluence, conjunction, meeting; also joining, juncture, merging, union
Antonyms
divergence

con·ver·sant adjective
: having knowledge and experience — used with with

Synonyms
usually conversant with abreast, familiar, informed, knowledgeable, up, up-to-date, versed—more at FAMILIAR

con·ver·sa·tion noun
: an informal talking together

— con·ver·sa·tion·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
colloquy, dialogue, discourse, discussion, exchange; also banter, cross fire, give-and-take, repartee; conference, parley, powwow; babble, chat, chatter, chitchat, gabfest, gossip, palaver, prate, prattle, rap, small talk, table talk; symposium; debate, deliberation

con·ver·sa·tion·al adjective
1 : inclined to converse : fond of or given to conversation
2 : of, for, characteristic of, or suited to conversation or oral communication

Synonyms
[1] chatty, gabby, garrulous, loquacious, talkative—more at TALKATIVE
[2] colloquial, informal, nonliterary, vernacular, vulgar—more at COLLOQUIAL

con·ver·sa·tion·al·ist noun
: a person who converses a great deal or who excels in conversation

1converse noun
: CONVERSATION

2converse verb con·versed; con·vers·ing
: to engage in conversation

3converse noun
: a statement related to another statement by having its hypothesis and conclusion or its subject and predicate reversed or interchanged

4converse adjective
: reversed in order or relation

— con·verse·ly adverb

con·ver·sion noun
1 : a change in nature or form
2 : an experience associated with a decisive adoption of religion

Synonyms
changeover, metamorphosis, transfiguration, transformation; also shift, transition; adjustment, alteration, modification; redoing, remaking, remodeling, revamping, revision, reworking, variation; deformation, disfigurement, distortion, mutation, transmutation; displacement, replacement, substitution

1convert verb
1 : to turn from one belief or party to another
2 : to change from one form or function to another : TRANSFORM
3 : MISAPPROPRIATE
4 : EXCHANGE

— con·vert·er or con·ver·tor noun

Synonyms
make over, metamorphose, transfigure, transform; also adjust, alter, modify; redo, refashion, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary; deform, disfigure, distort, mutate, transmute; displace, replace, substitute, supplant

2convert noun
: one that is converted

Synonyms
adherent, disciple, follower, partisan, pupil, votary—more at FOLLOWER

1convertible adjective
: capable of being converted

2convertible noun
: an automobile with a top that may be lowered or removed

con·vex adjective
: curved or rounded like the exterior of a sphere or circle

— con·vex·i·ty noun

con·vey verb
1 : to bear from one place to another : CARRY, TRANSPORT
2 : to transfer or deliver (as property) to another : TRANSMIT, TRANSFER

— con·vey·or also con·vey·er noun

Synonyms
[1] bear, carry, cart, ferry, haul, lug, pack, tote, transport—more at CARRY
[2] communicate, impart, spread, transfer, transfuse, transmit—more at COMMUNICATE

con·vey·ance noun
1 : the act of conveying
2 : a legal paper transferring ownership of property
3 : a means of transport : VEHICLE

Synonyms
transport, vehicle; also carrier, hauler, mover; transit

1convict verb
: to prove or find guilty

2convict noun
: a person serving a prison sentence

con·vic·tion noun
1 : the act of convicting esp. in a court
2 : the state of being convinced
3 : a strong persuasion or belief

Synonyms
[2] assurance, certainty, certitude, confidence, positiveness, sureness—more at CONFIDENCE
[3] belief, eye, feeling, judgment, mind, notion, opinion, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, view—more at OPINION

con·vince verb con·vinced; con·vinc·ing
: to bring (as by argument) to belief or action

— con·vinc·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
argue, get, induce, move, persuade, prevail, satisfy, talk, win—more at PERSUADE

con·vinc·ing adjective
: satisfying or assuring by argument or proof

Synonyms
cogent, compelling, conclusive, decisive, effective, forceful, persuasive, satisfying, strong, telling—more at COGENT

con·viv·ial adjective
[ORIGIN: LL convivialis, fr. L convivium banquet, fr. com- together + vivere to live]

: enjoying companionship and the pleasures of feasting and drinking

— con·viv·ial·ly adverb

Synonyms
boon, companionable, extroverted, gregarious, outgoing, sociable, social; also cordial, friendly, hospitable; affable, genial, gracious; animated, lively, sprightly, vivacious; communicative, expansive, garrulous, talkative
Antonyms
antisocial, introverted, unsociable

con·viv·i·al·i·ty noun
: convivial activities or behavior

Synonyms
festivity, gaiety, jollification, merriment, merrymaking, revelry—more at MERRYMAKING

con·vo·ca·tion noun
1 a : a ceremonial assembly (as of the clergy)
b : an assembly of persons convoked
2 : the act of convoking

Synonyms
assemblage, assembly, conference, congregation, gathering, meeting, muster—more at GATHERING

con·voke verb con·voked; con·vok·ing
: to call together to a meeting

Synonyms
assemble, call, convene, muster, summon; also amass, collect, gather, group, round up

con·vo·lut·ed adjective
1 : folded in curved or tortuous windings
2 : marked by extreme and often needless or excessive complexity : INVOLVED, INTRICATE

Synonyms
complex, complicated, elaborate, intricate, involved, knotty, sophisticated—more at COMPLEX

con·vo·lu·tion noun
: a tortuous or sinuous structure; especially : one of the ridges of the brain

1convoy verb
: to accompany for protection

Synonyms
accompany, attend, escort, squire—more at ACCOMPANY

2convoy noun
1 : one that convoys; especially : a protective escort (as for ships)
2 : the act of convoying
3 : a group of moving vehicles

con·vulse verb con·vulsed; con·vuls·ing
: to agitate violently

Synonyms
agitate, jolt, jounce, quake, quiver, shake, shudder, vibrate, wobble—more at SHAKE

con·vul·sion noun
1 : an abnormal and violent involuntary contraction or series of contractions of muscle
2 : a violent disturbance

Synonyms
cataclysm, paroxysm, storm, tempest, tumult, upheaval, uproar; also overthrow, overturn, revolution, subversion, upset; fit, seizure, spasm; eruption, flare-up, outbreak, outburst; commotion, furor, fuss, hubbub, hullabaloo, row, ruckus, stew, turmoil; quaking, rocking, shaking, trembling

con·vul·sive adjective
: resembling a convulsion in being violent, sudden, frantic, or spasmodic

— con·vul·sive·ly adverb

Synonyms
stormy, tempestuous, tumultuous; also fitful, spasmodic, sporadic

cony variant of CONEY

coo noun
: a soft low sound made by doves or pigeons; also : a sound like this

— coo verb

COO abbreviation
chief operating officer

1cook noun
: a person who prepares food for eating

2cook verb
1 : to prepare food for eating
2 : to subject to heat or fire
3 : to devise by thinking : FABRICATE — usu. used with up

— cook·er noun

— cook·ware noun

Synonyms
usually cook up concoct, contrive, devise, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, think—more at INVENT

cook·book noun
: a book of cooking directions and recipes

cook·ery noun, plural -er·ies
: the art or practice of cooking

cook·ie or cooky noun, plural cook·ies
[ORIGIN: D koekje, dim. of koek cake]

1 : a small sweet flat cake
2 cookie : a file containing information about a Web site user created and read by a Web site server and stored on the user's computer

cookie–cutter adjective
: marked by a lack of originality or distinction <~ malls>

cook·out noun
: an outing at which a meal is cooked and served in the open

1cool adjective
1 : moderately cold
2 : not excited : CALM
3 : not friendly
4 : IMPUDENT
5 : protecting from heat
6 slang : very good

— cool·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] calm, collected, composed, placid, self-possessed, serene, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed, unshaken, untroubled, unworried—more at CALM
[3] aloof, antisocial, chilly, cold, detached, distant, frosty, remote, standoffish, unfriendly, unsociable; also introverted, reserved, withdrawn; misanthropic; apathetic, indifferent, unconcerned; disinterested, incurious, uninterested; reticent, silent, taciturn; diffident, shy, timid
Antonyms
cordial, friendly, sociable, warm

2cool verb
: to make or become cool : lose or cause to lose heat, warmth, or passion

Synonyms
calm, hush, quiet, settle—more at QUIET

3cool noun
1 : a cool time or place
2 : INDIFFERENCE; also : SELF-ASSURANCE, COMPOSURE <kept his ~>

cool·ant noun
: a usu. fluid cooling agent

cool·er noun
1 : a container for keeping food or drink cool
2 : JAIL, PRISON
3 : a tall iced drink

coo·lie noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi & Urdu qulī]

: an unskilled laborer usu. in or from the Far East

cool·ness noun
: the quality or state of being cool

Synonyms
aplomb, calmness, composure, equanimity, placidity, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity—more at EQUANIMITY

coon noun
: RACCOON

coon·hound noun
: a sporting dog trained to hunt raccoons

coon·skin noun
: the pelt of a raccoon; also : something (as a cap) made of this

1coop noun
: a small enclosure or building usu. for poultry

Synonyms
cage, corral, pen, pound—more at CAGE

2coop verb
: to confine in or as if in a coop — usu. used with up

Synonyms
usually coop up cage, closet, corral, encase, enclose, envelop, fence, hedge, hem, house, immure, pen, wall—more at ENCLOSE

co–op noun
: COOPERATIVE

coo·per noun
: one who makes or repairs barrels or casks

— cooper verb

— coo·per·age noun

co·op·er·ate verb
: to act jointly with another or others

— co·op·er·a·tor noun

Synonyms
affiliate, ally, associate, band, collaborate, combine, concert, confederate, join, league, team, unite

co·op·er·a·tion noun
: the act of cooperating : a condition marked by cooperating

Synonyms
collaboration, coordination, teamwork—more at TEAMWORK

1cooperative adjective
1 : willing to work with others
2 : of or relating to an association formed to enable its members to buy or sell to better advantage by eliminating middlemen's profits

2cooperative noun
: a cooperative association

co–opt verb
1 : to choose or elect as a colleague
2 : ABSORB, ASSIMILATE; also : TAKE OVER

1coordinate adjective
1 : equal in rank or order
2 : of equal rank in a compound sentence <~ clause>
3 : joining words or word groups of the same rank

— co·or·di·nate·ly adverb

2coordinate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to make or become coordinate
2 : to work or act together harmoniously

— co·or·di·na·tor noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] accommodate, agree, blend, conciliate, conform, harmonize, key, reconcile—more at HARMONIZE

3coordinate noun
1 : one of a set of numbers used in specifying the location of a point on a surface or in space
2 plural : articles (as of clothing) designed to be used together and to attain their effect through pleasing contrast
3 : one who is of equal rank, authority, or importance with another

Synonyms
counterpart, equal, equivalent, fellow, like, match, parallel, peer, rival—more at EQUAL

co·or·di·na·tion noun
: the harmonious functioning of parts for effective results

Synonyms
collaboration, cooperation, teamwork—more at TEAMWORK

coot noun
1 : a dark-colored ducklike bird related to the rails
2 : any of several No. American sea ducks
3 : a harmless simple person

coo·tie noun
: a body louse

1cop noun
: a member of a police force : POLICE OFFICER

Synonyms
constable, officer, police officer—more at OFFICER

2cop verb
1 slang : STEAL <~ a glance>
2 slang : ADMIT — used with to <~ to the charges>
3 : ADOPT <~ an attitude>

co–pay noun
: CO-PAYMENT

co–pay·ment noun
: a fixed fee required of a patient by a health insurer (as an HMO) at the time of each outpatient service or filling of a prescription

1cope noun
: a long cloaklike ecclesiastical vestment

2cope verb coped; cop·ing
: to struggle to overcome problems or difficulties — usu. used with with

Synonyms
do, fare, get along, make out, manage, shift—more at GET ALONG
usually cope with contend, grapple, handle, manage, maneuver, negotiate, swing, treat—more at HANDLE

copi·er noun
: one that copies; especially : a machine for making copies

co·pi·lot noun
: an assistant pilot of an aircraft or spacecraft

cop·ing noun
: the top layer of a wall

co·pi·ous adjective
: present in large quantity : LAVISH

— co·pi·ous·ly adverb

— co·pi·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
lavish, profuse, riotous—more at PROFUSE

cop–out noun
: an excuse for copping out; also : an act of copping out

Synonyms
avoidance, escape, evasion, out—more at ESCAPE

cop out verb
: to back out (as of an unwanted responsibility)

Synonyms
back down, renege—more at RENEGE

cop·per noun
1 : a malleable reddish metallic chemical element that is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity
2 : a coin or token made of copper

— cop·pery adjective

cop·per·head noun
: a largely coppery brown pit viper esp. of the eastern and central U.S.

cop·pice noun
: a thicket, grove, or growth of small trees : THICKET

Synonyms
brake, brushwood, chaparral, covert, thicket—more at THICKET

co·pra noun
: dried coconut meat yielding coconut oil

copse noun
: a thicket, grove, or growth of small trees : THICKET

cop·ter noun
: HELICOPTER

cop·u·la noun
: LINKING VERB

— cop·u·la·tive adjective

cop·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to engage in sexual intercourse

— cop·u·la·to·ry adjective

cop·u·la·tion noun
: sexual union

Synonyms
intercourse, sexual intercourse—more at SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

1copy noun, plural cop·ies
1 : an imitation or reproduction of an original work
2 : material to be set in type

Synonyms
carbon copy, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, imitation, replica, replication, reproduction; also counterfeit, fake, forgery, phony, sham; dummy, mock-up, simulation; reconstruction, re-creation; image, likeness, semblance, shadow; impression, imprint, print
Antonyms
original

2copy verb cop·ied; copy·ing
1 : to make a copy of
2 : to attempt to resemble : IMITATE

— copy·ist noun

Synonyms
[1] duplicate, imitate, replicate, reproduce; also counterfeit, fake, forge; simulate; reconstruct
Antonyms
originate
[2] ape, emulate, imitate, mime, mimic—more at IMITATE

copy·book noun
: a book formerly used to teach handwriting containing examples to be copied

copy·boy noun
: a person who carries copy and runs errands (as in a newspaper office)

copy·cat noun
: a slavish imitator

copy·desk noun
: the desk at which newspaper copy is edited

copy editor noun
: one who edits newspaper copy and writes headlines; also : one who reads and corrects manuscript copy in a publishing house

copy·read·er noun
: COPY EDITOR

1copyright noun
: the sole right to reproduce, publish, and sell a literary or artistic work

2copyright verb
: to secure a copyright on

copy·writ·er noun
: a writer of advertising copy

co·quet or co·quette verb co·quet·ted; co·quet·ting
: FLIRT

— co·quet·ry noun

co·quette noun
[ORIGIN: F, fem. of coquet, flirtatious man, dim. of coq cock]

: FLIRT

co·quett·ish adjective
: having the air or nature of a coquette

Synonyms
coy, demure, kittenish—more at COY

cor abbreviation
corner

Cor abbreviation
Corinthians

cor·a·cle noun
[ORIGIN: W corwgl]

: a boat made of a frame covered usu. with hide or tarpaulin

cor·al noun
1 : a stony or horny material that forms the skeleton of colonies of tiny sea polyps and includes a red form used in jewelry; also : a coral-forming polyp or polyp colony
2 : a deep pink color

— coral adjective

coral snake noun
: any of several venomous chiefly tropical New World snakes brilliantly banded in red, black, and yellow or white

cor·bel noun
: a bracket-shaped architectural member that projects from a wall and supports a weight

1cord noun
1 : a usu. heavy string consisting of several strands woven or twisted together
2 : a long slender anatomical structure (as a tendon or nerve)
3 : a small flexible insulated electrical cable used to connect an appliance with a receptacle
4 : a cubic measure used esp. for firewood and equal to a stack 4×4×8 feet
5 : a rib or ridge on cloth

Synonyms
cable, lace, line, rope, string, wire; also guy, lanyard, stay

2cord verb
1 : to tie or furnish with a cord
2 : to pile (wood) in cords

cord·age noun
: ROPES, CORDS; especially : ropes in the rigging of a ship

1cordial adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML cordialis, fr. L cord-, cor heart]

: warmly receptive or welcoming

— cor·dial·ly adverb

Synonyms
amicable, companionable, comradely, friendly, genial, hearty, neighborly, warm, warmhearted—more at FRIENDLY
affable, genial, gracious, hospitable, sociable—more at GRACIOUS

cor·di·al·i·ty noun
: sincere affection and kindness

Synonyms
amity, benevolence, fellowship, friendliness, friendship, goodwill, kindliness—more at GOODWILL

2cordial noun
1 : a stimulating medicine or drink
2 : LIQUEUR

cor·dil·le·ra noun
[ORIGIN: Sp]

: a series of parallel mountain ranges

cord·less adjective
: having no cord; especially : powered by a battery <a ~ phone>

— cord·less noun

cor·don noun
1 : an ornamental cord or ribbon
2 : an encircling line (as of troops or police)

— cordon verb

cor·do·van noun
: a soft fine-grained leather

cor·du·roy noun, plural -roys
: a heavy ribbed fabric; also, pl : trousers of this material

cord·wain·er noun
: SHOEMAKER

1core noun
1 a : the central usu. inedible part of some fruits (as the apple)
b : an inmost part of something
2 : the essential meaning : GIST
3 : a central or most important part distinct from the enveloping part

Synonyms
[1b] crux, gist, heart, nub, pith, pivot—more at CRUX
[3] base, center, cynosure, eye, focus, heart, hub, mecca, nucleus, seat—more at CENTER
[3] body, bulk, generality, main, mass—more at BODY

2core verb cored; cor·ing
: to take out the core of

— cor·er noun

CORE abbreviation
Congress of Racial Equality

co·re·op·sis noun, plural coreopsis
: any of a genus of widely cultivated composite herbs with showy often yellow flower heads

co·re·spon·dent noun
: a person named as guilty of adultery with the defendant in a divorce suit

co·ri·an·der noun
: an herb related to the carrot; also : its aromatic dried fruit used as a flavoring

Cor·in·thi·ans noun
: either of two letters written by St. Paul to the Christians of Corinth and included as books in the New Testament

1cork noun
1 : the tough elastic bark of a European oak (cork oak) used esp. for stoppers and insulation; also : a stopper of this
2 : a tissue of a woody plant making up most of the bark

— corky adjective

2cork verb
: to furnish with or stop up with cork or a cork

cork·screw noun
: a device for drawing corks from bottles

corm noun
: a solid bulblike underground part of a stem (as of the crocus or gladiolus)

cor·mo·rant noun
[ORIGIN: ME cormeraunt, fr. MF cormorant, fr. OF cormareng, fr. corp raven + marenc of the sea, fr. L marinus]

: any of a family of dark-colored water birds with a long neck, hooked bill, and distensible throat pouch

1corn noun
1 : the seeds of a cereal grass and esp. of the chief cereal crop of a region (as wheat in Britain and Indian corn in the U.S.); also : a cereal grass
2 : sweet corn served as a vegetable

2corn verb
: to salt (as beef) in brine and preservatives

3corn noun
: a local hardening and thickening of skin (as on a toe)

1cornball noun
: an unsophisticated person; also : something corny

2cornball adjective
: CORNY

corn bread noun
: bread made with cornmeal

corn·cob noun
: the woody core on which the kernels of Indian corn are arranged

corn·crib noun
: a crib for storing ears of Indian corn

cor·nea noun
: the transparent part of the coat of the eyeball covering the iris and the pupil

— cor·ne·al adjective

corn ear·worm noun
: a moth whose larva is destructive esp. to Indian corn

1corner noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF cornere, fr. corne horn, corner, fr. L cornu horn, point]

1 : the point or angle formed by the meeting of lines, edges, or sides
2 : the place where two streets come together
3 : a quiet secluded place
4 : a position from which retreat or escape is impossible
5 : control of enough of the available supply (as of a commodity) to permit manipulation of the price

— cor·nered adjective

— around the corner

: ready to take place : about to happen <has a birthday just around the corner>

Synonyms
[2] crossing, crossroad, intersection—more at CROSSROAD
[4] fix, hole, jam, pickle, predicament, spot—more at PREDICAMENT

2corner verb
1 : to drive into a corner
2 : to get a corner on <~ the wheat market>
3 : to turn a corner

cor·ner·stone noun
1 : a stone forming part of a corner in a wall; especially : such a stone laid at a formal ceremony
2 : something of basic importance

Synonyms
bedrock, foundation, keystone; also base, center, core, eye, focus, heart, hub, nucleus, seat; kernel, nut, pith; essence, quintessence, soul

cor·net noun
: a brass band instrument resembling the trumpet

corn flour noun, British
: CORNSTARCH

corn·flow·er noun
: BACHELOR'S BUTTON

cor·nice noun
: the horizontal projecting part crowning the wall of a building

corn·meal noun
: meal ground from corn

corn·row noun
: a section of hair braided flat to the scalp in rows

— cornrow verb

corn·stalk noun
: a stalk of Indian corn

corn·starch noun
: a starch made from corn and used in cookery as a thickening agent

corn syrup noun
: a sweet syrup obtained from cornstarch

cor·nu·co·pia noun
[ORIGIN: LL, fr. L cornu copiae horn of plenty]

: a horn-shaped container filled with fruits and grain emblematic of abundance

corny adjective corn·i·er; -est
: tiresomely simple or sentimental

Synonyms
maudlin, mawkish, mushy, saccharine, sappy, schmaltzy, sentimental, sloppy, sugary; also dreamy, moonstruck, nostalgic; flat, insipid, tasteless, vapid, watery
Antonyms
unsentimental

co·rol·la noun
: the petals of a flower

cor·ol·lary noun, plural -lar·ies
1 : a deduction from a proposition already proved true
2 : something that naturally follows : CONSEQUENCE, RESULT

Synonyms
aftermath, conclusion, consequence, development, effect, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequence, upshot—more at EFFECT

co·ro·na noun
1 : a colored circle often seen around and close to a luminous body (as the sun or moon)
2 : the outermost part of the atmosphere of a star (as the sun)

— co·ro·nal adjective

cor·o·nal noun
: a circlet for the head

1coronary adjective
: of or relating to the heart or its blood vessels

2coronary noun, plural -nar·ies
1 : a coronary blood vessel
2 : CORONARY THROMBOSIS; also : HEART ATTACK

coronary thrombosis noun
: the blocking by a thrombus of one of the arteries supplying the heart tissues

cor·o·na·tion noun
: the act or ceremony of crowning a monarch

cor·o·ner noun
[ORIGIN: ME, an officer of the crown, fr. AF, fr. corone crown, fr. L corona]

: a public official who investigates causes of deaths possibly not due to natural causes

cor·o·net noun
1 : a small crown
2 : an ornamental band worn around the temples

corp abbreviation
1 corporal
2 corporation

1corporal adjective
: of or relating to the body <~ punishment>

Synonyms
animal, bodily, carnal, fleshly, material, physical, somatic—more at PHYSICAL

2corporal noun
: a noncommissioned officer (as in the army) ranking next below a sergeant

cor·po·rate adjective
1 : INCORPORATED; also : belonging to an incorporated body
2 : combined into one body

cor·po·ra·tion noun
1 : the municipal authorities of a town or city
2 : a legal creation authorized to act with the rights and liabilities of a person <a business ~>

cor·po·rat·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to subject to corporate control <~ education>

cor·po·re·al adjective
1 : having, consisting of, or relating to a physical material body : PHYSICAL, MATERIAL
2 archaic : BODILY

— cor·po·re·al·i·ty noun

— cor·po·re·al·ly adverb

corps noun, plural corps
[ORIGIN: F, fr. OF cors, fr. L corpus body]

1 : an organized subdivision of a country's military forces
2 : a group acting under common direction

Synonyms
brotherhood, community, fellowship, fraternity; also calling, profession; association, club, federation, guild, organization, society

corpse noun
: a dead body

Synonyms
cadaver, remains; also deceased, decedent

corps·man noun
: an enlisted man trained to give first aid

cor·pu·lence noun
: excessive fatness : OBESITY

Synonyms
fatness, grossness, obesity, plumpness; also heaviness; huskiness, stoutness; brawniness
Antonyms
leanness, thinness

cor·pu·lent adjective
: having a large bulky body : OBESE

Synonyms
chubby, fat, fleshy, full, gross, obese, overweight, plump, portly, rotund, round—more at FAT

cor·pus noun, plural cor·po·ra
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L]

1 : BODY; especially : CORPSE
2 : a body of writings or works

cor·pus·cle noun
1 : a minute particle
2 : a living cell (as in blood or cartilage) not aggregated into continuous tissues

— cor·pus·cu·lar adjective

cor·pus de·lic·ti noun, plural corpora delicti
[ORIGIN: NL, lit., body of the crime]

1 : the substantial fact proving that a crime has been committed
2 : the body of a victim of murder

corr abbreviation
1 correct; corrected; correction
2 correspondence; correspondent; corresponding

cor·ral noun
[ORIGIN: Sp]

1 : an enclosure for confining or capturing animals
2 : an enclosure of wagons for defending a camp

corral verb
1 : to enclose in a corral
2 : to gain or regain control of

Synonyms
[1] cage, closet, coop, encase, enclose, envelop, fence, hedge, hem, house, immure, pen, wall—more at ENCLOSE
[2] bag, capture, catch, collar, get, grab, grapple, hook, land, nab, seize, snare, trap—more at CATCH

1correct verb
1 : to make right
2 : to punish (as a child) with a view to reforming or improving : CHASTISE
3 : to counteract the activity or effect of

— cor·rect·able adjective

Synonyms
[1] amend, debug, emend, rectify, reform, remedy; also redraft, redraw, restyle, revise, rework, rewrite; redress, right; ameliorate, better, improve; perfect, polish, touch up; fix, mend, repair; adjust, modulate, regulate; alter, change, modify
[2] castigate, chasten, chastise, discipline, penalize, punish—more at PUNISH
[3] annul, cancel, compensate, counteract, counterbalance, make up, neutralize, offset—more at OFFSET

2correct adjective
1 : conforming to a conventional standard
2 : agreeing with fact or truth
3 : conforming to the standards of a specific ideology <environmentally ~>

— cor·rect·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] decent, decorous, genteel, nice, polite, proper, respectable, seemly—more at PROPER
[2] accurate, exact, precise, proper, right, so, true; also legitimate, logical, valid; errorless, faultless, flawless, impeccable, letter-perfect, perfect; rigorous, strict, stringent
Antonyms
false, improper, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, untrue, wrong

cor·rec·tion noun
1 : the action or an instance of correcting
2 : a reproving or punishing of faults or deviations from proper actions

Synonyms
[1, 2] castigation, chastisement, desert, discipline, nemesis, penalty, punishment, wrath—more at PUNISHMENT

cor·rec·tion·al adjective
: of or relating to correction

cor·rec·tive adjective
: tending to correct

Synonyms
disciplinary, penal, punitive—more at PUNITIVE
reformative, remedial; also curative, medicinal, therapeutic; reparative, restorative; beneficial, helpful, salutary, wholesome

cor·rect·ly adverb
: in a correct manner

Synonyms
appropriately, fittingly, happily, properly, rightly, suitably—more at PROPERLY

cor·re·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to connect in a systematic way : establish the mutual relations of

— cor·re·late noun

— cor·re·la·tion noun

Synonyms
associate, connect, identify, link, relate—more at ASSOCIATE

cor·rel·a·tive adjective
1 : reciprocally related
2 : regularly used together (as either and or)

— correlative noun

— cor·rel·a·tive·ly adverb

cor·re·spond verb
1 : to be in agreement
2 : to communicate by letter
3 : to compare closely — usu. used with to or with

Synonyms
[1] accord, agree, answer, check, coincide, comport, conform, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, square, tally—more at CHECK
usually correspond to [3] equal, match, parallel—more at MATCH

cor·re·spon·dence noun
1 : agreement between particular things
2 : communication by letters; also : the letters exchanged

Synonyms
community, likeness, parallelism, resemblance, similarity, similitude—more at SIMILARITY

1correspondent adjective
1 : having or participating in the same relationship (as kind, degree, position, correspondence, or function) : SIMILAR
2 : of a kind appropriate to the situation — used with with or to

Synonyms
[1] akin, alike, analogous, comparable, like, parallel, similar, such—more at ALIKE
usually correspondent with or correspondent to [2] compatible, conformable, congruous, consistent, consonant, harmonious—more at CONSISTENT

2correspondent noun
1 : something that corresponds
2 : a person with whom one communicates by letter
3 : a person employed to contribute news regularly from a place

cor·re·spond·ing·ly adverb
: in a corresponding manner

Synonyms
alike, also, likewise, similarly, so—more at ALSO

cor·ri·dor noun
1 : a passageway into which compartments or rooms open (as in a hotel or school)
2 : a narrow strip of land esp. through foreign-held territory
3 : a densely populated strip of land including two or more major cities

Synonyms
gallery, hall, hallway, passage—more at HALL

cor·ri·gen·dum noun, plural -da
[ORIGIN: L]

: an error in a printed work discovered after printing and shown with its correction on a separate sheet

cor·ri·gi·ble adjective
: CORRECTABLE

cor·rob·o·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
[ORIGIN: L corroborare, fr. robur strength]

: to support with evidence : CONFIRM

Synonyms
bear out, confirm, substantiate, support, validate, verify, vindicate—more at CONFIRM

cor·rob·o·ra·tion noun
: something that corroborates

Synonyms
attestation, confirmation, documentation, evidence, proof, substantiation, testament, testimony, validation, witness—more at PROOF

cor·rob·o·ra·tive adjective
: serving or tending to corroborate

Synonyms
confirmatory; also auxiliary, supplementary; beneficial, helpful
Antonyms
confuting, disproving, refuting

cor·rob·o·ra·to·ry adjective
: serving or tending to corroborate

cor·rode verb cor·rod·ed; cor·rod·ing
: to wear or be worn away gradually (as by chemical action)

— cor·ro·sion noun

— cor·ro·sive adjective or noun

Synonyms
bite, eat, erode, fret—more at EAT

cor·ru·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to form into wrinkles or ridges and grooves

— cor·ru·gat·ed adjective

— cor·ru·ga·tion noun

1corrupt verb
1 a : to make evil : DEPRAVE
b : BRIBE
2 : to undergo decomposition from the action of bacteria or fungi : ROT, SPOIL

Synonyms
[1a] abase, debase, debauch, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, warp—more at DEBASE
[2] break down, decay, decompose, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, rot, spoil—more at DECAY

2corrupt adjective
: morally degenerate; also : characterized by improper conduct <~ officials>

Synonyms
debauched, decadent, degenerate, dissolute, perverse, perverted, reprobate; also crooked, cutthroat, dishonest, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous; contaminated, spoiled, tainted; bad, evil, immoral, iniquitous, nefarious, sinful, vicious, wicked

cor·rupt·ible adjective
: capable of being corrupted

Synonyms
bribable, purchasable, venal—more at VENAL

cor·rup·tion noun
1 : impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle
2 : the process of rotting

Synonyms
[1] debasement, debauchery, decadence, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion; also evil, immorality, sinfulness, wickedness
[2] breakdown, decay, decomposition, putrefaction, rot, spoilage; also crumbling, disintegration, dissolution; curdling, fermentation, moldering, souring

cor·sage noun
[ORIGIN: F, bust, bodice, fr. OF, bust, fr. cors body, fr. L corpus]

1 : the waist or bodice of a dress
2 : a bouquet to be worn or carried

cor·sair noun
: one who commits or practices piracy : PIRATE

Synonyms
buccaneer, freebooter, pirate, rover—more at PIRATE

cor·set noun
: a stiffened undergarment worn for support or to give shape to the waist and hips

cor·tege also cor·tège noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : PROCESSION; especially : a funeral procession
2 : a train of attendants

Synonyms
following, retinue, suite, train; also crew, personnel, staff; assistant, attendant, helper, retainer

cor·tex noun, plural cor·ti·ces or cor·tex·es
: an outer or covering layer of an organism or one of its parts <the adrenal ~> <~ of a plant stem>; especially : CEREBRAL CORTEX

— cor·ti·cal adjective

cor·ti·co·ste·roid noun
: any of various steroids made in the adrenal cortex and used medically as anti-inflammatory agents

cor·ti·sone noun
: an adrenal hormone used in treating rheumatoid arthritis

co·run·dum noun
: a very hard aluminum-containing mineral used as an abrasive or as a gem

cor·us·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: FLASH, SPARKLE

— cor·us·ca·tion noun

cor·vette noun
1 : a naval sailing ship smaller than a frigate
2 : an armed escort ship smaller than a destroyer

co·ry·za noun
: an inflammatory disorder of the upper respiratory tract; especially : COMMON COLD

cos abbreviation
cosine

COS abbreviation
1 cash on shipment
2 chief of staff

co·sig·na·to·ry noun
: a joint signer

co·sign·er noun
: COSIGNATORY; especially : a joint signer of a promissory note

co·sine noun
: the trigonometric function that is the ratio between the side next to an acute angle in a right triangle and the hypotenuse

1cosmetic adjective
[ORIGIN: Gk kosmētikos skilled in adornment, fr. kosmein to arrange, adorn, fr. kosmos order, ornament, universe]

1 : intended to beautify the hair or complexion
2 : correcting physical defects esp. to improve appearance <~ dentistry>
3 : SUPERFICIAL

2cosmetic noun
: a cosmetic preparation

cos·me·tol·o·gist noun
: one who gives beauty treatments

— cos·me·tol·o·gy noun

cos·mic also cos·mi·cal adjective
1 : of or relating to the cosmos
2 : characterized by greatness esp. in extent, intensity, or comprehensiveness : VAST, GRAND

— cos·mi·cal·ly adverb

cosmic ray noun
: a stream of very penetrating atomic nuclei that enter the earth's atmosphere from outer space

cos·mog·o·ny noun, plural -nies
: the origin or creation of the world or universe

cos·mol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
: a branch of astronomy dealing with the origin and structure of the universe

— cos·mo·log·i·cal adjective

— cos·mol·o·gist noun

cos·mo·naut noun
: a Soviet or Russian astronaut

cos·mo·pol·i·tan adjective
: belonging to all the world : not local

— cosmopolitan noun

Synonyms
smart, sophisticated, worldly, worldly-wise—more at WORLDLY-WISE

cos·mos noun
1 : the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated : UNIVERSE
2 : a tall garden herb related to the daisies

Synonyms
creation, macrocosm, nature, universe, world—more at UNIVERSE

co·spon·sor noun
: a joint sponsor

— cosponsor verb

Cos·sack noun
[ORIGIN: Pol & Ukrainian kozak, of Turkic origin]

: a member of one of several autonomous communities drawn from various ethnic groups in southern Russia; also : a mounted soldier from one of these communities

1cost noun
1 : the amount paid or charged for something
2 : the loss or penalty incurred in gaining something <knowledge is gained at the ~ of innocence>
3 plural : expenses incurred in a law suit

— at all costs

: regardless of consequences <win at all costs>

Synonyms
disbursement, expenditure, expense, outgo, outlay—more at EXPENSE
charge, fee, figure, price—more at PRICE

2cost verb cost; cost·ing
1 : to require a specified amount in payment
2 : to cause to pay, suffer, or lose
3 : to have a price of

Synonyms
bring, fetch, go, sell; also amount (to), come (to), total; command, exact; ask, demand

co–star noun
: one of two leading players in a motion picture or play

— co–star verb

Cos·ta Ri·can noun
: a native or inhabitant of Costa Rica

— Costa Rican adjective

cos·tive adjective
: affected with or causing constipation

cost·ly adjective cost·li·er; -est
1 : of great cost or value : not cheap
2 : done at great expense or sacrifice <a ~ error>

— cost·li·ness noun

Synonyms
dear, expensive, high, precious, valuable; also exorbitant, extravagant, prohibitive, steep, stiff, unreasonable; invaluable, priceless
Antonyms
cheap, inexpensive

cos·tume noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. It, custom, dress, fr. L consuetudo custom]

1 : the style of attire characteristic of a period or country
2 : an outfit worn to create the appearance characteristic of a particular period, person, place, or thing <Halloween ~s>

— cos·tum·er noun

costume jewelry noun
: inexpensive jewelry

cosy chiefly British variant of COZY

1cot noun
: a small house : COTTAGE

2cot noun
: a small often collapsible bed

cote noun
: a small shed or coop (as for sheep or doves)

co·te·rie noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: an intimate often exclusive group of persons with a common interest

Synonyms
body, bunch, circle, clan, clique, community, crowd, fold, gang, lot, ring, set—more at GANG

co·ter·mi·nous adjective
: having the same scope or duration

co·til·lion noun
: a formal ball

cot·tage noun
: a small house

— cot·tag·er noun

Synonyms
cabin, camp, chalet, lodge; also bungalow, cot; hut, shack, shanty

cottage cheese noun
: a soft uncured cheese made from soured skim milk

cot·ter or cot·tar noun
: a peasant or farm laborer occupying a cottage and often a small holding

cotter pin noun
: a metal strip bent into a pin whose ends can be spread apart after insertion through a hole or slot

cot·ton noun
[ORIGIN: ME coton, fr. AF cotun, fr. Ar quṭun]

1 : a soft fibrous usu. white substance composed of hairs attached to the seeds of various tropical plants related to the mallow; also : this plant
2 : thread or cloth made of cotton

cot·tony adjective
: resembling cotton in appearance or character

Synonyms
downy, satiny, silken, soft, velvety—more at SOFT

cotton candy noun
: a candy made of spun sugar

cot·ton·mouth noun
: WATER MOCCASIN

cot·ton·seed noun
: the seed of the cotton plant yielding a protein-rich meal and a fatty oil (cottonseed oil) used esp. in cooking

cot·ton·tail noun
: a No. American rabbit with a white-tufted tail

cot·ton·wood noun
: a poplar having seeds with cottony hairs

cot·y·le·don noun
: the first leaf or one of the first pair or whorl of leaves developed by a seed plant

1couch verb
1 : to lie or place on a couch
2 : to phrase in a specified manner

Synonyms
articulate, clothe, express, formulate, phrase, put, say, state, word—more at PHRASE

2couch noun
: a piece of furniture (as a bed or sofa) that one can sit or lie on

Synonyms
davenport, divan, lounge, settee, sofa; also love seat; day bed, sofa bed; bench

couch·ant adjective
: lying down with the head raised <coat of arms with lion ~>

couch potato noun
: one who spends a great deal of time watching television

cou·gar noun, plural cougars also cougar
[ORIGIN: F couguar, fr. NL cuguacuarana, modif. of Tupi (a Brazilian Indian language) siwasuarána, fr. siwasú deer + -rana resembling]

: a large powerful tawny brown wild American cat

Synonyms
mountain lion, panther

cough verb
: to force air from the lungs with short sharp noises; also : to expel by coughing

— cough noun

could past of CAN
— used as an auxiliary in the past or as a polite or less forceful alternative to can in the present

cou·lee noun
1 : a small stream
2 : a dry streambed
3 : GULLY

cou·lomb noun
: a unit of electric charge equal to the electricity transferred by a current of one ampere in one second

coun·cil noun
1 : an assembly or meeting for consultation, advice, or discussion
2 : an official body of lawmakers <city ~>
3 : an association of persons for some common object usu. jointly supported and meeting periodically

— coun·cil·lor or coun·cil·or noun

— coun·cil·man noun

— coun·cil·wom·an noun

Synonyms
[1] assembly, conference, congress, convention, convocation, gathering, get-together, huddle, meeting, powwow, seminar—more at MEETING
[3] association, brotherhood, club, college, congress, fellowship, fraternity, guild, institute, institution, league, order, organization, society—more at ASSOCIATION

1counsel noun
1 : ADVICE
2 : a plan of action
3 : deliberation together
4 plural counsel : one who gives professional advice or services : LAWYER

Synonyms
advocate, attorney, lawyer—more at LAWYER

2counsel verb -seled or -selled; -sel·ing or -sel·ling
1 : to give advice to
2 : to ask the advice or opinion of : CONSULT

Synonyms
[1] coach, guide, lead, mentor, pilot, shepherd, show, tutor—more at GUIDE
[2] advise, confer, consult, parley, treat—more at CONFER

coun·sel·or or coun·sel·lor noun
1 : a person who gives advice or counseling : ADVISER
2 : one that gives advice in law and manages cases for clients in court : LAWYER
3 : one who has supervisory duties at a summer camp

1count verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF cunter, counter, fr. L computare, fr. com- with + putare to consider]

1 : to name or indicate one by one in order to find the total number
2 : to recite numbers in order
3 : to take into account : CONSIDER, ACCOUNT
4 : to rely or depend on someone or something : RELY — used with on <you can ~ on me>
5 : to be of value or account
6 : to exclude by or sas if by counting — used with out <~ him out>
7 : to include by as if by counting — used with in <~ me in>

— count·able adjective

Synonyms
[1] enumerate, number, tell; also add (up), tally, total; calculate, compute, reckon, table, tabulate; check, mark, tick (off)
[3] account, call, consider, esteem, hold, rate, reckon, regard, take—more at CONSIDER
usually count on [4] depend, lean, reckon, rely—more at DEPEND
[5] import, matter, mean, signify, weigh—more at MATTER
usually count out [6] ban, bar, debar, eliminate, except, exclude, rule out—more at EXCLUDE

2count noun
1 : the act of counting; also : the total obtained by counting
2 : a particular charge in an indictment or legal declaration

Synonyms
charge, complaint, indictment, rap—more at CHARGE

3count noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF cunte, fr. LL comes, fr. L, companion, one of the imperial court, fr. com- with + ire to go]

: a European nobleman whose rank corresponds to that of a British earl

count·down noun
: a backward counting in fixed units (as seconds) to indicate the time remaining before an event (as the launching of a rocket)

— count down verb

1countenance noun
1 : the human face
2 : FAVOR, APPROVAL
3 : the expression of the face

Synonyms
[1] face, mug, visage
[3] cast, expression, face, look, visage—more at LOOK

2countenance verb -nanced; -nanc·ing
: to extend approval or toleration to : SANCTION, TOLERATE

Synonyms
accept, approve, care, favor, OK, sanction, subscribe
abide, bear, brook, endure, meet, stand, stick out, stomach, support, sustain, take, tolerate—more at BEAR

1counter noun
1 : a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games
2 : a level surface over which business is transacted, food is served, or work is conducted

2counter noun
: a device for recording a number or amount

3counter verb
: to act in opposition to

Synonyms
battle, combat, contend, fight, oppose—more at FIGHT

4counter adverb
: in an opposite direction : CONTRARY

5counter noun
1 : OPPOSITE, CONTRARY
2 : an answering or offsetting force or blow

6counter adjective
: marked by or tending toward or in an opposite direction or effect : CONTRARY, OPPOSITE

coun·ter·act verb
: to lessen the force of : OFFSET

— coun·ter·ac·tive adjective

Synonyms
annul, cancel, compensate, correct, counterbalance, make up, neutralize, offset—more at OFFSET

coun·ter·at·tack noun
: an attack made to oppose an enemy's attack

— counterattack verb

1counterbalance noun
: a weight or influence that balances another

Synonyms
balance, canceler, counterweight, equipoise, offset

2counterbalance verb
: to oppose with equal weight or influence

coun·ter·claim noun
: an opposing claim esp. in law

coun·ter·clock·wise adverb
: in a direction opposite to that in which the hands of a clock rotate

— counterclockwise adjective

coun·ter·cul·ture noun
: a culture esp. of the young with values and mores that run counter to those of established society

coun·ter·es·pi·o·nage noun
: activities intended to discover and defeat enemy espionage

1counterfeit adjective
1 : not genuine or real
2 : made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive

Synonyms
bogus, fake, false, inauthentic, phony, sham, spurious, unauthentic; also artificial, factitious, imitation, man-made, mock, simulated, substitute, synthetic; dummy, ornamental; fabricated, manufactured; deceptive, delusive, misleading
Antonyms
authentic, bona fide, genuine, real

2counterfeit verb
1 : to copy or imitate in order to deceive
2 : to imitate or feign esp. with intent to deceive : PRETEND, FEIGN

— coun·ter·feit·er noun

Synonyms
affect, assume, fake, feign, pretend, profess, put on, sham, simulate—more at FEIGN

3counterfeit noun
: something counterfeit : FORGERY

Synonyms
fake, forgery, hoax, humbug, phony, sham—more at FAKE

coun·ter·in·sur·gen·cy noun
: military activity designed to deal with insurgents

coun·ter·in·tel·li·gence noun
: organized activities of an intelligence service designed to counter the activities of an enemy's intelligence service

coun·ter·in·tu·i·tive adjective
: contrary to what would intuitively be expected

count·er·man noun
: one who tends a counter

coun·ter·mand verb
: to withdraw (an order already given) by a contrary order

coun·ter·mea·sure noun
: an action or device designed to counter another

coun·ter·of·fen·sive noun
: a large-scale counterattack

coun·ter·pane noun
: a usu. ornamental cloth cover for a bed : BEDSPREAD

Synonyms
bedspread, spread; also comforter, puff, quilt; bedclothes, bedding

coun·ter·part noun
: a person or thing very closely like or corresponding to another person or thing

Synonyms
coordinate, equal, equivalent, fellow, like, match, parallel, peer, rival—more at EQUAL
carbon copy, double, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, image, likeness, match, picture, replica, ringer, spit—more at IMAGE

coun·ter·point noun
: music in which one melody is accompanied by one or more other melodies all woven into a harmonious whole

coun·ter·poise noun
: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force : COUNTERBALANCE

coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion noun
: a revolution opposed to a current or earlier one

— coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion·ary adjective or noun

coun·ter·sign noun
1 : a confirmatory signature added to a writing already signed by another person
2 : a military secret signal that must be given by a person who wishes to pass a guard

— countersign verb

coun·ter·sink verb -sunk ; -sink·ing
1 : to form a funnel-shaped enlargement at the outer end of a drilled hole
2 : to set the head of (as a screw) at or below the surface

— countersink noun

coun·ter·spy noun
: a spy engaged in counterespionage

coun·ter·ten·or noun
: a tenor with an unusually high range

coun·ter·vail verb
: COUNTERACT

coun·ter·weight noun
: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force : COUNTERBALANCE

Synonyms
balance, canceler, counterbalance, equipoise, offset

count·ess noun
1 : the wife or widow of a count or an earl
2 : a woman holding the rank of a count or an earl in her own right

count·ing·house noun
: a building or office for keeping books and conducting business

count·less adjective
: too numerous to be counted : INNUMERABLE

Synonyms
innumerable, numberless, uncountable, unnumbered, untold; also endless, infinite, unlimited, vast; many, multitudinous, numerous
Antonyms
countable

coun·tri·fied also coun·try·fied adjective
1 : RURAL, RUSTIC
2 : UNSOPHISTICATED
3 : played or sung in the manner of country music

1country noun, plural countries
[ORIGIN: ME contree, fr. AF cuntree, contré, fr. ML contrata, fr. L contra against, on the opposite side]

1 : REGION, DISTRICT
2 : the land of a person's birth, residence, or citizenship : FATHERLAND
3 : a nation or its territory
4 : rural regions as opposed to towns and cities
5 : COUNTRY MUSIC

Synonyms
[2] fatherland, home, homeland, motherland, sod; also old country; community, neighborhood
[3] commonwealth, land, nation, sovereignty, state—more at NATION
[4] backwoods, sticks; also exurbia; frontier, hinterland, up-country; wild, wilderness

2country adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the country : RURAL
2 : of or relating to country music <a ~ singer>

Synonyms
bucolic, pastoral, rural, rustic—more at RURAL

country and western noun
: COUNTRY MUSIC

country club noun
: a suburban club for social life and recreation; especially : one having a golf course

— country–club adjective

coun·try–dance noun
: an English dance in which partners face each other esp. in rows

coun·try·man noun
1 : an inhabitant of a specified country
2 : COMPATRIOT
3 : one raised or living in the country : RUSTIC

country music noun
: music derived from or imitating the folk style of the southern U.S. or of the Western cowboy

coun·try·side noun
: a rural area or its people

coun·ty noun, plural counties
1 : the domain of a count
2 : a territorial division of a country or state for purposes of local government

coup noun, plural coups
[ORIGIN: F, blow, stroke]

1 : a highly successful stroke, action, plan, or stratagem
2 : COUP D'ÉTAT

Synonyms
accomplishment, achievement, attainment, success, triumph—more at ACCOMPLISHMENT

coup de grace noun, plural coups de grace
[ORIGIN: F coup de grâce, lit., stroke of mercy]

: DEATHBLOW; also : a final decisive stroke or event

coup d'état noun, plural coups d'état
[ORIGIN: F, lit., stroke of state]

: a sudden violent overthrow of a government by a small group

cou·pé or coupe noun
[ORIGIN: F coupé, fr. couper to cut]

1 : a closed horse-drawn carriage for two persons inside with an outside seat for the driver
2 usually coupe : a 2-door automobile with an enclosed body

1couple noun
1 : two persons closely associated; especially : a man and a woman married or otherwise paired
2 : two of the same kind considered together : PAIR
3 : BOND, TIE
4 : an indefinite small number : FEW <a ~ of days ago>

Synonyms
brace, duo, pair, twain, twosome—more at PAIR

2couple verb cou·pled; cou·pling
: to link together

Synonyms
associate, combine, conjoin, connect, hitch, hook, join, link, marry, unify, unite, yoke—more at UNITE

cou·plet noun
: two successive rhyming lines of verse

cou·pling noun
1 : the act of bringing or coming together : CONNECTION; also : the point at which things are connected
2 : a device for connecting two parts or things

Synonyms
combination, connection, consolidation, junction, unification, union—more at UNION

cou·pon noun
1 : a statement attached to a bond showing interest due and designed to be cut off and presented for payment
2 : a form surrendered in order to obtain an article, service, or accommodation
3 : a printed document or slip used to submit orders or inquiries or to obtain a discount on merchandise or services

cour·age noun
: ability to conquer fear or despair : BRAVERY, VALOR

Synonyms
bravery, daring, fearlessness, gallantry, guts, hardihood, heart, heroism, nerve, stoutness, valor; also backbone, fiber, fortitude, grit, gumption, mettle, pluck, spunk; determination, perseverance, resolution; endurance, stamina, tenacity; audacity, boldness, brazenness, cheek, effrontery, gall, temerity
Antonyms
cowardice

cou·ra·geous adjective
: having or characterized by courage

— cou·ra·geous·ly adverb

Synonyms
brave, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant, valorous—more at BRAVE

cou·ri·er noun
: one who bears messages or information esp. for the diplomatic or military services

Synonyms
go-between, messenger, page, runner—more at MESSENGER

1course noun
1 a : the act or action of moving in a path from point to point : PROGRESS, PASSAGE
b : direction of progress
2 : the ground or path over which something moves
3 a : method of procedure
b : CONDUCT, BEHAVIOR
4 : an ordered series of acts or proceedings : sequence of events
5 : a series of instruction periods dealing with a subject
6 : the series of studies leading to graduation from a school or college
7 : the part of a meal served at one time

— of course

: as might be expected

Synonyms
[1b] line, path, route, track, way—more at PATH
[3a] line, policy, procedure, program; also blueprint, design, plan, scheme, strategy; intent, intention, purpose; approach, direction, path, pathway, tack
[4] operation, procedure, proceeding, process—more at PROCESS

2course verb coursed; cours·ing
1 : to hunt with dogs
2 : to run or go speedily

Synonyms
barrel, career, dash, fly, hurry, pelt, race, rip, rocket, run, rush, shoot, speed, tear, zip, zoom—more at HURRY

cours·er noun
: a swift or spirited horse

1court noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L cohort-, cohors enclosure, group, retinue, cohort]

1 : the residence of a sovereign or similar dignitary
2 : a sovereign's formal assembly of officials and advisers as a governing power
3 : an assembly of the retinue of a sovereign
4 : an open space enclosed by a building or buildings
5 : a space walled or marked off for playing a game (as tennis or basketball)
6 : the place where justice is administered; also : a judicial body or a meeting of a judicial body
7 : attention intended to win favor
8 : a judge or judges in session

Synonyms
[4] close, courtyard, quadrangle, yard; also place, plaza, square; deck, terrace
[8] bench, judge, justice, magistrate—more at JUDGE

2court verb
1 : to try to gain the favor of
2 : to seek to gain or achieve : WOO
3 : ATTRACT, TEMPT

Synonyms
ask, woo; also angle (for), fish (for); hunt, search, seek

cour·te·ous adjective
: marked by respect for others : CIVIL, POLITE

Synonyms
civil, genteel, gracious, mannerly, polite, well-bred—more at POLITE

cour·te·ous·ly adverb
: in a courteous manner

Synonyms
kindly, nicely, thoughtfully, well—more at WELL

cour·te·san noun
: PROSTITUTE

cour·te·sy noun, plural -sies
1 : courteous behavior
2 : a favor courteously performed

Synonyms
[1] amenity, civility, formality, gesture—more at CIVILITY
[1] civility, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness—more at POLITENESS
[2] boon, favor, grace, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service, turn—more at FAVOR

court·house noun
: a building in which courts of law are held or county offices are located

court·ier noun
: a person in attendance at a royal court

court·ly adjective court·li·er; -est
: REFINED, ELEGANT, POLITE

— court·li·ness noun

court–mar·tial noun, plural courts–martial
: a military or naval court for trial of offenses against military or naval law; also : a trial by this court

— court–martial verb

court·room noun
: a room in which a court of law is held

court·ship noun
: the act of courting : WOOING

court·yard noun
: an enclosure next to a building

Synonyms
close, court, quadrangle, yard—more at COURT

cous·cous noun
: a No. African dish of steamed semolina usu. served with meat or vegetables; also : the semolina itself

cous·in noun
[ORIGIN: ME cosin, fr. AF, fr. L consobrinus, fr. com- with + sobrinus second cousin, fr. soror sister]

: a child of one's uncle or aunt

cou·ture noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: the business of designing fashionable custom-made women's clothing; also : the designers and establishments engaged in this business

cou·tu·ri·er noun
[ORIGIN: F, dressmaker]

: the owner of an establishment engaged in couture

cove noun
: a small sheltered inlet or bay

Synonyms
bay, bight, estuary, gulf, inlet—more at GULF

co·ven noun
: an assembly or band of witches

cov·e·nant noun
: a formal binding agreement : COMPACT

Synonyms
accord, agreement, bargain, compact, contract, convention, deal, pact, settlement, understanding—more at AGREEMENT

cov·e·nant verb
: to promise by a covenant

Synonyms
pledge, promise, swear, vow—more at PROMISE

1cover verb
1 : to bring or hold within range of a firearm
2 : to afford protection or security to : PROTECT, SHIELD
3 : to hide from sight or knowledge : HIDE, CONCEAL
4 : to place something over or upon
5 : INCLUDE, COMPRISE
6 : to have as one's field of activity <one salesman ~s the state>
7 : to buy (stocks) in order to have them for delivery on a previous short sale
8 : to deal with
9 : to pass over
10 : to act as a substitute or replacement during an absence

Synonyms
[2] defend, guard, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward—more at DEFEND
[3] blanket, blot out, cloak, conceal, curtain, enshroud, hide, mask, obscure, occult, screen, shroud, veil—more at HIDE
[4] blanket, carpet, coat, overlay, overlie, overspread; also enclose, enshroud, envelop, mantle, shawl, shroud, swathe, wrap; cloak, clothe, curtain, veil; circle, encircle, encompass
[8] concern, deal, pertain, treat—more at CONCERN
[9] crisscross, cross, cut, follow, go, pass, proceed, travel, traverse—more at TRAVERSE
[10] fill in, pinch-hit, stand in, sub, substitute, take over; also understudy; relieve, spell; double (as)

2cover noun
1 : something that protects or shelters
2 : a movable cover for the opening of a hollow container : LID, TOP
3 : CASE, BINDING
4 : TABLECLOTH
5 : a cloth used on a bed
6 : SCREEN, DISGUISE
7 : an envelope or wrapper for mail

Synonyms
[1] aegis, armor, defense, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward—more at DEFENSE
[1] armor, capsule, case, casing, cocoon, housing, husk, jacket, pod, sheath, shell—more at CASE
[2] cap, lid, top; also dome, hood, roof; capsule, case, casing, covering, housing, jacket, sheath, shell

cov·er·age noun
1 : the act or fact of covering
2 : the total group covered : SCOPE

cov·er·all noun
: a one-piece outer garment worn to protect one's clothes — usu. used in pl.

cover charge noun
: a charge made by a restaurant or nightclub in addition to the charge for food and drink

cover crop noun
: a crop planted to prevent soil erosion and to provide humus

cov·er·ing noun
: something that covers or conceals

cov·er·let noun
: a usu. ornamental cloth cover for a bed : BEDSPREAD

1covert adjective
1 : not openly shown, engaged in, or avowed : SECRET
2 : SHELTERED

— co·vert·ly adverb

Synonyms
cloistered, isolated, quiet, remote, secluded, secret—more at SECLUDED
clandestine, furtive, hugger-mugger, private, secret, sneak, sneaky, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underground, underhanded—more at SECRET

2covert noun
1 : a secret or sheltered place; especially : a thicket sheltering game
2 : a feather covering the bases of the quills of the wings and tail of a bird

Synonyms
concealment, den, hideout, lair, nest—more at HIDEOUT
brake, brushwood, chaparral, coppice, thicket—more at THICKET

cov·er–up noun
1 : a device for masking or concealing
2 : a usu. concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public

cov·et verb
: to desire enviously (what belongs to another)

Synonyms
ache, crave, desire, die, hanker, hunger, long, lust, pant, pine, repine, thirst, want, wish, yearn—more at DESIRE

cov·et·ous adjective
: marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions

Synonyms
acquisitive, avaricious, avid, grasping, greedy, mercenary, rapacious—more at GREEDY

cov·et·ous·ness noun
: the state of being covetous

Synonyms
acquisitiveness, avarice, avidity, cupidity, greed, rapaciousness—more at GREED

cov·ey noun, plural coveys
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF covee sitting (of a hen), fr. cover to sit on, brood over, fr. L cubare to lie]

1 : a bird with her brood of young
2 : a small flock (as of quail)

1cow noun
1 : the mature female of cattle or of an animal (as the moose, elephant, or whale) of which the male is called bull
2 : any domestic bovine animal irrespective of sex or age

2cow verb
: to destroy the resolve or courage of : INTIMIDATE

Synonyms
browbeat, bully, hector, intimidate—more at INTIMIDATE

cow·ard noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF coart, fr. coe tail, fr. L cauda]

: one who lacks courage or shows shameful fear or timidity

— coward adjective

— cow·ard·ice noun

Synonyms
chicken, craven, dastard, poltroon, recreant, sissy; also defeatist, quitter; pushover, weakling, wimp; snake, sneak
Antonyms
hero, stalwart, valiant

cow·ard·ly adverb or adjective
: being, resembling, or befitting a coward

Synonyms
chicken, craven, dastardly, pusillanimous, recreant, spineless, yellow; also diffident, fainthearted, fearful, timid, timorous; afraid, frightened, scared; careful, cautious, wary; bashful, coy, shy; feeble, soft, weak
Antonyms
brave, courageous, daring, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted, gutsy, hardy, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, stalwart, stout, valiant, valorous

cow·bird noun
: a small No. American blackbird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds

cow·boy noun
: one (as a mounted ranch hand) who tends cattle or horses

cow·er verb
: to shrink or crouch down from fear or cold : QUAIL

Synonyms
cringe, grovel, quail; also flinch, recoil, shrink; blanch, blench, whiten; fawn, kowtow, toady

cow·girl noun
: a girl or woman who tends cattle or horses

cow·hand noun
: one who tends cattle or horses : COWBOY

cow·hide noun
1 : the hide of a cow; also : leather made from it
2 : a coarse whip of braided rawhide

cowl noun
: a monk's hood

cow·lick noun
: a turned-up tuft of hair that resists control

cowl·ing noun
: a usu. metal covering for the engine or another part of an airplane

cow·man noun
: one who tends cattle or horses : COWBOY; also : a cattle owner or rancher

co·work·er noun
: a fellow worker

cow·poke noun
: one who tends cattle or horses : COWBOY

cow pony noun
: a strong and agile horse trained for herding cattle

cow·pox noun
: a mild disease of the cow that when communicated to humans protects against smallpox

cow·punch·er noun
: one who tends cattle or horses : COWBOY

cow·slip noun
1 : a yellow-flowered European primrose
2 : MARSH MARIGOLD

cox·comb noun
: a conceited foolish person : FOP

cox·swain noun
: the steersman of a ship's boat or a racing shell

coy adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, quiet, shy, fr. AF quei, quoi, koi quiet, fr. L quietus]

1 : shrinking from contact or familiarity : BASHFUL, SHY
2 : marked by artful playfulness : COQUETTISH

— coy·ly adverb

— coy·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] bashful, demure, diffident, introverted, modest, retiring, sheepish, shy—more at SHY
[2] coquettish, demure, kittenish; also flirtatious; goody-goody, overmodest, priggish, prim, prudish

coy·ote noun, plural coyotes or coyote
: a mammal of No. America smaller than the related wolves

coy·pu noun
: NUTRIA 2

coz·en verb
: to deceive, win over, or induce to do something by artful coaxing and wheedling or shrewd trickery

— coz·en·age noun

— coz·en·er noun

Synonyms
beguile, bluff, deceive, delude, dupe, fool, gull, have, hoax, hoodwink, humbug, misinform, mislead, string along, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE
bleed, cheat, chisel, defraud, fleece, gyp, hustle, mulct, rook, shortchange, skin, squeeze, stick, sting, swindle, victimize—more at FLEECE

1cozy adjective co·zi·er; -est
: enjoying or affording warmth and ease : SNUG, COMFORTABLE

— co·zi·ly adverb

— co·zi·ness noun

2cozy noun, plural co·zies
: a padded covering for a vessel (as a teapot) to keep the contents hot

cp abbreviation
1 compare
2 coupon

CP abbreviation
1 cerebral palsy
2 chemically pure
3 command post
4 communist party

CPA abbreviation
certified public accountant

CPB abbreviation
Corporation for Public Broadcasting

cpd abbreviation
compound

CPI abbreviation
consumer price index

Cpl abbreviation
corporal

CPO abbreviation
chief petty officer

CPOM abbreviation
master chief petty officer

CPOS abbreviation
senior chief petty officer

CPR abbreviation
cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPT abbreviation
captain

CPU noun
[ORIGIN: central processing unit]

: the part of a computer that performs its basic operations, manages its components, and exchanges data with memory or peripherals

CQ abbreviation
charge of quarters

cr abbreviation
credit; creditor

Cr symbol
chromium

1crab noun
: any of various crustaceans with a short broad shell and small abdomen

2crab noun
: an ill-natured person

Synonyms
bear, complainer, crank, grouch, grumbler, whiner—more at GROUCH

3crab verb crabbed; crab·bing
: to complain about peevishly : COMPLAIN, GROUSE

Synonyms
beef, bellyache, carp, complain, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, moan, murmur, mutter, repine, squawk, wail, whine—more at COMPLAIN

crab apple noun
: a small often highly colored sour apple; also : a tree that produces crab apples

crab·bed adjective
1 : MOROSE, PEEVISH
2 : CRAMPED, IRREGULAR

crab·by adjective crab·bi·er; -est
: marked by typically transitory bad temper : CROSS

Synonyms
choleric, cranky, cross, crotchety, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, irritable, peevish, perverse, petulant, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snippy, testy, waspish—more at IRRITABLE

crab·grass noun
: a weedy grass with creeping or sprawling stems that root freely at the nodes

crab louse noun
: a louse infesting the pubic region in humans

1crack verb
1 : to break with a sharp sudden sound
2 : to break with or without completely separating into parts
3 : to fail in tone or become harsh <her voice ~ed>
4 : to subject (as a petroleum oil) to heat for breaking down into lighter products (as gasoline)
5 : to strike with a sharp noise
6 : to puzzle out and expose, solve, or reveal the mystery of
7 : to lose control or effectiveness under pressure

Synonyms
[6] answer, break, decode, dope, figure out, puzzle, resolve, riddle, solve, unravel, work, work out—more at SOLVE
[7] break, flip, freak

2crack noun
1 : a sudden sharp noise
2 : a witty or sharp remark
3 : a narrow break or opening : FISSURE
4 : a sharp blow
5 : an attempt or opportunity to do something
6 : a potent form of cocaine in small chips used illicitly for smoking

Synonyms
[1] bang, blast, boom, clap, crash, pop, report, slam, smash, snap, thwack, whack—more at CLAP
[2] gag, jest, joke, laugh, pleasantry, quip, sally, waggery, wisecrack, witticism—more at JOKE
[3] chink, cleft, cranny, crevice, fissure, rift, split; also craze, hairline; fracture, rupture; breach, gap, opening; cut, gash, incision, slit
[5] attempt, endeavor, essay, fling, go, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack—more at ATTEMPT

3crack adjective
: extremely proficient

Synonyms
accomplished, adept, consummate, crackerjack, expert, good, great, master, masterful, masterly, proficient, skilled, skillful, virtuoso—more at PROFICIENT

crack·down noun
: an act or instance of taking positive disciplinary action <a ~ on gambling>

crack down verb
: to take positive regulatory or disciplinary action — used with on

Synonyms
usually crack down on clamp down, crush, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff, squash, squelch, subdue, suppress—more at QUELL

cracked adjective
: mentally disturbed

Synonyms
balmy, crazy, deranged, insane, loco, lunatic, mad, nuts, nutty, screwy, unsound—more at INSANE

crack·er noun
1 : FIRECRACKER
2 : a dry thin crispy baked bread product made of flour and water

crack·er·jack noun
: a person or thing of marked excellence

Synonyms
ace, adept, artist, authority, expert, maestro, master, scholar, shark, virtuoso, whiz, wizard—more at EXPERT

crackerjack adjective
: of striking ability or excellence

Synonyms
accomplished, adept, consummate, crack, expert, good, great, master, masterful, masterly, proficient, skilled, skillful, virtuoso—more at PROFICIENT

crack·le verb crack·led; crack·ling
1 : to make small sharp snapping noises
2 : to develop fine cracks in a surface

— crackle noun

— crack·ly adjective

crack·pot noun
: an eccentric person

Synonyms
character, crank, eccentric, kook, nut, oddball, screwball, weirdo—more at ECCENTRIC

crack–up noun
1 : a wrecking or smashing esp. of a vehicle : CRASH, WRECK
2 : BREAKDOWN

Synonyms
collision, crash, smash, wreck—more at CRASH

crack up verb
1 : to express a favorable judgment of : PRAISE <isn't all it's cracked up to be>
2 : to laugh or cause to laugh out loud
3 : to crash a vehicle

Synonyms
acclaim, applaud, cheer, hail, laud, praise, salute, tout—more at ACCLAIM

1cradle noun
1 : a baby's bed or cot
2 : a framework or support (as for a telephone receiver)
3 : INFANCY <from ~ to the grave>
4 : a place of origin

2cradle verb cra·dled; cra·dling
1 : to place in or as if in a cradle
2 : SHELTER, REAR

craft noun
1 a : skill in planning, making, or executing
b : an occupation requiring special skill
2 : skill in deceiving to gain an end : CUNNING, GUILE
3 pl usu craft : a boat esp. of small size; also : AIRCRAFT, SPACECRAFT

Synonyms
[1a] adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, cunning, deftness, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL
[1b] handicraft, trade; also art, skill; calling, occupation, profession, vocation
[2] artfulness, artifice, caginess, canniness, craftiness, cunning, guile, slyness, wiliness—more at CUNNING
[3] boat, bottom, vessel—more at BOAT

craft verb
: to make or produce with care, skill, or ingenuity

Synonyms
cast, compose, draft, draw, formulate, frame, prepare—more at COMPOSE

craft·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being crafty

Synonyms
artfulness, artifice, caginess, canniness, craft, cunning, guile, slyness, wiliness—more at CUNNING

crafts·man noun
: a skilled artisan

— crafts·man·ship noun

Synonyms
artificer, artisan, handicrafter—more at ARTISAN

crafty adjective craft·i·er; -est
: adept in the use of subtlety and cunning : CUNNING, SUBTLE

— craft·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
artful, cagey, cunning, devious, foxy, guileful, slick, sly, subtle, wily—more at ARTFUL

crag noun
: a steep rugged cliff or rock

Synonyms
bluff, cliff, escarpment, palisade, precipice, scarp—more at CLIFF

crag·gy adjective
: having a broken, uneven, or bumpy surface

Synonyms
broken, jagged, ragged, scraggly—more at RAGGED

cram verb crammed; cram·ming
1 : to pack in tight : JAM
2 : to eat greedily
3 : to study rapidly under pressure for an examination

Synonyms
crowd, jam, ram, sandwich, squeeze, stuff, wedge—more at CROWD
charge, fill, heap, jam, jam-pack, load, pack, stuff—more at FILL

1cramp noun
1 : a sudden painful contraction of muscle
2 : sharp abdominal pain — usu. used in pl.

Synonyms
spasm; also contraction, jerk, stitch, twinge, twitch

2cramp verb
1 : to affect with a cramp or cramps
2 : to restrain from free action : HAMPER

Synonyms
clog, delay, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere, manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel—more at HAMPER

cran·ber·ry noun
: the red acid berry of any of several trailing plants related to the heaths; also : one of these plants

1crane noun
1 : any of a family of tall wading birds related to the rails; also : any of several herons
2 : a machine for lifting and carrying heavy objects

2crane verb craned; cran·ing
1 : to stretch one's neck to see better
2 : to raise or lift by or as if by a crane

Synonyms
boost, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hike, hoist, jack, lift, pick up, raise, up, uphold—more at RAISE

crane fly noun
: any of a family of long-legged slender dipteran flies that resemble large mosquitoes but do not bite

cranial nerve noun
: any of the nerves that arise in pairs from the lower surface of the brain and pass through openings in the skull to the periphery of the body

cra·ni·um noun, plural -ni·ums or -nia
: SKULL; especially : the part enclosing the brain

— cra·ni·al adjective

1crank noun
1 : a bent part of an axle or shaft or an arm at right angles to the end of a shaft by which circular motion is imparted to or received from it
2 : an eccentric person
3 : a bad-tempered person : GROUCH

Synonyms
[2] character, crackpot, eccentric, kook, nut, oddball, screwball, weirdo—more at ECCENTRIC
[3] bear, complainer, crab, grouch, grumbler, whiner—more at GROUCH

2crank verb
: to start or operate by or as if by turning a crank — usu. used with up

Synonyms
usually crank up activate, actuate, drive, move, propel, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on—more at ACTIVATE

crank·case noun
: the housing of a crankshaft

crank out verb
: to produce in a mechanical manner

crank·shaft noun
: a shaft turning or driven by a crank

cranky adjective crank·i·er; -est
1 : given to fretful fussiness : IRRITABLE
2 : operating uncertainly or imperfectly

Synonyms
[1] choleric, crabby, cross, crotchety, fussy, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, irritable, peevish, perverse, petulant, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snippy, testy, waspish—more at IRRITABLE
[2] awkward, clumsy, cumbersome, ungainly, unhandy, unwieldy—more at CUMBERSOME

cran·ny noun, plural crannies
: a small break or slit : CREVICE, CHINK

Synonyms
chink, cleft, crack, crevice, fissure, rift, split—more at CRACK

craps noun
: a gambling game played with two dice

crap·shoot·er noun
: a person who plays craps

1crash verb
1 : to break noisily : SMASH
2 : to damage an airplane in landing
3 : to enter or attend without invitation or without paying <~ a party>
4 : to decline suddenly and steeply
5 : to suffer a sudden major failure usu. with loss of data <my computer ~ed>

Synonyms
[1] bang, bash, bump, collide, hit, impact, knock, ram, slam, smash, strike, swipe, thud—more at HIT
[5] break, break down, conk, cut out, die, fail, stall—more at FAIL

2crash noun
1 : a loud sound (as of things smashing)
2 : an instance of crashing <a plane ~>; also : COLLISION
3 : a sudden failure (as of a business)

Synonyms
[1] bang, blast, boom, clap, crack, pop, report, slam, smash, snap, thwack, whack—more at CLAP
[2] collision, crack-up, smash, wreck; also accident; destruction, ruin
[3] collapse, cropper, defeat, failure, fizzle, nonsuccess—more at FAILURE

3crash adjective
: marked by concerted effort over the shortest possible time

4crash noun
: coarse linen fabric used for towels and draperies

crash–land verb
: to land an aircraft or spacecraft under emergency conditions usu. with damage to the craft

— crash landing noun

crass adjective
: coarse in nature or behavior : GROSS

— crass·ly adverb

Synonyms
coarse, common, crude, gross, ill-bred, low, rough, rude, tasteless, uncouth, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar—more at COARSE

crate noun
: a container often of wooden slats

— crate verb

cra·ter noun
[ORIGIN: L, mixing bowl, crater, fr. Gk kratēr, fr. kerannynai to mix]

1 : the depression around the opening of a volcano
2 : a depression formed by the impact of a meteorite or by the explosion of a bomb or shell

cra·vat noun
: NECKTIE

crave verb craved; crav·ing
1 : to ask for earnestly : BEG
2 : to long for : DESIRE

Synonyms
ache, covet, desire, die, hanker, hunger, long, lust, pant, pine, repine, thirst, want, wish, yearn—more at DESIRE

cra·ven adjective
: lacking the least bit of courage : contemptibly fainthearted

Synonyms
chicken, cowardly, dastardly, pusillanimous, recreant, spineless, yellow—more at COWARDLY

craven noun
: an avowed coward

crav·ing noun
: an urgent or abnormal desire

Synonyms
appetite, desire, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, longing, lust, passion, thirst, urge, yearning, yen—more at DESIRE

craw·fish noun
1 : CRAYFISH 1
2 : SPINY LOBSTER

1crawl verb
1 : to move slowly by drawing the body along the ground
2 : to advance feebly, cautiously, or slowly
3 : to be swarming with or feel as if swarming with creeping things <a place ~ing with ants> <her flesh ~ed>

Synonyms
[1] creep, grovel, slither, snake, worm; also crouch, squat; slide; edge, inch, nose
[2] creep, drag, inch, plod, poke; also lumber, shamble, shuffle, tramp, trudge
Antonyms
fly, race, speed, whiz, zip

2crawl noun
1 : a very slow pace
2 : a prone speed swimming stroke

cray·fish noun
1 : any of numerous freshwater crustaceans usu. much smaller than the related lobsters
2 : SPINY LOBSTER

cray·on noun
: a stick of chalk or wax used for writing, drawing, or coloring; also : a drawing made with such material

— crayon verb

1craze verb crazed; craz·ing
[ORIGIN: ME crasen to crush, craze, of Scand origin]

: to make or become insane

Synonyms
derange, madden, unhinge; also agitate, bother, confuse, discompose, disquiet, distract, disturb, perturb, unsettle, upset; annoy, irritate, vex

2craze noun
: an exaggerated and often transient enthusiasm : FAD

Synonyms
fad, mode, rage, style, trend, vogue—more at FAD

cra·zi·ness noun
: the quality or state of being crazy

Synonyms
absurdity, asininity, balminess, daftness, fatuity, folly, foolishness, inanity, insanity, lunacy, madness, silliness, simplicity, zaniness

cra·zy adjective cra·zi·er; -est
1 : mentally disordered : INSANE
2 : not characterized by common sense : wildly impractical; also : ERRATIC
3 : distracted with desire or excitement
4 : absurdly fond — usu. used with about or over

— cra·zi·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] absurd, asinine, balmy, cockeyed, cuckoo, daft, erratic, fatuous, foolish, harebrained, insane, kooky, lunatic, mad, nonsensical, nutty, preposterous, sappy, screwball, senseless, silly, stupid, unwise, wacky, witless, zany—more at FOOLISH
[3] agog, anxious, ardent, athirst, avid, eager, enthusiastic, gung ho, hot, hungry, keen, nuts, raring, solicitous, thirsty, voracious—more at EAGER
usually crazy about or crazy over [4] mad, nuts

CRC abbreviation
Civil Rights Commission

creak verb
: to make a prolonged squeaking or grating sound

— creak noun

— creaky adjective

1cream noun
1 : the yellowish fat-rich part of milk
2 : a thick smooth sauce, confection, or cosmetic
3 : the choicest part
4 : a pale yellow color

— creamy adjective

Synonyms
best, choice, elect, elite, fat, flower, pick, prime—more at ELITE

2cream verb
1 : to prepare with a cream sauce
2 : to beat or blend into creamy consistency
3 : to defeat decisively

cream cheese noun
: a cheese made from whole milk enriched with cream

cream·ery noun, plural -er·ies
: an establishment where butter and cheese are made or milk and cream are prepared for sale

1crease noun
: a mark or line made by or as if by folding

Synonyms
crimp, crinkle, furrow, wrinkle—more at WRINKLE

2crease verb
: to become creased

cre·ate verb cre·at·ed; cre·at·ing
: to bring into being : cause to exist

Synonyms
bring about, cause, effect, effectuate, generate, induce, make, produce, prompt, result, work, yield—more at EFFECT

Synonyms
engender, generate, induce, make, produce, spawn—more at GENERATE

cre·a·tion noun
1 : the act of creating or producing <~ of the world>
2 : something that is created
3 : all created things : WORLD

Synonyms
[2] coinage, concoction, contrivance, innovation, invention, wrinkle—more at INVENTION
[3] cosmos, macrocosm, nature, universe, world—more at UNIVERSE

cre·a·tion·ism noun
: a doctrine or theory holding that matter, the various forms of life, and the world were created by God out of nothing

— cre·a·tion·ist noun or adjective

cre·a·tive adjective
: marked by the ability or power to create

— cre·a·tive·ness noun

Synonyms
artful, clever, imaginative, ingenious, innovative, inventive, original; also gifted, inspired, talented; resourceful; fecund, fertile, fruitful, productive, prolific
Antonyms
uncreative, unimaginative, unoriginal

cre·a·tiv·i·ty noun
: the ability to create

Synonyms
ingenuity, invention, inventiveness, originality; also resourcefulness; fecundity, fertility, fruitfulness, productiveness, productivity; freshness, newness, novelty; genius, inspiration, talent

cre·a·tor noun
1 : one that creates : MAKER, AUTHOR
2 cap : GOD 1

Synonyms
author, father, founder, maker, originator—more at FATHER

crea·ture noun
1 : a lower animal
2 : a human being

Synonyms
[1] animal, beast, brute, critter—more at ANIMAL
[2] being, body, customer, devil, guy, head, heart, human, individual, life, man, mortal, party, person, scout, sort, soul, specimen, thing—more at HUMAN

crèche noun
[ORIGIN: F, manger, crib, fr. OF creche, of Gmc origin]

: a representation of the Nativity scene

cre·dence noun
: mental acceptance as true or real

Synonyms
confidence, faith, stock, trust—more at TRUST
belief, credit, faith—more at BELIEF

cre·den·tial noun
: something that gives a basis for credit or confidence — used in pl.

Synonyms
usually credentials capability, qualification, stuff—more at QUALIFICATION

cre·den·za noun
[ORIGIN: It, lit., belief, confidence]

: a sideboard, buffet, or bookcase usu. without legs

cred·i·ble adjective
: offering reasonable grounds for being believed : BELIEVABLE

— cred·i·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
believable, likely, plausible, probable—more at BELIEVABLE

1credit verb
1 : to trust in the truth of : BELIEVE
2 : to give credit to

Synonyms
[1] accept, believe, swallow, trust—more at BELIEVE
[2] accredit, ascribe, attribute, impute; also blame, pin (on); associate, connect, link

2credit noun
[ORIGIN: MF, fr. It credito, fr. L creditum something entrusted to another, loan, fr. credere to believe, entrust]

1 : the balance (as in a bank) in a person's favor
2 : time given for payment for goods sold on trust
3 : an accounting entry of payment received
4 : reliance on the truth or reality of something : BELIEF, FAITH
5 : financial trustworthiness
6 : good name
7 : a source of honor or distinction
8 : a unit of academic work

Synonyms
[4] belief, credence, faith—more at BELIEF
[6] acclaim, accolade, distinction, glory, homage, honor, laurels—more at GLORY
[7] boast, glory, honor, jewel, pride, treasure—more at GLORY

cred·it·able adjective
: worthy of esteem or praise

— cred·it·ably adverb

Synonyms
admirable, commendable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy—more at ADMIRABLE

credit card noun
: a card authorizing purchases on credit

cred·i·tor noun
: a person to whom money is owed

cre·do noun, plural credos
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L, I believe]

1 : a set of fundamental beliefs : CREED
2 : a guiding principle

cred·u·lous adjective
: inclined to believe esp. on slight evidence

— cre·du·li·ty noun

— cred·u·lous·ly adverb

Cree noun, plural Cree or Crees
: a member of an American Indian people of Canada

creed noun
[ORIGIN: ME crede, fr. OE crēda, fr. L credo I believe, first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds]

1 : a statement of the essential beliefs of a religious faith; also : the body of such beliefs
2 : a guiding principle

Synonyms
[1] cult, faith, persuasion, religion—more at RELIGION
[2] doctrine, gospel, ideology, philosophy; also manifesto

creek noun
1 chiefly British : a small inlet
2 : a stream smaller than a river

Synonyms
brook, rill, rivulet, streamlet; also freshet, runoff; river, stream, watercourse, waterway; canal, race, millrace, millstream

Creek noun
: a member of an American Indian people of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida

creel noun
: a wicker basket esp. for carrying fish

1creep verb crept ; creep·ing
1 : to move along with the body prone and close to the ground : CRAWL
2 : to feel as though insects were crawling on the skin
3 : to grow over a surface like ivy
4 : to go very slowly
5 : to enter, advance, or progress gradually so as to be almost unnoticed <the cost of living keeps ~ing up>

— creep·er noun

Synonyms
[1] crawl, grovel, slither, snake, worm—more at CRAWL
[4] crawl, drag, inch, plod, poke—more at CRAWL

2creep noun
: an unpleasant or obnoxious person

Synonyms
beast, boor, churl, clown, cretin, cur, heel, jerk, joker, louse, lout, skunk, slob, snake—more at JERK

creep·ing adjective
: developing or advancing by imperceptible degrees

Synonyms
dilatory, laggard, languid, poky, slow, sluggish, tardy—more at SLOW

creepy adjective creep·i·er; -est
: having or producing a nervous shivery fear

Synonyms
eerie, haunting, spooky, uncanny, unearthly, weird—more at EERIE

cre·mate verb cre·mat·ed; cre·mat·ing
: to reduce (a dead body) to ashes with fire

— cre·ma·tion noun

cre·ma·to·ry noun, plural -ries
: a furnace for cremating; also : a structure containing such a furnace

crème noun, plural crèmes
[ORIGIN: F, lit., cream]

: a sweet liqueur

cren·el·lat·ed or cren·el·at·ed adjective
: having battlements

— cren·el·la·tion noun

Cre·ole noun
1 : a descendant of early French or Spanish settlers of the U.S. Gulf states preserving their speech and culture; also : a person of mixed French or Spanish and black descent speaking a dialect of French or Spanish
2 not cap : a language that has evolved from a pidgin but serves as the native language of a speech community

cre·o·sote noun
: an oily liquid obtained by distillation of coal tar and used in preserving wood

crepe or crêpe noun
: a light crinkled fabric of any of various fibers

crêpe su·zette noun, plural crêpes suzette or crêpe suzettes often cap S
: a thin folded or rolled pancake in a hot orange-butter sauce that is sprinkled with a liqueur and set ablaze for serving

cre·pus·cu·lar adjective
1 : of, relating to, or resembling twilight
2 : occurring or active during twilight <~ insects>

cre·scen·do adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It]

: increasing in loudness — used as a direction in music

— crescendo noun

cres·cent noun
[ORIGIN: ME cressant, fr. AF fr. prp. of crestre to grow, increase, fr. L crescere]

: the moon at any stage between new moon and first quarter and between last quarter and new moon; also : something shaped like the figure of the crescent moon with a convex and a concave edge

— cres·cen·tic adjective

cress noun
: any of several salad plants related to the mustards

1crest noun
1 : a tuft or process on the head of an animal (as a bird)
2 : a heraldic device
3 : an upper part, edge, or limit <the ~ of a hill>

— crest·ed adjective

— crest·less adjective

2crest verb
1 : CROWN
2 : to reach the crest of
3 : to rise to a crest

crest·fall·en adjective
: feeling shame or humiliation; also : feeling low in spirit : DISPIRITED, DEJECTED

Cre·ta·ceous adjective
: of, relating to, or being the latest period of the Mesozoic era marked by great increase in flowering plants, diversification of mammals, and extinction of the dinosaurs

— Cretaceous noun

cre·tin noun
[ORIGIN: F crétin, fr. F dial. cretin, lit., wretch, innocent victim, fr. L christianus Christian]

1 : one affected with cretinism
2 : a stupid, vulgar, or insensitive person

Synonyms
blockhead, dodo, dolt, donkey, dope, dummy, dunce, fathead, goon, half-wit, idiot, imbecile, jackass, moron, nitwit, numskull, simpleton, stock, turkey—more at IDIOT

cre·tin·ism noun
: a usu. congenital abnormal condition characterized by physical stunting and mental retardation

cre·tonne noun
: a strong unglazed cotton cloth for curtains and upholstery

cre·vasse noun
: a deep fissure esp. in a glacier

crev·ice noun
: a narrow fissure

Synonyms
chink, cleft, crack, cranny, fissure, rift, split—more at CRACK

2crew noun
[ORIGIN: ME crue, fr. MF, a reinforcement, lit., increase, fr. croistre to grow, fr. L crescere]

1 : a body of people trained to work together for certain purposes
2 : a group of people who operate a ship, train, aircraft, or spacecraft
3 : the rowers and coxswain of a racing shell; also : the sport of rowing engaged in by a crew

— crew·man noun

Synonyms
band, company, gang, outfit, party, squad, team—more at GANG

crew cut noun
: a very short bristly haircut

crew·el noun
: slackly twisted worsted yarn used for embroidery

— crew·el·work noun

1crib noun
1 : a manger for feeding animals
2 : a child's bedstead with high sides
3 : a building or bin for storage (as of grain)
4 : something used for cheating in an exam

2crib verb cribbed; crib·bing
1 : to put in a crib
2 : STEAL, PLAGIARIZE

— crib·ber noun

crib·bage noun
: a card game usu. played by two players and scored on a board (cribbage board)

crib death noun
: SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME

crick noun
: a painful spasm of muscles (as of the neck)

1cricket noun
[ORIGIN: ME criket, fr. AF, of imit. origin]

: any of a family of leaping insects related to the grasshoppers and noted for the chirping noises of the male

2cricket noun
[ORIGIN: MF criquet goal stake in a bowling game]

: a game played with a bat and ball by two teams on a field centering upon two wickets each defended by a batsman

cri·er noun
: one who calls out proclamations and announcements

crime noun
1 : a serious offense against the public law
2 : something reprehensible, foolish, or disgraceful

Synonyms
[1] breach, error, malefaction, misdeed, misdoing, offense, sin, transgression, trespass, violation, wrongdoing—more at OFFENSE
[2] disgrace, outrage, pity, scandal, shame, sin

1criminal adjective
1 : involving or being a crime
2 : relating to crime or its punishment

— crim·i·nal·i·ty noun

— crim·i·nal·ly adverb

Synonyms
illegal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful—more at ILLEGAL

2criminal noun
: one who has committed a crime

Synonyms
crook, culprit, felon, lawbreaker, malefactor, offender; also desperado, outlaw; convict, jailbird; perpetrator; evildoer, sinner, transgressor, trespasser, wrongdoer; gangster, gunman, hoodlum, mobster, racketeer, thug; backslider, repeater

crim·i·nol·o·gy noun
: the scientific study of crime and criminals

— crim·i·nol·o·gist noun

1crimp verb
: to cause to become crinkled, wavy, or bent

2crimp noun
1 : something (as a curl in hair) produced by or as if by crimping
2 : a bend or crease formed in something
3 : something that cramps or inhibits

Synonyms
[2] crease, crinkle, furrow, wrinkle—more at WRINKLE
[3] bar, block, chain, clog, embarrassment, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, hindrance, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, shackle, trammel—more at ENCUMBRANCE

1crimson noun
: a deep purplish red color

— crimson adjective

2crimson verb
: to make or become crimson

Synonyms
bloom, blush, color, flush, glow, redden—more at BLUSH

cringe verb cringed; cring·ing
: to shrink in fear : COWER

Synonyms
cower, grovel, quail—more at COWER

1crinkle verb crin·kled; crin·kling
: to form many short bends or curves; also : WRINKLE

— crin·kly adjective

Synonyms
crease, furrow, rumple, wrinkle—more at WRINKLE

2crinkle noun
: a line, mark, or ridge made by or as if by folding a pliable substance

crin·o·line noun
1 : an open-weave cloth used for stiffening and lining
2 : a full stiff skirt or underskirt made of crinoline

1cripple noun
: one that is disabled or deficient in a specified manner <a social ~>

2cripple verb crip·pled; crip·pling
1 : to make lame
2 : to make useless or imperfect

Synonyms
[1] disable, lame, maim, mutilate—more at MAIM
[2] blemish, break, damage, deface, disfigure, flaw, harm, hurt, injure, mar, spoil, vitiate—more at DAMAGE
[2] disable, hamstring, immobilize, incapacitate, paralyze, prostrate—more at PARALYZE

cri·sis noun, plural cri·ses
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L, fr. Gk krisis, lit., decision, fr. krinein to decide]

1 : the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever
2 : a decisive or critical moment

Synonyms
clutch, crunch, emergency, head, juncture—more at EMERGENCY

crisp adjective
1 : CURLY, WAVY
2 : easily crumbled : BRITTLE
3 : FIRM, FRESH <~ lettuce>
4 : being sharp and clear; also : concise and to the point
5 : LIVELY, SPARKLING
6 : FROSTY, SNAPPY; also : INVIGORATING
7 : noticeably neat

— crisp verb

Synonyms
[2] brittle, crumbly, flaky, friable, short; also crunchy; breakable, delicate, fragile
[4] brief, compact, compendious, concise, epigrammatic, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, terse—more at CONCISE
[7] neat, orderly, shipshape, snug, tidy, trim, uncluttered—more at NEAT

crisp·ly adverb
: in a crisp manner

Synonyms
compactly, concisely, laconically, shortly, succinctly, summarily, tersely—more at SHORTLY

crisp·ness noun
: the quality or state of being crisp

Synonyms
brevity, briefness, compactness, conciseness, succinctness, terseness—more at SUCCINCTNESS

crispy adjective
: easily crumbled

1crisscross verb
1 : to mark with crossed lines
2 : to go or pass back and forth through or over

Synonyms
cover, cross, cut, follow, go, pass, proceed, travel, traverse—more at TRAVERSE

2crisscross adjective
: marked or characterized by crisscrossing

— crisscross adverb

3crisscross noun
: a pattern formed by crossed lines

crit abbreviation
critical; criticism

cri·te·ri·on noun, plural -ria
: a standard on which a judgment may be based

Synonyms
grade, mark, measure, par, standard, touchstone, yardstick—more at STANDARD

crit·ic noun
1 : a person who judges literary or artistic works
2 : one inclined to find fault

Synonyms
carper, castigator, caviler, censurer, faultfinder, nitpicker, railer, scold; also detractor; pettifogger, quibbler; complainer, crybaby, whiner

crit·i·cal adjective
1 : being or relating to a condition or disease involving danger of death
2 : being a crisis
3 : inclined to criticize
4 : relating to criticism or critics
5 : requiring careful judgment
6 : UNCERTAIN
7 : marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence

— crit·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] acute, dire, imperative, imperious, instant, pressing, urgent—more at ACUTE
[3] captious, carping, hypercritical, overcritical; also discerning, discriminating, judicious; demanding, exacting, fastidious, finicky, fussy, particular
Antonyms
uncritical
[7] crucial, key, pivotal, vital—more at CRUCIAL

crit·i·cism noun
1 : the act of criticizing; especially : CENSURE
2 : a judgment or review
3 : the art of judging works of literature or art

crit·i·cize verb -cized; -ciz·ing
1 : to judge as a critic : EVALUATE
2 : to find fault : express criticism

Synonyms
blame, censure, condemn, denounce, fault, knock, pan, reprehend; also assail, attack, blast, slam, slash; beef, bellyache, carp, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, moan, murmur, mutter, repine, squawk, wail, whine, yammer; admonish, chide, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove; berate, castigate, crucify, excoriate, flay, lambaste, lash, pillory, scold, upbraid; bad-mouth, belittle, disparage, put down
Antonyms
extol, laud, praise

cri·tique noun
: a critical estimate or discussion

crit·ter noun
: a lower animal : CREATURE

Synonyms
animal, beast, brute, creature—more at ANIMAL

1croak noun
: a hoarse harsh cry (as of a frog)

2croak verb
: to mutter in discontent

Synonyms
beef, bellyache, carp, complain, crab, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, moan, murmur, mutter, repine, squawk, wail, whine—more at COMPLAIN

Croat noun
: CROATIAN

Cro·atian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Croatia

— Croatian adjective

cro·chet noun
[ORIGIN: F, hook, crochet, fr. MF, dim. of croche hook]

: needlework done with a single thread and hooked needle

— crochet verb

crock noun
: a thick earthenware pot or jar

crock·ery noun
: EARTHENWARE

croc·o·dile noun
[ORIGIN: ME & L; ME cocodrille, fr. OF, fr. ML cocodrillus, alter. of L crocodilus, fr. Gk krokodilos lizard, crocodile, fr. krokē shingle, pebble + drillos worm]

: any of several thick-skinned long-bodied carnivorous reptiles of tropical and subtropical waters

cro·cus noun, plural cro·cus·es also crocus or cro·ci
: any of a large genus of low herbs related to the irises and having brightly colored flowers borne singly in early spring

Crohn's disease noun
: a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract and esp. the ileum

crois·sant noun, plural croissants
: a rich crescent-shaped roll

Cro–Ma·gnon noun
: any of a tall erect human race known from skeletal remains found chiefly in southern France and usu. classified as the same species as present-day human beings

— Cro–Magnon adjective

crone noun
: a withered old woman : HAG

Synonyms
hag, witch; also grandam (or grandame), harpy, shrew, virago

cro·ny noun, plural cronies
: a close friend esp. of long standing

Synonyms
associate, cohort, companion, comrade, fellow, mate—more at ASSOCIATE
buddy, chum, comrade, familiar, friend, intimate, pal—more at FRIEND

1crook verb
: to curve or bend sharply

Synonyms
arc, arch, bend, bow, curve, hook, round, sweep, swerve, wheel—more at CURVE

2crook noun
1 : a bent or curved implement
2 : a bent or curved part; also : BEND, CURVE
3 : a person who engages in fraudulent or criminal practices : SWINDLER, THIEF

crook·ed adjective
1 : having a crook
2 : characterized by lack of truth, honesty, or trustworthiness : DISHONEST

— crook·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] devious, serpentine, sinuous, tortuous, winding; also zigzag, zigzagging; circling, coiled, coiling, corkscrew, spiral, spiraling, swirling; circuitous, indirect, roundabout; meandering, rambling, wandering
Antonyms
straight, straightaway
[2] deceptive, dishonest, fast, fraudulent, shady, sharp, shifty, underhanded—more at DISHONEST

crook·ed·ness noun
: the quality or state of being crooked

Synonyms
artifice, craft, craftiness, cunning, deceit, deceitfulness, dishonesty, dissimulation, double-dealing, duplicity, guile, wiliness—more at DECEIT

croon verb
: to sing or hum in a gentle murmuring voice

— croon·er noun

1crop noun
1 : the handle of a whip; also : a short riding whip
2 : a pouch in the throat of many birds and insects where food is received
3 : something that can be harvested; also : the yield at harvest
4 : two or more figures forming a complete unit in a composition

2crop verb cropped; crop·ping
1 : to remove the tips of : cut off short; also : TRIM
2 : to feed on by cropping
3 a : to devote (land) to crops
b : to grow as a crop : yield a crop
4 : to appear unexpectedly — often used with up

Synonyms
[1] bob, clip, curtail, cut, cut back, dock, lop, nip, prune, shave, shear, trim—more at CLIP
[3b] cultivate, culture, grow, promote, raise, rear, tend—more at GROW
usually crop up [4] arise, emerge, materialize, spring, surface—more at ARISE

crop duster noun
: a person who uses an airplane to spray crops with insecticidal dusts; also : an airplane so used

crop·land noun
: land devoted to the production of plant crops

crop·per noun
: a raiser of crops; especially : SHARECROPPER

crop·per noun
: a sudden or violent failure or collapse

Synonyms
collapse, crash, defeat, failure, fizzle, nonsuccess—more at FAILURE

cro·quet noun
: a game in which mallets are used to drive wooden balls through a series of wickets set out on a lawn

cro·quette noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a small often rounded mass of minced meat, fish, or vegetables fried in deep fat

cro·sier noun
: a staff carried by bishops and abbots

1cross noun
1 : a structure consisting of an upright beam and a crossbar used esp. by the ancient Romans for execution
2 : a figure of the cross on which Christ was crucified used as a Christian symbol
3 : a hybridizing of unlike individuals or strains; also : a product of this
4 : a punch delivered with a circular motion over an opponent's lead
5 : an affliction that tries one's virtue, steadfastness, or patience

Synonyms
gauntlet, ordeal, trial—more at TRIAL

2cross verb
1 : to lie or place across; also : INTERSECT
2 : to cancel by marking a cross on or by lining through
3 : THWART, OBSTRUCT
4 : to go or extend across : TRAVERSE
5 : HYBRIDIZE
6 : to meet and pass on the way

Synonyms
cover, crisscross, cut, follow, go, pass, proceed, travel, traverse—more at TRAVERSE

3cross adjective
1 : lying across
2 : CONTRARY, OPPOSED
3 : marked by bad temper
4 : HYBRID

— cross·ly adverb

Synonyms
choleric, crabby, cranky, crotchety, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, irritable, peevish, perverse, petulant, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snippy, testy, waspish—more at IRRITABLE

cross·bar noun
: a transverse bar or piece

cross·bow noun
: a short bow mounted crosswise at the end of a wooden stock that shoots short arrows

cross·breed verb -bred ; -breed·ing
: HYBRIDIZE

cross–coun·try adjective
1 : extending or moving across a country
2 : proceeding over the countryside (as fields and woods) and not by roads
3 : of or relating to racing or skiing over the countryside instead of over a track or run

— cross–country adverb

cross·cur·rent noun
1 : a current running counter to another
2 : a conflicting tendency — usu. used in pl.

1crosscut verb
: to cut or saw crosswise esp. of the grain of wood

2crosscut adjective
1 : made or used for crosscutting <a ~ saw>
2 : cut across the grain

3crosscut noun
: something that cuts through transversely

cross–ex·am·ine verb
: to examine with questions to check the answers to previous questions

— cross–ex·am·i·na·tion noun

cross–eyed adjective
: having one or both eyes turned inward toward the nose

cross–fer·til·i·za·tion noun
1 : fertilization between sex cells produced by separate individuals or sometimes by individuals of different kinds; also : CROSS-POLLINATION
2 : a broadening or productive interchange (as between cultures)

— cross–fer·til·ize verb

cross fire noun
1 : crossing lines of fire in combat
2 : rapid or angry interchange

cross·hair noun
: a fine wire or thread in the eyepiece of an optical instrument used as a reference line

cross·hatch verb
: to mark with two series of parallel lines that intersect

— cross–hatch·ing noun

cross·ing noun
1 : a place or structure for crossing something (as a river)
2 : a point of intersection (as of a street and a railroad track)
3 : the act or action of crossing

Synonyms
[2] corner, crossroad, intersection—more at CROSSROAD
[3] cruise, passage, sail, voyage—more at SAIL

cross·over noun
1 : CROSSING
2 : a member of a political party who votes in the primary of the other party
3 : a broadening of the popular appeal of an artist (as a musician) by a change in the artist's style, genre, or medium
4 : an instance of breaking into another category

cross over verb
: to achieve broader popularity by a change of medium or style

cross·piece noun
: a horizontal member

cross–pol·li·na·tion noun
: transfer of pollen from one flower to the stigma of another

— cross–pol·li·nate verb

cross–pur·pose noun
: a purpose contrary to another purpose <working at ~s>

cross–ques·tion verb
: CROSS-EXAMINE

— cross–question noun

cross–re·fer verb
: to refer by a notation or direction from one place to another (as in a book or list)

— cross–ref·er·ence noun

cross·road noun
1 : a road that crosses a main road or runs between main roads
2 : a place where roads meet — usu. used in pl.
3 : a crucial point where a decision must be made

Synonyms
usually crossroads corner, crossing, intersection; also overpass, underpass

cross section noun
1 : a section cut across something; also : a representation made by or as if by such cutting
2 : a number of persons or things selected from a group that show the general nature of the whole group

— cross–sec·tion·al adjective

cross·walk noun
: a marked path for pedestrians crossing a street

cross·ways adverb
: so as to cross something : CROSSWISE

cross·wind noun
: a wind not parallel to a course (as of an airplane)

cross·wise adverb
: so as to cross something

— crosswise adjective

Synonyms
athwart, obliquely, transversely

cross·word noun
: a puzzle in which words are put into a pattern of numbered squares in answer to clues

cros·ti·ni noun plural
: small slices of toasted bread served with a topping

crotch noun
: an angle formed by the parting of two legs, branches, or members

crotch·et noun
1 : an odd notion : WHIM
2 : a highly individual and usu. eccentric opinion or preference

Synonyms
eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, mannerism, oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity, trick—more at IDIOSYNCRASY

crotch·ety adjective
: given to crotchets : subject to whims, crankiness, or ill temper

Synonyms
choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, irritable, peevish, perverse, petulant, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snippy, testy, waspish—more at IRRITABLE

crouch verb
1 : to stoop or bend low
2 : CRINGE, COWER

— crouch noun

Synonyms
huddle, hunch, squat; also curl up

croup noun
: laryngitis esp. of infants marked by a hoarse ringing cough and difficult breathing

— croupy adjective

crou·pi·er noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., rider on the rump of a horse, fr. croupe rump]

: an employee of a gambling casino who collects and pays bets at a gaming table

crou·ton noun
[ORIGIN: F croûton, dim. of croûte crust]

: a small cube of bread toasted or fried crisp

1crow noun
1 : any of various large glossy black birds related to the jays
2 cap : a member of an American Indian people of a region in Montana and Wyoming; also : the language of the Crow people

2crow verb
1 : to make the loud shrill sound characteristic of the cock
2 : to utter a sound expressive of pleasure
3 : to exult gloatingly esp. over the distress of another : EXULT
4 : to brag exultantly or blatantly : BRAG, BOAST

Synonyms
[2, 3] delight, exult, glory, joy, rejoice, triumph—more at EXULT
[4] boast, brag, plume, swagger—more at BOAST

3crow noun
: the cry of the cock

crow·bar noun
: a metal bar usu. wedge-shaped at the end for use as a pry or lever

1crowd verb
1 : to press close
2 : to gather in numbers : THRONG
3 : to press, force, or thrust into a small space : CRAM, STUFF

Synonyms
[1, 3] cram, jam, ram, sandwich, squeeze, stuff, wedge; also fill, heap, jam-pack, load, pack
[2] flock, mob, swarm, throng; also beset, infest, invade, overrun; clog, dam, obstruct, plug (up)

2crowd noun
1 : a large number of people gathered together at random : THRONG
2 : a group of people having something (as a habit, interest, or occupation) in common

Synonyms
[1] army, crush, drove, flock, horde, host, legion, mob, multitude, press, swarm, throng; also masses, rabble, riffraff; gaggle, herd; heap, mountain, pile
[2] body, bunch, circle, clan, clique, community, coterie, fold, gang, lot, ring, set—more at GANG

crowded adjective
1 : filled with numerous things or people often overly compacted or concentrated
2 : pressed together

Synonyms
[1] brimful, chock-full, fat, fraught, full, loaded, packed, replete—more at FULL
[2] close, compact, dense, packed, serried, thick, tight—more at CLOSE

1crown noun
1 : a mark of victory or honor; especially : the title of a champion in a sport
2 : a royal headdress
3 : the top of the head
4 : the highest part (as of a tree or tooth)
5 often cap : sovereign power; also : MONARCH
6 : a formerly used British silver coin

— crowned adjective

Synonyms
acme, apex, climax, culmination, head, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tip-top, top, zenith—more at HEIGHT

2crown verb
1 : to place a crown on
2 : HONOR
3 : TOP, SURMOUNT
4 : to fit (a tooth) with an artificial crown

crown vetch noun
: a European leguminous herb with umbels of pink-and-white flowers and sharp-angled pods

crow's–foot noun, plural crow's–feet
: any of the wrinkles around the outer corners of the eyes — usu. used in pl.

crow's nest noun
: a partly enclosed platform high on a ship's mast for use as a lookout

crozier variant of CROSIER

1CRT noun, plural CRTs or CRT's
: CATHODE-RAY TUBE; also : a display device incorporating a cathode-ray tube

2CRT abbreviation
carrier route

cru·cial adjective
1 : important or essential as resolving a crisis : DECISIVE
2 : IMPORTANT, SIGNIFICANT

Synonyms
critical, decisive, essential, indispensable, key, necessary, pivotal, pressing, requisite, urgent, vital

cru·ci·ate adjective
: CRUCIFORM

cru·ci·ble noun
1 : a heat-resistant container in which material can be subjected to great heat
2 : a severe test

cru·ci·fix noun
: a representation of Christ on the cross

cru·ci·fix·ion noun
1 cap : the crucifying of Christ
2 : the act of crucifying

cru·ci·form adjective
: shaped like a cross

cru·ci·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to put to death by nailing or binding the hands and feet to a cross
2 : MORTIFY 1
3 : TORTURE, PERSECUTE

1crude adjective crud·er; crud·est
1 : not refined : RAW <~ oil> <~ statistics>
2 : lacking grace, taste, tact, or polish
3 : rough or inexpert in plan or execution

— crude·ly adverb

— cru·di·ty noun

Synonyms
[1] native, natural, raw, undressed, unprocessed, unrefined, untreated; also undeveloped; unfinished, unpolished; unbaked, uncooked; impure, unfiltered
Antonyms
processed, refined, treated
[2] coarse, common, crass, gross, ill-bred, low, rough, rude, tasteless, uncouth, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar—more at COARSE
[3] artless, clumsy, rough, rude, unrefined—more at RUDE

2crude noun
: unrefined petroleum

cru·el adjective cru·el·er or cru·el·ler; cru·el·est or cru·el·lest
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L crudelis, fr. crudus crude]

1 : causing pain and suffering to others
2 : extremely painful

— cru·el·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] barbarous, brutal, heartless, inhumane, sadistic, savage, vicious, wanton; also cutthroat, merciless, pitiless, ruthless; fell, ferocious, grim; bloodthirsty, murderous, sanguinary, sanguine; catty, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful
Antonyms
benign, benignant, compassionate, good-hearted, humane, kind, kindhearted, sympathetic, tenderhearted
[2] agonizing, bitter, excruciating, galling, grievous, harrowing, harsh, hurtful, painful, tortuous—more at BITTER

cru·el·ty noun
: the quality or state of being cruel

Synonyms
barbarity, brutality, inhumanity, sadism, savagery, viciousness, wantonness; also ruthlessness; ferocity, fierceness; bloodthirstiness; cattiness, hatefulness, malevolence, malignity, meanness, nastiness, spitefulness
Antonyms
benignity, compassion, humanity, kindness, sympathy

cru·et noun
: a small usu. glass bottle for vinegar, oil, or sauce

1cruise verb cruised; cruis·ing
[ORIGIN: D kruisen to make a cross, cruise]

1 : to sail about touching at a series of ports
2 : to travel for enjoyment
3 : to travel about the streets at random
4 : to travel at the most efficient operating speed <the cruising speed of an airplane>

2cruise noun
: an act or an instance of cruising; especially : a tour by ship

Synonyms
crossing, passage, sail, voyage—more at SAIL

cruis·er noun
1 : SQUAD CAR
2 : a large fast moderately armored and gunned warship
3 : a motorboat equipped for living aboard

crul·ler noun
1 : a small sweet cake in the form of a twisted strip fried in deep fat
2 Northern & Midland : an unraised doughnut

1crumb noun
1 : a small fragment
2 : a small piece or quantity of some material thing

Synonyms
[1, 2] atom, bit, fleck, flyspeck, grain, granule, molecule, morsel, mote, particle, patch, scrap, scruple, speck, tittle

2crumb verb
1 : to break into crumbs
2 : to cover with crumbs

crum·ble verb crum·bled; crum·bling
1 : to break into small pieces : DISINTEGRATE
2 : to break down completely

crum·bly adjective
: easily crumbled

Synonyms
crisp, flaky, friable, short—more at CRISP

crum·my also crumby adjective crum·mi·er also crumb·i·er; -est
: very poor or inferior : LOUSY

crum·pet noun
: a small round unsweetened bread cooked on a griddle

crum·ple verb crum·pled; crum·pling
1 : to crush together : RUMPLE
2 : fall into a jumbled or flattened mass through the force of external pressure : COLLAPSE

Synonyms
[1] crinkle, rumple, wrinkle; also corrugate, crease, crimp, fold, furrow, pleat; ripple, ruffle; disarrange, jumble, mess (up), muss (up)
Antonyms
iron out, smooth
[2] cave, collapse, give, go, yield—more at COLLAPSE

1crunch verb
1 : to chew with a grinding noise
2 : to grind or press with a crushing noise

Synonyms
usually crunch on [1] bite, champ, chew, chomp, gnaw, nibble
[2] gnash, grate, grind, grit, scrape—more at GRIND

2crunch noun
1 : an act of or a sound made by crunching
2 : a tight or critical situation

— crunchy adjective

Synonyms
clutch, crisis, emergency, head, juncture—more at EMERGENCY

cru·sade noun
1 cap : any of the expeditions in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries undertaken by Christian countries to take the Holy Land from the Muslims
2 : a reforming enterprise undertaken with zeal

— crusade verb

Synonyms
bandwagon, campaign, cause, drive, movement—more at CAMPAIGN

cru·sad·er noun
: one engaged in a crusade

Synonyms
fanatic, militant, partisan, zealot—more at ZEALOT

cruse noun
: a jar for water or oil

1crush verb
1 : to squeeze out of shape
2 : HUG, EMBRACE
3 : to grind or pound to small bits
4 : to suppress or overwhelm as if by pressure or weight : SUPPRESS
5 : to subdue completely

Synonyms
[1] mash, squash; also press, squeeze; beat, pound, powder, pulverize
[3] atomize, grind, powder, pulverize—more at POWDER
[4, 5] clamp down, crack down, put down, quash, quell, repress, silence, snuff, squash, squelch, subdue, suppress—more at QUELL
[4, 5] carry away, devastate, floor, oppress, overcome, overpower, overwhelm, prostrate, snow under, swamp—more at OVERWHELM

2crush noun
1 : an act of crushing
2 : a violent crowding
3 : INFATUATION

Synonyms
army, crowd, drove, flock, horde, host, legion, mob, multitude, press, swarm, throng—more at CROWD

crust noun
1 : the outside part of bread; also : a piece of old dry bread
2 : the cover of a pie
3 : a hard surface layer

— crust·al adjective

crus·ta·cean noun
: any of a large class of mostly aquatic arthropods (as lobsters or crabs) having a firm crustlike shell

— crustacean adjective

crusty adjective crust·i·er; -est
1 : having or being a crust
2 : giving an effect of surly incivility in address or disposition : CROSS, GRUMPY

crutch noun
: a supporting device; especially : a support fitting under the armpit for use by the disabled in walking

crux noun, plural crux·es
1 : a puzzling or difficult problem
2 : a crucial point

Synonyms
core, gist, heart, nub, pith, pivot; also course, direction, drift, tenor; body, essence, substance

1cry verb cried; cry·ing
1 : to call out : SHOUT
2 : to proclaim publicly : ADVERTISE
3 : to shed tears often noisily : WEEP
4 : to protest or complain loudly or vigorously — often used with out

Synonyms
[1] bawl, call, holler, shout, vociferate, yell—more at CALL
[3] bawl, blubber, sob, weep; also grieve, keen, lament, mourn; howl, scream, squall, wail, yowl; pule, whimper, whine; sniffle, snivel; groan, moan, sigh
usually cry out [4] blurt, bolt, ejaculate, spout

2cry noun, plural cries
1 : a loud outcry
2 : an earnest plea : APPEAL, ENTREATY
3 : a fit of weeping
4 : the characteristic sound uttered by an animal
5 : DISTANCE — usu. used in the phrase a far cry
6 : a loud shout
7 : a word or motto that embodies a principle or guide to action of an individual or group

Synonyms
[1, 6] holler, hoot, howl, shout, whoop, yell, yowl—more at SHOUT
[2] appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, prayer, solicitation, suit, supplication—more at PLEA
[7] shibboleth, slogan, watchword—more at SLOGAN

cry·ba·by noun
: one who cries or complains easily or often

Synonyms
complainer, grumbler, whiner; also malcontent; carper, critic, faultfinder, nitpicker; weeper

cry down verb
: to lower in rank or reputation

Synonyms
belittle, decry, deprecate, depreciate, diminish, discount, disparage, minimize, put down, write off—more at DECRY

cryo·gen·ic adjective
: of or relating to the production of very low temperatures; also : involving the use of a very low temperature

— cryo·gen·i·cal·ly adverb

cryo·gen·ics noun
: a branch of physics that relates to the production and effects of very low temperatures

cryo·lite noun
: a usu. white mineral used in making aluminum

crypt noun
: a chamber wholly or partly underground

cryp·tic adjective
1 : meant to be puzzling or mysterious
2 : having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning

Synonyms
[1, 2] ambiguous, dark, darkling, deep, enigmatic, equivocal, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, obscure, occult—more at OBSCURE

cryp·to·gram noun
: a communication in cipher or code

cryp·tog·ra·phy noun
: the coding and decoding of secret messages

— cryp·tog·ra·pher noun

crys·tal noun
[ORIGIN: ME cristal, fr. AF, fr. L crystallum, fr. Gk krystallos ice, crystal]

1 : transparent quartz
2 : something resembling crystal (as in transparency); especially : a clear glass used for table articles
3 : a body that is formed by solidification of a substance and has a regular repeating arrangement of atoms and often of external plane faces <a salt ~>
4 : the transparent cover of a watch dial

crystal clear adjective
: perfectly or transparently clear

crys·tal·line adjective
1 : made of or resembling crystal
2 : very clear or sparkling

crys·tal·lize verb -lized; -liz·ing
1 : to assume or cause to assume a crystalline form
2 : to take or cause to take a definite form

— crys·tal·li·za·tion noun

Synonyms
form, jell, shape, solidify

crys·tal·log·ra·phy noun
: the science dealing with the forms and structures of crystals

— crys·tal·log·ra·pher noun

cs abbreviation
case; cases

Cs symbol
cesium

CS abbreviation
1 civil service
2 county seat

CSA abbreviation
Confederate States of America

C–section noun
: CESAREAN SECTION

CSM abbreviation
command sergeant major

CST abbreviation
central standard time

ct abbreviation
1 carat
2 cent
3 count
4 county
5 court

CT abbreviation
1 central time
2 Connecticut

ctn abbreviation
carton

ctr abbreviation
1 center
2 counter

CT scan noun
: CAT SCAN

cu abbreviation
cubic

Cu symbol
[ORIGIN: L cuprum]

copper

cub noun
1 : a young individual of some animals (as a fox, bear, or lion)
2 : a young person

Synonyms
child, juvenile, kid, youngster, youth—more at CHILD

Cu·ban noun
: a native or inhabitant of Cuba

— Cuban adjective

Cu·ban sandwich noun
: a usu. grilled and pressed sandwich served on a long split roll

cub·by·hole noun
: a snug place (as for storing things)

1cube noun
1 : a solid having 6 equal square sides
2 : the product obtained by taking a number 3 times as a factor <27 is the ~ of 3>

2cube verb cubed; cub·ing
1 : to raise to the third power
2 : to form into a cube
3 : to cut into cubes

cube root noun
: a number whose cube is a given number

cu·bic also cu·bi·cal adjective
1 : having the form of a cube
2 : being the volume of a cube whose edge is a specified unit
3 : having length, width, and height

cu·bi·cle noun
: a small separate space (as for sleeping or studying)

Synonyms
bay, cabin, cell, chamber, compartment—more at COMPARTMENT

cubic measure noun
: a unit (as cubic inch) for measuring volume

cubic zir·co·nia also cubic zirconium noun
: a synthetic gemstone resembling a diamond made from an oxide of zirconium

cub·ism noun
: a style of art characterized by the abstraction of natural forms into fragmented geometric shapes

— cub·ist noun or adjective

cu·bit noun
: an ancient unit of length equal to about 18 inches (46 centimeters)

Cub Scout noun
: a member of the program of the Boy Scouts for boys in the first through fifth grades in school

cuck·old noun
: a man whose wife is unfaithful

— cuckold verb

1cuckoo noun, plural cuckoos
: a largely grayish brown European bird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds for them to hatch

2cuckoo noun
: a silly or foolish person

3cuckoo adjective
: being one that is silly or foolish

Synonyms
absurd, asinine, balmy, cockeyed, crazy, foolish, kooky, nonsensical, nutty, screwball, senseless, silly, wacky, witless, zany—more at FOOLISH

cu·cum·ber noun
: the long fleshy many-seeded fruit of a vine of the gourd family that is grown as a garden vegetable; also : this vine

cud noun
: food brought up into the mouth by some animals (as cows) from the rumen to be chewed again

cud·dle verb cud·dled; cud·dling
1 : to lie close : SNUGGLE
2 : to hold close for warmth or comfort or in affection

Synonyms
[1, 2] nestle, nuzzle, snug, snuggle—more at NUZZLE

cud·gel noun
: a short heavy club

— cudgel verb

Synonyms
bat, bludgeon, club, staff, truncheon—more at CLUB

1cue noun
1 : a word, phrase, or action in a play serving as a signal for the next actor to speak or act
2 : a hint, intimation, or suggestion as to what course of action to take or when to take it : HINT

— cue verb

Synonyms
clue, hint, indication, inkling, intimation, lead, suggestion—more at HINT

2cue noun
: a tapered rod for striking the balls in billiards or pool

3cue noun
: a waiting line esp. of persons or vehicles

cue ball noun
: the ball a player strikes with a cue in billiards or pool

1cuff noun
1 : a part (as of a sleeve or glove) encircling the wrist
2 : the folded hem of a trouser leg

2cuff verb
: to strike esp. with the open hand : SLAP

3cuff noun
: to strike esp. with or as if with the palm of the hand

cui·sine noun
: style of cooking; also : the food prepared

cuke noun
: CUCUMBER

cul–de–sac noun, plural culs–de–sac also cul–de–sacs
[ORIGIN: F, lit., bottom of the bag]

: a street or passage closed at one end

cu·li·nary adjective
: of or relating to the kitchen or cookery

1cull verb
: to pick out from a group

Synonyms
choose, elect, handpick, name, opt, pick, prefer, select, single, take—more at CHOOSE

2cull noun
: something rejected from a group or lot as worthless or inferior

Synonyms
discard, reject, rejection; also second, throwaway

cul·mi·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to reach the highest point

cul·mi·na·tion noun
: culminating position

Synonyms
acme, apex, climax, crown, head, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tip-top, top, zenith—more at HEIGHT

cu·lotte noun
[ORIGIN: F, breeches, fr. dim. of cul backside]

: a divided skirt; also : a garment having a divided skirt — often used in pl.

cul·pa·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being culpable

Synonyms
blame, fault, guilt, rap—more at BLAME

cul·pa·ble adjective
: deserving blame

Synonyms
blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible—more at BLAMEWORTHY

cul·prit noun
[ORIGIN: AF cul. (abbr. of culpable guilty) + prest, prit ready (i.e., to prove it), fr. L praestus]

: one accused or guilty of a crime

Synonyms
criminal, crook, felon, lawbreaker, malefactor, offender—more at CRIMINAL

cult noun
1 : formal religious veneration
2 : a religious system or its adherents
3 : faddish devotion; also : a group of persons showing such devotion

— cult·ish adjective

— cult·ist noun

Synonyms
creed, faith, persuasion, religion—more at RELIGION

cul·ti·va·ble adjective
: capable of being cultivated

cul·ti·var noun
: a plant variety originating and persisting under cultivation

cul·ti·vate verb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 : to prepare for the raising of crops
2 : to foster the growth of by tilling or by labor and care <~ vegetables>
3 : to improve by labor, care, or study
4 : to help forward : ENCOURAGE, FURTHER

Synonyms
[1] farm, tend—more at FARM
[2] advance, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote—more at FOSTER
[3] crop, culture, grow, promote, raise, rear, tend—more at GROW

cul·ti·va·ted adjective
: having an education; especially : trained in the arts and social graces

Synonyms
civilized, cultured, genteel, polished, refined; also cerebral, highbrow, intellectual; educated, erudite, knowledgeable, learned, literate, scholarly, well-read; civil, courteous, mannerly, polite, well-bred; cosmopolitan, sophisticated, urbane
Antonyms
philistine, uncivilized, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined

cul·ti·va·tion noun
: enlightenment and excellence of taste acquired by intellectual and aesthetic training

Synonyms
civilization, culture, polish, refinement—more at CULTURE

cul·ti·va·tor noun
: one that cultivates

Synonyms
agriculturist, farmer, grower, planter, tiller—more at FARMER

cul·ture noun
1 : TILLAGE, CULTIVATION
2 : the act of developing by education and training
3 : refinement of intellectual and artistic taste
4 : the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group

— cul·tur·al adjective

— cul·tur·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
[3] civilization, cultivation, polish, refinement; also education, erudition, learning, literacy, scholarship; sophistication, urbanity; breeding, gentility, manners; class, elegance, grace, taste; civility, courtesy, politeness
[4] civilization, life, lifestyle, society—more at CIVILIZATION

cul·tured adjective
: having an education; especially : having an education beyond the average

Synonyms
civilized, cultivated, genteel, polished, refined—more at CULTIVATED

cul·vert noun
: a drain crossing under a road or railroad

cum abbreviation
cumulative

cum·ber verb
: to weigh down : BURDEN, HINDER

cum·ber·some adjective
: hard to handle or manage because of size or weight

Synonyms
awkward, clumsy, cranky, ungainly, unhandy, unwieldy; also uncontrollable, unmanageable; bulky, heavy, massive; impracticable, impractical
Antonyms
handy

cum·brous adjective
: unwieldy because of heaviness and bulk : CUMBERSOME

— cum·brous·ly adverb

— cum·brous·ness noun

cum·in noun
: the seedlike fruit of a small annual herb related to the carrot that is used as a spice; also : this herb

cum·mer·bund noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi kamarband, fr. Per, fr. kamar waist + band band]

: a broad sash worn as a waistband

Synonyms
belt, cincture, girdle, sash—more at BELT

cu·mu·la·tive adjective
: increasing in force or value by successive additions

cu·mu·lo·nim·bus noun
: an anvil-shaped cumulus cloud extending to great heights

cu·mu·lus noun, plural -li
: a massive cloud having a flat base and rounded outlines

cu·ne·i·form adjective
1 : wedge-shaped
2 : composed of wedge-shaped characters

cun·ni·lin·gus also cun·ni·linc·tus noun
: oral stimulation of the vulva or clitoris

1cunning adjective
1 : dexterous or crafty in the use of special resources (as skill or knowledge) or in attaining an end : DEXTEROUS
2 : marked by wiliness and trickery
3 : CUTE

— cun·ning·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] clever, deft, dexterous, handy—more at DEXTEROUS
[2] artful, cagey, crafty, devious, foxy, guileful, slick, sly, subtle, wily—more at ARTFUL

2cunning noun
1 : skill in planning, making, or executing : SKILL
2 : skill in deceiving to gain an end

Synonyms
[1] adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, deftness, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL
[2] artfulness, artifice, caginess, canniness, craft, craftiness, guile, slyness, wiliness; also calculation, care, design; savvy, sharpness, shrewdness; cleverness, ingeniousness, ingenuity, inventiveness; ease, facility, finesse; deceitfulness, duplicity

1cup noun
1 : a small bowl-shaped drinking vessel
2 : the contents of a cup
3 : the consecrated wine of the Communion
4 : something resembling a cup : a small bowl or hollow
5 : a half pint

— cup·ful noun

— cup·like adjective

2cup verb cupped; cup·ping
: to curve into the shape of a cup

cup·board noun
: a small closet with shelves for food or dishes

Synonyms
buffet, cabinet, closet, hutch, locker, sideboard—more at CABINET

cup·cake noun
: a small cake baked in a cuplike mold

cu·pid noun
: a winged naked figure of an infant often with a bow and arrow that represents the god Cupid

cu·pid·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: excessive desire for money

Synonyms
acquisitiveness, avarice, avidity, covetousness, greed, rapaciousness—more at GREED

cu·po·la noun
: a small structure on top of a roof or building

1cur noun
1 : a mongrel dog
2 : a surly or cowardly fellow

Synonyms
beast, boor, churl, clown, creep, cretin, heel, jerk, joker, louse, lout, skunk, slob, snake—more at JERK

2cur abbreviation
1 currency
2 current

cu·rate noun
1 : a member of the clergy who is in charge of a parish
2 : a member of the clergy who assists a rector or vicar

— cu·ra·cy noun

cu·ra·tive adjective
: relating to or used in the cure of diseases

— curative noun

cu·ra·tor noun
: CUSTODIAN; especially : one in charge of a place of exhibit (as a museum or zoo)

1curb noun
1 : a bit that exerts pressure on a horse's jaws
2 : one that arrests, limits, or restrains : CHECK, RESTRAINT
3 : a raised edging (as of stone or concrete) along a paved street

Synonyms
check, condition, constraint, fetter, limitation, restraint, restriction—more at RESTRICTION

2curb verb
: to hold in or back : RESTRAIN

Synonyms
bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, govern, inhibit, regulate, rein, restrain, tame—more at CONTROL

curb·ing noun
1 : the material for a curb
2 : CURB

curd noun
: the thick protein-rich part of coagulated milk

cur·dle verb cur·dled; cur·dling
: to form curds; also : SPOIL, SOUR

1cure noun
1 : spiritual care
2 : recovery or relief from disease
3 : a curative agent : REMEDY
4 : a course or period of treatment

Synonyms
drug, medicine, pharmaceutical, remedy, specific—more at MEDICINE

2cure verb cured; cur·ing
1 : to restore to health : HEAL; also : to become cured
2 : to process for storage or use <~ bacon>

— cur·able adjective

Synonyms
heal, mend, rehabilitate—more at HEAL

cu·ré noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a parish priest

cure–all noun
: a remedy for all ills : PANACEA

cu·ret·tage noun
: a surgical scraping or cleaning of a body part (as the uterus)

cur·few noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF covrefeu, signal given to bank the hearth fire, curfew, fr. covrir to cover + feu fire, fr. L focus hearth]

: a regulation that specified persons (as children) be off the streets at a set hour of the evening; also : the sounding of a signal (as a bell) at this hour

cu·ria noun, plural cu·ri·ae often cap
: the body of congregations, tribunals, and offices through which the pope governs the Roman Catholic Church

cu·rie noun
: a unit of radioactivity equal to 37 billion disintegrations per second

cu·rio noun, plural cu·ri·os
: an object or article valued because it is strange or rare

cu·ri·os·i·ty noun
1 : one that arouses interest esp. for uncommon or exotic characteristics
2 : an unusual knickknack

Synonyms
[1] exotic, oddity, rarity; also marvel, prodigy, wonder; abnormality, anomaly, freak, monster, monstrosity; malformation, mutant, mutation
[2] bauble, gewgaw, knickknack, novelty, ornamental, trinket—more at KNICKKNACK

cu·ri·ous adjective
1 : having a desire to investigate and learn
2 : exciting attention as strange, novel, or unexpected : STRANGE, UNUSUAL, ODD

Synonyms
[1] inquisitive, nosy, prying; also interfering, intrusive, meddlesome, meddling, obtrusive, officious; inquisitorial; concerned, interested
Antonyms
incurious, uncurious
[2] extraordinary, funny, odd, offbeat, peculiar, queer, rare, singular, strange, unaccustomed, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted, weird—more at UNUSUAL

cu·ri·ous·ly adverb
1 : in a curious manner
2 : as is curious

cu·ri·um noun
: a metallic radioactive element produced artificially

1curl verb
1 : to form into ringlets
2 : to move or progress in curves or spirals : COIL

— curl·er noun

Synonyms
coil, entwine, spiral, twine, twist, wind—more at WIND

2curl noun
1 : a lock of hair that coils : RINGLET
2 : something having a spiral or twisted form

— curly adjective

cur·lew noun, plural curlews or curlew
: any of various long-legged brownish birds that have a down-curved bill and are related to the sandpipers and snipes

curli·cue noun
: a fancifully curved or spiral figure

curl up verb
: to arrange oneself in or as if in a ball or curl

Synonyms
cuddle, nestle, snug, snuggle—more at SNUGGLE

cur·rant noun
1 : a small seedless raisin
2 : the acid berry of a shrub related to the gooseberry; also : this plant

cur·ren·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : general use or acceptance
2 : something that is in circulation as a medium of exchange : MONEY

Synonyms
cash, dough, lucre, money, pelf, tender—more at MONEY

1current adjective
1 : occurring in or belonging to the present
2 : used as a medium of exchange
3 : generally accepted or practiced

Synonyms
[1] contemporary, hot, mod, modern, new, newfangled, red-hot, space-age, ultramodern, up-to-date—more at MODERN
[3] conventional, customary, popular, standard, stock, usual; also average, common, everyday, normal, ordinary; regular, routine; ubiquitous, universal, widespread; accustomed, wonted; fashionable, in, modish, stylish
Antonyms
nonstandard, unconventional, unpopular, unusual

2current noun
1 : the part of a body of fluid moving continuously in a certain direction; also : the swiftest part of a stream
2 : a flow of electric charge; also : the rate of such flow
3 : a tendency or course of events that is usu. the result of an interplay of forces

Synonyms
drift, leaning, run, tendency, tide, trend, wind—more at TREND

cur·ric·u·lum noun, plural -la also -lums
[ORIGIN: L, running, course, fr. currere to run]

: the courses offered by an educational institution

1curry verb cur·ried; cur·ry·ing
1 : to clean the coat of (a horse) with a currycomb
2 : to treat (tanned leather) esp. by incorporating oil or grease

— curry favor

: to seek to gain favor by flattery or attention

2curry noun, plural cur·ries
: a powder of pungent spices used in cooking; also : a food seasoned with curry

cur·ry·comb noun
: a comb used esp. to curry horses

— currycomb verb

1curse noun
1 : a prayer for harm to come upon one
2 : something that is cursed
3 : evil or misfortune coming as if in response to a curse

Synonyms
anathema, execration, imprecation, malediction; also censure, damnation, denunciation; hex, spell
Antonyms
benediction, benison, blessing

2curse verb cursed; curs·ing
1 : to call on divine power to send injury upon
2 : BLASPHEME
3 : to bring great evil upon : AFFLICT

Synonyms
afflict, agonize, bedevil, harrow, martyr, persecute, plague, rack, torment, torture—more at AFFLICT

cur·sive adjective
: written with the strokes of the letters joined together and the angles rounded

cur·sor noun
: a visual cue (as a pointer) on a computer screen that indicates position (as for data entry)

cur·so·ry adjective
: rapidly and often superficially done : HASTY

Synonyms
hasty, headlong, pell-mell, precipitate, precipitous, rash—more at HASTY

cur·so·ri·ly adjective
: in a cursory manner

Synonyms
hastily, headlong, hurriedly, pell-mell, precipitately, rashly—more at HASTILY

curt adjective
: rudely short or abrupt

— curt·ly adverb

— curt·ness noun

Synonyms
abrupt, bluff, blunt, brusque, snippy—more at BLUNT

cur·tail verb
: to cut off the end of : SHORTEN

— cur·tail·ment noun

Synonyms
abbreviate, abridge, cut back, shorten—more at SHORTEN

1curtain noun
1 : a hanging screen that can be drawn back esp. at a window
2 : the screen between the stage and auditorium of a theater

2curtain verb
: to veil with or as if with a curtain

Synonyms
blanket, blot out, cloak, conceal, cover, enshroud, hide, mask, obscure, occult, screen, shroud, veil—more at HIDE

curt·sy also curt·sey noun, plural curtsies or curtseys
: a courteous bow made by women chiefly by bending the knees

— curtsy also curtsey verb

cur·va·ceous also cur·va·cious adjective
: having curves suggestive of a well-proportioned feminine figure

cur·va·ture noun
1 : a measure or amount of curving : BEND
2 : curved part

1curve verb curved; curv·ing
: to bend from a straight line or course

Synonyms
arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, hook, round, sweep, swerve, wheel; also circle, coil, curl, loop, spiral; turn, twist, wind; deviate, veer
Antonyms
straighten

2curve noun
1 : a line esp. when curved
2 : something that bends or curves without angles <a ~ in the road>
3 : a baseball pitch thrown so that it swerves esp. downward and to one side

Synonyms
angle, arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, turn, wind—more at BEND

cur·vet noun
: a prancing leap of a horse

— curvet verb

1cushion noun
[ORIGIN: ME cusshin, fr. AF cussin, quissin, fr. VL *coxinus, fr. L coxa hip]

1 : a soft pillow or pad to rest on or against
2 : the springy pad inside the rim of a billiard table
3 : something soft that prevents discomfort or protects against injury

Synonyms
buffer, bumper, fender, pad; also baffle, muffler; padding; safeguard, shield

2cushion verb
1 : to provide (as a seat) with a cushion
2 : to soften or lessen the force or shock of

Synonyms
buffer, gentle, soften; also baffle, dampen, deaden, dull; moderate, modulate, temper; allay, alleviate, assuage, ease; lighten, mitigate, relieve

cusp noun
: a pointed end or part (as of a tooth)

Synonyms
apex, end, pike, point, tip—more at POINT

cus·pid noun
: a canine tooth

cus·pi·dor noun
: SPITTOON

cus·tard noun
: a sweetened cooked mixture of milk and eggs

cus·to·di·al adjective
: marked by watching and protecting rather than seeking to cure <~ care>

cus·to·di·an noun
: one that protects and maintains; especially : one who has custody (as of a building)

Synonyms
caretaker, guardian, janitor, keeper, warden, watchman; also curator; sexton; steward
defender, defense, guard, protection, protector—more at PROTECTOR

cus·to·dy noun, plural -dies
: immediate charge and control

Synonyms
care, guardianship, keeping, safekeeping, trust, ward; also control, governorship, management, superintendence, supervision

1custom noun
1 : habitual course of action : recognized usage
2 plural : taxes levied on imports
3 : business patronage

Synonyms
fashion, habit, pattern, practice, trick, way, wont—more at HABIT

2custom adjective
1 : made to personal order
2 : doing work only on order

cus·tom·ary adjective
1 : based on or established by custom
2 : commonly practiced or observed

— cus·tom·ar·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] classical, conventional, traditional—more at TRADITIONAL
[2] conventional, current, popular, standard, stock, usual—more at CURRENT

cus·tom–built adjective
: built to individual order

cus·tom·er noun
1 : one that purchases a commodity or service; especially : a regular or frequent buyer
2 : an individual usu. having some specified distinctive trait

Synonyms
guest, patron; also consumer, end user, user; buyer, purchaser; prospect. shopper, window-shopper

cus·tom·house noun
: the building where customs are paid

cus·tom·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to build, fit, or alter according to individual specifications

cus·tom–made adjective
: made to individual order

Synonyms
custom, tailored; also particular, special, specialized; handcrafted, handmade
Antonyms
mass-produced, ready-made

1cut verb cut; cut·ting
1 : to penetrate or divide with a sharp edge : CLEAVE, GASH; also : to experience the growth of (a tooth) through the gum
2 : to hurt the feelings of
3 : to strike sharply
4 : to diminish or reduce by or as if by paring : SHORTEN, REDUCE
5 : to remove by severing or paring
6 : INTERSECT, CROSS
7 : to divide into parts
8 a : to go quickly or change direction abruptly
b : to veer from a direct line
9 : to cause to stop
10 : to proceed obliquely from a straight course — often used with across

Synonyms
[1] cleave, gash, rip, slash, slice, slit; also saw; rive, split; pierce, stab; bruise, hack, lacerate, mangle; rend, tear; butcher, carve, dissect; chop, dice, mince; amputate, cut off, sever
[4] bob, clip, crop, curtail, cut back, dock, lop, nip, prune, reduce, shave, shear, shorten, trim—more at CLIP
usually cut across [10] cover, crisscross, cross, follow, go, pass, proceed, travel, traverse—more at TRAVERSE

2cut noun
1 : something made by cutting : GASH, CLEFT
2 : a portion belonging to, due to, or contributed by an individual or group : SHARE
3 : a segment or section of a meat carcass
4 : an excavated channel or roadway
5 : a sharp stroke or blow
6 : REDUCTION <~ in wages>
7 : the shape or manner in which a thing is cut
8 : a grade or step

Synonyms
[2] allotment, allowance, part, portion, proportion, quota, share—more at SHARE
[8] degree, grade, inch, notch, peg, phase, point, stage, step—more at DEGREE

cut–and–dried also cut–and–dry adjective
: according to a plan, set procedure, or formula

cu·ta·ne·ous adjective
: of, relating to, or affecting the skin

cut·back noun
1 : something cut back
2 : REDUCTION

cut back verb
1 : to shorten by cutting
2 : to remake in a smaller size

Synonyms
[1] bob, clip, crop, curtail, cut, dock, lop, nip, prune, shave, shear, trim—more at CLIP
[2] abbreviate, abridge, curtail, shorten—more at SHORTEN

cut down verb
: to strike to the ground with or as if with a sharp blow

Synonyms
chop, fell, hew—more at FELL

cute adjective cut·er; cut·est
[ORIGIN: short for acute]

1 : CLEVER, SHREWD
2 : daintily attractive : PRETTY

cu·ti·cle noun
1 : an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf)
2 : dead or horny epidermis esp. around a fingernail

— cu·tic·u·lar adjective

cut in verb
1 : to thrust oneself between others
2 : to interrupt a dancing couple and take one as one's partner

Synonyms
break, chime in, interpose, interrupt, intrude—more at INTERRUPT

cut·lass noun
: a short heavy curved sword

cut·ler noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF cuteler, fr. LL cultellarius, fr. L cultellus knife]

: one who makes, deals in, or repairs cutlery

cut·lery noun
: edged or cutting tools; especially : implements for cutting and eating food

cut·let noun
1 : a slice of meat (as veal) for broiling or frying
2 : a flat croquette of chopped meat or fish

Synonyms
fritter, patty

cut·off noun
1 : the channel formed when a stream cuts through the neck of an oxbow; also : SHORTCUT
2 : a device for cutting off
3 plural : shorts orig. made from jeans with the legs cut off at the knees or higher

cut off verb
: to set apart from others

Synonyms
insulate, isolate, seclude, segregate, separate, sequester—more at ISOLATE

cut·out noun
: something cut out or prepared for cutting out from something else <a page of animal ~s>

1cut out verb
1 : to determine or assign through necessity <had her work cut out for her>
2 : DISCONNECT
3 : to cease operating <the engine cut out>
4 : ELIMINATE <cut out unnecessary expense>
5 : to put an end to

Synonyms
break, break down, conk, crash, die, fail, stall—more at FAIL

cut–rate adjective
1 : relating to or dealing in goods sold at reduced rates
2 : of second or inferior quality or value

Synonyms
[1] cheap, low, reasonable—more at CHEAP
[2] bad, bum, cheap, coarse, common, execrable, inferior, junky, lousy, mediocre, miserable, poor, rotten, second-rate, shoddy, sleazy, terrible, trashy, wretched—more at CHEAP

cut·ter noun
1 : a tool or a machine for cutting
2 : a ship's boat for carrying stores and passengers
3 : a small armed vessel in government service
4 : a light sleigh

1cutthroat noun
: MURDERER

2cutthroat adjective
1 : MURDEROUS, CRUEL
2 : marked by unprincipled practices <~ competition>

Synonyms
immoral, Machiavellian, unconscionable, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous

cutthroat trout noun
: a large American trout with a red mark under the jaw

1cutting noun
: a piece of a plant able to grow into a new plant

2cutting adjective
1 : made for cutting, severing, or dividing : SHARP, EDGED
2 : marked by piercing cold
3 : likely to hurt the feelings : SARCASTIC <a ~ remark>

Synonyms
[1] edged, edgy, ground, keen, sharp—more at SHARP
[2] biting, bitter, keen, penetrating, piercing, raw, sharp; also brisk, invigorating, nippy, snappy; prickly, tingling; caustic, corrosive
[3] acrid, biting, caustic, mordant, pungent, sarcastic, satiric, scathing, sharp, tart—more at SARCASTIC

cut·tle·fish noun
: any of various marine mollusks having eight arms and two usu. longer tentacles and an internal shell (cut*tle*bone ) composed of calcium compounds

cut·up noun
: a person who clowns or acts boisterously

cut up verb
: to behave in a comic, boisterous, or unruly manner

Synonyms
act up, clown, fool, horse, monkey, show off, skylark; also carry on, misbehave; roughhouse; caper, cavort, disport, frisk, frolic, gambol, lark, rollick, romp; carouse, revel, wassail

cut·worm noun
: any of various smooth-bodied moth larvae that feed on plants at night

cw abbreviation
clockwise

CWO abbreviation
1 cash with order
2 chief warrant officer

cwt abbreviation
hundredweight

-cy noun suffix
1 : action : practice <mendicancy>
2 : rank : office <chaplaincy>
3 : body : class <constituency>
4 : state : quality <accuracy>

cy·an noun
: a greenish blue color

cy·a·nide noun
: a poisonous compound of carbon and nitrogen with another element (as potassium)

cy·ber adjective
: of, relating to, or involving computers or computer networks

cyber- combining form
: computer : computer network

cy·ber·ca·fe noun
: a small restaurant offering use of computers with Internet access

cy·ber·net·ics noun
: the science of communication and control theory that is concerned esp. with the comparative study of automatic control systems

— cy·ber·net·ic adjective

cy·ber·punk noun
1 : science fiction dealing with computer-dominated future societies
2 : HACKER 3

cy·ber·sex noun
1 : online sex-oriented conversations
2 : sex-oriented material available on a computer

cy·ber·space noun
: the on-line world of computer networks

cy·cla·men noun
: any of a genus of plants related to the primroses and grown for their showy nodding flowers

1cycle noun
1 : a period of time occupied by a series of events that repeat themselves regularly and in the same order
2 : a recurring round of operations or events
3 : one complete occurrence of a periodic process (as a vibration or current alternation)
4 : a circular or spiral arrangement
5 : a long period of time : AGE
6 : BICYCLE
7 : MOTORCYCLE

— cy·clic or cy·cli·cal adjective

— cy·cli·cal·ly also cy·clic·ly adverb

Synonyms
aeon, age, eternity—more at AGE

2cycle verb cy·cled; cy·cling
: to ride a cycle

— cy·clist noun

cy·clone noun
1 : a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric pressure and advances at 20 to 30 miles (about 30 to 50 kilometers) an hour
2 : TORNADO

— cy·clon·ic adjective

cy·clo·pe·dia or cy·clo·pae·dia noun
: ENCYCLOPEDIA

cy·clo·tron noun
: a device for giving high speed to charged particles by magnetic and electric fields

cyg·net noun
: a young swan

cyl abbreviation
cylinder

cyl·in·der noun
: the solid figure formed by turning a rectangle about one side as an axis; also : a body or space of this form <an engine ~> <a bullet in the ~ of a revolver>

— cy·lin·dri·cal adjective

cyn·ic noun
: one who attributes all actions to selfish motives

— cyn·i·cal adjective

— cyn·i·cal·ly adverb

— cyn·i·cism noun

cy·no·sure noun
[ORIGIN: MF & L; MF, Ursa Minor, guide, fr. L cynosura Ursa Minor, fr. Gk kynosoura, fr. kynos oura dog's tail]

: a center of attraction or attention

Synonyms
base, center, core, eye, focus, heart, hub, mecca, nucleus, seat—more at CENTER

CYO abbreviation
Catholic Youth Organization

cy·pher chiefly British variant of CIPHER

cy·press noun
1 : any of a genus of scaly-leaved evergreen trees and shrubs
2 : BALD CYPRESS
3 : the wood of a cypress

Cyp·ri·ot or Cyp·ri·ote noun
: a native or inhabitant of Cyprus

— Cypriot adjective

cyst noun
: an abnormal closed bodily sac usu. containing liquid

— cys·tic adjective

cystic fibrosis noun
: a common hereditary disease marked esp. by deficiency of pancreatic enzymes, by respiratory symptoms, and by excessive loss of salt in the sweat

cy·tol·o·gy noun
: a branch of biology dealing with cells

— cy·to·log·i·cal or cy·to·log·ic adjective

— cy·tol·o·gist noun

cy·to·plasm noun
: the protoplasm of a cell that lies external to the nucleus

— cy·to·plas·mic adjective

cy·to·sine noun
: a chemical base that is a pyrimidine coding genetic information in DNA and RNA

CZ abbreviation
Canal Zone

czar noun
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. Russ tsar', ultim. fr. L Caesar Caesar]

1 : the ruler of Russia until 1917
2 : one having great authority

— czar·ist noun or adjective

Synonyms
baron, king, magnate, mogul, prince, tycoon—more at MAGNATE

cza·ri·na noun
: the wife of a czar

Czech noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Czechoslovakia or the Czech Republic
2 : the language of the Czechs

— Czech adjective

D

1d noun, plural d's or ds often cap
1 : the 4th letter of the English alphabet
2 : a grade rating a student's work as poor

2d abbreviation, often cap
1 date
2 daughter
3 day
4 dead
5 deceased
6 degree
7 Democrat
8 [ORIGIN L denarius, denarii] penny; pence
9 depart; departure
10 diameter

D symbol
deuterium

DA abbreviation
1 deposit account
2 district attorney
3 don't answer

1dab noun
1 a : a sudden blow or thrust : POKE
b : PECK
2 : a small amount
3 : a gentle touch or stroke : PAT
4 : DAUB

Synonyms
[1] dig, jab, poke—more at POKE
[2] bit, hint, lick, little, particle, spot, touch—more at PARTICLE

2dab verb dabbed; dab·bing
1 : to strike or touch gently : PAT
2 : to apply lightly or irregularly : DAUB

— dab·ber noun

dab·ble verb dab·bled; dab·bling
1 : to wet by splashing : SPATTER
2 : to paddle or play in or as if in water
3 : to work or involve oneself without serious effort

— dab·bler noun

da ca·po adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It]

: from the beginning — used as a direction in music to repeat

dace noun, plural dace
: any of various small No. American freshwater fishes related to the carp

da·cha noun
[ORIGIN: Russ]

: a Russian country house

dachs·hund noun, plural dachshunds
[ORIGIN: G, fr. Dachs badger + Hund dog]

: any of a breed of long-bodied short-legged dogs of German origin

dac·tyl noun
[ORIGIN: ME dactile, fr. L dactylus, fr. Gk daktylos, lit., finger; fr. the fact that the three syllables have the first one longest like the joints of the finger]

: a metrical foot of one accented syllable followed by two unaccented syllables

— dac·tyl·ic adjective or noun

dad noun
: a male parent : FATHER 1

Da·da noun
: a movement in art and literature based on deliberate irrationality and negation of traditional artistic values

— da·da·ism noun, often cap

— da·da·ist noun or adjective, often cap

dad·dy noun, plural daddies
: a male human parent : FATHER 1

Synonyms
father, papa, pop—more at FATHER

dad·dy long·legs noun, plural daddy longlegs
: any of an order of arachnids resembling the true spiders but having small rounded bodies and long slender legs

daemon variant of DEMON

daf·fo·dil noun
: any of various bulbous herbs with usu. large flowers having a trumpetlike center

daf·fy adjective daf·fi·er; -est
1 : exhibiting or indicative of a lack of common sense or sound judgment : FOOLISH
2 : disordered in mind : INSANE

daft adjective
1 : exhibiting or indicative of a lack of common sense or sound judgment : FOOLISH
2 : disordered in mind : INSANE

Synonyms
[1] absurd, asinine, balmy, crazy, cuckoo, fatuous, foolish, nonsensical, nutty, preposterous, senseless, silly, wacky, witless, zany—more at FOOLISH
[2] cracked, crazy, deranged, insane, loco, lunatic, mad, maniacal, nuts, nutty, screwy, unsound—more at INSANE

daft·ness noun
: the quality or state of being daft

Synonyms
absurdity, asininity, balminess, craziness, fatuity, folly, foolishness, inanity, insanity, lunacy, madness, silliness, simplicity, zaniness

dag abbreviation
dekagram

dag·ger noun
1 : a sharp pointed knife for stabbing
2 : a character † used as a reference mark or to indicate a death date

da·guerre·o·type noun
: an early photograph produced on a silver or a silver-covered copper plate

dahl·ia noun
: any of a genus of tuberous herbs related to the daisies and having showy flowers

1daily adjective
1 : occurring, done, or used every day or every weekday
2 : of or relating to every day <~ visitors>
3 : computed in terms of one day <~ wages>

— dai·li·ness noun

— daily adverb

2daily noun, plural dailies
: a newspaper published every weekday

daily double noun
: a system of betting on races in which the bettor must pick the winners of two stipulated races in order to win

dain·ti·ness noun
: the quality or state of being dainty

Synonyms
delicacy, fineness, fragility—more at DELICACY

1dainty noun, plural dainties
[ORIGIN: ME deinte, fr. OF deintié, fr. L dignitas dignity, worth]

: something delicious or pleasing to the taste : DELICACY

Synonyms
delicacy, goody, tidbit, treat—more at DELICACY

2dainty adjective dain·ti·er; -est
1 : pleasing to taste
2 : delicately pretty
3 : marked by fastidious discrimination or finicky taste

— dain·ti·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] choice, delicate, elegant, exquisite, rare, select—more at CHOICE
[3] choosy, delicate, demanding, exacting, fastidious, finicky, fussy, nice, old-maidish, particular, picky—more at FINICKY

dai·qui·ri noun
[ORIGIN: Daiquirí, Cuba]

: a cocktail made of usu. rum, lime juice, and sugar

dairy noun, plural dair·ies
[ORIGIN: ME deyerie, fr. deye dairymaid, fr. OE dǣge kneader of bread]

1 : CREAMERY
2 : a farm specializing in milk production

dairy·ing noun
: the business of operating a dairy

dairy·maid noun
: a woman employed in a dairy

dairy·man noun
: a person who operates a dairy farm or works in a dairy

da·is noun
: a raised platform usu. above the floor of a hall or large room

Synonyms
platform, podium, rostrum, stage, stand—more at PLATFORM

dai·sy noun, plural daisies
[ORIGIN: ME dayeseye, fr. OE dægesēage, fr. dæg day + ēage eye]

: any of numerous composite plants having flower heads in which the marginal flowers resemble petals

dai·sy–chain verb
: to link (as computer components) together in series

— daisy chain noun

daisy wheel noun
: a disk with spokes bearing type that serves as the printing element of an electric typewriter or printer; also : a printer that uses such a disk

Da·ko·ta noun, plural Dakotas also Dakota
: a member of an American Indian people of the northern Mississippi valley; also : their language

dal abbreviation
dekaliter

dale noun
: a long depression between ranges of hills or mountains : VALLEY

Synonyms
hollow, valley—more at VALLEY

dal·li·ance noun
: an act of dallying

Synonyms
frolic, fun, play, relaxation, sport—more at PLAY

dal·ly verb dal·lied; dal·ly·ing
1 : to act playfully; especially : to play amorously
2 : to waste time
3 : to move slowly : LINGER

Synonyms
[1] disport, frolic, play, recreate, rollick, sport—more at PLAY
[2] dawdle, dillydally, hang around, hang out, idle, loaf, loll, lounge—more at IDLE

dal·ma·tian noun, often cap
: any of a breed of medium-sized dogs having a white short-haired coat with many black or brown spots

1dam noun
: the female parent of an animal and esp. of a domestic animal

2dam noun
: a barrier (as across a stream) to stop the flow of water

Synonyms
dike, embankment, levee; also breakwater, jetty, seawall; breastwork, bulwark, earthwork, rampart; canal, channel, ditch, gutter, trough; lock; barricade, barrier, block; floodgate, sluice

3dam verb
1 : to provide or restrain with a dam
2 : to stop up : BLOCK

Synonyms
block, choke, clog, close, congest, jam, obstruct, plug, stop, stuff—more at CLOG

4dam abbreviation
dekameter

1damage noun
1 : loss or harm due to injury to persons, property, or reputation
2 plural : compensation in money imposed by law for loss or injury <bring a suit for ~s>

Synonyms
[1] detriment, harm, hurt, injury—more at INJURY
usually damages [2] fine, forfeit, mulct, penalty—more at FINE
usually damages [2] compensation, indemnity, quittance, recompense, redress, remuneration, reparation, requital, restitution, satisfaction—more at COMPENSATION

2damage verb dam·aged; dam·ag·ing
: to cause damage to

Synonyms
blemish, break, cripple, deface, disfigure, flaw, harm, hurt, injure, mar, spoil, vitiate; also enfeeble, undermine, weaken; erode, scour, wash out, wear (away); blight, tarnish; dent, dint; botch, gum (up); lacerate, wound; maim, mangle, mutilate, torment, torture; annihilate, crush, dash, decimate, demolish, destroy, devastate, pulverize, raze, ruin, scourge, shatter, smash, tear down, waste, wipe out, wreck
Antonyms
fix, mend, patch, rebuild, recondition, reconstruct, renovate, repair, revamp

dam·ag·ing adjective
: causing or able to cause damage

Synonyms
adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, ill, injurious, mischievous, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial—more at HARMFUL

dam·a·scene verb -scened; -scen·ing
: to ornament (as iron or steel) with wavy patterns or with inlaid work of precious metals

dam·ask noun
1 : a firm lustrous reversible figured fabric used for household linen
2 : a tough steel having decorative wavy lines

dame noun
1 : a woman of rank, station, or authority
2 : an elderly woman
3 : WOMAN

Synonyms
[1] gentlewoman, lady, noblewoman—more at GENTLEWOMAN
[2] dowager, matriarch, matron—more at MATRIARCH

damn verb
[ORIGIN: ME dampnen, fr. OF dampner, fr. L damnare, fr. damnum damage, loss, fine]

1 : to condemn to a punishment or fate; especially : to condemn esp. to hell
2 : to condemn as invalid, illegal, immoral, bad, or harmful
3 : CURSE

— damned adjective

Synonyms
censure, condemn, decry, denounce, reprehend, reprobate—more at CONDEMN

dam·na·ble adjective
1 : liable to or deserving punishment
2 : DETESTABLE <~ weather>

— dam·na·bly adverb

dam·na·tion noun
1 : the act of damning
2 : the state of being damned

1damp noun
1 : a noxious gas
2 : MOISTURE

2damp verb
: to check or diminish the activity or vigor of : DAMPEN

3damp adjective
: MOIST

— damp·ness noun

damp·en verb
1 : to check or diminish in activity or vigor
2 : to make or become damp

Synonyms
blunt, deaden, dull, numb—more at DULL

damp·er noun
1 : a dulling or deadening influence <put a ~ on the party>
2 : one that damps; especially : a valve or movable plate (as in the flue of a stove, furnace, or fireplace) to regulate the draft

dam·sel noun
: a young woman : MAIDEN

dam·sel·fly noun
: any of a group of insects that are closely related to the dragonflies but fold their wings above the body when at rest

dam·son noun
: a plum with acid purple fruit; also : its fruit

Dan abbreviation
Daniel

1dance verb danced; danc·ing
1 : to glide, step, or move through a set series of movements usu. to music
2 : to move quickly up and down or about
3 : to perform or take part in as a dancer

— danc·er noun

Synonyms
[1] foot, step; also prance, strut, trip; gavotte, jig, jitterbug, jive, mambo, polka, tango, waltz; tread
[2] dart, flit, flutter, zip—more at FLIT

2dance noun
1 : an act or instance of dancing
2 : a social gathering for dancing
3 : a piece of music (as a waltz) by which dancing may be guided
4 : the art of dancing

Synonyms
ball, formal, hop, prom; also blowout, celebration, event, festival, festivity, fete, gala, masquerade, mixer, party, reception, soiree

D & C noun
[ORIGIN: dilation and curettage]

: a surgical procedure that involves stretching the cervix and scraping the inside walls of the uterus (as to test for cancer or to perform an abortion)

dan·de·li·on noun
[ORIGIN: ME dendelyoun, fr. AF dent de lion, lit., lion's tooth]

: any of a genus of common yellow-flowered composite herbs

dan·der noun
: ANGER, TEMPER

dan·di·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to cause to resemble a dandy

dan·dle verb dan·dled; dan·dling
1 : to move up and down in one's arms or on one's knee in affectionate play
2 : to treat with extreme or excessive care and attention

dan·druff noun
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells that come off the scalp

— dan·druffy adjective

1dandy noun, plural dandies
1 : a man unduly attentive to personal appearance
2 : something excellent in its class

Synonyms
[1] buck, dude, fop, gallant; also coxcomb, popinjay; blade, cavalier; swell; clotheshorse
[2] beauty, crackerjack, jim-dandy, knockout, pip—more at JIM-DANDY

2dandy adjective dan·di·er; -est
: very good : FIRST-RATE

Dane noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Denmark
2 : GREAT DANE

dan·ger noun
[ORIGIN: ME daunger control, resistance, peril, fr. AF dangier, fr. VL *dominiarium, fr. L dominium ownership]

1 : exposure or liability to injury, harm, or evil
2 : something that may cause injury or harm

Synonyms
[1] distress, jeopardy, peril, risk, trouble; also exposure, liability, vulnerability; precariousness, threat
Antonyms
safety, security
[2] hazard, menace, peril, pitfall, risk, threat, trouble; also snare, trap

dan·ger·ous adjective
1 : exposing to or involving danger : HAZARDOUS
2 : able or likely to inflict injury

— dan·ger·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
grave, grievous, hazardous, menacing, parlous, perilous, risky, serious, unhealthy, unsafe, venturesome; also insecure, precarious, treacherous, uncertain; chance, haphazard, random; distressing, sickening, unpleasant, ugly, wicked; adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, ill, inimical, injurious, malignant, nasty, noxious, pernicious, pestilent; deadly, deathly, destructive, dire, fatal, fateful, fell, killer, lethal, mortal, murderous
Antonyms
harmless, innocent, innocuous, safe

dan·gle verb dan·gled; dan·gling
1 : to hang loosely esp. with a swinging motion : SWING
2 : to be a hanger-on or dependent
3 : to be left without proper grammatical connection in a sentence
4 : to keep hanging uncertainly
5 : to offer as an inducement

Synonyms
hang, sling, suspend, swing—more at HANG

Dan·iel noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

Dan·ish noun
: the language of the Danes

— Danish adjective

Danish pastry noun
: a pastry made of a rich yeast-raised dough

dank adjective
: disagreeably wet or moist : DAMP

— dank·ness noun

dan·seuse noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a female ballet dancer

dap·per adjective
1 : neat and trim in style or appearance : SPRUCE
2 : being alert and lively in movement and manners : JAUNTY

Synonyms
natty, sharp, smart, spruce—more at SMART

dap·ple verb dap·pled; dap·pling
: to mark with different-colored spots

Synonyms
blotch, dot, fleck, freckle, mottle, pepper, speck, spot, sprinkle, stipple—more at SPOT

dap·pled adjective
: marked with small spots or patches contrasting with the background

Synonyms
mottled, piebald, pied, spotted—more at PIED
mottled, spotted, spotty, variegated—more at SPOTTED

DAR abbreviation
Daughters of the American Revolution

1dare verb dared; dar·ing
1 : to have sufficient courage : be bold enough to
2 : to challenge to perform an action esp. as a proof of courage
3 : to confront boldly

Synonyms
[2] challenge, defy—more at CHALLENGE
[3] beard, brave, brazen, confront, defy, face—more at FACE

2dare noun
: an act or instance of daring : CHALLENGE

dare·dev·il noun
: a recklessly bold person

— daredevil adjective

1daring adjective
: venturesomely bold in action or thought

— dar·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
adventurous, audacious, bold, enterprising, gutsy, hardy, nervy, venturesome—more at BOLD

2daring noun
: venturesome boldness

Synonyms
bravery, courage, fearlessness, gallantry, guts, hardihood, heart, heroism, nerve, stoutness, valor—more at COURAGE

1dark adjective
1 : being without light or without much light
2 : not light in color <a ~ suit>
3 a : showing or causing gloom or depression : GLOOMY
b : lacking knowledge or culture
4 : not clear to the understanding
5 often cap : being a period of stagnation or decline <the Dark Ages>
6 : tending to keep secrets or to act secretly : SECRETIVE

— dark·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] darkling, dim, dusky, gloomy, murky, obscure, somber; also sunless; cloudy, dull, dulled, lackluster; shadowy, shady; gray, leaden, pale
Antonyms
bright, brightened, brilliant, illuminated, illumined, light, lighted, lucent, lucid, luminous
[3b] ignorant, illiterate, simple, uneducated, unlearned, untaught—more at IGNORANT
[4] ambiguous, cryptic, darkling, deep, enigmatic, equivocal, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, obscure, occult—more at OBSCURE

2dark noun
1 a : a place or time of little or no light
b : absence of light : DARKNESS; especially : NIGHT
2 : a dark or deep color

— in the dark

1 : in secrecy
2 : in ignorance <kept in the dark about the plans>

Synonyms
[1a, b] darkness, dusk, gloaming, gloom, murk, night, semidarkness, shade, shadow, twilight; also blackout, brownout; dullness; cloudiness, haziness, mistiness, murkiness; dimness, faintness, gloominess, grayness, paleness
Antonyms
blaze, brightness, brilliance, day, daylight, glare, glow, light, lightness

dark·en verb
1 a : to make or grow dark or darker
b : to make or become less clear : DIM
3 : BESMIRCH, TARNISH
4 : to make or become gloomy or forbidding

Synonyms
[1a, b] becloud, befog, blur, cloud, dim, fog, haze, mist, obscure, overcast, overshadow, shroud—more at CLOUD
[4] gloom, glower, lower; also frown, scowl; glare, stare; brood, mope, pout, sulk; anger, fume, rage, steam, intimidate, menace, threaten
Antonyms
brighten, cheer (up), lighten, perk (up)

dark horse noun
: a contestant or a political figure whose abilities and chances as a contender are not known

dark·ling adjective
1 : DARK: as
a : devoid or partially devoid of light
b : not clear to the understanding : MYSTERIOUS
2 : done or taking place in the dark

Synonyms
ambiguous, cryptic, dark, deep, enigmatic, equivocal, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, obscure, occult—more at OBSCURE

dark·ness noun
: the quality or state of being dark

Synonyms
dark, dusk, gloaming, gloom, murk, night, semidarkness, shade, shadow, twilight—more at DARK
ambiguity, murkiness, obscurity, opacity—more at OBSCURITY

dark·room noun
: a lightproof room in which photographic materials are processed

1darling noun
1 : a dearly loved person
2 : one that is treated or regarded with special favor or liking : FAVORITE

Synonyms
[1] beloved, dear, flame, honey, love, sweet, sweetheart—more at SWEETHEART
[2] favorite, minion, pet, preference—more at FAVORITE

2darling adjective
1 : dearly loved : FAVORITE
2 : very pleasing : CHARMING

Synonyms
[1] adorable, dear, endearing, favorite, lovable, precious, sweet, winning—more at LOVABLE
[2] agreeable, charming, delectable, delicious, delightful, enjoyable, heavenly, luscious, pleasurable

darm·stadt·i·um noun
: a short-lived radioactive chemical element produced artificially

1darn verb
: to mend with interlacing stitches

— darn·er noun

2darn or darned adverb
: VERY, EXTREMELY <a ~ good job>

darning needle noun
1 : a needle for darning
2 : DRAGONFLY

1dart noun
1 : a small missile with a point on one end and feathers on the other; also, pl : a game in which darts are thrown at a target
2 : something causing a sudden pain or distress
3 : a stitched tapering fold in a garment
4 : a quick movement

Synonyms
affront, barb, dig, indignity, insult, name, offense, outrage, put-down, sarcasm, slight, slur, wound—more at INSULT

2dart verb
1 : to throw with a sudden movement
2 : to thrust or move suddenly or rapidly
3 : to shoot with a dart containing a usu. tranquilizing drug

Synonyms
dance, flit, flutter, zip—more at FLIT

dart·er noun
: any of numerous small No. American freshwater fishes related to the perches

Dar·win·ism noun
: a theory explaining the origin and continued existence of new species of plants and animals by means of natural selection acting on chance variations

— Dar·win·ist noun or adjective

1dash verb
1 : SMASH
2 : to knock, hurl, or thrust violently
3 : to soil or stain with splashed liquid : SPLASH
4 : RUIN
5 : DEPRESS, SADDEN
6 : to perform or finish hastily
7 : to move with sudden speed : move rapidly

Synonyms
[2] cast, catapult, chuck, fire, fling, heave, hurl, hurtle, launch, peg, pelt, pitch, sling, throw, toss—more at THROW
[7] career, course, fly, hasten, hurry, race, rip, rocket, run, rush, shoot, speed, tear, zip, zoom—more at HURRY

2dash noun
1 : a sudden burst or splash
2 : a stroke of a pen
3 : a punctuation mark — that is used esp. to indicate a break in the thought or structure of a sentence
4 : a small addition <a ~ of salt>
5 : flashy showiness
6 : animation in style and action
7 : a sudden rush or attempt <made a ~ for the door>
8 : a short foot race
9 : DASHBOARD

Synonyms
drive, energy, ginger, go, hardihood, life, pep, sap, snap, vigor, vim, vitality, zing, zip—more at VIGOR

dash·board noun
: a panel in an automobile or aircraft below the windshield usu. containing dials and controls

dash·er noun
: a device (as in a churn) for agitating something

da·shi·ki also dai·shi·ki noun
[ORIGIN: modif. of Yoruba (an African language) dàńṣíkí]

: a usu. brightly colored loose-fitting pullover garment

dash·ing adjective
1 : marked by vigorous action
2 : marked by smartness esp. in dress and manners

das·tard noun
1 : one who shows disgraceful fear or timidity : COWARD
2 : a person who acts treacherously

Synonyms
chicken, coward, craven, poltroon, recreant, sissy—more at COWARD

das·tard·ly adjective
: showing disgraceful fear or timidity : COWARDLY

Synonyms
chicken, cowardly, craven, pusillanimous, recreant, spineless, yellow—more at COWARDLY

dat abbreviation
dative

da·ta noun singular or plural
[ORIGIN: L, pl. of datum]

: factual information (as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation

da·ta·base noun
: a usu. large collection of data organized esp. for rapid search and retrieval (as by a computer)

— database verb

data processing noun
: the action or process of supplying a computer with information and having the computer use it to produce a desired result

1date noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, ultim. fr. L dactylus, fr. Gk daktylos, lit., finger]

: the oblong edible fruit of a tall palm; also : this palm

2date noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. LL data, fr. data (as in data Romae given at Rome), fem. of L datus, pp. of dare to give]

1 : the day, month, or year of an event
2 : a statement giving the time of execution or making (as of a coin or check)
3 : the period to which something belongs
4 : an appointment to meet at a specified time; especially : a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character
5 : a person with whom one has a usu. romantic date

— to date

: up to the present moment

Synonyms
[3] duration, life, lifetime, run, standing, time—more at DURATION
[4] appointment, engagement, rendezvous, tryst—more at ENGAGEMENT

3date verb dat·ed; dat·ing
1 : to record the date of or on
2 : to determine, mark, or reveal the date, age, or period of
3 : to make or have a date with
4 : ORIGINATE <~s from ancient times>
5 : EXTEND <dating back to childhood>
6 : to show qualities typical of a past period

dat·ed adjective
1 : provided with a date
2 : no longer acceptable, stylish, current, or usable

Synonyms
antiquated, archaic, obsolete, outdated, outmoded, outworn, passé—more at OBSOLETE

date·less adjective
1 : being or seeming to be without end : ENDLESS
2 : having no date
3 : too ancient to be dated
4 : TIMELESS

Synonyms
age-old, ancient, antediluvian, antique, hoary, old, venerable—more at ANCIENT

date·line noun
: a line in a publication giving the date and place of composition or issue

— dateline verb

date rape noun
: rape committed by the victim's date

da·tive adjective
: of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical case marking typically the indirect object of a verb

— dative noun

da·tum noun, plural da·ta or datums
: a single piece of data : FACT

dau abbreviation
daughter

1daub verb
1 : to cover or smear with something sticky or dirty
2 : to apply paint or color crudely

— daub·er noun

Synonyms
smear; also coat, paint, plaster

2daub noun
1 : something daubed on : SMEAR
2 : a crude picture

daugh·ter noun
1 : a female offspring esp. of human beings
2 : a female adopted child
3 : a human female descendant

— daughter adjective

— daugh·ter·less adjective

daugh·ter–in–law noun, plural daugh·ters–in–law
: the wife of one's son

daunt verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF danter, daunter, fr. L domitare to tame]

: to lessen the courage of

Synonyms
demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, unman, unnerve—more at DISCOURAGE

daunt·ing adjective
: tending to overwhelm or intimidate <a ~ task>

daunt·less adjective
: marked by courageous resolution : FEARLESS

— daunt·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
brave, courageous, doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant, valorous—more at BRAVE

dau·phin noun, often cap
: the eldest son of a king of France

DAV abbreviation
Disabled American Veterans

dav·en·port noun
: a large upholstered sofa

Synonyms
couch, divan, lounge, settee, sofa—more at COUCH

da·vit noun
: a small crane on a ship used in pairs esp. to raise or lower boats

daw·dle verb daw·dled; daw·dling
1 : to spend time wastefully or idly
2 : to move lackadaisically

— daw·dler noun

Synonyms
[1] dally, dillydally, hang around, hang out, idle, loaf, loll, lounge—more at IDLE
[2] crawl, creep, dally, delay, dillydally, drag, lag, linger, loiter, poke, tarry—more at DELAY

1dawn verb
1 : to begin to grow light as the sun rises
2 : to begin to appear or develop
3 : to begin to be understood <the solution ~ed on him>

Synonyms
arise, begin, commence, form, materialize, originate, spring, start—more at BEGIN

2dawn noun
1 : the first appearance of light in the morning
2 : a first appearance : BEGINNING <the ~ of a new era>

Synonyms
[1] aurora, cockcrow, morning, sunrise; also daytime, light; twilight; forenoon
Antonyms
nightfall, sundown, sunset
[2] beginning, birth, commencement, genesis, launch, morning, onset, outset, start, threshold—more at BEGINNING

day noun
1 : the period of light between one night and the next; also : DAYLIGHT, DAYTIME
2 : the period of rotation of a planet (as earth) or a moon on its axis
3 : a period of 24 hours beginning at midnight
4 : a specified day or date <wedding ~>
5 : a specified time or period : AGE <in olden ~s>
6 : the conflict or contention of the day
7 : the time set apart by usage or law for work <the 8-hour ~>

day·bed noun
: a couch that can be converted into a bed

day·book noun
: DIARY, JOURNAL

day·break noun
: the first appearance of light in the morning followed by sunrise : DAWN

day care noun
: supervision of and care for children or disabled adults provided during the day; also : a program offering day care

day·dream noun
: a pleasant reverie

— daydream verb

Synonyms
chimera, conceit, delusion, dream, fancy, fantasy, figment, hallucination, illusion, phantasm, pipe dream, unreality, vision—more at FANTASY

day·light noun
1 : the light of day
2 : the time during which there is daylight : DAYTIME
3 : the first appearance of light in the morning followed by sunrise : DAWN
4 : understanding of something that has been obscure
5 plural : CONSCIOUSNESS; also : WITS
6 : a perceptible space, gap, or difference

daylight saving time noun
: time usu. one hour ahead of standard time

Day of Atonement
: YOM KIPPUR

day school noun
: a private school without boarding facilities

day student noun
: a student who attends regular classes at a college or preparatory school but does not live there

day·time noun
: the period of daylight

1daze verb dazed; daz·ing
1 : to stupefy esp. by a blow
2 : to dazzle with light : DAZZLE

— da·zed·ly adverb

2daze noun
: the state of being dazed

Synonyms
fog, haze, muddle, spin—more at HAZE

1dazzle verb daz·zled; daz·zling
1 : to overpower with light
2 : to impress greatly or confound with brilliance

Synonyms
daze; also confuse, overpower, overwhelm, stun

2dazzle noun
: the action of dazzling

Synonyms
brilliance, effulgence, illumination, lightness, lucidity, luminosity, radiance, refulgence, splendor—more at BRILLIANCE

dB abbreviation
decibel

Db symbol
dubnium

d/b/a abbreviation
doing business as

dbl or dble abbreviation
double

DC abbreviation
1 [ORIGIN It da capo] from the beginning
2 direct current
3 District of Columbia
4 doctor of chiropractic

DD abbreviation
1 days after date
2 demand draft
3 dishonorable discharge
4 doctor of divinity

D–day noun
[ORIGIN: D, abbr. for day]

: a day set for launching an operation (as an invasion)

DDS abbreviation
doctor of dental surgery

DDT noun
: a persistent insecticide poisonous to many higher animals

DE abbreviation
Delaware

dea·con noun
[ORIGIN: ME dekene, fr. OE dēacon, fr. LL diaconus, fr. Gk diakonos, lit., servant]

: a subordinate officer in a Christian church

dea·con·ess noun
: a woman chosen to assist in the church ministry

de·ac·ti·vate verb
: to make inactive or ineffective

1dead adjective
1 : deprived of life : LIFELESS
2 : having the appearance of death : DEATHLIKE <in a ~ faint>
3 : lacking power to move, feel, or respond : NUMB
4 : very tired
5 : UNRESPONSIVE
6 : EXTINGUISHED <~ coals>
7 : INANIMATE, INERT
8 : no longer active or functioning <a ~ battery>
9 : lacking power, significance, or effect <a ~ custom>
10 : no longer in use <a ~ language>
11 : lacking in gaiety or animation <a ~ party>
12 : QUIET, IDLE, UNPRODUCTIVE <~ capital>
13 : lacking elasticity <a ~ tennis ball>
14 : not circulating : STAGNANT <~ air>
15 : lacking warmth, vigor, or taste <~ wine>
16 : absolutely uniform <~ level>
17 : UNERRING, EXACT <a ~ shot>
18 : ABRUPT <a ~ stop>
19 : having no exceptions or restrictions : COMPLETE <a ~ loss>

Synonyms
[1] breathless, deceased, defunct, gone, late, lifeless; also extinct; dying, fading, moribund; stillborn; finished, lapsed, terminated; barren, desert; inanimate, insensate, nonliving
Antonyms
alive, breathing, living
[4] beat, bushed, drained, effete, jaded, limp, prostrate, spent, tired, weary, worn-out—more at WEARY
[8] dormant, fallow, free, idle, inactive, inert, inoperative, latent, off, vacant—more at INACTIVE
[10] bygone, defunct, extinct, gone—more at EXTINCT

2dead noun, plural dead
1 : one that is dead — usu. used collectively <the living and the ~>
2 : the time of greatest quiet <the ~ of the night>

3dead adverb
1 : in an absolute manner or condition <~ right>
2 : in a sudden and complete manner <stopped ~>
3 : in a direct manner : DIRECTLY <~ ahead>

Synonyms
altogether, completely, entirely, fast, flat, full, fully, perfectly, quite, thoroughly, well, wholly—more at FULLY

dead·beat noun
: a person who persistently fails to pay personal debts or expenses

dead duck noun
: GONER

dead·en verb
1 : to impair in vigor or sensation : BLUNT <~ pain>
2 : to lessen the luster or spirit of
3 : to make (as a wall) soundproof

Synonyms
blunt, dampen, dull, numb—more at DULL

dead end noun
1 : an end (as of a street) without an exit
2 : a position, situation, or course of action that leads to nothing further

— dead–end adjective

dead heat noun
: a contest in which two or more contestants tie (as by crossing the finish line simultaneously)

Synonyms
draw, stalemate, standoff, tie—more at TIE

dead horse noun
: an exhausted topic or issue

dead letter noun
1 : something that has lost its force or authority without being formally abolished
2 : a letter that cannot be delivered or returned

dead·line noun
: a date or time before which something must be done

dead·lock noun
1 : a stoppage of action because neither faction in a struggle will give in
2 : a tie score

— deadlock verb

Synonyms
halt, impasse, stalemate, standstill—more at IMPASSE

1deadly adjective dead·li·er; -est
1 : likely to cause or capable of causing death
2 : HOSTILE, IMPLACABLE
3 : very accurate : UNERRING
4 : tending to deprive of force or vitality <a ~ habit>
5 : suggestive of death
6 : very great : EXTREME

— dead·li·ness noun

Synonyms
baleful, deathly, fatal, fell, lethal, mortal, murderous, pestilent, vital; also baneful, destructive, harmful, noxious, pernicious; poisonous, toxic, virulent; dangerous, grave, grievous, hazardous, menacing, parlous, perilous, risky, serious, threatening, ugly, unhealthy, unsound; capital; bloody, internecine, sanguinary, sanguine
Antonyms
healthful, healthy, nonfatal, nonlethal, wholesome

2deadly adverb
1 : suggesting death <~ pale>
2 : to a high degree : EXTREMELY <~ dull>

deadly sin noun
: one of seven sins of pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth held to be fatal to spiritual progress

dead meat noun
: one that is doomed

1deadpan adjective
: marked by an impassive manner or expression

— deadpan verb

— deadpan adverb

Synonyms
blank, expressionless, impassive, inexpressive, stolid, vacant—more at BLANK

2deadpan noun
: a completely expressionless face

dead reckoning noun
: the determination of the position of a ship or aircraft solely from the record of the direction and distance of its course

dead·weight noun
1 : the unrelieved weight of an inert mass
2 : a ship's load including the weight of cargo, fuel, crew, and passengers

dead·wood noun
1 : wood dead on the tree
2 : useless personnel or material

Synonyms
chaff, dust, garbage, junk, litter, refuse, riffraff, rubbish, scrap, trash, waste—more at GARBAGE

deaf adjective
1 : unable to hear
2 : unwilling to hear or listen <~ to all suggestions>

— deaf·ness noun

deaf·en verb
: to make deaf

deaf·en·ing adjective
: very loud

Synonyms
booming, clamorous, earsplitting, loud, piercing, resounding, ringing, roaring, sonorous, stentorian, thunderous—more at LOUD

deaf–mute noun, often offensive
: a deaf person who has never learned to speak

1deal noun
1 : a usu. large or indefinite quantity or degree <a great ~ of support>
2 : the act or right of distributing cards to players in a card game; also : HAND

2deal verb dealt ; deal·ing
1 a : to give as one's portion : DISTRIBUTE
b : to distribute playing cards to players in a game
2 : ADMINISTER, DELIVER <dealt him a blow>
3 : to concern itself : TREAT <the book ~s with crime>
4 : to take action in regard to something <~ with offenders>
5 a : TRADE
b : to sell or distribute something as a business <~ in used cars>
6 : to reach a state of acceptance <~ with her child's death>
7 : to engage in bargaining

Synonyms
[1a] administer, allocate, apportion, dispense, distribute, mete, parcel, portion, prorate—more at ADMINISTER
[3] concern, cover, pertain, treat—more at CONCERN
[5b] market, merchandise, put up, retail, sell, vend

3deal noun
1 : an act of buying and selling : TRANSACTION
2 : treatment received <a raw ~>
3 : an often secret agreement or arrangement for mutual advantage
4 : something acquired by or as if by bargaining; especially : an advantageous purchase : BARGAIN

Synonyms
[1] sale, trade, transaction—more at SALE
[3] accord, agreement, bargain, compact, contract, convention, covenant, pact, settlement, understanding—more at AGREEMENT
[4] bargain, buy, steal—more at BARGAIN

4deal noun
: wood or a board of fir or pine

deal·er noun
: one that deals; especially : a person who makes a business of buying and selling goods

Synonyms
merchant, trader, trafficker—more at MERCHANT
seller, vendor—more at VENDOR

deal·er·ship noun
: an authorized sales agency

deal·ing noun
1 : a way of acting or of doing business
2 plural : friendly or business transactions

Synonyms
usually dealings intercourse, relations

dean noun
[ORIGIN: ME deen, fr. MF deien, fr. LL decanus, lit., chief of ten, fr. Gk dekanos, fr. deka ten]

1 : a clergyman who is head of a group of canons or of joint pastors of a church
2 : the head of a division, faculty, college, or school of a university
3 : a college or secondary school administrator in charge of counseling and disciplining students
4 : the senior member of a body or group <the ~ of a diplomatic corps>

— dean·ship noun

Synonyms
elder, senior; also better, superior
Antonyms
baby

dean·ery noun, plural -er·ies
: the office, jurisdiction, or official residence of a clerical dean

1dear adjective
1 : highly valued : PRECIOUS
2 : AFFECTIONATE, FOND
3 : high in price : EXPENSIVE
4 : HEARTFELT

— dear·ly adverb

— dear·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] beloved, darling, favorite, loved, pet, precious, special, sweet
[3] costly, expensive, high, precious, valuable—more at COSTLY

2dear noun
: a loved one : DARLING

Synonyms
beloved, darling, honey, love, sweet, sweetheart—more at SWEETHEART

Dear John noun
: a letter (as to a soldier) in which a woman breaks off a marital or romantic relationship

dearth noun
1 : scarcity that makes dear : FAMINE
2 : an inadequate supply : LACK

Synonyms
[1, 2] deficiency, deficit, failure, famine, inadequacy, insufficiency, lack, paucity, poverty, scantiness, scarcity, shortage, want—more at DEFICIENCY

death noun
1 : the end of life
2 : the cause of loss of life
3 : the state of being dead
4 : the passing or destruction of something inanimate
5 : SLAUGHTER

Synonyms
[1] decease, demise, doom, end, passing, quietus; also casualty, fatality; martyrdom, self-destruction, suicide; annihilation, destruction, ending, expiration, extermination, ruin
Antonyms
birth
[4] demise, expiration, termination; also dispersion, dissolution; shutdown; decease, doom, end, ending, passing, quietus; suicide; annihilation, destruction, ruin
Antonyms
beginning, creation, start

death·bed noun
1 : the bed in which a person dies
2 : the last hours of life

death·blow noun
: a destructive or killing stroke or event

death grip noun
: an extremely tight grip or hold

death·less adjective
: not subject to death or destruction : IMMORTAL <~ fame>

Synonyms
ceaseless, dateless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, permanent, perpetual, undying, unending—more at EVERLASTING

death·like adjective
: of, relating to, or suggestive of death : DEATHLY

death·ly adjective
1 : causing death : FATAL
2 : of, relating to, or suggesting death <a ~ pallor>

— deathly adverb

Synonyms
[1] baleful, deadly, fatal, fell, lethal, mortal, murderous, pestilent, vital—more at DEADLY
[2] dead, mortal; also ghostly, phantom, spectral; inactive, inert, inoperative, lifeless, quiescent, still; macabre; baleful, fatal, fateful, fell, killer, lethal, murderous, pestilent

death rattle noun
: a sound produced by air passing through mucus in the lungs and air passages of a dying person

death's–head noun
: a human skull emblematic of death

death·watch noun
: a vigil kept over the dead or dying

deb noun
: DEBUTANTE

de·ba·cle also dé·bâ·cle noun
[ORIGIN: F débêacle]

1 : a great disaster
2 : a complete failure : FIASCO

Synonyms
[1] calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, disaster, tragedy—more at DISASTER
[2] bummer, bust, catastrophe, dud, failure, fiasco, fizzle, flop, lemon, loser, turkey, washout—more at FAILURE

de·bar verb
: to bar from having or doing something

Synonyms
ban, bar, count out, eliminate, except, exclude, rule out—more at EXCLUDE

de·bark verb
: DISEMBARK

— de·bar·ka·tion noun

de·base verb
: to lower in character, quality, or value

Synonyms
abase, corrupt, debauch, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, vitiate, warp; also contaminate, pollute, taint; descend; disgrace, humble, humiliate; blemish, damage, deface, destroy, flaw, harm, hurt, impair, mar, ruin, spoil, stain, tarnish, wreck; depreciate, downgrade
Antonyms
elevate, ennoble, uplift
discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, lower, shame, smirch, take down—more at HUMBLE

de·base·ment noun
1 : the act or process of debasing
2 : the state of being debased

Synonyms
corruption, debauchery, decadence, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion—more at CORRUPTION

de·bat·able adjective
: open to dispute : giving reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged

Synonyms
arguable, disputable, doubtful, moot, questionable; also controversial, debated, disputed; dubious, inconclusive, indecisive, problematic, uncertain; academic, hypothetical, speculative, theoretical; ambiguous, equivocal
Antonyms
incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable, indubitable, undeniable, unquestionable
doubtful, equivocal, problematic, questionable, suspect, suspicious—more at DOUBTFUL

1debate noun
1 : a contention by words or arguments
2 : consideration of or reflection upon a problem <after a moment of ~, she went forward>

Synonyms
[1] controversy, disagreement, dissension
[2] consideration, deliberation, thought—more at CONSIDERATION

2debate verb de·bat·ed; de·bat·ing
1 : to discuss a question by considering opposed arguments
2 : to take part in a debate
3 : to reflect upon (a question or problem)

Synonyms
[1] argue, chew over, discuss, dispute, hash, moot, talk over—more at DISCUSS
[3] chew over, cogitate, consider, contemplate, deliberate, entertain, meditate, mull, ponder, question, ruminate, study, think, weigh—more at PONDER

de·bat·er noun
: one that debates

Synonyms
contender, disputant, disputer—more at DISPUTANT

de·bauch verb
: to lead away from virtue or excellence : CORRUPT

Synonyms
abase, corrupt, debase, degrade, demean, demoralize, deprave, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, warp—more at DEBASE

de·bauched adjective
: having or showing looseness in morals or conduct

Synonyms
corrupt, decadent, degenerate, dissolute, perverse, perverted, reprobate—more at CORRUPT

de·bauch·ery noun
: extreme indulgence in sensuality

Synonyms
corruption, debasement, decadence, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion—more at CORRUPTION
corruption, depravity, immorality, iniquity, licentiousness, sin, vice—more at VICE

de·ben·ture noun
: BOND; especially : one secured by the general credit of the issuer rather than a lien on particular assets

de·bil·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: to impair the health or strength of

Synonyms
enervate, enfeeble, prostrate, sap, soften, tire, waste, weaken—more at WEAKEN

de·bil·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: an infirm or weakened state

Synonyms
delicacy, enfeeblement, faintness, feebleness, frailty, infirmity, languor, lowness, weakness—more at WEAKNESS

1debit verb
: to enter as a debit : charge with or as a debit

2debit noun
1 : an entry in an account showing money paid out or owed
2 : DISADVANTAGE, SHORTCOMING

debit card noun
: a card by which money may be withdrawn or the cost of purchases paid directly from the holder's bank account

deb·o·nair adjective
[ORIGIN: ME debonere, fr. AF deboneire, fr. de bon aire of good family or nature]

1 : smoothly gracious and sophisticated : SUAVE
2 : LIGHTHEARTED

Synonyms
smooth, sophisticated, suave, urbane—more at SUAVE

de·bouch verb
[ORIGIN: F déboucher, fr. dé- out of + bouche mouth]

: to come out into an open area : EMERGE

de·brief verb
1 : to question (as a pilot back from a mission) in order to obtain useful information
2 : to review carefully upon completion

de·bris noun, plural debris
1 : the remains of something broken down or destroyed
2 : an accumulation of rock fragments
3 : RUBBISH

Synonyms
remains, residue, rubble, ruins, wreck, wreckage—more at REMAINS

debt noun
1 : an offense against religious or moral law : SIN
2 : something owed : OBLIGATION
3 : a condition of owing

debt·or noun
1 : one guilty of neglect or violation of duty
2 : one that owes a debt

de·bug verb
: to eliminate errors in

Synonyms
amend, correct, emend, rectify, reform, remedy—more at CORRECT

de·bunk verb
: to expose the sham or falseness of <~ a legend>

Synonyms
expose, show up, uncloak, uncover, unmask—more at EXPOSE

1debut noun
1 : a first appearance
2 : a formal entrance into society

2debut verb
: to make a debut; also : INTRODUCE

deb·u·tante noun
: a young woman making her formal entrance into society

dec abbreviation
1 deceased
2 decrease

Dec abbreviation
December

de·cade noun
: a period of 10 years

dec·a·dence noun
1 : the process of becoming decadent : the quality or state of being decadent
2 : a period of decline

Synonyms
[1, 2] corruption, debasement, debauchery, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion—more at CORRUPTION
[2] declension, decline, descent, deterioration, downfall, downgrade, fall—more at DECLINE

1decadent adjective
1 : marked by decay or decline
2 : characterized by or appealing to self-indulgence

Synonyms
[1] degenerate, effete, overripe—more at EFFETE
[1, 2] corrupt, debauched, degenerate, dissolute, perverse, perverted, reprobate—more at CORRUPT

2decadent noun
: one that is decadent

Synonyms
degenerate, libertine, pervert, profligate—more at DEGENERATE

de·caf noun
: decaffeinated coffee

de·caf·fein·at·ed adjective
: having the caffeine removed <~ coffee>

deca·gon noun
: a plane polygon of 10 angles and 10 sides

de·cal noun
: a picture, design, or label made to be transferred (as to glass) from specially prepared paper

de·cal·co·ma·nia noun
[ORIGIN: F décalcomanie, fr. décalquer to copy by tracing (fr. calquer to trace, fr. It calcare, lit., to tread, fr. L) + manie mania, fr. LL mania]

: DECAL

Deca·logue noun
: TEN COMMANDMENTS

de·camp verb
1 : to break up a camp
2 : to depart suddenly

de·cant verb
: to pour (as wine) gently from one vessel into another

de·cant·er noun
: an ornamental glass bottle for serving wine

de·cap·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: BEHEAD

— de·cap·i·ta·tion noun

— de·cap·i·ta·tor noun

deca·syl·lab·ic adjective
: having or composed of verses having 10 syllables

— decasyllabic noun

de·cath·lon noun
: a 10-event athletic contest

1decay verb
1 : to decline from a sound or prosperous condition
2 : to cause or undergo decomposition <radium ~s slowly>; especially : to break down while spoiling : ROT

Synonyms
[1] decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, ebb, rot, sink, worsen—more at DETERIORATE
[2] break down, corrupt, decompose, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, rot, spoil; also sour, turn; contaminate, defile, pollute, taint; curdle, ferment; crumble, degenerate, deteriorate

2decay noun
1 : gradual decline in strength, soundness, or prosperity or in degree of excellence or perfection
2 : the process of rotting : the state of being rotten

Synonyms
[1] declension, decline, degeneration, descent, deterioration, enfeeblement—more at DECLINE
[2] breakdown, corruption, decomposition, putrefaction, rot, spoilage—more at CORRUPTION

decd abbreviation
deceased

de·cease noun
: a permanent cessation of all vital functions : DEATH

Synonyms
death, demise, doom, end, passing, quietus—more at DEATH

1deceased adjective
: no longer alive; especially : recently dead

Synonyms
breathless, dead, defunct, gone, late, lifeless—more at DEAD

2deceased noun, plural deceased
: a dead person

de·ce·dent noun
: a deceased person

de·ceit noun
1 : the act or practice of deceiving : DECEPTION
2 : an attempt or device to deceive : TRICK
3 : the quality of being deceitful : DECEITFULNESS

Synonyms
artifice, craft, craftiness, crookedness, cunning, deceitfulness, dishonesty, dissimulation, double-dealing, duplicity, guile, wiliness; also equivocation, prevarication; chicanery, skulduggery, subterfuge, trickery; hypocrisy, insincerity; shrewdness; underhandedness, unscrupulousness; furtiveness, secrecy, oiliness, slipperiness, slyness, smoothness
Antonyms
artlessness, forthrightness, good faith, guilelessness, sincerity

de·ceit·ful adjective
1 : practicing or tending to practice deceit
2 : tending or having power to deceive : DECEPTIVE <a ~ answer>

— de·ceit·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] crooked, dishonest, double-dealing, false, fraudulent—more at FRAUDULENT
[2] deceptive, delusive, fallacious, false, misleading, specious—more at DECEPTIVE

de·ceit·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being deceitful

Synonyms
artifice, craft, craftiness, crookedness, cunning, deceit, dishonesty, dissimulation, double-dealing, duplicity, guile, wiliness—more at DECEIT

de·ceive verb de·ceived; de·ceiv·ing
1 : to cause to believe an untruth
2 : to use or practice deceit

— de·ceiv·er noun

Synonyms
beguile, bluff, cozen, delude, dupe, fool, gull, have, hoax, hoodwink, humbug, misinform, mislead, string along, take in, trick; also cheat, chisel, defraud, fleece, gyp, hustle, rook, swindle
Antonyms
undeceive

de·cel·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to slow down

Synonyms
brake, retard, slow—more at SLOW

De·cem·ber noun
[ORIGIN: ME Decembre, fr. OF, fr. L December (tenth month), fr. decem ten]

: the 12th month of the year

de·cen·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : the quality or state of being decent : PROPRIETY
2 : conformity to standards of taste, propriety, or quality
3 : a standard of propriety — usu. used in pl.

Synonyms
[1] decorum, form, propriety; also civility, courtesy, politeness; dignity, grace, refinement; discretion, prudence; correctness, fitness, rightness; attention, attentiveness, care, carefulness; goodness, high-mindedness, honesty, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, uprightness, virtue
Antonyms
impropriety, indecency
[2] character, goodness, honesty, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, uprightness, virtue—more at MORALITY

de·cen·ni·al adjective
1 : consisting of 10 years
2 : happening every 10 years <~ census>

de·cent adjective
1 : conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality
2 : modestly clothed
3 : free from immodesty or obscenity
4 : ADEQUATE <~ housing>

— de·cent·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] ethical, good, honest, honorable, just, moral, right, righteous, straight, upright, virtuous—more at GOOD
[1] correct, decorous, genteel, nice, polite, proper, respectable, seemly—more at PROPER
[3] chaste, clean, immaculate, modest, pure—more at CHASTE
[4] acceptable, adequate, all right, fine, OK, passable, respectable, satisfactory, tolerable—more at ADEQUATE

de·cen·tral·i·za·tion noun
1 : the distribution of powers from a central authority to regional and local authorities
2 : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas

— de·cen·tral·ize verb

de·cep·tion noun
1 : the act of deceiving
2 : the fact or condition of being deceived
3 : FRAUD, TRICK

de·cep·tive adjective
: tending or having power to deceive

— de·cep·tive·ly adverb

— de·cep·tive·ness noun

Synonyms
deceitful, delusive, fallacious, false, misleading, specious; also devious, guileful, shady, shifty, sly, sneaking, sneaky, trick, tricky, underhand, underhanded; inaccurate, incorrect, wrong; bewildering, confounding, distracting, perplexing, puzzling; crooked, dishonest, double-dealing, faithless, fraudulent, fast, knavish; lying, mendacious, untrustworthy, untruthful; insidious, perfidious, treacherous; artificial, backhanded, feigned, hypocritical, insincere, left-handed, two-faced
Antonyms
aboveboard, forthright, straightforward

deci·bel noun
: a unit for measuring the relative loudness of sounds

de·cide verb de·cid·ed; de·cid·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF decider, fr. L decidere, lit., to cut off, fr. de- off + caedere to cut]

1 : to arrive at a solution that ends uncertainty or dispute about
2 : to bring to a definitive end <one blow decided the fight>
3 : to induce to come to a choice
4 : to make a choice or judgment

Synonyms
[1] arrange, fix, set, settle—more at ARRANGE
[4] choose, conclude, determine, figure, opt, resolve; also decree, rule; cull, elect, handpick, pick, prefer, select, single (out), take
[4] adjudicate, arbitrate, determine, judge, referee, rule, settle, umpire—more at JUDGE

de·cid·ed adjective
1 : UNQUESTIONABLE
2 : FIRM, DETERMINED

— de·cid·ed·ly adverb

de·cid·u·ous adjective
1 : falling off or out usu. at the end of a period of growth or function <~ leaves> <a ~ tooth>
2 : having deciduous parts <~ trees>

deci·gram noun
: a metric unit of measure equal to 1/10 gram

deci·li·ter noun
: a metric unit of measure equal to 1/10 liter

1decimal adjective
: based on the number 10 : reckoning by tens

2decimal noun
: any number expressed in base 10; especially : DECIMAL FRACTION

decimal fraction noun
: a fraction or mixed number in which the denominator is a power of 10 and that is usu. expressed with a decimal point <the decimal fraction .25 is equivalent to the common fraction 25/100>

decimal place noun
: the position of a digit as counted to the right of the decimal point in a decimal fraction

decimal point noun
: a period, centered dot, or in some countries a comma at the left of a decimal fraction (as .678) less than one or between a whole number and a decimal fraction in a mixed number (as 3.678)

dec·i·mate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to take or destroy the 10th part of
2 : to cause great destruction or harm to

dec·i·me·ter noun
: a metric unit of measure equal to 1/10 meter

de·ci·pher verb
1 : to convert (as a coded message) into intelligible form : DECODE
2 : to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness

— de·ci·pher·able adjective

de·ci·sion noun
1 : the act or result of deciding
2 : promptness and firmness in deciding

Synonyms
[1] conclusion, deliverance, determination, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict; also decree, mandate, order; say-so; doom, finding, ruling, sentence; choice, option, selection
[2] decisiveness, determination, firmness, granite, resolution, resolve—more at DETERMINATION

de·ci·sive adjective
1 : having the power to decide <the ~ vote>
2 : marked by firm determination : RESOLUTE
3 : not questionable : CONCLUSIVE <a ~ victory>

— de·ci·sive·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] bent, bound, determined, firm, intent, purposeful, resolute, set—more at DETERMINED
[3] absolute, clear, conclusive, definitive—more at CONCLUSIVE

de·ci·sive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being decisive

Synonyms
decision, determination, firmness, granite, resolution, resolve—more at DETERMINATION

1deck noun
1 : a floorlike platform of a ship; also : something resembling the deck of a ship
2 : a pack of playing cards

2deck verb
1 : to clothe in a striking or elegant manner : ARRAY
2 : to furnish with something ornamental : DECORATE
3 : to furnish with a deck
4 : KNOCK DOWN, FLOOR

Synonyms
[1] apparel, array, attire, caparison, clothe, dress, garb, invest, rig, suit—more at CLOTHE
[2] adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, decorate, do, dress, embellish, enrich, garnish, grace, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE

deck·hand noun
: a sailor who performs manual duties

deck·le edge noun
: the rough untrimmed edge of paper

— deck·le–edged adjective

de·claim verb
: to speak or deliver in the manner of a formal speech

— de·clam·a·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
descant, discourse, harangue, lecture, orate, speak, talk—more at TALK

dec·la·ma·tion noun
: the act or art of declaiming

Synonyms
address, harangue, oration, speech, talk—more at SPEECH

dec·la·ra·tion noun
1 : the act of declaring
2 : something that is declared

Synonyms
affirmation, assertion, avowal, claim, profession, protestation

de·clar·a·tive adjective
: making a declaration <~ sentence>

de·clare verb de·clared; de·clar·ing
1 : to make known formally, officially, or explicitly : ANNOUNCE <~ war>
2 : to state emphatically : AFFIRM
3 : to make a full statement of

— de·clar·a·to·ry adjective

— de·clar·er noun

Synonyms
[1] advertise, announce, blaze, broadcast, enunciate, placard, post, proclaim, promulgate, publicize, publish, sound—more at ANNOUNCE
[2] affirm, allege, assert, aver, avouch, avow, claim, contend, insist, maintain, profess, protest, warrant—more at CLAIM

de·clas·si·fy verb
: to remove the security classification of

— de·clas·si·fi·ca·tion noun

de·clen·sion noun
1 : the inflectional forms of a noun, pronoun, or adjective
2 : a falling off or away esp. from a standard or a high point of development
3 : a bending or sloping downward

Synonyms
decadence, decline, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, descent, deterioration, downfall, downgrade, fall—more at DECLINE

1decline verb de·clined; de·clin·ing
1 : to slope downward : DESCEND
2 : DROOP
3 : WANE
4 : to tend toward an inferior state or weaker condition
5 : to withhold consent; also : REFUSE
6 : INFLECT 2 <~ a noun>

— de·clin·able adjective

— dec·li·na·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] descend, dip, drop, fall, lower, plummet, plunge, sink, tumble—more at DROP
[4] decay, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, ebb, rot, sink, worsen—more at DETERIORATE
[5] disallow, disapprove, negative, refuse, reject, repudiate, spurn, turn down; also overrule, veto; forbid, prohibit, proscribe; dismiss; abstain, forbear, refrain; deny, dispute, gainsay; balk, stick; abjure, renounce; avoid, bypass, detour
Antonyms
accept, agree (to), approve

2decline noun
1 : a gradual sinking and wasting away
2 : a change to a lower state or level
3 : the time when something is approaching its end
4 : a descending slope

Synonyms
[1] decay, declension, degeneration, descent, deterioration, enfeeblement; also atrophy; exhaustion; flagging, limping; relapse, setback
Antonyms
improvement, recovery, revitalization
[2] decadence, declension, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, descent, deterioration, downfall, downgrade, fall; also decay, rotting, spoiling; break up, crumbling, decomposition, disintegration, dissolution; abasement, debasement; depreciation, lessening; demolition, desolation, destruction, havoc, ruin, ruination; abatement, decrease, decrement, de-escalation, deflation, diminution, dip, drop, fall, loss, lowering, reduction, sag, shrinkage
Antonyms
ascent, rise, upswing

de·cliv·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: a steep downward slope

de·code verb
: to convert (a coded message) into ordinary language

— de·cod·er noun

Synonyms
break, crack; also render, translate; dope (out), puzzle (out), figure out, solve, unravel, work, work out
Antonyms
cipher, code, encode

dé·col·le·tage noun
: the low-cut neckline of a dress

dé·col·le·té adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : wearing a strapless or low-necked gown
2 : having a low-cut neckline

de·com·mis·sion verb
: to remove from service

de·com·pose verb
1 : to separate into constituent parts
2 : to break down in decay : ROT

Synonyms
break down, corrupt, decay, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, rot, spoil—more at DECAY

de·com·po·si·tion noun
: the act or process of decomposing

Synonyms
breakdown, corruption, decay, putrefaction, rot, spoilage—more at CORRUPTION

de·com·press verb
: to release from pressure or compression

— de·com·pres·sion noun

de·con·ges·tant noun
: an agent that relieves congestion (as of mucous membranes)

de·con·struc·tion noun
: the analysis of something (as language or literature) by the separation and individual examination of its basic elements

— de·con·struct verb

de·con·tam·i·nate verb
: to rid of contamination (as radioactive material)

— de·con·tam·i·na·tion noun

de·con·trol verb
: to end control of <~ prices>

— decontrol noun

de·cor or dé·cor noun
: DECORATION; especially : the style and layout of interior furnishings

dec·o·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to furnish with something ornamental <~ a room>
2 : to award a mark of honor (as a medal) to

Synonyms
adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, deck, do, dress, embellish, enrich, garnish, grace, ornament, trim; also doll up, dress up, trick (out); brighten, freshen, spruce (up); boss, chase, emboss; embroider, figure, flounce, fringe, garland, hang, lace, wreathe; gild, paint; redecorate, redo
Antonyms
blemish, deface, disfigure, mar, scar, spoil

dec·o·ra·tion noun
1 : the act or process of decorating
2 : something that adorns, enriches, or beautifies : ORNAMENT
3 : a badge of honor

Synonyms
[2] adornment, caparison, embellishment, frill, garnish, ornament, trim; also finery, frippery; flounce, flourish, furbelow, ruffle; enhancement, enrichment, improvement; embroidery, fancywork; gilt, glitter; design, figure, pattern; furnishings, regalia, trappings
[3] award, distinction, honor, plume, prize—more at AWARD

dec·o·ra·tive adjective
: serving to decorate : ORNAMENTAL

Synonyms
ornamental; also alluring, appealing, attractive, charming, delightful, glamorous, pleasing, prepossessing; beauteous, beautiful, bonny, comely, fair, gorgeous, handsome, lovely, pretty, stunning; detailed, elaborate, fancy, ornate
Antonyms
functional, utilitarian

dec·o·ra·tor noun
: one that decorates; especially : a person who designs or executes interiors and their furnishings

dec·o·rous adjective
: marked by propriety and good taste : PROPER

Synonyms
correct, decent, genteel, nice, polite, proper, respectable, seemly—more at PROPER

de·co·rum noun
[ORIGIN: L]

1 : conformity to accepted standards of conduct
2 : ORDERLINESS

Synonyms
decency, form, propriety—more at DECENCY

1decoy noun
[ORIGIN: prob. fr. D de kooi, lit., the cage]

1 : something that lures or entices; especially : an artificial bird used to attract live birds within shot
2 : something used to draw attention away from another

2decoy verb
: to lure by or as if by a decoy : ENTICE

Synonyms
allure, beguile, entice, lead on, lure, seduce, tempt—more at LURE

1decrease verb de·creased; de·creas·ing
: to grow or cause to grow less : DIMINISH

Synonyms
abate, de-escalate, decline, die, diminish, dwindle, ebb, fall, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, recede, relent, shrink, subside, taper, wane; also compress, condense, constrict, contract; evaporate, fade (away), give out, melt (away), peter (out), vanish; slacken, slow (down); alleviate, ease, relax; flag, sink, weaken; cave (in), collapse, deflate, give out
Antonyms
accumulate, balloon, build, burgeon, enlarge, escalate, expand, grow, increase, intensify, mount, mushroom, pick up, rise, snowball, soar, swell, wax

2decrease noun
1 : the process of decreasing
2 : an amount of diminution : REDUCTION

Synonyms
abatement, decline, decrement, diminution, drop, fall, loss, reduction, shrinkage; also dent, depression; slip, slump; curtailment, cut, cutback
Antonyms
boost, enlargement, gain, increase, increment, raise, rise

1decree noun
1 : an order usu. having the force of law : EDICT
2 : a judicial decision

Synonyms
behest, charge, command, commandment, dictate, direction, directive, edict, instruction, order, word

2decree verb de·creed; de·cree·ing
1 : to direct authoritatively : COMMAND
2 : to determine or order judicially

Synonyms
command, dictate, direct, ordain, order—more at COMMAND

dec·re·ment noun
1 : gradual decrease
2 : the quantity lost by diminution or waste

Synonyms
abatement, decline, decrease, diminution, drop, fall, loss, reduction, shrinkage—more at DECREASE

de·crep·it adjective
: broken down with age : WORN-OUT

— de·crep·i·tude noun

de·cre·scen·do adverb or adjective
: with a decrease in volume — used as a direction in music

de·crim·i·nal·ize verb
: to remove or reduce the criminal status of

de·cry verb
: to express strong disapproval of

Synonyms
belittle, cry down, deprecate, depreciate, diminish, discount, disparage, minimize, put down, write off; also abuse, scold; disapprove (of), dislike; censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate; defame, malign, slander, traduce, vilify; discredit, disgrace
Antonyms
acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol, glorify, laud, magnify, praise

ded·i·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to devote to the worship of a divine being esp. with sacred rites
2 : to set apart for a definite purpose
3 : to inscribe or address as a compliment

— ded·i·ca·tor noun

— ded·i·ca·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
allocate, consecrate, devote, earmark, reserve, save—more at DEVOTE

ded·i·ca·tion noun
1 : an act or rite of dedicating esp. to a sacred use
2 : a setting aside for a particular purpose
3 : self-sacrificing devotion

Synonyms
allegiance, constancy, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness—more at FIDELITY

de·duce verb de·duced; de·duc·ing
1 : to derive by reasoning : INFER
2 : to trace the course of

Synonyms
conclude, extrapolate, gather, infer, judge, reason, understand—more at INFER

de·duct verb
: SUBTRACT

— de·duct·ible adjective

de·duc·tion noun
1 : an act of taking away : SUBTRACTION
2 : something that is or may be subtracted
3 : the deriving of a conclusion by reasoning : the conclusion so reached

— de·duc·tive adjective

— de·duc·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
abatement, discount, reduction; also kickback, rebate; dent, depreciation; decline, decrement, diminution, drop, fall, loss; forfeit, forfeiture, penalty
Antonyms
accession, addition

1deed noun
1 : something done
2 : a usu. illustrious act or action : FEAT
3 : a document containing some legal transfer, bargain, or contract

Synonyms
[1, 2] act, action, doing, exploit, feat, thing—more at ACTION

2deed verb
: to convey or transfer by deed

Synonyms
alienate, assign, cede, make over, transfer—more at TRANSFER

dee·jay noun
: DISC JOCKEY

deem verb
: to come to think or judge

Synonyms
believe, consider, feel, figure, guess, hold, imagine, suppose, think—more at BELIEVE

de–em·pha·size verb
: to reduce in relative importance; also : to attach little importance to

— de–em·pha·sis noun

1deep adjective
1 : extending far down, back, within, or outward
2 : having a specified extension downward or backward
3 : difficult to understand; also : MYSTERIOUS <a ~ dark secret>
4 : WISE
5 : ENGROSSED, INVOLVED <~ in thought>
6 : characterized by profundity of feeling or quality : INTENSE <~ grief> <~ sleep>
7 : dark and rich in color <a ~ red>
8 : having a low musical pitch or range <a ~ voice>
9 : situated well within
10 : covered, enclosed, or filled often to a specified degree

— deep·ly adverb

Synonyms
[3] ambiguous, cryptic, dark, darkling, enigmatic, equivocal, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, obscure, occult—more at OBSCURE
[6] explosive, exquisite, fearful, ferocious, fierce, furious, hard, heavy, intense, profound, terrible, vehement, vicious, violent—more at INTENSE
[8] bass, low, throaty; also gruff, hoarse, husky, rough
Antonyms
acute, high, piping, sharp, shrill, treble

2deep adverb
1 : DEEPLY
2 : far on : LATE <~ in the night>

3deep noun
1 : an extremely deep place or part; especially : the whole body of salt water that covers nearly three fourths of the surface of the earth : OCEAN
2 : the middle or most intense part <the ~ of winter>

Synonyms
[1] blue, brine, ocean, sea—more at OCEAN
[2] depth, height, middle, midst, thick—more at THICK

deep·en verb
: to make or become deep or deeper

Synonyms
amplify, beef, boost, consolidate, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen—more at INTENSIFY

deep–freeze verb -froze ; -fro·zen
: QUICK-FREEZE

deep–fry verb
: to cook in enough oil to cover the food being fried

deep pocket noun
1 : one having substantial financial resources
2 plural : substantial financial resources

deep–root·ed adjective
: deeply implanted or established

Synonyms
confirmed, deep-seated, inveterate, settled—more at INVETERATE

deep–sea adjective
: of, relating to, or occurring in the deeper parts of the sea <~ fishing>

deep–seat·ed adjective
1 : situated far below the surface
2 : firmly established <~ convictions>

Synonyms
confirmed, deep-rooted, inveterate, settled—more at INVETERATE

deer noun, plural deer
[ORIGIN: ME, deer, animal, fr. OE dēor beast]

: any of numerous ruminant mammals with cloven hoofs and usu. antlers esp. in the males

deer·fly noun
: any of numerous small horseflies

deer·skin noun
: leather made from the skin of a deer; also : a garment of such leather

deer tick noun
: a tick that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

de–es·ca·late verb
: to decrease in extent, volume, or scope

— de–es·ca·la·tion noun

Synonyms
abate, decline, decrease, die, diminish, dwindle, ebb, fall, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, recede, relent, shrink, subside, taper, wane—more at DECREASE

deet noun, often all cap
: a colorless oily liquid insect and tick repellent

1def adjective def·fer; def·fest slang
: very good : COOL

2def abbreviation
1 defendant
2 definite
3 definition

de·face verb
: to destroy or mar the appearance of

— de·face·ment noun

— de·fac·er noun

Synonyms
blemish, break, cripple, damage, disfigure, flaw, harm, hurt, injure, mar, spoil, vitiate—more at DAMAGE

de fac·to adjective or adverb
1 : actually existing <de facto segregation>
2 : actually exercising power <de facto government>

de·fal·ca·tion noun
: EMBEZZLEMENT

def·a·ma·tion noun
: the act of defaming another

Synonyms
libel, slander, vilification—more at SLANDER

de·fam·a·to·ry adjective
: containing defamation : injurious to reputation

Synonyms
libelous, scandalous, slanderous—more at LIBELOUS

de·fame verb de·famed; de·fam·ing
: to injure or destroy the reputation of by libel or slander

Synonyms
blacken, libel, malign, slander, smear, traduce, vilify—more at SLANDER

de·fault noun
1 : failure to do something required by duty or law; also : failure to appear for a legal proceeding
2 : failure to compete in or to finish an appointed contest <lose a race by ~>
3 : a choice made without active consideration due to lack of viable alternatives
4 : a selection made automatically by a computer in the absence of a choice by the user

— default verb

— de·fault·er noun

Synonyms
delinquency, dereliction, failure, neglect, negligence, oversight—more at FAILURE

1defeat verb
1 : FRUSTRATE, NULLIFY
2 : to win victory over : BEAT

Synonyms
beat, conquer, master, overcome, prevail, rout, subdue, surmount, triumph, win—more at BEAT

2defeat noun
1 : frustration by nullification or by prevention of success : the state or face of being defeated <the bill suffered ~ in the Senate>
2 : an overthrow of an army in battle
3 : loss of a contest

Synonyms
[1] collapse, crash, cropper, failure, fizzle, nonsuccess—more at FAILURE
[3] loss, rout, shellacking; also collapse, debacle, failure, fizzle, flop, nonsuccess, setback, upset, washout; lurch, shutout
Antonyms
success, triumph, victory, win

de·feat·ism noun
: acceptance of or resignation to defeat

— de·feat·ist noun

defeatist adjective
: characterized by defeatism

Synonyms
despairing, hopeless, pessimistic—more at PESSIMISTIC

def·e·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to free from impurity or corruption
2 : to discharge feces from the bowels

— def·e·ca·tion noun

1defect noun
: an imperfection that impairs worth or utility : BLEMISH

Synonyms
blemish, deformity, disfigurement, fault, flaw, imperfection, mark, pockmark, scar—more at BLEMISH

2defect verb
: to desert a cause or party esp. in order to espouse another

— de·fec·tion noun

de·fec·tor noun
: one that defects

Synonyms
deserter, recreant, renegade—more at RENEGADE

de·fec·tive adjective
: imperfect in form or function : FAULTY

— defective noun

Synonyms
bad, faulty, imperfect—more at FAULTY

de·fence chiefly British variant of DEFENSE

de·fend verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF defendre, fr. L defendere, fr. de- from + -fendere to strike]

1 : to repel danger or attack from
2 : to act as attorney for
3 : to oppose the claim of another in a lawsuit : CONTEST
4 : to maintain against opposition <~ an idea>

Synonyms
[1] cover, guard, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward; also avert, prevent; fend (off), oppose, resist, withstand; battle, contend, fight, war; conserve, keep, preserve, save; buffer, palisade, picket, wall
Antonyms
assail, assault, attack
[4] justify, maintain, support, uphold—more at MAINTAIN

de·fend·er noun
: one that defends

Synonyms
custodian, defense, guard, protection, protector—more at PROTECTOR

de·fen·dant noun
: a person required to make answer in a legal action or suit

de·fense noun
1 : the act of defending : resistance against attack
2 : means, method, or capability of defending
3 : an argument in support or justification
4 : the answer made by the defendant in a legal action
5 : a defending party, group, or team

Synonyms
[2] aegis, armor, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward; also armament, arm, munitions, weaponry, weapon; fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold
[3] alibi, excuse, justification, plea, reason—more at EXCUSE

de·fense·less adjective
: being without defense

Synonyms
exposed, helpless, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, vulnerable—more at HELPLESS

defense mechanism noun
: an often unconscious mental process (as repression) that assists in reaching compromise solutions to personal problems

de·fen·si·ble adjective
: capable of being defended

Synonyms
justifiable, maintainable, supportable, sustainable, tenable—more at TENABLE

1defensive adjective
1 : serving or intended to defend or protect
2 : of or relating to the attempt to keep an opponent from scoring (as in a game)

— de·fen·sive·ly adverb

— de·fen·sive·ness noun

2defensive noun
: a defensive position

1defer verb de·ferred; de·fer·ring
[ORIGIN: ME deferren, differren, fr. MF differer, fr. L differre to postpone, be different]

: to put off to a later time : POSTPONE

Synonyms
delay, hold up, postpone, put off, shelve—more at POSTPONE

2defer verb deferred; deferring
[ORIGIN: ME deferren, differren, fr. MF deferer, defferer, fr. LL deferre, fr. L, to bring down, bring, fr. de- down + ferre to carry]

: to submit or yield to the opinion or wishes of another

def·er·ence noun
: courteous, respectful, or ingratiating regard for another's wishes

Synonyms
compliance, docility, obedience—more at COMPLIANCE

def·er·en·tial adjective
: showing or expressing deference

Synonyms
dutiful, regardful, respectful—more at RESPECTFUL

de·fer·ment noun
: the act of delaying; especially : official postponement of military service

de·fi·ance noun
1 : the act or an instance of defying
2 : disposition to resist or contend

Synonyms
disobedience, insubordination, rebelliousness, recalcitrance, refractoriness, unruliness—more at DISOBEDIENCE

de·fi·ant adjective
: full of defiance

— de·fi·ant·ly adverb

Synonyms
contrary, disobedient, froward, intractable, rebellious, recalcitrant, refractory, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful—more at DISOBEDIENT

de·fi·bril·la·tor noun
: an electronic device that applies an electric shock to restore the rhythm of a fibrillating heart

— de·fi·bril·late verb

— de·fi·bril·la·tion noun

de·fi·cien·cy noun
: the quality or state of being deficient

Synonyms
dearth, deficit, failure, famine, inadequacy, insufficiency, lack, paucity, poverty, scantiness, scarcity, shortage, want; also absence, omission; meagerness; necessity, need, privation
Antonyms
abundance, adequacy, amplitude, plenitude, plenty, sufficiency

deficiency disease noun
: a disease (as scurvy or beriberi) caused by a lack of essential dietary elements and esp. a vitamin or mineral

de·fi·cient adjective
: lacking in something necessary; also : not up to a normal standard

Synonyms
inadequate, insufficient, scarce, short, shy, wanting—more at SHORT
bad, inferior, lousy, off, poor, punk, rotten, substandard, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, wanting, wretched, wrong—more at BAD

def·i·cit noun
: a deficiency in amount; especially : an excess of expenditures over revenue

Synonyms
dearth, deficiency, failure, famine, inadequacy, insufficiency, lack, paucity, poverty, scantiness, scarcity, shortage, want—more at DEFICIENCY

1defile verb de·filed; de·fil·ing
1 : to corrupt the purity or perfection of
2 : to make physically unclean esp. with something unpleasant or contaminating
3 : to violate the chastity of
4 : to violate the sanctity of : DESECRATE
5 : DISHONOR

Synonyms
[1, 2] befoul, contaminate, foul, poison, pollute, taint—more at CONTAMINATE
[4] desecrate, profane, violate—more at DESECRATE

2defile noun
: a narrow passage or gorge

Synonyms
canyon, flume, gap, gorge, gulch, gulf, notch, pass, ravine—more at CANYON

de·file·ment noun
1 : the act of defiling or state of being defiled
2 : something that defiles

Synonyms
[1] blasphemy, desecration, impiety, irreverence, sacrilege—more at BLASPHEMY
[2] adulterant, contaminant, impurity, pollutant—more at IMPURITY

de·fine verb de·fined; de·fin·ing
1 : to set forth the meaning of <~ a word>
2 : to fix or mark the limits of
3 : to clarify in outline or character

— de·fin·able adjective

— de·fin·er noun

Synonyms
[2] bound, circumscribe, delimit, demarcate, limit, mark, terminate—more at LIMIT
[3] delineate, outline, silhouette, sketch, trace—more at OUTLINE
[3] characterize, depict, describe, portray, represent—more at CHARACTERIZE

def·i·nite adjective
1 : having distinct limits
2 : clear in meaning
3 : typically designating an identified or immediately identifiable person or thing

— def·i·nite·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] determinate, finite, limited, measured, narrow, restricted—more at LIMITED
[2] clear-cut, definitive, explicit, express, specific, unambiguous, unequivocal—more at EXPLICIT

def·i·nite·ly adverb
: in a definite way or manner

Synonyms
certainly, doubtless, forsooth, incontestably, indeed, indisputably, really, surely, truly, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably—more at INDEED

def·i·ni·tion noun
1 : an act of determining or settling
2 : a statement of the meaning of a word or word group; also : the action or process of defining
3 : the action or the power of making definite and clear : CLARITY, DISTINCTNESS

de·fin·i·tive adjective
1 : serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation : DECISIVE
2 : authoritative and apparently exhaustive
3 : serving to define or specify precisely

Synonyms
[1] absolute, clear, conclusive, decisive—more at CONCLUSIVE
[3] clear-cut, definite, explicit, express, specific, unambiguous, unequivocal—more at EXPLICIT

de·flate verb de·flat·ed; de·flat·ing
1 : to release air or gas from
2 : to reduce in size, importance, or effectiveness; also : to reduce from a state of inflation
3 : to become deflated

de·fla·tion noun
1 : an act or instance of deflating : the state of being deflated
2 : reduction in the volume of available money or credit resulting in a decline of the general price level

de·flect verb
: to turn aside

— de·flec·tion noun

de·flo·ra·tion noun
: rupture of the hymen

de·flow·er verb
: to deprive of virginity

de·fog verb
: to remove fog or condensed moisture from

— de·fog·ger noun

de·fo·li·ant noun
: a chemical spray or dust used to defoliate plants

de·fo·li·ate verb
: to deprive of leaves esp. prematurely

— de·fo·li·a·tion noun

— de·fo·li·a·tor noun

de·for·es·ta·tion noun
: the action or process of clearing an area of forests; also : the state of having been cleared of forests

— de·for·est verb

de·form verb
1 : DISFIGURE, DEFACE
2 : to make or become misshapen or changed in shape

Synonyms
contort, distort, screw, warp—more at CONTORT

de·for·ma·tion noun
: the action of deforming

Synonyms
contortion, distortion—more at CONTORTION

de·formed adjective
: distorted or unshapely in form

Synonyms
distorted, malformed, misshapen, monstrous, shapeless—more at MALFORMED

de·for·mi·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the state of being deformed
2 : a physical blemish or distortion

Synonyms
blemish, defect, disfigurement, fault, flaw, imperfection, mark, pockmark, scar—more at BLEMISH

de·fraud verb
: to deprive of something by deception or fraud : CHEAT

Synonyms
bleed, cheat, chisel, cozen, fleece, gyp, hustle, mulct, rook, shortchange, skin, squeeze, stick, sting, swindle, victimize—more at FLEECE

de·fray verb
: to provide for the payment of : PAY

— de·fray·al noun

de·frock verb
: to deprive (as a priest) of the right to exercise the functions of office

de·frost verb
1 : to thaw out
2 : to free from ice

— de·frost·er noun

deft adjective
: characterized by facility and skill

— deft·ly adverb

Synonyms
clever, cunning, dexterous, handy—more at DEXTEROUS

deft·ness noun
: the quality or state of being deft

Synonyms
agility, dexterity, nimbleness, sleight—more at DEXTERITY
adeptness, adroitness, art, artfulness, artifice, artistry, cleverness, craft, cunning, masterfulness, skill—more at SKILL

de·funct adjective
: no longer living, existing, or functioning

Synonyms
bygone, dead, extinct, gone—more at EXTINCT

de·fuse verb
1 : to remove the fuse from (as a bomb)
2 : to make less harmful, potent, or tense

de·fy verb de·fied; de·fy·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, to renounce faith in, challenge, fr. AF desfier, defier, fr. de- from + fier to entrust, ultim. fr. L fidere to trust]

1 : to challenge to do something considered impossible : DARE
2 : to refuse boldly to obey or to yield to <~ the law>
3 : to resist attempts at : WITHSTAND <a scene that defies description>

Synonyms
[1] challenge, dare—more at CHALLENGE
[2] beard, brave, brazen, confront, dare, face—more at FACE
[3] buck, fight, oppose, repel, resist, withstand—more at RESIST

deg abbreviation
degree

de·gas verb
: to remove gas from

de·gen·er·a·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : the state of being degenerate
2 : the process of becoming degenerate
3 : PERVERSION

Synonyms
decadence, declension, decline, descent, deterioration, downfall, downgrade, fall—more at DECLINE
corruption, debasement, debauchery, decadence, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion—more at CORRUPTION

1degenerate adjective
: fallen or deteriorated from a former, higher, or normal condition

— de·gen·er·a·tive adjective

Synonyms
corrupt, debauched, decadent, dissolute, perverse, perverted, reprobate—more at CORRUPT

2degenerate verb
: to undergo deterioration (as in morality, intelligence, structure, or function)

Synonyms
decay, decline, descend, deteriorate, ebb, rot, sink, worsen—more at DETERIORATE

3degenerate noun
: a degenerate person; especially : a sexual pervert

Synonyms
decadent, libertine, pervert, profligate; also delinquent, derelict, incorrigible; blackguard, cad, heel, knave, rascal, miscreant, reprobate, rogue, scoundrel, villain; playboy, satyr

de·gen·er·a·tion noun
: the process of passing from a higher to a lower type

Synonyms
decay, declension, decline, descent, deterioration, enfeeblement—more at DECLINE
corruption, debasement, debauchery, decadence, degeneracy, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion—more at CORRUPTION

de·grad·able adjective
: capable of being chemically degraded

deg·ra·da·tion noun
1 : the act or process of degrading
2 a : decline to a low, destitute, or demoralized state
b : moral or intellectual decadence

Synonyms
[2a] decadence, declension, decline, degeneracy, degeneration, descent, deterioration, downfall, downgrade, fall—more at DECLINE
[2b] corruption, debasement, debauchery, decadence, degeneracy, degeneration, demoralization, depravity, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion—more at CORRUPTION

de·grade verb
1 : to reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree
2 a : to bring to low esteem or into disrepute
b : to drag down in moral or intellectual character : DEBASE
3 : DECOMPOSE

Synonyms
[1] break, bust, demote, downgrade, reduce—more at DEMOTE
[2a] abase, debase, demean, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, lower, shame, smirch, take down—more at HUMBLE
[2b] abase, corrupt, debase, debauch, demean, demoralize, deprave, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, warp—more at DEBASE

degrading adjective
: that degrades

Synonyms
contemptuous, derogatory, disdainful, scornful, uncomplimentary—more at DEROGATORY

de·gree noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF degré, fr. VL *degradus, fr. L de- down + gradus step, grade]

1 : a step in a series
2 : a rank or grade of official, ecclesiastical, or social position; also : the civil condition of a person
3 : the extent, intensity, or scope of something esp. as measured by a graded series
4 : one of the forms or sets of forms used in the comparison of an adjective or adverb
5 : a title conferred upon students by a college, university, or professional school on completion of a program of study
6 : a line or space of the musical staff; also : a note or tone of a musical scale
7 : a unit of measure for angles that is equal to an angle with its vertex at the center of a circle and its sides cutting off 1/360 of the circumference; also : a unit of measure for arcs of a circle that is equal to the amount of arc extending 1/360 of the circumference
8 : any of various units for measuring temperature

Synonyms
[1] cut, grade, inch, notch, peg, phase, point, stage, step; also amount, measure, plane; decrement, increment
[2] footing, level, place, position, rank, situation, standing, station, status—more at RANK

de·horn verb
: to deprive of horns

de·hu·man·ize verb
: to deprive of human qualities, personality, or spirit

— de·hu·man·i·za·tion noun

de·hu·mid·i·fy verb
: to remove moisture from (as the air)

— de·hu·mid·i·fi·er noun

de·hy·drate verb
: to remove water from; also : to lose liquid

— de·hy·dra·tion noun

Synonyms
dry, parch, sear—more at DRY

de·hy·dro·ge·na·tion noun
: the removal of hydrogen from a chemical compound

— de·hy·dro·ge·nate verb

de·ice verb
: to keep free or rid of ice

— de·ic·er noun

de·i·fi·ca·tion noun
: the act or an instance of deifying

Synonyms
adulation, idolatry, worship—more at WORSHIP

de·i·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 a : to make a god of
b : to treat as an object of worship
2 : to glorify as of supreme worth; also : WORSHIP

Synonyms
[1b] adore, canonize, dote, idolize, worship—more at IDOLIZE
[2] adore, glorify, revere, venerate, worship—more at WORSHIP

deign verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF deigner, fr. L dignare, dignari, fr. dignus worthy]

: CONDESCEND

de·ion·ize verb
: to remove ions from

de·ism noun, often cap
: a system of thought advocating natural religion based on human morality and reason rather than divine revelation

— de·ist noun, often cap

— de·is·tic adjective

de·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being divine : DIVINITY
2 cap : the Being worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe : GOD 1
3 : a god or goddess

Synonyms
[1] divinity, godhead—more at DIVINITY
Deity [2] Almighty, Jehovah, Supreme Being

dé·jà vu noun
[ORIGIN: F, adj., already seen]

: the feeling that one has seen or heard something before

de·ject·ed adjective
: low in spirits : SAD

— de·ject·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
bad, blue, depressed, despondent, disconsolate, down, forlorn, gloomy, glum, low, melancholy, miserable, mournful, sad, unhappy

de·jec·tion noun
: lowness of spirits

Synonyms
blues, depression, desolation, despondency, doldrums, dumps, forlornness, gloom, heartsickness, melancholy, sadness—more at SADNESS

de ju·re adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: ML]

: by legal right

deka·gram noun
: a metric unit of measure equal to 10 grams

deka·li·ter noun
: a metric unit of measure equal to 10 liters

deka·me·ter noun
: a metric unit of measure equal to 10 meters

del abbreviation
delegate; delegation

Del abbreviation
Delaware

Del·a·ware noun, plural Delaware or Delawares
: a member of an American Indian people orig. of the Delaware valley; also : their language

1delay noun
1 : the act of delaying : the state of being delayed
2 : the time for which something is delayed

2delay verb
1 : to put off to a later time : POSTPONE
2 : to stop, detain, or hinder for a time
3 : to move or act slowly

Synonyms
[1] defer, hold up, postpone, put off, shelve—more at POSTPONE
[2] encumber, hamper, hinder, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere, obstruct, tie up—more at HAMPER
[3] crawl, creep, dally, dawdle, dillydally, drag, lag, linger, loiter, poke, tarry; also hang around, hang out, idle, loaf, loll, lounge; amble, ease, inch, lumber, plod, saunter, shuffle, stagger, stroll; decelerate, slow (down or up); filibuster, procrastinate, stall, temporize
Antonyms
hurry, run, rush, speed

de·lec·ta·ble adjective
1 : highly pleasing : DELIGHTFUL
2 : very pleasing to the taste or smell : DELICIOUS

Synonyms
[1] agreeable, congenial, delicious, delightful, dreamy, felicitous, good, grateful, gratifying, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying
[2] ambrosial, appetizing, delicious, flavorful, luscious, palatable, savory, scrumptious, tasty, toothsome, yummy—more at DELICIOUS

de·lec·ta·tion noun
1 : a high degree of gratification
2 : something that gives great pleasure : DELIGHT

Synonyms
[1, 2] contentment, delight, enjoyment, gladness, gratification, pleasure, relish, satisfaction—more at PLEASURE

1delegate noun
1 : a person acting for another
2 : a member of the lower house of the legislature of Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia

Synonyms
ambassador, emissary, envoy, legate, minister, representative—more at AMBASSADOR
agent, attorney, commissary, deputy, envoy, factor, proxy, representative—more at AGENT

2delegate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to assign (as responsibility or power to act or make decisions) to another <~ authority>
2 : to appoint as one's delegate

Synonyms
commission, deputize; also assign, charge; appoint, designate, name, nominate

del·e·ga·tion noun
1 : the act of delegating
2 : one or more persons chosen to represent others

Synonyms
authorization, commission, license, mandate—more at COMMISSION

de·lete verb de·let·ed; de·let·ing
[ORIGIN: L deletus, pp. of delēre to wipe out, destroy]

: to eliminate esp. by blotting out, cutting out, or erasing

— de·le·tion noun

del·e·te·ri·ous adjective
: harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way : NOXIOUS

Synonyms
adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, damaging, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, ill, injurious, mischievous, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial—more at HARMFUL

delft noun
1 : a Dutch pottery with an opaque white glaze and predominantly blue decoration
2 : glazed pottery esp. when blue and white

delft·ware noun
: DELFT

deli noun, plural del·is
: DELICATESSEN

1deliberate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to consider carefully

— de·lib·er·a·tive adjective

— de·lib·er·a·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
chew over, cogitate, consider, contemplate, debate, entertain, meditate, mull, ponder, question, ruminate, study, think, weigh—more at PONDER

2deliberate adjective
[ORIGIN: L deliberare to consider carefully, fr. libra scale, pound]

1 : determined after careful thought
2 : done or said intentionally
3 : UNHURRIED, SLOW

— de·lib·er·ate·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] advised, calculated, measured, reasoned, studied, thoughtful; also aforethought, premeditated; educated, informed; intentional, purposeful; designed, intended, planned, projected; careful, meticulous; foresighted, provident, prudent
Antonyms
casual
[2] freewill, intentional, purposeful, willful

de·lib·er·ate·ly adverb
: in a deliberate manner

Synonyms
consciously, intentionally, knowingly, purposely, willfully—more at INTENTIONALLY

de·lib·er·a·tion noun
1 : the act of deliberating
2 : the quality or state of being deliberate

Synonyms
consideration, debate, thought—more at CONSIDERATION
argument, colloquy, conference, discourse, discussion, give-and-take, parley, talk—more at DISCUSSION

del·i·ca·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : something pleasing to eat and considered rare or luxurious
2 a : the quality or state of being dainty : FINENESS
b : the quality or state of being frail : FRAILTY
3 : nicety or expressiveness of touch
4 a : precise perception and discrimination
b : extreme sensitivity and precision
5 : sensibility in feeling or conduct; also : SQUEAMISHNESS
6 : the quality or state of requiring delicate handling

Synonyms
[1] dainty, goody, tidbit, treat; also morsel, candy, dessert, junket, sweet, sweetmeat
[2a] daintiness, fineness, fragility; also flimsiness
Antonyms
coarseness, crudity, roughness, rudeness
[4b] accuracy, closeness, exactness, fineness, precision, veracity—more at PRECISION

del·i·cate adjective
1 : pleasing to the senses of taste or smell esp. in a mild or subtle way
2 : marked by daintiness or charm : EXQUISITE
3 a : difficult to please : FASTIDIOUS
b : SQUEAMISH
4 a : easily damaged : FRAGILE
b : not robust in health or constitution : SICKLY
5 : requiring skill or tact
6 : marked by care, skill, or tact
7 : marked by minute precision : very sensitive

— del·i·cate·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] dainty, exquisite, gentle, mild, refined, subtle; also choice, elegant, extraordinary, incomparable, peerless, preeminent, prime, rare, select, superior, superlative, supreme, transcendent, unsurpassed; picked, selected; fine, fragile, frail
Antonyms
robust, strong, sturdy
[2] choice, dainty, elegant, exquisite, rare, select—more at CHOICE
[4a] breakable, fragile, frail—more at FRAGILE
[5] catchy, difficult, knotty, problematic, spiny, thorny, ticklish, touchy, tough, tricky—more at TRICKY
[6] exact, fine, minute, nice, refined, subtle—more at FINE
[7] acute, keen, perceptive, sensitive, sharp—more at ACUTE

del·i·ca·tes·sen noun plural
[ORIGIN: G, pl. of Delicatesse delicacy, fr. F délicatesse]

1 : ready-to-eat food products (as cooked meats and prepared salads)
2 singular, plural delicatessens : a store where delicatessen are sold

de·li·cious adjective
1 : affording great pleasure : DELIGHTFUL
2 : appealing to one of the bodily senses esp. of taste or smell

Synonyms
ambrosial, appetizing, delectable, flavorful, luscious, palatable, savory, scrumptious, tasty, toothsome, yummy; also digestible, eatable, edible; delightful, heavenly, pleasing; agreeable, gratifying, pleasant; satisfying; choice, dainty, delicate, exquisite, rare
Antonyms
flat, flavorless, insipid, stale, tasteless, unappetizing, unpalatable

de·li·cious·ly adverb
1 : in a delicious manner
2 : so as to produce delight

de·li·cious·ness noun
: the quality or state of being delicious

1delight noun
1 : great pleasure or satisfaction
2 : something that gives great pleasure

Synonyms
[1] delectation, joy, kick, manna, pleasure, treat; also amusement, diversion, entertainment, fun; comfort, relief, solace; gratification, indulgence; ambrosia
[1, 2] contentment, delectation, enjoyment, gladness, gratification, pleasure, relish, satisfaction—more at PLEASURE

2delight verb
1 : to take great pleasure
2 : to satisfy greatly : PLEASE

Synonyms
[1] crow, exult, glory, joy, rejoice, triumph—more at EXULT
usually delight in [1] adore, dig, enjoy, fancy, groove, like, love, relish, revel—more at ENJOY
[2] content, gladden, gratify, please, rejoice, satisfy, suit, warm—more at PLEASE

de·light·ed adjective
: highly pleased : GRATIFIED

— de·light·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
blissful, glad, gratified, happy, joyful, pleased—more at GLAD

de·light·ful adjective
: affording great pleasure and satisfaction

Synonyms
agreeable, congenial, delectable, delicious, dreamy, felicitous, good, grateful, gratifying, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying
amusing, diverting, enjoyable, entertaining, fun, pleasurable—more at FUN

de·light·ful·ly adverb
: in a delightful manner

Synonyms
agreeably, favorably, felicitously, gloriously, nicely, pleasantly, pleasingly, satisfyingly, splendidly, well

de·lim·it verb
: to mark the limits of

Synonyms
bound, circumscribe, define, demarcate, limit, mark, terminate—more at LIMIT

de·lin·eate verb -eat·ed; -eat·ing
1 : to mark the outline of : SKETCH
2 : to picture in words : DESCRIBE

Synonyms
[1] define, outline, silhouette, sketch, trace—more at OUTLINE
[2] depict, describe, draw, image, paint, picture, portray, sketch—more at DESCRIBE

de·lin·ea·tion noun
1 : the act of delineating
2 : something made by delineating

Synonyms
cartoon, drawing, sketch—more at DRAWING
depiction, description, picture, portrait, portrayal, sketch—more at DESCRIPTION

de·lin·quen·cy noun, plural -cies
: the quality or state of being delinquent

Synonyms
default, dereliction, failure, neglect, negligence, oversight—more at FAILURE

1delinquent noun
: a delinquent person

2delinquent adjective
1 : offending by neglect or violation of duty or of law
2 : being overdue in payment

Synonyms
behind, belated, late, overdue, tardy—more at LATE

del·i·quesce verb -quesced; -quesc·ing
: to dissolve or melt away

— del·i·ques·cent adjective

Synonyms
flux, fuse, liquefy, melt, run, thaw—more at LIQUEFY

de·lir·i·ous adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of delirium
2 : affected with or marked by delirium

— de·lir·i·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
feverish, fierce, frantic, frenetic, frenzied, furious, mad, rabid, violent, wild—more at FURIOUS

de·lir·i·um noun
[ORIGIN: L, fr. delirare to be crazy, lit., to leave the furrow (in plowing), fr. de- from + lira furrow]

1 : mental disturbance marked by confusion, disordered speech, and hallucinations
2 : frenzied excitement

Synonyms
agitation, distraction, frenzy, furor, fury, hysteria, rage, rampage, uproar—more at FRENZY

delirium tre·mens noun
: a violent delirium with tremors that is induced by excessive and prolonged use of alcoholic liquors

de·liv·er verb -ered; -er·ing
1 : to set free : rescue from actual or feared evil : SAVE
2 : to take and hand over to or leave for another : TRANSFER <~ a letter>
3 : to assist in giving birth or at the birth of; also : to give birth to
4 : UTTER, COMMUNICATE
5 : to send to an intended target or destination
6 : to produce the promised, desired, or expected results

— de·liv·er·able adjective

Synonyms
[1] rescue, save—more at SAVE
[2] commend, commit, consign, delegate, entrust, give, hand over, leave, pass, transfer, transmit, trust, turn over, vest—more at GIVE
[6] click, go over, pan out, succeed, work out—more at SUCCEED

de·liv·er·ance noun
1 : the act of delivering someone or something : the state of being delivered
2 : something delivered; especially : an opinion or decision (as the verdict of a jury) expressed publicly

Synonyms
conclusion, decision, determination, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict—more at DECISION

de·liv·er·er noun
: one that delivers

Synonyms
redeemer, rescuer, savior—more at SAVIOR

de·liv·ery noun, plural -er·ies
: the act or manner of delivering something; also : something delivered

— de·liv·ery·man noun

Synonyms
discharge, quietus, quittance, release—more at RELEASE
childbirth, labor—more at CHILDBIRTH

dell noun
: a small secluded valley

de·louse verb
: to remove lice from

del·phin·i·um noun
: any of a genus of mostly perennial herbs related to the buttercups with tall branching spikes of irregular flowers

del·ta noun
1 : the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet — Δ or δ
2 : something shaped like a capital Δ; especially : the triangular silt-formed land at the mouth of a river

— del·ta·ic adjective

del·toid noun
: a large triangular muscle that covers the shoulder joint and raises the arm laterally

de·lude verb de·lud·ed; de·lud·ing
: to mislead the mind or judgment of : DECEIVE

Synonyms
beguile, bluff, cozen, deceive, dupe, fool, gull, have, hoax, hoodwink, humbug, misinform, mislead, string along, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE

1deluge noun
1 : a flooding of land by water
2 : a drenching rain
3 : a great amount or number

Synonyms
[1] cataclysm, cataract, flood, inundation, overflow, spate, torrent—more at FLOOD
[2] cloudburst, downpour, rain, rainstorm, storm, wet—more at RAIN

2deluge verb del·uged; del·ug·ing
1 : to overflow with water : INUNDATE
2 : to overwhelm as if with a deluge

Synonyms
drown, engulf, flood, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, swamp—more at FLOOD

de·lu·sion noun
: a deluding or being deluded; especially : a persistent false psychotic belief

— de·lu·sion·al adjective

Synonyms
chimera, conceit, daydream, dream, fancy, fantasy, figment, hallucination, illusion, phantasm, pipe dream, unreality, vision—more at FANTASY

de·lu·sive adjective
1 : likely to delude
2 : constituting a delusion

Synonyms
deceitful, deceptive, fallacious, false, misleading, specious—more at DECEPTIVE

de·luxe adjective
: notably luxurious or elegant

Synonyms
lavish, luxuriant, luxurious, opulent, palatial, plush, sumptuous—more at LUXURIOUS

delve verb delved; delv·ing
1 : to dig or labor with or as if with a spade
2 : to seek laboriously for information

Synonyms
usually delve into dig, explore, go, inquire, investigate, look, probe, research—more at EXPLORE

dely abbreviation
delivery

Dem abbreviation
Democrat; Democratic

de·mag·ne·tize verb
: to cause to lose magnetic properties

— de·mag·ne·ti·za·tion noun

dem·a·gogue also dem·a·gog noun
[ORIGIN: Gk dēmagōgos, fr. dēmos people + agōgos leading, fr. agein to lead]

: a person who appeals to the emotions and prejudices of people esp. in order to gain political power

— dem·a·gogu·ery noun

— dem·a·gogy noun

Synonyms
agitator, firebrand, incendiary, inciter, rabble-rouser—more at AGITATOR

1demand noun
1 : an act of demanding; also : something claimed as due or just
2 : the ability and desire to buy goods or services; also : the quantity of goods wanted at a stated price
3 : a seeking or being sought after : urgent need
4 : a pressing need or requirement

Synonyms
[1] claim, dun, requisition; also desire, request, want, wish; drive, need, requirement, stipulation; basic, essential, must; imposition; condition, provision
[4] condition, essential, must, necessity, need, requirement, requisite—more at ESSENTIAL

2demand verb
1 : to ask for with authority : claim as due or just
2 : to ask earnestly or in the manner of a command
3 : to call for as useful or necessary : REQUIRE <a patient who ~s constant care>

Synonyms
[1] call, claim, clamor, command, enjoin, exact, insist, press, quest, stipulate; also ask, plead (for), request, want; cry (for), necessitate, need, require, take, warrant; requisition; impose; badger, dun, hound
[3] necessitate, need, require, take, want, warrant—more at NEED

de·mand·ing adjective
1 : requiring much time, effort, or attention
2 : difficult in making demands

Synonyms
[1] arduous, burdensome, challenging, exacting, grueling, laborious, onerous, taxing, toilsome; also difficult, formidable, hard, herculean, rough, rugged, stiff, strenuous, tough; oppressive, trying; rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict, stringent
Antonyms
light, undemanding
[2] choosy, dainty, delicate, exacting, fastidious, finicky, fussy, nice, old-maidish, particular, picky—more at FINICKY

de·mar·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to fix or define the limits of : DELIMIT
2 : to set apart : DISTINGUISH

Synonyms
bound, circumscribe, define, delimit, limit, mark, terminate—more at LIMIT

de·mar·ca·tion noun
: the act or process of demarcating; also : the result of demarcating

Synonyms
discrimination, distinction, separation—more at SEPARATION

dé·marche or de·marche noun
: a course of action : MANEUVER

1demean verb de·meaned; de·mean·ing
: to behave or conduct (oneself) usu. in a proper manner

Synonyms
acquit, bear, behave, comport, conduct, deport, quit—more at BEHAVE

2demean verb de·meaned; de·mean·ing
: to lower in character, status, or reputation : DEGRADE

Synonyms
abase, corrupt, debase, debauch, degrade, demoralize, deprave, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, warp—more at DEBASE

de·mean·or noun
: behavior toward others : BEARING

Synonyms
actions, bearing, behavior, comportment, conduct, deportment—more at BEHAVIOR

de·ment·ed adjective
: disordered in mind : INSANE

— de·ment·ed·ly adverb

de·men·tia noun
1 : deterioration of cognitive functioning (as in Alzheimer's disease)
2 : a deranged state of the mind : INSANITY

Synonyms
aberration, derangement, insanity, lunacy, madness, mania—more at INSANITY

de·mer·it noun
1 : a quality that deserves blame or lacks merit : FAULT
2 : a mark placed against a person's record for some fault or offense

Synonyms
failing, fault, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness—more at FAULT

de·mesne noun
1 : manorial land actually possessed by the lord and not held by free tenants
2 a : the land attached to a mansion
b : ESTATE
3 : an indeterminate geographic area : REGION
4 : a sphere of knowledge, influence, or activity : REALM

Synonyms
[2a] grounds, park, premises, yard
[3] area, field, region, zone—more at REGION

demi·god noun
: a mythological being with more power than a mortal but less than a god

demi·john noun
[ORIGIN: F dame-jeanne, lit., Lady Jane]

: a large narrow-necked bottle usu. enclosed in wickerwork

de·mil·i·ta·rize verb
: to strip of military forces, weapons, or fortifications

— de·mil·i·tar·i·za·tion noun

demi·mon·daine noun
: a woman of the demimonde

demi·monde noun
[ORIGIN: F demi-monde, fr. demi- half + monde world]

1 : a class of women on the fringes of respectable society supported by wealthy lovers
2 : a distinct isolated group having low reputation or prestige

de·min·er·al·ize verb
: to remove the mineral matter from

— de·min·er·al·i·za·tion noun

de·mise noun
1 : LEASE
2 : transfer of sovereignty to a successor <~ of the crown>
3 a : a permanent cessation of all vital functions : DEATH
b : a cessation of existence or activity
4 : loss of status

Synonyms
[3a] death, expiration, termination—more at DEATH
[3b] death, decease, doom, end, passing, quietus—more at DEATH

demi·tasse noun
: a small cup of black coffee; also : the cup used to serve it

demo noun, plural demos
1 : DEMONSTRATION
2 : a product used to show performance or merits to prospective buyers
3 : a recording used to show off a song or performer

de·mo·bi·lize verb
1 : DISBAND
2 : to discharge from military service

— de·mo·bi·li·za·tion noun

de·moc·ra·cy noun, plural -cies
[ORIGIN: MF democratie, fr. LL democratia, fr. Gk dēmokratia, fr. dēmos people + kratos strength, power]

1 : government by the people; especially : rule of the majority
2 : a government in which the supreme power is held by the people
3 : a political unit that has a democratic government
4 cap : the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the U.S.
5 : the common people esp. when constituting the source of political authority
6 : the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges

dem·o·crat noun
1 : one who believes in or practices democracy
2 cap : a member of the Democratic party of the U.S.

dem·o·crat·ic adjective
1 : of, relating to, or favoring democracy
2 often cap : of or relating to one of the two major political parties in the U.S. associated in modern times with policies of broad social reform and internationalism
3 : relating to or appealing to the common people <~ art>
4 : not snobbish

— dem·o·crat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
popular, republican, self-governing; also representative, libertarian
Antonyms
undemocratic

de·moc·ra·tize verb -tized; -tiz·ing
: to make democratic

dé·mo·dé adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

: no longer fashionable : OUT-OF-DATE

de·mo·graph·ics noun plural
: the statistical characteristics of human populations

de·mog·ra·phy noun
: the statistical study of human populations and esp. their size and distribution and the number of births and deaths

— de·mog·ra·pher noun

— de·mo·graph·ic adjective

— de·mo·graph·i·cal·ly adverb

dem·oi·selle noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a young woman

de·mol·ish verb
1 : to destroy to the ground : RAZE
2 : to break to pieces : SMASH
3 : to put an end to

Synonyms
[1, 3] annihilate, blot out, desolate, destroy, devastate, do in, exterminate, extinguish, obliterate, pulverize, ruin, shatter, smash, tear down, waste, wipe out, wreck—more at DESTROY
[2] blast, blow up, burst, explode, pop, shatter, smash—more at BLAST

de·mo·li·tion noun
: the act of demolishing; especially : destruction by means of explosives

Synonyms
annihilation, desolation, destruction, devastation, havoc, loss, obliteration, ruin, wastage, wreckage—more at DESTRUCTION

de·mon or dae·mon noun
1 : an evil spirit : DEVIL
2 usually daemon : an attendant power or spirit
3 : one that has unusual drive or effectiveness

Synonyms
devil, fiend, ghoul, imp; also apparition, bogey, familiar, ghost, phantasm, phantom, poltergeist, shade, shadow, specter, spirit, spook, vision, wraith; brownie, dwarf, elf, faerie, fairy, fay, gnome, goblin, gremlin, hobgoblin, leprechaun, pixie, puck, sprite, troll; monster, ogre

de·mon·e·tize verb
: to stop using as money or as a monetary standard <~ silver>

— de·mon·e·ti·za·tion noun

de·mo·ni·ac also de·mo·ni·a·cal adjective
1 : possessed or influenced by a demon
2 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a demon : DEVILISH

de·mon·ic also de·mon·i·cal adjective
: of, relating to, or suggestive of a demon : FIENDISH

Synonyms
devilish, diabolical, fiendish, satanic—more at FIENDISH

de·mon·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to convert into a demon
2 : to characterize or treat as evil or harmful

de·mon·ol·o·gy noun
1 : the study of demons
2 : belief in demons

de·mon·stra·ble adjective
1 : capable of being demonstrated
2 : APPARENT, EVIDENT

— de·mon·stra·bly adverb

Synonyms
provable, supportable, sustainable, verifiable—more at VERIFIABLE

dem·on·strate verb -strat·ed; -strat·ing
1 : to show clearly
2 : to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence
3 : to explain esp. with many examples
4 : to show publicly <~ a new car>
5 : to make a public display <~ in protest>

— dem·on·stra·tor noun

Synonyms
[1] establish, prove, show, substantiate—more at ESTABLISH
[2] document, establish, prove, substantiate, validate—more at PROVE
[3] clarify, clear, construe, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out—more at EXPLAIN

dem·on·stra·tion noun
1 : an act, process, or means of demonstrating to the intelligence
2 : an outward expression or display

Synonyms
display, exhibition, show—more at SHOW

1demonstrative adjective
1 : demonstrating as real or true
2 : characterized by demonstration
3 : pointing out the one referred to and distinguishing it from others of the same class <~ pronoun>
4 : marked by display of feeling : EFFUSIVE

— de·mon·stra·tive·ly adverb

— de·mon·stra·tive·ness noun

Synonyms
effusive, emotional, uninhibited, unreserved, unrestrained; also dramatic, histrionic, melodramatic, theatrical; communicative, expansive; extroverted, outgoing; affectionate, loving, passionate, warm; blunt, candid, frank, outspoken, plain
Antonyms
inhibited, reserved, restrained, undemonstrative, unemotional

2demonstrative noun
: a demonstrative word and esp. a pronoun

de·mor·al·i·za·tion noun
: the act or process of demoralizing : a demoralized state

Synonyms
corruption, debasement, debauchery, decadence, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, depravity, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion—more at CORRUPTION
despair, despondency, discouragement, dismay—more at DISCOURAGEMENT

de·mor·al·ize verb
1 : to corrupt in morals
2 : to weaken in discipline or spirit

Synonyms
[1] abase, corrupt, debase, debauch, degrade, demean, deprave, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, warp—more at DEBASE
[2] daunt, discourage, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, unman, unnerve—more at DISCOURAGE

de·mote verb de·mot·ed; de·mot·ing
: to reduce to a lower grade or rank

— de·mo·tion noun

Synonyms
break, bust, degrade, downgrade, reduce; also dismiss, fire, lay off, sack; abase, debase, demean, humble, humiliate, lower
Antonyms
advance, elevate, promote, raise

de·mot·ic adjective
: COMMON, POPULAR

1demur verb de·murred; de·mur·ring
[ORIGIN: ME demuren, demeren to linger, fr. AF demurer, demoerer, fr. L demorari, fr. morari to linger, fr. mora delay]

: to take exception : OBJECT

Synonyms
kick, object, protest, remonstrate—more at OBJECT

2demur noun
1 : hesitation (as in doing or accepting) usu. based on doubt of the acceptability of something offered or proposed
2 : the act or an instance of objecting

— de·mur·ral noun

Synonyms
challenge, complaint, expostulation, fuss, kick, objection, protest, question, remonstrance—more at OBJECTION

de·mure adjective
1 : quietly modest
2 : affectedly modest, reserved, or serious

— de·mure·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] humble, lowly, meek, modest, retiring, shy, unassuming, unpretentious—more at HUMBLE
[2] coquettish, coy, kittenish—more at COY

de·mur·rer noun
: a claim by the defendant in a legal action that the plaintiff does not have sufficient grounds to proceed

den noun
1 : the lair of a wild usu. predatory animal
2 : a refuge or place for hiding : HIDEOUT <a robber's ~>; also : a place like a hideout or a center of secret activity <opium ~> <a ~ of iniquity>
3 : a cozy private little room

Synonyms
[1] burrow, hole, lair, lodge; also nest
[2] concealment, covert, hideout, lair, nest—more at HIDEOUT

Den abbreviation
Denmark

de·na·ture verb de·na·tured; de·na·tur·ing
: to remove or change the natural qualities of; especially : to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking

den·drol·o·gy noun
: the study of trees

— den·drol·o·gist noun

den·gue noun
[ORIGIN: Sp]

: an acute infectious disease characterized by headache, severe joint pain, and rash

de·ni·al noun
1 : rejection of a request
2 : refusal to admit the truth of a statement or charge; also : assertion that something alleged is false
3 : DISAVOWAL
4 : restriction on one's own activity or desires

Synonyms
[1] disallowance, nay, no, refusal, rejection; also decline, rebuff, repudiation; negative
Antonyms
allowance, grant
[2] contradiction, disallowance, disavowal, disclaimer, negation, rejection, repudiation; also disproof, rebuttal, refutation; negative
Antonyms
acknowledgment, admission, avowal, confirmation

de·nier noun
: a unit of fineness for yarn

den·i·grate verb -grat·ed; -grat·ing
[ORIGIN: L denigrare, fr. nigrare to blacken, fr. niger black]

: to cast aspersions on : DEFAME

— den·i·gra·tion noun

den·im noun
[ORIGIN: F (serge) de Nîmes serge of Nîmes, France]

1 : a firm durable twilled usu. cotton fabric woven with colored warp and white filling threads
2 plural : overalls or pants of usu. blue denim

den·i·zen noun
: one that occupies a particular place regularly, routinely, or for a period of time : INHABITANT

Synonyms
dweller, inhabitant, occupant, resident—more at INHABITANT

de·nom·i·nate verb
: to assign a name to : DESIGNATE

Synonyms
baptize, call, christen, designate, dub, entitle, label, name, style, term, title—more at NAME

de·nom·i·na·tion noun
1 : an act of denominating
2 : a value or size of a series of related values (as of money)
3 : a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing : NAME; especially : a general name for a category
4 : a religious organization uniting local congregations in a single body

— de·nom·i·na·tion·al adjective

de·nom·i·na·tor noun
: the part of a fraction that is below the line indicating division

de·no·ta·tion noun
1 : an act or process of denoting
2 : the thing one conveys or intends to convey esp. by language; especially : a direct specific meaning as distinct from an implied or associated idea
3 : a denoting term : NAME

Synonyms
[2] drift, import, intent, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification—more at MEANING
[3] appellation, cognomen, designation, handle, name, title—more at NAME

de·no·ta·tive adjective
1 : denoting or tending to denote
2 : relating to denotation

Synonyms
indicative, significant, telltale—more at INDICATIVE

de·note verb
1 : to mark out plainly : INDICATE
2 : to make known
3 : to serve as a linguistic expression of the notion of : MEAN

Synonyms
express, import, mean, signify, spell—more at MEAN

de·noue·ment noun
[ORIGIN: F dénouement, lit., untying]

: the final outcome of the dramatic complications in a literary work

de·nounce verb de·nounced; de·nounc·ing
1 : to pronounce esp. publicly to be blameworthy or evil
2 : to inform against : ACCUSE
3 : to announce formally the termination of (as a treaty)

— de·nounce·ment noun

Synonyms
censure, condemn, damn, decry, reprehend, reprobate—more at CONDEMN
blame, criticize, fault, knock, pan—more at CRITICIZE

de no·vo adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: L]

: over again : ANEW

dense adjective dens·er; dens·est
1 : marked by compactness or crowding together of parts : THICK <~ forest> <a ~ fog>
2 : slow to understand : STUPID

— dense·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] close, compact, crowded, packed, serried, thick, tight—more at CLOSE
[2] dull, dumb, obtuse, simple, slow, stupid, thick

dense·ness noun
: the quality or state of being dense

Synonyms
dopiness, obtuseness, stupidity

den·si·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being dense
2 : the quantity of something per unit volume, unit area, or unit length

dent noun
1 : a small depressed place made by a blow or by pressure
2 : an impression or weakening effect made usu. against resistance
3 : initial progress

— dent verb

Synonyms
cavity, concavity, depression, hole, hollow, indentation, pit, recess—more at HOLE

den·tal adjective
: of or relating to teeth or dentistry

— den·tal·ly adverb

dental floss noun
: a thread used to clean between the teeth

dental hygienist noun
: a person licensed to clean and examine teeth

den·tate adjective
: having pointed projections : NOTCHED

den·ti·frice noun
[ORIGIN: ME dentifricie, fr. L dentifricium, fr. dent-, dens tooth + fricare to rub]

: a powder, paste, or liquid for cleaning the teeth

den·tin or den·tine noun
: a calcareous material like bone but harder and denser that composes the principal mass of a tooth

den·tist noun
: a person licensed in the care, treatment, and replacement of teeth

— den·tist·ry noun

den·ti·tion noun
: the number, kind, and arrangement of teeth (as of a person or animal); also : TEETH

den·ture noun
: a set of teeth; especially : a partial or complete set of false teeth

de·nude verb de·nud·ed; de·nud·ing
: to strip the covering from

— de·nu·da·tion noun

de·nun·ci·a·tion noun
: the act of denouncing; especially : a public condemnation

Synonyms
censure, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reproof, stricture—more at CENSURE

de·ny verb de·nied; de·ny·ing
1 : to declare untrue
2 : to refuse to recognize or acknowledge : DISAVOW
3 : to refuse to grant <~ a request>
4 : to reject as false <~ a theory>

Synonyms
[1] contradict, disallow, disavow, disclaim, gainsay, negate, negative, reject, repudiate; also disown, renounce; challenge, confute, disprove, rebut, refute; disagree (with), dispute
Antonyms
acknowledge, admit, allow, avow, concede, confirm, own
[3] decline, disallow, refuse, reject, withhold; also rebuff, repel, spurn; check, constrain, hold, keep, restrain, restrict
Antonyms
allow, concede, grant, let, permit

de·o·dar noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi & Urdu devadār, deodār, fr. Skt devadāru, fr. deva god + dāru wood]

: a Himalayan cedar

de·odor·ant noun
: a preparation that destroys or masks unpleasant odors

de·odor·ize verb
: to eliminate the offensive odor of

de·ox·i·dize verb
: to remove oxygen from

de·oxy·ri·bo·nu·cle·ic acid noun
: DNA

de·oxy·ri·bose noun
: a sugar with five carbon and four oxygen atoms in each molecule that is part of DNA

dep abbreviation
1 depart; departure
2 deposit
3 deputy

de·part verb
1 : to go away : go away from
2 : to cease living : DIE
3 : to turn aside : DEVIATE

Synonyms
clear out, exit, get off, go, move, pull, quit, sally, shove, take off—more at GO

de·part·ment noun
1 : a distinct sphere or category esp. of an activity or attribute
2 : a functional or territorial division (as of a government, business, or college)

— de·part·men·tal adjective

— de·part·men·tal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] area, arena, demesne, discipline, domain, field, line, province, realm, specialty, sphere—more at FIELD
[2] bureau, desk, division, office—more at DIVISION

department store noun
: a store having separate sections for a wide variety of goods

de·par·ture noun
1 : the act of going away
2 : a starting out (as on a journey)
3 : DIVERGENCE

Synonyms
exit, farewell, leave-taking, parting; also flight, retirement, retreat, running away, withdrawal; emigration, evacuation, exodus; egress; abandonment, forsaking, relinquishment
Antonyms
arrival

de·pend verb
1 : to be determined, based, or contingent <life ~s on food>
2 : to place reliance or trust <you can ~ on me>
3 : to be dependent esp. for financial support
4 : to hang down <a vine ~ing from a tree>

Synonyms
[1] base, hang, rest; also establish, found, stay; ground
[2] count, lean, reckon, rely; also commit, confide, entrust, trust

de·pend·abil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being dependable

Synonyms
reliability, solidity, sureness, trustworthiness—more at RELIABILITY

de·pend·able adjective
: capable of being depended on : RELIABLE

Synonyms
good, reliable, responsible, safe, solid, steady, sure, tried, true, trustworthy; also constant, devoted, faithful, fast, loyal, staunch, steadfast; honest, sincere; infallible, unerring; firm, sound, strong; effective, telling; attested, authenticated, confirmed, proven, valid, validated, verified; blameless, irreproachable, unimpeachable, unquestionable
Antonyms
irresponsible, undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy

de·pen·dence also de·pen·dance noun
1 : the quality or state of being dependent; especially : the quality or state of being influenced by or subject to another
2 : RELIANCE, TRUST
3 : something on which one relies
4 : drug addiction; also : HABITUATION 2

Synonyms
buttress, mainstay, pillar, reliance, standby, support; also backbone, spine; crutch, prop, stay

de·pen·den·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : DEPENDENCE
2 : a territory under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it

1dependent adjective
1 : hanging down
2 a : determined or conditioned by another
b : affected with drug dependence
3 : relying on another for support
4 : subject to another's jurisdiction
5 : SUBORDINATE 4

Synonyms
[1] pendulous
[2a] conditional, contingent, subject; also liable, open, susceptible; iffy, tentative, uncertain
Antonyms
independent

2dependent also de·pen·dant noun
: one that is dependent; especially : a person who relies on another for support

de·pict verb
1 : to represent by a picture
2 : to describe in words

Synonyms
[1] image, picture, portray, represent—more at PICTURE
[2] delineate, describe, draw, image, paint, picture, portray, sketch—more at DESCRIBE

de·pic·tion noun
: a descriptive statement

Synonyms
delineation, description, picture, portrait, portrayal, sketch—more at DESCRIPTION

de·pil·a·to·ry noun, plural -ries
: a preparation for removing hair, wool, or bristles

de·plane verb
: to get out of an airplane

de·plete verb de·plet·ed; de·plet·ing
: to exhaust esp. of strength or resources

— de·ple·tion noun

Synonyms
clean, consume, drain, exhaust, expend, spend, use up; also decrease, diminish, lessen, reduce; eat, use; bankrupt, impoverish; cripple, debilitate, disable, enfeeble, sap, undermine, weaken; dry up, empty; dissipate, squander, waste
Antonyms
renew, replace

de·plor·able adjective
1 : that is to be regretted or lamented : LAMENTABLE
2 : deserving censure or contempt : WRETCHED

— de·plor·ably adverb

Synonyms
distressful, grievous, heartbreaking, lamentable, regrettable, unfortunate, woeful—more at REGRETTABLE

de·plore verb de·plored; de·plor·ing
1 : to feel or express grief for
2 : to regret strongly
3 : to consider unfortunate or deserving of disapproval

Synonyms
[1] bemoan, bewail, grieve, lament, mourn, wail—more at LAMENT
[2] bemoan, lament, regret, repent, rue—more at REGRET

de·ploy verb
: to spread out (as troops or ships) in order for battle

— de·ploy·ment noun

de·po·nent noun
: one who gives evidence

de·pop·u·late verb
: to reduce greatly the population of

— de·pop·u·la·tion noun

de·port verb
1 : to behave or comport (oneself) esp. in accord with a code : CONDUCT
2 : to send out of the country : BANISH

Synonyms
[1] acquit, bear, behave, comport, conduct, demean, quit—more at BEHAVE
[2] banish, displace, exile, expatriate, transport—more at BANISH

de·por·ta·tion noun
: an act or instance of deporting

Synonyms
banishment, displacement, exile, expulsion—more at EXILE

de·port·ment noun
: the manner in which one conducts oneself : BEHAVIOR

Synonyms
actions, bearing, behavior, comportment, conduct, demeanor—more at BEHAVIOR

de·pose verb de·posed; de·pos·ing
1 : to remove from high office (as of king)
2 : to testify under oath or by affidavit

Synonyms
[1] oust; also discharge, dismiss; overthrow, usurp, subvert, topple; eject, throw out
Antonyms
crown, enthrone, throne
[2] attest, swear, testify, witness—more at TESTIFY

1deposit verb de·pos·it·ed ; de·pos·it·ing
1 : to place for safekeeping or as a pledge; especially : to put money in a bank
2 : to lay down : PLACE
3 : to let fall or sink <silt ~ed by a flood>

— de·pos·i·tor noun

Synonyms
[1] bank, cache, lay away, store; also hoard, reserve, salt away, save, squirrel (away), stash, stow; invest
Antonyms
withdraw
[2] dispose, fix, lay, place, position, put, set, set up, stick—more at PLACE

2deposit noun
1 : the state of being deposited <money on ~>
2 : something placed for safekeeping; especially : money deposited in a bank
3 : money given as a pledge
4 : an act of depositing
5 : something laid down <a ~ of silt>
6 : a natural accumulation (as of a mineral)

Synonyms
[2] cache, hoard, reserve, store—more at STORE
[2] account, budget, fund, kitty, nest egg, pool—more at FUND
[5] dregs, grounds, precipitate, sediment; also lees; dross, slag, waste

de·po·si·tion noun
1 : an act of removing from a position of authority
2 : TESTIMONY
3 : the process of depositing
4 : something deposited : DEPOSIT

de·pos·i·to·ry noun, plural -ries
: a place where something is deposited esp. for safekeeping

Synonyms
depot, magazine, repository, storage, storehouse, warehouse—more at STOREHOUSE

de·pot noun
1 : a place for storing goods or motor vehicles : STOREHOUSE
2 : a place where military supplies or replacements are kept or assembled
3 : a building for railroad or bus passengers

Synonyms
armory, arsenal, dump, magazine—more at ARMORY

depr abbreviation
depreciation

de·prave verb de·praved; de·prav·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF depraver, fr. L depravare to pervert, fr. pravus crooked, bad]

: to make bad : CORRUPT

Synonyms
abase, corrupt, debase, debauch, degrade, demean, demoralize, pervert, poison, profane, prostitute, subvert, warp—more at DEBASE

de·praved adjective
: marked by corruption or evil

de·prav·i·ty noun
1 : a corrupt act or practice
2 : the quality or state of being depraved

Synonyms
[1] corruption, debasement, debauchery, decadence, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, dissipation, dissoluteness, perversion—more at CORRUPTION
[1] immorality, iniquity, licentiousness, sin, vice—more at VICE
[2] atrociousness, atrocity, enormity, heinousness, monstrosity, vileness, wickedness—more at ENORMITY

dep·re·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
[ORIGIN: L deprecari to avert by prayer, fr. precari to pray]

1 : to express disapproval of
2 : to speak slightingly of : BELITTLE

Synonyms
[1] disapprove, discountenance, disfavor, dislike, frown, reprove
[2] belittle, cry down, decry, depreciate, diminish, discount, disparage, minimize, put down, write off—more at DECRY

dep·re·ca·tion noun
: an act of deprecating

Synonyms
disapproval, disfavor, dislike, displeasure—more at DISAPPROVAL

dep·re·ca·to·ry adjective
1 : APOLOGETIC
2 : serving to deprecate : DISAPPROVING

de·pre·ci·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. LL depreciatus, pp. of depretiare, fr. L pretium price]

1 : to speak slightingly of : DISPARAGE
2 : to lessen in price or value

Synonyms
cheapen, depress, mark down, write off; also underrate, undervalue; abate, abridge, compress, contract, de-escalate, deflate, diminish, dwindle, lessen, lower, moderate, reduce, shrink
Antonyms
appreciate, mark up

de·pre·ci·a·tion noun
: the act of reducing in value or esteem

Synonyms
deprecation, detraction, disparagement, put-down; also aspersion, backbiting, defamation, libel, slander, vilification; derision, mockery, ridicule; abuse, invective, vituperation; censure, denunciation
Antonyms
aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification

dep·re·da·tion noun
: a laying waste or plundering

— dep·re·date verb

de·press verb
1 : to press down : cause to sink to a lower position
2 : to lessen the activity or force of
3 : to make sad : SADDEN
4 : to lessen in price or value

— de·pres·sor noun

Synonyms
[1] bear, press, shove, weigh—more at PRESS
[3] burden, oppress, sadden; also ail, distress, trouble; afflict, torment, torture; discourage, dishearten, dispirit; bother, disturb, disquiet, perturb, upset
Antonyms
brighten, buoy, cheer, gladden
[4] cheapen, depreciate, mark down, write off—more at DEPRECIATE

de·pres·sant noun
: one that depresses; especially : a chemical substance (as a drug) that reduces bodily functional activity

— depressant adjective

de·pressed adjective
1 : low in spirits; also : affected with psychological depression
2 : having the central part lower than the margin
3 : suffering from economic depression

Synonyms
[1] bad, blue, down, gloomy, glum, low, melancholy, miserable, mournful, sad, sorrowful, sorry, unhappy
[2] concave, hollow, sunken—more at HOLLOW

de·press·ing adjective
: that depresses; especially : causing emotional depression

Synonyms
black, bleak, dark, desolate, dismal, dreary, funereal, gloomy, glum, gray, miserable, murky, sepulchral, somber, sullen, wretched—more at GLOOMY

de·pres·sion noun
1 : an act of depressing : a state of being depressed
2 : a pressing down : LOWERING
3 : a state of feeling sad
4 : a psychological disorder marked esp. by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, and feelings of dejection
5 : a depressed area or part
6 : a period of low general economic activity with widespread unemployment

Synonyms
[3] blues, dejection, desolation, despondency, doldrums, dumps, forlornness, gloom, heartsickness, melancholy, sadness—more at SADNESS
[5] cavity, concavity, dent, hole, hollow, indentation, pit, recess—more at HOLE

1depressive adjective
1 : tending to depress
2 : characterized or affected by psychological depression

2depressive noun
: a person affected with or prone to psychological depression

de·pres·sur·ize verb
: to release pressure from

dep·ri·va·tion noun
1 : an act or instance of depriving : LOSS
2 : PRIVATION 2

de·prive verb de·prived; de·priv·ing
1 : to take something away from
2 : to stop from having something

deprived adjective
: marked by deprivation esp. of the necessities of life

dep·ri·va·tion noun
: the act of depriving or the state of being deprived

de·pro·gram verb
: to dissuade from convictions usu. of a religious nature often by coercive means

dept abbreviation
department

depth noun, plural depths
1 : something that is deep; especially : the deep part of a body of water
2 : a part that is far from the outside or surface; also : the middle or innermost part
3 : ABYSS
4 : a profound or intense state <the ~s of reflection>; also : the worst part <during the ~s of the depression>
5 : a reprehensibly low condition
6 : the distance from top to bottom or from front to back
7 : the quality of being deep
8 : the degree of intensity

Synonyms
deep, height, middle, midst, thick—more at THICK

depth charge noun
: an explosive device for use underwater esp. against submarines

dep·u·ta·tion noun
1 : the act of appointing a deputy
2 : DELEGATION

de·pute verb de·put·ed; de·put·ing
: to appoint as one's representative : DELEGATE

dep·u·tize verb -tized; -tiz·ing
: to appoint or act as deputy

Synonyms
commission, delegate—more at DELEGATE

dep·u·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a person appointed to act for or in place of another
2 : a second in command or assistant who usu. takes charge when his or her superior is absent
3 : a member of a lower house of a legislative assembly

Synonyms
agent, attorney, commissary, delegate, envoy, factor, proxy, representative—more at AGENT

der or deriv abbreviation
derivation; derivative

de·rail verb
: to leave or cause to leave the rails

— de·rail·ment noun

de·rail·leur noun
[ORIGIN: F dérailleur]

: a device for shifting gears on a bicycle by moving the chain from one set of exposed gears to another

de·range verb de·ranged; de·rang·ing
1 : to disturb the arrangement or order of : DISARRANGE
2 : to make insane

Synonyms
craze, madden, unhinge—more at CRAZE

deranged adjective
: mentally disordered

Synonyms
crazy, insane, lunatic, mad, maniacal, mental, unsound—more at INSANE

de·range·ment noun
: the state of being deranged

Synonyms
aberration, dementia, insanity, lunacy, madness, mania—more at INSANITY

der·by noun, plural derbies
1 : a horse race usu. for three-year-olds held annually
2 : a race or contest open to all
3 : a stiff felt hat with dome-shaped crown and narrow brim

de·reg·u·la·tion noun
: the act of removing restrictions or regulations

— de·reg·u·late verb

1derelict adjective
1 : abandoned by the owner or occupant
2 : failing to exercise the care expected : NEGLIGENT <~ in his duty>

Synonyms
[1] abandoned, deserted, forsaken—more at ABANDONED
[2] careless, lax, negligent, remiss, slack—more at NEGLIGENT

2derelict noun
1 : something voluntarily abandoned; especially : a ship abandoned on the high seas
2 : a destitute homeless social misfit : VAGRANT, BUM

der·e·lic·tion noun
1 : the act of abandoning : the state of being abandoned
2 : a failure in duty

Synonyms
[1] abandonment, desertion; also defection; discard, dumping, jettison
Antonyms
reclamation
[2] default, delinquency, failure, neglect, negligence, oversight—more at FAILURE

de·ride verb de·rid·ed; de·rid·ing
[ORIGIN: L deridēre, fr. ridēre to laugh]

: to laugh at scornfully : RIDICULE

Synonyms
gibe, jeer, laugh, mock, ridicule, scout—more at RIDICULE

de ri·gueur adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

: prescribed or required by fashion, etiquette, or custom : PROPER

de·ri·sion noun
1 : RIDICULE
2 : an object of ridicule or scorn

de·ri·sive adjective
: expressing or causing derision

— de·ri·sive·ly adverb

— de·ri·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
absurd, comical, farcical, laughable, ludicrous, preposterous, ridiculous, risible, silly—more at RIDICULOUS

de·ri·so·ry adjective
: worthy of derision

der·i·va·tion noun
1 : the formation of a word from an earlier word or root; also : an act of ascertaining or stating the derivation of a word
2 : ETYMOLOGY
3 : SOURCE, ORIGIN; also : DESCENT
4 : an act or process of deriving

de·riv·a·tive noun
1 : a word formed by derivation
2 : something derived

— derivative adjective

Synonyms
offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off; also descendant; aftermath, consequence, result; aftereffect, side affect; copy, duplicate, facsimile, replica, reproduction
Antonyms
origin, root, source

de·rive verb de·rived; de·riv·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF deriver, fr. L derivare, lit., to draw off (water), fr. de- from + rivus stream]

1 : to receive or obtain from a source
2 : to obtain from a parent substance
3 : INFER, DEDUCE
4 : to trace the derivation of
5 : to come from a certain source

der·mal adjective
: of or relating to the skin : CUTANEOUS

der·ma·ti·tis noun, plural -tit·i·des or -ti·tis·es
: inflammation of the skin

der·ma·tol·o·gy noun
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the skin

— der·ma·tol·o·gist noun

der·mis noun
: the sensitive vascular inner layer of the skin

der·o·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
1 : to cause to seem inferior : DISPARAGE
2 : DETRACT

— der·o·ga·tion noun

— de·ro·ga·tive adjective

de·rog·a·to·ry adjective
: intended to lower the reputation of a person or thing : DISPARAGING

— de·rog·a·to·ri·ly adverb

Synonyms
contemptuous, degrading, disdainful, disparaging, scornful, uncomplimentary; also defamatory, insulting, libelous, maligning, slandering, slanderous, vilifying; abusive, opprobrious, scurrilous; malevolent, malicious, spiteful
Antonyms
complimentary

der·rick noun
[ORIGIN: obs. derrick hangman, gallows, fr. Derick, name of 17th cent. Eng. hangman]

1 : a hoisting apparatus : CRANE
2 : a framework over a drill hole (as for oil) for supporting machinery

der·ri·ere or der·ri·ère noun
: BUTTOCKS

der·ring–do noun
: DARING

der·rin·ger noun
: a short-barreled pocket pistol

der·vish noun
[ORIGIN: Turk derviş, lit., beggar, fr. Pers darvīsh]

: a member of a Muslim religious order noted for devotional exercises (as bodily movements leading to a trance)

de·sal·i·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: DESALT

— de·sal·i·na·tion noun

de·sal·i·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
: DESALT

— de·sal·i·ni·za·tion noun

de·salt verb
: to remove salt from <~ seawater>

— de·salt·er noun

des·cant verb
1 : to sing or play part music : SING
2 : to discourse or write at length

Synonyms
carol, chant, sing, vocalize—more at SING

de·scend verb
1 : to pass from a higher to a lower place or level : pass, move, or climb down or down along
2 : DERIVE <~ed from royalty>
3 : to pass by inheritance or transmission
4 : to incline, lead, or extend downward
5 : to swoop down or appear suddenly (as in an attack)

Synonyms
[1, 4] decline, dip, drop, fall, plunge; also cant, incline, lean, list, recline, slant, slope, tilt, tip
Antonyms
ascend, climb, rise
[5] assail, assault, attack, beset, charge, jump, pounce, raid, rush, storm, strike—more at ATTACK

1descendant also de·scen·dent adjective
1 : moving or directed downward
2 : proceeding from an ancestor or source

2descendant also descendent noun
1 : one descended from another or from a common stock
2 : one deriving directly from a precursor or prototype

de·scent noun
1 : derivation from an ancestor : LINEAGE
2 : the act or process of descending
3 : SLOPE
4 : a descending way (as a downgrade)
5 : a sudden hostile raid or assault
6 : a downward step (as in station or value) : DECLINE

Synonyms
[1] ancestry, birth, blood, bloodline, breeding, extraction, family tree, genealogy, line, lineage, origin, parentage, pedigree, stock, strain—more at ANCESTRY
[2] dip, dive, down, drop, fall, plunge; also comedown, downfall, downgrade; sinking
Antonyms
ascent, climb, rise, upswing, upturn
[5] aggression, assault, attack, charge, offense, offensive, onset, onslaught, raid, rush, strike—more at ATTACK
[6] comedown, decline, down, downfall, fall—more at COMEDOWN

de·scribe verb de·scribed; de·scrib·ing
1 a : to represent or give an account of in words
b : to communicate an account of salient identifying features of
2 : to trace the outline of

— de·scrib·able adjective

Synonyms
[1a, b] delineate, depict, draw, image, narrate, paint, picture, portray, recount, sketch; also characterize, qualify, represent; demonstrate, illustrate; narrate, recite, recount, relate; display, exhibit, show; hint, suggest; draft, outline

de·scrip·tion noun
1 : an account of something; especially : an account that presents a picture to a person who reads or hears it
2 : kind or character esp. as determined by prominent features : SORT

— de·scrip·tive adjective

Synonyms
[1] delineation, depiction, picture, portrait, portrayal, sketch; also account, chronicle, narrative, report, story, tale; demonstration, exemplification, illustration
[2] breed, class, feather, ilk, kind, like, manner, nature, order, sort, species, type—more at SORT

de·scry verb de·scried; de·scry·ing
1 : to catch sight of
2 : to discover by observation or investigation

Synonyms
behold, discern, distinguish, espy, eye, look, note, notice, observe, perceive, regard, remark, see, sight, spy, view, witness—more at SEE

des·e·crate verb -crat·ed; -crat·ing
: to violate the sanctity of : PROFANE

Synonyms
defile, profane, violate; also blaspheme, curse, swear; befoul, contaminate, foul, pollute; affront, insult, offend; crush, decimate, demolish, destroy, devastate, ravage, raze, ruin, waste, wreck; despoil, loot, pillage, plunder, raid, ransack, rob, sack, spoil, strip

des·e·cra·tion noun
: an act or instance of desecrating

Synonyms
blasphemy, defilement, impiety, irreverence, sacrilege—more at BLASPHEMY

de·seg·re·gate verb
: to eliminate segregation in; especially : to free of any law or practice requiring isolation on the basis of race

— de·seg·re·ga·tion noun

de·sen·si·tize verb
: to make (a sensitized or hypersensitive individual) insensitive or nonreactive to a sensitizing agent

— de·sen·si·ti·za·tion noun

1desert noun
: dry land with few plants and little rainfall

Synonyms
barren, desolation, waste, wasteland—more at WASTELAND

2desert adjective
: of, relating to, or resembling a desert; especially : being barren and without life <a ~ island>

3desert noun
1 : the quality or fact of deserving reward or punishment
2 : a just reward or punishment

Synonyms
castigation, chastisement, correction, discipline, nemesis, penalty, punishment, wrath—more at PUNISHMENT

4desert verb
1 : to withdraw from and leave esp. permanently
2 : to leave in the lurch : ABANDON

Synonyms
[1, 2] abandon, forsake, maroon, quit—more at ABANDON

de·sert·ed adjective
: left without the accustomed occupants, company, or support

Synonyms
abandoned, derelict, forsaken—more at ABANDONED

de·sert·er noun
: one who forsakes a duty or cause

Synonyms
defector, recreant, renegade—more at RENEGADE

de·ser·tion noun
: an act of deserting

Synonyms
abandonment, dereliction—more at DERELICTION

de·serve verb de·served; de·serv·ing
: to be worthy of : MERIT

Synonyms
earn, merit, rate

deserving adjective
: deserving of honor or esteem

Synonyms
good, meritorious, worthy—more at WORTHY

de·serv·ed·ly adverb
: according to merit : JUSTLY

des·ic·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: DRY, DEHYDRATE

— des·ic·ca·tion noun

— des·ic·ca·tor noun

de·sid·er·a·tum noun, plural -ta
[ORIGIN: L]

: something desired as essential

1design verb
1 : to conceive and plan out in the mind
2 : to have as a purpose : INTEND
3 : to devise for a specific function or end
4 : to make a pattern or sketch of
5 : to conceive and draw the plans for

Synonyms
[1] arrange, blueprint, calculate, chart, frame, lay out, map, plan, project, scheme—more at PLAN
[2] aim, aspire, contemplate, intend, mean, meditate, plan, propose—more at INTEND

2design noun
1 : a particular purpose : deliberate planning
2 : a mental project or scheme : PLAN
3 : a secret project or scheme : PLOT
4 plural : aggressive or evil intent — used with on or against
5 : a preliminary sketch or plan
6 : an underlying scheme that governs functioning, developing, or unfolding : MOTIF
7 : the arrangement of elements or details in a product or a work of art
8 : a decorative pattern
9 : the art of executing designs

Synonyms
[1] arrangement, blueprint, game, plan, project, scheme, strategy, system—more at PLAN
[2] aim, ambition, aspiration, dream, end, goal, intent, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, pretension, purpose, thing—more at GOAL
[3] conspiracy, intrigue, machination, plot, scheme—more at PLOT
[7] arrangement, composition, configuration, form, format, layout, makeup, pattern—more at COMPOSITION
[8] figure, motif, motive, pattern—more at PATTERN

1designate adjective
: chosen but not yet installed <ambassador ~>

2designate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to appoint and set apart for a special purpose
2 : to mark or point out : INDICATE; also : SPECIFY, STIPULATE
3 : to call by a name or title

Synonyms
[1] appoint, assign, attach, commission, constitute, detail, name—more at APPOINT
[3] baptize, call, christen, denominate, dub, entitle, label, name, style, term, title—more at NAME

designated driver noun
: a person chosen to abstain from alcohol so as to transport others safely

designated hitter noun
: a baseball player designated at the start of the game to bat in place of the pitcher without causing the pitcher to be removed from the game

des·ig·na·tion noun
1 : the act of indicating or identifying
2 : appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service
3 : a distinguishing name, sign, or title

Synonyms
[2] appointment, assignment, commission—more at APPOINTMENT
[3] appellation, cognomen, denotation, handle, name, title—more at NAME

de·sign·er noun
: one that designs: as
a : one who creates plans for a project or structure
b : one who designs and manufactures a new product style or design; especially : one who designs and manufactures high-fashion clothing

— designer adjective

Synonyms
developer, innovator, inventor, originator—more at INVENTOR

designer drug noun
: a synthetic version of an illicit drug that has been chemically altered to avoid its prohibition

de·sign·ing adjective
: CRAFTY, SCHEMING

de·sir·able adjective
1 : PLEASING, ATTRACTIVE
2 : worth seeking or doing as advantageous, beneficial, or wise : ADVISABLE <~ legislation>

— de·sir·abil·i·ty noun

— de·sir·able·ness noun

Synonyms
advisable, expedient, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise—more at EXPEDIENT

1desire verb de·sired; de·sir·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF desirer, fr. L desiderare, fr. sider-, sidus heavenly body]

1 : to long or hope for : exhibit or feel desire for
2 : REQUEST

Synonyms
ache, covet, crave, die, hanker, hunger, long, lust, pant, pine, repine, thirst, want, wish, yearn; also delight (in), enjoy, fancy, like, relish

2desire noun
1 : a strong wish : LONGING
2 : sexual urge or appetite
3 : a usu. formal request for action
4 : something desired

Synonyms
appetite, craving, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, longing, lust, passion, thirst, urge, yearning, yen; also compulsion, impulse, urge, will, zeal; liking, love, taste; eagerness, impatience; wish, want; necessity, need, requirement; avarice, cupidity, greed, rapacity

de·sir·ous adjective
: impelled or governed by desire

de·sist verb
: to cease to proceed, act, or continue

Synonyms
usually desist from break, break off, cease, cut, discontinue, drop, end, halt, knock off, layoff, leave off, quit, shut off, stop—more at STOP

desk noun
[ORIGIN: ME deske, fr. ML desca, fr. OIt desco table, fr. L discus dish, disc]

1 : a table, frame, or case esp. for writing and reading
2 : a counter, stand, or booth at which a person performs duties
3 : a specialized division of an organization (as a newspaper) <city ~>

Synonyms
bureau, department, division, office—more at DIVISION

desk·top publishing noun
: the production of printed matter by means of a microcomputer

1desolate adjective
1 : DESERTED, ABANDONED
2 : joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful through or as if through separation from a loved one : LONELY
3 : DILAPIDATED
4 : BARREN, LIFELESS
5 : devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope : CHEERLESS

— des·o·late·ly adverb

— des·o·late·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] forlorn, lonely, lonesome—more at LONESOME
[5] bleak, cheerless, dismal, dreary, gloomy, glum, gray, miserable, wretched

2desolate verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to make desolate : destroy the activity, vitality, or sound condition or contentment of : make wretched

des·o·la·tion noun
1 : the action of desolating : state of being desolated
2 : the quality or state of being sad : SADNESS
3 : LONELINESS
4 : a condition of neglect leading to confusion and disintegration or of natural barrenness and bleakness
5 : barren wasteland

Synonyms
[1] annihilation, demolition, destruction, devastation, havoc, loss, obliteration, ruin, wastage, wreckage—more at DESTRUCTION
[4] dilapidation, disrepair, neglect—more at NEGLECT
[5] barren, desert, waste, wasteland—more at WASTELAND

des·oxy·ri·bo·nu·cle·ic acid noun
: DNA

1despair verb
: to lose all hope or confidence

2despair noun
1 : utter destruction of hope
2 : a cause of hopelessness

Synonyms
desperation, despondency, forlornness, hopelessness; also blues, depression, dejection, desolation, doldrums, dolor, dumps, gloom, melancholy, oppression, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness; cynicism, pessimism; acceptance, resignation
Antonyms
hope, hopefulness

de·spair·ing adjective
: given to, arising from, or marked by despair : having no hope

— de·spair·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
defeatist, hopeless, pessimistic—more at PESSIMISTIC

des·per·a·do noun, plural -does or -dos
: a bold or reckless criminal

des·per·ate adjective
1 : being beyond or almost beyond hope : causing despair
2 : RASH
3 : extremely intense

— des·per·ate·ly adverb

— des·per·ate·ness noun

des·per·a·tion noun
1 : a loss of hope and surrender to despair
2 : a state of hopelessness leading to rashness

Synonyms
despair, despondency, forlornness, hopelessness—more at DESPAIR

de·spi·ca·ble adjective
: deserving to be despised

— de·spi·ca·bly adverb

Synonyms
contemptible, lousy, nasty, pitiful, scabby, scurvy, sorry, wretched—more at CONTEMPTIBLE
base, contemptible, detestable, dirty, dishonorable, ignoble, low, mean, snide, sordid, vile, wretched—more at IGNOBLE

de·spise verb de·spised; de·spis·ing
1 : to look down on with contempt or aversion : DETEST
2 : to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful

Synonyms
[1] abhor, abominate, detest, execrate, hate, loathe—more at HATE
[2] disregard, flout, scorn—more at SCORN

1despite preposition
: in spite of

Synonyms
notwithstanding, regardless of, with

2despite noun
: the act of despising : CONTEMPT

de·spoil verb
: to strip of belongings, possessions, or value

— de·spoil·er noun

— de·spoil·ment noun

Synonyms
loot, maraud, pillage, plunder, ransack, sack, strip—more at RANSACK

de·spo·li·a·tion noun
: the act of plundering : the state of being despoiled

1despond verb
: to become discouraged or disheartened

2despond noun
: DESPONDENCY

de·spon·den·cy noun
: the state of being despondent

Synonyms
blues, dejection, depression, desolation, doldrums, dumps, forlornness, gloom, heartsickness, melancholy, sadness—more at SADNESS
despair, desperation, forlornness, hopelessness—more at DESPAIR

de·spon·dent adjective
: feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression

— de·spon·dent·ly adverb

Synonyms
brokenhearted, dejected, depressed, disconsolate, heartsick, miserable, sad, wretched—more at SAD

des·pot noun
[ORIGIN: MF despote, fr. Gk despotēs master, lord, autocrat]

1 : a ruler with absolute power and authority
2 : a person exercising power tyrannically

Synonyms
autocrat, dictator, oppressor, tyrant; also dominator, master, overlord, ruler; king, lord, monarch, prince, queen, sovereign; baron, czar, magnate, mogul, tycoon; authoritarian, disciplinarian, martinet

des·pot·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a despot

Synonyms
authoritarian, autocratic, bossy, dictatorial, domineering, imperious, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical, tyrannous—more at BOSSY

des·po·tism noun
: a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power

Synonyms
autocracy, dictatorship, totalitarianism, tyranny; also monarchy; fascism; domination, oppression

des·sert noun
: a course of sweet food, fruit, or cheese served at the close of a meal

des·ti·na·tion noun
1 : a purpose for which something is destined
2 : an act of appointing, setting aside for a purpose, or predetermining
3 : a place to which one is journeying or to which something is sent

des·tine verb des·tined; des·tin·ing
1 : to settle in advance
2 : to designate, assign, or dedicate in advance
3 : to direct or set apart for a specific purpose or place

Synonyms
doom, fate, foredoom, foreordain, ordain, predestine; also forecast, foretell, predict, prognosticate, prophesy; preconceive, prejudge; condemn, sentence

des·ti·ny noun, plural -nies
1 : something to which a person or thing is destined : FATE
2 : a predetermined course of events

Synonyms
circumstance, doom, fate, fortune, lot, portion—more at FATE

des·ti·tute adjective
1 : lacking something needed or desirable
2 : suffering extreme poverty

Synonyms
[2] broke, devoid, impecunious, indigent, needy, penniless, penurious, poor, poverty-stricken—more at POOR

des·ti·tu·tion noun
: the state of being destitute

Synonyms
beggary, impecuniousness, impoverishment, indigence, need, pauperism, penury, poverty, want—more at POVERTY

de·stroy verb
1 : to put an end to : RUIN
2 : to deprive of life : KILL

Synonyms
[1] annihilate, blot out, demolish, desolate, devastate, do in, exterminate, extinguish, obliterate, pulverize, ruin, shatter, smash, tear down, waste, wipe out, wreck; also gut; beat, best, clobber, conquer, crush, defeat, lick, master, overcome, prevail (over), stamp (out), subdue, surmount, thrash, triumph (over), win (against); blow up, break, damage, deface, disintegrate, dynamite, mangle, mar, mutilate, spoil, vitiate; erode, scour, wash out, wear (away); dismantle, undo; eradicate, remove, rub out; despoil, loot, pillage, plunder, ravage, sack, vandalize; assassinate, butcher, cut down, dispatch, execute, kill, massacre, murder, slaughter, slay, zap
Antonyms
build, construct, erect, put up, raise
[2] dispatch, do in, fell, kill, slay—more at KILL

de·stroy·er noun
1 : one that destroys
2 : a small speedy warship

de·struc·ti·ble adjective
: capable of being destroyed

— de·struc·ti·bil·i·ty noun

de·struc·tion noun
1 : the state or fact of being destroyed : RUIN
2 : the action or process of destroying something
3 : a destroying agency

Synonyms
annihilation, demolition, desolation, devastation, havoc, loss, obliteration, ruin, wastage, wreckage; also depredation, despoliation, despoilment; breakup, disintegration, dissolution; assassination, execution, killing, massacre, slaughter
Antonyms
building, construction, erection, raising

de·struc·tive adjective
1 : causing destruction : RUINOUS
2 : designed or tending to destroy

— de·struc·tive·ly adverb

— de·struc·tive·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] calamitous, devastating, disastrous, ruinous; also deadly, fatal, lethal, mortal, vital; deleterious, detrimental, harmful, pernicious
Antonyms
constructive

de·sue·tude noun
: DISUSE

des·ul·to·ry adjective
: passing aimlessly from one thing or subject to another

Synonyms
aimless, arbitrary, erratic, haphazard, random, scattered, stray—more at RANDOM

det abbreviation
1 detached; detachment
2 detail

de·tach verb
1 : to separate esp. from a larger mass
2 : DISENGAGE, WITHDRAW

— de·tach·able adjective

de·tached adjective
1 : not joined or connected : SEPARATE
2 : exhibiting an aloof objectivity <a ~ attitude>

Synonyms
[1] disconnected, discrete, freestanding, separate, single, unattached, unconnected—more at SEPARATE
[2] aloof, antisocial, cold, cool, distant, frosty, remote, standoffish, unsociable—more at COOL

de·tach·ment noun
1 : SEPARATION
2 : the dispatching of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body for special service; also : the portion so dispatched
3 : a small permanent military unit of special composition
4 : indifference to worldly concerns : ALOOFNESS
5 : freedom from bias or prejudice : IMPARTIALITY

Synonyms
disinterestedness, impartiality, neutrality, objectivity; also fairness; apathy, indifference, unconcern; broad-mindedness, tolerance
Antonyms
bias, favor, favoritism, partiality, partisanship, prejudice

1detail noun
[ORIGIN: F détail, fr. OF detail slice, piece, fr. detaillier to cut in pieces, fr. taillier to cut]

1 : a dealing with something item by item <go into ~>
2 : a part of a whole <the ~s of a story>
3 : selection (as of soldiers) for special duty; also : the persons thus selected

Synonyms
fact, particular, point—more at FACT

2detail verb
1 : to report minutely and distinctly
2 : to assign to a special duty

Synonyms
[1] enumerate, itemize, list, numerate, rehearse, tick—more at ENUMERATE
[2] appoint, assign, attach, commission, constitute, designate, name—more at APPOINT

de·tailed adjective
: marked by abundant detail

Synonyms
circumstantial, elaborate, full, minute, thorough; also enumerated, itemized, listed; delineated, specific, specified; abundant, copious; comprehensive, exhausting, exhaustive, thoroughgoing; accurate, exact, precise; complete, entire, replete; distinct, explicit, precise, sharp; inclusive, mapped (out); descriptive, graphic, picturesque, vivid
Antonyms
compendious, summary
complex, complicated, elaborate, fancy, intricate, involved, sophisticated—more at ELABORATE

de·tail·ing noun
: the meticulous cleaning and refurbishing of an automobile

de·tain verb
1 : to hold in or as if in custody
2 : STOP, DELAY

de·tect verb
: to discover the nature, existence, presence, or fact of

— de·tec·tor noun

Synonyms
ascertain, descry, determine, dig, discover, find, find out, get, hit, hunt, learn, locate, run down, scout, track—more at FIND

de·tect·able adjective
: capable of being detected

Synonyms
appreciable, discernible, distinguishable, palpable, perceptible, sensible—more at PERCEPTIBLE

de·tec·tion noun
: the act of detecting

Synonyms
discovery, finding—more at DISCOVERY

1detective adjective
1 : fitted or used for detection
2 : of or relating to detectives

2detective noun
: a person employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or getting information that is not readily accessible

Synonyms
investigator, operative, shadow, sleuth, tail

dé·tente or de·tente noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations)

de·ten·tion noun
1 : the act or fact of detaining : CONFINEMENT; especially : a period of temporary custody prior to disposition by a court
2 : a forced delay

de·ter verb de·terred; de·ter·ring
[ORIGIN: L deterrēre, fr. terrēre to frighten]

1 : to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting (as by fear)
2 : INHIBIT

Synonyms
discourage, dissuade, inhibit—more at DISCOURAGE

de·ter·gent noun
: a cleansing agent; especially : a chemical product similar to soap in its cleaning ability

Synonyms
cleaner, soap—more at CLEANER

de·te·ri·o·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
: to make or become worse in quality or condition

Synonyms
decay, decline, degenerate, descend, ebb, rot, sink, worsen; also recede, wane; decompose, degrade, disintegrate; sour, spoil; lessen, lower, reduce; debilitate, undermine, weaken
Antonyms
ameliorate, improve, meliorate

de·te·ri·o·ra·tion noun
: the action or process of deteriorating

Synonyms
decay, declension, decline, degeneration, descent, enfeeblement—more at DECLINE

de·ter·min·able adjective
: capable of being determined; especially : ASCERTAINABLE

de·ter·mi·nant noun
1 : something that determines or conditions
2 : GENE

de·ter·mi·nate adjective
1 : having fixed limits : DEFINITE
2 : definitely settled

— de·ter·mi·nate·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] definite, finite, limited, measured, narrow, restricted—more at LIMITED
[2] certain, final, firm, fixed, flat, frozen, hard, hard-and-fast, set, settled, stable—more at FIXED

de·ter·mi·na·tion noun
1 a : the act of coming to a decision
b : the decision or conclusion reached
2 : a fixing of the extent, position, or character of something
3 : accurate measurement (as of length or volume)
4 : firm or fixed purpose

Synonyms
[1b] conclusion, decision, deliverance, diagnosis, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict—more at DECISION
[4] decision, decisiveness, firmness, granite, resolution, resolve; also doggedness, obstinacy, perseverance, persistence, stubbornness, tenacity; backbone, fortitude, grit, pluck
Antonyms
hesitation, indecision, irresolution, vacillation

de·ter·mine verb -mined; -min·ing
1 : to fix conclusively or authoritatively
2 : to come to a decision : RESOLVE
3 : to fix the form or character of beforehand : ORDAIN; also : REGULATE
4 : to find out the limits, nature, dimensions, or scope of <~ a position at sea>
5 : to find out or come to a decision about by investigation, reasoning, or calculation
6 : to bring about as a result

Synonyms
[1] adjudicate, arbitrate, decide, judge, referee, rule, settle, umpire—more at JUDGE
[2] choose, conclude, decide, figure, opt, resolve—more at DECIDE

de·ter·mined adjective
1 : firmly resolved
2 : characterized by or showing determination

— de·ter·mined·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] bent, bound, decisive, firm, intent, purposeful, resolute, set; also certain, cocksure, positive, sure; earnest, serious; steady, unfaltering, unhesitating, unswerving, unwavering
Antonyms
faltering, hesitant, indecisive, irresolute, undetermined, unresolved, vacillating, wavering
[2] dogged, grim, implacable, relentless, unflinching, unrelenting, unyielding—more at UNYIELDING

de·ter·mined·ly adverb
: in a determined manner

Synonyms
diligently, hard, hardly, laboriously, mightily, slavishly, strenuously, tirelessly—more at HARD

de·ter·min·ism noun
: a doctrine that acts of the will, natural events, or social changes are determined by preceding events or natural causes

— de·ter·min·ist noun or adjective

de·ter·rence noun
: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear esp. of punishment

de·ter·rent adjective
1 : serving to deter
2 : relating to deterrence

— deterrent noun

de·test verb
[ORIGIN: L detestari, lit., to curse while calling a deity to witness, fr. de- from + testari to call to witness]

: to feel intense and often violent antipathy toward : LOATHE

— de·tes·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
abhor, abominate, despise, execrate, hate, loathe—more at HATE

de·test·able adjective
: arousing or meriting intense dislike

Synonyms
base, contemptible, despicable, dirty, dishonorable, ignoble, low, mean, snide, sordid, vile, wretched—more at IGNOBLE

de·throne verb
: to remove from a throne : DEPOSE

— de·throne·ment noun

det·o·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to explode or cause to explode with violence

Synonyms
blow up, burst, explode, go off, pop—more at EXPLODE

det·o·na·tion noun
: the action or process of detonating

Synonyms
blast, eruption, explosion—more at EXPLOSION

det·o·na·tor noun
: a device for detonating an explosive

1detour noun
: an indirect way replacing part of a route

2detour verb
: to go by detour

Synonyms
bypass, circumvent, skirt; also circumnavigate; avoid, dodge, duck, elude, escape, eschew, evade, shake, shun
deviate, sheer, swerve, swing, turn, turn off, veer—more at TURN

de·tox noun
: detoxification from an intoxicating or addictive substance

— detox verb

de·tox·i·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to remove a poison or toxin or the effect of such from
2 : to free (as a drug user) from an intoxicating or addictive substance or from dependence on it

— de·tox·i·fi·ca·tion noun

de·tract verb
1 : to take away or diminish the value or effect of something
2 : DIVERT

— de·trac·tor noun

de·trac·tion noun
: a lessening of reputation or esteem esp. by envious, malicious, or petty criticism

Synonyms
deprecation, depreciation, disparagement, put-down—more at DEPRECIATION

de·train verb
: to leave or cause to leave a railroad train

det·ri·ment noun
1 : hurt, damage, or loss sustained
2 : a cause of injury or damage

Synonyms
damage, harm, hurt, injury—more at INJURY

det·ri·men·tal adjective
: obviously harmful

— det·ri·men·tal·ly adverb

Synonyms
adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, damaging, deleterious, evil, harmful, hurtful, ill, injurious, mischievous, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial—more at HARMFUL

de·tri·tus noun, plural de·tri·tus
: fragments resulting from disintegration (as of rocks) : DEBRIS

deuce noun
1 : a two in cards or dice
2 : a tie in a tennis game with both sides at 40
3 : DEVIL — used chiefly as a mild oath

Deut abbreviation
Deuteronomy

deu·te·ri·um noun
: an isotope of hydrogen that has twice the mass of ordinary hydrogen

Deu·ter·on·o·my noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

deut·sche mark noun
: a former monetary unit of Germany

dev abbreviation
deviation

de·val·ue verb
: to reduce the international exchange value of <~ a currency>

— de·val·u·a·tion noun

dev·as·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to bring to ruin
2 : to reduce to chaos or helplessness

Synonyms
[1] destroy, ravage, ruin, scourge—more at RAVAGE
[2] carry away, crush, floor, oppress, overcome, overpower, overwhelm, prostrate, snow under, swamp—more at OVERWHELM

devastating adjective
: serving, tending, or having the power to devastate

Synonyms
calamitous, destructive, disastrous, ruinous—more at DESTRUCTIVE

dev·as·ta·tion noun
: the action of devastating or state of being devastated

Synonyms
annihilation, demolition, desolation, destruction, havoc, loss, obliteration, ruin, wastage, wreckage—more at DESTRUCTION

de·vel·op verb
1 : to unfold gradually or in detail
2 : to place (exposed photographic material) in chemicals to produce a visible image
3 : to bring out the possibilities of
4 : to make more available or usable <~ land>
5 : to acquire gradually <~ a taste for olives>
6 : to go through a natural process of growth, differentiation, or evolution
7 : to come into being gradually

Synonyms
[1] amplify, elaborate, enlarge, expand—more at EXPAND
[5] acquire, cultivate, form; also gain, get, obtain; achieve, attain, reach; foster, nourish, nurture, promote
Antonyms
lose
[6] age, grow, grow up, mature, progress, ripen—more at MATURE

de·vel·op·er noun
: one that develops something new

Synonyms
designer, innovator, inventor, originator—more at INVENTOR

de·vel·op·ment noun
: the act, process, or result of developing

— de·vel·op·men·tal adjective

— de·vel·op·men·tal·ly adverb

Synonyms
elaboration, evolution, expansion, growth, maturation, progress, progression; also advancement, betterment, improvement, perfection, refinement
Antonyms
regression, retrogression
aftermath, conclusion, consequence, corollary, effect, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequence, upshot—more at EFFECT

1deviant adjective
: deviating esp. from some accepted norm <~ behavior>

— de·vi·ance noun

— de·vi·an·cy noun

Synonyms
aberrant, abnormal, anomalous, atypical, irregular, unnatural; also extraordinary, preternatural; rare, uncommon, uncustomary, unusual, unwonted; odd, peculiar, strange, weird
Antonyms
natural, normal, regular, standard, typical

2deviant noun
: one that is deviant

Synonyms
bohemian, individualist, loner, maverick, nonconformist—more at NONCONFORMIST

de·vi·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
[ORIGIN: LL deviare, fr. L de- from + via way]

: to turn aside from a course, standard, principle, or topic

— de·vi·ate noun

— de·vi·a·tion noun

Synonyms
detour, sheer, swerve, swing, turn, turn off, veer—more at TURN

de·vice noun
1 : a scheme to deceive : STRATAGEM
2 : a piece of equipment or a mechanism for a special purpose
3 : a particular disposition of mind or character : INCLINATION — used in pl. <left to my own ~s>
4 : an emblematic design

Synonyms
[1] artifice, dodge, gimmick, jig, ploy, scheme, sleight, stratagem, trick, wile—more at TRICK
[2] implement, instrument, tool, utensil—more at IMPLEMENT
usually devices [3] bent, disposition, genius, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn—more at INCLINATION

1devil noun
[ORIGIN: ME devel, fr. OE dēofol, fr. LL diabolus, fr. Gk diabolos, lit., slanderer, fr. diaballein to throw across, slander, fr. dia- across + ballein to throw]

1 often cap : the personal supreme spirit of evil
2 : an evil spirit : DEMON
3 : a wicked person
4 a : an energetic, reckless, or dashing person
b : a person prone to mischief
5 : an individual human : FELLOW <poor ~> <lucky ~>

Synonyms
[2] demon, fiend, ghoul, imp—more at DEMON
[3] beast, evildoer, fiend, heavy, knave, no-good, rapscallion, rascal, reprobate, rogue, scalawag, scamp, varlet, villain, wretch—more at VILLAIN
[4b] hellion, imp, mischief, monkey, rapscallion, rascal, rogue, scamp, urchin—more at SCAMP

2devil verb -iled or -illed; -il·ing or -il·ling
1 : to season highly <~ed eggs>
2 : TEASE, ANNOY

dev·il·ish adjective
1 : befitting a devil : EVIL; also : MISCHIEVOUS
2 : exceeding the ordinary, usual, or expected : EXTREME

Synonyms
demonic, diabolical, evil, fiendish, satanic—more at FIENDISH
impish, knavish, mischievous, rascally, roguish, sly, waggish, wicked—more at MISCHIEVOUS

dev·il·ish·ly adverb
: in a devilish manner

Synonyms
excessively, inordinately, monstrously, overly, overmuch, too—more at TOO

dev·il·ish·ness noun
: the quality or state of being devilish

Synonyms
impishness, knavery, mischief, mischievousness, rascality, shenanigans, waggery, wickedness—more at MISCHIEF

dev·il·ment noun
: MISCHIEF

dev·il·ry or dev·il·try noun, plural -il·ries or -il·tries
1 : action performed with the help of the devil
2 : action that annoys or irritates : MISCHIEF

de·vi·ous adjective
1 : deviating from a straight line
2 : ERRANT 3
3 a : deviating from a right, accepted, or common course
b : not straightforward : CUNNING <a ~ politician>; also : tending or having power to deceive <a ~ trick>

Synonyms
[1] crooked, serpentine, sinuous, tortuous, winding—more at CROOKED
[3b] artful, cagey, crafty, cunning, foxy, guileful, slick, sly, subtle, wily—more at ARTFUL

1devise verb de·vised; de·vis·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF deviser to divide, distinguish, invent, fr. VL *divisare, fr. L dividere to divide]

1 : to form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles : INVENT
2 : PLOT
3 : to give (real estate) by will

Synonyms
concoct, contrive, cook, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, think—more at INVENT

2devise noun
1 : a disposing of real property by will
2 : a will or clause of a will disposing of real property
3 : property given by will

de·vi·tal·ize verb
: to deprive of life or vitality

de·void adjective
: being without : VOID <a book ~ of interest>

Synonyms
bare, blank, empty, stark, vacant, void—more at EMPTY
bereft, destitute, empty, void; also bare, barren, blank, stark, vacant, wanting; deficient, fragmentary, incomplete, partial; absent, missing
Antonyms
replete

de·voir noun
1 : DUTY
2 : a formal act of civility or respect

de·volve verb de·volved; de·volv·ing
: to pass (as rights or responsibility) from one to another usu. by succession or transmission

— dev·o·lu·tion noun

De·vo·ni·an adjective
: of, relating to, or being the period of the Paleozoic era between the Silurian and the Mississippian

— Devonian noun

de·vote verb de·vot·ed; de·vot·ing
1 : to commit to wholly or chiefly
2 : to set apart for a special purpose : DEDICATE

Synonyms
[1] address, apply, bend, buckle, give—more at APPLY
[2] allocate, consecrate, dedicate, earmark, reserve, save; also hallow, sanctify; commit, confide, consign, entrust

de·vot·ed adjective
: characterized by loyalty and devotion : FAITHFUL

Synonyms
constant, faithful, fast, good, loyal, pious, staunch, steadfast, steady, true, true-blue—more at FAITHFUL

dev·o·tee noun
: an ardent follower, supporter, or enthusiast

Synonyms
addict, aficionado, buff, bug, enthusiast, fan, fanatic, fancier, fiend, freak, lover, maniac, nut—more at FAN

de·vo·tion noun
1 : religious fervor
2 : an act of prayer or private worship — usu. used in pl.
3 : a religious exercise for private use
4 : the fact or state of being dedicated and loyal <~ to the cause>; also : the act of devoting

Synonyms
[1] faith, piety, religion—more at FAITH
[4] allegiance, constancy, dedication, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness—more at FIDELITY
[4] affection, attachment, fondness, love, passion—more at LOVE

de·vo·tion·al adjective
: of, relating to, or characterized by devotion

Synonyms
religious, sacred, spiritual—more at RELIGIOUS

de·vour verb
1 : to eat up greedily or ravenously
2 : WASTE, ANNIHILATE
3 : to enjoy avidly <~ a book>

— de·vour·er noun

de·vout adjective
1 : devoted to religion : PIOUS
2 : expressing devotion or piety
3 : EARNEST, SERIOUS

— de·vout·ly adverb

Synonyms
faithful, godly, holy, pious, religious, sainted, saintly—more at HOLY

de·vout·ness noun
: the quality or state of being devout

Synonyms
blessedness, godliness, holiness, piety, sainthood, sanctity—more at HOLINESS

dew noun
: moisture that condenses on the surfaces of cool bodies at night

— dewy adjective

dew·ber·ry noun
: any of several sweet edible berries related to and resembling blackberries; also : a trailing bramble bearing these

dew·claw noun
: a digit on the foot of a mammal that does not reach the ground; also : its claw or hoof

dew·lap noun
: loose skin hanging under the neck of an animal

dew point noun
: the temperature at which the moisture in the air begins to condense

dex·ter·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : quickness and skill in managing any complicated or difficult affair
2 : readiness and grace in physical activity; especially : skill and ease in using the hands

Synonyms
[1] adroitness, cleverness, craft, finesse, sleight; also ability, prowess, talent; competence, efficiency, expertise, know-how, proficiency; ingeniousness, ingenuity, resourcefulness
[2] agility, deftness, nimbleness, sleight; also coordination
Antonyms
awkwardness, clumsiness

dex·ter·ous also dex·trous adjective
1 : CLEVER
2 : done with skillfulness
3 : skillful and competent with the hands

— dex·ter·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] adroit, artful, delicate, expert, masterful, masterly, practiced, skillful, virtuoso—more at SKILLFUL
[3] clever, cunning, deft, handy; also agile, flexible, graceful, limber, lissome, lithe, nimble, spry; coordinated; adept, competent, expert, masterful, masterly, proficient, skilled, skillful; double-jointed
Antonyms
butterfingered, heavy-handed, unhandy

dex·trose noun
: the naturally occurring form of glucose found in plants and blood

DFC abbreviation
Distinguished Flying Cross

dg abbreviation
decigram

DG abbreviation
1 [ORIGIN LL Dei gratia] by the grace of God
2 director general

DH noun
: DESIGNATED HITTER

dhow noun
: an Arab sailing ship usu. having a long overhang forward and a high poop

DI abbreviation
drill instructor

dia abbreviation
diameter

di·a·be·tes noun
: an abnormal state marked by passage of excessive amounts of urine; especially : one (diabetes mel*li*tus ) characterized by deficient insulin, by excess sugar in the blood and urine, and by thirst, hunger, and loss of weight

— di·a·bet·ic adjective or noun

di·a·bol·ical or di·a·bol·i·c adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil : DEVILISH

— di·a·bol·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
demonic, devilish, fiendish, satanic—more at FIENDISH

di·a·crit·ic noun
: a mark accompanying a letter and indicating a sound value different from that of the same letter when unmarked

— di·a·crit·i·cal adjective

di·a·dem noun
: CROWN; especially : a royal headband

di·aer·e·sis or di·er·e·sis noun, plural -e·ses
: a mark ¨ placed over a vowel to show that it is pronounced in a separate syllable (as in naïve)

diag abbreviation
1 diagonal
2 diagram

di·ag·no·sis noun, plural -no·ses
1 : the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms; also : the decision reached by diagnosis
2 a : investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem
b : a statement or conclusion from an investigation or analysis

— di·ag·nose verb

— di·ag·nos·tic adjective

— di·ag·nos·ti·cian noun

Synonyms
conclusion, decision, deliverance, determination, judgment, opinion, resolution, verdict—more at DECISION

1diagonal adjective
1 : extending from one corner to the opposite corner in a 4-sided figure
2 : running in a slanting direction <~ stripes>
3 : having slanting markings or parts <a ~ weave>

— di·ag·o·nal·ly adverb

Synonyms
canted, inclined, leaning, listing, oblique, slantwise

2diagonal noun
1 : a diagonal line or plane
2 : a diagonal row, pattern, or direction
3 : a mark / used esp. to mean “or,” “and or,” or “per”

1diagram noun
: a design and esp. a drawing that makes something easier to understand

— di·a·gram·ma·ble adjective

— di·a·gram·mat·ic adjective

— di·a·gram·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
figure, graphic, illustration, plate—more at ILLUSTRATION

2diagram verb -grammed or -gramed ; -gram·ming or -gram·ing
: to represent by a diagram

1dial noun
[ORIGIN: ME dyal, fr. ML dialis clock wheel revolving daily, fr. L dies day]

1 : the face of a sundial
2 : the face of a timepiece
3 : a face with a pointer and numbers that indicate something <the ~ of a gauge>
4 : a device used for making electrical connections or for regulating operation (as of a radio)

2dial verb di·aled or di·alled; di·al·ing or di·al·ling
1 : to manipulate a dial so as to operate or select
2 : to make a telephone call or connection

Synonyms
call, telephone—more at CALL

3dial abbreviation
dialect

di·a·lect noun
: a regional variety of a language

Synonyms
argot, cant, jargon, language, lingo, patois, patter, slang, vocabulary; also idiom, parlance, pidgin, speech, tongue, vernacular

di·a·lec·tic noun
: the process or art of reasoning by discussion of conflicting ideas; also : the tension between opposing elements

— di·a·lec·ti·cal adjective

dialog box noun
: a window on a computer screen for choosing options or inputting information

di·a·logue also di·a·log noun
1 : a conversation between two or more parties
2 : the parts of a literary or dramatic work that represent conversation

Synonyms
colloquy, conversation, discourse, discussion, exchange—more at CONVERSATION

di·al·y·sis noun, plural -y·ses
1 : the separation of substances from solution by means of their unequal diffusion through semipermeable membranes
2 : the medical procedure of removing blood from an artery, purifying it by dialysis, and returning it to a vein

diam abbreviation
diameter

di·am·e·ter noun
[ORIGIN: ME diametre, fr. MF, fr. L diametros, fr. Gk, fr. dia- through + metron measure]

1 : a straight line passing through the center of a figure or body; especially : one that divides a circle in half
2 : the length of a diameter

di·a·met·ric or di·a·met·ri·cal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or constituting a diameter
2 : completely opposed or opposite

— di·a·met·ri·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
antipodal, antithetical, contradictory, contrary, opposite, polar—more at OPPOSITE

di·a·mond noun
1 : a hard brilliant mineral that consists of crystalline carbon and is used as a gem
2 : a flat figure having four equal sides, two acute angles, and two obtuse angles
3 : any of a suit of playing cards marked with a red diamond
4 : INFIELD; also : the entire playing field in baseball

di·a·mond·back rattlesnake noun
: either of two large and deadly rattlesnakes of the southern U.S.

di·an·thus noun
: 1PINK 1

di·a·pa·son noun
1 : the organ stop governing the flue pipes that form the primary basis of organ tone
2 : the entire range of musical tones

1diaper noun
1 : a cotton or linen fabric woven in a simple geometric pattern
2 : a garment for a baby drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist

2diaper verb
1 : to ornament with diaper designs
2 : to put a diaper on

di·aph·a·nous adjective
: of so fine a texture as to be transparent

di·a·pho·ret·ic adjective
: having the power to increase perspiration

— diaphoretic noun

di·a·phragm noun
1 : a sheet of muscle between the chest and abdominal cavities of a mammal
2 : a vibrating disk (as in a microphone)
3 : a cup-shaped device usu. of thin rubber fitted over the uterine cervix to act as a mechanical contraceptive barrier

— di·a·phrag·mat·ic adjective

di·a·rist noun
: one who keeps a diary

di·ar·rhea noun
[ORIGIN: ME diaria, fr. LL diarrhoea, fr. Gk diarrhoia, fr. diarhein to flow through, fr. dia- through + rhein to flow]

: abnormally frequent and watery bowel movements

di·ar·rhoea chiefly British variant of DIARRHEA

di·a·ry noun, plural -ries
: a daily record esp. of personal experiences; also : a book used as a diary

di·as·po·ra noun
1 cap : the settling of scattered colonies of Jews outside Palestine after the Babylonian exile
2 cap : the Jews living outside Palestine or modern Israel
3 : the migration or scattering of a people away from an ancestral homeland

di·as·to·le noun
: the stretching of the chambers of the heart during which they fill with blood

— di·a·stol·ic adjective

dia·ther·my noun
: the generation of heat in tissue by electric currents for medical purposes

di·a·tom noun
: any of a class of planktonic one-celled or colonial algae with skeletons of silica

di·atom·ic adjective
: having two atoms in the molecule

di·a·tribe noun
: biting or abusive speech or writing

Synonyms
harangue, rant, tirade—more at TIRADE

di·az·e·pam noun
: a tranquilizer used esp. to relieve anxiety, tension, and muscle spasms

dib·ble noun
: a pointed hand tool for making holes (as for planting bulbs) in the ground

— dibble verb

1dice noun, plural dice
: DIE 1

2dice verb diced; dic·ing
1 : to cut into small cubes <~ carrots>
2 : to play games with dice

di·chot·o·my noun, plural -mies
: a division or the process of dividing into two esp. mutually exclusive or contradictory groups

— di·chot·o·mous adjective

dick·er verb
: to negotiate over the terms of a purchase, agreement, or contract : BARGAIN

Synonyms
bargain, chaffer, deal, haggle, negotiate, palter—more at BARGAIN

dick·ey or dicky noun, plural dickeys or dick·ies
: a small fabric insert worn to fill in the neckline

di·cot·y·le·don noun
: any of a group of seed plants having an embryo with two cotyledons

— di·cot·y·le·don·ous adjective

dict abbreviation
dictionary

1dictate verb dic·tat·ed; dic·tat·ing
1 : to speak or read for a person to transcribe or for a machine to record
2 : to issue as an order : COMMAND

— dic·ta·tion noun

2dictate noun
: an authoritative rule, prescription, or injunction : COMMAND <the ~s of conscience>

Synonyms
behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, direction, directive, edict, instruction, order, word—more at COMMAND

dic·ta·tor noun
1 : a person ruling absolutely and often brutally and oppressively
2 : one that dictates

Synonyms
autocrat, despot, oppressor, tyrant—more at DESPOT

dic·ta·to·ri·al adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a dictator or a dictatorship

Synonyms
arbitrary, authoritarian, autocratic, bossy, despotic, domineering, imperious, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical, tyrannous—more at BOSSY

dic·ta·tor·ship noun
1 : the office of a dictator
2 : autocratic rule, control, or leadership
3 : a government or country in which absolute power is held by a dictator or a small clique

Synonyms
autocracy, despotism, totalitarianism, tyranny—more at DESPOTISM

dic·tion noun
1 : choice of words esp. with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness : WORDING
2 : ENUNCIATION

Synonyms
language, phraseology, phrasing, wording—more at WORDING

dic·tio·nary noun, plural -nar·ies
: a reference book containing words usu. alphabetically arranged along with information about their forms, pronunciations, functions, etymologies, meanings, and syntactical and idiomatic uses

dic·tum noun, plural dic·ta also dictums
: a noteworthy, formal, or authoritative statement or observation

did past of DO

di·dac·tic adjective
1 : intended to instruct, inform, or teach a moral lesson
2 : making moral observations

di·do noun, plural didoes or didos
: a mischievous act : PRANK

1die verb died; dy·ing
[ORIGIN: ME dien, fr. or akin to ON deyja to die]

1 : to cease living : EXPIRE
2 : to pass out of existence <a dying race>
3 : to disappear or subside gradually <the wind died down>
4 : to long keenly <dying to go> <dying for a snack>
5 : to cease functioning : STOP <the motor died>

Synonyms
[1] decease, depart, expire, pass, pass away, perish, succumb; also disappear, fade
Antonyms
breathe, live
[2] break off, break up, cease, close, conclude, discontinue, elapse, end, expire, finish, halt, lapse, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up—more at CEASE
usually die down [3] abate, de-escalate, decline, decrease, diminish, dwindle, ebb, fall, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, recede, relent, shrink, subside, taper, wane—more at DECREASE
[4] ache, hanker, hunger, itch, long, pant, pine, sigh, thirst, yearn

2die noun
[ORIGIN: ME dee, fr. AF dé]

1 plural dice : a small cube marked on each face with one to six spots and used usu. in pairs in games and gambling
2 plural dies : a device used to shape, finish, or impress an object

die·hard noun
: one who is strongly devoted or determined

dieresis variant of DIAERESIS

die·sel noun
1 : DIESEL ENGINE
2 : a vehicle driven by a diesel engine
3 : DIESEL FUEL

diesel engine noun
: an internal combustion engine in whose cylinders air is compressed to a temperature sufficiently high to ignite the fuel

diesel fuel noun
: a heavy mineral oil used as fuel in diesel engines

die·sel·ing noun
: the continued operation of an internal combustion engine after the ignition has been turned off

1diet noun
[ORIGIN: ME diete, fr. AF, fr. L diaeta, fr. Gk diaita, lit., manner of living, fr. diaitasthai to lead one's life]

1 : food and drink regularly consumed : FARE
2 : an allowance of food prescribed for a special reason (as to lose weight)

— di·e·tary adjective or noun

2diet verb
: to eat or cause to eat or drink less or according to a prescribed rule

— di·et·er noun

dietary supplement noun
: a product taken orally that contains ingredients (as vitamins or amino acids) intended to supplement one's diet

di·e·tet·ics noun singular or plural
: the science or art of applying the principles of nutrition to diet

— di·e·tet·ic adjective

di·e·ti·tian or di·e·ti·cian noun
: a specialist in dietetics

dif or diff abbreviation
difference

dif·fer verb dif·fered; dif·fer·ing
1 : to be unlike
2 : VARY
3 : DISAGREE

dif·fer·ence noun
1 : the quality or state of being different : UNLIKENESS <~ in their looks>
2 : distinction or discrimination in preference
3 : disagreement in opinion; also : an instance or cause of disagreement <unable to settle their ~s>
4 : the amount by which one number or quantity differs from another

Synonyms
[1] contrast, disagreement, discrepancy, disparity, distinction, diversity, unlikeness; also deviance, divergence; change, modification, variation; conflict, discord, dissension, dissent, dissidence, disunity, friction, strife; variability, variance; incompatibility, incongruity; disproportion
Antonyms
community, likeness, resemblance, sameness, similarity
[3] controversy, disagreement, dispute, dissension

dif·fer·ent adjective
1 : unlike in nature or quality
2 : not the same <~ age groups>; also : VARIOUS <~ members of the club>
3 : ANOTHER <try a ~ channel>
4 : UNUSUAL, SPECIAL

Synonyms
[1, 2] disparate, dissimilar, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, diverse, other, unalike, unlike, various; also divers, miscellaneous, several, sundry, variant, varied; individual, particular, peculiar, single; unequal; disproportionate
Antonyms
alike, indistinguishable, like, parallel, same, similar

dif·fer·ent·ly adverb
: in a different manner

Synonyms
else, other, otherwise—more at OTHERWISE

1differential adjective
: showing, creating, or relating to a difference

2differential noun
1 : the amount or degree by which things differ
2 : DIFFERENTIAL GEAR

differential gear noun
: an arrangement of gears in an automobile that allows one wheel to turn faster than another (as in rounding curves)

dif·fer·en·ti·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to make or become different
2 : to attain a specialized adult form and function during development
3 : to recognize or state the difference <~ between them>

— dif·fer·en·ti·a·tion noun

Synonyms
discern, discriminate, distinguish, separate—more at DISTINGUISH

dif·fi·cult adjective
1 : hard to do or make
2 : hard to understand or deal with <~ reading> <a ~ child>

Synonyms
[1] arduous, demanding, exacting, formidable, grueling, hard, herculean, laborious, murderous, rough, stiff, strenuous, tall, toilsome, tough—more at HARD
[2] catchy, delicate, knotty, problematic, spiny, thorny, ticklish, touchy, tough, tricky—more at TRICKY

dif·fi·cul·ty noun, plural -ties
[ORIGIN: ME difficulte, fr. AF difficulté, fr. L difficilis not easy, fr. dis- not + facilis easy]

1 : difficult nature <the ~ of a task>
2 : DISAGREEMENT <settled their difficulties>
3 : something that is difficult or serves to impede <overcome difficulties>
4 : an instance of trouble <in financial difficulties>

Synonyms
adversity, asperity, hardness, hardship, rigor; also discomfort, inconvenience, nuisance; affliction, trial, tribulation; knock, misfortune, mishap, tragedy; bar, catch, check, clog, crimp, embarrassment, handicap, hindrance, hitch, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, rub, shackle, snag, stop, trammel; block, chain, deterrent, encumbrance, fetter, inhibition; hump
complexity, complication, intricacy—more at COMPLICATION

dif·fi·dent adjective
1 : lacking confidence
2 : RESERVED 1

— dif·fi·dence noun

— dif·fi·dent·ly adverb

Synonyms
bashful, coy, demure, introverted, modest, retiring, sheepish, shy—more at SHY

dif·frac·tion noun
: the bending or spreading of waves (as of light) esp. when passing through narrow slits

1diffuse adjective
1 : being at once verbose and ill-organized <~ writing>
2 : not concentrated or localized <~ light>

Synonyms
circuitous, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy—more at WORDY

2diffuse verb dif·fused; dif·fus·ing
1 : to pour out or spread widely
2 : to undergo or cause to undergo diffusion
3 : to break up light by diffusion

dif·fu·sion noun
1 : a diffusing or a being diffused
2 : movement of particles (as of a gas) from a region of high to one of lower concentration
3 : the reflection of light from a rough surface or the passage of light through a translucent material

1dig verb dug ; dig·ging
1 : to turn up the soil (as with a spade)
2 : to hollow out or form by removing earth <~ a hole>
3 a : to uncover or seek by turning up earth <~ potatoes>
b : to penetrate below the surface in search of something hidden or buried — used with into
c : to advance by or as if by removing or pushing aside material <~ through the toy box>
4 : to come upon by searching or effort : DISCOVER <~ up information>
5 : POKE, THRUST <~ a person in the ribs>
6 : to work hard
7 a : UNDERSTAND, APPRECIATE
b : to feel attraction toward or take pleasure in : LIKE

Synonyms
usually dig into [3b] delve, explore, go, inquire, investigate, look, probe, research—more at EXPLORE
usually dig through [3c] dredge, hunt, rake, ransack, rifle, rummage, scour, search—more at SEARCH
usually dig up [4] ascertain, descry, detect, determine, discover, find, find out, get, hit, hunt, learn, locate, run down, scout, track—more at FIND
[7b] adore, delight, enjoy, fancy, groove, like, love, relish, revel—more at ENJOY

2dig noun
1 a : a quick thrust : POKE
b : a cutting remark
2 plural : living accommodations

Synonyms
affront, barb, dart, indignity, insult, name, offense, outrage, put-down, sarcasm, slight, slur, wound—more at INSULT

3dig abbreviation
digest

1digest noun
: a summation or condensation of a body of information; especially : a summarized or shortened version esp. of a literary work

Synonyms
abbreviation, condensation
abstract, encapsulation, epitome, outline, précis, recapitulation, résumé, roundup, sum, summary, synopsis—more at SUMMARY

2digest verb
1 : to think over and arrange in the mind
2 : to convert (food) into simpler forms that can be absorbed by the body
3 : to compress into a short summary

— di·gest·ibil·i·ty noun

— di·gest·ible adjective

— di·ges·tion noun

— di·ges·tive adjective

Synonyms
abstract, encapsulate, epitomize, outline, recapitulate, sum up, summarize, wrap up—more at SUMMARIZE

di·ges·tif noun
: an alcoholic drink taken after a meal

dig in verb
1 : to take a defensive stand esp. by digging trenches
2 : to firmly set to work
3 : to begin eating

dig·it noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L digitus finger, toe]

1 : any of the Arabic numerals 1 to 9 and usu. the symbol 0
2 : FINGER, TOE

Synonyms
figure, integer, number, numeral, whole number—more at NUMBER

dig·i·tal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or done with a finger or toe
2 : of, relating to, or using calculation by numerical methods or by discrete units
3 : relating to or employing communications signals in the form of binary digits <a ~ broadcast>
4 : providing a readout in numerical digits <a ~ watch>
5 : ELECTRONIC; also : characterized by computerized technology <the ~ age>

— dig·i·tal·ly adverb

digital camera noun
: a camera that records images as digital data instead of on film

dig·i·tal·is noun
: a drug from the common foxglove that is a powerful heart stimulant; also : FOXGLOVE

digital versatile disc noun
: DVD

digital video disc noun
: DVD

dig·ni·fied adjective
: showing or expressing dignity

Synonyms
august, imposing, solemn, staid, stately; also decorous, formal, proper, seemly; grim, sober, somber; aristocratic, lordly, majestic, noble
Antonyms
flighty, frivolous, giddy, goofy, silly, undignified

dig·ni·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to give dignity, distinction, or attention to

Synonyms
aggrandize, ennoble, exalt, glorify, magnify—more at EXALT

dig·ni·tary noun, plural -tar·ies
: a person of high position or honor

dig·ni·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed
2 : high rank, office, or position
3 : formal reserve of manner, language, or appearance

di·graph noun
: a group of two successive letters whose phonetic value is a single sound (as ea in bread)

di·gress verb
: to turn aside esp. from the main subject or argument

— di·gres·sion noun

di·gres·sive adjective
: characterized by digressions

Synonyms
desultory, discursive, rambling—more at DISCURSIVE

Di·jon mustard noun
: a mustard made from dark mustard seeds, white wine, and spices

dike noun
1 : an artificial watercourse : DITCH
2 : a bank of earth constructed to control water : LEVEE

Synonyms
[1] ditch, gutter, trench—more at DITCH
[2] dam, embankment, levee—more at DAM

dil abbreviation
dilute

di·lap·i·dat·ed adjective
: fallen into partial ruin or decay

Synonyms
grungy, mangy, mean, miserable, neglected, ratty, scruffy, seedy, shabby, tacky, threadbare—more at SHABBY

di·lap·i·da·tion noun
: the act of dilapidating or the state of being dilapidated

Synonyms
desolation, disrepair, neglect—more at NEGLECT

di·late verb di·lat·ed; di·lat·ing
: SWELL, DISTEND, EXPAND

— dil·a·ta·tion noun

— di·la·tion noun

dil·a·to·ry adjective
1 : DELAYING
2 : characterized by procrastination : TARDY

Synonyms
creeping, laggard, languid, poky, slow, sluggish, tardy—more at SLOW

di·lem·ma noun
1 : a usu. undesirable or unpleasant choice; also : a situation involving such a choice
2 : PREDICAMENT

dil·et·tante noun, plural -tantes or -tan·ti
[ORIGIN: It, fr. prp. of dilettare to delight, fr. L dilectare]

: a person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge

dil·i·gence noun
: persevering application

Synonyms
assiduity, industry; also application, concentration; doggedness, perseverance, persistence, tenacity, tirelessness

dil·i·gent adjective
: characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort

Synonyms
active, assiduous, busy, engaged, laborious, occupied, sedulous, working—more at BUSY

dil·i·gent·ly adverb
: in a diligent manner

Synonyms
determinedly, hard, laboriously, strenuously, tirelessly—more at HARD

dill noun
: an herb related to the carrot with aromatic leaves and seeds used as seasoning and in pickles

dil·ly noun, plural dil·lies
: one that is remarkable or outstanding

dil·ly·dal·ly verb
: to waste time by loitering or delaying

Synonyms
crawl, creep, dally, dawdle, delay, drag, lag, linger, loiter, poke, tarry—more at DELAY

1dilute verb di·lut·ed; di·lut·ing
: to lessen the consistency or strength of by mixing with something else

— di·lu·tion noun

Synonyms
adulterate, thin, water, weaken—more at ADULTERATE

2dilute adjective
: having the consistency or strength of lessened by mixing with something else : DILUTED

Synonyms
impure, polluted—more at IMPURE
diluted, thin, watery, weak—more at WEAK

1dim adjective dim·mer; dim·mest
1 : lacking brilliance or luster : DULL
2 : not bright or distinct : OBSCURE
3 : not seeing or understanding clearly
4 : perceived by the senses or mind indistinctly or weakly

— dim·ly adverb

— dim·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] dull, flat, lusterless
[2] dark, darkling, dusky, gloomy, murky, obscure, somber—more at DARK
[4] bleary, faint, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indefinite, indistinct, indistinguishable, murky, nebulous, obscure, opaque, shadowy, unclear, undefined, undetermined, vague—more at FAINT

2dim verb dimmed; dim·ming
1 : to make or become dim or lusterless
2 : to reduce the light from

Synonyms
[1, 2] becloud, befog, blur, cloud, darken, fog, haze, mist, obscure, overcast, overshadow, shroud—more at CLOUD

3dim abbreviation
1 dimension
2 diminished
3 diminutive

dime noun
[ORIGIN: ME, tenth part, tithe, fr. AF disme, dime, fr. L decima, fr. fem. of decimus tenth, fr. decem ten]

: a U.S. coin worth 1/10 dollar

di·men·sion noun
1 : the physical property of length, breadth, or thickness; also : a measure of this
2 a : the quality of spatial extension : EXTENT
b : the range over which or the degree to which something extends : SCOPE — usu. used in pl.

— di·men·sion·al adjective

— di·men·sion·al·i·ty noun

Synonyms
extent, magnitude, measure, measurement, proportion, size—more at SIZE

di·min·ish verb
1 : to make less or cause to appear less
2 : to lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of : BELITTLE
3 : to become gradually less (as in size or importance) : DWINDLE
4 : to diminish gradually : TAPER

Synonyms
[2] belittle, cry down, decry, deprecate, depreciate, discount, disparage, minimize, put down, write off—more at DECRY
[3, 4] abate, de-escalate, decline, decrease, die, dwindle, ebb, fall, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, recede, relent, shrink, subside, taper, wane

di·min·u·en·do adverb or adjective
: DECRESCENDO

dim·i·nu·tion noun
: the act, process, or an instance of diminishing

Synonyms
abatement, decline, decrease, decrement, drop, fall, loss, reduction, shrinkage—more at DECREASE

1diminutive noun
1 : a diminutive word or affix
2 : a diminutive individual

2diminutive adjective
1 : indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being lovable, pitiable, or contemptible <the ~ suffixes -ette and -ling>
2 : extremely small : TINY

dim·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: a thin usu. corded cotton fabric

dim·mer noun
: a device for controlling the amount of light from an electric lighting unit

di·mor·phic adjective
: occurring in two distinct forms

— di·mor·phism noun

1dimple noun
: a small depression esp. in the cheek or chin

2dimple verb dim·pled; dim·pling
: to form dimples (as in smiling)

din noun
: a loud confused mixture of noises

Synonyms
bluster, cacophony, clamor, noise, racket, roar—more at NOISE

dine verb dined; din·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF disner, diner to eat, have a meal, fr. VL *disjejunare to break one's fast, ultim. fr. L jejunus fasting]

1 : to eat dinner
2 : to give a dinner to

Synonyms
[1] eat, fare, feed; also banquet, feast, fete; board, mess; breakfast, lunch, sup; picnic
[2] banquet, feast, junket, regale—more at FEAST

din·er noun
1 : one that dines
2 : a railroad dining car
3 : a restaurant usu. resembling a dining car

Synonyms
café, grill, restaurant—more at RESTAURANT

di·nette noun
: an alcove or small room used for dining

ding verb
: to cause minor damage to a surface

— ding noun

din·ghy noun, plural dinghies
1 : a small boat
2 : LIFE RAFT

din·gi·ness noun
: the quality or state of being dingy

Synonyms
dirtiness, filthiness, foulness, grubbiness, nastiness, uncleanliness—more at DIRTINESS

din·gle noun
: a small wooded valley

din·go noun, plural dingoes
: a reddish brown wild dog of Australia

din·gus noun
: DOODAD

din·gy adjective din·gi·er; -est
1 : not clean or pure : DIRTY
2 : SHABBY

dink noun, often all cap
[ORIGIN: double income, no kids]

: a couple with two incomes and no children; also : a member of such a couple

din·ky adjective din·ki·er; -est
: overly or unattractively small

din·ner noun
1 : the main meal of the day
2 : a formal banquet

Synonyms
banquet, feast, feed, spread—more at FEAST

din·ner·ware noun
: tableware other than flatware

di·no noun, plural dinos
: DINOSAUR

di·no·fla·gel·late noun
: any of an order of planktonic plantlike unicellular flagellates of which some cause red tide

di·no·saur noun
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. Gk deinos terrifying + sauros lizard]

: any of a group of extinct long-tailed Mesozoic reptiles often of huge size

dint noun
1 : FORCE <by ~ of sheer grit>
2 : a depression or hollow made by a blow or by pressure : DENT

di·o·cese noun, plural -ces·es
: the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop

— di·oc·e·san adjective or noun

di·ode noun
: an electronic device with two electrodes or terminals used esp. as a rectifier

di·ox·in noun
: a persistent toxic hydrocarbon that occurs esp. as a by-product of industrial processes and waste incineration

1dip verb dipped; dip·ping
1 : to plunge temporarily or partially under the surface (as of a liquid)
2 : to thrust in a way to suggest immersion
3 : to scoop up or out : LADLE
4 : to lower and then raise quickly <~ a flag in salute>
5 : to drop or slope down esp. suddenly <the moon dipped below the crest>
6 : to decrease moderately and usu. temporarily <prices dipped>
7 : to reach inside or as if inside or below a surface <dipped into their savings>
8 : to examine or read something casually or superficially <~ into a book>

Synonyms
[1] douse, duck, dunk, immerse, souse, submerge; also drench, flood, soak, wet; plunge, thrust
[3] ladle, scoop, spoon; also bail; deplete, drain, eliminate, exhaust; bleed, draw (off); dish; draw, siphon
[5, 6] decline, descend, drop, fall, lower, plummet, plunge, sink, tumble—more at DROP
[8] browse, glance, glimpse, peek, skim—more at GLANCE

2dip noun
1 : an act of dipping; especially : a short swim
2 : inclination downward : DROP
3 : something obtained by or used in dipping
4 : a sauce or soft mixture into which food may be dipped
5 : a liquid into which something may be dipped (as for cleansing or coloring)

Synonyms
descent, dive, down, drop, fall, plunge—more at DESCENT

diph·the·ria noun
: an acute contagious bacterial disease marked by fever and by coating of the air passages with a membrane that interferes with breathing

diph·thong noun
: two vowel sounds joined in one syllable to form one speech sound (as ou in out)

dip·loid adjective
: having two haploid sets of chromosomes <~ somatic cells>

— diploid noun

di·plo·ma noun, plural diplomas
: an official record of graduation from or of a degree conferred by a school

di·plo·ma·cy noun
1 : the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations
2 : TACT

dip·lo·mat noun
: one employed or skilled in diplomacy

— dip·lo·mat·ic adjective

di·plo·ma·tist noun
: DIPLOMAT

dip·per noun
1 : any of a genus of birds that are related to the thrushes and are skilled in diving
2 : something (as a ladle or scoop) that dips or is used for dipping
3 cap : BIG DIPPER
4 cap : LITTLE DIPPER

dip·so·ma·nia noun
: an uncontrollable craving for alcoholic liquors

— dip·so·ma·ni·ac noun

dip·stick noun
: a graduated rod for indicating depth

dip·ter·an adjective
: of, relating to, or being a fly (sense 2)

— dipteran noun

— dip·ter·ous adjective

dir abbreviation
1 direction
2 director

dire adjective dir·er; dir·est
1 : very horrible : DREADFUL
2 : warning of disaster
3 : EXTREME
4 : demanding immediate action to fend off disastrous consequences

Synonyms
[1] dreadful, fearful, fearsome, forbidding, formidable, frightful, hair-raising, horrible, redoubtable, scary, shocking, terrible, terrifying—more at FEARFUL
[2] baleful, foreboding, menacing, ominous, portentous, sinister—more at OMINOUS
[4] acute, critical, imperative, imperious, instant, pressing, urgent—more at ACUTE

1direct verb
1 : ADDRESS <~ a letter>; also : to impart orally : AIM <~ a remark to the gallery>
2 : to regulate the activities or course of : guide the supervision, organizing, or performance of
3 : to cause to turn, move, or point or to follow a certain course
4 : to point, extend, or project in a specified line or course
5 : to request or instruct with authority
6 : to show or point out the way

Synonyms
[2] administer, carry on, conduct, control, govern, guide, handle, manage, operate, oversee, regulate, run, superintend, supervise—more at CONDUCT
[3] aim, bend, cast, head, level, set, train—more at AIM
[5] command, decree, dictate, ordain, order
[5] bid, boss, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, order, tell—more at COMMAND
[6] conduct, guide, lead, marshal, pilot, route, show, steer, usher—more at LEAD

2direct adjective
1 : stemming immediately from a source <~ result>
2 : being or passing in a straight line of descent : LINEAL <~ ancestor>
3 : leading from one point to another in time or space without turn or stop : STRAIGHT
4 : free from evasiveness or obscurity : STRAIGHTFORWARD <a ~ manner>
5 : operating without an intervening agency or step <~ action>
6 : effected by the action of the people or the electorate and not by representatives <~ democracy>
7 : consisting of or reproducing the exact words of a speaker or writer

Synonyms
[1] firsthand, immediate, primary; also clinical
Antonyms
indirect, secondhand
[4] candid, forthright, foursquare, frank, honest, open, outspoken, plain, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved—more at FRANK

3direct adverb
: in a direct way

Synonyms
dead, directly, due, plump, right, straight—more at DIRECTLY

direct deposit noun
: a method of payment in which money is transferred to the payee's account without the use of checks or cash

direct broadcast satellite noun
: a television broadcasting system in which satellite transmissions are received at the viewing location

direct current noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only

di·rec·tion noun
1 : guidance or supervision of action or conduct : MANAGEMENT
2 : an explicit instruction : COMMAND
3 : the course or line along which something moves, lies, or points
4 : TENDENCY, TREND

— di·rec·tion·al adjective

Synonyms
administration, conduct, control, government, guidance, management, operation, oversight, regulation, running, superintendence, supervision—more at CONDUCT

di·rec·tive noun
: something that directs and usu. impels toward an action or goal; especially : an order issued by a high-level body or official

Synonyms
decree, edict, fiat, ruling—more at EDICT
behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, edict, instruction, order, word—more at COMMAND

di·rect·ly adverb
1 : in a direct manner
2 : without delay

Synonyms
[1] dead, direct, due, plump, right, straight
Antonyms
indirectly
[2] forthwith, immediately, instantly, now, promptly, pronto, right away, right now—more at IMMEDIATELY

direct mail noun
: printed matter used for soliciting business or contributions and mailed direct to individuals

di·rect·ness noun
1 : the character of being accurate in course or aim
2 : strict pertinence : FORTHRIGHTNESS

Synonyms
candor, forthrightness, frankness, openness, plainness—more at CANDOR

di·rec·tor noun
1 : one that directs : MANAGER
2 : one of a group of persons who direct the affairs of an organized body

— di·rec·tor·ship noun

Synonyms
administrator, executive, manager, superintendent, supervisor—more at EXECUTIVE

di·rec·tor·ate noun
1 : the office or position of director
2 : a board of directors; also : membership on such a board
3 : an executive staff

di·rec·to·ri·al adjective
: serving to direct

Synonyms
executive, managerial, supervisory—more at EXECUTIVE

director's cut noun
: a version of a motion picture that is edited according to the director's wishes

di·rec·to·ry noun, plural -ries
: an alphabetical or classified list esp. of names and addresses

dire·ful adjective
1 : causing great and oppressive fear : DREADFUL
2 : OMINOUS

dirge noun
: a song of lamentation; also : a slow mournful piece of music

Synonyms
elegy, lament, requiem, threnody—more at LAMENT

di·ri·gi·ble noun
: AIRSHIP

dirk noun
: DAGGER 1

dirndl noun
[ORIGIN: short for G Dirndlkleid, fr. G dial. Dirndl girl + G Kleid dress]

: a full skirt with a tight waistband

dirt noun
1 : a filthy or soiling substance (as mud, dust, or grime)
2 : loose or packed earth : SOIL
3 : moral uncleanness
4 : scandalous gossip
5 : embarrassing or incriminating information

Synonyms
[1] filth, grime, muck, smut, soil—more at FILTH
[2] earth, ground, soil; also clay, dust, gravel, humus, loam, loess, marl, mud, sand, silt, subsoil, topsoil

dirt·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being dirty

Synonyms
dinginess, filthiness, foulness, grubbiness, nastiness, uncleanliness; also impurity; shabbiness; squalor
Antonyms
cleanliness

1dirty adjective dirt·i·er; -est
1 : not clean : SOILED
2 : morally unclean or corrupt : INDECENT <~ jokes>
3 a : lacking honor : BASE <a ~ trick>
b : not characteristic of or exhibiting good sportsmanship
4 : relating to, characterized by, or indicative of a storm <~ weather>
5 : not clear in color : DULL <a ~ red>

— dirty adverb

Synonyms
[1] dusty, filthy, foul, grubby, grungy, mucky, muddy, nasty, smutty, soiled, sordid, unclean; also contaminated, defiled, impure, polluted, tainted; uncleaned, unsanitary, unsterile, unwashed; discolored; bedraggled; chaotic, cluttered, confused, disarranged, disheveled, disordered, jumbled, littered, messed, messy, muddled, mussed, mussy, rumpled, scruffy, sloppy, slovenly, unkempt, untidy; shabby, sleazy, squalid; smutty, sooty
Antonyms
clean, cleanly, immaculate, spick-and-span, spotless, stainless, unsoiled, unstained, unsullied
[2] bawdy, coarse, crude, filthy, foul, gross, indecent, lascivious, lewd, nasty, obscene, pornographic, ribald, smutty, unprintable, vulgar, wanton—more at OBSCENE
[3a] base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dishonorable, ignoble, low, mean, snide, sordid, vile, wretched—more at IGNOBLE
[3b] foul, illegal, unfair, unsportsmanlike
[4] bleak, foul, inclement, nasty, raw, rough, squally, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent—more at FOUL

2dirty verb dirt·ied; dirty·ing
: to make or become dirty

Synonyms
befoul, begrime, besmirch, blacken, foul, grime, mire, muddy, smirch, soil, stain; also contaminate, defile, pollute, taint; discolor; confuse, disarrange, disarray, dishevel, disorder, jumble, mess, muddle
Antonyms
clean, cleanse

dis·able verb dis·abled; dis·abling
1 : to disqualify legally
2 : to make unable to perform by or as if by illness, injury, or malfunction

— dis·abil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
cripple, hamstring, immobilize, incapacitate, paralyze, prostrate—more at PARALYZE

dis·abled adjective
: incapacitated by illness, injury, or wounds; also : physically or mentally impaired

Synonyms
challenged, handicapped; also blind, deaf, dumb, halt, lame, mute, paralyzed; ailing, diseased, ill, sick, unfit, unhealthy, unsound, unwell
Antonyms
able-bodied

dis·abuse verb
: to free from error, fallacy, or misconception

dis·ad·van·tage noun
1 : loss or damage esp. to reputation or finances
2 a : an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition
b : a quality or circumstance that makes achievement unusually difficult : HANDICAP

Synonyms
drawback, handicap, liability, minus, penalty, strike; also detriment, disability, impairment; failing, shortcoming; bar, catch, check, clog, crimp, embarrassment, hindrance, hitch, hurdle, impediment, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, rub, shackle, stop, trammel
Antonyms
advantage, asset, edge, plus

dis·ad·van·taged adjective
: lacking in basic resources or conditions believed necessary for an equal position in society

dis·ad·van·ta·geous adjective
: constituting a disadvantage

Synonyms
adverse, counter, hostile, inimical, negative, prejudicial, unfavorable, unfriendly, unsympathetic—more at ADVERSE

dis·af·fect verb
: to alienate the affection or loyalty of

Synonyms
alienate, disgruntle, estrange, sour—more at ESTRANGE
discontent, disgruntle, displease, dissatisfy—more at DISCONTENT

dis·af·fec·tion noun
: alienation of affection

Synonyms
alienation, estrangement—more at ESTRANGEMENT

dis·agree verb
1 : to fail to agree
2 : to differ in opinion
3 : to cause discomfort or distress <fried foods ~ with her>

dis·agree·able adjective
1 : causing discomfort : UNPLEASANT
2 : marked by ill temper : ILL-TEMPERED

— dis·agree·able·ness noun

— dis·agree·ably adverb

Synonyms
[1] bad, distasteful, nasty, rotten, sour, uncongenial, unlovely, unpleasant, unwelcome—more at UNPLEASANT
[2] bearish, bilious, cantankerous, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-tempered, ornery, splenetic, surly

dis·agree·ment noun
1 : the act or instance of disagreeing
2 a : the state of being at variance : DISPARITY
b : a usu. verbal conflict between antagonists : QUARREL

Synonyms
[1] controversy, difference, dispute, dissension; also clash, collision, conflict, discord, strife; debate, discussion; altercation, argument, bicker, falling-out, fight, quarrel
Antonyms
accord, agreement, harmony
[2a] contrast, difference, discrepancy, disparity, distinction, diversity, unlikeness—more at DIFFERENCE
[2b] altercation, argument, bicker, brawl, dispute, fight, hassle, misunderstanding, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle—more at ARGUMENT

dis·al·low verb
1 : to deny the force, truth, or validity of : REJECT <~ a claim>
2 : to refuse to allow

Synonyms
[1, 2] contradict, deny, disavow, disclaim, gainsay, negate, negative, reject, repudiate—more at DENY

dis·al·low·ance noun
: the act of disallowing

Synonyms
contradiction, denial, disavowal, disclaimer, negation, rejection, repudiation—more at DENIAL

dis·ap·pear verb
1 : to pass out of sight
2 : to cease to be : become lost

— dis·ap·pear·ance noun

Synonyms
dissolve, evaporate, fade, flee, go, melt, vanish; also clear, dissipate
Antonyms
appear, materialize

dis·ap·point verb
: to fail to fulfill the expectation or hope of

Synonyms
cheat, dissatisfy, fail, let down; also discontent, disgruntle, displease; disenchant, disillusion
Antonyms
satisfy

dis·ap·point·ment noun
: the act or an instance of disappointing : the state or emotion of being disappointed

Synonyms
dismay, dissatisfaction, frustration, letdown; also disenchantment, disillusionment; blues, dejection, depression, desolateness, desolation, despondency, distress, doldrums, dolor, dumps, gloom, gloominess, melancholy, oppression, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness; alarm, concern, consternation; chagrin, discomfiture
Antonyms
contentment, gratification, satisfaction

dis·ap·pro·ba·tion noun
: the act or state of disapproving : the state of being disapproved : DISAPPROVAL

dis·ap·prov·al noun
: the act or state of disapproving : the state of being disapproved

Synonyms
deprecation, disfavor, dislike, displeasure; also blame, censure, criticism, denunciation, dressing down, opprobrium, reproach, reprobation; antagonism, antipathy, hostility; disparagement, opposition
Antonyms
approbation, approval, favor

dis·ap·prove verb
1 : to pass unfavorable judgment on
2 : to feel or express disapproval <~s of smoking>
3 : to refuse approval to : REJECT

— dis·ap·prov·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
usually disapprove of [1] deprecate, discountenance, disfavor, dislike, frown, reprove; also blame, censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate; chide, rebuke, reproach, scold
Antonyms
approve, favor, like
[3] decline, disallow, negative, refuse, reject, repudiate, spurn, turn down—more at DECLINE

dis·arm verb
1 : to take arms or weapons from
2 : to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of a country
3 : to make harmless, peaceable, or friendly : win over <a ~ing smile>

— dis·ar·ma·ment noun

Synonyms
appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, placate, propitiate—more at PACIFY

dis·ar·range verb
: to disturb the arrangement or order of

dis·ar·range·ment noun
: the act of disarranging or the state of being disarranged

dis·ar·ray noun
1 : a lack of order or sequence : DISORDER
2 : disorderly or careless dress

Synonyms
chaos, confusion, disorder, disorganization, havoc, hell, jumble, mess, muddle, shambles—more at CHAOS

dis·as·sem·ble verb
: to take apart

Synonyms
dismantle, knock down, strike, take down; also detach, disengage; disconnect, divide, disjoin, disunite, separate
Antonyms
assemble, construct, put together

dis·as·so·ci·ate verb
: to detach from association

di·sas·ter noun
[ORIGIN: MF desastre, fr. It disastro, fr. astro star, fr. L astrum]

: a sudden or great misfortune

— di·sas·trous·ly adverb

Synonyms
calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, debacle, tragedy; also collapse, crash, meltdown; convulsion, paroxysm, upheaval; accident, casualty, fatality; misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, woe; bummer, downer

di·sas·trous adjective
: attended by or causing suffering or disaster

Synonyms
calamitous, catastrophic, destructive, fatal, fateful, ruinous, unfortunate—more at FATAL

dis·avow verb
1 : to deny responsibility for : REPUDIATE
2 : to refuse to acknowledge or accept : DISCLAIM

Synonyms
[1, 2] contradict, deny, disallow, disclaim, gainsay, negate, negative, reject, repudiate—more at DENY

dis·avow·al noun
: the act or an instance of disavowing

Synonyms
contradiction, denial, disallowance, disclaimer, negation, rejection, repudiation—more at DENIAL

dis·band verb
: to break up the organization of : DISPERSE

Synonyms
break up, disperse, dissolve
Antonyms
band, join, unite

dis·bar verb
: to expel from the legal profession

— dis·bar·ment noun

dis·be·lieve verb
1 : to hold not worthy of belief : not believe
2 : to withhold or reject belief

— dis·be·lief noun

dis·be·liev·er noun
: one that is not a believer

Synonyms
doubter, questioner, skeptic, unbeliever—more at SKEPTIC

dis·bur·den verb
: to rid of a burden

Synonyms
clear, disencumber, free, relieve, rid, unburden—more at RID

dis·burse verb dis·bursed; dis·burs·ing
1 : to pay out : EXPEND
2 : DISTRIBUTE

Synonyms
expend, give, lay out, pay, spend—more at SPEND

dis·burse·ment noun
1 : the act of disbursing
2 : funds paid out

Synonyms
[1] compensation, payment, remittance, remuneration—more at PAYMENT
[2] cost, expenditure, expense, outgo, outlay—more at EXPENSE

1disc variant of DISK

2disc abbreviation
discount

1discard verb
1 : to let go a playing card from one's hand; also : to play (a card) from a suit other than a trump but different from the one led
2 : to get rid of as unwanted

Synonyms
cast, ditch, dump, fling, jettison, junk, lose, reject, scrap, shed, shuck, slough, throw away, throw out, unload; also abandon, desert, forsake; dismiss; abolish, annihilate, eliminate, eradicate, expunge, exterminate, extinguish, extirpate, liquidate, remove, root (out), stamp (out), wipe out

2discard noun
: one that is cast off or rejected

Synonyms
cull, reject, rejection—more at CULL

disc brake noun
: a brake that operates by the friction of a pair of plates pressing against the sides of a rotating disc

dis·cern verb
1 : to detect with the eyes : DISTINGUISH
2 : to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : DISCRIMINATE
3 : to come to know or recognize mentally

Synonyms
[1] behold, descry, distinguish, espy, eye, look, note, notice, observe, perceive, regard, remark, see, sight, spy, view, witness—more at SEE
[2] differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, separate—more at DISTINGUISH

dis·cern·ible noun
: capable of being discerned

Synonyms
appreciable, detectable, distinguishable, palpable, perceptible, sensible—more at PERCEPTIBLE

dis·cern·ing adjective
: revealing insight and understanding

Synonyms
insightful, perceptive, sagacious, sage, sapient, wise—more at WISE

dis·cern·ment noun
: the ability to grasp and comprehend what is obscure

Synonyms
insight, perception, sagacity, sapience, wisdom—more at WISDOM

1discharge verb
1 : to relieve of a charge, load, or burden : UNLOAD; especially : to remove the electrical energy from <~ a storage battery>
2 : to let or put off <~ passengers>
3 : to drive (as an arrow or bullet) forward quickly or forcibly : SHOOT
4 : to set free <~ a prisoner>
5 : to give outlet or vent to <~ emotions> <~ fumes>
6 : to dismiss from service or employment, service, or duty <~ a soldier>
7 : to get rid of by paying or doing <~ a debt>
8 : to give forth fluid <the river ~s into the ocean>

Synonyms
[1, 2] disburden, disencumber, unburden, unload—more at UNLOAD
[3] blast, fire, loose, shoot—more at SHOOT
[5] cast, emit, exhale, expel, issue, release, shoot, vent—more at EMIT
[7] clear, foot, liquidate, pay, pay off, quit, recompense, settle, spring, stand—more at PAY

2discharge noun
1 : the act of discharging, unloading, releasing, or relieving
2 : something that discharges; especially : a certification of release or payment
3 : a firing off (as of a gun)
4 : a flowing out (as of blood from a wound); also : something that is emitted <a purulent ~>
5 : release or dismissal esp. from an office or employment; also : complete separation from military service
6 : a flow of electricity (as through a gas)

Synonyms
[1] delivery, quietus, quittance, release—more at RELEASE
[3] shot—more at SHOT
[5] dismissal, layoff—more at LAYOFF

dis·ci·ple noun
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. LL discipulus follower of Jesus in his lifetime, fr. L, pupil]

1 : one who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of another; also : a convinced adherent
2 cap : a member of the Disciples of Christ

Synonyms
adherent, convert, follower, partisan, pupil, votary—more at FOLLOWER

dis·ci·pli·nar·i·an noun
: one who enforces order

dis·ci·plin·ary adjective
: of or relating to discipline; also : CORRECTIVE <take ~ action>

Synonyms
corrective, penal, punitive—more at PUNITIVE

1discipline noun
1 : suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution : PUNISHMENT
2 : a field of study
3 : training that corrects, molds, or perfects
4 : control gained by obedience or training : orderly conduct
5 : a system of rules governing conduct

Synonyms
area, arena, demesne, department, domain, field, line, province, realm, specialty, sphere—more at FIELD

2discipline verb -plined; -plin·ing
1 : to punish or penalize for the sake of discipline : PUNISH
2 : to train or develop by instruction and exercise esp. in self-control
3 : to bring under control <~ troops>; also : to impose order upon

Synonyms
castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, penalize, punish—more at PUNISH

disc jockey or disk jockey noun
: an announcer of a radio show of popular recorded music

dis·claim verb
1 : to declare untrue : DENY
2 : to refuse to admit or acknowledge : DISAVOW

Synonyms
disavow, disown, repudiate; also contradict, deny, disallow, gainsay, negate, negative, refuse, reject; challenge, confute, criticize, disprove, rebut, refute; dispute, question
Antonyms
acknowledge, avow, claim, own, recognize

dis·claim·er noun
1 : a denial or disavowal of legal claim; also : a writing that embodies a legal disclaimer
2 : a refusal to acknowledge or accept

Synonyms
contradiction, denial, disallowance, disavowal, negation, rejection, repudiation—more at DENIAL

dis·close verb
1 : to expose to view
2 : to make known or public

— dis·clo·sure noun

Synonyms
bare, discover, divulge, expose, reveal, spill, tell, unbosom, uncloak, uncover, unmask, unveil—more at REVEAL

dis·co noun, plural discos
1 : a nightclub for dancing to live or recorded music
2 : popular dance music characterized by hypnotic rhythm, repetitive lyrics, and electronically produced sounds

Synonyms
café, discotheque, nightclub—more at NIGHTCLUB

dis·col·or verb
: to alter or change in hue or color esp. for the worse

— dis·col·or·ation noun

dis·com·bob·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: UPSET, CONFUSE

dis·com·fit verb
: to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment

Synonyms
abash, confound, confuse, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, rattle—more at EMBARRASS

dis·com·fi·ture noun
: the act of discomfiting : the state of being discomfited

Synonyms
abashment, confusion, embarrassment, fluster, mortification—more at EMBARRASSMENT

1discomfort verb
: to make uncomfortable or uneasy

2discomfort noun
: mental or physical uneasiness

dis·com·mode verb -mod·ed; -mod·ing
: to cause inconvenience to : TROUBLE

Synonyms
disoblige, disturb, inconvenience, trouble—more at INCONVENIENCE

dis·com·pose verb
1 : to destroy the composure of : AGITATE
2 : to disturb the order of : DISARRANGE

— dis·com·po·sure noun

Synonyms
agitate, bother, concern, disquiet, distress, disturb, exercise, freak, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, worry

dis·con·cert verb
: to disturb the composure of : CONFUSE

Synonyms
abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, rattle—more at EMBARRASS

dis·con·cert·ing adjective
: causing loss of composure or self-possession

Synonyms
awkward, uncomfortable—more at AWKWARD

dis·con·nect verb
: to undo the connection of

— dis·con·nec·tion noun

Synonyms
break up, disjoint, dissever, dissociate, disunite, divide, divorce, part, resolve, separate, sever, split, sunder, unyoke—more at SEPARATE

dis·con·nect·ed adjective
1 : not connected : SEPARATE
2 : lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance : INCOHERENT

— dis·con·nect·ed·ly adverb

— dis·con·nect·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] detached, discrete, freestanding, separate, single, unattached, unconnected—more at SEPARATE
[2] disjointed, incoherent, unconnected—more at INCOHERENT

dis·con·so·late adjective
1 : CHEERLESS
2 : hopelessly sad

— dis·con·so·late·ly adverb

Synonyms
brokenhearted, despondent, forlorn, heartsick, miserable, sad, unhappy, wretched—more at SAD

1discontent noun
: uneasiness of mind : DISSATISFACTION

Synonyms
displeasure, disquiet, dissatisfaction; also bitterness, resentment; perturbation, uneasiness; blues, dejection, depression, desolateness, desolation, despondency, doldrums, dolor, dumps; misery, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness, wretchedness
Antonyms
contentedness, contentment, pleasure, satisfaction

2discontent verb
: to make dissatisfied or displeased

Synonyms
disaffect, disgruntle, displease, dissatisfy; also alienate, estrange; agitate, discompose, disturb, disquiet, perturb, upset; annoy, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve; depress, sadden
Antonyms
content, gratify, please, satisfy

dis·con·tent·ed adjective
: expressing or showing lack of satisfaction

Synonyms
aggrieved, discontent, dissatisfied, malcontent; also disappointed, frustrated, unfulfilled; disquieted, disturbed, perturbed, upset; dejected, depressed, despairing, despondent, disconsolate, doleful, down, downcast, downhearted, forlorn, hangdog, inconsolable, joyless, miserable, mournful, sad, sorrowful, unhappy
Antonyms
content, contented, gratified, pleased, satisfied

dis·con·tin·u·ance noun
: the act or an instance of discontinuing

dis·con·tin·ue verb
1 : to break the continuity of : cease to operate, use, or take
2 : to come or bring to an end

Synonyms
[1, 2] break, break off, cease, cut, desist, drop, end, halt, knock off, lay off, leave off, quit, shut off, stop—more at STOP

dis·con·ti·nu·i·ty noun
1 : lack of continuity or cohesion
2 : a break in continuity : GAP

Synonyms
gap, hiatus, interim, interlude, intermission, interruption, interval—more at GAP

dis·con·tin·u·ous adjective
: not continuous

Synonyms
casual, choppy, erratic, fitful, intermittent, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady—more at FITFUL

dis·cord noun
1 : lack of agreement or harmony : DISSENSION
2 : a harsh combination of musical sounds
3 : a harsh or unpleasant sound

Synonyms
conflict, dissension, dissent, disunity, friction, schism, strife, variance, war, warfare; also clash, collision, competition, contention; altercation, argument, bicker, brawl, debate, disagreement, dispute, falling-out, fight, hassle, jar, quarrel, row, run-in, scrap, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle; incompatibility, incongruity, inconsistency; animosity, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, hostility, ill will, rancor
Antonyms
accord, agreement, concord, concordance, harmony, peace

dis·cor·dant adjective
1 a : being at variance <~ opinions>
b : apt or disposed to quarrel in an often petty manner : QUARRELSOME
2 : relating to a discord <a ~ tone>

— dis·cor·dant·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1a] discrepant, incompatible, incongruous, inharmonious
[2] dissonant, inharmonious, unmelodious, unmusical—more at DISSONANT

dis·co·theque or discothèque noun
: a nightclub for dancing to live or recorded music : DISCO 1

Synonyms
café, disco, nightclub—more at NIGHTCLUB

1discount noun
1 : a reduction made from a regular or list price
2 : a deduction of interest in advance when lending money

Synonyms
[1, 2] abatement, deduction, reduction—more at DEDUCTION

2discount verb
1 : to deduct from the amount of a bill, debt, or charge usu. for cash or prompt payment; also : to sell or offer for sale at a discount
2 : to lend money after deducting the discount <~ a note>
3 a : DISREGARD
b : to minimize the importance of
4 : to make allowance for bias or exaggeration
5 : to take into account (as a future event) in present calculations

— dis·count·able adjective

— dis·count·er noun

Synonyms
belittle, cry down, decry, deprecate, depreciate, diminish, disparage, minimize, put down, write off—more at DECRY

3discount adjective
: selling goods or services at a discount; also : sold at or reflecting a discount

dis·coun·te·nance verb
1 : to disturb the composure of : DISCONCERT
2 : to look with disfavor on

Synonyms
[1] abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, rattle—more at EMBARRASS
[2] deprecate, disapprove, disfavor, dislike, frown, reprove

dis·cour·age verb -aged; -ag·ing
1 : to deprive of courage or confidence : DISHEARTEN
2 : to hinder by disfavoring
3 : to dissuade or attempt to dissuade

— dis·cour·ag·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] daunt, demoralize, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, unman, unnerve; also browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate; depress, sadden, weigh; afflict, try; damp, dampen, deaden; distress, trouble; bother, irk, vex, worry; debilitate, enfeeble, undermine, weaken; frighten, horrify, scare
Antonyms
embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel
[3] deter, dissuade, inhibit; also divert
Antonyms
encourage, persuade

dis·cour·age·ment noun
: the act of discouraging : the state of being discouraged

Synonyms
demoralization, despair, despondency, dismay; also blues, dejection, depression, dumps, gloom, melancholy; defeatism, pessimism, resignation
Antonyms
encouragement

1discourse noun
[ORIGIN: ME discours, fr. ML & LL discursus; ML, argument, fr. LL, conversation, fr. L, act of running about, fr. discurrere to run about, fr. currere to run]

1 : verbal interchange of ideas
2 : formal and usu. extended expression of thought on a subject

Synonyms
colloquy, conversation, dialogue, discussion, exchange—more at CONVERSATION

2discourse verb dis·coursed; dis·cours·ing
1 : to express oneself in esp. oral discourse
2 : TALK, CONVERSE

Synonyms
declaim, descant, harangue, lecture, orate, speak, talk—more at TALK

dis·cour·te·ous adjective
: lacking courtesy : RUDE

— dis·cour·te·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungracious, unmannerly—more at IMPOLITE

dis·cour·te·sy noun
: the quality or state of being rude : RUDENESS; also : a rude act

Synonyms
brazenness, disrespect, impertinence, impudence, incivility, insolence, rudeness; also audacity, boldness, sauciness; churlishness, clownishness, vulgarity; bluntness, curtness, sharpness; disagreeableness, grumpiness, sullenness, surliness; impropriety, incorrectness, indecency, unfitness; arrogance, conceit, presumption, pretense, pretension, pretentiousness
Antonyms
civility, consideration, courtesy, genteelness, gentility, graciousness, politeness, thoughtfulness

dis·cov·er verb
1 : to make known or visible
2 a : to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time
b : to learn by study, observation, or search : FIND OUT

— dis·cov·er·er noun

Synonyms
[1] bare, disclose, divulge, expose, reveal, spill, tell, unbosom, uncloak, uncover, unmask, unveil—more at REVEAL
[2a] ascertain, catch on, find out, hear, learn, realize, see; also hit (on or upon), tumble (to); descry, detect, encounter, espy, spot; dope (out), figure out, puzzle (out); discern, note, observe, perceive; divine
[2b] ascertain, descry, detect, determine, dig, find, find out, get, hit, hunt, learn, locate, run down, scout, track—more at FIND

dis·cov·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : the act or process of discovering
2 : something discovered
3 : the disclosure usu. before a civil trial of pertinent facts or documents

Synonyms
detection, finding; also disclosure, exposure, revelation, uncovering, unveiling; creation, invention; exploration; rediscovery

1discredit verb
1 : DISBELIEVE
2 : to cause disbelief in the accuracy or authority of
3 : to deprive of good repute : DISGRACE

Synonyms
abase, debase, degrade, demean, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, lower, shame, smirch, take down—more at HUMBLE

2discredit noun
1 : loss of reputation
2 : lack or loss of belief or confidence

Synonyms
disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, infamy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame—more at DISGRACE

dis·cred·it·able adjective
: not reputable or decent : injurious to a reputation for decency

Synonyms
disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, infamous, notorious, shameful—more at DISREPUTABLE

dis·creet adjective
: showing good judgment; especially : capable of observing prudent silence

— dis·creet·ly adverb

dis·crep·an·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : the quality or state of being discrepant : DIFFERENCE
2 : an instance of being discrepant

Synonyms
contrast, difference, disagreement, disparity, distinction, diversity, unlikeness—more at DIFFERENCE

dis·crep·ant adjective
[ORIGIN: ME discrepaunt, fr. L discrepans, prp. of discrepare to sound discordantly, fr. crepare to rattle, creak]

: being at variance

Synonyms
discordant, incompatible, incongruous, inharmonious

dis·crete adjective
1 : individually distinct
2 : NONCONTINUOUS

Synonyms
detached, disconnected, freestanding, separate, single, unattached, unconnected—more at SEPARATE

dis·cre·tion noun
1 : the quality of being discreet : PRUDENCE
2 : individual choice or judgment
3 : power of free decision or latitude of choice

Synonyms
[1] common sense, horse sense, prudence—more at PRUDENCE
[2] alternative, choice, option, pick, preference, way—more at CHOICE

dis·cre·tion·ary adjective
1 : left to discretion : exercised at one's own discretion
2 : available for discretionary use

Synonyms
elective, optional, voluntary—more at OPTIONAL

dis·crim·i·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to recognize or give expression to a difference : DISTINGUISH
2 : to make a difference in treatment on a basis other than individual merit

Synonyms
differentiate, discern, distinguish, separate—more at DISTINGUISH

dis·crim·i·nat·ing adjective
: marked by discrimination; especially : DISCERNING, JUDICIOUS

dis·crim·i·na·tion noun
1 a : the quality or power of finely distinguishing
b : recognition, perception, or identification esp. of differences
2 a : the act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually
b : prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment

Synonyms
demarcation, distinction, separation—more at SEPARATION

dis·crim·i·na·to·ry adjective
: marked by esp. unjust discrimination <~ treatment>

dis·cur·sive adjective
: moving from topic to topic without order : RAMBLING

— dis·cur·sive·ly adverb

— dis·cur·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
desultory, digressive, rambling; also circuitous, deviating, devious, roundabout

dis·cus noun, plural dis·cus·es
: a disk that is hurled for distance in a track-and-field contest

dis·cuss verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF discusser, fr. L discussus, pp. of discutere to disperse, fr. dis- apart + quatere to shake]

1 : to argue or consider carefully by presenting the various sides
2 : to talk about

Synonyms
argue, chew over, debate, dispute, hash, moot, talk over; also descant (on), lecture (on or about), speak (about), talk (about); broach, introduce; forge, hammer (out), thrash (out); consider, deliberate, weigh; reason (with)

dis·cus·sant noun
: one who takes part in a formal discussion

dis·cus·sion noun
: consideration of a question in open and usu. informal debate

Synonyms
argument, colloquy, conference, conversation, deliberation, discourse, give-and-take, parley, talk; also debate, dialogue; forum, meeting, powwow, seminar, symposium; chat, rap

1disdain noun
: a feeling of contempt for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior : SCORN

Synonyms
contempt, despite, scorn—more at CONTEMPT

2disdain verb
1 : to look on with scorn
2 : to reject or refrain from because of disdain

Synonyms
high-hat, scorn, slight, sniff, snub—more at SCORN

dis·dain·ful adjective
: full of or expressing disdain

— dis·dain·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
haughty, highfalutin, lofty, lordly, prideful, proud, superior—more at PROUD
contemptuous, degrading, derogatory, scornful, uncomplimentary—more at DEROGATORY

dis·ease noun
: an abnormal bodily condition that impairs normal functioning and can usu. be recognized by signs and symptoms : SICKNESS

— dis·eased adjective

Synonyms
affection, ailment, bug, complaint, complication, condition, disorder, fever, ill, illness, infirmity, malady, sickness, trouble; also contagion, contagious disease; infection, infectious disease; deficiency disease; attack, bout, fit, spell; debility, decrepitude, feebleness, lameness, weakness; malaise, matter; pest, pestilence, plague
Antonyms
health, wellness

dis·em·bark verb
: to go or put ashore from a ship

— dis·em·bar·ka·tion noun

dis·em·body verb
: to deprive of bodily existence

dis·em·bow·el verb
: to take out the bowels of : EVISCERATE

— dis·em·bow·el·ment noun

dis·em·power verb
: to deprive of power, authority, or influence

dis·en·chant verb
: to free from illusion : DISILLUSION

— dis·en·chant·ment noun

Synonyms
disillusion, undeceive—more at DISILLUSION

dis·en·chant·ed adjective
: DISAPPOINTED, DISSATISFIED

dis·en·cum·ber verb
: to free from something that burdens

Synonyms
disburden, discharge, unburden, unload—more at UNLOAD

dis·en·fran·chise verb
: to deprive of a franchise, a legal right, or a privilege; especially : to deprive of the right to vote

— dis·en·fran·chise·ment noun

dis·en·gage verb
: to release from something that engages or involves : EXTRICATE

— dis·en·gage·ment noun

Synonyms
clear, disentangle, extricate, free, liberate, release, untangle—more at EXTRICATE

dis·en·gaged adjective
: IMPARTIAL, DETACHED <a ~ observer>

dis·en·tan·gle verb
: to free from entanglement

Synonyms
unravel, untangle, untwine—more at UNRAVEL

dis·equi·lib·ri·um noun
: loss or lack of equilibrium

dis·es·tab·lish verb
: to end the establishment of; especially : to deprive of the status of an established church

— dis·es·tab·lish·ment noun

dis·es·teem noun
: lack of esteem : DISFAVOR, DISREPUTE

dis·fa·vor noun
1 : a feeling of aversion or disapproval : DISLIKE
2 : the state or fact of being no longer favored

Synonyms
aversion, disinclination, dislike—more at DISLIKE
deprecation, disapproval, dislike, displeasure—more at DISAPPROVAL

dis·fig·ure verb
: to spoil the appearance of <disfigured by a scar>

Synonyms
blemish, break, cripple, damage, deface, flaw, harm, hurt, injure, mar, spoil, vitiate—more at DAMAGE

dis·fig·ure·ment noun
1 : the act of disfiguring or the state of being disfigured
2 : something that disfigures

Synonyms
blemish, defect, deformity, fault, flaw, imperfection, mark, pockmark, scar—more at BLEMISH

dis·fran·chise verb
: DISENFRANCHISE

— dis·fran·chise·ment noun

disfunction variant of DYSFUNCTION

dis·gorge verb
1 : to discharge by the throat and mouth : VOMIT
2 : to discharge forcefully or confusedly

Synonyms
belch, eject, erupt, expel, jet, spew, spout, spurt—more at ERUPT

1disgrace verb
: to bring reproach or shame to

Synonyms
abase, debase, degrade, demean, discredit, dishonor, humble, humiliate, lower, shame, smirch, take down—more at HUMBLE

2disgrace noun
1 a : the condition of one fallen from grace or honor : SHAME
b : a source of shame
2 : the condition of being out of favor : loss of respect

Synonyms
[1a] discredit, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, infamy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame; also contempt, disdain, scorn; deprecation, disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor; abasement, debasement, debasing, degradation, humbling, humiliation; blot, brand, slur, smirch, spot, stain, stigma
Antonyms
esteem, honor, respect
[1b] crime, dishonor, reflection, reproach, scandal; also smirch, spot, stain, stigma
Antonyms
credit, honor

dis·grace·ful adjective
: bringing or involving disgrace

— dis·grace·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
discreditable, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, infamous, notorious, shameful—more at DISREPUTABLE

dis·grun·tle verb dis·grun·tled; dis·grun·tling
: to put in bad humor — usu. used as a participial adjective <They were a very disgruntled crew>

Synonyms
alienate, disaffect, estrange, sour—more at ESTRANGE
disaffect, discontent, displease, dissatisfy—more at DISCONTENT

1disguise verb dis·guised; dis·guis·ing
1 : to change the appearance of to conceal the identity or to resemble another
2 : HIDE, CONCEAL

Synonyms
camouflage, cloak, dress up, mask; also blanket, blot out, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, hide, obscure, occult, screen, shroud, veil; affect, assume, counterfeit, dissemble, dissimulate, feign, pose, pretend, sham, simulate

2disguise noun
1 : clothing put on to conceal one's identity or counterfeit another's
2 : an outward appearance that hides what something really is

Synonyms
camouflage, guise; also domino, mask, veil, vizard; dress, getup, outfit, rig; coloring, cosmetic, makeup, paint

1disgust noun
: marked aversion aroused by something highly distasteful : REPUGNANCE

— dis·gust·ful adjective

Synonyms
aversion, distaste, loathing, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; also abhorrence, abomination, execration, hate, hatred; disapproval, disfavor, disinclination, dislike, disliking, displeasure

2disgust verb
: to provoke to loathing, repugnance, or aversion : be offensive to

— dis·gust·ing adjective

— dis·gust·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
nauseate, repel, repulse, revolt, sicken, turn off; also displease, distress; appall, horrify; affront, insult, offend, outrage, shock

dis·gust·ed adjective
: affected by disgust

— dis·gust·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
sick, squeamish—more at SICK

1dish noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE disc plate, fr. L discus quoit, disk, dish, fr. Gk diskos, fr. dikein to throw]

1 : a vessel used for serving food
2 : the food served in a dish <a ~ of berries>
3 : food prepared in a particular way
4 : something resembling a dish esp. in being shallow and concave
5 : SATELLITE DISH
6 : GOSSIP 2

2dish verb
1 : to put into a dish
2 : to make concave like a dish
3 : GOSSIP

dis·ha·bille noun
[ORIGIN: F déshabillé]

: the state of being dressed in a casual or careless manner

dis·har·mo·ny noun
: lack of harmony

— dis·har·mo·ni·ous adjective

dish·cloth noun
: a cloth for washing dishes

dis·heart·en verb
: to cause to lose spirit or morale : DISCOURAGE

Synonyms
daunt, demoralize, discourage, dismay, dispirit, unman, unnerve—more at DISCOURAGE

dished adjective
: CONCAVE

di·shev·el verb -shev·eled or -shev·elled; -shev·el·ing or -shev·el·ling
[ORIGIN: ME discheveled bareheaded, with disordered hair, fr. AF deschevelé, fr. des- apart + chevoil hair, fr. L capillus]

: to throw into disorder or disarray

Synonyms
derange, disarray, disorder, disrupt, disturb, mess, mix, muddle, rumple, upset—more at DISORDER

di·shev·eled or di·shev·elled adjective
: marked by disorder or disarray

Synonyms
disordered, messy, muddled, unkempt, untidy—more at MESSY

dis·hon·est adjective
: not honest

— dis·hon·est·ly adverb

Synonyms
lying, mendacious; also erroneous, fallacious, false, misleading; double-dealing, hypocritical, two-faced
Antonyms
honest, truthful, veracious
crooked, deceptive, fast, fraudulent, shady, sharp, shifty, underhanded; also unconscionable, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous; deceiving, deceitful, deluding, delusive; artful, cunning; devious, furtive, sneaking, sneaky, tricky; insidious, perfidious, treacherous
Antonyms
aboveboard, honest, straight

dis·hon·es·ty noun
: lack of honesty or integrity

Synonyms
artifice, craft, craftiness, crookedness, cunning, deceit, deceitfulness, dissimulation, double-dealing, duplicity, guile, wiliness—more at DECEIT

1dishonor verb
1 : to bring reproach or shame on : DISGRACE
2 : to refuse to accept or pay <~ a check>

Synonyms
abase, debase, degrade, demean, discredit, disgrace, humble, humiliate, lower, shame, smirch, take down—more at HUMBLE

2dishonor noun
1 : lack or loss of honor
2 : the state of one who has lost honor or prestige : SHAME
3 : a cause of disgrace
4 : the act of dishonoring a negotiable instrument when presented for payment

Synonyms
[2] discredit, disgrace, disrepute, ignominy, infamy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame—more at DISGRACE
[3] crime, disgrace, reflection, reproach, scandal—more at DISGRACE

dis·hon·or·able adjective
: lacking honor

— dis·hon·or·ably adverb

Synonyms
base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, ignoble, low, mean, snide, sordid, vile, wretched—more at IGNOBLE
discreditable, disgraceful, disreputable, ignominious, infamous, notorious, shameful—more at DISREPUTABLE

dish out verb
: to give freely

dish·rag noun
: DISHCLOTH

dish·wash·er noun
: a person or machine that washes dishes

dish·wa·ter noun
: water used for washing dishes

dis·il·lu·sion verb
: to leave without illusion or naive faith and trust

— dis·il·lu·sion·ment noun

Synonyms
disenchant, undeceive; also debunk, expose, show up, uncloak, uncover, unmask; disclose, divulge, tell, unveil

dis·il·lu·sioned adjective
: DISAPPOINTED, DISSATISFIED

dis·in·cli·na·tion noun
: a preference for avoiding something : slight aversion

Synonyms
hesitancy, reluctance—more at RELUCTANCE

dis·in·cline verb
: to make unwilling

dis·in·clined adjective
: unwilling because of dislike or disapproval

dis·in·fect verb
: to cleanse of infection-causing germs

— dis·in·fec·tant noun

— dis·in·fec·tion noun

dis·in·for·ma·tion noun
: false information deliberately and often covertly spread

dis·in·gen·u·ous adjective
: lacking in candor; also : giving a false appearance of simple frankness

dis·in·her·it verb
: to deprive of the right to inherit

dis·in·te·grate verb
1 : to break or decompose into constituent parts or small particles
2 : to destroy the unity or integrity of

— dis·in·te·gra·tion noun

Synonyms
break down, corrupt, decay, decompose, molder, putrefy, rot, spoil—more at DECAY

dis·in·ter verb
1 : to take from the grave or tomb
2 : UNEARTH

dis·in·ter·est·ed adjective
1 : not interested
2 : free from selfish motive or interest : UNBIASED

Synonyms
[1] apathetic, casual, indifferent, insouciant, nonchalant, perfunctory, unconcerned, uncurious, uninterested—more at INDIFFERENT
[2] dispassionate, equal, equitable, fair, impartial, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced—more at FAIR

dis·in·ter·est·ed·ness noun
: the quality or state of being objective or impartial

Synonyms
detachment, impartiality, neutrality, objectivity—more at DETACHMENT

dis·join verb
: to end the joining of : SEPARATE

dis·joint verb
1 : to disturb the orderly arrangement of
2 : to separate at the joints

Synonyms
break up, disconnect, dissever, dissociate, disunite, divide, divorce, part, resolve, separate, sever, split, sunder, unyoke—more at SEPARATE

dis·joint·ed adjective
1 : lacking coherence or orderly sequence
2 : separated at or as if at the joint

Synonyms
disconnected, incoherent, unconnected—more at INCOHERENT

disk or disc noun
1 : something round and flat; especially : a flat rounded anatomical structure (as the central part of the flower head of a composite plant or a pad of cartilage between vertebrae)
2 usually disc : a phonograph record
3 : a round flat plate coated with a magnetic substance on which data for a computer is stored
4 usually disc : OPTICAL DISK

disk drive noun
: a device for accessing or storing data on a magnetic disk

dis·kette noun
: FLOPPY DISK

disk jockey variant of DISC JOCKEY

1dislike noun
: a feeling of aversion or disapproval

Synonyms
deprecation, disapproval, disfavor, displeasure—more at DISAPPROVAL
aversion, disfavor, disinclination; also disgust, distaste, loathing, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; abomination, antipathy, detestation, hate, hatred; deprecation, disapproval, displeasure, dissatisfaction; jaundice
Antonyms
appetite, fondness, like, liking, partiality, preference, taste

2dislike verb
: to regard with dislike : DISAPPROVE

Synonyms
deprecate, disapprove, discountenance, disfavor, frown, reprove

dis·lo·cate verb
1 : to put out of place; especially : to displace (a bone or joint) from normal connections <~ a shoulder>
2 : to force a change in the usual status, relationship, or order of : DISRUPT

Synonyms
budge, displace, disturb, move, remove, shift, transfer—more at MOVE

dis·lo·ca·tion noun
: the act of dislocating : the state of being dislocated

Synonyms
derangement, disruption, disturbance, upset—more at UPSET

dis·lodge verb
: to force out of a place esp. of rest, hiding, or defense

dis·loy·al adjective
: lacking in loyalty

Synonyms
faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, loose, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue—more at FAITHLESS

dis·loy·al·ty noun
: lack of loyalty

Synonyms
betrayal, double cross, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, infidelity, perfidy, treachery, treason, unfaithfulness—more at BETRAYAL

dis·mal adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. dismal, n., days marked as unlucky in medieval calendars, fr. AF, fr ML dies mali, lit., evil days]

1 : showing or causing gloom or depression
2 : lacking merit

— dis·mal·ly adverb

Synonyms
bleak, dark, depressing, dreary, gloomy, glum, gray, miserable, somber, sullen, wretched—more at GLOOMY

dis·man·tle verb -tled; -tling
1 : to take apart
2 : to strip of furniture and equipment

— dis·man·tle·ment noun

Synonyms
disassemble, knock down, strike, take down—more at DISASSEMBLE

1dismay verb
: to cause to lose courage or resolution from alarm or fear : DAUNT

— dis·may·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit, unman, unnerve—more at DISCOURAGE

2dismay noun
1 : sudden loss of courage or resolution from alarm or fear
2 : sudden disappointment

Synonyms
[1] demoralization, despair, despondency, discouragement—more at DISCOURAGEMENT
[2] disappointment, dissatisfaction, frustration, letdown—more at DISAPPOINTMENT

dis·mem·ber verb
1 : to cut off or separate the limbs or parts of
2 : to break up or tear into pieces

— dis·mem·ber·ment noun

dis·miss verb
1 : to send away
2 : to dismiss from service or employment
3 : to put aside or out of mind
4 : to put out of judicial consideration <~ed all charges>

— dis·mis·sive adjective

— dis·mis·sive·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] banish, boot, bounce, cast, chase, drum, eject, expel, oust, rout, run off, throw out—more at EJECT
[2] cashier, fire, remove, retire, sack; also downsize, furlough, lay off; boot (out), bounce
Antonyms
employ, hire

dis·miss·al noun
: the act of dismissing : the fact or state of being dismissed

Synonyms
discharge, layoff—more at LAYOFF

dis·mount verb
1 : to get down from something (as a horse or bicycle)
2 : UNHORSE
3 : DISASSEMBLE

dis·obe·di·ence noun
: neglect or refusal to obey

Synonyms
defiance, insubordination, rebelliousness, recalcitrance, refractoriness, unruliness; also disrespect, impudence, insolence, rudeness; doggedness, hardheadedness, mulishness, obstinacy, pertinacity, perversity, stubbornness; mischievousness, naughtiness
Antonyms
compliance, docility, obedience

dis·obe·di·ent adjective
: refusing or neglecting to obey

Synonyms
contrary, defiant, froward, intractable, rebellious, recalcitrant, refractory, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful; also insurgent, mutinous; dogged, hardheaded, headstrong, mulish, obdurate, obstinate, peevish, pertinacious, pigheaded, stubborn, unyielding; obstreperous, uncontrollable, unmanageable, wild; perverse, resistant, wrongheaded; bad, disorderly, errant, misbehaving, mischievous, monkeying, naughty; undisciplined; dissident, nonconforming, nonconformist; disrespectful, ill-mannered, ill-natured, impolite, impudent, insolent, ornery, rude, uncouth
Antonyms
amenable, compliant, docile, obedient, tractable

dis·obey verb
: to fail to obey : be disobedient

dis·oblige verb
1 : to go counter to the wishes of
2 : to subject to inconvenience

Synonyms
discommode, disturb, inconvenience, trouble—more at INCONVENIENCE

1disorder verb
1 : to disturb the order of
2 : to disturb the regular or normal functions of

Synonyms
confuse, derange, disarray, discompose, dishevel, dislocate, disrupt, disturb, jumble, mess, mix, muddle, rumple, scramble, shuffle, tumble, upset; also embroil, entangle, snarl, tangle; agitate, stir (up), unsettle
Antonyms
arrange, array, draw up, marshal, order, organize, range, regulate, straighten (up), tidy

2disorder noun
1 : lack of order : CONFUSION
2 : breach of the peace or public order : TUMULT
3 : an abnormal physical or mental condition : AILMENT

Synonyms
chaos, confusion, disarray, disorganization, havoc, hell, jumble, mess, muddle, shambles—more at CHAOS

dis·or·dered adjective
1 : marked by disorder
2 : not functioning in a normal orderly healthy way

Synonyms
chaotic, confused, disheveled, messy, muddled, sloppy, unkempt, untidy—more at MESSY

dis·or·der·ly adjective
1 : offensive to public order
2 : marked by disorder <a ~ desk>

— dis·or·der·li·ness noun

Synonyms
anarchic, lawless, unruly—more at LAWLESS

dis·or·ga·ni·za·tion noun
: the act of disorganizing or the quality or state of being disorganized

Synonyms
chaos, confusion, disarray, disorder, havoc, hell, jumble, mess, muddle, shambles—more at CHAOS

dis·or·ga·nize verb
: to break up the regular system of : throw into disorder

dis·ori·ent verb
: to cause to be confused or lost

— dis·ori·en·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
addle, baffle, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, confound, confuse, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, puzzle—more at CONFUSE

dis·own verb
: to repudiate any connection or identification with : DISCLAIM

Synonyms
disavow, disclaim, repudiate—more at DISCLAIM

dis·par·age verb -aged; -ag·ing
[ORIGIN: ME to degrade by marriage below one's class, disparage, fr. AF desparager to marry below one's class, fr. parage equality, lineage, fr. per peer]

1 : to lower in rank or reputation : DEGRADE
2 : to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : BELITTLE

— dis·par·ag·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
belittle, cry down, decry, deprecate, depreciate, diminish, discount, minimize, put down, write off—more at DECRY

dis·par·age·ment noun
: diminution of esteem or standing

Synonyms
deprecation, depreciation, detraction, put-down—more at DEPRECIATION

dis·pa·rate adjective
: distinct in quality or character

Synonyms
different, dissimilar, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, diverse, other, unalike, unlike—more at DIFFERENT

dis·par·i·ty noun
: the state of being disparate

Synonyms
contrast, difference, disagreement, discrepancy, distinction, diversity, unlikeness—more at DIFFERENCE

dis·pas·sion·ate adjective
: not influenced by strong feeling : IMPARTIAL

— dis·pas·sion noun

— dis·pas·sion·ate·ly adverb

Synonyms
disinterested, equal, equitable, fair, impartial, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced—more at FAIR

1dispatch verb
1 : to send off or away with promptness or speed esp. on official business
2 : to put to death
3 : to attend to rapidly or efficiently
4 : DEFEAT

— dis·patch·er noun

Synonyms
[1] consign, pack, send, ship, transfer, transmit, transport—more at SEND
[2] do in, execute, kill, liquidate, murder, slay—more at MURDER

2dispatch noun
1 : a message sent with speed
2 : a news item sent in by a correspondent to a newspaper
3 : the act of dispatching; especially : SHIPMENT
4 : the act of putting to death
5 : promptness and efficiency in performing a task

dis·pel verb dis·pelled; dis·pel·ling
: to drive away by scattering : DISSIPATE

dis·pens·able adjective
: capable of being dispensed with

dis·pen·sa·ry noun, plural -ries
: a place where medicine or medical or dental aid is dispensed

dis·pen·sa·tion noun
1 : a system of rules for ordering affairs
2 : a particular arrangement or provision esp. of nature
3 : an exemption from a rule or from a vow or oath
4 : the act of dispensing
5 : something dispensed or distributed

Synonyms
allocation, distribution, division, issuance—more at DISTRIBUTION

dis·pense verb dis·pensed; dis·pens·ing
1 : to portion out
2 : ADMINISTER <~ justice>
3 : EXEMPT
4 : to make up and give out (remedies)

— dis·pens·er noun

— dispense with

1 : SUSPEND
2 : to do without

Synonyms
administer, allocate, apportion, deal, distribute, mete, parcel, portion, prorate—more at ADMINISTER

dis·perse verb dis·persed; dis·pers·ing
: to break up and scatter about

Synonyms
clear out, disband, dissipate, scatter—more at SCATTER
break up, disband, dissolve—more at DISBAND

dis·per·sal noun
: the act or result of dispersing

dis·per·sion noun
: the act or process of dispersing : the state of being dispersed

dis·pir·it verb
: to deprive of morale or enthusiasm : DISCOURAGE

Synonyms
daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dismay, unman, unnerve—more at DISCOURAGE

dis·place verb
1 : to remove from the usual or proper place; especially : to expel or force to flee from home or native land <displaced persons>
2 : to move out of position <water displaced by a floating object>
3 : to take the place of : REPLACE

Synonyms
[1] budge, dislocate, disturb, move, remove, shift, transfer—more at MOVE
[1] banish, deport, exile, expatriate, transport—more at BANISH
[3] replace, substitute, supersede, supplant—more at REPLACE

dis·place·ment noun
1 : the act of displacing : the state of being displaced
2 : the volume or weight of a fluid (as water) displaced by a floating body (as a ship)
3 : the difference between the initial position of an object and a later position

Synonyms
banishment, deportation, exile, expulsion—more at EXILE

1display verb
: to present to view : make evident

Synonyms
disport, exhibit, expose, flash, flaunt, parade, show, show off, sport, strut, unveil—more at SHOW

2display noun
1 : a displaying of something
2 : an electronic device (as a cathode-ray tube) that gives information in visual form; also : the visual information

Synonyms
demonstration, exhibition, show—more at SHOW
exhibit, exhibition, exposition, fair, show—more at EXHIBITION

dis·please verb
1 : to arouse the disapproval and dislike of
2 : to be offensive to : give displeasure

Synonyms
disaffect, discontent, disgruntle, dissatisfy—more at DISCONTENT

dis·plea·sure noun
: a feeling of dislike and irritation : a display of disapproval

Synonyms
deprecation, disapproval, disfavor, dislike—more at DISAPPROVAL

dis·port verb
1 : to entertain or occupy in a light, playful, or pleasant manner : AMUSE
2 : to amuse oneself in light or lively fashion : FROLIC
3 : to make evident : DISPLAY

Synonyms
[1] amuse, divert, entertain, regale—more at AMUSE
[2] caper, cavort, frisk, frolic, gambol, lark, rollick, romp, sport—more at FROLIC

dis·pos·able adjective
1 : remaining after deduction of taxes <~ income>
2 : designed to be used once and then thrown away <~ diapers>

— disposable noun

dis·pos·al noun
1 : CONTROL, COMMAND
2 : an orderly arrangement
3 : a getting rid of
4 : MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATION
5 : presenting or bestowing something <~ of favors>
6 : a device used to reduce waste matter (as by grinding)

Synonyms
[2] arrangement, array, disposition, distribution, order, sequence, setup—more at ORDER
[3] disposition, dumping, jettison, removal, riddance; also clearance, clearing; demolition, destruction

dis·pose verb dis·posed; dis·pos·ing
1 : to give a tendency to : INCLINE <disposed to accept>
2 : to put in place <troops disposed for withdrawal>
3 : SETTLE

— dis·pos·er noun

— dispose of

1 : to transfer to the control of another
2 : to get rid of
3 : to deal with conclusively

Synonyms
deposit, fix, lay, place, position, put, set, set up, stick—more at PLACE
arrange, array, classify, codify, draw up, marshal, order, organize, range, systematize—more at ORDER

dis·posed adjective
: having a particular temperament, disposition, or tendency : being in a particular frame of mind

Synonyms
amenable, game, glad, inclined, ready, willing—more at WILLING

dis·po·si·tion noun
1 : the act or power of disposing : DISPOSAL
2 : RELINQUISHMENT
3 : orderly arrangement
4 : prevailing tendency, mood, or inclination
5 : natural attitude toward things <a cheerful ~>

Synonyms
[3] arrangement, array, disposal, distribution, order, sequence, setup—more at ORDER
[4] bent, devices, genius, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn—more at INCLINATION
[4] grain, nature, temper, temperament; also cheer, frame, humor, mode, mood; attitude, outlook, perspective, point of view, standpoint, viewpoint; emotion, feeling, heart, passion, sentiment; strain; belief, conviction, mind, opinion, persuasion; expression, tone, vein; character, individuality, personality; responsiveness, sensibility, sensitiveness, sensitivity

dis·pos·sess verb
: to put out of possession or occupancy

— dis·pos·ses·sion noun

dis·praise verb
: DISPARAGE

— dispraise noun

— dis·prais·er noun

dis·pro·por·tion noun
: lack of proportion, symmetry, or proper relation

— dis·pro·por·tion·ate adjective

dis·prove verb
: to prove to be false or wrong

— dis·proof noun

Synonyms
belie, confute, rebut, refute; also overthrow, overturn
Antonyms
confirm, prove, verify

dis·put·able adjective
: capable of being disputed or contested

Synonyms
arguable, debatable, doubtful, moot, questionable—more at DEBATABLE

dis·pu·tant noun
: one that is engaged in a dispute

Synonyms
contender, debater, disputer; also advocate, defendant, plaintiff, pleader; nitpicker, pettifogger, quibbler

dis·pu·ta·tion noun
1 : the action of disputing : DEBATE
2 : an oral defense of an academic thesis

dis·pu·ta·tious adjective
: inclined to dispute : ARGUMENTATIVE

Synonyms
argumentative, contentious, quarrelsome, scrappy—more at ARGUMENTATIVE

1dispute verb dis·put·ed; dis·put·ing
1 : to engage in argument : ARGUE
2 : WRANGLE
3 : to question the truth or rightness of
4 : to struggle against or over : OPPOSE

Synonyms
[1] argue, chew over, debate, discuss, hash, moot, talk over—more at DISCUSS
[3] challenge, contest, query, question—more at CHALLENGE

2dispute noun
1 : verbal controversy
2 : a usu. verbal conflict between antagonists : QUARREL

Synonyms
[1] controversy, difference, disagreement, dissension
[2] altercation, argument, bicker, brawl, disagreement, fight, hassle, misunderstanding, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle—more at ARGUMENT

dis·put·er noun
: one that disputes

Synonyms
contender, debater, disputant—more at DISPUTANT

dis·qual·i·fy verb
: to make or declare unfit or not qualified

— dis·qual·i·fi·ca·tion noun

1disquiet verb
: to make uneasy or restless : DISTURB

Synonyms
agitate, bother, concern, discompose, distress, disturb, exercise, freak, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, worry

2disquiet noun
: lack of peace or tranquillity

Synonyms
agitation, anxiety, apprehension, care, concern, nervousness, perturbation, uneasiness, worry—more at ANXIETY

dis·qui·etude noun
: AGITATION, ANXIETY

dis·qui·si·tion noun
: a formal inquiry or discussion

1disregard verb
: to pay no attention to : treat as unworthy of notice or regard

Synonyms
forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, pass over, slight, slur—more at NEGLECT
brush, condone, excuse, gloss, ignore, pardon, pass over, shrug off, wink—more at EXCUSE

2disregard noun
: the act of disregarding : the state of being disregarded

— dis·re·gard·ful adjective

Synonyms
apathy, disinterestedness, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance—more at INDIFFERENCE

dis·re·pair noun
: the state of being in need of repair

Synonyms
desolation, dilapidation, neglect—more at NEGLECT

dis·rep·u·ta·ble adjective
: having a bad reputation

Synonyms
discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, ignominious, infamous, notorious, shameful; also bad, immoral, seamy, shady, sordid, unethical, unsavory, wicked; base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, low, mean, vile, wretched
Antonyms
honorable, reputable, respectable

dis·re·pute noun
: lack or decline of reputation : a state of being held in low esteem

Synonyms
discredit, disgrace, dishonor, ignominy, infamy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame—more at DISGRACE

dis·re·spect noun
: lack of respect : DISCOURTESY

— dis·re·spect·ful adjective

Synonyms
brazenness, discourtesy, impertinence, impudence, incivility, insolence, rudeness—more at DISCOURTESY

dis·robe verb
: to strip of clothing or covering : UNDRESS

dis·rupt verb
1 : to break apart
2 : to throw into disorder
3 : INTERRUPT

— dis·rup·tive adjective

Synonyms
discompose, disorder, disturb, upset—more at DISORDER

dis·rup·tion noun
: the act or process of disrupting : the state of being disrupted

Synonyms
derangement, dislocation, disturbance, upset—more at UPSET

dis·sat·is·fac·tion noun
: the quality or state of being dissatisfied

Synonyms
disappointment, dismay, frustration, letdown—more at DISAPPOINTMENT

dis·sat·is·fied
: expressing or showing lack of satisfaction : not pleased or satisfied

Synonyms
aggrieved, discontent, discontented, malcontent—more at DISCONTENTED

dis·sat·is·fy verb
: to fail to satisfy

Synonyms
disappoint, fail, let down—more at DISAPPOINT

dis·sect verb
1 : to divide into parts esp. for examination and study
2 : to analyze and interpret minutely

— dis·sec·tor noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] analyze, anatomize, assay, break down, break up—more at ANALYZE

dis·sec·tion noun
: the act or process of dissecting : the state of being dissected

Synonyms
analysis, assay, breakdown, breakup—more at ANALYSIS

dis·sect·ed adjective
: cut deeply into narrow lobes <a ~ leaf>

dis·sem·ble verb -bled; -bling
1 : to hide under or put on a false appearance : conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense
2 : SIMULATE

— dis·sem·bler noun

dis·sem·i·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to spread abroad as if sowing seed <~ ideas>

— dis·sem·i·na·tion noun

Synonyms
broadcast, circulate, propagate, spread, strew—more at SPREAD

dis·sen·sion noun
: disagreement in opinion

Synonyms
controversy, difference, disagreement, dispute

1dissent verb
1 : to withhold assent
2 : to differ in opinion

2dissent noun
1 a : difference of opinion; especially : religious nonconformity
b : contentious quarreling
2 : a written statement in which a justice disagrees with the opinion of the majority

Synonyms
[1a] heresy, heterodoxy, nonconformity—more at HERESY
[1a, b] conflict, discord, dissension, disunity, friction, schism, strife, variance, war, warfare—more at DISCORD

dis·sent·er noun
1 : one that dissents
2 cap : an English Nonconformist

Synonyms
dissident, heretic, nonconformist—more at HERETIC

dis·ser·ta·tion noun
: an extended usu. written treatment of a subject; especially : one submitted for a doctorate

dis·ser·vice noun
: ill service : INJURY

Synonyms
injury, injustice, raw deal, wrong; also insult, offense, outrage; complaint, grievance
Antonyms
justice

dis·sev·er verb
: to set or keep apart : SEPARATE

Synonyms
break up, disconnect, disjoint, dissociate, disunite, divide, divorce, part, resolve, separate, sever, split, sunder, unyoke—more at SEPARATE

dis·si·dence noun
: difference of opinion : DISSENT

1dissident adjective
[ORIGIN: L dissidens, prp. of dissidēre to sit apart, disagree, fr. dis- apart + sedēre to sit]

: disagreeing esp. with an established religious or political system, organization, or belief

Synonyms
heretical, heterodox, nonconforming, nonconformist, nonorthodox, unconventional, unorthodox—more at HERETICAL

2dissident noun
: one that is dissident

dis·sim·i·lar adjective
: not like : UNLIKE

Synonyms
different, disparate, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, diverse, other, unalike, unlike—more at DIFFERENT

dis·sim·i·lar·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being dissimilar

dis·sim·u·late verb
: to hide under a false appearance : DISSEMBLE

dis·sim·u·la·tion noun
: the act of dissembling or the fact of being dissembled

Synonyms
artifice, craft, craftiness, crookedness, cunning, deceit, deceitfulness, dishonesty, double-dealing, duplicity, guile, wiliness—more at DECEIT

dis·si·pate verb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
1 : to break up and drive off : DISPERSE <the breeze dissipated the fog>
2 : to spend or use up wastefully or foolishly : SQUANDER
3 : to break up and vanish
4 : to be dissolute; especially : to drink alcoholic beverages to excess

— dis·si·pat·ed adjective

Synonyms
[1] clear out, disband, disperse, scatter—more at SCATTER
[2] blow, fritter, lavish, misspend, run through, spend, squander, throw away, waste—more at WASTE

dis·si·pa·tion noun
1 : the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated
2 : self-indulgence and intemperate living

Synonyms
[1] dispersion
[2] corruption, debasement, debauchery, decadence, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissoluteness, perversion—more at CORRUPTION

dis·so·ci·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to set or keep apart : DISCONNECT

— dis·so·ci·a·tion noun

— dis·so·cia·tive adjective

Synonyms
break up, disconnect, disjoint, dissever, disunite, divide, divorce, part, resolve, separate, sever, split, sunder, unyoke—more at SEPARATE

dis·so·lute adjective
: loose in morals or conduct

— dis·so·lute·ly adverb

Synonyms
corrupt, debauched, decadent, degenerate, perverse, perverted, reprobate—more at CORRUPT

dis·so·lute·ness noun
: the quality or state of being dissolute

Synonyms
corruption, debasement, debauchery, decadence, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipation, perversion—more at CORRUPTION

dis·so·lu·tion noun
1 : the action or process of dissolving
2 : separation of a thing into its parts
3 : DECAY; also : DEATH
4 : the termination or breaking up of (as an assembly)

Synonyms
breakup, division, partition, schism, separation, split—more at SEPARATION

dis·solve verb
1 : to separate into component parts
2 : to pass or cause to pass into solution <sugar ~s in water>
3 : to bring or come to an end <~ parliament> <the organization dissolved>
4 : to waste or fade away <his courage dissolved>
5 : to be overcome emotionally <~ in tears>
6 : to resolve itself as if by dissolution
7 : to disperse or disappear or cause to disperse or disappear

Synonyms
[1] break up, disband, disperse—more at DISBAND
[3] abolish, abrogate, annul, cancel, invalidate, negate, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, void—more at ABOLISH
[7] disappear, evaporate, fade, flee, go, melt, vanish—more at DISAPPEAR

dis·so·nance noun
: DISCORD

dis·so·nant adjective
: marked by dissonance : DISCORDANT

Synonyms
discordant, inharmonious, unmelodious, unmusical; also blaring, clashing, grating, harsh, jangling, jarring, metallic, raucous, scratching, screeching, shrill, squeaky, strident; disagreeable, unpleasant, unpleasing; atonal
Antonyms
harmonious, harmonizing, melodious, musical

dis·suade verb dis·suad·ed; dis·suad·ing
: to advise against a course of action : persuade or try to persuade not to do something

— dis·sua·sion noun

— dis·sua·sive adjective

Synonyms
deter, discourage, inhibit—more at DISCOURAGE

dist abbreviation
1 distance
2 district

1distaff noun, plural distaffs
[ORIGIN: ME distaf, fr. OE distæf, fr. dis- bunch of flax + stæf stick, staff]

1 : a staff for holding the flax, tow, or wool in spinning
2 : a woman's work or domain
3 : the female branch or side of a family

2distaff adjective
1 : MATERNAL 2
2 : FEMALE 1

dis·tal adjective
1 : situated away from the point of attachment or origin esp. on the body
2 : of, relating to, or being the surface of a tooth that is farthest from the middle of the front of the jaw

— dis·tal·ly adverb

1distance noun
1 : measure of separation in space or time
2 : EXPANSE
3 : the full length <go the ~>
4 : spatial remoteness
5 : COLDNESS, RESERVE
6 : DIFFERENCE, DISPARITY
7 : a distant point

Synonyms
lead, length, remove, spread, stretch, way; also altitude, area, breadth, depth, height, rise, space, volume, width; extension, extent; cast, range, reach, scope, shot, sweep, throw; drop, fall, flight, haul; berth, clearance

2distance verb dis·tanced; dis·tanc·ing
: to leave far behind : OUTSTRIP

3distance adjective
: taking place via electronic media linking instructors and students <~ learning>

dis·tant adjective
1 : separate in space : AWAY
2 : situated at a great distance : FAR-OFF
3 : far apart or behind
4 : not close in relationship <a ~ cousin>
5 : different in kind
6 : reserved or aloof in personal relationship : COLD <~ politeness>
7 : going a long distance

— dis·tant·ly adverb

— dis·tant·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] away, far, far-off, remote; also apart, isolated, obscure, outlying, out-of-the-way, retired, secluded, secret, sequestered
Antonyms
close, near, nearby, nigh
[6] aloof, antisocial, cold, cool, detached, frosty, remote, standoffish, unsociable—more at COOL

dis·taste noun
: a settled dislike

Synonyms
aversion, disgust, loathing, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion—more at DISGUST

dis·taste·ful adjective
1 : objectionable because inappropriate, unethical, or offensive to taste
2 : unpleasant to the sense of taste <~ fruit>

Synonyms
[1] bad, disagreeable, nasty, offensive, rotten, sour, uncongenial, unlovely, unpleasant, unwelcome—more at UNPLEASANT
[2] unappetizing, unsavory; also abominable, awful, bad, filthy, foul, horrible, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, noisome, obnoxious, offensive, repellent, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, shocking, sickening; bland, flat, flavorless, insipid, tasteless
Antonyms
appetizing, delectable, delicious, palatable, savory, tasty

dis·tem·per noun
: a bodily disorder usu. of a domestic animal; especially : a contagious often fatal virus disease of dogs

dis·tend verb
: EXPAND, SWELL

— dis·ten·si·ble adjective

— dis·ten·sion or dis·ten·tion noun

dis·tich noun
: a unit of two lines of poetry

dis·till also dis·til verb dis·tilled; dis·till·ing
1 : to fall or let fall in drops
2 : to obtain or purify by distillation

— dis·till·er noun

— dis·till·ery noun

Synonyms
clarify, clear, filter, purify—more at CLARIFY

dis·til·late noun
: a liquid product condensed from vapor during distillation

dis·til·la·tion noun
: the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and condensation

dis·tinct adjective
1 : distinguishable to the eye or mind as discrete : SEPARATE
2 : presenting a clear unmistakable impression

— dis·tinct·ly adverb

Synonyms
apparent, broad, clear, clear-cut, evident, lucid, manifest, obvious, palpable, patent, perspicuous, plain, transparent, unambiguous, unequivocal, unmistakable—more at CLEAR

dis·tinc·tion noun
1 : the distinguishing of a difference; also : the difference distinguished
2 : something that distinguishes
3 : special honor or recognition
4 : the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy

Synonyms
[1] contrast, difference, disagreement, discrepancy, disparity, diversity, unlikeness—more at DIFFERENCE
[1] demarcation, discrimination, separation—more at SEPARATION
[3] acclaim, accolade, award, credit, glory, homage, honor, laurels—more at GLORY
[4] excellence, merit, value, virtue—more at EXCELLENCE

dis·tinc·tive adjective
1 a : serving to distinguish
b : set apart from others
2 : having or giving style or distinction

— dis·tinc·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1a, 2] characteristic, classic, distinct, individual, peculiar, proper, symptomatic, typical—more at CHARACTERISTIC
[1b] different, disparate, dissimilar, distinct, distinguishable, diverse, other, unalike, unlike—more at DIFFERENT

dis·tinc·tive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being distinctive

dis·tinct·ness noun
: the quality or state of being distinct

dis·tin·guish verb
[ORIGIN: alter. of ME distinguen, fr. AF distinguer, fr. L distinguere, lit., to separate by pricking]

1 : to recognize by some mark or characteristic
2 : to hear or see clearly : DISCERN
3 : to make distinctions <~ between right and wrong>
4 : to give prominence or distinction to; also : to take special notice of

Synonyms
[1] behold, descry, discern, espy, eye, look, note, notice, observe, perceive, regard, remark, see, sight, spy, view, witness—more at SEE
[2, 3] differentiate, discern, discriminate, separate; also comprehend, grasp, know, understand; divide, part, sever; demarcate, mark (off), set off
Antonyms
confuse, mistake, mix (up)

dis·tin·guish·able adjective
: capable of being distinguished

Synonyms
appreciable, detectable, discernible, palpable, perceptible, sensible—more at PERCEPTIBLE

dis·tin·guished adjective
1 : marked by eminence or excellence
2 : befitting an eminent person

Synonyms
eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious, signal, star, superior—more at EMINENT

dis·tort verb
1 : to twist out of the true meaning
2 : to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition
3 : to cause to be perceived unnaturally

Synonyms
[1] color, falsify, garble, misinterpret, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp—more at GARBLE
[2] contort, deform, screw, warp—more at CONTORT

distorted adjective
: twisted or deformed in shape or condition

Synonyms
deformed, malformed, misshapen, monstrous, shapeless—more at MALFORMED

dis·tor·tion noun
1 : the act of distorting
2 : the quality or state of being distorted : a product of distorting

Synonyms
contortion, deformation—more at CONTORTION

distr abbreviation
distribute; distribution

dis·tract verb
1 : to draw (the attention or mind) to a different object : DIVERT
2 : to stir up or confuse with conflicting emotions or motives

dis·trac·tion noun
1 : the act of distracting or the state of being distracted; especially : mental confusion <driven to ~>
2 : something that distracts; especially : AMUSEMENT <a harmless ~>

Synonyms
[1] bafflement, bewilderment, confusion, muddle, mystification, perplexity, puzzlement, whirl—more at CONFUSION
[2] amusement, diversion, entertainment—more at ENTERTAINMENT

dis·trait adjective
: apprehensively divided or withdrawn in attention

dis·traught adjective
1 : agitated with doubt or mental conflict
2 : INSANE

Synonyms
agitated, delirious, frantic, frenzied, hysterical—more at FRANTIC

1distress noun
1 : suffering of body or mind : PAIN
2 : TROUBLE, MISFORTUNE
3 : a condition of danger or desperate need

Synonyms
[1] affliction, agony, anguish, misery, pain, torment, torture, tribulation, woe; also discomfort; cross, crucible, trial; heartbreak, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness; emergency, pinch; asperity, difficulty, hardship, rigor; ache, hurt, pang, smarting, soreness, stitch, throe, twinge; danger, jeopardy, trouble
[3] danger, jeopardy, peril, risk, trouble—more at DANGER

2distress verb
1 : to subject to great strain or difficulties
2 : to cause to worry or be troubled : UPSET

Synonyms
agitate, bother, concern, discompose, disquiet, disturb, exercise, freak, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, worry

dis·tress·ed adjective
: experiencing economic decline or difficulty

dis·tress·ful adjective
: causing distress : full of distress

Synonyms
anxious, nervous, restless, tense, unsettling, upsetting, worrisome—more at NERVOUS

dis·trib·ute verb -ut·ed; -ut·ing
1 : to divide among several or many
2 : to spread out : SCATTER; also : DELIVER
3 : CLASSIFY

Synonyms
administer, allocate, apportion, deal, dispense, mete, parcel, portion, prorate—more at ADMINISTER

dis·tri·bu·tion noun
1 : the act or process of distributing
2 : the position, arrangement, or frequency of occurrence (as of the members of a group) over an area or throughout a space or unit of time

Synonyms
[1] allocation, dispensation, division, issuance; also disbursement; reapportionment, redistribution
[2] arrangement, array, disposal, disposition, order, sequence, setup—more at ORDER

dis·trib·u·tive adjective
1 : of or relating to distribution
2 : of, having, or being the property of producing the same value when an operation is carried out on a whole expression and when it is carried out on each part of an expression with the results then collected together <a(b + c) = ab + ac because multiplication is ~>

— dis·trib·u·tive·ly adverb

dis·trib·u·tor noun
1 : one that distributes
2 : one that markets goods
3 : a device for directing current to the spark plugs of an engine

dis·trict noun
1 : a fixed territorial division (as for administrative or electoral purposes)
2 : an area, region, or section with a distinguishing character

Synonyms
[1, 2] neighborhood, quarter, section; also belt, zone; department, division, part; precinct, ward; area, locality, place, region; barrio, enclave, ghetto

district attorney noun
: the prosecuting attorney of a judicial district

1distrust noun
: a lack or absence of trust

Synonyms
doubt, incertitude, misgiving, mistrust, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty—more at DOUBT

2distrust verb
: to hold as untrustworthy or unreliable

Synonyms
doubt, mistrust, question, suspect; also disbelieve, discount, discredit, negate
Antonyms
trust

dis·trust·ful adjective
: having or showing distrust

Synonyms
incredulous, leery, mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious—more at SKEPTICAL
doubtful, dubious, mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious, uncertain, undecided, unsettled, unsure—more at DOUBTFUL

dis·trust·ful·ly adverb
: in a distrustful manner

Synonyms
askance, dubiously, mistrustfully, suspiciously—more at ASKANCE

dis·turb verb
1 : to interfere with : INTERRUPT
2 : to alter the position or arrangement of; also : to upset the natural and esp. the ecological balance of
3 : to destroy the tranquillity or composure of : make uneasy
4 : to throw into disorder
5 : to put to inconvenience

— dis·turb·er noun

— dis·turb·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] budge, dislocate, displace, move, remove, shift, transfer—more at MOVE
[3] agitate, bother, concern, discompose, disquiet, distress, exercise, freak, perturb, undo, unhinge, unsettle, upset, worry; also aggravate, anger, annoy, bug, chafe, exasperate, fret, gall, get, grate, harass, harry, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pester, pique, put out, rile, vex; bedevil, haunt, plague; abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, mortify, nonplus, rattle; daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dismay, dispirit
Antonyms
calm, compose, quiet, settle, soothe, tranquilize
[5] discommode, disoblige, inconvenience, trouble—more at INCONVENIENCE

dis·tur·bance noun
: the act of disturbing : the state of being disturbed

Synonyms
derangement, dislocation, disruption, upset—more at UPSET
commotion, fuss, hubbub

dis·turbed adjective
: showing symptoms of emotional illness

dis·unite verb
: to destroy the unity of : DIVIDE

Synonyms
break up, disconnect, disjoint, dissever, dissociate, divide, divorce, part, resolve, separate, sever, split, sunder, unyoke—more at SEPARATE

dis·uni·ty noun
: lack of unity; especially : DISSENSION

Synonyms
conflict, discord, dissension, dissent, friction, schism, strife, variance, war, warfare—more at DISCORD

dis·use noun
: a cessation of use or practice

dis·used adjective
: no longer used or occupied

1ditch noun
: a long narrow channel or trench dug in the earth

Synonyms
dike, gutter, trench; also culvert, drain, draw, gully, ravine; drill, furrow

2ditch verb
1 : to enclose with a ditch; also : to dig a ditch in
2 : to get rid of : DISCARD
3 : to make a forced landing of an airplane on water

Synonyms
cast, discard, dump, fling, jettison, junk, lose, reject, scrap, shed, shuck, slough, throw away, throw out, unload—more at DISCARD

dith·er noun
: a highly nervous, excited, or agitated state

Synonyms
fluster, fret, fuss, huff, lather, pother, stew, tizzy, twitter—more at FRET

dit·sy or dit·zy adjective dits·i·er or ditz·i·er; -est
: eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane

dit·to noun, plural dittos
[ORIGIN: It ditto, detto, pp. of dire to say, fr. L dicere]

1 : a thing mentioned previously or above — used to avoid repeating a word
2 : a mark “ or ” used as a symbol for the word ditto

dit·ty noun, plural ditties
: a short simple song

dit·zy or dit·sy adjective ditz·i·er or dits·i·er; -est
: eccentrically silly, giddy, or inane

di·uret·ic adjective
: tending to increase urine flow

— diuretic noun

di·ur·nal adjective
1 : DAILY
2 : of, relating to, occurring, or active in the daytime

div abbreviation
1 divided
2 dividend
3 division
4 divorced

di·va noun, plural divas or di·ve
[ORIGIN: It, lit., goddess, fr. L, fem. of divus divine, god]

1 : PRIMA DONNA
2 : a usu. glamorous and successful female performer or personality <the current ~ of the popular music world>

di·va·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to wander or stray from a course or subject : DIVERGE

— di·va·ga·tion noun

di·van noun
: a large couch usu. without back or arms often designed for use as a bed

Synonyms
couch, davenport, lounge, settee, sofa—more at COUCH

1dive verb dived or dove ; dived; div·ing
1 : to plunge into water headfirst
2 : SUBMERGE
3 : to come or drop down precipitously
4 : to descend in an airplane at a steep angle
5 : to plunge into some matter or activity
6 : DART, LUNGE

— div·er noun

Synonyms
pitch, plunge, sound; also dip, immerse, submerge; belly flop

2dive noun
1 : the act or an instance of diving
2 : a sharp decline
3 : a disreputable bar or place of amusement

Synonyms
[1, 2] descent, dip, down, drop, fall, plunge—more at DESCENT

di·verge verb di·verged; di·verg·ing
1 : to move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart
2 : to differ in character, form, or opinion
3 : DEVIATE
4 : DEFLECT

— di·ver·gence noun

— di·ver·gent adjective

Synonyms
branch, fan, radiate—more at RADIATE
branch, divide, fork, separate—more at SEPARATE

di·vers adjective
: of differing kinds : VARIOUS

di·verse adjective
1 : differing from one another : UNLIKE
2 : composed of distinct forms or qualities

— di·verse·ly adverb

Synonyms
different, disparate, dissimilar, distinct, distinctive, distinguishable, other, unalike, unlike—more at DIFFERENT

di·ver·si·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to make different or various in form or quality

— di·ver·si·fi·ca·tion noun

di·ver·sion noun
1 : a turning aside from a course, activity, or use : DEVIATION
2 : something that diverts or amuses

Synonyms
delight, entertainment, fun, pleasure—more at FUN
amusement, distraction, entertainment—more at ENTERTAINMENT

di·ver·si·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the condition of being diverse
2 : an instance of being diverse

Synonyms
assortment, variety—more at VARIETY
contrast, difference, disagreement, discrepancy, disparity, distinction, unlikeness—more at DIFFERENCE

di·vert verb
1 : to turn from a course or purpose : DEFLECT
2 : DISTRACT
3 : to give pleasure to esp. by distracting the attention from what burdens or distresses : ENTERTAIN

Synonyms
[1] deflect, swerve, swing, turn, veer, wheel, whip—more at TURN
[3] amuse, disport, entertain, regale—more at AMUSE

di·vert·ing adjective
: providing amusement or entertainment

Synonyms
amusing, delightful, enjoyable, entertaining, fun, pleasurable—more at FUN

di·vest verb
1 : to deprive or dispossess esp. of property, authority, or rights
2 : to strip esp. of clothing, ornament, or equipment

1divide verb di·vid·ed; di·vid·ing
1 a : to separate into two or more parts, areas, or groups
b : CLASSIFY
2 : CLEAVE, PART
3 : DISTRIBUTE, APPORTION
4 : to possess or make use of in common : share in
5 : to cause to be separate, distinct, or apart from one another
6 : to separate into opposing sides or parties
7 : to mark divisions on
8 : to subject to or use in mathematical division; also : to be used as a divisor with respect to
9 : to branch out

Synonyms
[5] break up, disconnect, disjoint, dissever, dissociate, disunite, divorce, part, resolve, separate, sever, split, sunder, unyoke—more at SEPARATE
[9] branch, diverge, fork, separate—more at SEPARATE

2divide noun
: WATERSHED 1

div·i·dend noun
1 : an individual share of something distributed
2 : something in addition to what is expected or strictly due : BONUS
3 : a number to be divided
4 : a sum or fund to be divided or distributed

Synonyms
bonus, extra, lagniappe, perquisite, tip—more at BONUS

di·vid·er noun
1 : one that divides (as a partition) <room ~>
2 plural : COMPASS 5

div·i·na·tion noun
1 : the art or practice of using omens or magic powers to foretell the future
2 : unusual insight or intuitive perception

1divine adjective di·vin·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or being God or a god
2 : supremely good : SUPERB; also : HEAVENLY

— di·vine·ly adverb

Synonyms
blessed, godlike, heavenly, holy, sacred, supernatural—more at HOLY

2divine noun
1 : a member of the clergy : CLERGYMAN
2 : THEOLOGIAN

3divine verb di·vined; di·vin·ing
1 : INFER, CONJECTURE
2 : to predict with assurance or on the basis of mystic knowledge
3 : DOWSE

Synonyms
anticipate, foreknow, foresee—more at FORESEE

di·vin·er noun
: a person who practices divination

Synonyms
augur, forecaster, fortune-teller, futurist, prognosticator, prophet, seer, soothsayer—more at PROPHET

divining rod noun
: a forked rod believed to reveal the presence of water or minerals by dipping downward when held over a vein

di·vin·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : THEOLOGY
2 : the quality or state of being divine
3 : a divine being; especially : GOD 1

Synonyms
deity, godhead

di·vis·i·ble adjective
: capable of being divided

— di·vis·i·bil·i·ty noun

di·vi·sion noun
1 a : the act or process of dividing : SEPARATION
b : the act, process, or an instance of distributing among a number : DISTRIBUTION
2 : one of the parts or groupings into which a whole is divided
3 : DISAGREEMENT, DISUNITY
4 : something that divides or separates
5 : the mathematical operation of finding how many times one number is contained in another
6 : a large self-contained military unit
7 : an administrative or operating unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization

— di·vi·sion·al adjective

Synonyms
[1a] breakup, dissolution, partition, schism, separation, split—more at SEPARATION
[1b] allocation, dispensation, distribution, issuance—more at DISTRIBUTION
[2] bracket, category, class, family, grade, group, kind, order, set, species, type—more at CLASS
[7] bureau, department, desk, office

di·vi·sive adjective
: creating disunity or dissension

— di·vi·sive·ly adverb

— di·vi·sive·ness noun

di·vi·sor noun
: the number by which a dividend is divided

1divorce noun
1 : an act or instance of legally dissolving a marriage
2 : SEPARATION, SEVERANCE

— di·vorce·ment noun

2divorce verb
1 : to end marriage with (one's spouse) by divorce <divorced his wife>
2 : to dissolve the marriage contract between <they were divorced last year>
3 : to make or keep separate

Synonyms
break up, disconnect, disjoint, dissever, dissociate, disunite, divide, part, resolve, separate, sever, split, sunder, unyoke—more at SEPARATE

di·vor·cé noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a divorced man

di·vor·cée noun
: a divorced woman

div·ot noun
: a piece of turf dug from a golf fairway in making a stroke

di·vulge verb di·vulged; di·vulg·ing
: to make known (as a confidence or secret) : REVEAL

Synonyms
bare, disclose, discover, expose, reveal, spill, tell, unbosom, uncloak, uncover, unmask, unveil—more at REVEAL

Dix·ie·land noun
: jazz music in duple time played in a style developed in New Orleans

diz·zy adjective diz·zi·er; -est
[ORIGIN: ME disy, fr. OE dysig stupid]

1 : FOOLISH, SILLY
2 : having a sensation of whirling : GIDDY
3 a : causing or caused by giddiness
b : confusing or feeling confused mentally
4 : extremely rapid

— diz·zi·ly adverb

— diz·zi·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] giddy, light-headed; also faint, weak; addled, befuddled, confused, dazed
[3b] confused, stunned; also senseless, unconscious
Antonyms
clearheaded
[4] breakneck, breathless, brisk, fast, fleet, hasty, lightning, nippy, quick, rapid, rattling, snappy, speedy, swift—more at FAST

DJ noun, often not cap
: DISC JOCKEY

dk abbreviation
1 dark
2 deck
3 dock

dl abbreviation
deciliter

DLitt or DLit abbreviation
[ORIGIN: NL doctor litterarum]

doctor of letters; doctor of literature

DLO abbreviation
dead letter office

dm abbreviation
decimeter

DMD abbreviation
[ORIGIN: NL dentariae medicinae doctor]

doctor of dental medicine

DMZ abbreviation
demilitarized zone

dn abbreviation
down

DNA noun
: any of various nucleic acids that are usu. the molecular basis of heredity and are localized esp. in cell nuclei

DNR abbreviation
do not resuscitate

1do verb did ; done ; do·ing; does
1 : to bring to pass : ACCOMPLISH
2 : ACT, BEHAVE <~ as I say>
3 : to be active or busy <up and ~ing>
4 : HAPPEN <what's ~ing?>
5 : to be engaged in the study or practice of : work at <he does tailoring>
6 : COOK <steak done rare>
7 : to put in order (as by cleaning or arranging) <~ the dishes>
8 : to furnish with something ornamental : DECORATE <did the hall in blue>
9 : GET ALONG <~ well in school>
10 : to deal with something successfully : MANAGE
11 : RENDER <sleep will ~ you good>
12 : to bring to an end : FINISH <when he had done>
13 : EXERT <did my best>
14 : PRODUCE <did a poem>
15 : to play the part of
16 : CHEAT <did him out of his share>
17 : TRAVERSE, TOUR
18 : TRAVEL
19 : to spend or serve out a period of time <did ten years in prison>
20 : to serve the needs of
21 : to be fitting or proper
22 : USE <doesn't ~ drugs>
23 — used as an auxiliary verb (1) before the subject in an interrogative sentence <does he work?> and after some adverbs <never did she say so>, (2) in a negative statement <I don't know>, (3) for emphasis <you ~ know>, and (4) as a substitute for a preceding predicate <he works harder than I ~>

— do away with

1 : to put an end to
2 : DESTROY, KILL

— do by

: to deal with : TREAT <did right by her>

— do for

: to bring about the death or ruin of

— do the trick

: to produce a desired result

Synonyms
[1] accomplish, achieve, carry out, commit, compass, execute, follow through, make, perform—more at PERFORM
[10] cope, fare, get along, make out, manage, shift—more at GET ALONG
[20, 21] befit, fit, go, serve, suit; also satisfy, suffice; function, work

2do noun
1 : AFFAIR, PARTY
2 : a command or entreaty to do something <list of ~s and don'ts>
3 : HAIRDO

3do abbreviation
ditto

DOA abbreviation
dead on arrival

do·able adjective
: that can be done : PRACTICABLE

Synonyms
achievable, attainable, feasible, possible, practicable, realizable, viable, workable—more at POSSIBLE

DOB abbreviation
date of birth

dob·bin noun
[ORIGIN: Dobbin, nickname for Robert]

1 : a farm horse
2 : a quiet plodding horse

Do·ber·man pin·scher noun
: any of a German breed of short-haired medium-sized dogs

1doc noun
: DOCTOR

2doc abbreviation
document

do·cent noun
[ORIGIN: obs. G (now Dozent), fr. L docens, prp. of docēre to teach]

: TEACHER, LECTURER; also : a person who leads a guided tour

doc·ile adjective
[ORIGIN: L docilis, fr. docēre to teach]

: easily taught, led, or managed : TRACTABLE

Synonyms
amenable, compliant, conformable, obedient, submissive, tractable—more at OBEDIENT

do·cil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being docile

Synonyms
compliance, deference, obedience—more at COMPLIANCE

1dock noun
: any of a genus of coarse weedy herbs related to buckwheat

2dock verb
1 : to cut off the end of : cut short
2 : to take away a part of : deduct from <~ a worker's wages>

3dock noun
1 : an artificial basin to receive ships
2 : 2SLIP 2
3 : a wharf or platform for loading or unloading materials

Synonyms
float, jetty, landing, levee, pier, quay, wharf; also berth, mooring, slip; dockyard, marina, shipyard

4dock verb
1 : to bring or come into dock
2 : to join (as two spacecraft) mechanically in space

5dock noun
: the place in a court where a prisoner stands or sits during trial

dock·age noun
: docking facilities

dock·et noun
1 : a formal abridged record of the proceedings in a legal action; also : a register of such records
2 : a list of legal causes to be tried
3 : a calendar of matters to be acted on : AGENDA
4 : a label attached to a document containing identification or directions

— docket verb

Synonyms
agenda, calendar, program, schedule, timetable—more at PROGRAM

dock·hand noun
: LONGSHOREMAN

dock·work·er noun
: LONGSHOREMAN

dock·yard noun
: SHIPYARD

1doctor noun
[ORIGIN: ME doctour teacher, doctor, fr. AF & ML; AF, fr. ML doctor, fr. L, teacher, fr. docēre to teach]

1 : a person holding one of the highest academic degrees (as a PhD) conferred by a university
2 : a person skilled in healing arts; especially : one (as a physician, dentist, or veterinarian) academically and legally qualified to practice
3 : a person who restores or repairs things

— doc·tor·al adjective

2doctor verb
1 : to give medical treatment to
2 : to practice medicine
3 : to restore to good condition : REPAIR
4 : to adapt or modify for a desired end
5 : to alter deceptively

Synonyms
fix, mend, patch, recondition, renovate, repair, revamp—more at MEND

doc·tor·ate noun
: the degree, title, or rank of a doctor

doc·tri·naire noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: one who attempts to put an abstract theory into effect without regard to practical difficulties

— doctrinaire adjective

doc·trine noun
1 : something that is taught
2 : a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief

— doc·tri·nal adjective

Synonyms
creed, gospel, ideology, philosophy—more at CREED

docu·dra·ma noun
: a drama for television, motion pictures, or theater that deals freely with historical events

1document noun
1 : a paper that furnishes information, proof, or support of something else
2 : a computer file containing information input by a computer user usu. via a word processor

2document verb
: to furnish documentary evidence of

— doc·u·ment·er noun

Synonyms
demonstrate, establish, prove, substantiate, validate—more at PROVE

doc·u·men·ta·ry adjective
1 : consisting of documents; also : being in writing <~ proof>
2 a : giving a factual presentation in artistic form <a ~ movie>
b : of or relating to facts

— documentary noun

Synonyms
factual, hard, historical, literal, matter-of-fact, nonfictional, objective, true—more at FACTUAL

doc·u·men·ta·tion noun
1 : the act or an instance of furnishing or authenticating with documents
2 a : the provision of documents in substantiation
b : documentary evidence

Synonyms
attestation, confirmation, corroboration, evidence, proof, substantiation, testament, testimony, validation, witness—more at PROOF

DOD abbreviation
Department of Defense

1dodder noun
: any of a genus of leafless parasitic twining vines that are highly deficient in chlorophyll

2dodder verb dod·dered; dod·der·ing
1 : to tremble or shake usu. from age
2 : to progress feebly and unsteadily

Synonyms
careen, lurch, reel, stagger, teeter, totter—more at STAGGER

1dodge noun
1 : an act of evading by sudden bodily movement
2 : an artful device to evade, deceive, or trick
3 : EXPEDIENT

Synonyms
artifice, device, gimmick, jig, ploy, scheme, sleight, stratagem, trick, wile—more at TRICK

2dodge verb dodged; dodg·ing
1 : to evade usu. by trickery
2 : to move suddenly aside; also : to avoid or evade by so doing

Synonyms
[1] avoid, duck, elude, escape, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun—more at ESCAPE
[2] duck, sidestep; also avoid, elude, escape, evade, parry, shirk, skirt; deflect, turn; slide, slip

dodg·er noun
: one that dodges; especially : one who uses tricky devices

Synonyms
cheat, hoaxer, shark, sharper, swindler, trickster—more at TRICKSTER

do·do noun, plural dodoes or dodos
[ORIGIN: Pg doudo, fr. doudo silly, stupid]

1 : an extinct heavy flightless bird of the island of Mauritius related to the pigeons and larger than a turkey
2 : one hopelessly behind the times
3 : a stupid person

Synonyms
[2] antediluvian, fogy, fossil, fuddy-duddy, reactionary—more at FOGY
[3] dope, dummy, dunce, idiot, imbecile, jackass, moron, numskull, simpleton

doe noun, plural does or doe
: an adult female of various mammals (as a deer, rabbit, or kangaroo) of which the male is called buck

DOE abbreviation
Department of Energy

do·er noun
: one that does

does present 3d singular of DO plural of DOE

doff verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. don to do + of off]

1 : to take off (the hat) in greeting or as a sign of respect
2 : to rid oneself of
3 : to remove (an article of wear) from the body

Synonyms
peel, put off, remove, take off—more at REMOVE

1dog noun
1 : a flesh-eating domestic mammal related to the wolves; especially : a male of this animal
2 : a worthless or contemptible person
3 : FELLOW, CHAP <you lucky ~>
4 : a mechanical device for holding something
5 : uncharacteristic or affected stylishness or dignity <put on the ~>
6 plural : RUIN <gone to the ~s>

Synonyms
canine, hound; also cur, mongrel, mutt; bitch; lapdog, pup, puppy, whelp; bird dog, hunter, police dog, sled dog, watchdog, wolf dog, wolfhound

2dog verb dogged; dog·ging
1 : to hunt or track like a hound
2 : to worry as if by pursuit with dogs : PLAGUE

Synonyms
chase, follow, hound, pursue, shadow, tag, tail, trace, track, trail—more at FOLLOW

dog·bane noun
: any of a genus of mostly poisonous herbs with milky juice and often showy flowers

dog·cart noun
: a light one-horse carriage with two seats back to back

dog·catch·er noun
: a community official assigned to catch and dispose of stray dogs

dog–ear noun
: the turned-down corner of a leaf of a book

— dog–ear verb

dog–eared adjective
: ill-kept : SHABBY

dog·fight noun
: a fight between fighter planes at close range

dog·fish noun
: any of various small usu. bottom-dwelling sharks

dog·ged adjective
: stubbornly determined

— dog·ged·ly adverb

Synonyms
insistent, patient, persevering, persistent, pertinacious, tenacious—more at PERSISTENT
determined, grim, implacable, relentless, unflinching, unrelenting, unyielding—more at UNYIELDING

dog·ged·ness noun
: the quality or state of being dogged

dog·ger·el noun
: verse that is loosely styled and irregular in measure esp. for comic effect

dog·gie bag or doggy bag noun
: a container for carrying home leftover food from a restaurant meal

1doggy or dog·gie noun, plural doggies
: a usu. small dog

2doggy adjective dog·gi·er; -est
: of or resembling a dog <a ~ odor>

dog·house noun
: a shelter for a dog

— in the doghouse

: in a state of disfavor

do·gie noun, chiefly West
: a motherless calf in a range herd

dog·leg noun
: a sharp bend or angle (as in a road or a golf fairway)

— dogleg verb

dog·ma noun, plural dogmas also dog·ma·ta
[ORIGIN: L, fr. Gk, fr. dokein to think, have an opinion]

1 : a tenet or code of tenets
2 : a doctrine or body of doctrines formally proclaimed by a church

dog·ma·tism noun
: positiveness in stating matters of opinion esp. when unwarranted or arrogant

— dog·mat·ic adjective

— dog·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

do–good·er noun
: an earnest often naive humanitarian or reformer

dog·tooth violet noun
: any of a genus of small spring-flowering bulbous herbs related to the lilies

dog·trot noun
: a gentle trot

— dogtrot verb

dog·wood noun
: any of a genus of trees and shrubs having heads of small flowers often with showy white, pink, or red bracts

doi·ly noun, plural doilies
: a small often decorative mat

do in verb
1 : to bring about the defeat or destruction of : RUIN
2 : to deprive of life : KILL
3 : to tire extremely or completely : EXHAUST <the climb did him in>
4 : CHEAT

Synonyms
[2] destroy, dispatch, fell, kill, slay—more at KILL
[3] burn out, drain, exhaust, fag, fatigue, tire, tucker, wash out, wear, wear out, weary—more at EXHAUST

do·ing noun
1 : the act or result of performing, executing, or creating <to achieve those plans will take some ~>
2 doings plural : things that go on or occur <the daily ~s in the market>

Synonyms
[1] act, action, deed, exploit, feat, thing—more at ACTION

do–it–yourself noun
: the activity of doing or making something without professional training or help

— do–it–your·self·er noun

dol abbreviation
dollar

dol·drums noun plural
1 : a spell of listlessness or despondency
2 often cap : a part of the ocean near the equator known for calms
3 : a state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump

Synonyms
blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despondency, dumps, forlornness, gloom, heartsickness, melancholy, sadness—more at SADNESS
boredom, ennui, listlessness, restlessness, tedium, tiredness, weariness—more at BOREDOM

1dole noun
1 : a distribution esp. of food, money, or clothing to the needy; also : something so distributed
2 : a grant of government funds to the unemployed

2dole verb doled; dol·ing
: to give or distribute as a charity — usu. used with out

dole·ful adjective
: full of grief : SAD

— dole·ful·ly adverb

dole out verb
1 : to give or deliver in small portions
2 : to give or dispense freely : DISH OUT

Synonyms
administer, allocate, apportion, deal, dispense, distribute, mete, parcel, portion, prorate—more at ADMINISTER

doll noun
1 : a small figure of a human being used esp. as a child's plaything
2 : a pretty woman
3 : an attractive person

— doll·ish adjective

Synonyms
girl, lass, maid, maiden, miss—more at GIRL

dol·lar noun
[ORIGIN: Dutch or LG daler, fr. G Taler, short for Joachimstaler, fr. Sankt Joachimsthal, Bohemia, where talers were first made]

1 : a basic monetary unit of any of several countries (as the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Singapore)
2 : a coin, note, or token representing one dollar

dol·lop noun
1 : LUMP, GLOB
2 : PORTION 1

— dollop verb

doll up verb
1 : to dress elegantly or extravagantly
2 : to make more attractive
3 : to get dolled up

dol·ly noun, plural dollies
: a small cart or wheeled platform (as for a television or movie camera)

dol·men noun
: a prehistoric monument consisting of two or more upright stones supporting a horizontal stone slab

do·lo·mite noun
: a mineral found in broad layers as a compact limestone

do·lor noun
: mental suffering or anguish : SORROW

Synonyms
affliction, anguish, grief, heartache, sorrow, woe—more at SORROW

do·lor·ous adjective
: causing, marked by, or expressing misery or grief

— do·lor·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
funeral, lugubrious, mournful, plaintive, regretful, rueful, sorrowful, weeping, woeful—more at MOURNFUL

do·lour chiefly British variant of DOLOR

dol·phin noun
1 : any of various small whales with conical teeth and an elongated beaklike snout
2 : either of two active food fishes of tropical and temperate seas

dolt noun
: a stupid individual

Synonyms
blockhead, dope, dummy, idiot, imbecile, jackass, moron, numskull—more at IDIOT

dolt·ish adjective
: like a dolt : STUPID

dolt·ish·ness noun
: the quality or state of being doltish : STUPIDITY

dom abbreviation
1 domestic
2 dominant
3 dominion

-dom noun suffix
1 : dignity : office <dukedom>
2 : realm : jurisdiction <kingdom>
3 : state or fact of being <freedom>
4 : those having a (specified) office, occupation, interest, or character <officialdom>

do·main noun
1 : complete and absolute ownership of land
2 : land completely owned
3 : a territory over which dominion is exercised
4 : a sphere of knowledge, influence, or activity <the ~ of science>
5 : a subdivision of the Internet made up of computers whose URLs share a characteristic abbreviation (as com or gov)

Synonyms
area, arena, demesne, department, discipline, field, line, province, realm, specialty, sphere—more at FIELD

domain name noun
: a sequence of characters (as Merriam-Webster.com) that specifies a group of online resources and forms part of its URL

dome noun
1 : a large hemispherical roof or ceiling
2 : a structure or natural formation that resembles the dome of a building
3 : a roofed sports stadium

— dome verb

1domestic adjective
1 : living near or about human habitations
2 : reduced from a state of native wildness esp. so as to be tractable and useful to humans : DOMESTICATED
3 : relating and limited to one's own country or the country under consideration
4 : of or relating to the household or the family
5 : devoted to home duties and pleasures
6 : INDIGENOUS

— do·mes·ti·cal·ly adverb

2domestic noun
: a household servant

Synonyms
girl, housemaid, maid, maidservant, servant—more at MAID

do·mes·ti·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to adapt to life in association with and to the use of humans

— do·mes·ti·ca·tion noun

do·mes·tic·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being domestic or domesticated
2 : domestic activities or life

domestic violence noun
: the inflicting of injury by one family or household member on another

1domicile noun
: a dwelling place : HOME

— dom·i·cil·i·ary adjective

Synonyms
abode, dwelling, fireside, habitation, hearth, home, house, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof—more at HOME

2domicile verb
: to establish in or provide with a domicile

Synonyms
accommodate, billet, chamber, harbor, house, lodge, put up, quarter, roof, shelter, take in—more at HOUSE

dom·i·nance noun
1 : dominant position esp. in a social hierarchy
2 : the property of one of a pair of alleles or traits that suppresses expression of the other when both are present

Synonyms
ascendancy, dominion, predominance, preeminence, supremacy—more at SUPREMACY

1dominant adjective
1 : controlling or prevailing over all others
2 : overlooking from a high position
3 : exhibiting genetic dominance

Synonyms
arch, cardinal, central, chief, first, foremost, grand, key, main, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primary, principal, sovereign, supreme—more at FOREMOST

2dominant noun
: a dominant gene or trait

dom·i·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to exert control, direction, or influence on
2 : to have a commanding position or controlling power over
3 : to rise high above in a position suggesting power to dominate

— dom·i·na·tor noun

Synonyms
[1] conquer, overpower, subdue, subject, vanquish—more at CONQUER
[2] boss, captain, command, head, lead, spearhead—more at LEAD

dom·i·na·tion noun
1 : supremacy or preeminence over another
2 : exercise of mastery, ruling power, or preponderant influence

Synonyms
conquest, subjection—more at CONQUEST

do·mi·na·trix noun, plural -trices
: a woman who dominates her sexual partner; also : a dominating woman

dom·i·neer verb
1 : to rule in an arrogant manner
2 : to be overbearing

dom·i·neer·ing adjective
: inclined to exercise arbitrary and overbearing control over others

Synonyms
authoritarian, autocratic, bossy, despotic, dictatorial, imperious, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical, tyrannous—more at BOSSY

do·mi·nie noun
1 chiefly Scottish : SCHOOLMASTER
2 : a member of the clergy : CLERGYMAN

do·min·ion noun
1 : DOMAIN
2 : supreme authority
3 often cap : a self-governing nation of the Commonwealth

Synonyms
ascendancy, dominance, predominance, preeminence, supremacy—more at SUPREMACY

dom·i·no noun, plural -noes or -nos
1 : a long loose hooded cloak usu. worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume
2 : a flat rectangular block used as a piece in a game (dominoes)

1don verb donned; don·ning
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. don to do + on]

: to put on (as clothes)

Synonyms
put on, slip, throw—more at PUT ON

2don noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. L dominus lord, master]

1 : a Spanish nobleman or gentleman — used as a title prefixed to the first name
2 : a head, tutor, or fellow in an English university

do·ña noun
: a Spanish woman of rank — used as a title prefixed to the first name

do·nate verb do·nat·ed; do·nat·ing
1 : to make a gift of : CONTRIBUTE
2 : to make a donation

Synonyms
bestow, contribute, give, present—more at GIVE

do·na·tion noun
1 : the making of a gift esp. to a charity
2 : a free contribution

Synonyms
alms, benefaction, beneficence, charity, contribution, philanthropy—more at CONTRIBUTION
bestowal, freebie, gift, lagniappe, largesse, present—more at GIFT

1done past participle of DO

2done adjective
1 : doomed to failure, defeat, or death
2 : gone by : OVER <when day is ~>
3 : cooked sufficiently
4 : conformable to social convention

Synonyms
complete, down, over, through, up—more at COMPLETE

done deal noun
: FAIT ACCOMPLI

don·key noun, plural donkeys
1 : a sturdy and patient domestic mammal classified with the asses
2 : a stupid or obstinate person

Synonyms
ass, jackass; also jack, jenny; mule; pack animal

don·ny·brook noun, often cap
[ORIGIN: Donnybrook Fair, annual Irish event known for its brawls]

: an uproarious brawl

do·nor noun
: one that gives, donates, or presents

donut variant of DOUGHNUT

doo·dad noun
: an often small article whose common name is unknown or forgotten

doo·dle verb doo·dled; doo·dling
: to draw or scribble aimlessly while occupied with something else

— doodle noun

— doo·dler noun

1doom noun
1 : a judicial decision; especially : a judicial condemnation or sentence
2 : something to which a person or thing is destined : DESTINY
3 a : RUIN
b : a permanent cessation of all vital functions : DEATH

Synonyms
[1] finding, holding, judgment, ruling, sentence—more at SENTENCE
[2] circumstance, destiny, fate, fortune, lot, portion—more at FATE

2doom verb
1 : to give judgment against : CONDEMN
2 : to fix the fate of : DESTINE

Synonyms
[1] condemn, damn, sentence—more at SENTENCE
[2] destine, fate, foredoom, foreordain, ordain, predestine—more at DESTINE

dooms·day noun
: JUDGMENT DAY

door noun
1 : a usu. swinging or sliding barrier by which an entry is closed and opened; also : a similar part of a piece of furniture
2 : the opening that a door closes : DOORWAY
3 : a means of access or participation : OPPORTUNITY

Synonyms
[1] gate, hatch, portal; also Dutch door, French door, lattice, portcullis, postern, trapdoor, wicket
[2] doorway, entrance, gate, gateway, way; also hatch, hatchway

door·keep·er noun
: a person who tends a door

Synonyms
gatekeeper, janitor

door·knob noun
: a knob that when turned releases a door latch

door·man noun
: a usu. uniformed attendant at the door of a building (as a hotel)

door·mat noun
: a mat placed before or inside a door for wiping dirt from the shoes

door·plate noun
: a nameplate on a door

door·step noun
: a step or series of steps before an outer door

door·way noun
1 : the opening that a door closes
2 : a means of access or participation

Synonyms
[1] door, entrance, gate, gateway, way—more at DOOR
[2] access, admission, entrance, entrée, gateway—more at ENTRANCE

do·pa noun
: a form of an amino acid that is used esp. in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

do·pa·mine noun
: an organic compound that occurs esp. as a neurotransmitter in the brain

1dope noun
1 : a preparation for giving a desired quality
2 : an illicit, habit-forming, or narcotic drug; especially : MARIJUANA
3 : a stupid person
4 : information esp. from a reliable source

Synonyms
[3] blockhead, cretin, dodo, dolt, donkey, dummy, dunce, idiot, imbecile, jackass, moron, nitwit, numskull, simpleton, turkey—more at IDIOT
[4] lowdown, scoop, tip; also dirt, gossip, rumor, story; hint, pointer; information, intelligence, news, tidings, word

2dope verb doped; dop·ing
1 : to treat with dope; especially : to give a narcotic to
2 : to find a solution, explanation, or answer for : FIGURE OUT — usu. used with out
3 : to take dope

Synonyms
usually dope out answer, break, crack, figure out, puzzle, resolve, riddle, solve, unravel, work, work out—more at SOLVE

dop·er noun
: an habitual or frequent drug user

Synonyms
addict, fiend, user; also pothead

dop·ey also dopy adjective dop·i·er; -est
1 : dulled by alcohol or a narcotic
2 : SLUGGISH
3 : slow of mind : STUPID; also : complacently or inanely foolish

dop·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being dopey

Synonyms
denseness, fatuity, foolishness, imbecility, mindlessness, obtuseness, stupidity, vacuity—more at STUPIDITY

doping noun
: the use of a substance or technique to illegally improve athletic performance

Dopp·ler effect noun
: a change in the frequency at which waves (as of sound) reach an observer from a source in motion with respect to the observer

do–rag noun
: a kerchief worn esp. to cover the hair

dork noun, slang
: NERD; also : JERK 2

dorm noun
: DORMITORY

dor·man·cy noun
: the quality or state of being dormant

Synonyms
abeyance, doldrums, latency, quiescence, suspension—more at ABEYANCE
idleness, inaction, inactivity, inertness, quiescence—more at INACTION

dor·mant adjective
1 : marked by a suspension of activity
2 : sleeping or drowsing

Synonyms
[1] dead, fallow, free, idle, inactive, inert, inoperative, latent, off, vacant—more at INACTIVE
[2] asleep—more at ASLEEP

dor·mer noun
[ORIGIN: MF dormeor dormitory, fr. L dormitorium, fr. dormire to sleep]

: a window built upright in a sloping roof; also : the roofed structure containing such a window

dor·mi·to·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : a room for sleeping; especially : a large room containing a number of beds
2 : a residence hall providing sleeping rooms

dor·mouse noun
: any of numerous Old World rodents that resemble small squirrels

dor·sal adjective
: of, relating to, or located near or on the surface of the body that in humans is the back but in most other animals is the upper surface

— dor·sal·ly adverb

do·ry noun, plural dories
: a flat-bottomed boat with high flaring sides and a sharp bow

DOS abbreviation
disk operating system

1dose noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF, fr. LL dosis, fr. Gk, lit., act of giving, fr. didonai to give]

1 : a measured quantity (as of medicine) to be taken or administered at one time
2 : the quantity of radiation administered or absorbed

— dos·age noun

2dose verb dosed; dos·ing
1 : to give in doses
2 : to give medicine to

do·sim·e·ter noun
: a device for measuring doses of radiations (as X-rays)

— do·sim·e·try noun

dos·sier noun
[ORIGIN: F, bundle of documents labeled on the back, dossier, fr. dos back, fr. OF, fr. L dorsum]

: a file containing detailed records on a particular person or subject

1dot noun
1 : a small spot : SPECK
2 : a small round mark
3 : a precise point esp. in time <be here on the ~>

Synonyms
blotch, dapple, fleck, mottle, patch, point, speck, spot—more at SPOT

2dot verb dot·ted; dot·ting
1 : to mark with a dot <~ an i>
2 : to cover with or as if with dots

— dot·ter noun

Synonyms
blotch, dapple, fleck, freckle, mottle, pepper, speck, spot, sprinkle, stipple—more at SPOT

DOT abbreviation
Department of Transportation

dot·age noun
: feebleness of mind esp. in old age : SENILITY

dot·ard noun
: a person in dotage

dot–com noun
: a company that markets its products or services usu. exclusively via a Web site

dote verb dot·ed; dot·ing
1 : to be feebleminded esp. from old age
2 : to be lavish or excessive in one's attention, affection, or fondness <doted on her niece>

Synonyms
usually dote on adore, canonize, deify, idolize, worship—more at IDOLIZE

dot matrix noun
: a rectangular arrangement of dots from which alphanumeric characters can be formed (as by a computer printer)

Dou·ay Version noun
: an English translation of the Vulgate used by Roman Catholics

1double adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L duplus, fr. duo two + -plus multiplied by]

1 : TWOFOLD, DUAL
2 : consisting of two members or parts
3 : being twice as great or as many
4 : folded in two
5 : having more than one whorl of petals <~ roses>

Synonyms
binary, bipartite, dual, duplex, twin; also mated, paired
Antonyms
single

2double verb dou·bled; dou·bling
1 : to make, be, or become twice as great or as many
2 : to make a call in bridge that increases the trick values and penalties of (an opponent's bid)
3 : FOLD
4 : CLENCH
5 : to be or cause to be bent over
6 : to take the place of another
7 : to hit a double
8 : to turn sharply and suddenly; especially : to turn back on one's course

3double adverb
1 : DOUBLY
2 : two together

4double noun
1 : something twice another in size, strength, speed, quantity, or value
2 : a base hit that enables the batter to reach second base
3 : one that is the counterpart of another : DUPLICATE; especially : a person who closely resembles another
4 : UNDERSTUDY, SUBSTITUTE
5 : a sharp turn : REVERSAL
6 : FOLD
7 : a combined bet placed on two different contests
8 plural : a game between two pairs of players
9 : an act of doubling in a card game

Synonyms
carbon copy, counterpart, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, image, likeness, match, picture, replica, ringer, spit—more at IMAGE

double bond noun
: a chemical bond in which two atoms in a molecule share two pairs of electrons

double cross noun
: an act of betraying or cheating esp. an associate

— dou·ble–cross verb

Synonyms
betrayal, disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, infidelity, perfidy, treachery, treason, unfaithfulness—more at BETRAYAL

dou·ble–cross·er noun
: one that double-crosses

Synonyms
apostate, betrayer, quisling, recreant, traitor, turncoat—more at TRAITOR

1double–dealing noun
: action contradictory to a professed attitude : DUPLICITY

— dou·ble–deal·er noun

Synonyms
artifice, craft, craftiness, crookedness, cunning, deceit, deceitfulness, dishonesty, dissimulation, duplicity, guile, wiliness—more at DECEIT

2double–dealing adjective
: given to or marked by duplicity

Synonyms
crooked, deceitful, dishonest, false, fraudulent—more at FRAUDULENT

dou·ble–deck·er noun
: something having two decks, levels, or layers

— dou·ble–deck or dou·ble–decked adjective

dou·ble–dig·it adjective
: amounting to 10 percent or more

dou·ble en·ten·dre noun, plural double entendres
[ORIGIN: obs. F, lit., double meaning]

: a word or expression capable of two interpretations with one usu. risqué

dou·ble·head·er noun
: two games played consecutively on the same day

double helix noun
: a helix or spiral consisting of two strands (as of DNA) in the surface of a cylinder which coil around its axis

dou·ble–hung adjective, of a window
: having an upper and a lower sash that can slide past each other

dou·ble–joint·ed adjective
: having a joint that permits an exceptional degree of freedom of motion of the parts joined <a ~ finger>

dou·ble–park verb
: to park a vehicle beside a row of vehicles already parked parallel to the curb

double play noun
: a play in baseball by which two players are put out

double pneumonia noun
: pneumonia affecting both lungs

double standard noun
: a set of principles that applies differently and usu. more rigorously to one group of people or circumstances than to another

dou·blet noun
1 : a man's close-fitting jacket worn in Europe esp. in the 16th century
2 : one of two similar or identical things

dou·ble take noun
: a delayed reaction to a surprising or significant situation after an initial failure to notice anything unusual

dou·ble–talk noun
: language that appears to be meaningful but in fact is a mixture of sense and nonsense

double up verb
: to share accommodations designed for one

double whammy noun
: a combination of two usu. adverse forces, circumstances, or effects

dou·bloon noun
: a former gold coin of Spain and Spanish America

dou·bly adverb
1 : in a twofold manner
2 : to twice the degree

1doubt verb
1 : to be uncertain about
2 : to lack confidence in : DISTRUST
3 : to consider unlikely

Synonyms
distrust, mistrust, question, suspect—more at DISTRUST

2doubt noun
1 : uncertainty of belief or opinion
2 : a condition causing uncertainty, hesitation, or suspense <the outcome was in ~>
3 : a lack of confidence : DISTRUST
4 : an inclination not to believe or accept

Synonyms
distrust, incertitude, misgiving, mistrust, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty; also disbelief, incredulity, unbelief; anxiety, concern; compunction, qualm, scruple
Antonyms
assurance, belief, certainty, certitude, confidence, conviction, sureness, surety, trust

doubt·able adjective
: capable of being doubted : QUESTIONABLE

doubt·er noun
: one that doubts

Synonyms
disbeliever, questioner, skeptic, unbeliever—more at SKEPTIC

doubt·ful adjective
1 : giving rise to doubt : open to question
2 a : lacking a definite opinion, conviction, or determination
b : uncertain in outcome <the outcome of the election is ~>
3 : marked by qualities that raise doubts about worth, honesty, or validity

— doubt·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 3] debatable, disputable, dubious, equivocal, fishy, problematic, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious; also moot; ambiguous, open, unclear; uncertain, undecided, undetermined; flimsy, improbable, unlikely
Antonyms
certain, incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, sure, undeniable, undoubted, unquestionable
[3] distrustful, dubious, mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious, uncertain, undecided, unsettled, unsure; also diffident, insecure; hesitant, indecisive, irresolute, vacillating, wavering
Antonyms
certain, convinced, positive, sure

doubt·ful·ly adverb
: in a doubtful manner

1doubtless adverb
1 : without doubt
2 : without much doubt : PROBABLY

Synonyms
certainly, definitely, forsooth, incontestably, indeed, indisputably, really, surely, truly, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably—more at INDEED

2doubtless adjective
: free from doubt : CERTAIN

— doubt·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
assured, certain, clear, cocksure, confident, positive, sanguine, sure—more at CERTAIN

douche noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a jet of fluid (as water) directed against a part or into a cavity of the body; also : a cleansing with a douche
2 : a device for giving douches

— douche verb

dough noun
1 : a mixture that consists of flour or meal and a liquid (as milk or water) and is stiff enough to knead or roll
2 : something resembling dough esp. in consistency
3 : something generally accepted as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment : MONEY

— doughy adjective

Synonyms
cash, currency, lucre, money, pelf, tender—more at MONEY

dough·boy noun
: an American infantryman esp. in World War I

dough·nut also do·nut noun
: a small usu. ring-shaped cake fried in fat

dough·ty adjective dough·ti·er; -est
: marked by fearless resolution : VALIANT

Synonyms
brave, courageous, dauntless, fearless, gallant, greathearted, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant, valorous—more at BRAVE

Doug·las fir noun
: a tall evergreen timber tree of the western U.S.

dou·la noun
: a woman who provides assistance to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth

do up verb
1 : to prepare (as by cleaning) for use
2 : to wrap up
3 : CLOTHE, DECORATE
4 : FASTEN

dour adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L durus hard]

1 : marked by harsh sternness or severity
2 : OBSTINATE
3 : SULLEN

— dour·ly adverb

Synonyms
austere, fierce, flinty, forbidding, grim, gruff, rough, rugged, severe, stark, steely, stern—more at GRIM

douse verb doused; dous·ing
1 : to plunge into water
2 : to throw a liquid on : DRENCH
3 : to cause to cease burning : EXTINGUISH

Synonyms
[1] dip, duck, dunk, immerse, souse, submerge—more at DIP
[2] bathe, drench, soak, sop, souse, wash, water, wet—more at WET
[3] extinguish, put out, quench, snuff—more at EXTINGUISH

1dove noun
1 : any of numerous pigeons; especially : a small wild pigeon
2 : an advocate of peace or of a peaceful policy
3 : a gentle woman or child

— dov·ish adjective

Synonyms
angel, innocent, lamb, sheep—more at LAMB

2dove past of DIVE

1dovetail noun
: something that resembles a dove's tail; especially : a flaring tenon and a mortise into which it fits tightly

2dovetail verb
1 : to join by means of dovetails
2 : to fit skillfully together to form a whole <our plans ~ nicely>

Synonyms
accord, agree, answer, check, coincide, comport, conform, correspond, fit, go, harmonize, jibe, square, tally—more at CHECK

dow·a·ger noun
1 : a widow owning property or a title from her deceased husband
2 : a dignified elderly woman

Synonyms
dame, matriarch, matron—more at MATRIARCH

dowdy adjective dowd·i·er; -est
1 : lacking neatness and charm : UNTIDY
2 : lacking smartness or taste

Synonyms
[1] frowsy, sloppy, slovenly, unkempt, untidy—more at SLOPPY
[2] inelegant, tacky, tasteless, trashy, unfashionable, unstylish—more at TACKY

dow·el noun
1 : a pin used for fastening together two pieces of wood
2 : a round rod (as of wood)

— dowel verb

1dower noun
[ORIGIN: ME dowere, fr. AF dower, douaire, fr. ML dotarium, fr. L dot-, dos gift, marriage portion]

1 : the part of a deceased husband's real estate which the law gives for life to his widow
2 : DOWRY

2dower verb
: to supply with a dower or dowry : ENDOW

dow·itch·er noun
: any of several long-billed wading birds related to the sandpipers

1down adverb
[ORIGIN: ME doun, fr. OE dūne, short for adūne, of dūne, lit., from (the) hill]

1 : toward or in a lower physical position
2 : to a lying or sitting position
3 : toward or to the ground, floor, or bottom
4 : as a down payment <paid $5 ~>
5 : on paper <put ~ what he says>
6 : in a direction that is the opposite of up
7 : SOUTH
8 : to or in a lower or worse condition or status
9 : from a past time
10 : to or in a state of less activity
11 : into defeat <voted the motion ~>

Synonyms
below, downward, over; also facedown; low; downgrade, downhill, downstairs
Antonyms
up, upward, upwardly

2down preposition
: down in, on, along, or through : toward the bottom of

3down verb
1 : to go or cause to go or come down
2 : DEFEAT
3 : to cause (a football) to be out of play

Synonyms
bowl, drop, fell, floor, knock, level

4down adjective
1 : occupying a low position; especially : lying on the ground
2 : directed or going downward
3 : being in a state of reduced or low activity
4 : low in spirits : DEJECTED
5 : affected with disease or ill health : SICK <~ with a cold>
6 : arrived at or brought to an end : DONE
7 : completely mastered <got her lines ~>
8 : being on record <you're ~ for two tickets>

Synonyms
[2] downcast, downward—more at DOWNCAST
[5] bad, ill, indisposed, peaked, punk, sick, unhealthy, unsound, unwell—more at SICK

5down noun
1 : a low or falling period (as in activity, emotional life, or fortunes)
2 : one of a series of attempts to advance a football
3 : an instance of putting down
4 : a quark with a charge of -1/3 that is one of the constituents of the proton and neutron

Synonyms
comedown, decline, descent, downfall, fall—more at COMEDOWN

6down noun
: a rolling usu. treeless upland with sparse soil — usu. used in pl.

Synonyms
grassland, plain, prairie, savanna, steppe, veld—more at PLAIN

7down noun
1 : a covering of soft fluffy feathers; also : such feathers
2 : a downlike covering or material

Synonyms
floss, fluff, fur, fuzz, lint, nap, pile—more at FUZZ

down·beat noun
: the downward stroke of a conductor indicating the principally accented note of a measure of music

down·burst noun
: a powerful downdraft usu. associated with a thunderstorm that is a hazard for low-flying aircraft; also : MICROBURST

down·cast adjective
1 : low in spirit : DEJECTED
2 : directed down <a ~ glance>

Synonyms
down, downward

down·draft noun
: a downward current of gas (as air)

down·er noun
1 : a depressant drug; especially : BARBITURATE
2 : someone or something depressing

down·fall noun
1 : a sudden fall (as from high rank)
2 : something that causes a downfall

— down·fall·en adjective

Synonyms
comedown, decline, descent, down, fall—more at COMEDOWN

1downgrade noun
1 : a downward slope (as of a road)
2 : a decline toward a worse condition

Synonyms
decadence, declension, decline, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, descent, deterioration, downfall, fall—more at DECLINE

2downgrade verb
: to lower in quality, value, extent, or status

Synonyms
break, bust, degrade, demote, reduce—more at DEMOTE

down·heart·ed adjective
: low in spirit : DEJECTED

1downhill adverb
: toward the bottom of a hill

— downhill adjective

2downhill noun
: the sport of skiing downhill usu. in a race against time

1download noun
: an act or instance of downloading something; also : the item downloaded

2download verb
: to transfer (data) from a computer to another device

— down·load·able adjective

down payment noun
: a part of the full price paid at the time of purchase or delivery with the balance to be paid later

down·play verb
: DE-EMPHASIZE <~ed the allegations>

down·pour noun
: a heavy rain

Synonyms
cloudburst, deluge, rain, rainstorm, storm, wet—more at RAIN

down·range adverb
: away from a launching site

1downright adverb
: THOROUGHLY

2downright adjective
1 : being completely or exactly what is stated : ABSOLUTE <a ~ lie>
2 : abrupt in speech or manner : BLUNT <a ~ man>

down·shift verb
: to shift an automotive vehicle into a lower gear

down·size verb
: to reduce or undergo reduction in size or numbers

Synonyms
abate, de-escalate, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen, lower, reduce

down·spout noun
: a vertical pipe used to drain rainwater from a roof

Down's syndrome or Down syndrome noun
: a birth defect characterized by mental retardation, slanting eyes, a broad short skull, broad hands with short fingers, and the presence of an extra chromosome

down·stage adverb or adjective
: toward or at the front of a theatrical stage

down·stairs adverb
: on or to a lower floor and esp. the main or ground floor

— down·stairs adjective or noun

down·stream adverb or adjective
: in the direction of flow of a stream

down·stroke noun
: a downward stroke

down·swing noun
1 : a swing downward
2 : DOWNTURN

down–to–earth adjective
: having or showing concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary

Synonyms
earthy, hardheaded, matter-of-fact, practical, pragmatic, realistic—more at REALISTIC

down·town noun
: the main business district of a town or city

— downtown adjective or adverb

down·trod·den adjective
: suffering oppression

down·turn noun
: a downward turn esp. in economic activity

1downward or down·wards adverb
1 : from a higher to a lower place or condition
2 : from an earlier time
3 : from an ancestor or predecessor

Synonyms
below, down, over—more at DOWN

2downward adjective
: directed toward or situated in a lower place or condition

Synonyms
down, downcast—more at DOWNCAST

down·wind adverb or adjective
: in the direction that the wind is blowing

downy adjective down·i·er; -est
: resembling or covered with down

Synonyms
cottony, satiny, silken, soft, velvety—more at SOFT

downy mildew noun
: any of various parasitic fungi producing whitish masses esp. on the underside of plant leaves; also : a plant disease caused by downy mildew

downy woodpecker noun
: a small black-and-white woodpecker of No. America

dow·ry noun, plural dowries
[ORIGIN: ME dowarie, fr. AF, alter. of dower, douaire dower]

: the property that a woman brings to her husband in marriage

dowse verb dowsed; dows·ing
: to use a divining rod esp. to find water

— dows·er noun

dox·ol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
: a usu. short hymn of praise to God

doy·en noun
: the senior or most experienced person in a group

doy·enne noun
: a woman who is a doyen

doy·ley chiefly British variant of DOILY

doz abbreviation
dozen

1doze verb dozed; doz·ing
: to sleep lightly

Synonyms
catnap, drowse, nap, slumber, snooze—more at NAP

2doze noun
: a light sleep

Synonyms
catnap, drowse, forty winks, nap, siesta, snooze, wink—more at NAP

doz·en noun, plural dozens or dozen
[ORIGIN: ME dozeine, fr. AF duzeine, fr. duze twelve, fr. L duodecim, fr. duo two + decem ten]

: a group of twelve

— doz·enth adjective

1DP noun, plural DP's or DPs
1 : a displaced person
2 : DOUBLE PLAY

2DP abbreviation
data processing

dpt abbreviation
department

DPT abbreviation
diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (vaccines)

dr abbreviation
1 debtor
2 dram
3 drive
4 drum

Dr abbreviation
doctor

DR abbreviation
1 dead reckoning
2 dining room

drab adjective drab·ber; drab·best
1 : being of a light olive-brown color
2 : characterized by dullness and monotony

— drab·ly adverb

— drab·ness noun

Synonyms
dreary, dry, dull, monotonous, uninteresting

dra·co·ni·an adjective, often cap
: CRUEL; also : SEVERE

1draft noun
1 : the act of drawing or hauling
2 a : the act or an instance of drinking or inhaling
b : the portion drunk or inhaled in one such act
3 : DOSE, POTION
4 : DELINEATION, PLAN, DESIGN; also : a preliminary sketch, outline, or version <a rough ~ of a speech>
5 : the act of drawing (as from a cask); also : a portion of liquid so drawn
6 : the depth of water a ship draws esp. when loaded
7 : a system for or act of selecting persons (as for compulsory military service or sports teams); also : the persons so selected
8 : an order for the payment of money drawn by one person or bank on another
9 : a heavy demand : STRAIN
10 : a current of air; also : a device to regulate air supply (as in a stove)

— on draft

: ready to be drawn from a receptacle <beer on draft>

Synonyms
drag, drink, nip, quaff, shot, slug, snort, swallow, swig—more at DRINK

2draft adjective
1 : used or adapted for drawing loads <~ horses>
2 : being or having been on draft <~ beer>

3draft verb
1 : to select usu. on a compulsory basis; especially : to conscript for military service
2 : to draw the preliminary sketch, version, or plan of
3 : to put into written form : COMPOSE
4 : to draw off or away

— draft·ee noun

Synonyms
cast, compose, craft, draw, formulate, frame, prepare—more at COMPOSE

draft·ee noun
: a person who is drafted

drafts·man noun
: a person who draws plans (as for buildings or machinery)

drafty adjective draft·i·er; -est
: exposed to or abounding in drafts of air

1drag noun
1 : a device pulled along under water for detecting or gathering
2 : something (as a harrow or sledge) that is dragged along over a surface
3 a : the act or an instance of dragging
b : a draft of liquid
4 : something that hinders progress; also : something boring
5 : an open way for vehicles, persons, and animals : STREET <the main ~>
6 : clothing typical of one sex worn by a member of the opposite sex

Synonyms
bar, block, clog, crimp, embarrassment, hindrance, let, obstacle, stop, stumbling block—more at OBSTACLE

2drag verb dragged; drag·ging
1 : to draw slowly or heavily : HAUL
2 : to move with painful or undue slowness or difficulty
3 : to force into or out of some situation, condition, or course of action
4 : PROTRACT <~ a story out>
5 : to hang or lag behind
6 : to explore, search, or fish with a drag
7 : to trail along on the ground
8 : DRAW, PUFF <~ on a cigarette>
9 : to move (items on a computer screen) esp. by using a mouse

— drag·ger noun

— drag one's feet
also drag one's heels
: to act slowly or with hesitation

Synonyms
[1] draw, hale, haul, lug, pull, tow, tug—more at PULL
[2] crawl, creep, dally, dawdle, delay, dillydally, lag, linger, loiter, poke, tarry—more at DELAY

drag·net noun
1 : NET, TRAWL
2 : a network of planned actions for pursuing and catching <a police ~>

drag·o·man noun, plural -mans or -men
: an interpreter employed esp. in the Near East

drag·on noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF dragun, fr. L dracon-, draco serpent, dragon, fr. Gk drakōn serpent]

: a fabulous animal usu. represented as a huge winged scaly serpent with a crested head and large claws

drag·on·fly noun
: any of a group of large harmless 4-winged insects that hold the wings horizontal and unfolded in repose

1dragoon noun
[ORIGIN: F dragon dragon, dragoon, fr. MF]

: a heavily armed mounted soldier

2dragoon verb
: to force or attempt to force into submission : COERCE

drag race noun
: an acceleration contest between vehicles

— drag racer noun

drag·ster noun
: a usu. high-powered vehicle used in a drag race

drag strip noun
: a site for drag races

1drain verb
1 : to draw off or flow off gradually or completely
2 : to exhaust physically or emotionally
3 : to make or become gradually dry or empty
4 : to carry away the surface water of : discharge surface or surplus water
5 : to deplete or empty by or as if by drawing off by degrees or in increments : EXHAUST

— drain·er noun

Synonyms
[2] burn out, do in, exhaust, fag, fatigue, tire, tucker, wash out, wear, wear out, weary—more at EXHAUST
[4] bleed, draw off, pump, siphon, tap; also milk; suck; clear, empty, evacuate, exhaust, vacate, void
Antonyms
fill
[5] clean, consume, deplete, exhaust, expend, spend, use up—more at DEPLETE

2drain noun
1 : a means (as a channel or sewer) of draining
2 : the act of draining
3 : a gradual outflow; also : something causing an outflow <a ~ on our savings>

drain·age noun
1 : the act or process of draining; also : something that is drained off
2 : a means for draining : DRAIN, SEWER
3 : an area drained

drained adjective
: exhausted physically or emotionally

Synonyms
beat, bushed, dead, effete, jaded, limp, prostrate, spent, tired, weary, worn-out—more at WEARY

drain·pipe noun
: a pipe for drainage

drake noun
: a male duck

dram noun
1 : a unit of measure equal to 1/16 ounce
2 : FLUID DRAM
3 : a small drink

dra·ma noun
[ORIGIN: LL, fr. Gk, deed, drama, fr. dran to do, act]

1 a : a literary composition designed for theatrical presentation
b : a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
2 : dramatic art, literature, or affairs
3 : a series of events involving conflicting forces

— dra·ma·tist noun

dra·mat·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to the drama
2 a : suitable to or characteristic of the drama
b : striking in appearance or effect

— dra·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2a] histrionic, melodramatic, theatrical; also affected, emotional, sensational
[2b] catchy, conspicuous, flamboyant, showy, striking—more at SHOWY

dra·ma·tize verb -tized; -tiz·ing
1 : to adapt for or be suitable for theatrical presentation
2 : to present or represent in a dramatic manner

— dram·a·ti·za·tion noun

dra·me·dy noun
: a comedy having dramatic moments

drank past and past participle of DRINK

1drape verb draped; drap·ing
1 : to cover or adorn with or as if with folds of cloth
2 : to cause to hang or stretch out loosely or carelessly
3 : to arrange or become arranged in flowing lines or folds

2drape noun
1 : CURTAIN
2 : arrangement in or of folds
3 : the cut or hang of clothing

drap·er noun, chiefly British
: a dealer in cloth and sometimes in clothing and dry goods

drap·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 British : DRY GOODS
2 : a decorative fabric esp. when hung loosely and in folds; also : hangings of heavy fabric used as a curtain

dras·tic adjective
: HARSH, RIGOROUS, SEVERE <~ punishment>

— dras·ti·cal·ly adverb

draught , draughty chiefly British variant of DRAFT, DRAFTY

draughts noun, British
: CHECKERS

1draw verb drew ; drawn ; draw·ing
1 : to cause to move toward a force exerted
2 : to cause to go in a certain direction <drew him aside>
3 : to move or go steadily or gradually <night ~s near>
4 : ATTRACT, ENTICE
5 : PROVOKE, ROUSE <drew enemy fire>
6 : INHALE <~ a deep breath>
7 : to bring or pull out <drew a gun>
8 : to cause to come out of a container <~ water for a bath>
9 : to take out the entrails of : EVISCERATE
10 : to require (a specified depth) to float in
11 : ACCUMULATE, GAIN <~ing interest>
12 : to take money from a place of deposit : WITHDRAW
13 : to receive regularly <~ a salary>
14 : to take (cards) from a stack or the dealer
15 : to receive or take at random <~ a winning number>
16 : to bend (a bow) by pulling back the string
17 : WRINKLE, SHRINK
18 : to change shape by or as if by pulling or stretching <a face drawn with sorrow>
19 : to leave (a contest) undecided : TIE
20 : to give a portrayal of : DELINEATE
21 : to write out in due form : DRAFT <~ up a will>
22 : FORMULATE <~ comparisons>
23 : INFER <~ a conclusion>
24 : to spread or elongate (metal) by hammering or by pulling through dies
25 : to produce or allow a draft or current of air <the chimney ~s well>
26 : to swell out in a wind <all sails ~ing>

— draw the line
or draw a line
: to fix an arbitrary boundary usu. between two things

Synonyms
[1] drag, hale, haul, lug, pull, tow, tug—more at PULL
[13] acquire, attain, capture, carry, earn, gain, garner, get, land, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure, win—more at EARN
[20] delineate, depict, describe, image, paint, picture, portray, sketch—more at DESCRIBE

2draw noun
1 : the act, process, or result of drawing
2 : a lot or chance drawn at random
3 : a contest left undecided or deadlocked : TIE
4 : one that draws attention or patronage

Synonyms
[1] haul, jerk, pluck, pull, tug, wrench—more at PULL
[3] dead heat, stalemate, standoff, tie—more at TIE
[4] attraction, lodestone, magnet—more at MAGNET

draw·back noun
: an unfavorable, inferior, or prejudicial condition : DISADVANTAGE

Synonyms
disadvantage, handicap, liability, minus, penalty, strike—more at DISADVANTAGE

draw·bridge noun
: a bridge made to be raised, lowered, or turned to permit or deny passage

draw·er noun
1 : one that draws
2 plural : an undergarment for the lower part of the body
3 : a sliding boxlike compartment (as in a table or desk)

draw·ing noun
1 : an act or instance of drawing; especially : an occasion when something is decided by drawing lots <tonight's lottery ~>
2 : the act or art of making a figure, plan, or sketch by means of lines
3 : a representation made by drawing : SKETCH

Synonyms
cartoon, delineation, sketch; also outline, silhouette; caricature, doodle, illustration; depiction, image, likeness, portrait, representation; engraving, etching; blueprint

drawing card noun
: DRAW 4

drawing room noun
: a formal reception room

drawl verb
: to speak or utter slowly with vowels greatly prolonged

— drawl noun

draw off verb
: to remove esp. from an environment or container

Synonyms
bleed, drain, pump, siphon, tap—more at DRAIN

draw on verb
: to draw nearer : APPROACH <night draws on>

draw out verb
1 : to extend beyond a minimum in time : PROLONG
2 : to cause to speak freely

Synonyms
elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract, stretch—more at EXTEND

draw·string noun
: a string, cord, or tape for use in closing a bag or controlling fullness in garments or curtains

draw up verb
1 : to prepare a draft or version of
2 : to pull oneself erect
3 : to bring or come to a stop
4 : to bring (as troops) into array

Synonyms
[1] cast, compose, craft, draft, formulate, frame, prepare—more at COMPOSE
[3] arrest, catch, check, fetch up, halt, hold up, stall, stay, still, stop—more at HALT
[4] arrange, array, classify, codify, dispose, marshal, order, organize, range, systematize—more at ORDER

dray noun
: a strong low cart for carrying heavy loads

1dread verb
1 : to fear greatly
2 : to feel extreme reluctance to meet or face

2dread noun
: great fear esp. of some harm to come

Synonyms
alarm, anxiety, apprehension, fear, fright, horror, panic, terror, trepidation—more at FEAR

3dread adjective
1 : causing great fear or anxiety
2 : inspiring awe

dread·ful adjective
1 : inspiring dread or awe : FRIGHTENING
2 : extremely distasteful, unpleasant, or shocking

— dread·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dire, fearful, fearsome, forbidding, formidable, frightening, frightful, hair-raising, horrible, redoubtable, scary, shocking, terrible, terrifying—more at FEARFUL
[2] appalling, atrocious, awful, frightful, ghastly, grisly, gruesome, hideous, horrible, horrid, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, terrible—more at HORRIBLE

dread·locks noun plural
: long braids of hair over the entire head

dread·nought noun
: BATTLESHIP

1dream noun
[ORIGIN: ME dreem, fr. OE drēam noise, joy, and ON draumr dream]

1 : a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep
2 : a dreamlike vision
3 : something notable for its beauty, excellence, or enjoyable quality
4 a : a strongly desired goal or purpose
b : IDEAL

— dream·like adjective

Synonyms
[2] chimera, conceit, daydream, delusion, fancy, fantasy, figment, hallucination, illusion, phantasm, pipe dream, unreality, vision—more at FANTASY
[3] beauty, knockout—more at BEAUTY
[4a] aim, ambition, aspiration, design, end, goal, intent, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, pretension, purpose, thing—more at GOAL

2dream verb dreamed or dreamt ; dream·ing
1 : to have a dream of
2 : to indulge in daydreams or fantasies : pass (time) in reverie or inaction
3 : to consider as a possibility : IMAGINE

Synonyms
conceive, envisage, fancy, imagine, picture, vision, visualize—more at IMAGINE

dream·boat noun, slang
: something highly desirable; especially : a very attractive person

dream·er noun
1 : one that dreams
2 : one who lives in a world of fancy and imagination
3 : one who has ideas or conceives projects regarded as impractical

Synonyms
[2, 3] idealist, romantic, utopian, visionary—more at IDEALIST

dream·land noun
: an unreal delightful country that exists in imagination or in dreams

dream up verb
: INVENT, CONCOCT

dream·world noun
: a world of illusion or fantasy

dreamy adjective
: quiet and soothing; also : pleasant

Synonyms
comforting, narcotic, sedative, soothing—more at SOOTHING
agreeable, congenial, delectable, delicious, delightful, felicitous, good, grateful, gratifying, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying

drear adjective
: DREARY

drea·ry adjective drea·ri·er; -est
[ORIGIN: ME drery, fr. OE drēorig sad, bloody, fr. drēor gore]

1 : feeling, displaying, or reflecting listlessness or discouragement
2 : having nothing likely to provide cheer, comfort, or interest

— drea·ri·ly adverb

Synonyms
black, bleak, dark, depressing, desolate, dismal, funereal, gloomy, glum, gray, miserable, murky, sepulchral, somber, sullen, wretched—more at GLOOMY

1dredge verb dredged; dredg·ing
: to gather or search with or as if with a dredge; especially : to bring to light or gather by deep searching — often used with up

— dredg·er noun

Synonyms
dig, hunt, rake, ransack, rifle, rummage, scour, search—more at SEARCH

2dredge noun
: a machine or barge for removing earth or silt

3dredge verb dredged; dredg·ing
: to coat (food) by sprinkling (as with flour)

dregs noun plural
1 : the matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid : SEDIMENT
2 : the most undesirable part <the ~ of humanity>

Synonyms
deposit, grounds, lees, precipitate, sediment—more at DEPOSIT

drench verb
: to wet thoroughly

Synonyms
bathe, douse, soak, sop, souse, wash, water, wet—more at WET

1dress verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF drescer to direct, put right, fr. VL *directiare, fr. L directus direct]

1 : to make or set straight : ALIGN
2 : to prepare for use; especially : BUTCHER
3 : to add decorative details or accessories to : EMBELLISH <~ a store window>
4 : to put clothes on : CLOTHE; also : to put on or wear formal or fancy clothes
5 : to apply dressings or medicine to
6 : to arrange (the hair) by combing, brushing, or curling
7 : to apply fertilizer to
8 : to put through a finishing process : SMOOTH <~ leather>

Synonyms
[3] adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, deck, decorate, do, embellish, enrich, garnish, grace, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE
[4] apparel, array, attire, caparison, clothe, deck, garb, invest, rig, suit—more at CLOTHE
[8] buff, burnish, gloss, grind, polish, rub, shine, smooth—more at POLISH

2dress noun
1 : personal attire : CLOTHING
2 : a garment usu. consisting of a one-piece bodice and skirt
3 : covering, adornment, or appearance appropriate or peculiar to a particular time

— dress·mak·er noun

— dress·mak·ing noun

Synonyms
[1] apparel, attire, clothing, duds, raiment, wear—more at CLOTHING
[3] garb, getup, guise, outfit—more at OUTFIT

3dress adjective
: suitable for a formal occasion; also : requiring formal dress

dres·sage noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: the execution by a trained horse of complex movements in response to barely perceptible signals from its rider

dress down verb
: to scold severely

Synonyms
berate, castigate, chew out, flay, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste, lecture, rail, rate, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold, score, upbraid—more at SCOLD

1dresser noun
: a chest of drawers or bureau with a mirror

2dresser noun
: one that dresses

dress·ing noun
1 : the act or process of one who dresses
2 : a sauce for adding to a dish (as a salad)
3 : a seasoned mixture usu. used as stuffing
4 : material used to cover an injury

dressing gown noun
: a loose robe worn esp. while dressing or resting

dress up verb
1 : to change the customary dress or appearance of
2 : furnish with a false appearance

Synonyms
camouflage, cloak, disguise, mask—more at DISGUISE

dressy adjective dress·i·er; -est
1 : showy in dress
2 : STYLISH, SMART

drew past of DRAW

1dribble verb drib·bled; drib·bling
1 : to fall or flow in drops : TRICKLE
2 : to let saliva trickle from the corner of the mouth : DROOL
3 : to propel by successive slight taps or bounces

Synonyms
[1] gurgle, lap, plash, ripple, slosh, splash, trickle, wash—more at GURGLE
[2] drivel, drool, salivate, slaver, slobber—more at DROOL

2dribble noun
1 : a small trickling stream or flow
2 : a drizzling shower
3 : the dribbling of a ball or puck

drib·let noun
1 : a trifling amount
2 : a drop of liquid

Synonyms
blob, drip, drop, droplet, glob—more at DROP

dri·er or dry·er noun
1 : a substance that speeds drying (as of paint or ink)
2 usually dryer : a device for drying

1drift noun
1 : the motion or course of something drifting; also : a gradual shift of position
2 : a mass of matter (as snow or sand) piled up esp. by wind
3 : earth, gravel, and rock deposited by a glacier
4 : a general underlying design or tendency : MEANING <if you catch my ~>

Synonyms
[1] current, leaning, run, tendency, tide, trend, wind—more at TREND
[2] bank, bar, mound—more at BANK
[4] denotation, import, intent, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification—more at MEANING

2drift verb
1 : to float or be driven along by or as if by a current of water or air; also : to move along smoothly as if drifting on a current of water or air
2 : to become piled up by wind or water

Synonyms
float, glide, hang, hover, poise, ride, sail, waft—more at FLOAT

drift·er noun
: a person without aim, ambition, or initiative

Synonyms
nomad, rambler, rover, stroller, vagabond, wanderer—more at NOMAD

drift net noun
: a fishing net often miles in extent arranged to drift with the tide or current

drift·wood noun
: wood drifted or floated by water

1drill noun
1 : a tool for boring holes
2 : the training of soldiers in marching and the handling of arms
3 : a regularly practiced exercise

Synonyms
exercise, practice, routine, training, workout—more at EXERCISE

2drill verb
1 : to instruct and exercise by repetition
2 : to train in or practice military drill
3 : to bore or drive a hole in
4 : to shoot with or as if with a gun

— drill·er noun

Synonyms
bore, hole, perforate, pierce, punch, puncture—more at PERFORATE

3drill noun
1 : a shallow furrow or trench in which seed is sown
2 : an agricultural implement for making furrows and dropping seed into them

4drill noun
: a firm cotton twilled fabric

drill·mas·ter noun
: an instructor in military drill

drill press noun
: an upright drilling machine in which the drill is pressed to the work usu. by a hand lever

drily variant of DRYLY

1drink verb drank ; drunk or drank; drink·ing
1 : to swallow liquid : IMBIBE
2 : to take in or suck up : ABSORB
3 : to take in through the senses <~ in the beautiful scenery>
4 : to give or join in a toast
5 : to drink alcoholic beverages esp. to excess

— drink·able adjective

— drink·er noun

Synonyms
[1] guzzle, imbibe, quaff, sup, swig, toss; also lap, lick; consume, down, mouth (down); tipple; toast, wine
[2] absorb, imbibe, soak, sponge, suck—more at ABSORB

2drink noun
1 a : a liquid suitable for swallowing : BEVERAGE
b : an alcoholic beverage
2 : a draft or portion of liquid
3 : excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages

Synonyms
[1a] beverage, libation, quencher; also potion; pop, soda, soda pop, soft drink; alcohol, brew, intoxicant, liquor, spirits
[1b] alcohol, booze, intoxicant, liquor, moonshine, spirits—more at ALCOHOL
[2] draft, drag, nip, quaff, shot, slug, snort, swallow, swig

1drip verb dripped; drip·ping
1 : to fall or let fall in drops
2 : to let fall drops of moisture or liquid <a dripping faucet>
3 : to overflow with or as if with moisture

2drip noun
1 : a falling in drops
2 : liquid that falls, overflows, or is extruded in drops
3 : the sound made by or as if by falling drops

Synonyms
blob, driblet, drop, droplet, glob—more at DROP

1drive verb drove ; driv·en ; driv·ing
1 : to urge, push, or force onward
2 : to carry through strongly <~ a bargain>
3 : to set or keep in motion or operation
4 : to direct the movement or course of
5 : to convey in a vehicle
6 : to bring into a specified condition <the noise ~s me crazy>
7 : to exert inescapable or coercive pressure on : FORCE <driven by hunger to steal>
8 : to project, inject, or impress forcefully <drove the lesson home>
9 : to produce by opening a way <~ a well>
10 : to progress with strong momentum <a driving rain>
11 : to propel an object of play (as a golf ball) by a hard blow

— driv·er noun

Synonyms
[1] propel, push, shove, thrust—more at PUSH
[1] herd, punch, run; also shepherd; wrangle; egg, exhort, goad, prick, prod, spur, urge
[3] activate, actuate, crank, move, propel, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on—more at ACTIVATE
[7] coerce, compel, constrain, force, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure—more at FORCE

2drive noun
1 : a trip in a carriage or automobile
2 : a driving or collecting of animals <a cattle ~>
3 : the guiding of logs downstream to a mill
4 : the act of driving a ball; also : the flight of a ball
5 : DRIVEWAY
6 : a public road for driving (as in a park)
7 : the state of being hurried and under pressure
8 : a strong systematic group effort <membership ~>
9 : the apparatus by which motion is imparted to a machine
10 : an offensive or aggressive move : a military attack
11 a : an urgent, basic, or instinctual need
b : an impelling culturally acquired concern, interest, or longing
12 : dynamic quality
13 : a device for reading and writing on magnetic media (as magnetic tape or disks)

Synonyms
[8] bandwagon, campaign, cause, crusade, movement—more at CAMPAIGN
[11a, b] appetite, craving, desire, hankering, hunger, itch, longing, lust, passion, thirst, urge, yearning, yen—more at DESIRE
[12] aggressiveness, ambition, enterprise, go, hustle, initiative—more at ENTERPRISE

drive–in adjective
: accommodating patrons while they remain in their automobiles

— drive–in noun

1drivel verb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling
1 : to let saliva dribble from the mouth : DROOL
2 : to talk or utter stupidly, carelessly, or in an infantile way

— driv·el·er noun

Synonyms
babble, chatter, gabble, gibber, jabber, prattle, sputter—more at BABBLE

2drivel noun
: language, conduct, or an idea that is absurd or contrary to good sense : NONSENSE

Synonyms
bunk, claptrap, fiddlesticks, folly, foolishness, fudge, hogwash, humbug, nonsense, piffle, rot, silliness, slush, stupidity, trash—more at NONSENSE

drive·shaft noun
: a shaft that transmits mechanical power

drive–through also drive–thru adjective
: designed for the service of patrons remaining in their automobiles

— drive–through also drive–thru noun

drive·way noun
: a short private road leading from the street to a house, garage, or parking lot

1drizzle noun
: a fine misty rain

2drizzle verb driz·zled; driz·zling
: to rain in very small drops

drogue noun
: a small parachute for slowing down or stabilizing something (as a space capsule)

droll adjective
[ORIGIN: F drêole, fr. drêole scamp, fr. MF drolle, fr. MD, imp]

: having a humorous, whimsical, or odd quality <a ~ expression>

— droll·ery noun

— drol·ly adverb

Synonyms
antic, comic, comical, farcical, funny, hilarious, humorous, hysterical, laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous, riotous, risible, screaming, uproarious—more at FUNNY

drom·e·dary noun, plural -dar·ies
[ORIGIN: ME dromedarie, fr. MF dromedaire, fr. LL dromedarius, fr. L dromad-, dromas, fr. Gk, running]

: CAMEL; especially : a domesticated one-humped camel of western Asia and northern Africa

1drone noun
1 : a male honeybee
2 : one that lives on the labors of others : PARASITE
3 : an unmanned aircraft or ship guided by remote control

2drone verb droned; dron·ing
: to sound with a low dull monotonous murmuring sound; also : speak monotonously

Synonyms
buzz, hum, whir, whish, whiz, zip, zoom—more at WHIR

3drone noun
: a deep monotonous sound

Synonyms
buzz, hum, purr, whir, whiz, zoom—more at HUM

drool verb
1 : to let liquid flow from the mouth
2 : to talk foolishly

Synonyms
dribble, drivel, salivate, slaver, slobber; also water; expectorate, spit; foam, froth; sputter

1droop verb
1 : to hang or incline downward
2 : to sink gradually
3 : to become depressed or weakened : LANGUISH

Synonyms
[1] flag, hang, loll, sag, wilt; also slouch, slump; collapse, drop, fall, sink, subside
[3] decay, fail, flag, go, lag, languish, sag, waste, weaken, wilt—more at WEAKEN

2droop noun
: the condition or appearance of drooping

— droopy adjective

Synonyms
sag, slack, slackness—more at SAG

droopy adjective
1 : low in spirits
2 : drooping or tending to droop

Synonyms
pendulous
flaccid, floppy, lank, limp, slack, yielding—more at LIMP

1drop noun
1 : the quantity of fluid that falls in one spherical mass
2 plural : a dose of medicine measured by drops
3 : a small quantity of drink
4 : the smallest practical unit of liquid measure
5 : something (as a pendant or a small round candy) that resembles a liquid drop
6 : the act or an instance of dropping : FALL
7 : a decline in quantity or quality
8 : a descent by parachute
9 : the distance through which something drops
10 : a slot into which something is to be dropped
11 : something that drops or has dropped
12 : an advantage or superiority over an opponent — usu. used in the phrase get the drop on

Synonyms
[1] blob, driblet, drip, droplet, glob; also raindrop, tear; spatter, dribble, trickle
[6] descent, dip, dive, down, fall, plunge—more at DESCENT
[7] abatement, decline, decrease, decrement, diminution, fall, loss, reduction, shrinkage—more at DECREASE
[12] advantage, better, edge, jump, upper hand, vantage—more at ADVANTAGE

2drop verb dropped; drop·ping
1 : to fall or let fall in drops
2 : to let fall : LOWER <~ a glove> <dropped his voice>
3 : SEND <~ me a note>
4 : to let go : DISMISS <~ the subject>
5 : to knock down : cause to fall
6 : to go lower : become less <prices dropped>
7 : to come or go unexpectedly or informally <~ in to call>
8 : to pass from one state into a less active one <~ off to sleep>
9 : to move downward or with a current
10 : to desist from : QUIT
11 : to give birth to

— drop back

: to move toward the rear

— drop behind

: to fail to keep up

Synonyms
[6] decline, descend, dip, fall, lower, plummet, plunge, sink, tumble; also decrease, diminish, lessen; recede, retreat
Antonyms
arise, lift, rise, soar
[9] decline, descend, dip, fall, plunge—more at DESCEND
[10] discontinue, give up, knock off, lay off, quit—more at QUIT

drop by verb
: to pay a brief casual visit

Synonyms
call, pop, stop, visit—more at CALL

drop in verb
: to pay an unexpected or casual visit

drop·kick noun
: a kick made by dropping a ball to the ground and kicking it at the moment it starts to rebound

— drop–kick verb

drop·let noun
: a tiny drop

Synonyms
blob, driblet, drip, drop, glob—more at DROP

drop–off noun
1 : a steep or perpendicular descent
2 : a marked decline <a ~ in attendance>

drop off verb
: to fall asleep

drop out verb
: to withdraw from participation or membership; especially : to leave school before graduation

— drop·out noun

drop·per noun
1 : one that drops
2 : a short glass tube with a rubber bulb used to measure out liquids by drops

drop·pings noun plural
: the feces of an animal : DUNG

Synonyms
dung, slops, waste; also stool; dunghill, guano, manure, muck; spoor; sewage

drop·sy noun
[ORIGIN: ME dropesie, short for ydropesie, fr. OF, fr. L hydropisis, fr. Gk hydrōps, fr. hydōr water]

: EDEMA

— drop·si·cal adjective

dross noun
1 : the scum that forms on the surface of a molten metal
2 : waste matter : REFUSE

drought also drouth noun
: a long spell of dry weather

1drove noun
1 : a group of animals driven or moving in a body
2 : a large number : CROWD — usu. used in pl. <tourists arriving in ~s>

Synonyms
usually droves army, crowd, crush, flock, horde, host, legion, mob, multitude, press, swarm, throng—more at CROWD

2drove past of DRIVE

drov·er noun
: one that drives domestic animals usu. to market

drown verb drowned ; drown·ing
1 : to suffocate by submersion esp. in water
2 : to become drowned
3 : to cover with water; also : to soak, drench, or cover with a liquid
4 : to cause to be muted (as a sound) by a loud noise
5 : OVERPOWER, OVERWHELM

Synonyms
deluge, engulf, flood, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, swamp—more at FLOOD
drench, impregnate, saturate, soak, sop, souse, steep—more at SOAK

1drowse verb drowsed; drows·ing
: to fall into a light slumber : DOZE

Synonyms
catnap, doze, nap, slumber, snooze—more at NAP

2drowse noun
: the act or an instance of drowsing

Synonyms
catnap, doze, forty winks, nap, siesta, snooze, wink—more at NAP

drowsy adjective drows·i·er; -est
1 : ready to fall asleep
2 : making one sleepy

— drows·i·ly adverb

— drows·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] sleepy, slumberous—more at SLEEPY
[2] hypnotic, narcotic, opiate, slumberous—more at HYPNOTIC

drub verb drubbed; drub·bing
1 : to beat severely
2 : to defeat decisively

Synonyms
[1] bash, bat, batter, beat, pound—more at BEAT
[2] clobber, rout, skunk, thrash, trim, trounce, wallop, whip

1drudge verb drudged; drudg·ing
: to do hard, menial, or monotonous work

Synonyms
endeavor, fag, grub, hustle, labor, peg, plod, plug, slave, slog, strain, strive, struggle, sweat, toil, travail, work—more at LABOR

2drudge noun
: one whose work is menial or routine and boring

Synonyms
fag, peon, slave, toiler, worker—more at SLAVE

drudg·ery noun
: dull, irksome, and fatiguing work

Synonyms
grind, labor, slavery, sweat, toil, travail—more at TOIL

1drug noun
1 : a substance used as or in medicine
2 : a substance (as heroin or marijuana) that can cause addiction, habituation, or a marked change in mental status

Synonyms
cure, medicine, pharmaceutical, remedy, specific—more at MEDICINE

2drug verb drugged; drug·ging
: to affect with or as if with drugs; especially : to stupefy with a narcotic

drug·gist noun
: a dealer in drugs and medicines; also : PHARMACIST

drug·store noun
: a retail shop where medicines and miscellaneous articles are sold

dru·id noun, often cap
: one of an ancient Celtic priesthood appearing in Irish, Welsh, and Christian legends as magicians and wizards

1drum noun
1 : a percussion instrument usu. consisting of a hollow cylinder with a skin or plastic head stretched over one or both ends that is beaten with the hands or with a stick
2 : the sound of a drum; also : a similar sound
3 : a drum-shaped object

2drum verb drummed; drum·ming
1 : to beat a drum
2 : to sound rhythmically : THROB, BEAT
3 : to summon or enlist by or as if by beating a drum <drummed into service>
4 : to dismiss ignominiously : EXPEL — usu. used with out
5 : to drive or force by steady effort <~ the facts into memory>
6 : to strike or tap repeatedly so as to produce rhythmic sounds

Synonyms
[4] banish, boot, bounce, cast, chase, dismiss, eject, expel, oust, rout, run off, throw out—more at EJECT
[6] beat, rap, tap—more at TAP

drum·beat noun
: a stroke on a drum or its sound

drum major noun
: the leader of a marching band

drum ma·jor·ette noun
: a girl or woman who leads a marching band; also : a baton twirler who accompanies a marching band

drum·mer noun
1 : one that plays a drum
2 : a traveling salesman

drum·stick noun
1 : a stick for beating a drum
2 : the lower segment of a fowl's leg

drum up verb
1 : to bring about by persistent effort <drum up business>
2 : INVENT, ORIGINATE

1drunk past participle of DRINK

2drunk adjective
1 : having the faculties impaired by alcohol <~ drivers>
2 : dominated by an intense feeling <~ with power>
3 : of, relating to, or caused by intoxication

Synonyms
high, inebriate, intoxicated, tipsy; also maudlin; befuddled, stupefied; debauched, dissipated, dissolute
Antonyms
sober

3drunk noun
1 : a period of excessive drinking
2 : a drunken person

Synonyms
[1] carouse—more at CAROUSE
[2] inebriate, soak, sot, souse, tippler; also alcoholic, substance abuser; drinker

drunk·ard noun
: one who is habitually drunk

drunk·en adjective
1 : being under the influence of alcohol : DRUNK
2 : given to habitual excessive use of alcohol
3 : of, relating to, or resulting from intoxication <a ~ brawl>
4 : unsteady or lurching as if from intoxication

— drunk·en·ly adverb

— drunk·en·ness noun

drupe noun
: a partly fleshy fruit (as a plum or cherry) having one seed enclosed in a hard inner shell

1dry adjective dri·er ; dri·est
1 : free or freed from water or liquid <~ fruits>; also : not being in or under water
2 : characterized by lack of water or moisture <~ climate>
3 : lacking freshness : STALE
4 : devoid of natural moisture; also : THIRSTY
5 : no longer liquid or sticky <the ink is ~>
6 : not giving milk <a ~ cow>
7 : marked by the absence of alcoholic beverages
8 : prohibiting the making or distributing of alcoholic beverages
9 : not sweet <~ wine>
10 : solid as opposed to liquid <~ groceries>
11 : containing or employing no liquid
12 a : not showing or communicating warmth, enthusiasm, or tender feeling : SEVERE
b : causing weariness or lack of interest : UNINTERESTING
13 : not productive
14 : marked by a matter-of-fact, ironic, or terse manner of expression <~ humor>

— dry·ly or dry·ly adverb

— dry·ness noun

Synonyms
arid, sere, thirsty; also baked, dehydrated, parched
Antonyms
damp, dank, humid, moist, wet

2dry verb dried; dry·ing
: to make or become dry

Synonyms
dehydrate, parch, sear; also dehumidify; evaporate; shrivel, wither
Antonyms
hydrate, wet

3dry noun, plural drys
: PROHIBITIONIST

dry·ad noun
: WOOD NYMPH

dry cell noun
: a battery whose contents are not spillable

dry–clean verb
: to clean (fabrics) chiefly with solvents other than water

— dry cleaning noun

dry dock noun
: a dock that can be kept dry during ship construction or repair

dryer variant of DRIER

dry farm·ing noun
: farming without irrigation in areas of limited rainfall

— dry–farm verb

— dry farm·er noun

dry goods noun plural
: cloth goods (as fabrics, ribbon, and ready-to-wear clothing)

dry ice noun
: solid carbon dioxide

dry measure noun
: a series of units of capacity for dry commodities

dry rot noun
: decay of timber in which fungi consume the wood's cellulose

dry run noun
: a practice exercise : REHEARSAL

Synonyms
practice, rehearsal, trial—more at REHEARSAL

dry·wall noun
: a wallboard consisting of fiberboard, paper, or felt over a plaster core

Ds symbol
darmstadtium

DSC abbreviation
1 Distinguished Service Cross
2 doctor of surgical chiropody

DSM abbreviation
Distinguished Service Medal

DST abbreviation
daylight saving time

DTP abbreviation
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (vaccines)

d.t.'s noun plural, often cap D&T
: DELIRIUM TREMENS

du·al adjective
1 : consisting of two parts or elements or having two like parts : DOUBLE
2 : having a double character or nature

— du·al·ism noun

— du·al·i·ty noun

Synonyms
binary, bipartite, double, duplex, twin—more at DOUBLE

1dub verb dubbed; dub·bing
1 : to confer knighthood upon
2 : to call by a distinctive title, epithet, or nickname : NAME

Synonyms
baptize, call, christen, denominate, designate, entitle, label, name, style, term, title—more at NAME

2dub noun
: a clumsy person : DUFFER

3dub verb dubbed; dub·bing
: to add (sound effects) to a motion picture or to a radio or television production

du·bi·ety noun, plural -eties
1 : UNCERTAINTY
2 : a matter of doubt

du·bi·ous adjective
1 : of doubtful promise or outcome
2 : questionable or suspect as to true nature or quality : QUESTIONABLE
3 : feeling doubt

— du·bi·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] doubtful, flimsy, improbable, questionable, unlikely—more at IMPROBABLE
[2] debatable, disputable, doubtful, equivocal, fishy, problematic, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious—more at DOUBTFUL
[3] distrustful, doubtful, mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious, uncertain, undecided, unsettled, unsure—more at DOUBTFUL

du·bi·ous·ly adverb
: in a manner expressive of doubt, hesitation, or suspicion

Synonyms
askance, distrustfully, mistrustfully, suspiciously—more at ASKANCE

dub·ni·um noun
: a short-lived radioactive chemical element produced artificially

du·cal adjective
: of or relating to a duke or dukedom

duc·at noun
: a gold coin formerly used in various European countries

duch·ess noun
1 : the wife or widow of a duke
2 : a woman holding the rank of duke in her own right

duchy noun, plural duch·ies
: the territory of a duke or duchess : DUKEDOM

1duck noun, plural ducks
: any of various swimming birds related to but smaller than geese and swans

2duck verb
1 : to thrust or plunge under water
2 a : to lower the head or body suddenly : BOW
b : to make a sudden movement in a new direction : DODGE
3 : to evade a duty, question, or responsibility <~ the issue>

Synonyms
[1] dip, douse, dunk, immerse, souse, submerge—more at DIP
[2b] dodge, sidestep—more at DODGE
[3] avoid, dodge, elude, escape, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun—more at ESCAPE

3duck noun
1 : a durable closely woven usu. cotton fabric
2 plural : light clothes made of duck

duck·bill noun
: PLATYPUS

duck·ling noun
: a young duck

duck·pin noun
1 : a small bowling pin shorter and wider in the middle than a tenpin
2 plural but singular in construction : a bowling game using duckpins

duck sauce noun
: a thick sweet sauce made with fruits and seasonings and used in Chinese cuisine

duct noun
1 : a tube or canal for conveying a bodily fluid
2 : a pipe or tube through which a fluid (as air) flows

— duct·less adjective

Synonyms
channel, conduit, leader, line, penstock, pipe, tube—more at PIPE

duc·tile adjective
1 : capable of being drawn out into wire or thread
2 : easily led : DOCILE

— duc·til·i·ty noun

ductless gland noun
: an endocrine gland

duct tape noun
: a cloth adhesive tape orig. designed for sealing certain ducts and joints

— duct tape verb

dud noun
1 plural : personal attire : CLOTHING
2 : one that fails completely; also : a bomb or missile that fails to explode

Synonyms
duds [1] apparel, attire, clothing, dress, raiment, wear—more at CLOTHING
[2] bummer, bust, catastrophe, debacle, failure, fiasco, fizzle, flop, lemon, loser, turkey, washout—more at FAILURE

dude noun
1 : a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance : DANDY
2 : a city dweller; especially : an Easterner in the West
3 : a male human : GUY — sometimes used as an informal form of address

Synonyms
[1] buck, dandy, fop, gallant—more at DANDY
[3] buck, chap, fellow, gent, gentleman, guy, hombre, jack, joker, lad, male, man—more at MAN

dude ranch noun
: a vacation resort offering activities (as horseback riding) typical of western ranches

dud·geon noun
: a fit or state of indignation <in high ~>

Synonyms
huff, offense, peeve, pique, resentment, umbrage—more at PIQUE

1due adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF deu, pp. of dever to owe, fr. L debēre]

1 : owed or owing as a debt
2 : owed or owing as a right
3 : APPROPRIATE, FITTING
4 : SUFFICIENT, ADEQUATE
5 : being in accordance with some established rule, law, or principle <~ process of law>
6 : capable of being attributed — used with to <~ to negligence>
7 : PAYABLE <a bill ~ today>
8 : SCHEDULED <~ to arrive soon>

Synonyms
[5] just, right—more at JUST
usually due to [6] attendant, consequent, consequential, resultant—more at RESULTANT

2due noun
1 : something that rightfully belongs to one <give everyone their ~>
2 : DEBT
3 plural : FEES, CHARGES

3due adverb
: in a direct manner : DIRECTLY <~ north>

Synonyms
dead, direct, directly, plump, right, straight—more at DIRECTLY

du·el noun
1 : a combat between two persons; especially : one fought with weapons in the presence of witnesses
2 : a conflict between antagonistic persons, ideas, or forces; also : a hard-fought contest between two opponents

— duel verb

— du·el·ist noun

Synonyms
battle, combat, conflict, confrontation, contest, face-off, rivalry, struggle, tug-of-war, warfare—more at CONTEST

du·en·de noun
[ORIGIN: Sp dial., charm, fr. Sp, ghost, goblin, fr. duen de casa, prob. fr. dueño de casa owner of a house]

: the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm

du·en·na noun
1 : an elderly woman in charge of the younger ladies in a Spanish or Portuguese family
2 : CHAPERONE

du·et noun
: a musical composition for two performers

due to preposition
: as a result of : BECAUSE OF

Synonyms
because of, owing to, through, with—more at BECAUSE OF

duf·fel bag noun
: a large cylindrical bag for personal belongings

duf·fer noun
: an incompetent or clumsy person

dug past and past participle of DIG

dug·out noun
1 : a boat made by hollowing out a log
2 : a shelter dug in the ground
3 : a low shelter facing a baseball diamond that contains the players' bench

DUI noun
: the act or crime of driving while under the influence of alcohol

duke noun
1 : a sovereign ruler of a continental European duchy
2 : a nobleman of the highest rank; especially : a member of the highest grade of the British peerage
3 slang : FIST 1 <put up your ~s>

— duke·dom noun

dul·cet adjective
1 : pleasing to the ear
2 : AGREEABLE, SOOTHING

dul·ci·mer noun
1 : a stringed instrument of trapezoidal shape played with light hammers held in the hands
2 or dul·ci·more : an American folk instrument with three or four strings that is held on the lap and played by plucking or strumming

1dull adjective
1 : mentally slow : STUPID
2 : slow in perception or sensibility
3 : LISTLESS
4 : slow in action : SLUGGISH <a ~ market>
5 : lacking in force or intensity; also : not resonant or ringing
6 : lacking sharpness of edge or point : BLUNT
7 : lacking brilliance or luster
8 : low in saturation and lightness <~ color>
9 : overcast with clouds : CLOUDY
10 : causing weariness or lack of interest : UNINTERESTING

— dul·ly adverb

Synonyms
[6] blunt, obtuse; also rounded
Antonyms
keen, pointed, sharp, whetted
[7] dim, flat, lusterless
[8] light, pale, pastel, washed-out—more at PALE
[10] dry, flat, monotonous, uninteresting, weary

2dull verb
: to make or become dull

Synonyms
blunt, dampen, deaden, numb; also muffle, mute, tone (down); decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), reduce, subdue; debilitate, enfeeble, weaken; dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane; alleviate, ease, lighten; abate, moderate
Antonyms
sharpen, whet

dull·ard noun
: a stupid person

dull·ness also dul·ness noun
: the quality or state of being dull

du·ly adverb
: in a due manner or time

dumb adjective
1 often offensive : lacking the power of speech
2 : making no utterance : SILENT
3 : not having or showing intelligence : STUPID

— dumb·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] mum, mute, silent, speechless, uncommunicative—more at SILENT
[3] mindless, senseless, simple, stupid, unintelligent—more at STUPID

dumb·bell noun
1 : a bar with weights at the end used for exercise
2 : one who is stupid : DUMMY

dumb down verb
: to lower the level of difficulty or intellectual content of

dumb·found also dum·found verb
: to confound briefly and usu. with astonishment : ASTONISH

Synonyms
amaze, astonish, astound, bowl, flabbergast, floor, shock, startle, stun, stupefy, surprise—more at SURPRISE

dumb·wait·er noun
: a small elevator for conveying food and dishes from one floor to another

dum·my noun, plural dummies
1 a : a person who cannot speak
b : a stupid person
2 : the exposed hand in bridge played by the declarer in addition to that player's own hand; also : a bridge player whose hand is a dummy
3 a : an imitative substitute for something
b : a form representing the human figure used esp. for displaying clothes : MANNEQUIN
4 : one seeming to act alone but really acting for another
5 : a mock-up of matter to be reproduced esp. by printing

Synonyms
[1b] blockhead, cretin, dodo, dolt, donkey, dope, dunce, idiot, imbecile, jackass, moron, nitwit, numskull, simpleton
[3b] figure, form, manikin, mannequin—more at MANNEQUIN

1dump verb
1 : to let fall in a pile
2 : to get rid of unceremoniously

Synonyms
cast, discard, ditch, fling, jettison, junk, lose, reject, scrap, shed, shuck, slough, throw away, throw out, unload—more at DISCARD

2dump noun
1 : a place for dumping something (as refuse)
2 a : a reserve supply
b : a place where reserve supplies are kept <an ammunition ~>
3 : a messy or objectionable place

Synonyms
armory, arsenal, depot, magazine—more at ARMORY

dump·ing noun
: the act of one that dumps; especially : the selling of goods in quantity at below market price

Synonyms
disposal, disposition, jettison, removal, riddance—more at DISPOSAL

dump·ling noun
1 : a small mass of boiled or steamed dough
2 : a dessert of fruit baked in biscuit dough

dumps noun plural
: a gloomy state of mind : low spirits <in the ~>

Synonyms
blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despondency, doldrums, forlornness, gloom, heartsickness, melancholy, sadness—more at SADNESS

dump truck noun
: a truck for transporting and dumping bulk material

dumpy adjective dump·i·er; -est
1 : short and thick in build
2 : SHABBY

Synonyms
chunky, heavyset, squat, stocky, stout, stubby, stumpy, thickset—more at STOCKY

1dun noun
: a brownish dark gray

2dun verb dunned; dun·ning
1 : to make persistent demands for payment
2 : PLAGUE, PESTER

— dun noun

3dun noun
: an urgent request

Synonyms
claim, demand, requisition—more at DEMAND

dunce noun
[ORIGIN: John Duns Scotus, whose once accepted writings were ridiculed in the 16th cent.]

: a slow stupid person

Synonyms
blockhead, cretin, dodo, dolt, donkey, dope, dummy, fathead, idiot, imbecile, jackass, moron, nitwit, numskull, simpleton—more at IDIOT

dun·der·head noun
: DUNCE, BLOCKHEAD

dune noun
: a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind

dune buggy noun
: a motor vehicle with oversize tires for use on sand

1dung noun
: the feces of an animal : MANURE

2dung verb
: to dress (land) with dung

dun·ga·ree noun
1 : a heavy coarse cotton twill; especially : blue denim
2 plural : clothes made of blue denim

dun·geon noun
[ORIGIN: ME dongeoun fortress, prison, fr. AF donjun, fr. VL *domnion-, *domnio keep, mastery, fr. L dominus lord]

: a dark prison commonly underground

dung·hill noun
: a manure pile

dunk verb
1 : to dip or submerge temporarily in liquid
2 : to submerge oneself in water
3 : to shoot a basketball into the basket from above the rim

Synonyms
dip, douse, duck, immerse, souse, submerge—more at DIP

duo noun, plural du·os
1 : DUET
2 : two similar or associated things : PAIR

Synonyms
brace, couple, pair, twain, twosome—more at PAIR

duo·dec·i·mal adjective
: of, relating to, or being a system of numbers with a base of 12

du·o·de·num noun, plural -de·na or -denums
: the first part of the small intestine extending from the stomach to the jejunum

— du·o·de·nal adjective

dup abbreviation
1 duplex
2 duplicate

1dupe noun
: one who is easily deceived or cheated

Synonyms
gull, pigeon, sap, sucker, tool; also victim; schlemiel; butt, derision, laughingstock, mark, mock, mockery; booby, dodo, fool, goose, half-wit, jackass, lunatic, monkey, nincompoop, ninny, nitwit, simpleton, turkey; pushover; loser

2dupe verb duped; dup·ing
: to make a dupe of : DECEIVE

Synonyms
beguile, bluff, cozen, deceive, delude, fool, gull, have, hoax, hoodwink, humbug, misinform, mislead, string along, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE

du·ple adjective
: having two beats or a multiple of two beats to the measure <~ time>

1duplex adjective
: having two principal elements or parts : DOUBLE

Synonyms
binary, bipartite, double, dual, twin—more at DOUBLE

2duplex noun
: something duplex; especially : a 2-family house

1duplicate adjective
1 : consisting of or existing in two corresponding or identical parts or examples
2 : being the same as another

Synonyms
equal, even, identical, indistinguishable, same—more at SAME

2duplicate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to make double or twofold
2 : to make a copy of

Synonyms
copy, imitate, replicate, reproduce—more at COPY

3duplicate noun
: a thing that exactly resembles another in appearance, pattern, or content : COPY

Synonyms
carbon copy, copy, duplication, facsimile, imitation, replica, replication, reproduction—more at COPY

du·pli·ca·tion noun
1 : the act or process of duplicating
2 : a thing that exactly resembles another in appearance, pattern, or content

Synonyms
carbon copy, counterpart, double, duplicate, facsimile, image, likeness, match, picture, replica, ringer, spit—more at IMAGE

du·pli·ca·tor noun
: COPIER

du·plic·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: the disguising of true intentions by deceptive words or action

— du·plic·i·tous adjective

— du·plic·i·tous·ly adverb

Synonyms
artifice, craft, craftiness, crookedness, cunning, deceit, deceitfulness, dishonesty, dissimulation, double-dealing, guile, wiliness—more at DECEIT

du·ra·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being durable

Synonyms
endurance, persistence

du·ra·ble adjective
: able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration of qualities or capabilities <~ goods>

du·rance noun
: restraint by or as if by physical force <held in ~ vile>

du·ra·tion noun
1 : continuance in time
2 : the time during which something exists or lasts

Synonyms
[1] continuation, endurance, persistence, subsistence—more at CONTINUATION
[2] date, life, lifetime, run, standing, time; also spell, stretch; span, tenure, term; hitch, tour, turn

du·ress noun
: compulsion by threat <confession made under ~>

Synonyms
coercion, compulsion, constraint, force, pressure—more at FORCE

dur·ing preposition
1 : throughout the duration of <swims every day ~ the summer>
2 : at some point in <broke in ~ the night>

Synonyms
over, through, throughout

dusk noun
1 : the darker part of twilight esp. at night
2 : partial darkness

Synonyms
evening, gloaming, nightfall, sundown, sunset, twilight; also dark, darkness, night, nighttime
Antonyms
aurora, cockcrow, dawn, dawning, daybreak, daylight, morn, morning, sunrise, sunup

dusky adjective dusk·i·er; -est
1 : somewhat dark in color
2 : marked by slight or deficient light

— dusk·i·ness noun

Synonyms
dark, darkling, dim, gloomy, murky, obscure, somber—more at DARK

1dust noun
1 : fine particles of matter
2 : the particles into which something disintegrates
3 : something worthless
4 : the surface of the ground

— dust·less adjective

Synonyms
[3] chaff, deadwood, garbage, junk, litter, refuse, riffraff, rubbish, scrap, trash, waste—more at GARBAGE
[4] dirt, earth, ground, land, soil—more at EARTH

2dust verb
1 : to make free of or remove dust
2 : to sprinkle with fine particles
3 : to sprinkle in the form of dust

dusty adjective
1 : consisting of dust : POWDERY
2 : covered or abounding with dust

Synonyms
fine, floury, powdery—more at FINE

dust bowl noun
: a region suffering from long droughts and dust storms

dust devil noun
: a small whirlwind containing sand or dust

dust·er noun
1 : one that removes dust
2 : a dress-length housecoat
3 : one that scatters fine particles; especially : a device for applying insecticides to crops

dust·pan noun
: a flat-ended pan for sweepings

dust storm noun
: a violent wind carrying dust across a dry region

dutch adverb, often cap
: with each person paying his or her own way <go ~>

Dutch noun
1 Dutch plural : the people of the Netherlands
2 : the language of the Netherlands

— Dutch adjective

— Dutch·man noun

Dutch elm disease noun
: a fungus disease of elms characterized by yellowing of the foliage, defoliation, and death

dutch treat noun, often cap D
: an entertainment (as a meal) for which each person pays his or her own way

— dutch treat adverb, often cap D

du·te·ous adjective
: DUTIFUL, OBEDIENT

du·ti·able adjective
: subject to a duty <~ imports>

du·ti·ful adjective
1 : motivated by a sense of duty <a ~ son>
2 : coming from or showing a sense of duty <~ affection>

— du·ti·ful·ly adverb

— du·ti·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
deferential, regardful, respectful—more at RESPECTFUL

du·ty noun, plural duties
1 : conduct or action required by one's occupation or position; also : obligatory tasks, conduct, or functions required by order or usage
2 : assigned service or business; especially : active military service
3 : a moral or legal obligation
4 : a charge usu. of money imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes : TAX
5 : the service required (as of a machine) : USE <a heavy-duty tire>

Synonyms
[1] assignment, chore, job, stint, task—more at CHORE
[3] burden, charge, commitment, need, obligation, responsibility—more at OBLIGATION
[4] assessment, impost, levy, tax—more at TAX

DV abbreviation
1 [ORIGIN L Deo volente] God willing
2 Douay Version

DVD noun
[ORIGIN: digital video disk]

: a high-capacity optical disk format; also : an optical disk using such a format

DVM abbreviation
doctor of veterinary medicine

1dwarf noun, plural dwarfs also dwarves
1 : one that is much below normal size
2 : a small legendary manlike being who is usu. misshapen and ugly and skilled as a craftsman

Synonyms
[1] midget, mite, peewee, pygmy, runt, scrub, shrimp; also mini, miniature
Antonyms
behemoth, colossus, giant, jumbo, leviathan, mammoth, monster, titan
[2] brownie, elf, fairy, fay, gnome, hobgoblin, leprechaun, pixie, puck, troll—more at FAIRY

2dwarf verb
1 : to restrict the growth or development of : STUNT
2 : to cause to appear smaller <dwarfed by comparison>

3dwarf adjective
: characterized by smallness or insignificance of size, proportion, scope, strength, or power

dwarf·ish adjective
: of or like a dwarf

Synonyms
dwarf, fine, little, pocket, pygmy, slight, small, undersized—more at SMALL

dwell verb dwelt or dwelled ; dwell·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE dwellan to go astray, hinder]

1 : to remain for a time : ABIDE
2 : to live as a resident : RESIDE
3 : to keep the attention directed
4 : to write or speak insistently — used with on or upon

Synonyms
[1] abide, hang around, remain, stay, stick around, tarry—more at STAY
[2] abide, live, reside—more at LIVE

dwell·er noun
: one that dwells : INHABITANT

Synonyms
denizen, inhabitant, occupant, resident—more at INHABITANT

dwell·ing noun
: a shelter (as a house) in which people live : RESIDENCE

Synonyms
abode, domicile, fireside, habitation, hearth, home, house, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof—more at HOME

DWI noun
[ORIGIN: driving while intoxicated]

: DUI

dwin·dle verb dwin·dled; dwin·dling
: to make or become steadily less

Synonyms
abate, de-escalate, decline, decrease, die, diminish, ebb, fall, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, recede, relent, shrink, subside, taper, wane—more at DECREASE

dwt abbreviation
pennyweight

Dy symbol
dysprosium

dyb·buk noun, plural dyb·bu·kim also dybbuks
: a wandering soul believed in Jewish folklore to enter and possess a person

1dye noun
1 : color produced by dyeing
2 : material used for coloring or staining

Synonyms
color, pigment, stain—more at PIGMENT

2dye verb dyed; dye·ing
1 : to impart a new color to esp. by impregnating with a dye
2 : to take up or impart color in dyeing

— dy·er noun

Synonyms
color, paint, stain, tinge, tint—more at COLOR

dye·stuff noun
: material used for coloring or staining : DYE

dying present participle of DIE

dy·nam·ic also dy·nam·i·cal adjective
1 : of or relating to physical force producing motion
2 : operating with or marked by vigor or effect : ENERGETIC

Synonyms
energetic, flush, lusty, peppy, robust, strenuous, vigorous, vital—more at VIGOROUS
aggressive, assertive, emphatic, forceful, resounding, vehement—more at EMPHATIC

1dynamite noun
: an explosive made of nitroglycerin absorbed in a porous material; also : an explosive made without nitroglycerin

2dynamite verb -mit·ed; -mit·ing
: to blow up with dynamite

3dynamite adjective
: TERRIFIC, WONDERFUL

dy·na·mo noun, plural -mos
1 : an electrical generator
2 : a forceful energetic individual

dy·na·mom·e·ter noun
: an instrument for measuring mechanical power (as of an engine)

dy·nas·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a succession of rulers of the same family
2 : a powerful group or family that maintains its position for a long time

— dy·nas·tic adjective

dys·en·tery noun, plural -ter·ies
: a disease marked by diarrhea with blood and mucus in the feces; also : DIARRHEA

dys·func·tion also dis·func·tion noun
1 : impaired or abnormal functioning <liver ~>
2 : abnormal or unhealthy behavior within a group <family ~>

— dys·func·tion·al adjective

dys·lex·ia noun
: a learning disability marked by difficulty in reading, writing, and spelling

— dys·lex·ic adjective or noun

dys·pep·sia noun
: INDIGESTION

— dys·pep·tic noun

dys·pep·tic adjective
: having or showing ill humor

Synonyms
bearish, bilious, cantankerous, disagreeable, ill-humored, ill-tempered, ornery, splenetic, surly

dys·pla·sia noun
: abnormal growth or development

dys·pro·si·um noun
: a metallic chemical element that forms highly magnetic compounds

dys·tro·phy noun, plural -phies
: a disorder involving atrophy of muscular tissue; especially : MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

dz abbreviation
dozen

E

1e noun, plural e's or es often cap
1 : the 5th letter of the English alphabet
2 : the base of the system of natural logarithms having the approximate value 2.71828
3 : a grade rating a student's work as poor or failing

2e abbreviation, often cap
1 east; eastern
2 error
3 excellent

e- combining form
: electronic <e-commerce>

ea abbreviation
each

1each adjective
: being one of the class named <~ player>

2each pronoun
: every individual one

3each adverb
: to or for each : APIECE <cost five cents ~>

each other pronoun
: each of two or more in reciprocal action or relation <looked at each other>

ea·ger adjective
: marked by urgent or enthusiastic desire or interest <~ to learn>

— ea·ger·ly adverb

Synonyms
avid, enthusiastic, hungry, keen, raring, thirsty; also engaged, interested; hung up, obsessed; ambitious, covetous, craving, hankering, longing, pining; restive, restless; disposed, inclined, ready, willing
Antonyms
apathetic, indifferent

ea·ger·ness noun
: the quality or state of being eager; also : an act or instance of being eager

Synonyms
alacrity, ambition, appetite, ardor, avidity, enthusiasm, excitement, hunger, impatience, keenness, quickness, thirst
Antonyms
apathy, indifference

1eagle noun
1 : a large bird of prey related to the hawks
2 : a score of two under par on a hole in golf

2eagle verb ea·gled; ea·gling
: to score an eagle on a golf hole

ea·glet noun
: a young eagle

-ean see -AN

E and OE abbreviation
errors and omissions excepted

1ear noun
1 : the organ of hearing; also : the outer part of this in a vertebrate
2 : something resembling a mammal's ear in shape, position, or function
3 : an ability to understand and appreciate something heard <a good ~ for music>
4 : sympathetic attention

Synonyms
attention, awareness, cognizance, eye, heed, notice, observance, observation—more at ATTENTION

2ear noun
: the fruiting spike of a cereal (as wheat)

ear·ache noun
: an ache or pain in the ear

ear·drum noun
: a thin membrane that receives and transmits sound waves in the ear

eared adjective
: having ears esp. of a specified kind or number <a long-eared dog>

ear·ful noun
: a verbal outpouring (as of news, gossip, anger, or complaint)

earl noun
[ORIGIN: ME erl, fr. OE eorl warrior, nobleman]

: a member of the British peerage ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

— earl·dom noun

ear·lobe noun
: the pendent part of the ear

1early adverb ear·li·er; -est
: at an ealy time

Synonyms
beforehand, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably; also immediately, promptly, punctually
Antonyms
late

2early adjective ear·li·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning; also : ANCIENT, PRIMITIVE
2 : occurring before the usual time <an ~ breakfast>; also : occurring in the near future

Synonyms
[1] ancient, primal, primeval, primitive; also aged, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, hoary
Antonyms
late
[2] precocious, premature, unseasonable, untimely; also unanticipated, unexpected; abrupt, sudden
Antonyms
late

1earmark noun
: an identification mark (as on the ear of an animal); also : a distinguishing mark <~s of poverty>

2earmark verb
1 : to mark with an earmark
2 : to designate for a specific purpose

Synonyms
allocate, consecrate, dedicate, devote, reserve, save—more at DEVOTE

ear·muff noun
: one of a pair of ear coverings worn to protect against cold

earn verb
1 : to receive as a return for service
2 : to make or come to be duly worthy of : DESERVE, MERIT

— earn·er noun

Synonyms
[1] acquire, attain, draw, gain, garner, get, land, make, secure, win; also clear, net; accomplish, achieve, notch (up), score; accumulate, draw, rack up; catch, pick up; occupy, take over; reacquire, recapture, regain, remake
Antonyms
forfeit, lose
[2] deserve, merit, rate; also entitle, qualify

earned run noun
: a run in baseball that scores without benefit of an error before the fielding team has had a chance to make the third putout of the inning

earned run average noun
: the average number of earned runs per game scored against a pitcher in baseball

1earnest noun
: an intensely serious state of mind <spoke in ~>

2earnest adjective
1 : seriously intent and sober <an ~ face> <an ~ attempt>
2 : marked by importance : GRAVE

— ear·nest·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] grave, humorless, serious, severe, sober, solemn, staid, unsmiling, weighty—more at SERIOUS

3earnest noun
1 : something of value given by a buyer to a seller to bind a bargain
2 : PLEDGE

ear·nest·ness noun
: intent and serious state or quality (as of mind)

Synonyms
gravity, intentness, seriousness, sobriety, solemnity; also deliberation, determination, firmness, resolve
Antonyms
frivolity, levity, lightheartedness

earn·ings noun plural
1 : something (as wages) earned
2 : the balance of revenue after deduction of costs and expenses

Synonyms
[1] income, proceeds, profit, return, revenue, yield—more at INCOME
[2] gain, lucre, net, payoff, proceeds, profit, return—more at PROFIT

ear·phone noun
: a device that reproduces sound and is worn over or in the ear

ear·piece noun
: a part of an instrument which is placed against or in the ear; especially : EARPHONE

ear·plug noun
: a protective device for insertion into the opening of the ear

ear·ring noun
: an ornament for the earlobe

ear·shot noun
: range of hearing

ear·split·ting adjective
: intolerably loud or shrill

Synonyms
booming, clamorous, deafening, loud, piercing, roaring, thunderous—more at LOUD

earth noun
1 : the fragmental material composing part of the surface of the globe : SOIL, DIRT
2 : areas of land as distinguished from sea and air : LAND, GROUND
3 often cap : the planet on which we live that is 3d in order from the sun

Synonyms
[1, 2] dirt, dust, ground, land, soil; also continent, landmass
[3] planet, world; also cosmos, creation, universe; orb, sphere; macrocosm, microcosm

earth·en adjective
: made of earth or baked clay

earth·en·ware noun
: slightly porous opaque pottery fired at low heat

earth·ling noun
: an inhabitant of the earth

earth·ly adjective
: characteristic of or belonging to this earth; also : relating to the human race's actual life on this earth

— earth·li·ness noun

Synonyms
material, mundane, temporal, terrestrial, worldly; also physical
Antonyms
heavenly, nontemporal

earth·quake noun
: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth

earth science noun
: any of the sciences (as geology or meteorology) that deal with the earth or one of its parts

earth·shak·ing adjective
: of great importance : MOMENTOUS

earth·ward also earth·wards adverb
: toward the earth

earth·work noun
: an embankment or fortification of earth

earth·worm noun
: a long segmented worm found in damp soil

earthy adjective earth·i·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or consisting of earth; also : suggesting earth <~ flavors>
2 : not theoretical or ideal : PRACTICAL
3 : COARSE, GROSS

— earth·i·ness noun

Synonyms
down-to-earth, hardheaded, matter-of-fact, practical, pragmatic, realistic—more at REALISTIC

ear·wax noun
: the yellow waxy secretion from the ear

ear·wig noun
: any of numerous insects with slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of appendages resembling forceps at the end of the body

1ease noun
1 : comfort of body or mind : freedom from pain, discomfort, or concern
2 : naturalness of manner
3 : freedom from difficulty or effort

Synonyms
[1] alleviation, comfort, decrease, relief; also calming, salving, soothing
[3] leisure, relaxation, repose, rest—more at REST

2ease verb eased; eas·ing
1 : to relieve from distress
2 : to lessen the pressure or tension of
3 : to make or become less difficult <~ credit>

Synonyms
[1] allay, alleviate, assuage, help, mitigate, mollify, palliate, relieve, soothe—more at HELP
[2] loosen, relax, slack, slacken—more at SLACKEN
[3] assist, facilitate, further, hasten, help, improve, loosen, promote; also aid, smooth, speed; advance, unclog
Antonyms
complicate

ea·sel noun
[ORIGIN: Dutch ezel, lit., ass]

: a frame for supporting something (as an artist's canvas)

eas·i·ly adverb
: in an easy manner : without difficulty

Synonyms
effortlessly, fluently, freely, handily, lightly, painlessly, readily, smoothly; also ably, adeptly, adroitly, proficiently, skillfully
Antonyms
arduously, laboriously

1east adverb
: to or toward the east

2east adjective
1 : situated toward or at the east
2 : coming from the east

3east noun
1 : the general direction of sunrise
2 : the compass point directly opposite to west
3 cap : regions or countries east of a specified or implied point

— east·er·ly adverb or adjective

— east·ward adverb or adjective

— east·wards adverb

Eas·ter noun
: a church feast observed on a Sunday in March or April in commemoration of Christ's resurrection

east·ern adjective
1 often cap : of, relating to, or characteristic of a region designated East
2 cap : of, relating to, or being the Christian churches originating in the Church of the Eastern Roman Empire
3 : lying toward or coming from the east

— East·ern·er noun

easy adjective eas·i·er; -est
1 : marked by ease <an ~ life>; especially : not causing distress or difficulty <~ tasks>
2 : MILD, LENIENT <be ~ on him>
3 : GRADUAL <an ~ slope>
4 : free from pain, trouble, or worry <rest ~>
5 : LEISURELY <an ~ pace>
6 : NATURAL <an ~ manner>
7 : giving ease, comfort, or relaxation : COMFORTABLE <an ~ chair>
8 : readily taken advantage of

— eas·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] effortless, facile, fluent, fluid, light, painless, ready, simple, smooth, snap, soft; also apparent, clear, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, plain; clear-cut, straightforward
Antonyms
arduous, difficult, hard, labored
[7] comfortable, snug, soft—more at COMFORTABLE
[8] gullible, naive, susceptible

easy·go·ing adjective
: relaxed and casual in style or manner

Synonyms
affable, breezy, carefree, happy-go-lucky, informal, laid-back
Antonyms
uptight
flexible, lax, loose, relaxed, slack, unrestrained, unrestricted; also careless, heedless, negligent, slipshod, sloppy, slovenly, unfussy
Antonyms
rigorous
carefree, careless, cavalier, gay, happy-go-lucky, insouciant, lighthearted, unconcerned—more at CAREFREE

eat verb ate ; eat·en ; eat·ing
1 : to take in as food : take food
2 : to use up : DEVOUR
3 : to consume gradually : CORRODE

— eat·able adjective or noun

— eat·er noun

Synonyms
[1] dine, fare, feed—more at DINE
[3] bite, corrode, erode, fret; also break down, break up, decompose, disintegrate, dissolve; destroy, ruin, wreck

eat·ery noun, plural -er·ies
: LUNCHEONETTE, RESTAURANT

eaves noun plural
: the overhanging lower edge of a roof

eaves·drop verb
: to listen secretly

— eaves·drop·per noun

1ebb noun
1 : the flowing back from shore of water brought in by the tide
2 : a point or state of decline

2ebb verb
1 : to recede from the flood
2 : to fall from a higher to a lower level or from a better to a worse state : DECLINE <his fortunes ~ed>

Synonyms
abate, decline, decrease, diminish, dwindle, fall, lessen, recede, subside, taper—more at DECREASE

EBCDIC noun
[ORIGIN: extended binary coded decimal interchange code]

: a computer code for representing alphanumeric information

Ebo·la noun
: an often fatal hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus (Ebola virus) of African origin

1ebony noun, plural -nies
: a hard heavy wood of Old World tropical trees related to the persimmon

2ebony adjective
1 : made of or resembling ebony
2 : of the color black

Synonyms
black, raven—more at BLACK

ebul·lient adjective
1 : BOILING, AGITATED
2 : EXUBERANT

— ebul·lience noun

EC abbreviation
European Community

1eccentric adjective
1 : deviating from a usual or accepted pattern
2 : deviating from a circular path <~ orbits>
3 : set with axis or support off center <an ~ cam>; also : being off center

— ec·cen·tri·cal·ly adverb

2eccentric noun
: an eccentric person

Synonyms
character, crackpot, crank, kook, nut, oddball, screwball, weirdo; also bohemian, maverick, nonconformist

ec·cen·tric·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being eccentric; also : odd or whimsical behavior

Synonyms
crotchet, idiosyncrasy, mannerism, oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity, trick—more at IDIOSYNCRASY

Eccles abbreviation
Ecclesiastes

Ec·cle·si·as·tes noun
: a book of wisdom literature in canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture

ec·cle·si·as·tic noun
: a member of the clergy : CLERGYMAN

Synonyms
clergyman, divine, father, minister, preacher, priest, reverend—more at CLERGYMAN

ec·cle·si·as·ti·cal or ec·cle·si·as·tic adjective
: of or relating to a church esp. as an institution <~ art>

— ec·cle·si·as·ti·cal·ly adverb

Ec·cle·si·as·ti·cus noun
: a didactic book included in the Protestant Apocrypha and as Sirach in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament

Ecclus abbreviation
Ecclesiasticus

ECG abbreviation
electrocardiogram

ech·e·lon noun
[ORIGIN: F échelon, lit., rung of a ladder]

1 : a steplike arrangement (as of troops or airplanes)
2 : a level (as of authority or responsibility) within an organization

ech·i·na·cea noun
: the dried root of three composite herbs that is used primarily in herbal remedies to boost the immune system; also : any of these herbs

echi·no·derm noun
: any of a phylum of marine animals (as starfishes and sea urchins) having similar body parts (as the arms of a starfish) arranged around a central axis and often having a calcium-containing outer skeleton

1echo noun, plural ech·oes also ech·os
: repetition of a sound caused by a reflection of the sound waves; also : the reflection of a radar signal by an object

— echo·ic adjective

2echo verb
: to produce an echo; also : to repeat or imitate (as a sound)

Synonyms
repeat, resonate, resound, reverberate—more at REVERBERATE

echo·lo·ca·tion noun
: a process for locating distant or invisible objects by sound waves reflected back to the sender (as a bat) from the objects

echt adjective
[ORIGIN: G]

: TRUE, GENUINE <an ~ New Yorker>

éclair noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., lightning]

: an oblong shell of light pastry with whipped cream or custard filling

éclat noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a dazzling effect or success
2 : ACCLAIM

eclec·tic adjective
: selecting or made up of what seems best of varied sources

— eclectic noun

— eclec·ti·cism noun

1eclipse noun
1 : the total or partial obscuring of one heavenly body by another; also : a passing into the shadow of a heavenly body
2 : a falling into obscurity or decline

2eclipse verb eclipsed; eclips·ing
1 : to cause an eclipse of
2 : to go beyond in accomplishment : SURPASS

Synonyms
beat, better, excel, outdistance, outdo, outshine, outstrip, surpass, top, transcend—more at SURPASS

eclip·tic noun
: the great circle of the celestial sphere that is the apparent path of the sun

ec·logue noun
: a pastoral poem

ECM abbreviation
European Common Market

ecol abbreviation
ecological; ecology

E. coli noun, plural E. coli
: a rod-shaped bacterium that sometimes causes intestinal illness

ecol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
[ORIGIN: G Ökologie, fr. Gk oikos house + logos word]

1 : a branch of science concerned with the relationships between organisms and their environment
2 : the pattern of relations between one or more organisms and the environment

— eco·log·i·cal also eco·log·ic adjective

— eco·log·i·cal·ly adverb

— ecol·o·gist noun

e–com·merce noun
: commerce conducted via the Internet

econ abbreviation
economics; economist; economy

eco·nom·ic adjective
: of or relating to the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

eco·nom·i·cal adjective
1 : marked by careful use of resources : THRIFTY
2 : operating with little waste or at a saving

— ec·o·nom·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
frugal, provident, sparing, thrifty—more at FRUGAL

eco·nom·ics noun singular or plural
: a social science dealing with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

— econ·o·mist noun

econ·o·mize verb -mized; -miz·ing
: to practice economy : be frugal

— econ·o·miz·er noun

Synonyms
save, scrimp, skimp; also conserve, husband, manage; scrape; cut back, cut down, retrench
Antonyms
waste

1economy noun, plural -mies
[ORIGIN: MF yconomie, fr. ML oeconomia, fr. Gk oikonomia, fr. oikonomos household manager, fr. oikos house + nemein to manage]

1 : thrifty and efficient use of resources; also : an instance of this
2 : manner of arrangement or functioning : ORGANIZATION
3 : an economic system <a money ~>

Synonyms
frugality, husbandry, providence, thrift; also conservation, saving; miserliness, stinginess; discretion, prudence
Antonyms
wastefulness

2economy adjective
: ECONOMICAL <~ cars>

eco·sys·tem noun
: the complex of an ecological community and its environment functioning as a unit in nature

eco·tour·ism noun
: the touring of natural habitats in a manner meant to minimize ecological impact

— eco·tour·ist noun

ecru noun
[ORIGIN: F écru, lit., unbleached]

: BEIGE

— ecru adjective

ec·stat·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or marked by ecstasy

— ec·stat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
elated, euphoric, intoxicated, rapturous, rhapsodic; also exultant, jubilant, triumphant; enthusiastic, excited, gung ho, thrilled; blissful, delighted, glad, gratified, happy, joyful, joyous, pleased, satisfied, tickled
Antonyms
depressed

ec·sta·sy noun, plural -sies
1 : extreme and usu. rapturous emotional excitement
2 often cap : an illicit drug with hallucinogenic properties that is chemically related to amphetamine

Synonyms
elation, euphoria, exhilaration, heaven, intoxication, paradise, rapture, rhapsody, transport; also exaltation; bliss, delight, enchantment, gladness, happiness, joy, pleasure; reverie, trance; inspiration; fervor, frenzy, madness, passion
Antonyms
depression

Ecua abbreviation
Ecuador

Ec·ua·dor·an or Ec·ua·dor·ean or Ec·ua·dor·ian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Ecuador

— Ecuadorean or Ecuadorian adjective

ec·u·men·i·cal adjective
: general in extent or influence; especially : promoting or tending toward worldwide Christian unity

— ec·u·men·i·cal·ly adverb

ec·ze·ma noun
: an itching skin inflammation with oozing and then crusted lesions

— ec·zem·a·tous adjective

ed abbreviation
1 edited; edition; editor
2 education

1-ed verb suffix or adjective suffix
1 — used to form the past participle of regular weak verbs <ended> <faded> <tried> <patted>
2 : having : characterized by <cultured> <2-legged>; also : having the characteristics of <bigoted>

2-ed verb suffix
— used to form the past tense of regular weak verbs <judged> <denied> <dropped>

Edam noun
: a yellow Dutch pressed cheese made in balls

ed·dy noun, plural eddies
: WHIRLPOOL

— eddy verb

edel·weiss noun
[ORIGIN: G, fr. edel noble + weiss white]

: a small perennial woolly composite herb that grows high in the Alps

ede·ma noun
: abnormal accumulation of watery fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity

— edem·a·tous adjective

Eden noun
: a place or state of bliss or delight : PARADISE

Synonyms
Elysium, heaven, paradise, utopia—more at PARADISE

1edge noun
1 : the cutting side of a blade
2 : a noticeably harsh or sharp quality; also : FORCE, EFFECTIVENESS
3 : the line where something begins or ends; also : the area adjoining such an edge
4 : a favorable margin : ADVANTAGE

— edged adjective

Synonyms
[3] border, bound, boundary, fringe, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, verge—more at BORDER
[4] advantage, better, drop, jump, upper hand, vantage—more at ADVANTAGE

2edge verb edged; edg·ing
1 : to give or form an edge
2 : to move or force gradually <~ into a crowd>
3 : to defeat by a small margin <edged out her opponent>

— edg·er noun

Synonyms
grind, hone, sharpen, strop, whet—more at SHARPEN

edge·wise adverb
: SIDEWAYS

edg·ing noun
: something that forms an edge or border <a lace ~>

edgy adjective edg·i·er; -est
1 : having an edge : SHARP <an ~ tone>
2 : being on edge : TENSE, NERVOUS
3 : having a bold, provocative, or unconventional quality

— edg·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] cutting, ground, keen, sharp—more at SHARP
[2] aflutter, anxious, jittery, jumpy, nervous, nervy, tense, troubled, upset, worried—more at NERVOUS

ed·i·ble adjective
: fit or safe to be eaten

— ed·i·bil·i·ty noun

— edible noun

edict noun
: a proclamation having the force of law; also : ORDER, DECREE

Synonyms
decree, directive, fiat, order, ruling; also call, decision, judgment; announcement, declaration, dictum, manifesto, proclamation, pronouncement; canon, encyclical

ed·i·fi·ca·tion noun
: instruction and improvement esp. in morality

ed·i·fice noun
: a usu. large building

ed·i·fy verb
: to instruct and improve esp. in moral and religious knowledge

Synonyms
educate, enlighten, nurture—more at ENLIGHTEN

ed·it verb
1 : to revise, assemble, or prepare for publication or release (as a motion picture)
2 : to direct the publication and policies of (as a newspaper)
3 : DELETE

— ed·i·tor noun

— ed·i·tor·ship noun

— ed·i·tress noun

Synonyms
redraft, revamp, revise, rework; also amend, correct, emend, rectify

edi·tion noun
1 : the form in which a text is published
2 : the total number of copies (as of a book) published at one time
3 : VERSION

1editorial adjective
1 : of or relating to an editor or editing
2 : being or resembling an editorial

— ed·i·to·ri·al·ly adverb

2editorial noun
: an article (as in a newspaper) giving the views of the editors or publishers; also : an expression of opinion resembling an editorial <a television ~>

ed·i·to·ri·al·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to express an opinion in an editorial
2 : to introduce opinions into factual reporting
3 : to express an opinion

— ed·i·to·ri·al·i·za·tion noun

— ed·i·to·ri·al·iz·er noun

EDP abbreviation
electronic data processing

EDT abbreviation
Eastern daylight (saving) time

educ abbreviation
education; educational

ed·u·ca·ble adjective
: capable of being educated

ed·u·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, to rear, fr. L educatus, pp. of educare, fr. educere to lead forth, draw out]

1 : to provide with schooling
2 : to develop mentally and morally; also : to provide with information

Synonyms
[1] indoctrinate, instruct, school, teach, train, tutor—more at TEACH
[2] edify, enlighten, nurture—more at ENLIGHTEN

educated adjective
: having an education; especially : having an education beyond the average

Synonyms
erudite, knowledgeable, learned, literate, scholarly, well-read; also civilized, cultivated, cultured; cerebral, highbrow, intellectual; polished, refined, well-bred; academic, bookish, didactic, pedantic, professorial; instructed, schooled, skilled, trained; homeschooled, self-educated, self-taught; briefed, enlightened, informed, versed
Antonyms
ignorant, illiterate, uneducated

ed·u·ca·tion noun
1 : the action or process of educating or being educated; also : the knowledge and development resulting from an educational process
2 : a field of study dealing with methods of teaching and learning

Synonyms
instruction, teaching, training, tutelage; also coaching, conditioning, cultivation, preparation
erudition, knowledge, learning, scholarship, science; also culture, edification, enlightenment; literacy, reading; pedantry

ed·u·ca·tion·al adjective
: of, relating to, or concerned with education; also : serving to further education

— ed·u·ca·tion·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
informative, instructive—more at INFORMATIVE

educational television noun
: PUBLIC TELEVISION

ed·u·ca·tor noun
: one skilled in teaching

Synonyms
instructor, pedagogue, schoolteacher, teacher—more at TEACHER

educe verb educed; educ·ing
1 : to bring out (as something latent) : ELICIT, EVOKE
2 : DEDUCE

ed·u·tain·ment noun
: entertainment that is designed to be educational

1-ee noun suffix
1 : one that receives or benefits from (a specified action or thing) <grantee> <patentee>
2 : a person who does (a specified action) <escapee>

2-ee noun suffix
1 : a particular esp. small kind of <bootee>
2 : one resembling or suggestive of <goatee>

EE abbreviation
electrical engineer

EEC abbreviation
European Economic Community

EEG abbreviation
1 electroencephalogram
2 electroencephalograph

eel noun
: any of numerous snakelike bony fishes with a smooth slimy skin

EEO abbreviation
equal employment opportunity

ee·rie also ee·ry adjective ee·ri·er; -est
: so mysterious, strange, or unexpected as to send a chill up the spine : WEIRD, UNCANNY

— ee·ri·ly adverb

Synonyms
creepy, haunting, odd, spooky, strange, uncanny, unearthly, weird; also ghostly, spectral

eff abbreviation
efficiency

ef·face verb ef·faced; ef·fac·ing
: to obliterate or obscure by or as if by rubbing out

— ef·face·able adjective

— ef·face·ment noun

1effect noun
1 : MEANING, INTENT
2 : something that inevitably follows an antecedent : RESULT
3 : APPEARANCE
4 : power to bring about a result : INFLUENCE
5 plural : movable property : GOODS, POSSESSIONS
6 : the quality or state of being operative : OPERATION

Synonyms
[2] aftermath, conclusion, consequence, issue, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, upshot; also ramification; denouement, repercussion; conclusion, end; by-product, side effect
Antonyms
antecedent, cause, occasion, reason
[4] impact, influence, mark, repercussion, sway; also authority, clout, prestige, weight
usually effects [5] belongings, chattels, goods, holdings, paraphernalia, possessions, things—more at POSSESSION

2effect verb
: to cause to happen <~ repairs> <~ changes>

Synonyms
bring about, cause, create, effectuate, generate, induce, make, produce, prompt, result; also decide, determine; advance, encourage, forward, foster, promote; enact, render, turn out

ef·fec·tive adjective
1 : producing a decisive or desired effect; also : marked by the quality of being influential or exerting positive influence <an ~ presentation>
2 : IMPRESSIVE, STRIKING
3 : ready for service or action
4 : being in effect

— ef·fec·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
convincing, decisive, effectual, efficacious, efficient, forceful, fruitful, persuasive, potent, productive; also adequate, capable, competent
Antonyms
ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, fruitless, unproductive

ef·fec·tive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being effective; also : power to be effective

Synonyms
efficacy, efficiency, force, impact, productiveness—more at EFFICACY

ef·fec·tu·al adjective
: producing an intended effect

— ef·fec·tu·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
effective, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive—more at EFFECTIVE

ef·fec·tu·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to cause to come into being : BRING ABOUT, EFFECT

Synonyms
bring about, cause, create, effect, generate, induce, make, produce, prompt, result, work, yield—more at EFFECT

ef·fem·i·nate adjective
: marked by qualities more typical of women than men

— ef·fem·i·na·cy noun

Synonyms
feminine, girlish, unmanly, womanly
Antonyms
manly, mannish, masculine

ef·fen·di noun
[ORIGIN: Turk efendi master, fr. ModGk aphentēs, alter. of Gk authentēs]

: a man of property, authority, or education in an eastern Mediterranean country

ef·fer·ent adjective
: bearing or conducting outward from a more central part <~ nerves>

ef·fer·vesce verb -vesced; -vesc·ing
1 : to bubble and hiss as gas escapes
2 : to show liveliness or exhilaration

— ef·fer·ves·cence noun

ef·fer·ves·cent adjective
: impossible or difficult to restrain or suppress

— ef·fer·ves·cent·ly adverb

Synonyms
bubbly, buoyant, exuberant, frolicsome, high-spirited, vivacious—more at EXUBERANT

ef·fete adjective
1 : having lost character, vitality, or strength; also : DECADENT
2 : EFFEMINATE

Synonyms
decadent, degenerate, soft, weak; also decaying, declining, dying, failing

ef·fi·ca·cious adjective
: producing an intended effect <~ remedies>

Synonyms
effective, effectual, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive—more at EFFECTIVE

ef·fi·ca·cy noun
: the power to produce an effect

Synonyms
effectiveness, efficiency, productiveness; also ability, capability, capacity
Antonyms
ineffectiveness, inefficiency

ef·fi·cien·cy noun
: the quality or degree of being efficient; also : efficient operation

Synonyms
effectiveness, efficacy, productiveness—more at EFFICACY

ef·fi·cient adjective
: productive of desired effects esp. without waste

— ef·fi·cient·ly adverb

Synonyms
effective, effectual, efficacious, fruitful, potent, productive—more at EFFECTIVE

ef·fi·gy noun, plural -gies
: IMAGE; especially : a crude figure of a hated person

ef·flo·res·cence noun
1 : the period or state of flowering
2 : the action or process of developing
3 : fullness of development : FLOWERING

ef·flu·ence noun
: something that flows out

ef·flu·ent noun
: something that flows out; especially : a fluid (as sewage) discharged as waste

— effluent adjective

ef·flu·vi·um noun, plural -via also -vi·ums
[ORIGIN: L, outflow]

1 : a usu. unpleasant emanation
2 : a by-product usu. in the form of waste

ef·fort noun
1 : hard work : EXERTION; also : a product of effort
2 : active or applied force

Synonyms
exertion, expenditure, labor, pains, sweat, trouble, work; also toil, travail

ef·fort·less adjective
: showing or requiring little or no effort

Synonyms
easy, facile, fluent, fluid, light, painless, ready, smooth, snap—more at EASY

ef·fort·less·ly adverb
: in an effortless manner

Synonyms
easily, fluently, freely, handily, lightly, painlessly, readily, smoothly—more at EASILY

ef·fron·tery noun, plural -ter·ies
: shameless and offensive boldness

Synonyms
audacity, brass, brazenness, cheek, chutzpah, gall, nerve, presumption, temerity; also arrogance, cockiness, overconfidence; impertinence, impudence, insolence, rudeness

ef·ful·gence noun
: radiant splendor : BRILLIANCE

Synonyms
brilliance, dazzle, illumination, luminosity, radiance, splendor—more at BRILLIANCE

ef·ful·gent adjective
: extremely radiant

Synonyms
beaming, bright, brilliant, glowing, incandescent, luminous, lustrous, radiant—more at BRIGHT

ef·fu·sion noun
: a gushing forth; also : unrestrained utterance

— ef·fuse verb

ef·fu·sive adjective
: marked by the expression of great or excessive emotion or enthusiasm

— ef·fu·sive·ly adverb

Synonyms
demonstrative, emotional, uninhibited, unreserved, unrestrained—more at DEMONSTRATIVE

eft noun
: NEWT

EFT or EFTS abbreviation
electronic funds transfer (system)

e.g. abbreviation
[ORIGIN: L exempli gratia]

for example

Eg abbreviation
Egypt; Egyptian

egal·i·tar·i·an·ism noun
: a belief in human equality esp. in social, political, and economic affairs

— egal·i·tar·i·an adjective or noun

1egg verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ON eggja; akin to OE ecg edge]

: to urge to action — usu. used with on

Synonyms usually egg on
encourage, exhort, goad, press, prod, prompt, urge—more at URGE

2egg noun
[ORIGIN: ME egge, fr. ON egg; akin to OE ǣg egg, L ovum]

1 : a rounded usu. hard-shelled reproductive body esp. of birds and reptiles from which the young hatches; also : the egg of the common domestic chicken as an article of food
2 : a germ cell produced by a female

egg·beat·er noun
: a hand-operated kitchen utensil for beating, stirring, or whipping

egg cell noun
: EGG 2

egg·head noun
: INTELLECTUAL, HIGHBROW

egg·nog noun
: a drink consisting of eggs beaten with sugar, milk or cream, and often alcoholic liquor

egg·plant noun
: the edible usu. large and purplish fruit of a plant related to the potato; also : the plant

egg roll noun
: a thin egg-dough casing filled with minced vegetables and often bits of meat and usu. deep-fried

egg·shell noun
: the hard exterior covering of an egg

egis variant of AEGIS

eg·lan·tine noun
: SWEETBRIER

ego noun, plural egos
[ORIGIN: L, I]

1 : the self as distinguished from others
2 : the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is the organized conscious mediator between the person and reality
3 : an exaggerated sense of self-importance; also : a confidence and satisfaction in oneself

Synonyms
complacence, conceit, pride, self-importance, self-regard, self-respect, self-satisfaction, smugness, vainglory, vanity—more at COMPLACENCE

ego·cen·tric adjective
: concerned or overly concerned with the self; especially : SELF-CENTERED

Synonyms
egotistic, self-seeking, selfish; also complacent, conceited, self-important, self-indulgent, self-satisfied, smug, vain
Antonyms
selfless

ego·ism noun
1 : a doctrine holding self-interest to be the motive or the valid end of action
2 : excessive concern for oneself with or without exaggerated feelings of self-importance

— ego·ist noun

Synonyms
egotism, self-centeredness, self-interest, self-regard, selfishness; also conceit, self-importance, self-indulgence, self-satisfaction
Antonyms
selflessness

ego·is·tic adjective
: having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

— ego·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

ego·tism noun
1 : the practice of talking about oneself too much
2 : an exaggerated sense of self-importance : CONCEIT

— ego·tist noun

Synonyms
complacence, conceit, pride, self-esteem, self-importance, self-satisfaction, smugness, vainglory, vanity—more at COMPLACENCE

ego·tis·tic or ego·tis·ti·cal adjective
: an exaggerated sense of self-importance

— ego·tis·ti·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
complacent, conceited, important, prideful, proud, self-important, self-satisfied, smug, stuck-up, vain—more at CONCEITED

ego trip noun
: an act that enhances and satisfies one's ego

egre·gious adjective
[ORIGIN: L egregius outstanding, fr. ex, e out of + greg-, grex flock, herd]

: notably bad : FLAGRANT

— egre·gious·ly adverb

— egre·gious·ness noun

Synonyms
blatant, flagrant, glaring, gross, obvious, patent, pronounced, rank, striking; also salient; atrocious, awful, deplorable

egress noun
: a way out : EXIT

Synonyms
exit, issue, outlet—more at EXIT

egret noun
: any of various herons that bear long plumes during the breeding season

Egyp·tian noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Egypt
2 : the language of the ancient Egyptians from earliest times to about the 3d century A.D.

— Egyptian adjective

ei·der noun
: any of several northern sea ducks that yield a soft down

ei·der·down noun
1 : the down of the eider
2 : a comforter filled with eiderdown

ei·do·lon noun, plural -lons or -la
1 : PHANTOM
2 : IDEAL

eight noun
1 : one more than seven
2 : the 8th in a set or series
3 : something having eight units

— eight adjective or pronoun

— eighth adjective or adverb or noun

eight ball noun
: a black pool ball numbered 8

— behind the eight ball

: in a highly disadvantageous position

eigh·teen noun
: one more than 17

— eighteen adjective or pronoun

— eigh·teenth adjective or noun

eighty noun, plural eight·ies
: eight times 10

— eight·i·eth adjective or noun

— eighty adjective or pronoun

ein·stei·ni·um noun
: an artificially produced radioactive element

1either adjective
1 : being the one and the other of two : EACH <trees on ~ side>
2 : being the one or the other of two <take ~ road>

2either pronoun
: the one or the other

3either conjunction
— used as a function word before the first of two or more words or word groups of which the last is preceded by or to indicate that they represent alternatives <a statement is ~ true or false>

ejac·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to eject a fluid (as semen)
2 : to utter suddenly : EXCLAIM

— ejac·u·la·tion noun

— ejac·u·la·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
blurt, bolt, cry, exclaim, spout

eject verb
: to drive or throw out or off

— ejec·tion noun

Synonyms
banish, boot, bounce, cast, expel, oust, rout, run off, throw out
belch, disgorge, erupt, jet, spew, spout, spurt—more at ERUPT

eke verb eked; ek·ing
: to gain, supplement, or extend usu. with effort — usu. used with out <~ out a living>

Synonyms usually eke out
scrape, squeeze, wrest, wring; also acquire, earn, gain, obtain, procure, secure

EKG abbreviation
[ORIGIN: G Elektrokardiogramm]

electrocardiogram; electrocardiograph

el abbreviation
elevation

1elaborate adjective
1 : planned or carried out with great care
2 : being complex and usu. ornate

— elab·o·rate·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] complex, complicated, detailed, fancy, intricate, involved, sophisticated; also elegant, grand, ornate, magnificent, splendid
Antonyms
simple

2elaborate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to build up from simpler ingredients
2 : to work out in detail : develop fully

Synonyms usually elaborate on
amplify, develop, embellish, enlarge, expand—more at EXPAND

elab·o·rate·ness noun
: the state or quality of being elaborate

Synonyms
complexity, intricacy, sophistication—more at COMPLEXITY

elab·o·ra·tion noun
1 : the act or process of elaborating
2 : something produced by elaborating

Synonyms
development, evolution, expansion, growth, progress, progression—more at DEVELOPMENT

élan noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: ARDOR, SPIRIT

eland noun, plural eland also elands
[ORIGIN: Afrikaans]

: either of two large African antelopes with spirally twisted horns in both sexes

elapse verb elapsed; elaps·ing
: to slip by : PASS

Synonyms
cease, end, expire, finish, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up—more at CEASE

1elastic adjective
1 : capable of recovering size and shape after deformation : SPRINGY
2 : capable of ready change or easy expansion or contraction : FLEXIBLE; also ADAPTABLE

— elas·tic·i·ty noun

Synonyms
[1] flexible, resilient, rubbery, springy, stretch, supple; also adaptable, ductile, malleable, plastic, pliable, pliant
Antonyms
inelastic, inflexible, rigid, stiff
[2] adaptable, adjustable, changeable, flexible, fluid, malleable, variable—more at FLEXIBLE

2elastic noun
1 : elastic material
2 : a rubber band

elate verb elat·ed; elat·ing
: to fill with joy

Synonyms
elevate, enrapture, exhilarate, transport; also excite, inspire, stimulate, uplift
Antonyms
depress

elated adjective
: marked by high spirits

Synonyms
ecstatic, euphoric, intoxicated, rapturous, rhapsodic—more at ECSTATIC

ela·tion noun
: the quality or state of being elated

Synonyms
ecstasy, euphoria, exhilaration, heaven, intoxication, paradise, rapture, rhapsody, transport—more at ECSTASY

1elbow noun
[ORIGIN: ME elbowe, fr. OE elboga, fr. el- (akin to eln ell) + boga bow]

1 : the joint of the arm; also : the outer curve of the bent arm
2 : a bend or joint resembling an elbow in shape

2elbow verb
: to push aside with the elbow; also : to make one's way by elbowing

Synonyms
bulldoze, muscle, press, push—more at PRESS

elbow room noun
: enough space for work or operation

1elder noun
: ELDERBERRY 2

2elder adjective
1 : being the older one
2 : EARLIER, FORMER
3 : of higher rank : SENIOR

3elder noun
1 : an older individual : SENIOR
2 : one having authority by reason of age and experience
3 : a church officer

Synonyms
[1] ancient, golden-ager, oldster, senior citizen—more at SENIOR CITIZEN
[2] dean, senior—more at DEAN

el·der·ber·ry noun
1 : the edible black or red fruit of a shrub or tree related to the honeysuckle and bearing flat clusters of small white or pink flowers
2 : a tree or shrub bearing elderberries

el·der·ly adjective
1 : rather old; especially : past middle age
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of later life

Synonyms
ancient, geriatric, old, senior; also pensioned, retired, superannuated
Antonyms
young, youthful

el·dest adjective
: of the greatest age

El Do·ra·do noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, lit., the gilded one]

: a place of vast riches, abundance, or opportunity

elec abbreviation
electric; electrical; electricity

1elect adjective
1 : carefully selected : CHOSEN
2 : elected but not yet installed in office <the president-elect>

Synonyms
chosen, select—more at SELECT

2elect noun, plural elect
1 : a selected person
2 plural : a select or exclusive group

Synonyms
best, choice, cream, elite, fat, flower, pick, prime—more at ELITE

3elect verb
1 : to select by vote (as for office or membership)
2 : to select or choose esp. by preference : PICK

Synonyms
choose, cull, handpick, name, opt, pick, prefer, select, single, take—more at CHOOSE

elec·tion noun
1 : an act or process of electing
2 : the fact of being elected

Synonyms
choice, selection—more at SELECTION

elec·tion·eer verb
: to work for the election of a candidate or party

1elective adjective
1 : chosen or filled by election
2 : permitting a choice : OPTIONAL

Synonyms
discretionary, optional, voluntary—more at OPTIONAL

2elective noun
: an elective course or subject of study

elec·tor noun
1 : one qualified to vote in an election
2 : one elected to an electoral college

— elec·tor·al adjective

electoral college noun
: a body of electors who elect the president and vice president of the U.S.

elec·tor·ate noun
: a body of persons entitled to vote

elec·tric adjective
[ORIGIN: NL electricus produced from amber by friction, electric, fr. ML, of amber, fr. L electrum amber, fr. Gk ēlektron]

1 or elec·tri·cal : of, relating to, operated by, or produced by electricity
2 : exciting as if by electric shock : ELECTRIFYING, THRILLING; also : charged with strong emotion

— elec·tri·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
breathtaking, electrifying, exciting, exhilarating, rousing, stirring, thrilling—more at EXCITING

electrical storm noun
: THUNDERSTORM

electric chair noun
: a chair used to carry out the death penalty by electrocution

electric eye noun
: PHOTOELECTRIC CELL

elec·tri·cian noun
: a person who installs, operates, or repairs electrical equipment

elec·tric·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a form of energy that occurs naturally (as in lightning) or is produced (as in a generator) and that is expressed in terms of the movement and interaction of electrons
2 : electric current

elec·tri·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to charge with electricity
2 : to equip for use of electric power
3 : to excite intensely or suddenly : THRILL

— elec·tri·fi·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
excite, exhilarate, galvanize, intoxicate, thrill, titillate, turn on—more at THRILL

elec·tro·car·dio·gram noun
: the tracing made by an electrocardiograph

elec·tro·car·dio·graph noun
: a device for recording the changes of electrical potential occurring during the heartbeat

— elec·tro·car·dio·graph·ic adjective

— elec·tro·car·di·og·ra·phy noun

elec·tro·chem·is·try noun
: a branch of chemistry that deals with the relation of electricity to chemical changes

— elec·tro·chem·i·cal adjective

elec·tro·cute verb -cut·ed; -cut·ing
1 : to kill (a criminal) by electricity
2 : to kill by electric shock

— elec·tro·cu·tion noun

elec·trode noun
: a conductor used to establish electrical contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit

elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·gram noun
: the tracing made by an electroencephalograph

elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·graph noun
: an apparatus for detecting and recording brain waves

— elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·graph·ic adjective

— elec·tro·en·ceph·a·log·ra·phy noun

elec·trol·o·gist noun
: one that uses electrical means to remove hair, warts, moles, and birthmarks from the body

elec·trol·y·sis noun
1 : the production of chemical changes by passage of an electric current through an electrolyte
2 : the destruction of hair roots with an electric current

— elec·tro·lyt·ic adjective

elec·tro·lyte noun
: a nonmetallic electric conductor in which current is carried by the movement of ions; also : a substance whose solution or molten form is such a conductor

elec·tro·mag·net noun
: a core of magnetic material (as iron) surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core

elec·tro·mag·net·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or produced by electromagnetism

— elec·tro·mag·net·i·cal·ly adverb

electromagnetic radiation noun
: energy in the form of electromagnetic waves; also : a series of electromagnetic waves

electromagnetic wave noun
: a wave (as a radio wave, an X-ray, or a wave of visible light) that consists of associated electric and magnetic effects and that travels at the speed of light

elec·tro·mag·ne·tism noun
1 : magnetism developed by a current of electricity
2 : a natural force responsible for interactions between charged particles which result from their charge

elec·tro·mo·tive force noun
: the potential difference derived from an electrical source per unit quantity of electricity passing through the source

elec·tron noun
: a negatively charged elementary particle

elec·tron·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to electrons or electronics
2 : involving a computer

— elec·tron·i·cal·ly adverb

electronic mail noun
: E-MAIL

elec·tron·ics noun
1 : the physics of electrons and electronic devices
2 : electronic components, devices, or equipment

electron microscope noun
: an instrument in which a beam of electrons is used to produce an enlarged image of a minute object

electron tube noun
: a device in which electrical conduction by electrons takes place within a sealed container and which is used for the controlled flow of electrons

electron volt noun
: a unit of energy equal to 1.60 × 10-19 joule

elec·tro·pho·re·sis noun
: the movement of suspended particles through a medium (as paper or gel) by an electromotive force

— elec·tro·pho·ret·ic adjective

elec·tro·plate verb
: to coat (as with metal) by electrolysis

elec·tro·shock therapy noun
: the treatment of mental disorder by applying electric current to the head and inducing convulsions

elec·tro·stat·ics noun
: physics dealing with the interactions of stationary electric charges

el·ee·mos·y·nary adjective
: CHARITABLE

el·e·gance noun
1 a : refined gracefulness
b : tasteful richness (as of design)
2 : something marked by elegance

— el·e·gant·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1a, 1b] class, grace, handsomeness, majesty, refinement, stateliness; also grandeur, lavishness, magnificence, ornateness, richness, splendor

el·e·gant adjective
: marked by elegance; also : of a high grade or quality

Synonyms
graceful, handsome, majestic, refined, stately, tasteful; also grand, lavish, luxurious, magnificent, ornate, rich, splendid; polished, sophisticated; classic, exquisite; fashionable, posh, smart, stylish
Antonyms
graceless, inelegant, tasteless, unhandsome
choice, dainty, delicate, exquisite, rare, select—more at CHOICE

ele·giac adjective
: of or relating to an elegy

el·e·gy noun, plural -gies
: a song, poem, or speech expressing grief for one who is dead; also : a reflective poem usu. melancholy in tone

Synonyms
dirge, lament, requiem, threnody—more at LAMENT

elem abbreviation
elementary

el·e·ment noun
1 plural : weather conditions; especially : severe weather <boards exposed to the ~s>
2 : natural environment <in her ~>
3 : a constituent part
4 plural : the simplest principles (as of an art or science) : RUDIMENTS
5 : a member of a mathematical set
6 : any of more than 100 fundamental substances that consist of atoms of only one kind

Synonyms
[3] component, constituent, factor, ingredient, member; also detail, item, particular, point
Antonyms
whole
usually elements [4] essentials, principles, rudiments; also ropes; precept, rule; basis, foundation, groundwork; nitty-gritty; introduction, preface; outline, summary

el·e·men·tal adjective
: of, relating to, or being an element

Synonyms
basic, elementary, essential, fundamental, rudimentary, underlying—more at ELEMENTARY

el·e·men·ta·ry adjective
1 : of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something : RUDIMENTARY
2 : of, relating to, or teaching the basic subjects of education

Synonyms
basic, elemental, essential, fundamental, rudimentary, underlying; also primal, primary, prime
Antonyms
advanced

elementary particle noun
: a subatomic particle of matter and energy that does not appear to be made up of other smaller particles

elementary school noun
: a school usu. including the first six or the first eight grades

el·e·phant noun, plural elephants also elephant
: any of a family of huge thickset nearly hairless mammals that have the snout lengthened into a trunk and two long curving pointed ivory tusks

el·e·phan·ti·a·sis noun, plural -a·ses
: enlargement and thickening of tissues in response esp. to infection by minute parasitic worms

el·e·phan·tine adjective
1 : of great size or strength
2 : CLUMSY, PONDEROUS

Synonyms
enormous, giant, gigantic, huge, jumbo, mammoth, monumental, titanic, tremendous, vast, whopping—more at HUGE

elev abbreviation
elevation

el·e·vate verb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 : to lift up : RAISE
2 : to raise in rank or status
3 : to raise the spirits of : ELATE

Synonyms
[1] boost, hike, hoist, jack, lift, raise
[2] advance, promote, raise, upgrade—more at PROMOTE
[3] elate, enrapture, exhilarate, transport—more at ELATE

el·e·va·tion noun
1 : the height to which something is raised (as above sea level)
2 : a lifting up
3 : something (as a hill or swelling) that is elevated

Synonyms
[2] advancement, ascent, promotion, rise, upgrade—more at ADVANCEMENT
[3] eminence, height, highland, hill, mound, prominence, rise—more at HEIGHT

el·e·va·tor noun
1 : a cage or platform for conveying people or things from one level to another
2 : a building for storing and discharging grain
3 : a movable surface on an airplane to produce motion up or down

elev·en noun
1 : one more than 10
2 : the 11th in a set or series
3 : something having 11 units; especially : a football team

— eleven adjective or pronoun

— elev·enth adjective or noun

elf noun, plural elves
: a mischievous fairy

Synonyms
brownie, fairy, gnome, hobgoblin, leprechaun, pixie, puck

ELF abbreviation
extremely low frequency

elf·in adjective
1 : of, relating to, or resembling an elf
2 : having an otherworldly or magical quality or charm

Synonyms
alluring, attractive, charming, engaging, fascinating, fetching—more at FASCINATING

elf·ish adjective
: of, relating to, or like an elf; also : irresponsibly playful

Synonyms
antic, coltish, fay, frisky, frolicsome, playful, sportive—more at PLAYFUL

elic·it verb
: to draw out or forth

Synonyms
evoke, raise

elide verb elid·ed; elid·ing
: to suppress or alter by elision

el·i·gi·ble adjective
: qualified to participate or to be chosen

— el·i·gi·bil·i·ty noun

— eligible noun

elim·i·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
[ORIGIN: L eliminatus, pp. of eliminare, fr. limen threshold]

1 : REMOVE, ERADICATE
2 : to pass (wastes) from the body
3 : to leave out
4 : to bar from participation, enjoyment, consideration, or inclusion

— elim·i·na·tion noun

Synonyms
ban, bar, count out, debar, except, exclude, rule out—more at EXCLUDE

eli·sion noun
: the omission of a final or initial sound or a word; especially : the omission of an unstressed vowel or syllable in a verse to achieve a uniform rhythm

elite noun
[ORIGIN: F élite]

1 : the choice part; also : a superior group
2 : a typewriter type providing 12 characters to the inch

— elite adjective

Synonyms
best, choice, cream, elect, fat, flower, pick, prime; also aristocracy, upper class

elit·ism noun
: leadership or rule by an elite; also : advocacy of such elitism

— elit·ist noun or adjective

elix·ir noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML, fr. Ar al-iksīr the elixir, fr. al the + iksīr elixir]

1 : a substance held capable of prolonging life indefinitely; also : PANACEA
2 : a sweetened alcoholic medicinal solution

Eliz·a·be·than adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Elizabeth I of England or her times

elk noun, plural elk or elks
1 : MOOSE — used for one of the Old World
2 : a large gregarious deer of No. America, Europe, Asia, and northwestern Africa with curved antlers having many branches

ell noun
: an extension at right angles to a building

el·lipse noun
: a closed curve of oval shape

el·lip·sis noun, plural el·lip·ses
1 : omission from an expression of a word clearly implied
2 : marks (as . . .) to show omission

el·lip·soid noun
: a surface all plane sections of which are circles or ellipses

— el·lip·soi·dal also ellipsoid adjective

el·lip·ti·cal or el·lip·tic adjective
1 : of, relating to, or shaped like an ellipse
2 : of, relating to, or marked by ellipsis

— el·lip·ti·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
oval, ovoid—more at OVAL

elm noun
: any of a genus of large trees that have toothed leaves and nearly circular one-seeded winged fruits and are often grown as shade trees; also : the wood of an elm

El Ni·ño noun
: a flow of unusually warm Pacific Ocean water moving toward and along the west coast of So. America

el·o·cu·tion noun
: the art of effective public speaking

— el·o·cu·tion·ist noun

elon·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to make or grow longer

Synonyms
draw out, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract, stretch—more at EXTEND

elon·ga·tion noun
: the state of being elongated or lengthened; also : the process of growing or increasing in length

Synonyms
extension, prolongation—more at EXTENSION

elope verb eloped; elop·ing
: to run away esp. to be married

— elope·ment noun

— elop·er noun

el·o·quence noun
: forceful and persuasive expression; also : the art or power of using such expression

Synonyms
articulateness, persuasiveness, poetry, power, rhetoric; also expression, expressiveness

el·o·quent adjective
1 : having or showing clear and forceful expression
2 : clearly showing some feeling or meaning

— el·o·quent·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] articulate, fluent, well-spoken—more at ARTICULATE
[2] expressive, meaning, meaningful, pregnant, significant, suggestive—more at EXPRESSIVE

1else adverb
1 : in a different or additional manner or place or at a different or additional time <where ~ can we meet>
2 : if not <obey or ~ you'll be sorry>

Synonyms
differently, other, otherwise—more at OTHERWISE

2else adjective
: being another : OTHER; especially : being in addition <what ~ do you want>

Synonyms
additional, another, farther, further, more, other—more at ADDITIONAL

else·where adverb
: in or to another place

elu·ci·date verb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
: to make clear usu. by explanation

Synonyms
clarify, clear, demonstrate, explain, explicate, expound, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out—more at EXPLAIN

elu·ci·da·tion noun
: the act, process, or means of elucidating

Synonyms
clarification, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation—more at EXPLANATION

elude verb elud·ed; elud·ing
1 : to avoid adroitly : EVADE
2 : to escape the notice of

Synonyms
avoid, dodge, duck, escape, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun—more at ESCAPE

elu·sive adjective
: tending to elude : EVASIVE

— elu·sive·ly adverb

— elu·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
evasive, fugitive, slippery; also cagey, shifty

el·ver noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of eelfare migration of eels]

: a young eel

elves plural of ELF

Ely·sian adjective
: of or relating to Elysium; especially : full of bliss or delight

Synonyms
celestial, empyrean, heavenly, supernal—more at CELESTIAL

Ely·si·um noun, plural -si·ums or -sia
: a place or state of bliss or delight : PARADISE

Synonyms
Eden, heaven, paradise, utopia—more at PARADISE

em noun
: a length approximately the width of the letter M

EM abbreviation
1 electromagnetic
2 electron microscope
3 enlisted man

ema·ci·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to become or cause to become very thin

— ema·ci·a·tion noun

e–mail noun
1 : a system for transmitting messages between computers on a network
2 : a message or messages sent and received through an e-mail system

em·a·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to come out from a source

— em·a·na·tion noun

eman·ci·pate verb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
: to set free

— eman·ci·pa·tor noun

Synonyms
discharge, enfranchise, free, liberate, loose, loosen, manumit, release, spring, unbind, unchain, unfetter—more at FREE

eman·ci·pa·tion noun
: the act or process of emancipating

Synonyms
enfranchisement, liberation, manumission—more at LIBERATION

emas·cu·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to deprive of virility : CASTRATE
2 : to deprive of strength or spirit : WEAKEN

— emas·cu·la·tion noun

em·balm verb
: to treat (a corpse) so as to protect from decay

— em·balm·er noun

em·bank·ment noun
: a raised structure (as of earth) to hold back water or carry a roadway

Synonyms
dam, dike, levee—more at DAM

em·bar·go noun, plural -goes
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. embargar to bar]

: a prohibition on commerce

— embargo verb

Synonyms
ban, interdict, interdiction, prohibition, proscription, veto—more at PROHIBITION

em·bark verb
1 : to put or go on board a ship or airplane
2 : to make a start

— em·bar·ka·tion noun

Synonyms
begin, commence, enter, launch, open, start—more at BEGIN

em·bar·rass verb
1 : CONFUSE, DISCONCERT
2 : to involve in financial difficulties
3 : to cause to experience self-conscious distress
4 : to hamper or impede the movement or freedom of movement of : HINDER, IMPEDE

— em·bar·rass·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
[3] abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, faze, fluster, mortify, rattle; also agitate, bother, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, unhinge, unsettle, upset
[4] encumber, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere

em·bar·rass·ment noun
1 : something that embarrasses; especially : a burden that impedes action or renders it difficult
2 : the state of being embarrassed: as
a : confusion or disturbance of mind
b : difficulty in making progress or functioning (as from lack of resources or from disease)

Synonyms
[2a] abashment, confusion, discomfiture, fluster, mortification; also agitation, bother, chagrin, discomfort, discomposure, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturbance, perturbation, uneasiness, upset
[2b] encumbrance, handicap, hindrance, inhibition, obstacle

em·bas·sy noun, plural -sies
1 : a group of representatives headed by an ambassador
2 : the function, position, or mission of an ambassador
3 : the official residence and offices of an ambassador

em·bat·tle verb
: to arrange in order for battle; also : FORTIFY

em·bat·tled adjective
1 : engaged in battle, conflict, or controversy
2 : being a site of battle, conflict, or controversy
3 : characterized by conflict or controversy

em·bed verb em·bed·ded; em·bed·ding
1 : to enclose closely in a surrounding mass
2 : to make something an integral part of

Synonyms
entrench, fix, implant, ingrain, lodge, root—more at ENTRENCH

em·bel·lish verb
1 : to make beautiful with ornamentation : DECORATE
2 : to heighten the attractiveness of by adding decorative or fanciful details

Synonyms
[1, 2] adorn, array, beautify, decorate, dress, enrich, garnish, grace, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE
[2] color, elaborate, embroider, exaggerate, magnify, pad, stretch—more at EMBROIDER

em·bel·lish·ment noun
: the act or process of embellishing; also : something serving to embellish

Synonyms
adornment, caparison, decoration, frill, garnish, ornament, trim—more at DECORATION
elaboration, exaggeration, hyperbole, overstatement, padding—more at EXAGGERATION

em·ber noun
1 : a glowing or smoldering fragment from a fire
2 plural : the smoldering remains of a fire

em·bez·zle verb -zled; -zling
: to steal (as money) by falsifying records

— em·bez·zle·ment noun

— em·bez·zler noun

em·bit·ter verb
1 : to arouse bitter feelings in
2 : to make bitter

em·bla·zon verb
1 : to adorn with heraldic devices
2 : to display conspicuously

em·blem noun
: something (as an object or picture) suggesting another object or an idea : SYMBOL

— em·blem·at·ic also em·blem·at·i·cal adjective

Synonyms
hallmark, logo, symbol, trademark; also icon; badge, coat of arms, crest, insignia

em·bodi·ment noun
1 : a thing in which something (as a soul, idea, principle, or type) is embodied
2 : the act of embodying; also : the state of being embodied

Synonyms
epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification; also exemplification, incorporation, substantiation; essence, quintessence; archetype, exemplar, model, paradigm, pattern; acme, apex, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

em·body verb em·bod·ied; em·body·ing
1 : INCARNATE
2 : to express in definite form
3 : to incorporate into a system or body
4 : to represent in human or animal form : PERSONIFY

Synonyms
[3] assimilate, incorporate, integrate; also amalgamate, blend, combine, commingle, fuse, intermingle, merge, mingle
[4] epitomize, manifest, materialize, personify, substantiate; also actualize, realize; symbolize; exemplify, illustrate

em·bold·en verb
: to inspire with courage

Synonyms
buoy, cheer, comfort, encourage, hearten, inspire, steel—more at ENCOURAGE

em·bo·lism noun
: the obstruction of a blood vessel by a foreign or abnormal particle

em·bon·point noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: plumpness of person : STOUTNESS

em·boss verb
: to ornament with raised work

em·bou·chure noun
[ORIGIN: F, ultim. fr. bouche mouth]

: the position and use of the lips, tongue, and teeth in playing a wind instrument

em·bow·er verb
: to shelter or enclose in a bower

1embrace verb em·braced; em·brac·ing
1 : to clasp in the arms; also : CHERISH, LOVE
2 : to surround or close in
3 : to take up esp. readily or gladly : ADOPT <embraced the cause>; also : WELCOME <embraced the opportunity>
4 : to take in or include as a part of a whole
5 : to participate in an embrace

Synonyms
[1] caress, clasp, enfold, grasp, hug; also cradle, grip, hold; encircle, entwine, envelop; fold, lock, twine, wrap; cuddle, fondle, nestle, nuzzle, pat, pet, snuggle, stroke
[3] adopt, borrow, take up—more at ADOPT
[4] carry, comprehend, contain, encompass, entail, include, involve, number, take in—more at INCLUDE

2embrace noun
: an encircling with the arms

em·bra·sure noun
1 : an opening in a wall through which a cannon is fired
2 : a recess of a door or window

em·bro·ca·tion noun
: LINIMENT

em·broi·der verb
1 : to ornament with or do needlework
2 : to elaborate with exaggerated detail

Synonyms
color, elaborate, embellish, exaggerate, magnify, stretch; also amplify, enhance, enlarge (upon), expand, flesh (out)

em·broi·dery noun, plural -der·ies
1 : the forming of decorative designs with needlework
2 : something embroidered

em·broil verb
1 : to throw into confusion or disorder
2 : to involve in conflict or difficulties

— em·broil·ment noun

em·bryo noun, plural embryos
: a living thing in its earliest stages of development

— em·bry·on·ic adjective

em·bry·ol·o·gy noun
: a branch of biology dealing with embryos and their development

— em·bry·o·log·i·cal adjective

— em·bry·ol·o·gist noun

em·cee noun
: MASTER OF CEREMONIES

— emcee verb

emend verb
: to correct usu. by altering the text of

— emen·da·tion noun

Synonyms
amend, correct, debug, rectify, reform, remedy—more at CORRECT

emer abbreviation
emeritus

1emerald noun
: a green beryl prized as a gem

2emerald adjective
: brightly or richly green

emerge verb emerged; emerg·ing
: to rise, come forth, or come out into view

— emer·gence noun

— emer·gent adjective

Synonyms
arise, crop, materialize, spring, surface—more at ARISE

emer·gen·cy noun, plural -cies
: an unforeseen event or condition requiring prompt action

Synonyms
clutch, crisis, crunch, fix, hole, jam; also climax, landmark, milestone, turning point; predicament

emergency room noun
: a hospital room for receiving and treating persons needing immediate medical care

emer·i·ta adjective
: EMERITUS — used of a woman

emer·i·tus adjective
[ORIGIN: L]

: retired from active duty <professor ~>

em·ery noun, plural em·er·ies
: a dark granular mineral consisting primarily of corundum and used as an abrasive

emet·ic noun
: an agent that induces vomiting

— emetic adjective

emf noun
[ORIGIN: electromotive force]

: POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE

em·i·grate verb -grat·ed; -grat·ing
: to leave a place (as a country) to settle elsewhere

— em·i·gra·tion noun

em·i·grant noun
: one who emigrates

Synonyms
émigré, immigrant, migrant, settler; also defector, evacuee, exile, expatriate, refugee

émi·gré also emi·gré noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a person who emigrates esp. because of political conditions

Synonyms
emigrant, evacuee, exile, expatriate, refugee; also alien, fugitive

em·i·nence noun
1 : high rank or position; also : a person of high rank or attainments
2 : a lofty place

Synonyms
[1] distinction, dominance, preeminence, superiority; also celebrity, fame, glory, honor, renown, reputation, repute; authority, greatness, influence, power, weight
[2] elevation, height, highland, hill, mound, prominence, rise—more at HEIGHT

em·i·nent adjective
1 : CONSPICUOUS, EVIDENT
2 : exhibiting eminence esp. in standing above others in some quality or position : DISTINGUISHED, PROMINENT

— em·i·nent·ly adverb

Synonyms
distinguished, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious, prominent, superior; also celebrated, famed, famous, glorious, honored, renowned, reputable

eminent domain noun
: a right of a government to take private property for public use

emir or amir noun
[ORIGIN: Ar amīr commander]

: a ruler, chief, or commander in Islamic countries

— emir·ate noun

em·is·sary noun, plural -sar·ies
1 : one designated as the agent of another
2 : a secret agent

Synonyms
ambassador, delegate, envoy, legate, minister, representative—more at AMBASSADOR

emis·sion noun
: something emitted; especially : substances discharged into the air

emit verb emit·ted; emit·ting
1 : to give off or out <~ light>; also : EJECT
2 : EXPRESS, UTTER

— emit·ter noun

Synonyms
cast, discharge, eject, exhale, expel, issue, release, shoot, vent

emol·lient adjective
: making soft or supple; also : soothing esp. to the skin or mucous membrane

— emol·lient noun

emol·u·ment noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L emolumentum advantage, fr. emolere to produce by grinding]

: the product (as salary or fees) of an employment

Synonyms
hire, pay, payment, salary, stipend, wage—more at WAGE

emote verb emot·ed; emot·ing
: to give expression to emotion in or as if in a play

emo·ti·con noun
: a group of keyboard characters (as :-) ) that represents a facial expression esp. in online communications

emo·tion noun
: a usu. intense feeling (as of love, hate, or despair)

Synonyms
feeling, passion, sentiment—more at FEELING
ardor, fervency, fervor, heat, intensity, passion, vehemence, warmth—more at ARDOR

emo·tion·al adjective
1 : of or relating to emotion
2 : dominated by or prone to emotion
3 : appealing to or arousing emotion
4 : markedly aroused or agitated in feeling or sensibilities

— emo·tion·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] demonstrative, effusive, uninhibited, unreserved, unrestrained—more at DEMONSTRATIVE
[3] affecting, impressive, moving, poignant, stirring, touching—more at MOVING
[4] ardent, burning, charged, fervent, feverish, fiery, impassioned, passionate, red-hot, vehement—more at FERVENT

emot·ive adjective
1 : of or relating to the emotions
2 : appealing to or expressing emotion

emp abbreviation
emperor; empress

empanel variant of IMPANEL

em·pa·thy noun
: the experiencing as one's own of the feelings of another; also : the capacity for this

— em·path·ic adjective

em·pen·nage noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: the tail assembly of an airplane

em·per·or noun
: the sovereign male ruler of an empire

em·pha·sis noun, plural -pha·ses
: a forcefulness of expression that gives special significance or prominence (as to a syllable in speaking or to a phase of action)

Synonyms
accent, accentuation, stress, weight; also attention, concentration, consideration, heed, note, regard

em·pha·size verb -sized; -siz·ing
: to place emphasis on : STRESS

Synonyms
accent, accentuate, feature, highlight, play, point, stress, underline, underscore; also focus, identify, pinpoint, spotlight
Antonyms
play (down)

em·phat·ic adjective
1 : uttered with emphasis
2 : attracting special attention

— em·phat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] aggressive, assertive, dynamic, energetic, forceful, resounding, strenuous, vehement, vigorous; also decided, insistent, marked, pointed
Antonyms
unemphatic
[2] bold, catchy, conspicuous, marked, noticeable, prominent, pronounced, remarkable, striking—more at NOTICEABLE

em·phy·se·ma noun
: a condition marked esp. by abnormal expansion of the air spaces of the lungs and often by impairment of heart action

em·pire noun
1 : a large state or a group of states under a single sovereign who is usu. an emperor; also : something resembling a political empire
2 : imperial sovereignty or dominion

em·pir·i·cal also em·pir·ic adjective
: based on observation; also : subject to verification by observation or experiment <~ laws>

— em·pir·i·cal·ly adverb

em·pir·i·cism noun
: the practice of relying on observation and experiment esp. in the natural sciences

— em·pir·i·cist noun

em·place·ment noun
1 : a prepared position for weapons or military equipment
2 : PLACEMENT

1employ verb
1 : to make use of
2 : to use the services of
3 : OCCUPY, DEVOTE

— em·ploy·er noun

Synonyms
[1] apply, exercise, exploit, harness, operate, use, utilize—more at USE
[2] engage, hire, retain, take on; also recruit, sign on
Antonyms
discharge, dismiss, fire, sack

2employ noun
: the state of being employed : EMPLOYMENT

Synonyms
employment, engagement, hire—more at HIRE

em·ploy·ee also em·ploye noun
: a person who works for another

Synonyms
hand, hireling, jobholder, worker; also assistant, cog, flunky, subordinate, underling
Antonyms
employer

em·ploy·ment noun
1 : activity in which one engages or is employed : OCCUPATION
2 : the act of employing : the condition of being employed

Synonyms
[1] calling, line, occupation, profession, trade, vocation, work—more at OCCUPATION
[2] application, exercise, operation, play, use—more at USE
[2] employ, engagement, hire—more at HIRE

em·po·ri·um noun, plural -ri·ums also -ria
[ORIGIN: L, fr. Gk emporion, fr. emporos traveler, trader]

: a commercial center; especially : a store carrying varied articles

Synonyms
shop, store—more at SHOP

em·pow·er verb
: to give authority or power to; also : ENABLE

— em·pow·er·ment noun

Synonyms
accredit, authorize, certify, commission, enable, invest, license, qualify—more at AUTHORIZE

em·press noun
1 : the wife or widow of an emperor
2 : a sovereign female ruler of an empire

emp·ti·ness noun
: the quality or state of being empty

Synonyms
blank, blankness, vacancy, vacuity, void—more at VACANCY

1empty adjective emp·ti·er; -est
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE ǣmettig unoccupied, fr. ǣmetta leisure]

1 : containing nothing
2 : UNOCCUPIED, UNINHABITED
3 : lacking value, force, sense, or purpose
4 : feeling the need for food

Synonyms
[1] bare, blank, devoid, stark, vacant, void; also barren, hollow
Antonyms
full
[3] meaningless, pointless, senseless, worthless—more at MEANINGLESS
[3] abortive, bootless, fruitless, futile, ineffective, unavailing, unproductive, unsuccessful, useless, vain—more at FUTILE
[4] famished, hungry—more at HUNGRY

2empty verb emp·tied; emp·ty·ing
1 : to make or become empty
2 : to discharge contents; also : to remove from what holds or encloses

Synonyms
clear, evacuate, vacate, void; also deplete, drain, eliminate, exhaust
Antonyms
fill, load

3empty noun, plural empties
: an empty bottle or can

emp·ty–hand·ed adjective
1 : having or bringing nothing
2 : having acquired or gained nothing

1empyrean noun
1 : the highest heaven; also : FIRMAMENT
2 : an ideal place or state

2empyrean adjective
: of or relating to the empyrean

Synonyms
celestial, Elysian, heavenly, supernal—more at CELESTIAL

EMT noun
[ORIGIN: emergency medical technician]

: a specially trained medical technician certified to provide basic medical services before and during transport to a hospital

1emu noun
: a swift-running flightless Australian bird smaller than the related ostrich

2emu abbreviation
electromagnetic unit

em·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to strive to equal or excel : IMITATE

— em·u·la·tion noun

— em·u·lous adjective

Synonyms
ape, copy, imitate, mime, mimic—more at IMITATE

emul·si·fi·er noun
: a substance (as a soap) that helps to form and stabilize an emulsion

emul·si·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to disperse (as an oil) in an emulsion

— emul·si·fi·ca·tion noun

emul·sion noun
1 : a mixture of mutually insoluble liquids in which one is dispersed in droplets throughout the other <an ~ of oil in water>
2 : a light-sensitive coating on photographic film or paper

en noun
: a length approximately half the width of the letter M

1-en also -n adjective suffix
: made of : consisting of <earthen>

2-en verb suffix
1 : become or cause to be <sharpen>
2 : cause or come to have <lengthen>

en·able verb en·abled; en·abling
1 : to make able or feasible
2 : to give legal power, capacity, or sanction to

Synonyms
[1] allow, let, permit; also fit, prepare, qualify, ready
Antonyms
prevent
[2] accredit, authorize, certify, commission, empower, invest, license, qualify—more at AUTHORIZE

en·act verb
1 : to make into law
2 : to act out

Synonyms
lay down, legislate, make, pass; also bring about, effect
Antonyms
repeal, rescind, revoke

en·act·ment noun
: the act of enacting; also : something (as a law) that has been enacted

Synonyms
act, law, ordinance, statute—more at LAW
accomplishment, achievement, commission, discharge, execution, fulfillment, implementation, performance, perpetration—more at COMMISSION

enam·el noun
1 : a glasslike substance used to coat the surface of metal or pottery
2 : the hard outer layer of a tooth
3 : a usu. glossy paint that forms a hard coat

— enamel verb

enam·el·ware noun
: metal utensils coated with enamel

en·am·or verb
: to inflame with love

en·am·our chiefly British variant of ENAMOR

en bloc adverb or adjective
: as a whole : in a mass

enc or encl abbreviation
enclosure

en·camp verb
: to make camp

en·camp·ment noun
: the place where a group (as a body of troops) is encamped

Synonyms
bivouac, camp—more at CAMP

en·cap·su·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to encase or become encased in a capsule
2 : to give an abstract of : SUMMARIZE

Synonyms
abstract, digest, outline, recapitulate, sum up, summarize, wrap up—more at SUMMARIZE

en·cap·su·la·tion noun
: an act, instance, or result of encapsulating

Synonyms
abstract, digest, outline, précis, résumé, summary, synopsis—more at SUMMARY

en·case verb
: to enclose in or as if in a case

— en·case·ment noun

Synonyms
cage, coop, corral, enclose, fence, hedge, hem, house, pen, wall—more at ENCLOSE

-ence noun suffix
1 : action or process <emergence> : instance of an action or process <reference>
2 : quality or state <dependence>

en·ceinte adjective
: PREGNANT 1

en·ceph·a·li·tis noun, plural -lit·i·des
: inflammation of the brain

— en·ceph·a·lit·ic adjective

en·ceph·a·lop·a·thy noun, plural -thies
: a disease of the brain

en·chain verb
: to bind or hold with or as if with chains : FETTER, CHAIN

Synonyms
bind, chain, fetter, handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel

en·chant verb
1 : to influence by or as if by charms and incantation : BEWITCH
2 : to attract and move deeply

— en·chant·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] allure, beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, fascinate, wile—more at CHARM
[2] arrest, enthrall, fascinate, grip, hypnotize, mesmerize—more at ENTHRALL

en·chant·er noun
: one that enchants

Synonyms
conjurer, magician, necromancer, sorcerer, voodoo, witch, wizard—more at MAGICIAN

en·chant·ment noun
1 : the act or art of enchanting; also : the quality or state of being enchanted
2 : something that enchants

Synonyms
[1] allure, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charisma, charm, fascination, glamour, magic, magnetism—more at CHARM
[2] bewitchment, charm, conjuration, incantation, spell—more at SPELL

en·chant·ress noun
: a woman who practices magic; also : a fascinating or beautiful woman

Synonyms
hag, hex, witch—more at WITCH

en·chi·la·da noun
: a rolled filled tortilla covered with chili sauce and usu. baked

en·ci·pher verb
: ENCODE

en·cir·cle verb
: to pass completely around : SURROUND

— en·cir·cle·ment noun

Synonyms
circle, circumnavigate, coil, compass, enclose, encompass, girdle, ring, round, surround

en·clave noun
: a distinct territorial, cultural, or social unit enclosed within or as if within foreign territory

en·close verb
1 : to shut up or in; especially : to surround with a fence
2 : to include along with something else in a parcel or envelope <~ a check>

— en·clo·sure noun

Synonyms
cage, coop, corral, encase, envelop, fence, hedge, hem, pen; also bound, confine, contain, limit, restrict
circle, encircle, encompass, ring, surround—more at SURROUND

en·code verb
: to convert (a message) into code

en·co·mi·um noun, plural -mi·ums also -mia
: high or glowing praise

Synonyms
accolade, citation, commendation, eulogy, homage, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute; also award, decoration, honor, prize

en·com·pass verb
1 : to form a circle about : ENCIRCLE
2 : to enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering : ENVELOP, INCLUDE
3 : to contain or hold within a total scope, significance, or amount

Synonyms
[1] circle, encircle, enclose, ring, surround—more at SURROUND
[3] carry, comprehend, contain, embrace, entail, include, involve, number, take in—more at INCLUDE

en·core noun
1 : a demand for repetition or reappearance
2 : a further performance or appearance demanded by an audience
3 : a second achievement that usu. surpasses the first

— encore verb

1encounter verb
1 : to meet as an enemy : FIGHT
2 : to meet usu. unexpectedly

Synonyms
chance, find, happen, hit, meet, stumble—more at HAPPEN (on or upon)

2encounter noun
1 : a hostile meeting : COMBAT
2 : a chance meeting
3 : an experience shared with another <a romantic ~>

Synonyms
brush, clash, hassle, run-in, scrape, skirmish; also argument, fight, quarrel

en·cour·age verb -aged; -ag·ing
1 : to inspire with courage and hope
2 : to spur on : STIMULATE, INCITE; also : to attempt to persuade
3 : to give help or patronage to : FOSTER

Synonyms
[1] buoy, cheer, comfort, embolden, hearten, inspire, steel; also animate, enliven, invigorate; provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir
Antonyms
daunt, discourage, dishearten, dispirit
[2] arouse, excite, fire, incite, instigate, move, pique, provoke, stimulate, stir
[2] egg, exhort, goad, press, prod, prompt, urge—more at URGE
[3] advance, cultivate, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote—more at FOSTER

en·cour·age·ment noun
: the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged; also : something that encourages

Synonyms
boost, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, instigation, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulus

en·cour·ag·ing adjective
: giving hope or promise

— en·cour·ag·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
auspicious, bright, fair, favorable, golden, heartening, hopeful, likely, promising, propitious, rosy, upbeat—more at HOPEFUL
comforting, gratifying, heartening, heartwarming, rewarding, satisfying—more at HEARTWARMING

en·croach verb
[ORIGIN: ME encrochen to seize, fr. AF encrocher, fr. croche hook]

: to enter gradually or stealthily upon another's property or rights

— en·croach·er noun

— en·croach·ment noun

en·crust also in·crust verb
: to provide with or form a crust

en·crus·ta·tion variant of INCRUSTATION

en·cum·ber verb
1 : to weigh down : BURDEN
2 : to hinder the function or activity of

Synonyms
[1] burden, load, lumber, saddle, weight—more at LOAD
[2] hamper, hinder, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere, obstruct, tie up—more at HAMPER

en·cum·brance noun
1 : something that encumbers
2 : a claim (as a mortgage) against property

Synonyms
handicap, hindrance, interference, obstacle; also catch, hitch, rub, snag

ency or encyc abbreviation
encyclopedia

-en·cy noun suffix
: quality or state <despondency>

1encyclical adjective
: addressed to all the individuals of a group

2encyclical noun
: an encyclical letter; especially : a papal letter to the bishops of the church

en·cy·clo·pae·dia, en·cy·clo·pae·dic chiefly British variant of ENCYCLOPEDIA, ENCYCLOPEDIC

en·cy·clo·pe·dia also en·cy·clo·pae·dia noun
[ORIGIN: ML encyclopaedia course of general education, fr. Gk enkyklios paideia general education]

: a work treating the various branches of learning

en·cy·clo·pe·dic adjective
: of, relating to, or suggestive of an encyclopedia or its methods of treating or covering a subject

Synonyms
compendious, complete, comprehensive, full, global, inclusive, omnibus, panoramic, universal; also broad, catholic, extensive, far-reaching, general, overall, sweeping, vast, wide

en·cyst verb
: to form or become enclosed in a cyst

— en·cyst·ment noun

1end noun
1 : the part of an area that lies at the boundary; also : a point which marks the extent or limit of something or at which something ceases to exist
2 : a ceasing of a course (as of action or activity); also : DEATH
3 : the ultimate state; also : RESULT, ISSUE
4 : something incomplete, fragmentary, or undersized : REMNANT
5 : an outcome worked toward : PURPOSE, OBJECTIVE
6 : a player stationed at the extremity of a line (as in football)
7 : a share, operation, or aspect of an undertaking

Synonyms
[1] bound, boundary, ceiling, confines, extent, limit, limitation, line, termination—more at LIMIT
[2] death, decease, demise, doom, passing, quietus—more at DEATH
[2] cessation, close, closure, conclusion, finish, halt, lapse, shutdown, stop, stoppage, termination
Antonyms
continuation
[4] fag end, leftover, remainder, remnant, scrap—more at SCRAP
[5] aim, ambition, aspiration, goal, intent, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, purpose—more at GOAL

2end verb
1 : to bring or come to an end
2 : DESTROY; also : DIE
3 : to form or be at the end of

Synonyms
close, conclude, finish, round, terminate, wind up, wrap up—more at CLOSE
break, break off, cease, cut, desist, discontinue, drop, halt, knock off, layoff, leave off, quit, shut off, stop—more at STOP

en·dan·ger verb
: to bring into danger; also : to create danger

en·dan·gered adjective
: being or relating to an endangered species

endangered species noun
: a species threatened with extinction

en·dear verb
: to cause to become beloved or admired

endearing adjective
: arousing affection, tenderness, or admiration

Synonyms
adorable, darling, dear, lovable, precious, sweet, winning—more at LOVABLE

en·dear·ment noun
: a sign of affection : CARESS

1endeavor verb
: to attempt (as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effort; also : to work with set purpose

Synonyms
assay, attempt, essay, seek, strive, try—more at ATTEMPT

2endeavor noun
: serious determined effort; also : activity directed toward a goal

Synonyms
attempt, crack, essay, fling, go, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack—more at ATTEMPT

en·deav·our chiefly British variant of ENDEAVOR

en·dem·ic adjective
: restricted to a particular place <~ plants> <an ~ disease>

— endemic noun

Synonyms
aboriginal, born, indigenous, native—more at NATIVE

end·ing noun
1 : something that forms an end
2 : SUFFIX

Synonyms
close, conclusion, consummation, end, finale, finis, finish, windup—more at FINALE

en·dive noun
1 : an herb related to chicory and grown as a salad plant
2 : the blanched shoot of chicory

end·less adjective
1 : having or seeming to have no end : ETERNAL
2 : united at the ends : CONTINUOUS <an ~ belt>

— end·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
boundless, illimitable, immeasurable, indefinite, infinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, unlimited—more at INFINITE
ceaseless, dateless, deathless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, permanent, perpetual, undying, unending—more at EVERLASTING

end·most adjective
: situated at the very end

end·note noun
: a note placed at the end of a text

en·do·crine adjective
: producing secretions that are distributed by way of the bloodstream <~ glands>

— endocrine noun

— en·do·cri·nol·o·gist noun

— en·do·cri·nol·o·gy noun

en·dog·e·nous adjective
: caused or produced by factors inside the organism or system <~ psychic depression>

— en·dog·e·nous·ly adverb

en·do·me·tri·um noun, plural -tria
: the mucous membrane lining the uterus

— en·do·me·tri·al adjective

en·dor·phin noun
: any of a group of endogenous morphinelike proteins found esp. in the brain

en·dorse also in·dorse verb en·dorsed; en·dors·ing
[ORIGIN: ME endosen, fr. AF endosser to put on, don, write on the back of, fr. dos back, fr. L dorsum]

1 : to sign one's name on the back of (as a check)
2 : to express support or approval of publicly and definitely; especially : to recommend (as a product) usu. for financial compensation

— en·dorse·ment also in·dorse·ment noun

Synonyms
advocate, back, champion, patronize, support—more at SUPPORT

en·do·scope noun
: an illuminated usu. fiber-optic instrument for visualizing the interior of a hollow organ or part (as the colon or esophagus)

— en·do·scop·ic adjective

— en·dos·co·py noun

en·do·ther·mic adjective
: characterized by or formed with absorption of heat

en·dow verb
1 : to furnish with funds for support <~ a school>
2 : to furnish with something freely or naturally

Synonyms
[1] finance, fund, subsidize; also establish, found, organize; bequeath, contribute, donate, subscribe, support; award, grant; back, promote, sponsor
[2] invest; also equip, provide, supply

en·dow·ment noun
: something that is endowed: as
a : the part of an institution's income derived from donations
b : natural capacity, power, or ability

Synonyms
aptitude, faculty, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent—more at TALENT

en·due verb en·dued; en·du·ing
: PROVIDE, ENDOW

en·dur·able adjective
: capable of being borne or endured

Synonyms
bearable, sufferable, supportable, sustainable, tolerable—more at BEARABLE

en·dur·ance noun
1 : continuation in the same state : DURATION
2 : the ability to withstand hardship or stress : FORTITUDE

Synonyms
continuation, duration, persistence, subsistence—more at CONTINUATION

en·dure verb en·dured; en·dur·ing
1 : to continue in the same state : LAST, PERSIST
2 : to suffer firmly or patiently : BEAR
3 : TOLERATE

Synonyms
[1] abide, continue, hold, keep up, last, persist, run on—more at CONTINUE
[2] abide, bear, brook, countenance, meet, stand, stick out, stomach, support, sustain, take, tolerate—more at BEAR

end·ways adverb or adjective
1 : LENGTHWISE
2 : with the end forward
3 : on end

end·wise adverb or adjective
: ENDWAYS

ENE abbreviation
east-northeast

en·e·ma noun, plural enemas also ene·ma·ta
: injection of liquid into the rectum; also : material so injected

en·e·my noun, plural -mies
[ORIGIN: ME enemi, fr. AF, fr. L inimicus, fr. in- not + amicus friend]

: one that attacks or tries to harm another : FOE; especially : a military opponent

Synonyms
adversary, antagonist, foe, opponent; also assailant, combatant, invader; competitor, rival
Antonyms
friend

en·er·get·ic adjective
: marked by energy : ACTIVE, VIGOROUS

Synonyms
active, animated, jaunty, lively, peppy, spirited, sprightly, springy, vigorous, vital, vivacious

en·er·get·i·cal·ly adverb
: in an energetic manner

Synonyms
forcefully, powerfully, strongly, sturdily, vigorously—more at HARD

en·er·gise British variant of ENERGIZE

en·er·gize verb -gized; -giz·ing
: to give energy to

Synonyms
animate, invigorate, jazz, liven, pep, quicken, stimulate, vitalize

en·er·gy noun, plural -gies
1 : vigorous action : EFFORT
2 : capacity for action
3 : capacity for performing work
4 : usable power (as heat or electricity); also : the resources for producing such power

Synonyms
[2] force, main, might, muscle, potency, power, strength, vigor—more at POWER
[3] drive, life, pep, vigor, vim, vitality, zing, zip—more at VIGOR

energy level noun
: one of the stable states of constant energy that may be assumed by a physical system (as the electrons in an atom)

en·er·vate verb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
: to lessen the strength or vigor of : weaken in mind or body

— en·er·vat·ing·ly adverb

— en·er·va·tion noun

Synonyms
debilitate, enfeeble, prostrate, sap, soften, tire, waste, weaken—more at WEAKEN

en·er·vat·ed
: lacking physical, mental, or moral vigor

Synonyms
lackadaisical, languid, languorous, limp, listless, spiritless—more at LISTLESS

en·fee·ble verb -bled; -bling
: to make feeble

Synonyms
debilitate, enervate, prostrate, sap, soften, tire, waste, weaken—more at WEAKEN

en·fee·ble·ment noun
: the action of enfeebling; also : the quality or state of being enfeebled

Synonyms
debility, delicacy, faintness, feebleness, frailty, infirmity, languor, lowness, weakness—more at WEAKNESS

en·fi·lade noun
: gunfire directed along the length of an enemy battle line

— enfilade verb

en·fold verb
1 : to cover with or as if with folds : ENVELOP
2 : to clasp within the arms : EMBRACE

Synonyms
[1] caress, clasp, embrace, grasp, hug—more at EMBRACE
[2] enclose, encompass, enshroud, envelop, invest, lap, mantle, shroud, swathe, veil, wrap; also curtain, drape; encase; swaddle; blanket, overlay, overspread; camouflage, cloak, disguise, mask; circle, encircle, encompass

en·force verb
1 : COMPEL <~ obedience by threats>
2 : to execute effectively <~ the law>

— en·force·able adjective

— en·force·ment noun

Synonyms
administer, apply, execute, implement; also effect, effectuate; discharge, fulfill, render; cite, invoke; enact, legislate; honor, observe; prosecute; promulgate

en·forc·er noun
: one that enforces; especially : an aggressive player (as in ice hockey) known for rough play

en·fran·chise verb -chised; -chis·ing
1 : to set free (as from slavery)
2 : to admit to the rights of citizenship; also : to grant the vote to

Synonyms
discharge, emancipate, free, liberate, loose, loosen, manumit, release, spring, unbind, unchain, unfetter—more at FREE

en·fran·chise·ment noun
: the act or result of enfranchising: as
a : the releasing from slavery or custody
b : admission to citizenship and its rights

Synonyms
[a] emancipation, liberation, manumission—more at LIBERATION
[b] franchise, suffrage, vote—more at VOTE

eng abbreviation
engine; engineer; engineering

Eng abbreviation
England; English

en·gage verb en·gaged; en·gag·ing
1 : to bind (as oneself) by a pledge to do something; especially : to bind by a pledge to marry
2 : to use the services of : EMPLOY, HIRE
3 : to attract and hold esp. by interesting; also : to cause to participate
4 : to commence or take part in a venture
5 : to bring or enter into conflict
6 : to connect or interlock with : MESH; also : to cause to mesh

Synonyms
[1] commit, pledge, troth—more at PLEDGE
[2] employ, hire, retain, take on—more at EMPLOY
[3] absorb, busy, engross, enthrall, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy; also allure, attract, bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant
[5] battle, encounter, face, meet, take on; also contend, fight, oppose

en·gaged
1 : involved in activity
2 : pledged to be married

Synonyms
active, assiduous, busy, diligent, laborious, occupied, sedulous, working—more at BUSY

en·gage·ment noun
1 : an arrangement to meet or be present at a specified time and place
2 : a job or period of employment esp. as a performer
3 : a mutual promise to marry
4 : a hostile encounter

Synonyms
[1] appointment, date, rendezvous, tryst; also arrangement; invitation; interview; get-together, meeting; call, visit; schedule
[2] employ, employment, hire—more at HIRE
[3] espousal, troth
Antonyms
disengagement

en·gag·ing adjective
: tending to draw favorable attention or interest : ATTRACTIVE

— en·gag·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
alluring, attractive, captivating, charming, fascinating, fetching, glamorous
absorbing, engrossing, enthralling, fascinating, interesting, intriguing—more at INTERESTING

en·gen·der verb
1 : BEGET
2 : to cause to exist or to develop : CREATE

Synonyms
create, generate, induce, make, produce, spawn—more at GENERATE

en·gine noun
[ORIGIN: ME engin, fr. OF, fr. L ingenium natural disposition, talent]

1 : a mechanical device
2 : a machine for converting energy into mechanical motion
3 : LOCOMOTIVE
4 : software that performs a fundamental function esp. of a larger program

— en·gine·less adjective

1engineer noun
1 : a member of a military unit specializing in engineering work
2 : a designer or builder of engines
3 : one trained in engineering
4 : one that operates an engine

2engineer verb
1 : to lay out or manage as an engineer
2 : to guide the course of

en·gi·neer·ing noun
: the practical applications of scientific and mathematical principles

En·glish noun
1 : the language of England, the U.S., and many areas now or formerly under British rule
2 English plural : the people of England
3 : spin imparted to a ball that is driven or rolled

— English adjective

— En·glish·man noun

— En·glish·wom·an noun

English horn noun
: a woodwind instrument longer than and having a range lower than the oboe

English setter noun
: any of a breed of hunting dogs with a flat silky coat of white or white with color

English sparrow noun
: HOUSE SPARROW

English system noun
: a system of weights and measures in which the foot is the principal unit of length and the pound is the principal unit of weight

engr abbreviation
1 engineer
2 engraved

en·gram noun
: a hypothetical change in neural tissue postulated in order to account for persistence of memory

en·grave verb en·graved; en·grav·ing
1 : to produce (as letters or lines) by incising a surface
2 : to cut figures, letters, or designs on for printing; also : to print from an engraved plate
3 : PHOTOENGRAVE
4 : to impress deeply as if with an engraving tool

— en·grav·er noun

Synonyms
[1] etch, grave, inscribe; also carve, chisel, sculpt, sculpture; chase; score
[4] etch, impress, imprint, ingrain, inscribe; also imbue, implant, inculcate, infuse, instill

en·grav·ing noun
1 : the art of one who engraves
2 : an engraved plate; also : a print made from it

en·gross verb
: to take up the whole interest or attention of

Synonyms
absorb, busy, engage, enthrall, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy—more at ENGAGE

en·grossed adjective
: completely occupied or absorbed

Synonyms
absorbed, attentive, intent, observant, rapt—more at ATTENTIVE

en·gross·ing adjective
: taking up the time or attention completely

Synonyms
absorbing, engaging, enthralling, fascinating, interesting, intriguing—more at INTERESTING

en·gulf verb
: to flow over and enclose

Synonyms
deluge, drown, flood, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, swamp—more at FLOOD

en·hance verb en·hanced; en·hanc·ing
: to increase or improve (as in value or desirability)

Synonyms
ameliorate, amend, better, enrich, improve, perfect, refine—more at IMPROVE

en·hance·ment noun
: the act of enhancing or state of being enhanced

Synonyms
advance, advancement, breakthrough, improvement, refinement—more at ADVANCE

enig·ma noun
[ORIGIN: L aenigma, fr. Gk ainigma, fr. ainissesthai to speak in riddles, fr. ainos fable]

: something obscure or hard to understand

Synonyms
conundrum, mystery, mystification, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle, secret—more at MYSTERY

enig·mat·ic adjective
: resembling an enigma

— en·ig·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
ambiguous, cryptic, deep, equivocal, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, obscure, occult—more at OBSCURE

en·join verb
1 : to direct or impose by authoritative order or with urgent warning : COMMAND
2 : to forbid by authority

Synonyms
[1] call, charge, command, demand, direct, exact, insist, instruct, order, press, stipulate—more at DEMAND
[1, 2] ban, bar, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe—more at FORBID

en·joy verb
1 : to have for one's benefit or use <~ good health>
2 : to take pleasure or satisfaction in <~ed the concert>

Synonyms
[1] command, have, hold, occupy, own, possess, retain—more at HAVE
[2] adore, delight, dig, fancy, like, love, relish, revel; also admire, appreciate, cherish; prize, treasure, value; devour, drink (in), savor; dote (on), idolize; cotton (to), favor, prefer

en·joy·able adjective
: being a source of pleasure or enjoyment

Synonyms
agreeable, amusing, delectable, delicious, delightful, entertaining, fun, heavenly, luscious, pleasurable

en·joy·ment noun
1 : the action or state of enjoying
2 : something that gives keen satisfaction

Synonyms
contentment, delectation, delight, gladness, gratification, pleasure, relish, satisfaction—more at PLEASURE

enl abbreviation
1 enlarged
2 enlisted

en·large verb en·larged; en·larg·ing
1 : to make or grow larger
2 : to give greater scope to; also : to speak or write at length : ELABORATE — often used with on or upon

— en·large·ment noun

Synonyms
[1] add, aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, compound, escalate, expand, extend, increase, multiply, raise, swell, up—more at INCREASE
usually enlarge on [2] amplify, develop, elaborate, expand—more at EXPAND

en·light·en verb
1 : to give knowledge to : INSTRUCT, INFORM
2 : to give spiritual insight to

— en·light·en·ment noun

Synonyms
[1] acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, clue, familiarize, fill in, inform, instruct, tell, wise; also clarify, clear (up), construe, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out; announce, disclose, report; disabuse, disenchant, disillusion
[2] edify, educate, nurture; also elevate, ennoble, lift, uplift; better, improve, transform; exalt, glorify, transfigure

en·list verb
1 : to secure the aid or support of
2 : to engage for service in the armed forces
3 : to participate heartily (as in a cause or effort) <~ed in the cause of world peace>

— en·list·ee noun

— en·list·ment noun

Synonyms usually enlist in [2, 3]
enroll, enter, join, sign on, sign up—more at ENTER

en·list·ed adjective
: of, relating to, or forming the part of a military force below commissioned or warrant officers

enlisted man noun
: a man or woman in the armed forces ranking below a commissioned or warrant officer

en·liv·en verb
: to give life, action, or spirit to : ANIMATE

Synonyms
animate, brace, energize, fire, invigorate, jazz, liven, pep, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify—more at ANIMATE

en masse adverb
[ORIGIN: F]

: in a body : as a whole

en·mesh verb
: to catch or entangle in or as if in meshes

Synonyms
ensnare, entangle, entrap, mesh, snare, tangle, trap—more at ENTANGLE

en·mi·ty noun, plural -ties
: positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will

Synonyms
animosity, antagonism, antipathy, hate, hatred, hostility, loathing, rancor, virulence, vitriol
Antonyms
amity

en·no·ble verb -bled; -bling
: to raise in rank or status : EXALT; especially : to raise to noble rank

— en·no·ble·ment noun

Synonyms
aggrandize, dignify, exalt, glorify, magnify—more at EXALT

en·nui noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction : BOREDOM

Synonyms
boredom, doldrums, listlessness, restlessness, tedium, tiredness, weariness—more at BOREDOM

enor·mi·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : an outrageous, vicious, or immoral act
2 : great wickedness
3 : the quality or state of being huge : IMMENSITY

Synonyms
[2] atrociousness, atrocity, depravity, heinousness, monstrosity, vileness, wickedness; also baseness, devilishness; corruption, decadence, degeneracy; immorality; infamy, notoriety
[3] hugeness, immensity, magnitude, massiveness, vastness—more at IMMENSITY

enor·mous adjective
[ORIGIN: L enormis, fr. e, ex out of + norma rule]

1 : exceedingly wicked
2 : great in size, number, or degree : HUGE

— enor·mous·ly adverb

Synonyms
astronomical, colossal, elephantine, giant, gigantic, huge, jumbo, mammoth, massive, prodigious, titanic, tremendous, whopping—more at HUGE

1enough adjective
: SUFFICIENT

2enough adverb
1 : in or to a degree or quantity that suffices : SUFFICIENTLY
2 : FULLY, QUITE
3 : in a tolerable degree

Synonyms
[1] adequately, satisfactorily, sufficiently; also decently, fairly, moderately, passably
Antonyms
inadequately, insufficiently
[3] fairly, kind of, moderately, so-so, somewhat, sort of

3enough pronoun
: a sufficient number, quantity, or amount

en·quire , en·qui·ry chiefly British variant of INQUIRE, INQUIRY

en·rage verb
: to fill with rage

Synonyms
anger, antagonize, incense, inflame, infuriate, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil—more at ANGER

en·raged adjective
: full of fury or rage

Synonyms
angry, boiling, furious, irate—more at ANGRY

en·rap·ture verb en·rap·tured; en·rap·tur·ing
: to fill with delight

Synonyms
carry away, elate, elevate, enthrall, exhilarate, transport—more at ELATE

en·rich verb
1 a : to make rich or richer
b : to add to or improve with additions
2 : to add beauty to : ORNAMENT, ADORN

— en·rich·ment noun

Synonyms
[1b] ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, improve, perfect, refine—more at IMPROVE
[2] adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, deck, decorate, do, dress, embellish, garnish, grace, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE

en·roll also en·rol verb en·rolled; en·roll·ing
1 : to enter or register on a roll or list
2 : to offer (oneself) for enrolling

— en·roll·ment noun

Synonyms
[1] inscribe, itemize, list, matriculate, register; also catalog, tabulate, tally
[1] catalog, enter, index, inscribe, list, put down, record—more at LIST
usually enroll in [2] enlist, enter, join, sign on, sign up—more at ENTER

en·roll·ment noun
1 : the act or process of enrolling (as at enlistment or registration)
2 : the number enrolled

en route adverb or adjective
: on or along the way

ENS abbreviation
ensign

en·sconce verb en·sconced; en·sconc·ing
1 : to place out of sight : CONCEAL
2 : to settle snugly or securely

Synonyms
[1] bury, cache, conceal, hide, secrete—more at HIDE
[2] install, lodge, perch, roost, settle; also curl up; park, plant

en·sem·ble noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. ensemble together, fr. L insimul at the same time]

: a group (as of singers, dancers, or players) or a set (as of clothes) producing a single effect

en·sheathe verb
: to cover with or as if with a sheath

en·shrine verb
1 : to enclose in or as if in a shrine
2 : to cherish as sacred

— en·shrine·ment noun

en·shroud verb
: to cover or enclose with or as if with a shroud : OBSCURE

Synonyms
blanket, blot out, cloak, conceal, cover, curtain, hide, mask, obscure, occult, screen, shroud, veil—more at HIDE

en·sign noun
1 : a flag that is flown (as by a ship) as the symbol of nationality and that may also be flown with a distinctive badge added to its design; also : BADGE, EMBLEM
2 : a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a lieutenant junior grade

Synonyms
banner, colors, flag, jack, pennant, standard, streamer—more at FLAG

en·slave verb
: to make a slave of

en·slave·ment noun
1 : the act or process of enslaving
2 : the state of being enslaved

Synonyms
bondage, servitude, slavery, thrall, yoke—more at SLAVERY

en·snare verb
: to take in or as if in a snare : TRAP

Synonyms
enmesh, entangle, entrap, mesh, snare, tangle, trap—more at ENTANGLE

en·sue verb en·sued; en·su·ing
: to follow in time or as a result <the birds escaped and chaos ensued>

en·sure verb en·sured; en·sur·ing
: to give security to : INSURE, GUARANTEE

Synonyms
assure, cinch, guarantee, guaranty, insure, secure; also attest, certify, vouch, warrant, witness; pledge, promise, swear

en·tail verb
1 : to limit the inheritance of (property) to the owner's lineal descendants or to a class thereof
2 : to include or involve as a necessary step or result

— en·tail·ment noun

Synonyms
carry, comprehend, contain, embrace, encompass, include, involve, number, take in—more at INCLUDE

en·tan·gle verb
1 : to wrap or twist together : TANGLE; also : to make complicated
2 : to take in or as if in a snare; also : to involve in a perplexing or troublesome situation

Synonyms
[1] interlace, intertwine, interweave, knot, snarl, tangle; also weave, wind, wreathe; braid, plait
[2] enmesh, ensnare, entrap, mesh, snare, tangle, trap; also bag, capture, collar; embroil, implicate, involve, mire
Antonyms
disentangle

en·tan·gle·ment noun
1 : the action of entangling : the state of being entangled
2 : something that entangles, confuses, or ensnares

Synonyms
net, snare, web—more at WEB

en·tente noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: an understanding providing for joint action; also : parties linked by such an entente

en·ter verb
1 : to go or come in or into
2 : to become a member of : JOIN <~ the ministry>
3 : to make a beginning : to begin to consider a subject — usu. used with into or upon
4 : to take part in : CONTRIBUTE
5 : to go into or upon and take possession
6 : to set down (as in a list) : REGISTER <~ the data>
7 : to place (a complaint) before a court; also : to put on record <~ a complaint>

Synonyms
[2] enlist, enroll, join, sign on, sign up; also reenlist, reenter
usually enter into or enter upon [3] begin, commence, embark, get off, launch, open, start, strike—more at BEGIN
[6] catalog, enroll, index, inscribe, list, put down, record, register, schedule, slate—more at LIST

en·ter·i·tis noun
: intestinal inflammation; also : a disease marked by this

en·ter·prise noun
1 : a project or undertaking that is esp. difficult, complicated, or risky
2 : readiness for daring action : INITIATIVE
3 : a business organization

Synonyms
[1] chance, flier, gamble, speculation, venture—more at GAMBLE
[2] aggressiveness, ambition, drive, go, hustle, initiative; also gumption, pluck, snap, spirit, spunk, starch; assertiveness, self-reliance; energy, hardihood, pep, vigor, vitality
[3] business, company, concern, establishment, firm, house, outfit; also conglomerate, corporation, multinational; association, cartel, chain, combine, syndicate, trust; agency, dealer, outlet

en·ter·pris·ing adjective
: bold and vigorous in action

Synonyms
adventurous, audacious, bold, daring, gutsy, hardy, nervy, venturesome—more at BOLD

en·ter·tain verb
1 : to treat or receive as a guest
2 : to provide entertainment for : AMUSE, DIVERT
3 : to hold in mind; also : to receive and take into consideration

— en·ter·tain·er noun

Synonyms
[2] amuse, disport, divert, regale—more at AMUSE
[3] consider, contemplate, debate, deliberate, meditate, mull, ponder, question, ruminate, study, think, weigh—more at PONDER

en·ter·tain·ing adjective
: providing entertainment

Synonyms
amusing, delightful, diverting, enjoyable, fun, pleasurable—more at FUN

en·ter·tain·ment noun
1 : the act of entertaining
2 : amusement or diversion provided esp. by performers; also : something or someone diverting or engaging

Synonyms
[1] amusement, distraction, diversion; also show business; delectation, delight, enjoyment, joy, mirth; performance, presentation, production, show, spectacle
[2] delight, diversion, fun, pleasure—more at FUN

en·thrall or en·thral verb en·thralled; en·thrall·ing
1 : ENSLAVE
2 : to hold the attention of as if under a spell : hold spellbound

Synonyms
arrest, enchant, fascinate, grip, hypnotize, interest, intrigue, involve, mesmerize; also enrapture, entrance, thrill; beguile, bewitch, charm

en·thrall·ing adjective
: capable of holding spellbound : intensely absorbing or interesting

Synonyms
absorbing, engaging, engrossing, fascinating, interesting, intriguing—more at INTERESTING

en·throne verb
1 : to seat on or as if on a throne
2 : EXALT

en·thuse verb en·thused; en·thus·ing
1 : to make enthusiastic
2 : to show enthusiasm

Synonyms
fuss, gush, rave, rhapsodize

en·thu·si·asm noun
[ORIGIN: Gk enthousiasmos, fr. enthousiazein to be inspired, irreg. fr. entheos inspired, fr. theos god]

1 : strong warmth of feeling : keen interest : FERVOR
2 : something that inspires or is pursued or regarded with ardent zeal or fervor

Synonyms
[1] appetite, ardor, avidity, eagerness, excitement, fervor, hunger, impatience, keenness, thirst—more at EAGERNESS
[2] craze, fad, fashion, go, mode, rage, sensation, style, trend, vogue—more at FASHION

en·thu·si·ast noun
: a person filled with enthusiasm

Synonyms
addict, aficionado, buff, bug, devotee, fan, fancier, lover, nut—more at FAN

en·thu·si·as·tic adjective
: filled with or marked by enthusiasm

— en·thu·si·as·ti·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
ardent, athirst, avid, eager, gung ho, keen, nuts, raring, thirsty—more at EAGER

en·tice verb en·ticed; en·tic·ing
: to attract cunningly or by arousing hope or desire : ALLURE, TEMPT

Synonyms
allure, beguile, decoy, lead on, lure, seduce, tempt—more at LURE

en·tice·ment noun
1 : the act of enticing
2 : something that entices : a means or method of enticing

Synonyms
[1,2] lure, seduction, solicitation, temptation—more at TEMPTATION

en·tire adjective
having no element or part left out : COMPLETE, WHOLE

Synonyms
complete, comprehensive, full, grand, intact, integral, perfect, plenary, total, undivided, whole—more at COMPLETE

en·tire·ly adverb
: to the full or entire extent

Synonyms
altogether, completely, dead, fast, flat, full, fully, perfectly, quite, thoroughly, well, wholly—more at FULLY

en·tire·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : COMPLETENESS
2 : WHOLE, TOTALITY

en·ti·tle verb en·ti·tled; en·ti·tling
1 : to give a title to : DESIGNATE
2 : to furnish with proper grounds for seeking or claiming something <entitled to a fair trial>

Synonyms
[1] baptize, call, christen, denominate, designate, dub, label, name, style, term, title—more at NAME
[2] authorize, qualify; also empower, enable, license; approve, endorse; allow, let, permit; certify, ratify, sanction, validate
Antonyms
disqualify

en·ti·tle·ment noun
: a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group

en·ti·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : EXISTENCE, BEING
2 : something with separate and real existence

Synonyms
being, individual, object, substance, thing; also body; material, matter, stuff

en·tomb verb
: to place in a tomb : BURY

en·tomb·ment noun
: the act or process of entombing

Synonyms
burial, interment, sepulture—more at BURIAL

en·to·mol·o·gy noun
: a branch of zoology that deals with insects

— en·to·mo·log·i·cal adjective

— en·to·mol·o·gist noun

en·tou·rage noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: RETINUE

en·tr'acte noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : something (as a dance) performed between two acts of a play
2 : the interval between two acts of a play

en·trails noun plural
: the internal organs esp. in the trunk of the body : VISCERA; especially : the tubular part of the alimentary canal that extends from the stomach to the anus

1entrance noun
1 : permission or right to enter
2 : the act of entering
3 : a means or place of entry

Synonyms
[1] access, admission, entry
[3] door, doorway, gate, gateway, way—more at DOOR

2entrance verb en·tranced; en·tranc·ing
: to carry away with delight, wonder, or rapture

Synonyms
carry away, enrapture, enthrall, ravish, transport; also delight, gladden, gratify, please, satisfy; bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate; elate, excite, exhilarate, stir

en·trant noun
: one that enters esp. as a competitor

en·trap verb
: to catch in or as if in a trap : ENSNARE, TRAP

— en·trap·ment noun

Synonyms
enmesh, ensnare, entangle, mesh, snare, tangle, trap—more at ENTANGLE

en·treat verb
: to ask urgently : BESEECH

Synonyms
appeal, beg, beseech, implore, importune, petition, plead, pray, solicit, supplicate—more at BEG

en·treaty noun
: an act of entreating

Synonyms
appeal, cry, petition, plea, prayer, solicitation, suit, supplication—more at PLEA

en·trée or en·tree noun
[ORIGIN: F entrée]

1 : freedom of entry or access
2 : the main course of a meal in the U.S.

Synonyms
access, admission, doorway, entrance, entry, gateway—more at ENTRANCE

en·trench verb
1 a : to place within or surround with a trench esp. for defense
b : to establish solidly <~ed customs>
2 : ENCROACH, TRESPASS

— en·trench·ment noun

Synonyms
embed, fix, implant, ingrain, lodge, root; also imbue, infuse, instill; establish, place, put, settle, stick
Antonyms
dislodge, root (out), uproot

en·tre·pre·neur noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. OF, fr. entreprendre to undertake]

: one who organizes and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise

— en·tre·pre·neur·ial adjective

— en·tre·pre·neur·ship noun

en·tro·py noun, plural -pies
1 : the degree of disorder in a system
2 : an ultimate state of inert uniformity

en·trust verb
1 : to commit something to as a trust
2 : to commit to another with confidence

Synonyms
[1] assign, charge, commission, trust; also confer, impose; commit, consign, delegate, relegate; allocate, allot; authorize, empower, invest
[2] commend, commit, consign, delegate, deliver, give, hand over, leave, pass, transfer, transmit, trust, turn over, vest—more at GIVE

en·try noun, plural entries
1 : a place of entrance; also : the act, means, right, or privilege of entering
2 : an entering in a record; also : an item so entered
3 : a headword with its definition or identification; also : VOCABULARY ENTRY
4 : one entered in a contest

Synonyms
foyer, hall, lobby, vestibule—more at HALL
access, admission, doorway, entrée, entrance, gateway—more at ENTRANCE

en·twine verb
: to twine together or around

Synonyms
coil, curl, spiral, twine, twist, wind—more at WIND

enu·mer·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to determine the number of : COUNT
2 : to specify one after another : LIST

— enu·mer·a·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] count, number, tell—more at COUNT
[2] detail, itemize, list, numerate, rehearse, tick; also outline; tabulate, tally; catalog, inventory; chart, diagram, graph; calculate, compute, estimate, figure, reckon; cite, mention, name

enun·ci·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 a : to state definitely
b : to make known publicly : ANNOUNCE, PROCLAIM
2 : to say clearly and effectively : PRONOUNCE, ARTICULATE

— enun·ci·a·tion noun

Synonyms
advertise, announce, blaze, broadcast, declare, placard, post, proclaim, promulgate, publicize, publish, sound—more at ANNOUNCE

en·ure·sis noun
: involuntary discharge of urine : BED-WETTING

env abbreviation
envelope

en·vel·op verb
: to enclose completely with or as if with a covering

— en·vel·op·ment noun

Synonyms
embrace, enclose, encompass, enfold, enshroud, invest, lap, mantle, shroud, swathe, veil, wrap—more at ENFOLD

en·ve·lope noun
1 : a usu. paper container for a letter
2 : WRAPPER, COVERING
3 : a conventionally accepted limit <fashions that push the ~>

en·ven·om verb
1 : to make poisonous
2 : EMBITTER

en·vi·able adjective
: highly desirable

— en·vi·ably adverb

en·vi·ous adjective
: feeling or showing envy

— en·vi·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
covetous, jaundiced, jealous, resentful; also begrudging, grudging; malicious, petty, spiteful

en·vi·ous·ness noun
: the quality or state of being envious

Synonyms
covetousness, envy, jealousy, resentment—more at ENVY

en·vi·ron·ment noun
1 : the circumstances, objects, or conditions surrounding someone or something : SURROUNDINGS
2 : the whole complex of factors (as soil, climate, and living things) that influence the form and the ability to survive of a plant or animal or ecological community

— en·vi·ron·men·tal adjective

— en·vi·ron·men·tal·ly adverb

Synonyms
atmosphere, climate, environs, medium, milieu, setting, surroundings; also backdrop, background, context; element; situation, status; habitat

en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist noun
: a person concerned about environmental quality esp. with respect to control of pollution

en·vi·rons noun plural
1 : the districts around a city
2 : the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded : SURROUNDINGS; also : VICINITY

Synonyms
[1] exurbia, outskirts, suburbia
[2] atmosphere, climate, environment, medium, milieu, setting, surroundings—more at ENVIRONMENT

en·vis·age verb -aged; -ag·ing
: to have a mental picture of

Synonyms
conceive, dream, fancy, imagine, picture, vision, visualize—more at IMAGINE

en·vi·sion verb
: to picture to oneself <~s world peace>

en·voy noun
1 : a diplomatic agent
2 : one who bears a message or does an errand : REPRESENTATIVE

Synonyms
[1] ambassador, delegate, emissary, legate, minister, representative—more at AMBASSADOR
[2] agent, attorney, commissary, delegate, deputy, factor, proxy, representative—more at AGENT

1envy noun, plural envies
[ORIGIN: ME envie, fr. OF, fr. L invidia, fr. invidus envious, fr. invidēre to look askance at, envy, fr. vidēre to see]

: painful or resentful awareness of another's advantages; also : an object of envy

Synonyms
covetousness, enviousness, jealousy, resentment; also animosity, enmity, hatred, ill will; malice, spitefulness

2envy verb en·vied; en·vy·ing
: to feel envy toward or on account of

en·zyme noun
: any of various complex proteins produced by living cells that catalyze specific biochemical reactions at body temperatures

— en·zy·mat·ic adjective

Eo·cene adjective
: of, relating to, or being the epoch of the Tertiary between the Paleocene and the Oligocene

— Eocene noun

EOE abbreviation
equal opportunity employer

eo·lian adjective
: borne, deposited, or produced by the wind

EOM abbreviation
end of month

eon variant of AEON

EP abbreviation
European plan

EPA abbreviation
Environmental Protection Agency

ep·au·let also ep·au·lette noun
[ORIGIN: F épaulette, dim. of épaule shoulder]

: a shoulder ornament esp. on a coat or military uniform

épée noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a fencing or dueling sword

Eph or Ephes abbreviation
Ephesians

ephed·rine noun
: a stimulant drug used to treat asthma and nasal congestion

ephem·era noun plural
: collectibles (as posters or tickets) not intended to have lasting value

ephem·er·al adjective
[ORIGIN: Gk ephēmeros lasting a day, daily, fr. epi- on + hēmera day]

: lasting a very short time : SHORT-LIVED, TRANSITORY

— ephem·er·al·i·ty noun

Synonyms
evanescent, flash, fleeting, fugitive, impermanent, momentary, passing, short-lived, temporary, transient, transitory—more at MOMENTARY

Ephe·sians noun
: a letter addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament

ep·ic noun
: a long poem in elevated style narrating the deeds of a hero

— epic adjective

epi·cen·ter noun
: the point on the earth's surface directly above the point of origin of an earthquake

ep·i·cure noun
: a person with sensitive and discriminating tastes esp. in food and wine

ep·i·cu·re·an noun
: EPICURE

— epicurean adjective

1epidemic adjective
: affecting many persons at one time <~ disease>; also : excessively prevalent

2epidemic noun
: an epidemic outbreak esp. of disease

ep·i·de·mi·ol·o·gy noun
: the study of the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population

— ep·i·de·mi·o·log·i·cal also ep·i·de·mi·o·log·ic adjective

— ep·i·de·mi·ol·o·gist noun

epi·der·mis noun
: an outer layer esp. of skin

— epi·der·mal adjective

epi·du·ral adjective
: administered into the space outside the membrane that envelops the spinal cord <~ anesthesia>

— epidural noun

epi·glot·tis noun
: a thin plate of flexible tissue protecting the tracheal opening during swallowing

ep·i·gram noun
1 : a short often satirical poem
2 : a terse, sage, or witty often paradoxical saying

Synonyms
adage, aphorism, byword, maxim, proverb, saying—more at SAYING

ep·i·gram·mat·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or resembling an epigram; also : marked by or given to the use of epigrams

Synonyms
brief, compact, compendious, concise, crisp, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, terse—more at CONCISE

ep·i·lep·sy noun, plural -sies
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. Gk epilēpsia, fr. epilambanein to seize]

: a disorder marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and typically manifested by sudden periods of diminished consciousness or by convulsions

— ep·i·lep·tic adjective or noun

ep·i·logue also ep·i·log noun
1 : a concluding section of a literary work
2 : a speech addressed to the spectators by an actor at the end of a play

epi·neph·rine noun
: an adrenal hormone used medicinally esp. as a heart stimulant, a muscle relaxant, and a vasoconstrictor

epiph·a·ny noun, plural -nies
1 cap : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi to Jesus at Bethlehem
2 : a sudden striking understanding of something

epis·co·pa·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : government of a church by bishops
2 : EPISCOPATE

epis·co·pal adjective
1 : of or relating to a bishop or episcopacy
2 cap : of or relating to the Protestant Episcopal Church

Epis·co·pa·lian noun
: a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church

epis·co·pate noun
1 : the rank, office, or term of a bishop
2 : a body of bishops

ep·i·sode noun
[ORIGIN: Gk epeisodion, fr. epeisodios coming in besides, fr. eisodios coming in, fr. eis into + hodos road, journey]

1 : a unit of action in a dramatic or literary work
2 : an incident in a course of events : OCCURRENCE <a feverish ~>

Synonyms
affair, circumstance, event, happening, incident, occasion, occurrence, thing—more at EVENT

ep·i·sod·ic adjective
: made up of separate esp. loosely connected episodes

Synonyms
periodic, serial—more at SERIAL

epis·tle noun
1 cap : one of the letters of the New Testament
2 : a direct or personal written or printed message addressed to a person or organization : LETTER; especially : a formal or elegant letter

— epis·to·lary adjective

ep·i·taph noun
: an inscription in memory of a dead person

ep·i·tha·la·mi·um or ep·i·tha·la·mi·on noun, plural -mi·ums or -mia
: a song or poem in honor of a bride and bridegroom

ep·i·the·li·um noun, plural -lia
: a cellular membrane covering a bodily surface or lining a cavity

— ep·i·the·li·al adjective

ep·i·thet noun
: a characterizing and often abusive word or phrase

epit·o·me noun
1 : a brief presentation or statement of something : ABSTRACT, SUMMARY
2 : a typical or ideal example : EMBODIMENT

Synonyms
[1] abstract, digest, encapsulation, outline, précis, recapitulation, résumé, roundup, sum, summary, synopsis—more at SUMMARY
[2] embodiment, exemplar, ideal, incarnation, manifestation, personification, quintessence—more at EMBODIMENT

epit·o·mize verb
1 : to make or give an epitome of
2 : to serve as the typical or ideal example of

Synonyms
[1] abstract, digest, encapsulate, outline, recapitulate, sum up, summarize, wrap up
[2] embody, manifest, materialize, personify—more at EMBODY

ep·och noun
: a usu. extended period : ERA, AGE

— ep·och·al adjective

Synonyms
age, era, period, time

ep·onym noun
1 : one for whom something is or is believed to be named
2 : a name (as of a disease) based on or derived from an eponym

— epon·y·mous adjective

ep·oxy verb ep·ox·ied or ep·oxyed; ep·oxy·ing
: to glue, fill, or coat with epoxy resin

epoxy resin noun
: a synthetic resin used in coatings and adhesives

ep·si·lon noun
: the 5th letter of the Greek alphabet — Ε or ε

Ep·som salts noun
: a bitter colorless or white magnesium salt with cathartic properties

eq abbreviation
1 equal
2 equation

equa·ble adjective
: showing regular or consistent movement, occurrence, operation, or character; especially : free from unpleasant extremes

— eq·ua·bil·i·ty noun

— eq·ua·bly adverb

Synonyms
balmy, clement, gentle, mild, moderate, temperate—more at CLEMENT

1equal adjective
1 : of the same measure, quantity, value, quality, number, degree, or status as another
2 : regarding or affecting all objects in the same way : IMPARTIAL <all citizens are due ~ treatment under the law>
3 : free from extremes
4 : able to cope with a situation or task

— equal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] duplicate, even, identical, indistinguishable, same—more at SAME
[2] disinterested, dispassionate, equitable, fair, impartial, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced—more at FAIR

2equal verb equaled or equalled; equal·ing or equal·ling
1 : to be or become equal to; also : to be identical in value to
2 : to make or produce something equal to

Synonyms
[1, 2] correspond, match, parallel—more at MATCH
[1, 2] add up, amount, come, correspond, meet, rival, tie, touch—more at AMOUNT (TO)

3equal noun
: one that is equal

Synonyms
coordinate, counterpart, equivalent, fellow, like, match, parallel, peer, rival; also analogue; double, mate, twin; associate, colleague, companion, partner; competitor

equal·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being equal

Synonyms
equivalence, par, parity, sameness—more at EQUIVALENCE

equal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to make equal, uniform, or constant

— equal·i·za·tion noun

— equal·iz·er noun

Synonyms
balance, equate, even, level; also accommodate, adjust, compensate, fit; homogenize, normalize, regularize, standardize; democratize

equals sign or equal sign noun
: a sign = indicating equivalence

equa·nim·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: evenness of mind esp. under stress : COMPOSURE

Synonyms
aplomb, calmness, composure, coolness, placidity, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity; also assurance, confidence, poise, self-assurance, self-confidence
Antonyms
agitation, discomposure, perturbation

equate verb equat·ed; equat·ing
1 : to make, treat, or regard as equal or comparable
2 : show the relationship between

Synonyms
balance, equalize, even, level—more at EQUALIZE
bracket, compare, liken—more at COMPARE

equa·tion noun
1 : an act of equating : the state of being equated
2 : a usu. formal statement of equivalence esp. of mathematical expressions

equa·tor noun
: an imaginary circle around the earth that is everywhere equally distant from the two poles

— equa·to·ri·al adjective

equer·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : an officer in charge of the horses of a prince or noble
2 : a personal attendant of a member of the British royal family

1equestrian adjective
: of or relating to horseback riding; also : representing a person on horseback <an ~ statue>

2equestrian noun
: one who rides a horse

eques·tri·enne noun
: a female rider on horseback

equi·dis·tant adjective
: equally distant

equi·lat·er·al adjective
: having all sides or faces equal <~ triangles>

equi·lib·ri·um noun, plural -ri·ums or -ria
1 : a state of intellectual or emotional balance
2 : a state of balance between opposing forces or actions

Synonyms
balance, equipoise, poise—more at BALANCE

1equine adjective
[ORIGIN: L equinus, fr. equus horse]

: of or relating to the horse

2equine noun
: a member of the family of hoofed mammals consisting of the horses, asses, and zebras and extinct related animals; specif : HORSE

equi·noc·tial adjective
: relating to an equinox

equi·nox noun
: either of the two times each year when the sun appears directly overhead at the equator and day and night are everywhere of equal length

equip verb equipped; equip·ping
[ORIGIN: AF eskiper to load on board a ship, outfit, man, of Gmc origin]

1 : to supply with needed resources
2 : to make ready : PREPARE

Synonyms
[1] accoutre, fit, furnish, outfit, rig, supply—more at FURNISH
[2] fit, prepare, qualify, ready, season—more at QUALIFY

eq·ui·page noun
: a horse-drawn carriage usu. with its servants

equip·ment noun
1 : things used in equipping : OUTFIT
2 : the equipping of a person or thing : the state of being equipped

Synonyms
accoutrements, apparatus, gear, matériel, outfit, paraphernalia, tackle; also accessories, attachments, fittings; baggage, belongings, impedimenta; appliances, facilities, instruments, machinery, tools; apparel, attire, habiliments, raiment, trappings; battery

equi·poise noun
1 : a state of equilibrium : BALANCE
2 : a weight or force that offsets another : COUNTERBALANCE

Synonyms
[1] balance, equilibrium, poise—more at BALANCE
[2] balance, counteraction, counterbalance, counterweight, offset

eq·ui·ta·ble adjective
: having or exhibiting equity : JUST, FAIR

— eq·ui·ta·bly adverb

Synonyms
disinterested, dispassionate, equal, fair, impartial, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced—more at FAIR

eq·ui·ta·tion noun
: the act or art of riding on horseback

eq·ui·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : JUSTNESS, IMPARTIALITY
2 : value of a property or of an interest in it in excess of claims against it

equiv abbreviation
equivalent

equiv·a·lence noun
: the state or property of being equivalent

Synonyms
equality, par, parity, sameness; also compatibility, correlation, correspondence; likeness, similarity
Antonyms
inequality

1equivalent adjective
: EQUAL; also : virtually identical

2equivalent noun
: one that is equivalent (as in value, meaning, or effect)

Synonyms
coordinate, counterpart, equal, fellow, like, match, parallel, peer, rival—more at EQUAL

equiv·o·cal adjective
1 : subject to two or more interpretations and usu. used to mislead or confuse : AMBIGUOUS
2 : UNCERTAIN, UNDECIDED
3 : of doubtful advantage, genuineness, or morality : SUSPICIOUS, DUBIOUS <~ behavior>

— equiv·o·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] ambiguous, cryptic, enigmatic, inscrutable, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, obscure, occult—more at OBSCURE
[3] debatable, disputable, doubtful, dubious, fishy, problematic, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious—more at DOUBTFUL

equiv·o·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to use misleading language
2 : to avoid committing oneself in what one says

Synonyms
fudge, hedge, pussyfoot; also dodge, duck, evade, sidestep, skirt; bypass, circumvent; cavil, quibble

equiv·o·ca·tion noun
: an equivocal state or character; especially : the state of having more than one meaning

1-er adjective suffix or adverb suffix
— used to form the comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs of one or two syllables <hotter> <drier> <sillier> and sometimes of longer ones

2-er also -ier or -yer noun suffix
1 : a person occupationally connected with <hatter> <lawyer>
2 : a person or thing belonging to or associated with <old-timer>
3 : a native of : resident of <New Zealander>
4 : one that has <double-decker>
5 : one that produces or yields <porker>
6 : one that does or performs (a specified action) <reporter>
7 : one that is a suitable object of (a specified action) <broiler>
8 : one that is <foreigner>

Er symbol
erbium

ER abbreviation
emergency room

era noun
[ORIGIN: LL aera, fr. L, counters, pl. of aes copper, money]

1 : a chronological order or system of notation reckoned from a given date as basis
2 : a period identified by some special feature
3 : any of the four major divisions of geologic time

Synonyms
age, epoch, period, time

ERA abbreviation
1 earned run average
2 Equal Rights Amendment

erad·i·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
[ORIGIN: L eradicatus, pp. of eradicare, fr. e- out + radix root]

1 : to pull up (as a weed) by the roots : UPROOT
2 : destroy completely : ELIMINATE

— erad·i·ca·ble adjective

— erad·i·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
annihilate, blot out, demolish, eliminate, exterminate, liquidate, obliterate, root, rub out, snuff, stamp, wipe out—more at ANNIHILATE

erase verb erased; eras·ing
: to rub or scratch out (as written words); also : OBLITERATE

— eras·er noun

— era·sure noun

er·bi·um noun
: a rare metallic element found with yttrium

1ere preposition
: preceding in time : BEFORE

Synonyms
ahead of, before, of, previous to, prior to, to—more at BEFORE

2ere conjunction
: BEFORE

1erect adjective
1 : not leaning or lying down : UPRIGHT
2 : being in a state of physiological erection

Synonyms
perpendicular, standing, upright, upstanding, vertical; also elevated, lifted, upended, upraised; freestanding
Antonyms
flat, recumbent

2erect verb
1 : to put up by the fitting together of materials or parts : BUILD
2 : to fix or set in an upright position
3 : SET UP; also : ESTABLISH, DEVELOP

Synonyms
[1] assemble, build, construct, fabricate, make, make up, piece, put up, raise—more at BUILD
[2] pitch, put up, raise, rear, set up; also brace, buttress, prop (up), shore (up), support; elevate, hoist, lift

erec·tile adjective
: capable of becoming erect <~ tissue> <~ feathers of a bird>

erec·tion noun
1 : the turgid state of a previously flaccid bodily part when it becomes dilated with blood
2 : CONSTRUCTION

ere·long adverb
: before long

er·e·mite noun
: a religious recluse : HERMIT

er·go adverb
[ORIGIN: L]

: because of a preceding fact or premise : THEREFORE

Synonyms
accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus, wherefore—more at THEREFORE

er·go·nom·ics noun singular or plural
: an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use in order to improve efficiency and safety

— er·go·nom·ic adjective

er·got noun
1 : a disease of rye and other cereals caused by a fungus; also : this fungus
2 : a medicinal compound or preparation derived from an ergot fungus

Er·i·tre·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Eritrea

— Eritrean adjective

er·mine noun, plural ermines
1 : any of several weasels with winter fur mostly white; also : this white fur
2 : a rank or office whose official robe is ornamented with ermine

erode verb erod·ed; erod·ing
: to diminish or destroy by degrees; especially : to gradually eat into or wear away <soil eroded by wind and water>

— erod·ible also erod·able adjective

Synonyms
abrade, bite, chafe, corrode, eat, fray, fret, gall, rub, wear—more at ABRADE

erog·e·nous adjective
1 : sexually sensitive <~ zones>
2 : of, relating to, or arousing sexual feelings

ero·sion noun
: the process or state of being eroded

— ero·sion·al adjective

— ero·sion·al·ly adverb

ero·sive adjective
: tending to erode

— ero·sive·ness noun

erot·ic adjective
: relating to or dealing with sexual love : AMATORY

— erot·i·cal·ly adverb

— erot·i·cism noun

Synonyms
amatory, amorous, sexy; also carnal, sensual, sensuous; bawdy, lascivious, lewd, lustful, obscene, prurient, spicy

err verb
: to be or do wrong

Synonyms
offend, sin, transgress, trespass—more at OFFEND

er·rand noun
: a short trip taken to do something; also : the object or purpose of such a trip

er·rant adjective
1 : traveling or given to traveling : WANDERING <an ~ knight>
2 : straying outside proper bounds <an ~ throw>
3 : deviating from an accepted pattern or standard (as of behavior) <an ~ child>

Synonyms
[1] itinerant, nomad, peripatetic, roaming, vagabond, vagrant—more at ITINERANT
[3] bad, contrary, froward, mischievous, naughty—more at NAUGHTY

er·ra·ta noun
: a list of corrigenda

er·rat·ic adjective
1 : having no fixed course
2 a : characterized by lack of consistency, regularity, or uniformity : INCONSISTENT
b : ECCENTRIC

— er·rat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
aimless, arbitrary, desultory, haphazard, random, scattered, stray—more at RANDOM
choppy, discontinuous, fitful, intermittent, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, uneven, unsteady—more at FITFUL

er·ra·tum noun, plural -ta
: CORRIGENDUM

er·ro·ne·ous adjective
: containing or characterized by error : INCORRECT

Synonyms
false, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, invalid, off, unsound, untrue, wrong—more at FALSE

er·ro·ne·ous·ly adverb
: in an erroneous manner

Synonyms
amiss, faultily, improperly, inaptly, incorrectly, mistakenly, wrongly

er·ror noun
1 : a usu. ignorant or unintentional deviating from accuracy or truth <made an ~ in adding>
2 : a defensive misplay in baseball
3 : the state of one that errs <to be in ~>
4 : a product of mistake <a typographical ~>
5 : an act or condition of ignorant or imprudent deviation from a code of behavior
6 : an instance of false belief : a mistaken idea or system of ideas

Synonyms
[1] blunder, fault, flub, fumble, goof, lapse, misstep, mistake, oversight, slip, stumble; also foul-up, muff; misapprehension, miscalculation, misconception, misjudgment, misstatement, misunderstanding
[5] breach, misdeed, misdoing, offense, violation, wrongdoing—more at OFFENSE
[6] fallacy, falsehood, falsity, illusion, misconception, untruth—more at FALLACY

er·ror·less adjective
: done, played, or performed without an error

er·satz adjective
[ORIGIN: G ersatz-, fr. Ersatz, n., substitute]

: being usu. an artificial and inferior substitute

erst adverb, archaic
: ERSTWHILE

1erstwhile adverb
: in the past : FORMERLY

2erstwhile adjective
: having been or existed at some past time : FORMER

Synonyms
former, late, old, onetime, past, sometime, whilom—more at FORMER

er·u·dite adjective
: possessing or displaying erudition

Synonyms
educated, knowledgeable, learned, literate, scholarly, well-read—more at EDUCATED
bookish, learned, literary—more at BOOKISH

er·u·di·tion noun
: extensive knowledge acquired chiefly from books : SCHOLARSHIP, LEARNING

Synonyms
education, knowledge, learning, scholarship, science—more at EDUCATION

erupt verb
1 a : to burst forth : emerge with a sudden often violent rush
b : to cause to burst forth : force out or release usu. suddenly and violently
2 : to break through a surface <teeth ~ing through the gum>
3 : to break out with or as if with a skin rash

— erup·tive adjective

Synonyms
[1a] break out, burst, explode, flame, flare, go off; also burgeon, mushroom, snowball; blow up, detonate, touch off
[1b] belch, disgorge, eject, expel, jet, spew, spout, spurt; also gush, pour, stream, surge; emanate, issue, spring; discharge, emit, fire; cast, fling, heave, hurl, launch, pitch, toss

erup·tion noun
: an act, process, or instance of erupting; also : a product of erupting (as a skin rash)

Synonyms
agony, burst, explosion, fit, flare, flush, gush, outburst, paroxysm, spasm, storm—more at OUTBURST
blast, detonation, explosion—more at EXPLOSION

-ery noun suffix
1 : qualities collectively : character : -NESS <snobbery>
2 : art : practice <cookery>
3 : place of doing, keeping, producing, or selling (the thing specified) <fishery> <bakery>
4 : collection : aggregate <finery>
5 : state or condition <slavery>

ery·sip·e·las noun
: an acute bacterial disease marked by fever and severe skin inflammation

er·y·the·ma noun
: abnormal redness of the skin due to capillary congestion (as in inflammation)

eryth·ro·cyte noun
: RED BLOOD CELL

Es symbol
einsteinium

1-es noun plural suffix
— used to form the plural of most nouns that end in s <glasses>, z <fuzzes>, sh <bushes>, ch <peaches>, or a final y that changes to i <ladies> and of some nouns ending in f that changes to v <loaves>

2-es verb suffix
— used to form the third person singular present of most verbs that end in s <blesses>, z <fizzes>, sh <hushes>, ch <catches>, or a final y that changes to i <defies>

es·ca·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to increase in extent, volume, number, intensity, or scope

— es·ca·la·tion noun

Synonyms
accumulate, appreciate, balloon, build, burgeon, enlarge, expand, increase, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, snowball, swell, wax—more at INCREASE

es·ca·la·tor noun
: a moving set of stairs

es·ca·pade noun
[ORIGIN: F, action of escaping]

: a mischievous adventure

Synonyms
antic, caper, frolic, monkeyshine, practical joke, prank, trick—more at PRANK

1escape verb es·caped; es·cap·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF escaper, fr. (assumed) VL excappare, fr. L ex- out + LL cappa head covering, cloak]

1 : to get free or away
2 : to avoid a threatening evil
3 : miss or succeed in averting : AVOID 2 <~ injury> <escaped punishment>
4 : to fail to be noticed or recallable by : ELUDE <his name ~s me>
5 : to be produced or uttered involuntarily by <let a sob ~ him>

Synonyms
[1] abscond, clear out, flee, fly, get out, lam, run away, run off; also avoid, elude, evade, lose, shun; decamp, depart, exit, leave; disentangle, extricate; emancipate, free, liberate, redeem, release
[3] avoid, dodge, duck, elude, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun; also miss; avert, deflect, divert, obviate, parry, prevent, ward (off); debar, exclude, preclude; bypass, circumvent, skirt; foil, frustrate, outwit, thwart

2escape noun
1 : flight from or avoidance of something unpleasant
2 : LEAKAGE
3 : a means of escape

Synonyms
[1] avoidance, cop-out, evasion, out; also bypassing, circumvention; averting, deflection, prevention
[3] flight, getaway, lam, slip; also deliverance, liberation, redemption, release, rescue, salvation

3escape adjective
: providing a means or way of escape

es·cap·ee noun
: one that has escaped esp. from prison

escape velocity noun
: the minimum velocity needed by a body (as a rocket) to escape from the gravitational field of a celestial body (as the earth)

es·cap·ism noun
: diversion of the mind to imaginative activity as an escape from routine

— es·cap·ist adjective or noun

es·car·got noun, plural -gots
: a snail prepared for use as food

es·ca·role noun
: ENDIVE 1

es·carp·ment noun
1 : a steep slope in front of a fortification
2 : a long cliff

Synonyms
bluff, cliff, crag, palisade, precipice, scarp—more at CLIFF

es·chew verb
: to avoid habitually esp. on moral or practical grounds : SHUN, AVOID

Synonyms
avoid, dodge, duck, elude, escape, evade, shake, shirk, shun—more at ESCAPE

1escort noun
: one (as a person or warship) accompanying another esp. as a protection or courtesy

Synonyms
attendant, companion, guard, guide; also chaperon, squire; shadow, sidekick; conductor, leader, pilot

2escort verb
: to accompany as an escort

Synonyms
accompany, attend, convoy, squire—more at ACCOMPANY

es·crow noun
: something (as a deed or a sum of money) delivered by one person to another to be delivered to a third party only upon the fulfillment of a condition; also : a fund or deposit serving as an escrow

es·cutch·eon noun
: the usu. shield-shaped surface on which a coat of arms is shown

Esd abbreviation
Esdras

Es·dras noun
1 : either of two books of the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament:
a : a narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture
b : narrative and historical book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture
2 : either of two uncanonical books of Scripture included in the Protestant Apocrypha

ESE abbreviation
east-southeast

Es·ki·mo noun
1 : a member of a group of peoples of northern Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and eastern Siberia
2 : any of the languages of the Eskimo peoples

Eskimo dog noun
: a sled dog of American origin

ESL abbreviation
English as a second language

esoph·a·gus noun, plural -gi
: a muscular tube that leads from the cavity behind the mouth to the stomach

— esoph·a·geal adjective

es·o·ter·ic adjective
1 : designed for or understood only by the specially initiated; broadly : difficult to understand
2 : PRIVATE, SECRET

Synonyms
abstruse, deep, profound—more at PROFOUND

esp abbreviation
especially

ESP noun
: EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION

es·pa·drille noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a flat sandal usu. having a fabric upper and a flexible sole

es·pal·ier noun
: a plant (as a fruit tree) trained to grow flat against a support

— espalier verb

es·pe·cial adjective
: being distinctive : SPECIAL

Synonyms
distinct, express, precise, set, special, specific—more at EXPRESS

es·pe·cial·ly adverb
1 : in a special manner; also : in particular
2 : in a particularly strong or good way — used as an intensive

Synonyms
extremely, greatly, highly, hugely, most, much, so, too, very

Es·pe·ran·to noun
: an artificial international language based esp. on words common to the chief European languages

es·pi·o·nage noun
[ORIGIN: F espionnage]

: the practice of spying

es·pla·nade noun
: a level open stretch or area; especially : one for walking or driving along a shore

es·pous·al noun
1 : the act of betrothing or fact of being betrothed : BETROTHAL; also : WEDDING
2 : a taking up (as of a cause) as a supporter

— es·pouse verb

Synonyms
marriage, wedding—more at WEDDING
engagement, troth—more at ENGAGEMENT

espres·so noun, plural -sos
: coffee brewed by forcing steam through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans

es·prit noun
: sprightly wit

Synonyms
bounce, dash, drive, ginger, pep, punch, snap, spirit, verve, vim, zing, zip—more at SPIRIT

es·prit de corps noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: the common spirit existing in the members of a group

es·py verb es·pied; es·py·ing
: to catch sight of

Synonyms
discern, eye, notice, observe, perceive, regard, see, sight, spy, view—more at SEE

Esq or Esqr abbreviation
esquire

es·quire noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF esquier squire, fr. LL scutarius, fr. L scutum shield]

1 : a man of the English gentry ranking next below a knight
2 : a candidate for knighthood serving as attendant to a knight
3 — used as a title of courtesy

-ess noun suffix
: female <authoress>

1essay verb
: to make an often tentative or experimental effort to perform : ATTEMPT, TRY

Synonyms
assay, attempt, endeavor, seek, strive, try—more at ATTEMPT

2essay noun
1 : an initial tentative effort : ATTEMPT
2 : a literary composition usu. dealing with a subject from a limited or personal point of view

— es·say·ist noun

Synonyms
[1] attempt, crack, endeavor, fling, go, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack—more at ATTEMPT
[2] article, composition, paper, theme; also column, commentary, editorial, feature, report, review, write-up; dissertation, thesis; tract, treatise; discourse, discussion, exposition, study

es·sence noun
1 : fundamental nature or quality
2 : a substance distilled or extracted from another substance (as a plant or drug) and having the special qualities of the original substance
3 : PERFUME
4 : the most significant element or aspect of something <the ~ of the issue>

Synonyms
[1, 4] nature, quintessence, soul, stuff, substance; also heart, spirit; center, core, keynote, marrow, pith, seat; embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification; aspect, attribute, feature, property; gist, kernel, nub

1essential adjective
1 : of, relating to, or constituting an essence <voting is an ~ right of citizenship> <~ oils>
2 : of the utmost importance : INDISPENSABLE; also : of, relating to, or forming the base or essence
3 : being a substance that must be obtained from the diet because it is not sufficiently produced by the body <~ amino acids>

— es·sen·tial·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] ingrained, inherent, innate, integral, intrinsic, natural—more at INHERENT
[1] basic, elemental, elementary, fundamental, underlying—more at ELEMENTARY
[2] imperative, indispensable, integral, necessary, needful, requisite, vital; also prerequisite; compulsory, mandatory, obligatory; important, momentous, significant; basic, central, fundamental, key, organic; insistent, persistent, pressing, urgent
Antonyms
dispensable, needless, nonessential

2essential noun
: something indispensable

Synonyms
condition, demand, must, necessity, need, requirement, requisite; also precondition, prerequisite
Antonyms
nonessential
usually essentials elements, principles, rudiments—more at ELEMENT

est abbreviation
1 established
2 estimate; estimated

EST abbreviation
eastern standard time

1-est adjective suffix or adverb suffix
— used to form the superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs of one or two syllables <fattest> <latest> <luckiest> <oftenest> and less often of longer ones

2-est or -st verb suffix
— used to form the archaic second person singular of English verbs (with thou) <didst>

es·tab·lish verb
1 : to institute permanently <~ a law>
2 : to bring into existence : FOUND <~ a settlement>; also : EFFECT
3 : to make firm or stable
4 : to put on a firm basis : SET UP <~ a son in business>
5 : to gain acceptance or recognition of <the movie ~ed her as a star>; also : PROVE

Synonyms
[2] constitute, effect, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set up, start—more at FOUND
[5] demonstrate, prove, show, substantiate; also attest, authenticate, bear out, document, evidence, support, sustain, uphold; confirm, corroborate, justify, validate, verify
Antonyms
disprove

es·tab·lish·ment noun
1 : something established: as
a : a permanent civil or military organization
b : a public or private institution
2 : a place of residence or business with its furnishings and staff
3 : an established ruling or controlling group <the literary ~>
4 : the act or state of establishing or being established

Synonyms
[1a, 1b] foundation, institute, institution—more at INSTITUTION
[1b] business, company, concern, enterprise, firm, house, outfit—more at ENTERPRISE

es·tate noun
1 a : mode or condition of being : STATE
b : social standing : STATUS
2 : a social or political class <the three ~s of nobility, clergy, and commons>
3 : a person's possessions : FORTUNE
4 : a landed property

Synonyms
[1a] condition, fettle, form, order, repair, shape, state, trim—more at CONDITION
[2] caste, class, folk, order, stratum—more at CLASS
[4] castle, hall, manor, mansion, palace, villa—more at MANSION

1esteem noun
: high regard

Synonyms
admiration, appreciation, estimation, favor, regard, respect—more at ADMIRATION

2esteem verb
1 : to view as : REGARD
2 : to set a high value on

Synonyms
[1] account, call, consider, count, hold, rate, reckon, regard, take—more at CONSIDER
[2] admire, appreciate, regard, respect—more at ADMIRE

es·ter noun
: an often fragrant organic compound formed by the reaction of an acid and an alcohol

Esth abbreviation
Esther

Es·ther noun
: a narrative book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture

esthete, esthetic, esthetically, esthetics variant of AESTHETE, AESTHETIC, AESTHETICALLY, AESTHETICS

es·ti·ma·ble adjective
: worthy of esteem

1estimate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
1 : to give or form an approximation (as of value, size, or cost)
2 : JUDGE, CONCLUDE

— es·ti·ma·tor noun

Synonyms
appraise, assess, evaluate, rate, set, value; also adjudge, deem, judge; ascertain, determine, discover, learn; price, prize; decide, settle; assay, analyze, survey, test; reappraise, reassess, reevaluate, revalue
calculate, call, conjecture, figure, gauge, guess, judge, make, place, put, reckon, suppose

2estimate noun
1 : an opinion or judgment of the nature, character, or quality of a person or thing
2 : a rough or approximate calculation
3 : a statement of the cost of work to be done

Synonyms
[1] appraisal, assessment, estimation, evaluation, judgment—more at ESTIMATION
[2] calculation, computation, measurement, reckoning, valuation

es·ti·ma·tion noun
1 : a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter : JUDGMENT
2 : the value, amount, or size arrived at in an estimate : ESTIMATE; also : the act of estimating something
3 : high regard : ESTEEM

Synonyms
[1] appraisal, assessment, estimate, evaluation, judgment, reckoning, valuation—more at ESTIMATE
[2] appraisal, assessment, estimate, evaluation, judgment; also impression, notion, perception; confidence, faith, stock, trust
[3] admiration, appreciation, esteem, favor, regard, respect—more at ADMIRATION

es·ti·vate verb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
: to pass the summer in an inactive or resting state

— es·ti·va·tion noun

Es·to·nian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Estonia

— Estonian adjective

es·trange verb es·tranged; es·trang·ing
: to alienate the affections or confidence of

Synonyms
alienate, disaffect, disgruntle, sour; also antagonize, embitter; anger, disunite, divide, separate, sever, sunder; disappoint, disenchant, disillusion
Antonyms
reconcile

es·trange·ment noun
: the act of estranging or the condition of being estranged : alienation esp. in friendship

Synonyms
alienation, disaffection; also antagonism, division, divorce, schism, separation; disenchantment, disillusionment
Antonyms
reconciliation

es·tro·gen noun
: a steroid (as a sex hormone) that tends to cause estrus and the development of female secondary sex characteristics

— es·tro·gen·ic adjective

estrous cycle noun
: the cycle of changes in the endocrine and reproductive systems of a female mammal from the beginning of one period of estrus to the beginning of the next

es·trus noun
: a periodic state of sexual excitability during which the female of most mammals is willing to mate with the male and is capable of becoming pregnant : HEAT

— es·trous adjective

es·tu·ary noun, plural -ar·ies
: an arm of the sea at the mouth of a river

Synonyms
bay, bight, cove, gulf, inlet—more at GULF

ET abbreviation
eastern time

eta noun
: the 7th letter of the Greek alphabet — Η or η

ETA abbreviation
estimated time of arrival

et al abbreviation
[ORIGIN: L et alii (masc.), et aliae (fem.), or et alia (neut.)]

and others

etc abbreviation
et cetera

et cet·era
[ORIGIN: L]

: and others esp. of the same kind — used to imply that other items are to be understood

etch verb
[ORIGIN: D etsen, fr. G ätzen to etch, corrode, fr. OHG azzen to feed]

1 : to produce (as a design) on a hard material by corroding its surface (as by acid)
2 : to delineate or impress clearly

— etch·er noun

Synonyms
[1] engrave, grave, inscribe—more at ENGRAVE
[2] engrave, impress, imprint, ingrain, inscribe—more at ENGRAVE

etch·ing noun
1 : the action, process, or art of etching
2 : a design produced on or print made from an etched plate

ETD abbreviation
estimated time of departure

eter·nal adjective
: having infinite duration : EVERLASTING, PERPETUAL

Synonyms
ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, everlasting, immortal, permanent, perpetual, undying, unending—more at EVERLASTING

eter·nal·ly adverb
: throughout eternity

Synonyms
always, ever, everlastingly, forever, permanently, perpetually—more at EVER

eter·ni·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : infinite duration
2 : the state after death : IMMORTALITY
3 : a seemingly endless or immeasurable time

Synonyms
[2] afterlife, hereafter, immortality; also otherworld
[3] aeon, age, cycle—more at AGE

1-eth or -th verb suffix
— used to form the archaic third person singular present of verbs <doth>

eth·ane noun
: a colorless odorless gaseous hydrocarbon found in natural gas and used esp. as a fuel

eth·a·nol noun
: ALCOHOL 1

ether noun
1 : the upper regions of space; also : the gaseous element formerly held to fill these regions
2 : a light flammable liquid used as an anesthetic and solvent

ethe·re·al adjective
1 : CELESTIAL, HEAVENLY
2 : exceptionally delicate : AIRY, DAINTY

— ethe·re·al·ly adverb

— ethe·re·al·ness noun

Synonyms
airy, dainty, fluffy, light—more at AIRY

Ether·net noun
: a computer network architecture for local area networks

eth·i·cal adjective
1 : of or relating to ethics
2 : conforming to accepted and esp. professional standards of conduct

— eth·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
decent, good, honest, honorable, just, moral, principled, right, straight, upright, virtuous—more at GOOD

eth·ics noun singular or plural
1 : a discipline dealing with good and evil and with moral duty
2 : moral principles or practice

Synonyms
morality, morals, principles, standards; also customs, etiquette, manners, mores; beliefs, dogma, faith, tenets

Ethi·o·pi·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Ethiopia

— Ethiopian adjective

1ethnic adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, heathen, fr. LL ethnicus, fr. Gk ethnikos national, gentile, fr. ethnos nation, people]

: of or relating to races or large groups of people classed according to common traits and customs

— eth·ni·cal·ly adverb

2ethnic noun
: a member of a minority ethnic group who retains its customs, language, or social views

eth·nol·o·gy noun
: a science dealing with the races of human beings, their origin, distribution, characteristics, and relations

— eth·no·log·i·cal adjective

— eth·nol·o·gist noun

ethol·o·gy noun
: the scientific and objective study of animal behavior

— etho·log·i·cal adjective

— ethol·o·gist noun

ethos noun
: the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution

ethyl alcohol noun
: ALCOHOL 1

eth·yl·ene noun
: a colorless flammable gas found in coal gas or obtained from petroleum

eti·ol·o·gy noun
: the causes of a disease or abnormal condition; also : a branch of medicine concerned with the causes and origins of diseases

— eti·o·log·ic or eti·o·log·i·cal adjective

et·i·quette noun
[ORIGIN: F étiquette, lit., label, list]

: the forms prescribed by custom or authority to be observed in social, official, or professional life

Synonyms
form, manners, mores

Etrus·can noun
1 : the language of the Etruscans
2 : an inhabitant of ancient Etruria

— Etruscan adjective

et seq abbreviation
[ORIGIN: L et sequens]

and the following one; [ORIGIN L et sequentes (masc. & fem. pl.) or et sequentia (neut. pl.)] and the following ones

-ette noun suffix
1 : little one <dinette>
2 : female <usherette>

étude noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., study]

: a musical composition for practice to develop technical skill

et·y·mol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
1 : the history of a linguistic form (as a word) shown by tracing its development and relationships
2 : a branch of linguistics dealing with etymologies

— et·y·mo·log·i·cal adjective

— et·y·mol·o·gist noun

Eu symbol
europium

eu·ca·lyp·tus noun, plural -ti or -tus·es
: any of a genus of mostly Australian evergreen trees widely grown for shade or their wood, oils, resins, and gums

Eu·cha·rist noun
: COMMUNION 2

— eu·cha·ris·tic adjective, often cap

1euchre noun
: a card game in which the side naming the trump must take three of five tricks to win

2euchre verb eu·chred; eu·chring
: CHEAT, TRICK

eu·clid·e·an also eu·clid·i·an adjective, often cap
: of or relating to the geometry of Euclid or a geometry based on similar axioms

eu·gen·ics noun
: a science dealing with the improvement (as by selective breeding) of hereditary qualities esp. of human beings

— eu·gen·ic adjective

eu·lo·gy noun, plural -gies
1 : a speech in praise of some person or thing esp. in honor of a deceased person
2 : high praise

— eu·lo·gis·tic adjective

— eu·lo·gize verb

Synonyms
accolade, citation, commendation, encomium, homage, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute—more at ENCOMIUM

eu·nuch noun
: a castrated man

eu·phe·mism noun
[ORIGIN: Gk euphēmismos, fr. euphēmos auspicious, sounding good, fr. eu- good + phēmē speech]

: the substitution of a mild or pleasant expression for one offensive or unpleasant; also : the expression substituted

— eu·phe·mis·tic adjective

— eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly adverb

eu·pho·ni·ous adjective
: pleasing to the ear

— eu·pho·ni·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
harmonious, lyric, melodious, musical, symphonic, tuneful—more at HARMONIOUS

eu·pho·ny noun, plural -nies
: the effect produced by words so combined as to please the ear

eu·pho·ria noun
: a marked feeling of well-being or elation

Synonyms
ecstasy, elation, exhilaration, heaven, intoxication, paradise, rapture, rhapsody, transport—more at ECSTASY

eu·phor·ic adjective
: characterized by or based on euphoria

Synonyms
ecstatic, elated, intoxicated, rapturous, rhapsodic—more at ECSTATIC

Eur abbreviation
Europe; European

Eur·asian adjective
1 : of mixed European and Asian origin
2 : of or relating to Europe and Asia

— Eurasian noun

eu·re·ka interjection
[ORIGIN: Gk heurēka I have found, fr. heuriskein to find; fr. the exclamation attributed to Archimedes on discovering a method for determining the purity of gold]

— used to express triumph on a discovery

eu·ro noun, plural euros
: the common basic monetary unit of most countries of the European Union

Eu·ro–Amer·i·can noun
1 : a person of mixed European and American ancestry
2 : CAUCASIAN

Eu·ro·bond noun
: a bond of a U.S. corporation that is sold outside the U.S. but that is valued and paid for in dollars and yields interest in dollars

Eu·ro·cur·ren·cy noun
: moneys (as of the U.S. and Japan) held outside their countries of origin and used in the money markets of Europe

Eu·ro·dol·lar noun
: a U.S. dollar held as Eurocurrency

Eu·ro·pe·an noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Europe
2 : a person of European descent

— European adjective

— Eu·ro·pe·an·ize verb

European–American noun
: EURO-AMERICAN

Eu·ro·pe·an·ism noun
1 : allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of Europeans
2 : advocacy of political and economic integration of Europe

— eu·ro·pe·an·ist noun

European plan noun
: a hotel plan whereby the daily rates cover only the cost of the room

eu·ro·pi·um noun
: a rare metallic chemical element

eu·sta·chian tube noun, often cap E
: a tube connecting the inner cavity of the ear with the throat and equalizing air pressure on both sides of the eardrum

eu·tha·na·sia noun
[ORIGIN: Gk, easy death, fr. eu- good + thanatos death]

: the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured persons or animals with as little pain as possible for reasons of mercy

EVA abbreviation
extravehicular activity

evac·u·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to to make empty : empty out
2 : to discharge wastes from the body
3 : to remove or withdraw from : VACATE

— evac·u·a·tion noun

Synonyms
clear, empty, vacate, void—more at EMPTY

evac·u·ee noun
: a person removed from a dangerous place

Synonyms
émigré, exile, expatriate, refugee—more at ÉMIGRÉ

evade verb evad·ed; evad·ing
: to manage to avoid esp. by dexterity or slyness : ELUDE, ESCAPE

Synonyms
avoid, dodge, duck, elude, escape, eschew, shake, shirk, shun—more at ESCAPE

eval·u·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to determine or fix the value of : APPRAISE, VALUE; also : to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usu. by careful appraisal and study

Synonyms
appraise, assess, estimate, rate, set, value—more at ESTIMATE

eval·u·a·tion noun
: the act or result of evaluating

Synonyms
appraisal, assessment, estimate, estimation, judgment—more at ESTIMATION

ev·a·nes·cent adjective
: tending to vanish like vapor

— ev·a·nes·cence noun

Synonyms
ephemeral, flash, fleeting, fugitive, impermanent, momentary, passing, short-lived, temporary, transient—more at MOMENTARY

evan·gel·i·cal adjective
[ORIGIN: LL evangelium gospel, fr. Gk evangelion, fr. eu- good + angelos messenger]

1 : of or relating to the Christian gospel esp. as presented in the four Gospels
2 : of or relating to certain Protestant churches emphasizing the authority of Scripture and the importance of preaching as contrasted with ritual
3 : ZEALOUS <~ fervor>

— Evangelical noun

— Evan·gel·i·cal·ism noun

— evan·gel·i·cal·ly adverb

evan·ge·lism noun
1 : the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ
2 : militant or crusading zeal

— evan·ge·lis·tic adjective

— evan·ge·lis·ti·cal·ly adverb

evan·ge·list noun
1 often cap : the writer of any of the four Gospels
2 : a person who evangelizes; especially : a Protestant minister or layman who preaches at special services

evan·ge·lize verb -lized; -liz·ing
1 : to preach the gospel
2 : to convert to Christianity

evap abbreviation
evaporate

evap·o·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to pass off or cause to pass off in vapor
2 : to disappear quickly
3 : to drive out the moisture from (as by heat)

— evap·o·ra·tion noun

— evap·o·ra·tor noun

Synonyms
disappear, dissolve, fade, flee, go, melt, vanish—more at DISAPPEAR

evap·o·rite noun
: a sedimentary rock that originates by the evaporation of seawater in an enclosed basin

eva·sion noun
1 : a means of evading
2 : an act or instance of evading

— eva·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] avoidance, cop-out, escape, out—more at ESCAPE

eva·sive adjective
: tending or intended to evade; also : not easily caught

Synonyms
elusive, fugitive, slippery—more at ELUSIVE

eve noun
1 : EVENING
2 : the period just before some important event

1even adjective
1 : having a horizontal surface : LEVEL, FLAT
2 : REGULAR, SMOOTH
3 : EQUAL, FAIR
4 : BALANCED; also : fully revenged
5 : divisible by two
6 : having no fraction either lacking or in excess : EXACT

— even·ly adverb

— even·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] flat, flush, level, plane, smooth—more at LEVEL
[6] exact, flat, precise, round

2even adverb
1 : EXACTLY, PRECISELY
2 : FULLY, QUITE
3 : at the very time
4 — used as an intensive to stress the identity or character of something <~ I know that> <he looked content, ~ happy>
5 — used as an intensive to emphasize something extreme or highly unlikely <so simple ~ a child can do it>
6 — used as an intensive to stress the comparative degree <did ~ better>
7 — used as an intensive to indicate a small or minimum degree <didn't ~ try>

Synonyms
indeed, nay, truly, verily, yea; also certainly, decidedly, definitely, positively, really, surely, undeniably, unquestionably

3even verb
: to make or become even

Synonyms
balance, equalize, equate, level—more at EQUALIZE
level, plane, smooth; also clip, crop, pare, prune, shave, trim
Antonyms
rough, roughen

even·hand·ed adjective
: FAIR, IMPARTIAL

— even·hand·ed·ly adverb

eve·ning noun
1 : the end of the day and early part of the night
2 chiefly Southern & Midland : AFTERNOON

Synonyms
dusk, gloaming, nightfall, sundown, sunset, twilight—more at DUSK

evening primrose noun
: a coarse biennial herb with yellow flowers that open in the evening

evening star noun
: a bright planet (as Venus) seen esp. in the western sky at or after sunset

even·song noun, often cap
1 : VESPERS
2 : evening prayer esp. when sung

event noun
[ORIGIN: MF or L; MF, fr. L eventus, fr. evenire to happen, fr. venire to come]

1 : something that happens : OCCURRENCE
2 : a noteworthy happening; also : a social occasion or activity
3 : a postulated outcome, condition, or eventuality : CONTINGENCY <in the ~ of rain>
4 : a contest in a program of sports

Synonyms
[1] affair, circumstance, deed, episode, experience, occurrence; also achievement, exploit, feat; news, hap, happening, incident, landmark, milestone, occasion, occurrence, page, phenomenon, tidings, turning point; adventure
[2] affair, fete, function, get-together, party—more at PARTY
[3] case, contingency, eventuality, possibility; also probability; chance, risk
[4] bout, competition, contest, game, match, meet, tournament—more at GAME

event·ful adjective
1 : full of or rich in events
2 : very important

Synonyms
big, consequential, important, major, material, meaningful, momentous, significant, substantial, weighty—more at IMPORTANT

even·tide noun
: the time of evening : EVENING

even·tu·al adjective
: coming at some later time : ULTIMATE

even·tu·al·ly adverb
: at an unspecified later time : in the end

Synonyms
someday, sometime, ultimately, yet—more at YET

even·tu·al·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: a possible event or outcome

Synonyms
case, contingency, event, possibility—more at EVENT

even·tu·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to result finally

ev·er adverb
1 : at all times : ALWAYS
2 : at any time
3 : in any way : AT ALL

Synonyms
[1] always, eternally, everlastingly, forever, permanently, perpetually; also long, perennially
Antonyms
never, nevermore
[2] always, invariably, unfailingly—more at ALWAYS

ev·er·glade noun
: a low-lying tract of swampy or marshy land

ev·er·green adjective
: having foliage that remains green <most coniferous trees are ~>

— evergreen noun

1everlasting adjective
1 : enduring forever : ETERNAL
2 : having or being flowers or foliage that retain form or color for a long time when dried

Synonyms
ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, immortal, permanent, perpetual, undying, unending; also durable, enduring, lasting, persistent; imperishable, indestructible; timeless; abiding, steadfast, steady, unfailing, unfaltering
Antonyms
impermanent, mortal, temporary

2everlasting noun
1 : ETERNITY <from ~>
2 : a plant with everlasting flowers; also : its flower

ev·er·last·ing·ly adverb
: in an everlasting manner

Synonyms
always, eternally, ever, forever, permanently, perpetually—more at EVER

ev·er·more adverb
: for a limitless time : FOREVER

ev·ery adjective
[ORIGIN: ME everich, every, fr. OE ǣfre ǣlc, fr. ǣfre ever + ǣlc each]

1 : being each one of a group
2 : all possible <given ~ chance>; also : COMPLETE <have ~ confidence>

ev·ery·body pronoun
: every person

ev·ery·day adjective
: encountered or used routinely : ORDINARY

Synonyms
average, common, commonplace, customary, familiar, normal, ordinary, prosaic, routine, run-of-the-mill, standard, unexceptional, unremarkable, usual, workaday—more at ORDINARY

ev·ery·one pronoun
: every person : EVERYBODY

ev·ery·thing pronoun
1 : all that exists
2 : all that is relevant

ev·ery·where adverb
: in every place or part

evg abbreviation
evening

evict verb
1 : to put (a person) out from a property by legal process
2 : EXPEL

— evic·tion noun

1evidence noun
1 : an outward sign
2 : something that furnishes proof : PROOF, TESTIMONY; especially : matter submitted in court to determine the truth of alleged facts

Synonyms
attestation, confirmation, corroboration, documentation, proof, substantiation, testament, testimony, validation, witness—more at PROOF

2evidence verb
: PROVE, EVINCE

ev·i·dent adjective
: clear to the vision and understanding

Synonyms
apparent, broad, clear, clear-cut, distinct, lucid, manifest, obvious, palpable, patent, perspicuous, plain, transparent, unambiguous, unequivocal, unmistakable—more at CLEAR

ev·i·dent·ly adverb
1 : in an evident manner
2 : on the basis of available evidence <he was born ~ in Texas>

Synonyms
apparently, ostensibly, presumably, seemingly, supposedly—more at APPARENTLY

1evil adjective evil·er or evil·ler; evil·est or evil·lest
1 : morally reprehensible : WICKED
2 : causing or threatening distress or harm : PERNICIOUS

— evil·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] bad, black, immoral, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, vicious, vile, villainous, wicked, wrong
[2] bad, damaging, deleterious, detrimental, harmful, hurtful, injurious, noxious, pernicious—more at HARMFUL

2evil noun
1 : the fact of suffering, misfortune, and wrongdoing; also : evil actions or deeds
2 : a source of sorrow, distress, or calamity

Synonyms
bad, ill, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy, wrong; also atrociousness, badness, heinousness, sinfulness, vileness, wickedness; devilry; cancer, decay, rot, squalor; corruption, debauchery, degeneracy, depravity, indecency, perversion; abomination, anathema, taboo
Antonyms
good, morality, right, virtue

evil·do·er noun
: one who does evil

Synonyms
beast, devil, fiend, no-good, reprobate, rogue, varlet, villain, wretch—more at VILLAIN
malefactor, sinner, wrongdoer; also criminal, crook, felon, lawbreaker, miscreant, reprobate, transgressor, villain

evil–mind·ed adjective
: having an evil disposition or evil thoughts

— evil–mind·ed·ly adverb

evince verb evinced; evinc·ing
: to constitute outward evidence of : SHOW, REVEAL

Synonyms
bespeak, betray, demonstrate, display, expose, give away, manifest, reveal, show—more at SHOW

evis·cer·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to remove the entrails of
2 : to deprive of vital content or force

— evis·cer·a·tion noun

Synonyms
clean, draw, gut—more at GUT

evoke verb evoked; evok·ing
: to call forth or up

— evo·ca·tion noun

— evoc·a·tive adjective

Synonyms
elicit, raise

evo·lu·tion noun
1 : one of a set of prescribed movements (as in a dance)
2 : a process of change in a particular direction
3 : a theory that the various kinds of plants and animals are descended from other kinds that lived in earlier times and that the differences are due to inherited changes that occurred over many generations

— evo·lu·tion·ary adjective

— evo·lu·tion·ist noun

Synonyms
development, elaboration, expansion, growth, progress, progression—more at DEVELOPMENT

evolve verb evolved; evolv·ing
[ORIGIN: L evolvere to unroll]

: to develop or change by or as if by evolution

EW abbreviation
enlisted woman

ewe noun
: a female sheep

ew·er noun
: a water pitcher

1ex preposition
[ORIGIN: L]

: out of : FROM

2ex noun
: a former spouse

3ex abbreviation
1 example
2 express
3 extra

Ex abbreviation
Exodus

ex- prefix
1 : out of : outside
2 : former <ex-president>

ex·ac·er·bate verb -bat·ed; -bat·ing
: to make more violent, bitter, or severe

— ex·ac·er·ba·tion noun

1exact verb
1 : to demand and force or compel (as payment, surrender, concession, performance, or compliance)
2 : to call for or establish as suitable or necessary

— ex·ac·tion noun

Synonyms
call, claim, command, demand, enjoin, extort, insist, press
assess, charge, fine, impose, lay, levy, put—more at IMPOSE

2exact adjective
: precisely accurate or correct

Synonyms
accurate, correct, precise, proper, right, so, true—more at CORRECT
delicate, fine, minute, nice, refined, subtle—more at FINE

ex·act·ly adverb
1 : in a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly conforms to a fact or condition; also : in every respect
2 : quite so : as you say or state — used to express agreement

Synonyms
accurately, just, precisely, right, sharp, squarely, strictly

ex·act·ness noun
: the quality or an instance of being exact

Synonyms
accuracy, closeness, delicacy, fineness, precision, veracity—more at PRECISION

ex·act·ing adjective
1 : greatly demanding <an ~ taskmaster>
2 : requiring close attention and precision

Synonyms
[1] choosy, demanding, fastidious, finicky, particular, picky—more at FINICKY
[1] inflexible, rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent, uncompromising—more at RIGID
[2] arduous, burdensome, challenging, demanding, grueling, laborious, onerous, taxing, toilsome—more at DEMANDING

ex·ac·ti·tude noun
: the quality or state of being exact

ex·ag·ger·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
[ORIGIN: L exaggeratus, pp. of exaggerare, lit., to heap up, fr. agger heap]

: to enlarge (as a statement) beyond normal

— ex·ag·ger·at·ed·ly adverb

— ex·ag·ger·a·tor noun

Synonyms
color, elaborate, embellish, embroider, magnify, pad, stretch—more at EMBROIDER

ex·ag·ger·a·tion noun
: the act of exaggerating; also : the state or an instance of being exaggerated

Synonyms
elaboration, embellishment, hyperbole, magnification, overstatement, padding; also amplification, enhancement; fabrication, misrepresentation; fudging, hedging
Antonyms
understatement

ex·alt verb
1 : to raise up esp. in rank, power, or dignity
2 : to elevate in estimation : GLORIFY

— ex·al·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] aggrandize, dignify, ennoble, glorify, magnify; also boost, elevate, lift, promote, raise, upgrade, uplift; heighten, intensify; idealize, sanitize; canonize, deify; acclaim, extol, honor, laud, praise
Antonyms
abase, debase, degrade, demean, humble, humiliate

ex·am noun
: an exercise or a series of exercises designed to examine progress or test qualification : EXAMINATION

ex·am·i·na·tion noun
1 : the act or process of examining; also : the state of being examined
2 : an exercise designed to examine progress or test qualification or knowledge
3 : a formal interrogation

Synonyms
[1] exploration, inquiry, investigation, probe, research, study—more at INQUIRY
[2] quiz, test; also catechism; audition; final; checkup, inspection, review; inquiry, interrogation, investigation, probe, research

ex·am·ine verb ex·am·ined; ex·am·in·ing
1 : to inspect closely
2 : to attempt to determine or test by questioning

Synonyms
[1] audit, check, inspect, review, scan, scrutinize, survey—more at INSPECT
[2] grill, interrogate, pump, query, question, quiz; also debrief; cross-examine; catechize; annoy, harass, hound, pester

ex·am·ple noun
1 : something forming a model to be followed or avoided
2 : a representative sample
3 : a problem to be solved in order to show the application of some rule

Synonyms
case, exemplar, illustration, instance, representative, sample, specimen; also cross section; evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

ex·as·per·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to excite the anger of : VEX, IRRITATE

Synonyms
aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, grate, irk, irritate, vex—more at IRRITATE

ex·as·per·a·tion noun
: the state of being exasperated; also : the act or source of being exasperated

Synonyms
aggravation, annoyance, bother, frustration, hassle, headache, irritant, nuisance, problem, thorn, vexation—more at ANNOYANCE

exc abbreviation
1 excellent
2 except

ex·ca·vate verb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
1 : to hollow out; also : to form by hollowing out
2 : to dig out and remove (as earth)
3 : to reveal to view by digging away a covering

— ex·ca·va·tion noun

— ex·ca·va·tor noun

ex·ceed verb
1 : to go or be beyond the limit of
2 : to be greater than or superior to : SURPASS

Synonyms
[1, 2] overreach, overrun, overshoot, overstep, surpass; also encroach, entrench, infringe, invade, trespass; overdo, overuse, overwork

ex·ceed·ing·ly also ex·ceed·ing adverb
: to an extreme degree : EXTREMELY, VERY

ex·cel verb ex·celled; ex·cel·ling
: to be superior to : SURPASS, OUTDO

Synonyms
beat, better, eclipse, outdistance, outdo, outshine, outstrip, surpass, top, transcend—more at SURPASS

ex·cel·lence noun
1 : the quality of being excellent
2 : an excellent or valuable quality : VIRTUE
3 : EXCELLENCY 2

Synonyms
[1] distinction, greatness, preeminence, superiority, supremacy; also flawlessness, impeccability, perfection; goodness, value, worth; consequence, importance, notability
[2] distinction, merit, value, virtue; also advantage, edge, superiority
Antonyms
deficiency

ex·cel·len·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : outstanding or valuable quality : EXCELLENCE
2 — used as a title of honor

ex·cel·lent adjective
: very good of its kind

— ex·cel·lent·ly adverb

Synonyms
A1, fabulous, fine, grand, great, marvelous, prime, sensational, splendid, superb, superior, unsurpassed, wonderful; also better, exceptional, fancy, premium, special
Antonyms
poor

ex·cel·si·or noun
: fine curled wood shavings used esp. for packing fragile items

1except also ex·cept·ing preposition
: with the exclusion or exception of <daily ~ Sundays>

Synonyms
aside from, bar, barring, besides, but, outside, save

2except verb
1 : to take or leave out
2 : OBJECT

Synonyms
ban, bar, count out, debar, eliminate, exclude, rule out—more at EXCLUDE

3except also excepting conjunction
1 : UNLESS <~ you repent>
2 : were it not that : ONLY <I'd go, ~ it's too far>

Synonyms
but, only, yet

except for preposition
1 : with the exception of <everyone was gone except for me>
2 : were it not for <except for you I would be dead>

ex·cep·tion noun
1 : the act of excepting
2 : something excepted
3 : OBJECTION

ex·cep·tion·able adjective
: being likely to cause objection : OBJECTIONABLE

ex·cep·tion·al adjective
1 : forming an exception : UNUSUAL <an ~ number of rainy days>
2 : SUPERIOR <~ skill>

— ex·cep·tion·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
abnormal, atypical, rare, singular, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted; also conspicuous, notable, noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, salient, striking; bizarre, deviant, eccentric, outlandish, quaint, strange, weird; incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, unimaginable, unthinkable
Antonyms
common, customary, normal, ordinary, typical

ex·cerpt noun
: a passage selected or copied : EXTRACT

— excerpt verb

1excess noun
1 : the state or an instance of surpassing usual, proper, or specified limits : SUPERFLUITY, SURPLUS
2 : the amount by which one quantity exceeds another
3 : INTEMPERANCE; also : an instance of intemperance

Synonyms
fat, overabundance, overflow, superfluity, surfeit, surplus; also abundance, bounty, plenty, profusion, sufficiency; overproduction, overstock
Antonyms
deficiency, deficit, insufficiency

2excess adjective
: more than the usual, proper, or specified amount

Synonyms
extra, spare, superfluous, supernumerary, surplus—more at SPARE

ex·ces·sive adjective
: exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal

Synonyms
extravagant, extreme, immoderate, inordinate, lavish, overmuch, steep, stiff; also boundless, endless, immeasurable, infinite, limitless; intolerable, unbearable, unjustifiable, unwarranted; improper, inappropriate, thick, unseemly
Antonyms
moderate, modest, reasonable, temperate

ex·ces·sive·ly adverb
: to an exceptional or even improper degree

Synonyms
inordinately, overly, overmuch, too—more at TOO

exch abbreviation
exchange; exchanged

1exchange noun
1 : the giving or taking of one thing in return for another : TRADE
2 : a substituting of one thing for another
3 : interchange of valuables and esp. of bills of exchange or money of different countries
4 : a place where things and services are exchanged; especially : a marketplace for securities
5 : a central office in which telephone lines are connected for communication
6 : a reciprocal interchange (as of things or ideas); also : the act of such an interchange

Synonyms
[1] barter, commutation, swap, trade, truck; also replacement, substitution; reciprocation, recompense, requital; bargain, deal, horse trade, negotiation, transaction; bargaining, dealing, dickering, haggling, horse trading; logrolling
[6] colloquy, conversation, dialogue, discourse, discussion—more at CONVERSATION

2exchange verb ex·changed; ex·chang·ing
: to transfer in return for some equivalent : SWAP

— ex·change·able adjective

Synonyms
change, commute, shift, substitute, swap, switch, trade—more at CHANGE

ex·che·quer noun
[ORIGIN: ME escheker, fr. AF, chessboard, counting table, office charged with revenue collection, fr. eschec check (in chess), chess]

: TREASURY; especially : a national treasury

ex·cise noun
: a tax on the manufacture, sale, or consumption of a commodity

ex·ci·sion noun
: removal by or as if by cutting out esp. by surgical means

— ex·cise verb

ex·cit·able adjective
: easily excited

— ex·cit·abil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
flighty, fluttery, high-strung, jittery, jumpy, nervous, skittish, spooky; also hot-blooded, mercurial, temperamental, unstable, volatile; anxious, edgy, jumpy, nervy, tense, uptight; emotional, hypersensitive, intense, sensitive, soulful; dramatic, histrionic, melodramatic; irascible, irritable, prickly, testy, touchy
Antonyms
unflappable

ex·cite verb ex·cit·ed; ex·cit·ing
1 : to stir up the emotions of
2 : to increase the activity of : STIMULATE

— ex·ci·ta·tion noun

— ex·cit·ed·ly adverb

— ex·cit·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] electrify, exhilarate, galvanize, intoxicate, thrill, titillate, turn on—more at THRILL
[2] arouse, encourage, fire, incite, instigate, move, pique, provoke, stimulate, stir

ex·cite·ment noun
1 : something that excites or rouses
2 : the action of exciting : the state of being excited

Synonyms
[1] incitement, instigation, provocation, stimulus—more at PROVOCATION
[2] appetite, ardor, avidity, eagerness, enthusiasm, hunger, impatience, keenness, thirst—more at EAGERNESS

ex·cit·ing adjective
: producing excitement

Synonyms
breathtaking, electric, exhilarating, rousing, stirring, thrilling; also arresting, interesting, intriguing, provocative, tantalizing; absorbing, engrossing, gripping, riveting; moving, poignant, touching; enthralling, fascinating
Antonyms
unexciting

ex·claim verb
: to cry out, speak, or utter sharply or vehemently

— ex·cla·ma·tion noun

— ex·clam·a·to·ry adjective

exclamation point noun
: a punctuation mark ! used esp. after an interjection or exclamation

ex·clude verb ex·clud·ed; ex·clud·ing
1 : to prevent from using or participating : BAR
2 : to put out : EXPEL

— ex·clu·sion noun

Synonyms
ban, bar, count out, debar, eliminate, except, rule out; also blackball, blacklist, ostracize; banish, deport, exile, expel, oust, throw out; block, hinder, impede, obstruct; cease, discontinue, halt, suspend; deter, stave off, ward (off)
Antonyms
admit, include

ex·clu·sive adjective
1 : reserved for particular persons
2 : snobbishly aloof; also : STYLISH
3 : having no sharer : SOLE <~ rights>; also : UNDIVIDED

— exclusive noun

— ex·clu·sive·ness noun

— ex·clu·siv·i·ty noun

ex·clu·sive·ly adverb
: in an exclusive manner

Synonyms
alone, just, only, simply, solely—more at SOLELY

exclusive of preposition
: not taking into account

ex·cog·i·tate verb
: to think out : DEVISE

ex·com·mu·ni·cate verb
: to cut off officially from the rites of the church

— ex·com·mu·ni·ca·tion noun

ex·co·ri·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to criticize severely

— ex·co·ri·a·tion noun

Synonyms
abuse, assail, attack, belabor, blast, castigate, jump, lambaste, slam, vituperate—more at ATTACK

ex·cre·ment noun
: waste discharged from the body and esp. from the alimentary canal; especially : FECES

— ex·cre·men·tal adjective

ex·cres·cence noun
: OUTGROWTH; especially : an abnormal outgrowth (as a wart)

Synonyms
growth, lump, neoplasm, tumor—more at GROWTH

ex·cre·ta noun plural
: waste matter separated or eliminated from an organism

ex·crete verb ex·cret·ed; ex·cret·ing
: to separate and eliminate wastes from the body esp. in urine or sweat

— ex·cre·tion noun

— ex·cre·to·ry adjective

ex·cru·ci·at·ing adjective
[ORIGIN: L excruciare, fr. cruciare to crucify, fr. crux cross]

: intensely painful, distressing, or difficult to bear

— ex·cru·ci·at·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
agonizing, harrowing; also acute, exquisite, extreme, fierce, intense, vehement, violent; piercing, sharp, shooting, stabbing, stinging, tearing, tingling

ex·cul·pate verb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
: to clear from alleged fault or guilt

Synonyms
absolve, acquit, clear, exonerate, vindicate; also atone (for), expiate; discharge, liberate, redeem, release, unburden; condone, excuse, forgive, pardon, remit; avenge, redress, revenge
Antonyms
incriminate

ex·cur·sion noun
1 a : EXPEDITION
b : a pleasure trip
2 : deviation from a direct, definite, or proper course : DIGRESSION

Synonyms
jaunt, junket, outing, sally; also journey; circuit, tour; expedition, odyssey, safari; detour; hike, peregrination, trek, walk; pilgrimage

ex·cur·sion·ist noun
: a person who goes on an excursion

Synonyms
sightseer, tourist, traveler—more at TOURIST

ex·cur·sive adjective
: constituting or characterized by digression

ex·cus·able adjective
: capable of or fit for being excused, forgiven, justified, or acquitted of blame

Synonyms
forgivable, pardonable, venial—more at VENIAL

1excuse verb ex·cused; ex·cus·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF excuser, fr. L excusare, fr. causa cause, explanation]

1 a : to make excuse for : offer apology for
b : to try to remove blame from
2 : to forgive entirely or overlook as of little consequence : PARDON
3 : to release from an obligation
4 : JUSTIFY

Synonyms
brush, disregard, gloss, pardon, pass over, shrug off; also explain, justify, rationalize, whitewash; absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

2excuse noun
1 : an act of excusing
2 : something that excuses or is a reason for excusing : JUSTIFICATION

Synonyms
alibi, defense, justification, plea, reason; also guise, pretense, pretext, rationale, rationalization; cop-out, out; acknowledgment, apology, atonement, confession

exec noun
: EXECUTIVE

ex·e·cra·ble adjective
1 : DETESTABLE
2 : very bad <~ spelling>

Synonyms
atrocious, awful, lousy, punk, rotten, terrible, wretched

ex·e·crate verb -crat·ed; -crat·ing
[ORIGIN: L exsecratus, pp. of exsecrari to put under a curse, fr. ex- out of + sacer sacred]

: to denounce as evil or detestable; also : DETEST

Synonyms
condemn, damn, denounce; also curse, imprecate; abhor, abominate, detest, hate, loathe; berate, lambaste, revile, scold; blame, censure, criticize, rebuke
Antonyms
bless
abhor, abominate, despise, detest, hate, loathe—more at HATE

ex·e·cra·tion noun
1 : the act of cursing or denouncing; also : the curse so uttered
2 : an object of curses : something detested

Synonyms
anathema, curse, imprecation, malediction—more at CURSE

ex·e·cute verb -cut·ed; -cut·ing
1 : to carry out fully : put completely into effect
2 : to do what is called for by (as a law)
3 : to put to death esp. in accordance with a legal sentence
4 : to produce by carrying out a design
5 : to do what is needed to give validity to <~ a deed>

— ex·e·cu·tion·er noun

Synonyms
[1] accomplish, achieve, carry out, commit, compass, do, follow through, make, perform—more at PERFORM
[1, 2] administer, apply, enforce, implement—more at ENFORCE
[3] dispatch, do in, liquidate, murder, slay—more at MURDER

ex·e·cu·tion noun
: the act or process of executing

Synonyms
accomplishment, achievement, commission, discharge, enactment, fulfillment, implementation, performance, perpetration—more at COMMISSION

1executive adjective
1 : of or relating to the enforcement of laws and the conduct of affairs
2 : designed for or related to carrying out plans or purposes

Synonyms
directorial, managerial, supervisory; also bureaucratic, governmental, ministerial, official, parliamentary; regulatory; authoritarian, despotic, dictatorial

2executive noun
1 : the branch of government with executive duties
2 : one having administrative or managerial responsibility

Synonyms
administrator, director, manager, superintendent, supervisor; also officer, official; commissioner, minister; boss, chief, head, leader, president

ex·ec·u·tor noun
: the person named in a will to execute it

ex·ec·u·trix noun, plural ex·ec·u·tri·ces or ex·ec·u·trix·es
: a woman who is an executor

ex·e·ge·sis noun, plural -ge·ses
: explanation or critical interpretation of a text

ex·e·gete noun
: one who practices exegesis

— ex·e·get·i·cal adjective

ex·em·plar noun
1 : one that serves as a model or example; especially : an ideal model
2 : a typical instance or example

Synonyms
[1] beau ideal, classic, epitome, ideal, model, nonpareil, paragon, perfection, quintessence—more at QUINTESSENCE
[2] case, example, illustration, instance, representative, sample, specimen—more at EXAMPLE

ex·em·pla·ry adjective
: serving as a pattern; also : COMMENDABLE

ex·em·pli·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to illustrate by example : serve as an example of

— ex·em·pli·fi·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
demonstrate, illustrate, instance—more at ILLUSTRATE

1exempt adjective
: free from some liability to which others are subject

2exempt verb
: to make exempt : EXCUSE

— ex·emp·tion noun

1exercise noun
1 : the act of bringing into play or realizing in action : EMPLOYMENT, USE <~ of authority>
2 : exertion made for the sake of training or physical fitness
3 : a task or problem done to develop skill
4 plural : a public exhibition or ceremony

Synonyms
[1] application, employment, operation, play, use—more at USE
[2] activity, exertion; also training, workout; toning, trimming; aerobics, calisthenics, isometrics, weight lifting; physical therapy
[3] drill, practice, routine, training, workout; also assignment, homework, lesson

2exercise verb -cised; -cis·ing
1 : to make effective in action; also : to bring to bear : EXERT <~ control>
2 : to train by or engage in exercise
3 : to cause anxiety, alarm, or indignation in : WORRY, DISTRESS

— ex·er·cis·er noun

Synonyms
[1] apply, exert, put out, wield—more at EXERT
[1] apply, employ, exploit, harness, operate, use, utilize—more at USE

ex·ert verb
: to bring or put into action <~ influence> <~ed himself>

Synonyms
apply, exercise, put out, wield; also employ, use, utilize

ex·er·tion noun
: the act or an instance of exerting; especially : a laborious or perceptible effort

Synonyms
activity, exercise—more at EXERCISE
effort, labor, pains, sweat, trouble, work—more at EFFORT

ex·fo·li·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to cast off in scales, layers, or splinters

— ex·fo·lia·tion noun

ex·hale verb ex·haled; ex·hal·ing
1 : to breathe out
2 : to give or pass off in the form of vapor

— ex·ha·la·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] blow, breathe, expire
Antonyms
inhale, inspire
[2] cast, discharge, emit, expel, issue, release, shoot, vent—more at EMIT

1exhaust verb
1 : to use up wholly
2 : to tire or wear out
3 : to draw off or let out completely; also : EMPTY
4 : to develop (a subject) completely

Synonyms
[1] clean, consume, deplete, drain, expend, spend, use up—more at DEPLETE
[2] burn out, do in, drain, fag, fatigue, tire, tucker, wash out, wear, wear out, weary; also debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, sap, waste, weaken

2exhaust noun
1 : the escape of used vapor or gas from an engine; also : the gas that escapes
2 : a system of pipes through which exhaust escapes

ex·haus·tion noun
: extreme weariness : FATIGUE

Synonyms
burnout, collapse, fatigue, lassitude, prostration, tiredness, weariness—more at FATIGUE

ex·haus·tive adjective
: covering all possibilities : THOROUGH

Synonyms
all-out, clean, complete, comprehensive, full-scale, out-and-out, thorough, thoroughgoing, total; also broad, extensive, far-reaching, wide; general, global, inclusive

ex·haus·tive·ly adverb
: in a thorough or exhaustive manner

Synonyms
completely, fully, minutely, roundly, thoroughly, totally—more at THOROUGHLY

1exhibit verb
1 : to display esp. publicly
2 : to present to a court in legal form

— ex·hib·i·tor noun

2exhibit noun
1 : an act or instance of exhibiting; also : something exhibited
2 : something produced and identified in court for use as evidence

Synonyms
display, exhibition, exposition, fair, show—more at EXHIBITION

ex·hi·bi·tion noun
: an act or instance of exhibiting; also : a public showing (as of works of art, objects of manufacture, or athletic skill)

Synonyms
demonstration, display, show—more at SHOW
display, exhibit, exposition, fair, show; also demonstration, performance, presentation, production; extravaganza, pageant, spectacle; auction, offering, sale

ex·hi·bi·tion·ism noun
1 : a perversion marked by a tendency to indecently expose one's genitals
2 : the act or practice of behaving so as to attract attention to oneself

— ex·hi·bi·tion·ist noun or adjective

ex·hil·a·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
: to make cheerful and excited

Synonyms
elate, elevate, enrapture, thrill, transport—more at ELATE

exhilirating adjective
: serving to exhilarate

Synonyms
breathtaking, exciting, rousing, stirring, thrilling—more at EXCITING

ex·hil·a·ra·tion noun
1 : the action of exhilarating
2 : the feeling or the state of being exhilarated

Synonyms
ecstasy, elation, euphoria, heaven, intoxication, paradise, rapture, rhapsody, thrill, transport—more at ECSTASY

ex·hort verb
: to urge, advise, or warn earnestly

— ex·hor·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
egg, encourage, goad, press, prod, prompt, urge—more at URGE

ex·hume verb ex·humed; ex·hum·ing
[ORIGIN: ME fr. ML exhumare, fr. L ex out of + humus earth]

: DISINTER

— ex·hu·ma·tion noun

ex·i·gen·cy noun, plural -cies
1 plural : REQUIREMENTS
2 : urgent need

— ex·i·gent adjective

ex·ig·u·ous adjective
: scanty in amount

— ex·i·gu·i·ty noun

1exile noun
1 : the state or a period of forced absence from one's country or home : BANISHMENT; also : voluntary absence from one's country or home
2 : a person driven from his or her native place

Synonyms
[1] banishment, deportation, displacement, expulsion; also ostracism; extradition; dispersion, scattering; emigration, migration; evacuation
[2] émigré, evacuee, expatriate, refugee—more at ÉMIGRÉ

2exile verb ex·iled; ex·il·ing
: to expel from one's own country or home : BANISH

Synonyms
banish, deport, displace, expatriate, transport—more at BANISH

ex·ist verb
1 : to have being
2 : to continue to be : LIVE

Synonyms
be, breathe, live, subsist—more at BE

ex·is·tence noun
1 : continuance in living
2 : actual or present occurrence <~ of a state of war>
3 : something existing

Synonyms
actuality, reality, subsistence; also genuineness, realness; activity, animation, life; currency, presence, prevalence
Antonyms
nonexistence

ex·is·tent adjective
: having being; also : existing now

Synonyms
actual, concrete, factual, real, true, very—more at ACTUAL
alive, extant, living—more at EXTANT

ex·is·ten·tial adjective
1 : of or relating to existence
2 : EMPIRICAL
3 : having being in time and space
4 : of or relating to existentialism or existentialists

ex·is·ten·tial·ism noun
: a philosophy centered on individual existence and personal responsibility for acts of free will in the absence of certain knowledge of what is right or wrong

— ex·is·ten·tial·ist adjective or noun

1exit noun
1 : a departure from a stage
2 : a going out or away; also : DEATH
3 : a way out of an enclosed space
4 : a point of departure from an expressway

Synonyms
[2] departure, farewell, leave-taking, parting—more at DEPARTURE
[3] egress, issue, outlet; also escape, release; opening, passage, vent
Antonyms
entrance, entry; ingress

2exit verb
: to go out or away from

Synonyms
clear out, depart, get off, go, move, pull, quit, sally, shove, take off—more at GO

exo·bi·ol·o·gy noun
: biology concerned with life originating or existing outside the earth or its atmosphere

— exo·bi·ol·o·gist noun

exo·crine gland noun
: a gland (as a salivary gland) that releases a secretion externally by means of a canal or duct

Exod abbreviation
Exodus

ex·o·dus noun
1 cap : the mainly narrative second book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture
2 : a mass departure : EMIGRATION

ex of·fi·cio adverb or adjective
: by virtue of or because of an office <ex officio chairman>

ex·og·e·nous adjective
: caused or produced by factors outside the organism or system

— ex·og·e·nous·ly adverb

ex·on·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L exoneratus, pp. of exonerare to unburden, fr. ex- out + onus load]

: to free from blame

— ex·on·er·a·tion noun

Synonyms
absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, vindicate—more at EXCULPATE

ex·or·bi·tant adjective
: exceeding what is usual or proper

Synonyms
excessive, extravagant, extreme, immoderate, inordinate, lavish, steep, stiff—more at EXCESSIVE

ex·or·cise verb -cised; -cis·ing
1 : to get rid of by or as if by solemn command
2 : to free of an evil spirit

— ex·or·cism noun

— ex·or·cist noun

exo·sphere noun
: the outermost region of the atmosphere

exo·ther·mic adjective
: characterized by or formed with evolution of heat

ex·ot·ic adjective
1 : introduced from another country
2 : strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual

Synonyms
fantastic, glamorous, marvelous, outlandish, romantic, strange; also colorful, picturesque, quaint; alien, foreign; distant, faraway, remote; alluring, captivating, fascinating

exp abbreviation
1 expense
2 experiment
3 export
4 express

ex·pand verb
1 : to open up : UNFOLD
2 : to increase in extent, number, volume, or scope : ENLARGE
3 : to develop in detail

— ex·pand·er noun

Synonyms
[1] extend, fan, flare, open, spread, stretch, unfold
[2] add, aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, compound, enlarge, escalate, extend, increase, multiply, raise, swell, up—more at INCREASE
[3] amplify, develop, elaborate, enlarge; also add (to), complement, supplement; discourse, expatiate, ramble, run on
Antonyms
abbreviate, abridge, condense, shorten

ex·panse noun
: a broad extent (as of land or sea)

Synonyms
breadth, extent, reach, spread, stretch; also domain, field, sphere, territory; compass, range, scope, sweep; gamut, scale, spectrum; depth, emptiness, void; distance, extension, latitude, length, span; amplitude, immensity, magnitude

ex·pan·sion noun
1 : the act or process of expanding
2 : the quality or state of being expanded
3 : an expanded part or thing

Synonyms
[1] development, elaboration, evolution, growth, progress, progression—more at DEVELOPMENT
[3] accretion, addition, augmentation, boost, gain, increase, increment, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement—more at INCREASE

expansion slot noun
: a socket on a motherboard for a circuit board (expansion card) offering additional capabilities

ex·pan·sive adjective
1 : tending to expand or to cause expansion
2 : warmly benevolent, generous, or ready to talk
3 : of large extent or scope

— ex·pan·sive·ly adverb

— ex·pan·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
broad, extended, extensive, far-flung, far-reaching, wide, widespread—more at EXTENSIVE

ex par·te adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: ML]

: from a one-sided point of view

ex·pa·ti·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to talk or write at length

— ex·pa·ti·a·tion noun

1expatriate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to leave one's native country to live elsewhere : EXILE
2 : to drive into exile

Synonyms
banish, deport, displace, exile, transport—more at BANISH

2expatriate adjective
: living in a foreign country

3expatriate noun
: one who lives in a foreign country; specif : one who has renounced his native country

ex·pa·tri·a·tion noun
: the act or action of expatriating

ex·pect verb
1 : SUPPOSE, THINK
2 : to look forward to : ANTICIPATE
3 : to consider reasonable, due, or necessary
4 : to consider to be obliged

Synonyms
anticipate, await, hope, watch; also bank on, count (on or upon), depend (on or upon), rely (on or upon); envisage, foresee; assume, presume, presuppose; contemplate, eye, view

ex·pec·tan·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : EXPECTATION
2 : the expected amount (as of years of life)

ex·pec·tant adjective
: marked by expectation; especially : expecting the birth of a child

— ex·pec·tant·ly adverb

Synonyms
agape, agog, anticipatory; also alert, vigilant, watchful; anxious, breathless, eager, enthusiastic, raring; impatient, restive, restless

ex·pec·ta·tion noun
1 : the act or state of expecting
2 : prospect of good or bad fortune — usu. used in pl.
3 : something expected

ex·pec·to·rant noun
: an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract

— expectorant adjective

ex·pec·to·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
: SPIT

— ex·pec·to·ra·tion noun

ex·pe·di·ence noun
: EXPEDIENCY

ex·pe·di·en·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : fitness to some end
2 : use of expedient means and methods; also : something expedient

1expedient adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF or L; AF, fr. L expediens, prp. of expedire to extricate, prepare, be useful, fr. ex- out + ped-, pes foot]

1 : adapted for achieving a particular end
2 : marked by concern with what is advantageous; especially : governed by self-interest

Synonyms
advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise; also advantageous, beneficial, profitable; useful, utilitarian; feasible, possible, practicable, practical; opportune, seasonable, timely; opportunistic, self-seeking
Antonyms
imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious, unwise

2expedient noun
: something expedient; especially : a temporary means to an end

Synonyms
measure, move, shift, step—more at MEASURE
recourse, resort, resource—more at RESOURCE

ex·pe·dite verb -dit·ed; -dit·ing
: to carry out promptly; also : to speed up

ex·pe·dit·er noun
: one that expedites; especially : one employed to ensure efficient movement of goods or supplies in a business

ex·pe·di·tion noun
1 : a journey for a particular purpose; also : the persons making it
2 : efficient promptness

Synonyms
journey, passage, peregrination, trek, trip—more at JOURNEY

ex·pe·di·tion·ary adjective
: of, relating to, or constituting an expedition; also : sent on military service abroad

ex·pe·di·tious adjective
: marked by or acting with prompt efficiency

Synonyms
alert, prompt, quick, ready, willing—more at QUICK

ex·pel verb ex·pelled; ex·pel·ling
: to drive or force out

Synonyms
banish, boot, bounce, cast, chase, dismiss, drum, eject, oust, rout, run off, throw out—more at EJECT
belch, disgorge, eject, erupt, jet, spew, spout, spurt—more at ERUPT

ex·pend verb
1 : to pay out : SPEND
2 : to make use of; also : USE UP

— ex·pend·able adjective

Synonyms
[1] disburse, give, lay out, pay, spend—more at SPEND
[2] clean, consume, deplete, drain, exhaust, spend, use up—more at DEPLETE

ex·pen·di·ture noun
1 : the act or process of expending
2 : something expended

Synonyms
cost, disbursement, expense, outgo, outlay—more at EXPENSE

ex·pense noun
1 : something expended to secure a benefit or bring about a result : EXPENDITURE
2 : COST
3 : a cause of expenditure
4 : a loss, detriment, or embarrassment that results from some action or gain <had a laugh at my ~>

Synonyms
cost, disbursement, expenditure, outgo, outlay; also overhead; outflow; spending money; charge, price, rate, tab, tariff, toll

ex·pen·sive adjective
: involving high cost or sacrifice : COSTLY, DEAR

Synonyms
costly, dear, high, precious, valuable—more at COSTLY

ex·pen·sive·ly adverb
: in an expensive manner

Synonyms
extravagantly, grandly, high, lavishly, luxuriously, opulently, richly—more at HIGH

1experience noun
1 : observation of or participation in events resulting in or tending toward knowledge
2 : knowledge, practice, or skill derived from observation or participation in events; also : the length of such participation
3 : something encountered, undergone, or lived through (as by a person or community)

Synonyms
[2] expertise, know-how, proficiency, savvy; also background; command, mastery; acquaintance, familiarity, intimacy
Antonyms
inexperience
[3] adventure, happening, time—more at ADVENTURE

2experience verb -enced; -enc·ing
1 : FIND OUT, DISCOVER
2 : to have experience of : UNDERGO

Synonyms
endure, feel, have, know, see, suffer, sustain, taste, undergo; also encounter, meet; accept, receive

ex·pe·ri·enced adjective
: made capable through experience

Synonyms
accomplished, adept, expert, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, versed; also able, capable, competent, fit, good, qualified; educated, prepared, schooled, trained; long-term, old
Antonyms
amateurish, inexperienced, inexpert, unseasoned, unskilled

1experiment noun
: a controlled procedure carried out to discover, test, or demonstrate something; also : the process of testing

Synonyms
test, trial; also trial and error; dry run, shakedown; exercise, practice, rehearsal, workout; crucible, ordeal; attempt, effort, try

2experiment verb
: to make experiments

— ex·per·i·men·ter noun

ex·per·i·men·tal adjective
: of, relating to, or based on experience or experiment; also : serving the ends of or used as a means of experimentation

— ex·per·i·men·tal·ly adverb

ex·per·i·men·ta·tion noun
: the act, process, or practice of making experiments; also : an instance of experimentation

1expert adjective
: showing special skill or knowledge

— ex·pert·ness noun

Synonyms
accomplished, ace, adept, crack, experienced, master, masterful, masterly, practiced, proficient, seasoned, skilled, skillful, versed—more at EXPERIENCED

2expert noun
: an expert person

Synonyms
ace, artist, authority, master, scholar, shark, virtuoso, whiz, wizard; also pro, professional; specialist; addict, aficionado, buff, devotee, enthusiast, fan; craftsman, journeyman; jack-of-all-trades
Antonyms
amateur

ex·per·tise noun
: the skill of an expert

Synonyms
experience, know-how, proficiency, savvy—more at EXPERIENCE

ex·pert·ly adverb
: in an expert manner

Synonyms
ably, adeptly, capably, masterfully, proficiently, skillfully, well—more at WELL

expert system noun
: computer software that attempts to mimic the reasoning of a human specialist

ex·pi·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to give satisfaction for : ATONE

— ex·pi·a·tion noun

ex·pi·a·to·ry adjective
: serving to expiate

ex·pi·ra·tion noun
1 : the last emission of breath; also : the act or process of releasing air from the lungs through the nose or mouth
2 : the fact of coming to an end or the point at which something ends

Synonyms
death, demise, termination—more at DEATH
cessation, close, conclusion, end, ending, finish, shutdown, stop, stoppage, termination—more at END

expiration date noun
1 : the date after which something is no longer in effect
2 : the date after which a product is expected to decline in quality or effectiveness

ex·pire verb ex·pired; ex·pir·ing
1 : to breathe one's last breath : DIE
2 : to come to an end
3 : to breathe out from or as if from the lungs

Synonyms
[1] decease, depart, die, pass, pass away, perish, succumb—more at DIE
[2] cease, close, conclude, die, discontinue, end, finish, halt, pass, quit, stop, terminate—more at CEASE
[3] blow, breathe, exhale—more at EXHALE

ex·pla·na·tion noun
1 : the act or process of explaining
2 : something that explains

Synonyms
clarification, construction, elucidation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation; also paraphrase, restatement, translation; deciphering, decoding; unscrambling; analysis; definition, meaning; demonstration, enactment; justification, rationale, rationalization, reasoning
argument, case, rationale, reason—more at REASON

ex·plain verb
[ORIGIN: ME explanen, fr. L explanare, lit., to make level, fr. planus level, flat]

1 : to make clear
2 : to give the reason for

— ex·plan·a·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
[1] clarify, clear, construe, demonstrate, elucidate, explicate, expound, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out; also decipher, decode; analyze, break down; disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle; resolve, solve; define, specify
Antonyms
obscure
[2] account, rationalize; also condone, excuse, forgive, justify; absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

explain away verb
: to get rid of by or as if by explanation; also : to minimize the significance of by or as if by explanation

ex·ple·tive noun
: a usu. profane exclamation

ex·pli·ca·ble adjective
: capable of being explained

Synonyms
answerable, resolvable, soluble, solvable—more at SOLVABLE

ex·pli·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to give a detailed explanation of; especially : to interpret the meaning or sense of

Synonyms
clarify, clear, construe, demonstrate, elucidate, explain, expound, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out—more at EXPLAIN

ex·pli·ca·tion noun
1 : the act or process of explicating
2 : something that explicates or that results from the act or process of explicating

Synonyms
clarification, construction, elucidation, explanation, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation—more at EXPLANATION

ex·plic·it adjective
: clearly and precisely expressed

— ex·plic·it·ly adverb

Synonyms
clear-cut, definite, definitive, express, specific, unambiguous, unequivocal; also declared, stated; categorical, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, full; certain, sure, unmistakable; clear, distinct, lucid, exact, precise; direct, literal, plain, simple, straightforward; comprehensible, intelligible, understandable
Antonyms
implicit, implied, inferred; ambiguous, circuitous

ex·plic·it·ness noun
: the quality or state of being explicit

Synonyms
clarity, lucidity, perspicuity, simplicity—more at SIMPLICITY

ex·plode verb ex·plod·ed; ex·plod·ing
[ORIGIN: L explodere to drive off the stage by clapping, fr. ex- out + plaudere to clap]

1 : DISCREDIT <~ a belief>
2 : to burst or cause to burst violently and noisily <~ a bomb> <the boiler exploded>
3 : to undergo a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with production of heat and violent expansion of gas <dynamite ~s>
4 : to give forth a sudden strong and noisy outburst of emotion
5 : to increase rapidly <the city's population exploded>
6 : to suggest an explosion (as in appearance or effect)

Synonyms
[2] blow up, burst, detonate, go off, pop; also fragment, shatter, smash, splinter; discharge, fire, shoot; balloon, burgeon, mushroom
Antonyms
implode
[6] break out, burst, erupt, flame, flare, go off—more at ERUPT

ex·plod·ed adjective
: showing the parts separated but in correct relationship to each other <an ~ view of a carburetor>

1exploit noun
: something that is done; especially : a notable or heroic act

Synonyms
act, action, deed, feat, stunt, trick—more at FEAT

2exploit verb
1 : to make productive use of : UTILIZE
2 : to use unfairly for one's own advantage

— ex·ploi·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] apply, employ, exercise, harness, operate, use, utilize—more at USE
[2] abuse, capitalize, cash in, impose, play, use; also manipulate, mistreat; bleed, cheat, fleece, overcharge, skin, soak, stick; commercialize

ex·plo·ra·tion noun
: the act or an instance of exploring

Synonyms
examination, inquiry, investigation, probe, research, study—more at INQUIRY

ex·plore verb ex·plored; ex·plor·ing
1 : to look into or travel over thoroughly
2 : to examine carefully <~ a wound>

— ex·plor·ato·ry adjective

— ex·plor·er noun

Synonyms
[1] hunt, probe, prospect, search; also reconnoiter, scout; disclose, discover, reveal, unearth; fathom, plumb, sound
[2] delve, dig, go, inquire, investigate, look, probe, research; also examine, inspect, sift, study, view; browse, peruse, scan, skim (through), thumb (through)

ex·plo·sion noun
: the act or an instance of exploding

Synonyms
agony, burst, fit, flash, flush, outburst, paroxysm, spasm, storm—more at OUTBURST
blast, detonation, eruption; also discharge, firing, shooting; blowout, flare-up; bang, boom, pop
Antonyms
implosion

ex·plo·sive adjective
1 a : relating to or able to cause explosion
b : characterized by or like an explosion
2 : tending to explode; also : likely to erupt in or produce hostile reaction or violence

— explosive noun

— ex·plo·sive·ly adverb

Synonyms
ferocious, fierce, furious, hot, rabid, rough, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, violent, volcanic—more at VIOLENT

ex·po noun, plural expos
: EXPOSITION 2

ex·po·nent noun
1 : a symbol written above and to the right of a mathematical expression (as 3 in a^3) to signify how many times it is to be used as a factor
2 : INTERPRETER, EXPOUNDER
3 : one that champions, practices, or exemplifies : ADVOCATE

— ex·po·nen·tial adjective

— ex·po·nen·tial·ly adverb

Synonyms
advocate, apostle, backer, booster, champion, friend, promoter, proponent, supporter; also loyalist, partisan, stalwart; adherent, cohort, disciple, follower; expounder, interpreter; cheerleader
Antonyms
adversary, antagonist, opponent

ex·po·nen·ti·a·tion noun
: the mathematical operation of raising a quantity to a power

1export verb
: to send (as merchandise) to foreign countries

— ex·por·ta·tion noun

— ex·port·er noun

2export noun
1 : something exported esp. for trade
2 : the act of exporting

ex·pose verb ex·posed; ex·pos·ing
1 : to deprive of shelter or protection
2 : to submit or subject to an action or influence; especially : to subject (as photographic film) to radiant energy (as light)
3 : to bring to light; especially : to disclose or reveal the true nature of
4 : to cause to be open to view

Synonyms
[3] bare, disclose, discover, divulge, reveal, spill, tell
[3] debunk, show up, uncloak, uncover, unmask; also discredit, disprove; disclose, divulge, tell, unveil
Antonyms
camouflage, cloak, disguise, mask
[4] display, exhibit, show, unveil—more at SHOW

ex·po·sé noun
: an exposure of something discreditable

ex·posed adjective
: open to view; also : not shielded or protected

Synonyms
liable, open, sensitive, subject, susceptible, unprotected, vulnerable—more at LIABLE
bald, bare, naked, open, uncovered—more at NAKED

ex·po·si·tion noun
1 : a setting forth of the meaning or purpose (as of a writing); also : discourse designed to convey information
2 : a public exhibition

Synonyms
[1] clarification, construction, elucidation, explanation, explication, illumination, illustration, interpretation—more at EXPLANATION
[1] analysis, comment, commentary—more at COMMENTARY
[2] display, exhibit, exhibition, fair, show—more at EXHIBITION

ex·pos·i·tor noun
: one who explains : COMMENTATOR

ex post fac·to adverb or adjective
: after the fact

ex·pos·tu·late verb
: to reason earnestly with a person esp. in dissuading : REMONSTRATE

ex·pos·tu·la·tion noun
: an act or an instance of expostulating

Synonyms
challenge, complaint, objection, protest, question, remonstrance—more at OBJECTION

ex·po·sure noun
1 : the fact or condition of being exposed
2 : the act or an instance of exposing
3 : the length of time for which a film is exposed
4 : a section of a photographic film for one picture

Synonyms
liability, openness, vulnerability; also susceptibility; helplessness, weakness; danger, jeopardy, peril, risk

ex·pound verb
1 : STATE
2 : to explain by setting forth in careful and often elaborate detail : INTERPRET

— ex·pound·er noun

Synonyms
clarify, clear, construe, demonstrate, elucidate, explain, explicate, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, spell out—more at EXPLAIN

1express adjective
1 : directly, firmly, and explicitly stated; also : EXACT, PRECISE
2 : of a particular sort : SPECIFIC <this ~ purpose>
3 : traveling at high speed and esp. with few stops <an ~ train>; also : adapted to high speed use <~ roads>

— ex·press·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] clear-cut, definite, definitive, explicit, specific, unambiguous, unequivocal—more at EXPLICIT
[1, 2] distinct, especial, exact, precise, set, special, specific; also lone, only, separate, single, sole, solitary; distinctive, exclusive, individual, peculiar, unique; limited, restricted; specified
Antonyms
nonspecific

2express adverb
: by express <ship it ~>

3express noun
1 : a system for the prompt transportation of goods; also : a company operating such a service or the shipments so transported
2 : an express vehicle

4express verb
1 : to make known : STATE <~ regret>; also : to represent by a sign or symbol
2 : to squeeze out : extract by pressing
3 : to send by express
4 : to manifest or produce by a genetic process

Synonyms
[1] denote, import, mean, signify, spell—more at MEAN
[1] articulate, clothe, couch, formulate, phrase, put, say, state, word—more at PHRASE
[1] air, give, sound, state, voice; also announce, declare, enunciate, proclaim; describe, write, write up; sound off, speak out, speak up; communicate, convey, put across, put over; offer, submit
Antonyms
stifle, suppress
[2] crush, mash, press, squeeze—more at PRESS

ex·pres·sion noun
1 : an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (as words) : UTTERANCE
2 : something that represents or symbolizes : SIGN; especially : a mathematical symbol or combination of signs and symbols representing a quantity or operation
3 : a significant word or phrase; also : manner of expressing (as in writing or music)
4 : facial aspect or vocal intonation indicative of feeling

Synonyms
[1] articulation, formulation, statement, utterance, voice; also outlet, vent; observation, reflection, remark, thought; speech, tongue
[4] cast, countenance, face, look, visage—more at LOOK

ex·pres·sion·less adjective
: lacking expression

Synonyms
blank, deadpan, impassive, inexpressive, stolid, vacant—more at BLANK

ex·pres·sion·ism noun
: a theory or practice in art of seeking to depict the artist's subjective responses to objects and events

— ex·pres·sion·ist noun or adjective

— ex·pres·sion·is·tic adjective

ex·pres·sive adjective
1 : of or relating to expression
2 : serving to express

— ex·pres·sive·ly adverb

— ex·pres·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
eloquent, meaning, meaningful, pregnant, significant, suggestive; also graphic, pictorial, vivid; evocative, redolent, reminiscent; sententious, weighty; flavorful, rich

ex·press·way noun
: a divided superhighway with limited access

ex·pro·pri·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to deprive of possession or the right to own

— ex·pro·pri·a·tion noun

expt abbreviation
experiment

ex·pul·sion noun
: an expelling or being expelled

Synonyms
banishment, deportation, displacement, exile—more at EXILE

ex·punge verb ex·punged; ex·pung·ing
[ORIGIN: L expungere to mark for deletion by dots, fr. ex- out + pungere to prick]

: to efface completely : OBLITERATE

ex·pur·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to clear (as a book) of objectionable passages

— ex·pur·ga·tion noun

ex·qui·site adjective
[ORIGIN: ME exquisit, fr. L exquisitus, pp. of exquirere to search out, fr. ex out + quaerere to seek]

1 : marked by flawless form or workmanship
2 : keenly appreciative or sensitive
3 : pleasingly beautiful or delicate
4 : characterized by sharpness or severity : INTENSE <~ pain>

Synonyms
dainty, delicate, refined, subtle—more at DELICATE

ext abbreviation
1 extension
2 exterior
3 external
4 extra
5 extract

ex·tant adjective
: currently or actually existing; especially : not lost or destroyed

Synonyms
current, ongoing, present—more at PRESENT
alive, existent, living; also active, busy, functioning, operating, working
Antonyms
dead, extinct

ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous adjective
: not planned beforehand : IMPROMPTU

— ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
ad-lib, impromptu, informal, offhand, spontaneous, unplanned, unprepared, unrehearsed; also casual
Antonyms
considered, planned, premeditated, prepared, rehearsed

ex·tem·po·rary adjective
: EXTEMPORANEOUS

ex·tem·po·re adverb
: EXTEMPORANEOUSLY

ex·tem·po·rise British variant of EXTEMPORIZE

ex·tem·po·rize verb -rized; -riz·ing
: to do something extemporaneously

ex·tend verb
1 : to spread or stretch forth or out (as in reaching)
2 : to exert or cause to exert to full capacity
3 : to make the offer of : PROFFER <~ credit>
4 : PROLONG <~ a note>
5 : to make greater or broader <~ knowledge> <~ a business>
6 : to stretch out or reach across a distance, space, or time

— ex·tend·able also ex·tend·ible adjective

Synonyms
[1] expand, fan, flare, open, spread, stretch, unfold
[1] draw out, elongate, lengthen, prolong, protract, stretch; also amplify, enlarge, expand, increase; attenuate, thin
Antonyms
abbreviate, abridge, curtail, cut, cut back, shorten
[3] give, offer, proffer, tender—more at OFFER

ex·tend·ed adjective
1 : drawn out in length esp. of time
2 : fully stretched out
3 : having wide or considerable extent

Synonyms
[1] far, great, lengthy, long, marathon—more at LONG
[3] broad, expansive, extensive, far-flung, far-reaching, wide, widespread—more at EXTENSIVE

ex·ten·sion noun
1 : an extending or being extended
2 : a program that geographically extends the educational resources of an institution
3 : an additional part; also : an extra telephone connected to a line

Synonyms
[1] elongation, prolongation
Antonyms
abbreviation, abridgment, curtailment, cutback, shortening
[3] addition, annex, penthouse—more at ANNEX

ex·ten·sive adjective
: of considerable extent : FAR-REACHING, BROAD

— ex·ten·sive·ly adverb

Synonyms
broad, expansive, extended, far-flung, far-reaching, wide, widespread; also comprehensive, general, global, inclusive; boundless, endless, limitless, unlimited; capacious, commodious, roomy, spacious
Antonyms
narrow

ex·tent noun
1 : the range or space over which something extends <a property of large ~>
2 : the point or degree to which something extends <to the fullest ~ of the law> <exerting the full ~ of his power>

Synonyms
[1] amplitude, breadth, compass, range, reach, realm, scope, sweep, width—more at RANGE
[1] dimension, magnitude, measure, measurement, proportion, size—more at SIZE
[2] bound, boundary, ceiling, confines, end, limit, limitation, line, termination—more at LIMIT

ex·ten·u·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to lessen the seriousness of

— ex·ten·u·a·tion noun

1exterior adjective
1 : being on an outside surface : EXTERNAL
2 : suitable for use on an outside surface <~ paint>

Synonyms
external, outer, outside, outward—more at OUTER

2exterior noun
: an exterior part or surface

Synonyms
face, outside, skin, surface, veneer; also facade, front, top; cover, covering, facing; appearance, disguise, guise, mask, semblance, show
Antonyms
inside, interior

ex·ter·mi·na·tion noun
: the act of exterminating or the condition of being exterminated

ex·ter·mi·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to get rid of completely usu. by killing off

— ex·ter·mi·na·tor noun

Synonyms
annihilate, blot out, demolish, eradicate, liquidate, obliterate, root, rub out, snuff, stamp, wipe out—more at ANNIHILATE

1external adjective
1 : outwardly perceivable; also : SUPERFICIAL
2 : of, relating to, or located on the outside or an outer part
3 : arising or acting from without; also : FOREIGN <~ affairs>

— ex·ter·nal·ly adverb

Synonyms
exterior, outer, outside, outward—more at OUTER

2external noun
: an external feature

ex·tinct adjective
1 : EXTINGUISHED; also : no longer active <an ~ volcano>
2 : no longer existing or in use <dinosaurs are ~> <~ languages>

Synonyms
bygone, dead, defunct, gone; also nonexistent; obsolete, passé; finished, lapsed, terminated; lost, missing
Antonyms
alive, existent, existing, extant, living

ex·tinc·tion noun
1 : the act of making extinct or causing to be extinguished
2 : the condition or fact of being extinct or extinguished; also : the process of becoming extinct

ex·tin·guish verb
1 : to cause to stop burning
2 : to bring to an end : cause to die out <disease that extinguished an entire population> <extinguishing the last glimmer of hope>

— ex·tin·guish·able adjective

— ex·tin·guish·er noun

Synonyms
[1] douse, put out, quench, snuff; also choke, smother, suffocate; stamp (out)
Antonyms
fire, ignite, inflame, kindle
[2] annihilate, blot out, demolish, desolate, destroy, devastate, do in, obliterate, ruin, shatter, smash, wipe out, wreck—more at DESTROY

ex·tir·pate verb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
[ORIGIN: L exstirpatus, pp. of exstirpare, fr. ex- out + stirps trunk, root]

1 : to destroy completely
2 : UPROOT

— ex·tir·pa·tion noun

ex·tol also ex·toll verb ex·tolled; ex·tol·ling
: to praise highly : GLORIFY

Synonyms
bless, glorify, laud, magnify, praise—more at PRAISE

ex·tort verb
[ORIGIN: L extortus, pp. of extorquēre to wrench out, extort, fr. ex- out + torquēre to twist]

: to obtain by force or improper pressure <~ a bribe>

— ex·tor·tion noun

— ex·tor·tion·er noun

Synonyms
exact, wrest, wring; also bleed, fleece, gouge, milk, skin, squeeze; cheat, gyp, racketeer, swindle; coerce, compel, force

ex·tor·tion·ist noun
: one that practices or is given to extortion

Synonyms
racketeer—more at RACKETEER

ex·tor·tion·ate adjective
: EXCESSIVE, EXORBITANT

— ex·tor·tion·ate·ly adverb

1extra adjective
1 : more than is due, usual, or necessary
2 : SUPERIOR

Synonyms
excess, spare, superfluous, supernumerary, surplus—more at SPARE

2extra noun
: one that is extra or additional: as
a : a special edition of a newspaper
b : an added charge
c : an additional worker or performer (as in a motion picture)

Synonyms
amenity, comfort, frill, indulgence, luxury, superfluity—more at LUXURY
bonus, dividend, lagniappe, perquisite, tip—more at BONUS

3extra adverb
: beyond what is usual

Synonyms
especially, extremely, very—more at VERY

1extract verb
1 : to draw out; especially : to pull out forcibly <~ a tooth>
2 : to withdraw (as a juice or a constituent) by a physical or chemical process
3 : to select for citation : QUOTE

— ex·tract·able adjective

— ex·trac·tor noun

Synonyms
prize, pry, pull, root, tear, uproot, wrest; also remove, take (out), withdraw

2extract noun
1 : EXCERPT, CITATION
2 : a product (as a juice or concentrate) obtained by extracting

ex·trac·tion noun
1 : the act or process of extracting something
2 : line of descent

Synonyms
ancestry, birth, descent, line, lineage, origin, parentage—more at ANCESTRY

ex·tra·cur·ric·u·lar adjective
: lying outside the regular curriculum; especially : of or relating to school-connected activities (as sports) usu. carrying no academic credit

ex·tra·dite verb -dit·ed; -dit·ing
: to obtain by or deliver up to extradition

ex·tra·di·tion noun
: the surrender of an alleged criminal to a different jurisdiction for trial

ex·tra·mar·i·tal adjective
: of or relating to sexual intercourse by a married person with someone other than his or her spouse

ex·tra·mu·ral adjective
: existing or functioning beyond the bounds of an organized unit

ex·tra·ne·ous adjective
1 : coming from without
2 : not forming a vital part; also : IRRELEVANT

— ex·tra·ne·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
immaterial, irrelevant—more at IRRELEVANT

ex·tra·net noun
: a network like an intranet but also allowing access by certain outside parties

ex·traor·di·nary adjective
1 : notably unusual or exceptional <did ~ work on the project>
2 : employed on special service <an ambassador ~>

— ex·traor·di·nari·ly adverb

Synonyms
atypical, exceptional, phenomenal, rare, uncustomary, unique, unusual—more at EXCEPTIONAL

ex·trap·o·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to infer (unknown data) from known data

— ex·trap·o·la·tion noun

Synonyms
conclude, deduce, gather, infer, judge, reason, understand—more at INFER

ex·tra·sen·so·ry adjective
: not acting or occurring through the known senses

extrasensory perception noun
: perception (as in telepathy) of events external to the self not gained through the senses and not deducible from previous experience

ex·tra·ter·res·tri·al adjective
: originating or existing outside the earth or its atmosphere <~ life>

— extraterrestrial noun

ex·tra·ter·ri·to·ri·al adjective
: existing or taking place outside the territorial limits of a jurisdiction

ex·tra·ter·ri·to·ri·al·i·ty noun
: exemption from the application or jurisdiction of local law or tribunals <diplomats enjoy ~>

ex·trav·a·gance noun
: an instance of excess or prodigality; specif : an excessive outlay of money

Synonyms
lavishness, prodigality, wastefulness; also bountifulness, generosity, liberality; improvidence, squandering; indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence; excess, immoderacy, overkill
Antonyms
economy, frugality

ex·trav·a·gant adjective
1 : exceeding the limits of reason or necessity : EXCESSIVE <~ claims>
2 : spending or tending to spend much more than necessary : spending lavishly, recklessly, or wastefully
3 : too costly

Synonyms
[1] excessive, extreme, immoderate, inordinate, lavish, overmuch, steep, stiff—more at EXCESSIVE
[2] prodigal, profligate, spendthrift, thriftless, unthrifty, wasteful—more at PRODIGAL

ex·trav·a·gant·ly adverb
: in an extravagant manner

Synonyms
expensively, grandly, high, lavishly, luxuriously, opulently, richly—more at HIGH

ex·trav·a·gan·za noun
1 : a literary or musical work marked by extreme freedom of style and structure
2 : a spectacular show

ex·tra·ve·hic·u·lar adjective
: taking place outside a vehicle (as a spacecraft) <~ activity>

1extreme adjective
1 : very great or intense <~ cold>
2 : very severe or radical <~ measures>
3 : going to great lengths or beyond normal limits <politically ~>
4 : most remote <the ~ end>
5 : UTMOST; also : MAXIMUM

Synonyms
[3] excessive, immoderate, inordinate, overmuch, unconscionable—more at EXCESSIVE
[3] extremist, fanatic, rabid, radical, revolutionary, ultra; also subversive, violent, wild; reactionary
Antonyms
middle-of-the-road
[4] farthest, furthest, outermost, ultimate, utmost
Antonyms
inmost, innermost

2extreme noun
1 : something located at one end or the other of a range or series
2 : EXTREMITY 4

ex·treme·ly adverb
: in an extreme manner : to an extreme extent

Synonyms
greatly, most, much, very—more at VERY

extremely low frequency noun
: a radio frequency in the lowest range of the radio spectrum

ex·trem·ism noun
: the quality or state of being extreme; especially : advocacy of extreme political measures

1extremist noun
: an adherent or advocate of extremism

Synonyms
radical, revolutionary—more at RADICAL

2extremist adjective
: of, relating to, or favoring extremism or extremists

Synonyms
extreme, fanatic, rabid, radical, revolutionary, ultra—more at EXTREME

ex·trem·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the most remote part or point
2 : a limb of the body; especially : a human hand or foot
3 : the greatest need or danger
4 : the utmost degree; also : a drastic or desperate measure

ex·tri·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
[ORIGIN: L extricatus, pp. of extricare, fr. ex- out + tricae trifles, perplexities]

: to free from an entanglement or difficulty

— ex·tri·ca·ble adjective

— ex·tri·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
clear, disengage, disentangle, free, liberate, release, untangle; also deliver, redeem, rescue, save; disburden, disencumber, unburden; unravel, unsnarl, untie, untwine
Antonyms
embroil, entangle

ex·trin·sic adjective
1 : not forming part of or belonging to a thing
2 : EXTERNAL

— ex·trin·si·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
adventitious, alien, extraneous, foreign; also exterior, external, outside; immaterial, inapplicable, insignificant, irrelevant; nonessential, unessential
Antonyms
inherent, innate, intrinsic

ex·tro·vert also ex·tra·vert noun
: a gregarious and unreserved person

— ex·tro·ver·sion or ex·tra·ver·sion noun

ex·tro·vert·ed also ex·tra·vert·ed adjective
: having the characteristics of an extrovert : marked by extroversion

Synonyms
boon, companionable, convivial, gregarious, outgoing, sociable, social—more at CONVIVIAL

ex·trude verb ex·trud·ed; ex·trud·ing
1 : to force, press, or push out
2 : to shape (as plastic) by forcing through a die

— ex·tru·sion noun

— ex·trud·er noun

ex·u·ber·ance noun
1 : the quality or state of being exuberant
2 : an exuberant act or expression

Synonyms
[1] animation, briskness, liveliness, lustiness, robustness, sprightliness, vibrancy, vitality—more at VITALITY

ex·u·ber·ant adjective
1 : unrestrained in enthusiasm or style
2 : PROFUSE

Synonyms
bubbly, buoyant, effervescent, frolicsome, high-spirited, vivacious; also extroverted, outgoing, uninhibited; carefree, insouciant, joyful, lighthearted, lively, sprightly; boisterous, raucous, rollicking, rowdy; giddy, light-headed, silly; ecstatic, euphoric, rapturous; audacious, bold, brash, brazen, impertinent, impudent, insolent, saucy
Antonyms
sullen

ex·u·ber·ant·ly adverb
: in an exuberant manner

Synonyms
gaily, jauntily, sprightly—more at GAILY

ex·ude verb ex·ud·ed; ex·ud·ing
[ORIGIN: L exsudare, fr. ex- out + sudare to sweat]

1 : to discharge slowly through pores or cuts : OOZE
2 : to display conspicuously or abundantly <~s charm>

— ex·u·date noun

— ex·u·da·tion noun

Synonyms
bleed, ooze, percolate, seep, strain, sweat, weep; also dribble, drip, trickle; discharge, emit, give off, vent; emanate, flow, spring

ex·ult verb
: to be extremely joyful : REJOICE, GLORY

— ex·ul·tant·ly adverb

— ex·ul·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
crow, delight, glory, joy, rejoice, triumph; also gloat; boast, brag; flaunt, parade, show off, strut, swagger

ex·ul·tant adjective
: filled with or expressing great joy or triumph

Synonyms
jubilant, rejoicing, triumphant; also ecstatic, elated, euphoric; arrogant, boastful, cocky; conquering, victorious, winning

ex·urb noun
: a region outside a city and its suburbs inhabited chiefly by well-to-do families

— ex·ur·ban adjective

ex·ur·ban·ite noun
: one who lives in an exurb

ex·ur·bia noun
: the generalized region of exurbs

Synonyms
environs, outskirts, suburbia—more at ENVIRONS

-ey see -Y

1eye noun
1 : an organ of sight typically consisting in vertebrates of a globular structure that is located in a socket of the skull, is lined with a sensitive retina, and is normally paired
2 : skill or ability dependent upon eyesight : VISION, PERCEPTION; also : faculty of discrimination <an ~ for bargains>
3 a : a way of looking at or thinking about something : JUDGMENT — often used in pl. <in the ~s of the law>
b : an attentive or critical observation
4 a : something having an appearance suggesting an eye <the ~ of a needle>
b : an undeveloped bud (as on a potato)
5 a : the calm center of a cyclone
b : an important or pivotal point

— eyed adjective

Synonyms
[3a] belief, conviction, feeling, judgment, mind, notion, opinion, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, view—more at OPINION
[3b] cast, gander, glance, glimpse, look, regard, sight, view—more at LOOK
[5b] base, center, core, cynosure, focus, heart, hub, mecca, nucleus, seat—more at CENTER

2eye verb eyed; eye·ing or ey·ing
: to look at

Synonyms
distinguish, espy, look, note, notice, observe, perceive, regard, remark, see, sight, spy, view, witness—more at SEE

1eyeball noun
: the globular capsule of the vertebrate eye

2eyeball verb
: to look at intently

eye·brow noun
: the ridge over the eye or the hair growing on it

eye·drop·per noun
: DROPPER 2

eye·glass noun
: a lens worn to aid vision; also plural : GLASSES

Synonyms
eyeglasses glasses, spectacles—more at GLASSES

eye·lash noun
1 : the fringe of hair edging the eyelid — usu. used in pl.
2 : a single hair of the eyelashes

eye·let noun
1 : a small hole intended for ornament or for passage of a cord or lace
2 : a typically metal ring for reinforcing an eyelet : GROMMET

eye·lid noun
: either of the movable folds of skin and muscle that can be closed over the eyeball

eye·lin·er noun
: makeup used to emphasize the contour of the eyes

eye–open·er noun
: something startling or surprising

eye–open·ing adjective
: that which opens the eyes (as with astonishment) : surprising or enlightening

Synonyms
amazing, astonishing, astounding, startling, stunning, surprising—more at SURPRISING

eye·piece noun
: the lens or combination of lenses at the eye end of an optical instrument

eye shadow noun
: a colored cosmetic applied to the eyelids to accent the eyes

eye·sight noun
: the process, power, or function of seeing : SIGHT, VISION

eye·sore noun
: something offensive to view

Synonyms
fright, horror, mess, monstrosity, sight; also blot, smear, smudge, spot, stain

eye·strain noun
: weariness or a strained state of the eye

eye·tooth noun
: a canine tooth of the upper jaw

eye·wash noun
1 : an eye lotion
2 : misleading or deceptive statements, actions, or procedures

eye·wit·ness noun
: a person who actually sees something happen

ey·rie chiefly British variant of AERIE

Ez or Ezr abbreviation
Ezra

Ezech abbreviation
Ezechiel

Eze·chiel noun
: EZEKIEL

Ezek abbreviation
Ezekiel

Eze·kiel noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

e–zine noun
: an online magazine

Ez·ra noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

F

1f noun, plural f's or fs often cap
1 : the 6th letter of the English alphabet
2 : a grade rating a student's work as failing

2f abbreviation, often cap
1 Fahrenheit
2 false
3 family
4 farad
5 female
6 feminine
7 forte
8 French
9 frequency
10 Friday

3f symbol
focal length

F symbol
fluorine

FAA abbreviation
Federal Aviation Administration

fab adjective
: FABULOUS

Fa·bi·an adjective
: of, relating to, or being a society of socialists organized in England in 1884 to spread socialist principles gradually

— Fabian noun

— Fa·bi·an·ism noun

fa·ble noun
1 : a legendary story of supernatural happenings
2 : a narration intended to teach a lesson; especially : one in which animals speak and act like people
3 : FALSEHOOD
4 : the plot, story, or connected series of events forming the theme of a literary work

fa·bled adjective
1 : FICTITIOUS
2 : told or celebrated in fable

Synonyms
fabulous, legendary, mythical—more at MYTHICAL

fab·ric noun
[ORIGIN: MF fabrique, fr. L fabrica workshop, structure]

1 : STRUCTURE, FRAMEWORK <the ~ of society>
2 : CLOTH; also : a material that resembles cloth

fab·ri·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to think up or imagine : concoct mentally : INVENT
2 : to make up for the sake of deception
3 : to form, make, or create by combining parts or elements : CONSTRUCT
4 : to form by art and labor

Synonyms
[1] concoct, contrive, cook, devise, invent, make up, manufacture, think—more at INVENT
[2] fib, lie, prevaricate—more at LIE
[4] fashion, form, frame, make, manufacture, produce—more at MAKE

fab·ri·ca·tion noun
1 : the invention or utterance of something calculated to deceive
2 : a product of the imagination

Synonyms
[1] falsehood, fib, lie, story, tale, untruth, whopper—more at LIE
[2] fantasy, fiction, figment, invention—more at FICTION

fab·u·lous adjective
1 : resembling a fable
2 : told in or based on fable
3 : like the contents of fables in being so marvelous, incredible, absurd, extreme, exaggerated, or approaching the impossible
4 : not real, actual, or historical
5 : outstanding or remarkable esp. in some acceptable or pleasing quality

— fab·u·lous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] fabled, legendary, mythical—more at MYTHICAL
[5] excellent, grand, great, sensational, splendid, superb, superior, swell, terrific, unsurpassed, wonderful—more at EXCELLENT

fac abbreviation
1 facsimile
2 faculty

fa·cade also fa·çade noun
[ORIGIN: F façade, fr. It facciata, fr. faccia face]

1 : the principal face or front of a building
2 : a false, superficial, or artificial appearance or effect <a ~ of composure>
3 : a surface or front

Synonyms
[2] act, masquerade, pose, pretense, show—more at MASQUERADE
[3] face, front—more at FRONT

1face noun
1 : the front part of the head
2 : PRESENCE <in the ~ of danger>
3 : facial expression : LOOK <put a sad ~ on>
4 : a deliberate or involuntary distortion of the countenance expressive of some feeling : GRIMACE <made a ~>
5 : outward appearance <looks easy on the ~ of it>
6 : CONFIDENCE; also : BOLDNESS
7 : DIGNITY, PRESTIGE <afraid to lose ~>
8 : a front, upper, or outer surface or a surface presented to view or regarded as principal : SURFACE; especially : a front, principal, or bounding surface <~ of a cliff> <the ~s of a cube>

— faced adjective

Synonyms
[3] cast, countenance, expression, look, visage—more at LOOK
[4] frown, grimace, pout, scowl—more at GRIMACE
[8] exterior, outside, skin, surface, veneer—more at EXTERIOR

2face verb faced; fac·ing
1 : to confront brazenly
2 : to line near the edge esp. with a different material; also : to cover the front or surface of <~ a building with marble>
3 : to meet or bring in direct contact or confrontation <faced the problem>
4 : to stand or sit with the face toward <~ the sun>
5 : to have the front oriented toward <a house facing the park>
6 : to have as or be a prospect <~ a grim future>
7 : to turn the face or body in a specified direction
8 : to bring directly to the attention of

— face the music

: to meet the unpleasant consequences of one's actions

Synonyms
[1] beard, brave, brazen, confront, dare, defy
[3] battle, encounter, engage, meet, take on—more at ENGAGE
[4] front, look, point

face·down adverb
: with the face downward

face·less noun
1 : lacking a face
2 : lacking character or individuality

face–lift noun
1 : plastic surgery on the face and neck to remove defects (as wrinkles) typical of aging : a cosmetic surgical operation for removal of facial defects (as wrinkles) typical of aging
2 : MODERNIZATION

— face–lift verb

face–off noun
1 : a method of beginning play by dropping a ball or puck (as in hockey) between two opposing players each of whom attempts to control it
2 : the clashing of forces or ideas : CONFRONTATION

— face off verb

Synonyms
battle, combat, conflict, confrontation, contest, duel, rivalry, struggle—more at CONTEST

fac·et noun
[ORIGIN: F facette, dim. of face]

1 : a small plane surface of a cut gem
2 : any of the definable aspects that make up a subject (as of contemplation) or an object (as of consideration) : ASPECT, PHASE

Synonyms
[2] angle, aspect, hand, phase, side—more at ASPECT

fa·ce·tious adjective
1 : joking often inappropriately
2 : characterized by pleasantry or levity : exciting laughter : JOCULAR

— fa·ce·tious·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] flip, flippant, pert, smart—more at FLIPPANT
[2] clever, humorous, jocular, smart, witty—more at WITTY

fa·ce·tious·ness noun
: the quality or state of being facetious

Synonyms
flightiness, flippancy, frivolity, levity, lightness—more at FRIVOLITY

1facial adjective
1 : of or relating to the face
2 : used to improve the appearance of the face

2facial noun
: a facial treatment

fac·ile adjective
1 : easily accomplished, handled, or attained
2 : SIMPLISTIC
3 : readily manifested and often insincere <~ prose>
4 : READY, FLUENT <a ~ writer>

Synonyms
easy, effortless, fluent, fluid, light, painless, ready, simple, smooth, snap, soft—more at EASY

fa·cil·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: to make easier

— fa·cil·i·ta·tion noun

— fa·cil·i·ta·tor noun

Synonyms
ease, loosen, smooth, unclog—more at EASE

fa·cil·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality of being easily performed
2 : ease in performance : APTITUDE
3 : PLIANCY
4 : something that makes easier an action, operation, or course of conduct; also : REST ROOM — often used in pl.
5 : something (as a hospital) built or installed for a particular purpose

Synonyms
complex, establishment, installation

fac·ing noun
1 : a lining at the edge esp. of a garment
2 plural : the collar, cuffs, and trimmings of a uniform coat
3 : an ornamental or protective layer
4 : material for facing

fac·sim·i·le noun
[ORIGIN: L fac simile make similar]

1 : an exact copy
2 : a system of transmitting and reproducing printed matter or pictures by means of signals sent over telephone lines

Synonyms
carbon copy, double, duplicate, image, match, replica, reproduction—more at IMAGE

fact noun
1 : DEED; especially : CRIME <accessory after the ~>
2 : the quality of being actual
3 : something that exists or occurs
4 : a piece of information

— in fact

: in truth

Synonyms
detail, particular, point

fac·tion noun
: a group or combination (as in a government) acting together within and usu. against a larger body

— fac·tion·al·ism noun

Synonyms
bloc, body, coalition, combination, combine, party, sect, set, side, wing

fac·tious adjective
1 : of, relating to, or caused by faction
2 : inclined to faction or the formation of factions : causing dissension

fac·ti·tious adjective
1 a : produced by human art, skill, or effort
b : not natural or real : SHAM <a ~ display of grief>
2 : not natural or spontaneous

Synonyms
[1a, b] artificial, bogus, fake, false, imitation, sham, synthetic—more at IMITATION

fac·toid noun
1 : an invented fact believed to be true because of its appearance in print
2 : a brief usu. trivial fact

1factor noun
1 : a person that acts or transacts business for another : AGENT
2 : something that actively contributes to a result <a ~ in her decision>
3 : GENE
4 : any of the numbers or symbols in mathematics that when multiplied together form a product; especially : any of the integers that divide a given integer without a remainder

Synonyms
[1] agent, attorney, delegate, deputy, representative—more at AGENT
[2] component, constituent, element, ingredient, member—more at ELEMENT

2factor verb
1 : to work as a factor
2 : to find the mathematical factors of and esp. the prime mathematical factors of

1factorial adjective
: of, relating to, or being a factor

2factorial noun
: the product of all the positive integers from 1 to a given integer n

fac·to·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : a trading post where resident brokers trade
2 : a building or group of buildings used for manufacturing

Synonyms
mill, plant, shop, works, workshop

fac·to·tum noun
[ORIGIN: NL, lit., do everything, fr. L fac do + totum everything]

: a person (as a servant) having numerous or varied duties

facts of life
: the physiological processes and behavior involved in sex and reproduction

fac·tu·al adjective
1 : of or relating to facts
2 : based on fact

— fac·tu·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] actual, concrete, existent, real, true, very—more at ACTUAL
[2] documentary, literal, nonfictional, objective, true

fac·ul·ty noun, plural -ties
1 a : ability to act or do
b : natural aptitude
2 : one of the powers of the mind or body <the ~ of hearing>
3 : the teachers in a school or college or one of its divisions

Synonyms
[1a] ability, capability, capacity, competence—more at ABILITY
[1b] aptitude, endowment, flair, genius, gift, knack, talent—more at TALENT

fad noun
: a practice or interest followed for a time with exaggerated zeal : CRAZE

— fad·dish adjective

— fad·dish·ly adverb

— fad·dist noun

Synonyms
craze, mode, rage, style, trend, vogue

1fade verb fad·ed; fad·ing
1 : WITHER
2 : to lose or cause to lose freshness or brilliance of color
3 : to sink away : VANISH
4 : to grow dim or faint

Synonyms
[2] blanch, bleach, blench, dull, pale, wash out, whiten
[3] disappear, dissolve, evaporate, flee, go, melt, vanish—more at DISAPPEAR

2fade noun
: a short haircut in which hair on top of the head stands high

FADM abbreviation
fleet admiral

fae·cal, fae·ces chiefly British variant of FECAL, FECES

fa·er·ie also fa·ery noun, plural fa·er·ies
1 : FAIRYLAND
2 : FAIRY

1fag verb fagged; fag·ging
1 : to work hard : DRUDGE
2 : to act as a fag
3 : to tire by strenuous activity : TIRE, EXHAUST

Synonyms
burn out, do in, drain, exhaust, fatigue, tire, tucker, wash out, wear, wear out, weary—more at EXHAUST

2fag noun
: one who is obliged to do menial work : DRUDGE

Synonyms
drudge, peon, slave, toiler, worker—more at SLAVE

3fag noun
: an English public-school boy who acts as servant to another

4fag verb
: to act as a fag

5fag noun
: CIGARETTE

fag end noun
1 : a worn, poor, or useless ending or remnant unlikely to afford either pleasure or profit : REMNANT
2 : the extreme end
3 : the last part or coarser end of a web of cloth
4 : the untwisted end of a rope

Synonyms
end, leftover, remainder, remnant, scrap—more at SCRAP

fag·ot or fag·got noun
: a bundle of sticks or twigs

fag·ot·ing or fag·got·ing noun
: an embroidery produced by tying threads in hourglass-shaped clusters

Fah or Fahr abbreviation
Fahrenheit

Fahr·en·heit adjective
: relating to, conforming to, or having a thermometer scale with the boiling point of water at 212 degrees and the freezing point at 32 degrees above zero

fa·ience or fa·ïence noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: earthenware decorated with opaque colored glazes

1fail verb
1 : to become feeble; especially : to decline in health
2 : to die away
3 : to stop functioning
4 : to fall short <~ed in his duty>
5 : to be or become absent or inadequate
6 : to be unsuccessful
7 : to become bankrupt
8 : to disappoint the expectations or trust of
9 : NEGLECT

Synonyms
[1] decay, droop, flag, go, lag, languish, sag, waste, weaken, wilt—more at WEAKEN
[3] break, break down, conk, crash, cut out, die, stall
Antonyms
start (up)
[4,8] cheat, disappoint, dissatisfy, let down—more at DISAPPOINT
[6] collapse, flop, flunk, fold, wash out
Antonyms
succeed

2fail noun
: FAILURE <without ~>

1failing noun
: a usu. slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability : WEAKNESS, SHORTCOMING

Synonyms
demerit, fault, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness—more at FAULT

2failing preposition
: in the absence or lack of

faille noun
: a somewhat shiny closely woven ribbed fabric (as silk)

fail–safe adjective
1 : incorporating a counteractive feature for a possible source of failure
2 : having no chance of failure

— fail–safe noun

fail·ure noun
1 : a failing to do or perform
2 : a state of inability to perform a normal function adequately <heart ~>; also : an abrupt cessation of functioning <a power ~>
3 : a fracturing or giving way under stress
4 : a lack of success
5 : BANKRUPTCY
6 : a falling short : DEFICIENCY
7 : DETERIORATION, DECAY
8 : one that has failed

Synonyms
[1] default, delinquency, dereliction, neglect, negligence, oversight
[4] collapse, crash, cropper, defeat, fizzle, nonsuccess
Antonyms
accomplishment, achievement, success
[6] dearth, deficiency, deficit, famine, inadequacy, insufficiency, lack, paucity, poverty, scantiness, scarcity, shortage, want—more at DEFICIENCY
[8] bust, catastrophe, debacle, dud, fiasco, fizzle, flop, loser, washout
Antonyms
hit, smash, success, winner

1fain adjective
1 archaic : GLAD; also : INCLINED
2 : being obliged or compelled

2fain adverb
1 : with pleasure
2 : by preference

1faint adjective
[ORIGIN: ME faint, feint, fr. OF, fr. faindre, feindre to feign, lose heart]

1 : COWARDLY, SPIRITLESS
2 : weak, dizzy, and likely to faint
3 : lacking vigor or strength : FEEBLE <~ praise>
4 : hardly perceptible : INDISTINCT, DIM

— faint·ly adverb

Synonyms
[3] delicate, feeble, frail, infirm, slight, soft, wasted, weak—more at WEAK
[4] bleary, dim, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indistinct, obscure, opaque, shadowy, unclear, vague
Antonyms
clear, definite

2faint verb
: to lose consciousness

Synonyms
black out, pass out, swoon
Antonyms
come around, come round, come to, revive

3faint noun
1 : the action of fainting
2 : the condition of one who has fainted

Synonyms
blackout, knockout, swoon

faint·heart·ed adjective
: lacking courage : TIMID

Synonyms
fearful, mousy, shy, skittish, timid—more at SHY

faint·ness noun
: the quality or state of being faint; especially : a loss of strength or near loss of consciousness

Synonyms
debility, feebleness, frailty, infirmity, languor, weakness—more at WEAKNESS

1fair adjective
1 : pleasing in appearance : BEAUTIFUL
2 : superficially pleasing : SPECIOUS
3 : CLEAN, PURE
4 : CLEAR, LEGIBLE
5 : not stormy or cloudy
6 : marked by impartiality and honesty : free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism : JUST
7 : conforming with the rules : ALLOWED; also : being within the foul lines <~ ball>
8 : open to legitimate pursuit or attack <~ game>
9 : giving promise of success or excellence : PROMISING, LIKELY <a ~ chance of winning>
10 : favorable to a ship's course <a ~ wind>
11 : light colored
12 : of middling quality
13 : significant in size <a ~ amount of traffic>

— fair·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] attractive, beautiful, handsome, lovely, pretty—more at BEAUTIFUL
[5] clear, cloudless, sunny, sunshiny, unclouded
Antonyms
bleak, cloudy, overcast, stormy, sunless
[6] disinterested, dispassionate, equal, equitable, impartial, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced
Antonyms
biased, partisan, prejudiced, unequal, unjust
[11] blond, flaxen, golden, sandy, straw—more at BLOND
[12] common, indifferent, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary, passable, run-of-the-mill, second-rate, so-so—more at MEDIOCRE

2fair adverb
1 : in a fair manner <play ~>
2 chiefly British : FAIRLY 4

3fair noun
1 : a gathering of buyers and sellers at a stated time and place for trade
2 : a competitive exhibition (as of farm products)
3 : a sale of assorted articles usu. for a charitable purpose
4 : an exhibition designed to promote available or planned products or services <a book ~> <a job ~>

Synonyms
[1, 2, 3, 4] display, exhibit, exhibition, exposition, show—more at EXHIBITION

fair·ground noun
: an area where outdoor fairs, circuses, or exhibitions are held

fair·ing noun
: a structure for producing a smooth outline and reducing drag (as on an airplane)

fair·ly adverb
1 : HANDSOMELY
2 : in a manner of speaking <~ bursting with pride>
3 : without bias
4 : to a full degree or extent : PLAINLY, DISTINCTLY
5 : moderately well : SOMEWHAT, RATHER <a ~ easy job>

Synonyms
enough, kind of, moderately, pretty, quite, rather, so-so, somewhat, sort of

fair–spo·ken adjective
: pleasant and courteous in speech

fair–trade adjective
: of, relating to, or being an agreement between a producer and a seller that branded merchandise will be sold at or above a specified price

— fair–trade verb

fair·way noun
: the mowed part of a golf course between tee and green

fairy noun, plural fair·ies
[ORIGIN: ME fairie fairyland, enchantment, fr. AF faerie, fr. fee fairy, fr. L Fata, goddess of fate, fr. fatum fate]

: an imaginary being of folklore and romance usu. having diminutive human form and magic powers

— fairy adjective

Synonyms
brownie, elf, fay, gnome, leprechaun, pixie, puck

fairy·land noun
1 : the land of fairies
2 : a beautiful or charming place

fairy tale noun
1 : a children's story usu. about mythical beings (as fairies)
2 : an implausible, incredible, or lying story : a statement designed to delude or mislead : FIB

Synonyms
fabrication, falsehood, falsity, fib, lie, story, untruth

fait ac·com·pli noun, plural faits accomplis
[ORIGIN: F, accomplished fact]

: a thing accomplished and presumably irreversible

faith noun, plural faiths
[ORIGIN: ME feith, fr. OF feid, foi, fr. L fides]

1 : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY
2 : belief and trust in God
3 : complete trust
4 : a system of religious beliefs

— faith·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] allegiance, constancy, dedication, devotion, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness—more at FIDELITY
[2] devotion, piety, religion
Antonyms
atheism, godlessness
[3] confidence, credence, stock, trust—more at TRUST
[4] creed, cult, persuasion, religion—more at RELIGION

faith·ful adjective
1 : true and constant in affection or allegiance
2 : conforming to the facts or to an original

Synonyms
[1] constant, devoted, loyal, pious, staunch, steadfast, steady, true, true-blue
Antonyms
disloyal, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, traitorous, treacherous
[2] accurate, authentic, exact, precise, right, strict, true, veracious
Antonyms
false, imprecise, inaccurate, inexact

faith·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being faithful

Synonyms
allegiance, constancy, dedication, devotion, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness—more at FIDELITY

faith·less adjective
1 : false to promises or agreements : DISLOYAL
2 : not to be relied on

— faith·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
disloyal, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue
Antonyms
constant, devoted, loyal, staunch, steadfast, steady, true

faith·less·ness noun
: the quality or condition of being faithless

Synonyms
betrayal, disloyalty, falsity, infidelity, perfidy, treachery, treason

fa·ji·ta noun
: a marinated strip usu. of beef or chicken grilled or broiled and served usu. with a flour tortilla and savory fillings

1fake adjective
: one that is not what it purports to be : SHAM

Synonyms
bogus, counterfeit, false, inauthentic, phony, sham, spurious—more at COUNTERFEIT
artificial, bogus, false, imitation, mock, sham, substitute, synthetic—more at IMITATION

2fake noun
1 a : someone or something that is not genuine
b : one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception
2 : a simulated move in sports (as a pretended pass)

Synonyms
[1a] counterfeit, forgery, hoax, humbug, phony, sham
[1b] charlatan, fraud, hoaxer, humbug, phony, pretender, quack

3fake verb faked; fak·ing
1 : to treat so as to falsify
2 : to counterfeit or make a counterfeit of in order to deceive
3 : to deceive (an opponent) in a sports contest by making a fake

— fak·er noun

Synonyms
affect, assume, counterfeit, feign, pretend, profess, put on, sham, simulate—more at FEIGN

fa·kir noun
[ORIGIN: Ar faqīr, lit., poor man]

1 : a Muslim mendicant : DERVISH
2 : a wandering Hindu ascetic

fal·con noun
1 : a hawk trained for use in falconry
2 : any of various swift long-winged long-tailed hawks having a notched beak and usu. inhabiting open areas

fal·con·ry noun
1 : the art of training hawks to hunt in cooperation with a person
2 : the sport of hunting with hawks

— fal·con·er noun

1fall verb fell ; fall·en ; fall·ing
1 : to descend freely by the force of gravity
2 : to hang freely
3 : to come or go as if by falling <darkness fell>
4 : to become uttered
5 : to lower or become lowered : DROP <her eyes fell>
6 : to leave an erect position suddenly and involuntarily
7 : STUMBLE, STRAY
8 : to drop down wounded or dead esp. in battle
9 : to become captured <the city fell to the enemy>
10 : to suffer ruin, defeat, or failure
11 : to commit an immoral act
12 : to move or extend in a downward direction
13 : to become quiet or less : SUBSIDE, ABATE
14 : to decline in quality, activity, quantity, or value
15 : to assume a look of shame or dejection <her face fell>
16 : to occur at a certain time
17 : to come by chance
18 : DEVOLVE <the duties fell to him>
19 : to have the proper place or station <the accent ~s on the first syllable>
20 : to come within the scope of something
21 : to pass from one condition to another <fell ill>
22 : to set about heartily or actively <~ to work>

— fall all over oneself
or fall over backward
: to display excessive eagerness

— fall flat

: to produce no response or result

— fall for

1 : to fall in love with
2 : to become a victim of

— fall foul

: to have a quarrel : CLASH

— fall from grace

: BACKSLIDE

— fall into line

: to comply with a certain course of action

— fall short

1 : to be deficient
2 : to fail to attain

Synonyms
[1, 5] decline, descend, drop, lower, settle, sink
Antonyms
rise
[6] slip, stumble, topple, trip, tumble
Antonyms
get up, rise, stand (up)
[9] capitulate, give up, knuckle under, submit, succumb, surrender
Antonyms
stand
[13] abate, decline, decrease, diminish, dwindle, ebb, lessen, recede, subside, wane—more at DECREASE

2fall noun
1 : the act of falling
2 : a falling out, off, or away : DROPPING
3 : AUTUMN
4 : a thing or quantity that falls <a light ~ of snow> <a ~ of 20% in the value of the stock>
5 : loss of greatness, power, status, influence, or dominion : DOWNFALL
6 : the surrender or capture of a besieged place
7 : departure from virtue or goodness
8 : SLOPE
9 : WATERFALL — usu. used in pl.
10 : a decrease in size, quantity, degree, or value <a ~ in price>
11 : the distance which something falls
12 : an act of forcing a wrestler's shoulders to the mat; also : a bout of wrestling

Synonyms
[1] descent, dip, dive, down, drop, plunge—more at DESCENT
[1] slip, spill, stumble, tumble
[5] comedown, decline, descent, down, downfall—more at COMEDOWN
[10] decline, decrease, drop, loss, reduction, shrinkage—more at DECREASE

fal·la·cious adjective
1 : embodying a fallacy <a ~ argument>
2 : tending to deceive or mislead

Synonyms
[1] illogical, invalid, irrational, unsound, weak—more at ILLOGICAL
[2] deceptive, false, misleading, specious—more at DECEPTIVE

fal·la·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : a false or mistaken idea
2 : an often plausible argument using false or illogical reasoning
3 : erroneous or fallacious character

Synonyms
error, falsehood, falsity, illusion, misconception, myth, untruth
Antonyms
truth, verity

fall back verb
: to give way : RETREAT, RECEDE

Synonyms
back, recede, retire, retreat, withdraw—more at RETREAT

fall guy noun
1 : one that is easily duped
2 : one who assumes or on whom is placed the blame or responsibility : SCAPEGOAT

fal·li·ble adjective
1 : liable to be erroneous
2 : capable of making a mistake

— fal·li·bly adverb

fall·ing–out noun, plural fallings–out or falling–outs
: QUARREL

falling star noun
: METEOR

fal·lo·pi·an tube noun, often cap F
: either of the pair of anatomical tubes that carry the eggs from the ovary to the uterus

fall·out noun
1 : the often radioactive particles that result from a nuclear explosion and descend through the air
2 : a secondary and often lingering effect or result

fall out verb
: to have a quarrel : QUARREL

Synonyms
argue, bicker, dispute, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle—more at ARGUE

1fallow noun
: fallow land; also : the state or period of being fallow

— fallow verb

2fallow adjective
1 : left without tilling or sowing after plowing
2 : characterized by a state of creative or recuperative rest or dormancy : DORMANT, INACTIVE <a writer's ~ period>

Synonyms
dead, dormant, idle, inactive, inert, inoperative

false adjective fals·er; fals·est
1 : not genuine : artificially made or assumed
2 : intentionally untrue
3 : adjusted or made so as to deceive <~ scales>
4 a : tending to mislead : DECEPTIVE <~ promises>
b : assumed or designed to deceive
5 : not true <~ concepts>
6 : not faithful or loyal : TREACHEROUS
7 : not essential or permanent <~ front>
8 : inaccurate in pitch
9 : based on mistaken ideas

— false·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] artificial, bogus, fake, imitation, mechanical, mock, phony, sham, synthetic, unnatural
[3, 4b] counterfeit, crooked, deceitful, dishonest, fraudulent, phony, sham, spurious
[4a] deceitful, deceptive, misleading, specious—more at DECEPTIVE
[5] erroneous, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, untrue, wrong
Antonyms
accurate, correct, right, sound, true
[6] disloyal, faithless, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful

false·hood noun
1 : something that is untrue; especially : an untrue statement : LIE
2 : absence of truth or accuracy
3 : the practice of lying

Synonyms
error, fallacy, falsity, illusion, misconception, myth, old wives' tale, untruth—more at FALLACY
fabrication, fairy tale, falsity, fib, lie, mendacity, prevarication, story, tale, untruth, whopper—more at LIE

false·ness noun
1 : the quality or state of being false
2 : an instance of treachery : an act of perfidy or treason

Synonyms
[1] fallacy, falsity, untruth
[2] betrayal, disloyalty, infidelity, perfidy, treachery, treason, unfaithfulness—more at BETRAYAL

fal·set·to noun, plural -tos
[ORIGIN: It, fr. dim. of falso false]

: an artificially high voice; especially : an artificial singing voice that overlaps and extends above the range of the full voice esp. of a tenor

fal·si·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to prove to be false
2 : to alter so as to deceive
3 : LIE; also : MISREPRESENT

— fal·si·fi·able adjective

— fal·si·fi·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
color, distort, garble, misinterpret, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp—more at GARBLE

fal·si·ty noun
1 : something false
2 : the quality or state of being false

Synonyms
[1] fallacy, falsehood, fib, lie, myth, tale, untruth
[2] betrayal, disloyalty, infidelity, perfidy, treachery, treason, unfaithfulness—more at BETRAYAL

fal·ter verb
1 : to move unsteadily : TOTTER
2 : to hesitate in speech : STAMMER
3 : to hesitate in purpose or action : WAVER
4 : to lose effectiveness <a ~ing business>

— fal·ter·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] seesaw, sway, teeter, totter, waver, wobble—more at TEETER
[3] hesitate, shilly-shally, teeter, vacillate, waver—more at HESITATE

fam abbreviation
1 familiar
2 family

fame noun
: public reputation : RENOWN

Synonyms
celebrity, notoriety, renown
Antonyms
anonymity, obscurity

famed adjective
: known widely and well

Synonyms
celebrated, famous, noted, prominent, renowned, well-known—more at FAMOUS

fa·mil·ial adjective
1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of a family
2 : tending to occur in more members of a family than expected by chance alone <a ~ disorder>

1familiar noun
1 : an intimate associate
2 : a spirit held to attend and serve or guard a person
3 : one who frequents a place

Synonyms
comrade, friend, intimate—more at FRIEND

2familiar adjective
1 : closely acquainted : INTIMATE
2 : of or relating to a family
3 : INFORMAL
4 : overly free and unrestrained : PRESUMPTUOUS
5 : frequently seen or experienced
6 : of everyday occurrence
7 : having personal or intimate knowledge — often used with with

— fa·mil·iar·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] chummy, close, friendly, intimate, thick
Antonyms
distant
[4] bold, forward, free, immodest, presumptuous—more at PRESUMPTUOUS
[5] common, customary, everyday, frequent, ordinary, routine, usual—more at COMMON
[7] conversant, informed, knowledgeable, up-to-date
Antonyms
ignorant, unacquainted, unfamiliar, uninformed

fa·mil·iar·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : close friendship : INTIMACY
2 : INFORMALITY
3 : an unduly bold or forward act or expression : IMPROPRIETY
4 : close acquaintance with something

Synonyms
[1] closeness, intimacy, nearness
Antonyms
distance
[3] gaffe, impropriety, indiscretion—more at IMPROPRIETY

fa·mil·iar·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make known through experience or repetition : remove strangeness from
2 : to make (someone) thoroughly acquainted

Synonyms
acquaint, apprise, brief, clue, enlighten, fill in, inform, instruct, tell—more at ENLIGHTEN

fam·i·ly noun, plural -lies
[ORIGIN: ME familie, fr. L familia household, fr. famulus servant]

1 : a group of individuals living under one roof and under one head : HOUSEHOLD
2 : a group of persons of common ancestry : CLAN
3 : a group of things having common characteristics; especially : a group of related plants or animals ranking in biological classification above a genus and below an order
4 : a social unit usu. consisting of one or two parents and their children

Synonyms
[2] clan, folk, kin, kinfolk, line, lineage, people, stock
[3] category, class, division, group, kind, set, type—more at CLASS

family planning noun
: planning intended to determine the number and spacing of one's children by using birth control

family tree noun
: an account or history of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors or from older forms : GENEALOGY; also : a genealogical diagram

Synonyms
ancestry, bloodline, descent, genealogy, lineage, origin—more at ANCESTRY

fam·ine noun
1 : an extreme scarcity of food
2 : a great shortage

Synonyms
dearth, deficiency, failure, lack, paucity, poverty, scarcity, shortage—more at DEFICIENCY

fam·ish verb
1 : STARVE
2 : to suffer for lack of something necessary

fam·ished adjective
: intensely hungry

Synonyms
empty, hungry—more at HUNGRY

fa·mous adjective
1 : widely known
2 : honored for achievement
3 : EXCELLENT, FIRST-RATE

Synonyms
celebrated, famed, noted, notorious, prominent, renowned, well-known
Antonyms
anonymous, obscure, unknown

fa·mous·ly adverb
: SPLENDIDLY, EXCELLENTLY

1fan noun
: a device (as a hand-waved triangular piece or a mechanism with blades) for producing a current of air

2fan verb fanned; fan·ning
1 : to drive away the chaff from grain by winnowing
2 : to move (air) with or as if with a fan
3 : to direct a current of air upon <~ a fire>
4 : to stir up to activity : STIMULATE
5 : to spread like a fan — often used with out
6 : to strike out in baseball

Synonyms
usually fan out expand, extend, flare, open, radiate, spread, unfold

3fan noun
: an enthusiastic follower or admirer

Synonyms
addict, aficionado, buff, devotee, enthusiast, fancier, lover

1fanatic or fa·nat·i·cal adjective
[ORIGIN: L fanaticus inspired by a deity, frenzied, fr. fanum temple]

: marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion

— fa·nat·i·cism noun

Synonyms
extreme, extremist, rabid, radical, revolutionary, ultra—more at EXTREME

2fanatic noun
: a person who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit; especially : a person exhibiting excessive enthusiasm and intense uncritical devotion usu. toward some controversial matter

Synonyms
crusader, militant, partisan, zealot—more at ZEALOT

fan·ci·er noun
1 : one that has a special liking or interest
2 : a person who breeds or grows some kind of animal or plant for points of excellence

Synonyms
aficionado, buff, devotee, enthusiast, fan, lover—more at FAN

fan·ci·ful adjective
1 : marked by, existing in, or given to unrestrained imagination or whim rather than reason
2 : curiously made or shaped

— fan·ci·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
fantastic, fictitious, imaginary, made-up, pretend, unreal—more at IMAGINARY

1fancy verb fan·cied; fan·cy·ing
1 : to be pleased with esp. on account of external appearance or manners : LIKE
2 : to form a conception of : IMAGINE
3 : to believe without evidence or certainty
4 : to visualize or interpret as

Synonyms
[1] delight, enjoy, like, love, relish—more at ENJOY
[2] conceive, imagine, picture, visualize

2fancy noun, plural fancies
[ORIGIN: ME fantasie, fantsy imagination, image, preference, fr. AF fantasie illusion, fr. L phantasia, fr. Gk, appearance, imagination]

1 : amorous fondness : love or desire; also : LOVE
2 : an opinion or notion formed without much reflection : WHIM, NOTION <a passing ~>
3 : an image or representation of something formed in the mind
4 : TASTE, JUDGMENT

Synonyms
[1] favor, fondness, like, liking, love, partiality, preference—more at LIKING
[2] caprice, notion, whim
[3] chimera, conceit, dream, fantasy, illusion, phantasm, unreality, vision—more at FANTASY

3fancy adjective fan·ci·er; -est
1 : WHIMSICAL
2 : not plain : ornamented and often elegant
3 : of particular excellence
4 : bred esp. for a showy appearance
5 : EXCESSIVE
6 : executed with technical skill and style

— fan·ci·ly adverb

Synonyms
complex, complicated, detailed, elaborate, intricate—more at ELABORATE

fancy dress noun
: a costume (as for a masquerade) chosen to suit a fancy

fan·cy–free adjective
: free from amorous attachment; also : free to imagine

fan·cy·work noun
: ornamental needlework (as embroidery)

fan·dan·go noun, plural -gos
1 : a lively Spanish or Spanish-American dance
2 : TOMFOOLERY

fane noun
1 : TEMPLE
2 : CHURCH

fan·fare noun
1 : a flourish of trumpets
2 : a showy display

fang noun
: a long sharp tooth; especially : a grooved or hollow tooth of a venomous snake

— fanged adjective

fan·light noun
: a semicircular window with radiating bars like a fan that is set over a door or window

fan·ny noun, plural fannies
: BUTTOCKS

fan·tail noun
1 : a fan-shaped tail or end
2 : an overhang at the stern of a ship

fan·ta·sia noun
: a musical composition free and fanciful in form

fan·ta·sise British variant of FANTASIZE

fan·ta·size verb -sized; -siz·ing
: IMAGINE, DAYDREAM

fan·tas·tic also fan·tas·ti·cal adjective
1 : based on fantasy rather than reason : IMAGINARY, UNREAL
2 : conceived by unrestrained fancy
3 : exceedingly or unbelievably great
4 : exhibiting strange, grotesque, inappropriate, or startlingly novel characteristics

— fan·tas·ti·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] fanciful, imaginary, made-up, unreal—more at IMAGINARY
[2] absurd, bizarre, crazy, fanciful, foolish, preposterous, unreal
Antonyms
realistic, reasonable
[3] inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable
[4] exotic, glamorous, marvelous, outlandish, romantic, strange—more at EXOTIC

fan·ta·sy also phan·ta·sy noun, plural -sies
1 : the free play of creative imagination as it affects perception and productivity usu. as expressed in an art form or as elicited by projective techniques of formal psychology : IMAGINATION, FANCY
2 : a product of the imagination : ILLUSION
3 : a chimerical or fantastic notion

— fantasy verb

Synonyms
[1] creativity, fancy, imagination, invention—more at IMAGINATION
[2, 3] chimera, dream, fancy, fiction, figment, illusion, invention, vision

FAQ abbreviation
frequently asked question

1far adverb far·ther or fur·ther ; far·thest or fur·thest
1 : at or to a considerable distance in space or time <~ from home>
2 : by a broad interval : WIDELY, MUCH <~ better>
3 : to or at a definite distance, point, or degree <as ~ as I know>
4 : to an advanced point or extent <go ~ in his field>
5 : to a great extent

— by far

: by a considerable margin

— far and away

: DECIDEDLY

— so far

: until now

2far adjective farther or further; farthest or furthest
1 : remote in space or time
2 : DIFFERENT
3 : involving a long distance <a ~ journey>
4 : being the more distant of two <on the ~ side of the lake>

Synonyms
distant, far-off, remote
Antonyms
close, near, nearby

far·ad noun
: a unit of capacitance equal to the capacitance of a capacitor having a potential difference of one volt between its plates when it is charged with one coulomb of electricity

far·away adjective
1 : distant in space or time : DISTANT, REMOTE
2 : DREAMY

farce noun
1 : a broadly satirical comedy with an improbable plot
2 : the humor characteristic of farce or pretense
3 : a ridiculous or empty display

Synonyms
[1] comedy, humor, slapstick—more at COMEDY
[3] caricature, joke, mockery, parody, sham, travesty—more at MOCKERY

far·ci·cal adjective
: of, relating to, or resembling farce

Synonyms
absurd, comical, funny, humorous, laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous, silly

far cry noun
1 : a long distance
2 : something notably different <a far cry from what we expected>

1fare verb fared; far·ing
1 : to go or travel : GO, TRAVEL
2 : to get along : make out or turn out : GET ALONG
3 : to consume food : EAT, DINE

Synonyms
[1] advance, go, proceed, progress, travel
[2] cope, do, get along, make out, manage

2fare noun
1 a : a range or stock of food
b : material provided for use, consumption, or enjoyment <fine theatrical ~>
2 : the price charged to transport a person
3 : a person paying a fare : PASSENGER

Synonyms
food, provender, provisions, victuals

1farewell verb imperative
: get along well — used interjectionally to or by one departing

2farewell noun
1 : a wish of well-being at parting : GOOD-BYE
2 : act of departure : LEAVE-TAKING

Synonyms
[1] adieu, au revoir, good-bye—more at GOOD-BYE
[2] departure, leave-taking, parting

3farewell adjective
: PARTING, FINAL <a ~ concert>

far–fetched adjective
: not easily or naturally deduced or introduced : IMPROBABLE <~ story>

far–flung adjective
: widely spread or distributed

Synonyms
broad, expansive, extensive, far-reaching, widespread—more at EXTENSIVE

fa·ri·na noun
[ORIGIN: L, meal, flour]

: a fine meal (as of wheat) used in puddings or as a breakfast cereal

far·i·na·ceous adjective
1 : having a mealy texture or surface
2 : containing or rich in starch

1farm noun
[ORIGIN: ME ferme rent, lease, fr. AF, fr. fermer to fix, rent, fr. L firmare to make firm, fr. firmus firm]

1 : a tract of land used for raising crops or livestock
2 : a minor-league subsidiary of a major-league team

2farm verb
: to use (land) as a farm <~ed 200 acres>; also : to raise crops or livestock

Synonyms
cultivate, tend

farm·er noun
: a person who cultivates land or crops or raises livestock

Synonyms
agriculturist, cultivator, grower, planter, tiller

farm·hand noun
: a farm laborer

farm·house noun
: a dwelling on a farm

farm·ing noun
: the occupation or business of a person who farms

farm·land noun
: land used or suitable for farming

farm out verb
: to turn over (as a task) to another

farm·stead noun
: a farm with its buildings

farm·yard noun
: land around or enclosed by farm buildings

far–off adjective
: remote in time or space : DISTANT

Synonyms
distant, remote—more at DISTANT

fa·rouche adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : WILD
2 : marked by shyness and lack of polish

far–out adjective
: very unconventional <~ clothes>

Synonyms
bizarre, odd, outlandish, outré, peculiar, strange, wacky, weird, wild—more at ODD

far·ra·go noun, plural -goes
[ORIGIN: L, mixed fodder, mixture]

: a confused collection : MIXTURE

far–reach·ing adjective
: having a wide range or effect

Synonyms
broad, extensive, widespread—more at EXTENSIVE

far·ri·er noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of ME ferrour, fr. AF, blacksmith, fr. ferrer to shoe (horses)]

: a person who shoes horses

1farrow verb
: to give birth to a litter of pigs

2farrow noun
: a litter of pigs

far·see·ing adjective
1 : FARSIGHTED 1
2 : FARSIGHTED 2

far·sight·ed adjective
1 a : seeing or able to see to a great distance
b : having foresight : able to anticipate and plan for the future
2 : JUDICIOUS, WISE, SHREWD
3 : affected with an eye condition in which vision is better for distant than near objects

— far·sight·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
foresighted, prescient, provident—more at FORESIGHTED

1farther adverb
1 : at or to a greater distance or more advanced point
2 : to a greater degree or extent

Synonyms
beyond, further, yonder

2farther adjective
1 : more distant
2 : going or extending beyond what exists : ADDITIONAL

Synonyms
additional, another, more

far·ther·most adjective
: most remote : FARTHEST

1farthest adjective
: most distant

Synonyms
extreme, outermost, ultimate, utmost—more at EXTREME

2farthest adverb
1 : to or at the greatest distance : REMOTEST
2 : to the most advanced point
3 : by the greatest degree or extent : MOST

fas·cia noun, plural -ci·ae or -cias
1 : a flat usu. horizontal part (as a band or board) of or on a building
2 : a sheet of connective tissue covering body structures (as muscles)

fas·ci·cle noun
1 : a small or slender bundle (as of pine needles or nerve fiber)
2 : one of the divisions of a book published in parts

— fas·ci·cled adjective

fas·ci·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
[ORIGIN: L fascinare, fr. fascinum evil spell]

1 : to transfix and hold spellbound by an irresistible power
2 a : to have or exercise the power of charming, alluring, or enthralling
b : engage and powerfully hold the attention or interest
3 : to be irresistibly attractive

Synonyms
[2a, 2b] allure, beguile, captivate, charm, enchant, enthrall
[2b] engage, engross, grip, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy—more at ENGAGE

fascinating
: holding the interest as if by a spell

Synonyms
alluring, attractive, captivating, charming, engaging, enthralling, interesting, intriguing
Antonyms
repellant, repelling, repugnant

fas·ci·na·tion noun
: the quality of fascinating : the ability to enthrall

Synonyms
allure, appeal, attractiveness, charisma, charm, enchantment, glamour—more at CHARM

fas·cism noun, often cap
: a political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race and stands for a centralized autocratic often militaristic government

— fas·cist noun or adjective, often cap

— fas·cis·tic adjective, often cap

1fashion noun
1 : the make or form of something
2 : a distinctive or peculiar and often habitual manner or way : MANNER, WAY
3 : a prevailing usu. short-lived custom, usage, or style
4 : the prevailing style (as in dress)

Synonyms
[2] custom, habit, manner, pattern, practice, way
[3] craze, enthusiasm, fad, mode, rage, sensation, style, trend, vogue

2fashion verb
1 : to make or construct usu. with the use of imagination and ingenuity
2 : FIT, ADAPT

Synonyms
fabricate, form, frame, make, manufacture, produce—more at MAKE

fash·ion·able adjective
1 : dressing or behaving according to fashion
2 : of, relating to, or being something in fashion <~ resorts>

— fash·ion·ably adverb

Synonyms
[1] à la mode, chic, in, modish, sharp, smart, snappy, stylish—more at STYLISH
[2] hot, in, popular

1fast adjective
1 : firmly fixed
2 : tightly shut
3 : adhering firmly
4 : STUCK
5 : firmly loyal : STAUNCH <~ friends>
6 a : characterized by quick motion, operation, or effect <a ~ trip> <a ~ track>
b : unusually quick and ingenious or cunning in finding or recognizing and profiting by easy and often shady ways of making or acquiring money
7 : indicating ahead of the correct time <the clock is ~>
8 : not easily disturbed : SOUND <a ~ sleep>
9 : permanently dyed; also : being proof against fading <colors ~ to sunlight>
10 : DISSIPATED, WILD
11 : sexually promiscuous

Synonyms
[1, 8] firm, secure, set, snug, sound, stable, tight—more at TIGHT
[5] constant, devoted, faithful, loyal, staunch, steadfast, steady, true—more at FAITHFUL
[6a] brisk, fleet, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, swift
Antonyms
slow
[6b] deceptive, dishonest, shady, sharp, shifty

2fast adverb
1 : in a fast manner <stuck ~ in the mud> <~ asleep>
2 : in a rapid manner : SWIFTLY
3 : RECKLESSLY

Synonyms
[1] completely, entirely, fully, thoroughly, well, wholly—more at FULLY
[2] briskly, hastily, presto, pronto, quick, quickly, rapidly, speedily, swiftly
Antonyms
slow, slowly

3fast verb
1 : to abstain from food
2 : to eat sparingly or abstain from some foods

4fast noun
1 : the act or practice of fasting
2 : a time of fasting

fast·back noun
: an automobile having a roof with a long slope to the rear

fast·ball noun
: a baseball pitch thrown at full speed

fas·ten verb
1 : to attach or join by or as if by pinning, tying, or nailing
2 : to make fast : fix securely
3 : to become fixed or joined
4 : to focus attention <~ed onto the newest trends>

— fas·ten·er noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] attach, fix, secure, tie; also adhere, bolt, clamp, clasp, clinch, clip, glue, hang, harness, lace, lash, latch, nail, paste, pin, rivet, screw, staple, stick, strap, tack, tie, yoke; connect, join, link, unite; reattach, refix
Antonyms
detach, loose, loosen, undo
[4] concentrate, focus, rivet, train—more at CONCENTRATE

fas·ten·ing noun
: something that fastens : FASTENER

fast–food adjective
: specializing in food that is prepared and served quickly <a ~ restaurant>

fast–for·ward noun
1 : a function of an electronic device that advances a recording rapidly
2 : a state of rapid advancement

— fast–forward verb

fas·tid·i·ous adjective
1 : overly difficult to please
2 : showing a meticulous or demanding attitude <~ workmanship>

— fas·tid·i·ous·ly adverb

— fas·tid·i·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] choosy, demanding, exacting, finicky, fussy, particular, picky—more at FINICKY

fast·ness noun
1 a : the quality or state of being fast
b : fixed attachment
c : the quality or state of being swift
2 : a fortified or secure place : STRONGHOLD

Synonyms
[1c] celerity, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, speed, swiftness, velocity—more at SPEED
[2] bastion, citadel, fort, fortification, fortress, stronghold—more at FORT

fast–talk verb
: to influence by persuasive and usu. deceptive talk

fast–track verb
: to speed up the processing or production of

fast track noun
: a course leading to rapid advancement or success

1fat adjective fat·ter; fat·test
1 : notable for having an unusual amount of fat : PLUMP, OBESE
2 : OILY, GREASY
3 : well filled out : unusually large
4 : well furnished, filled, or stocked : ABUNDANT
5 : richly rewarding
6 : having the quality or power of producing esp. in abundance

Synonyms
[1] chubby, corpulent, obese, overweight, plump, portly, rotund, round
Antonyms
lean, slender, slim, spare, thin
[3] broad, thick, wide—more at WIDE
[4] abundant, chock-full, full, packed, replete—more at FULL
[5] gainful, lucrative, profitable, remunerative—more at PROFITABLE
[6] fertile, fruitful, productive, prolific, rich—more at FERTILE

2fat noun
1 : animal tissue rich in greasy or oily matter
2 : any of various energy-rich esters that occur naturally in animal fats and in plants and are soluble in organic solvents (as ether) but not in water
3 : the best or richest portion <lived on the ~ of the land>
4 : OBESITY
5 : something in excess or expendable

Synonyms
[3] best, choice, elite, pick, prime—more at ELITE
[5] excess, overflow, surfeit, surplus—more at EXCESS

fa·tal adjective
1 : FATEFUL <that ~ day>
2 : causing death or ruin <a ~ mistake>

— fa·tal·ly adverb

Synonyms
deadly, deathly, lethal, mortal, murderous, pestilent—more at DEADLY
calamitous, catastrophic, destructive, disastrous, fateful, ruinous

fa·tal·ism noun
: the belief that events are determined by fate

— fa·tal·ist noun

— fa·tal·is·tic adjective

— fa·tal·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

fa·tal·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : DEADLINESS
2 : FATE
3 a : death resulting from a disaster or accident
b : one who suffers a death from a disaster or accident

Synonyms
casualty, loss, victim—more at CASUALTY

fat·back noun
: a fatty strip from the back of the hog usu. cured by salting and drying

fat cat noun
1 : a wealthy contributor to a political campaign
2 : a wealthy privileged person

fate noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF or L; MF, fr. L fatum, lit., what has been spoken, fr. fari to speak]

1 : the cause or will that is held to determine events : DESTINY
2 : LOT, FORTUNE
3 : DISASTER; especially : DEATH
4 : ultimate lot or disposition : final outcome
5 cap, plural : the three goddesses of classical mythology who determine the course of human life

Synonyms
[1, 2] circumstance, destiny, doom, fortune, lot
[4] consequence, effect, outcome, product, result, upshot—more at EFFECT

fat·ed adjective
: decreed, controlled, or marked by fate

fate·ful adjective
1 : OMINOUS, PROPHETIC
2 : IMPORTANT, DECISIVE
3 : bringing on adverse fate : DESTRUCTIVE
4 : determined by fate

— fate·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
calamitous, catastrophic, destructive, disastrous, fatal, ruinous

fath abbreviation
fathom

fat·head noun
: a stupid person

— fat·head·ed adjective

Synonyms
blockhead, dolt, dope, dunce, idiot, jackass, nitwit, numskull, simpleton

1father noun
1 : a male parent
2 cap : God esp. as the first person of the Trinity
3 : a male ancestor more remote than a parent : FOREFATHER
4 : one deserving the respect and love given to a father
5 often cap : an early Christian writer accepted by the church as an authoritative witness to its teaching and practice
6 : one that originates or institutes : ORIGINATOR <the ~ of modern radio>; also : SOURCE
7 : a priest of the regular clergy : PRIEST — used esp. as a title
8 : one of the leading men <city ~s>

— fa·ther·hood noun

— fa·ther·less adjective

— fa·ther·ly adjective

Synonyms
[1] daddy, papa, pop
[3] ancestor, forefather, grandfather—more at ANCESTOR
[6] author, creator, founder, originator; also contriver, designer, innovator, inventor, spawner; builder, maker, producer; developer, pioneer, researcher; organizer, promoter; inspiration, inspirer
[7] clergyman, minister, preacher, priest, reverend—more at CLERGYMAN

2father verb
1 : to make oneself the father of : BEGET
2 : to be the founder, producer, or author of
3 : to treat or care for as a father

Synonyms
beget, get, produce; also breed, multiply, procreate, propagate, reproduce, spawn; bear, engender, generate

father–in–law noun, plural fa·thers–in–law
: the father of one's husband or wife

fa·ther·land noun
1 : the native land of one's ancestors
2 : one's native land

Synonyms
country, home, homeland—more at COUNTRY

1fathom noun
[ORIGIN: ME fadme, fr. OE fæthm length of the outstretched arms]

: a unit of length equal to 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) used esp. for measuring the depth of water

2fathom verb
1 : to measure by a sounding line
2 : PROBE
3 : to penetrate and come to understand

— fath·om·able adjective

fath·om·less adjective
: incapable of being fathomed

1fatigue noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : manual or menial work performed by military personnel
2 plural : the uniform or work clothing worn on fatigue and in the field
3 : weariness from labor or stress
4 : the tendency of a material to break under repeated stress

Synonyms
burnout, collapse, exhaustion, lassitude, tiredness, weariness; also enervation, faintness, feebleness, weakness; languor, lethargy, listlessness; sluggishness, slumber, stupor, torpor; apathy, inertia, passivity
Antonyms
refreshment, rejuvenation, revitalization

2fatigue verb fa·tigued; fa·tigu·ing
: to weary with labor or exertion : WEARY, TIRE

Synonyms
burn out, do in, drain, exhaust, tire, wear out, weary—more at EXHAUST

fat·ness noun
: the quality or state of being fat or rich in fats : fullness of flesh

Synonyms
corpulence, obesity, plumpness—more at CORPULENCE

fat·ten verb
: to make or grow fat

Fat Tuesday noun
: MARDI GRAS

1fatty adjective fat·ti·er; -est
1 : containing fat esp. in unusual amounts
2 : GREASY

2fatty noun, plural fat·ties
: a fat person

fatty acid noun
: any of numerous acids that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and that occur naturally in fats and various oils

fa·tu·ity noun, plural -ities
1 : something foolish or stupid
2 : the quality or state of being stupid

Synonyms
[1] absurdity, folly, foolery, idiocy, inanity, stupidity—more at FOLLY
[2] absurdity, foolishness, inanity, insanity, lunacy, madness, silliness, simplicity, stupidity

fat·u·ous adjective
: marked by lack of intelligence and rational consideration

— fat·u·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
dense, dull, dumb, obtuse, stupid, unintelligent, vacuous, witless—more at STUPID

fau·bourg noun
1 : a suburb esp. of a French city
2 : a city quarter

fau·ces noun plural
[ORIGIN: L, throat]

: the narrow passage located between the soft palate and the base of the tongue that joins the mouth to the pharynx

fau·cet noun
: a fixture for drawing off a liquid (as from a pipe)

Synonyms
cock, gate, spigot, tap, valve

1fault noun
1 : a weakness in character : FAILING
2 : a physical or intellectual imperfection or impairment : IMPERFECTION, DEFECT
3 : an error esp. in service in a net or racket game
4 : a failure to do what is right : an unintentional error : MISTAKE
5 : responsibility for something wrong
6 : a fracture in the earth's crust accompanied by a displacement of one side relative to the other

Synonyms
[1] demerit, failing, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness; also blot, spot, stain; blemish, deficiency, flaw; Achilles' heel; corruption, depravity, evil, immorality, sinfulness, wickedness
Antonyms
merit, virtue
[2] blemish, defect, flaw, imperfection—more at BLEMISH
[4] blunder, error, fumble, goof, misstep, mistake, oversight, slip—more at ERROR
[5] blame, culpability, guilt, rap—more at BLAME

2fault verb
1 : to commit a fault : ERR
2 : to fracture so as to produce a geologic fault
3 : to find a fault in

Synonyms
blame, condemn, criticize, denounce, knock, pan—more at CRITICIZE

fault·find·er noun
: a person who tends to find fault or complain

— fault·find·ing noun or adjective

Synonyms
carper, castigator, censurer, critic, nitpicker, scold—more at CRITIC

fault·i·ly adverb
: in a faulty or blamable manner

Synonyms
erroneously, improperly, incorrectly, wrongly

fault·less adjective
: having no fault : free from defect, imperfection, failing, blemish, or error

Synonyms
flawless, impeccable, perfect, unblemished—more at PERFECT
blameless, innocent, irreproachable—more at INNOCENT

fault·less·ly adverb
: in a manner having no fault

Synonyms
flawlessly, ideally, impeccably, perfectly—more at PERFECTLY

faulty adjective
: marked by a fault : having a fault, blemish, or defect

Synonyms
bad, defective, imperfect; also fallible; blemished, broken, damaged, defaced, disfigured, impaired, injured, marred, spoiled; deficient, inadequate, incomplete, insufficient, wanting
Antonyms
faultless, flawless, perfect

faun noun
: a Roman god similar to but gentler than a satyr

fau·na noun, plural faunas also fau·nae
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L Fauna, sister of Faunus (the Roman god of animals)]

: animals or animal life esp. of a region, period, or environment

— fau·nal adjective

fau·vism noun, often cap
: a movement in painting characterized by vivid colors, free treatment of form, and a vibrant and decorative effect

— fau·vist noun, often cap

faux pas noun, plural faux pas
[ORIGIN: F, lit., false step]

: BLUNDER; especially : a social blunder

fa·va bean noun
: the large flat edible seed of an Old World vetch; also : this plant

1favor noun
1 : friendly regard shown toward another esp. by a superior
2 : the act of approving or the state of being approved of : APPROVAL
3 : bias in favor : PARTIALITY
4 : POPULARITY
5 : gracious kindness; also : an act of such kindness
6 plural : effort in one's behalf : ATTENTION
7 : a token of love (as a ribbon) usu. worn conspicuously
8 : a small gift or decorative item given out at a party
9 : a special privilege
10 : sexual privileges — usu. used in pl.
11 : BEHALF, INTEREST

Synonyms
[1] admiration, appreciation, esteem, estimation, regard, respect—more at ADMIRATION
[2] approbation, approval, OK—more at APPROVAL
[3] bias, partiality, partisanship, prejudice—more at BIAS
[6] attention, courtesy, kindness, service, turn

2favor verb
1 : to regard or treat with favor
2 : to do a kindness for or oblige esp. with a gift : OBLIGE
3 : ENDOW <~ed by nature>
4 : to treat gently or carefully : SPARE <~ a lame leg>
5 : to show partiality toward : PREFER
6 : SUPPORT, SUSTAIN
7 : FACILITATE <darkness ~s attack>
8 : RESEMBLE <he ~s his father>

Synonyms
[1] accept, approve, care, countenance, OK, subscribe
[5] lean, like, prefer—more at PREFER

fa·vor·able adjective
1 : expressing approval : APPROVING
2 : tending to promote or facilitate : HELPFUL, ADVANTAGEOUS <~ weather>
3 : marked by success

Synonyms
[1] appreciative, complimentary, friendly, good, positive; also eulogistic, laudatory; respectful; adulatory, worshipful
Antonyms
adverse, disapproving, negative
[2] advantageous, beneficial, helpful, profitable, salutary—more at BENEFICIAL
[3] auspicious, bright, encouraging, hopeful, promising, propitious; also fortunate, happy, lucky, providential; advantageous, beneficial, profitable
Antonyms
discouraging, inauspicious, unfavorable, unpromising

fa·vor·ably adverb
: in a favorable manner

Synonyms
agreeably, nicely, pleasantly, pleasingly, satisfyingly, well

1favorite noun
1 : a person or a thing that is favored above others
2 : a competitor regarded as most likely to win

Synonyms
darling, pet, preference, prize, treasure

2favorite adjective
: being a favorite

Synonyms
dear, loved, precious, special

favorite son noun
: a candidate supported by the delegates of his state at a presidential nominating convention

fa·vor·it·ism noun
: PARTIALITY, BIAS

1fawn verb
1 : to show affection <a dog ~ing on its master>
2 : to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner

Synonyms
fuss, kowtow, toady; also drool, gush, slaver, slobber; endear, ingratiate; court, woo; adulate, idolize, worship; cajole, coax, flatter; cower, cringe, grovel; abase, debase, demean; defer, submit, yield

2fawn noun
1 : a young deer
2 : a light grayish brown

— fawny adjective

fax noun
1 : FACSIMILE 2
2 : a device used to send or receive facsimile communications; also : such a communication

— fax verb

1fay noun
: a mythical being of folklore and romance usu. having diminutive human form and magic powers and given to beneficial or mischievous interference in human affairs

Synonyms
brownie, elf, fairy, leprechaun, pixie, puck—more at FAIRY

2fay adjective
: like an elf

Synonyms
antic, elfish, frisky, frolicsome, playful—more at PLAYFUL

faze verb fazed; faz·ing
: to disturb the composure or courage of

Synonyms
confound, confuse, disconcert, embarrass, fluster, rattle—more at EMBARRASS

FBI abbreviation
Federal Bureau of Investigation

FCC abbreviation
Federal Communications Commission

FD abbreviation
fire department

FDA abbreviation
Food and Drug Administration

FDIC abbreviation
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Fe symbol
[ORIGIN: L ferrum]

iron

fe·al·ty noun, plural -ties
: intense fidelity : LOYALTY, ALLEGIANCE

Synonyms
allegiance, constancy, dedication, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness—more at FIDELITY

1fear verb
1 : to have a reverent awe of <~ God>
2 : to be afraid of : have fear <~s spiders>
3 : to be apprehensive

Synonyms
bother, fret, stew, sweat, trouble, worry—more at WORRY

2fear noun
1 : an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by expectation or awareness of danger; also : an instance of or a state marked by this emotion
2 : anxious concern : SOLICITUDE
3 : profound reverence esp. toward God

Synonyms
alarm, anxiety, apprehension, dread, fright, trepidation; also phobia; jitters, nervousness, willies; pang, qualm, twinge; agitation, discomposure, disquiet, perturbation; concern, dismay, worry; cowardice, timidity, timorousness

fear·ful adjective
1 : causing fear
2 : filled with fear
3 : showing or caused by fear
4 : extremely bad, intense, or large

— fear·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dire, dreadful, fearsome, forbidding, formidable, frightful, hair-raising, horrible, redoubtable, scary, shocking, terrible, terrifying; also daunting, disconcerting, discouraging, dismaying, disquieting, distressing, perturbing, startling, threatening, troubling, trying; creepy, eerie, weird; ghastly, gruesome, nightmarish
[2, 3] afraid, scared, skittish, timid—more at AFRAID
[4] deep, fierce, furious, hard, intense, profound, terrible, violent—more at INTENSE

fear·less adjective
: free from fear : BRAVE

— fear·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
brave, courageous, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant

fear·less·ness noun
: the quality or state of being without fear

Synonyms
bravery, courage, daring, heroism, nerve, stoutness, valor—more at COURAGE

fear·some adjective
1 : causing fear
2 : TIMID
3 : INTENSE <~ determination>

Synonyms
fearful, formidable, hair-raising, scary, shocking, terrifying—more at FEARFUL

fea·si·ble adjective
[ORIGIN: ME faisible, fr. AF faisable, fr. fais-, stem of faire to make, do]

1 : capable of being done or carried out <a ~ plan>
2 : SUITABLE
3 : REASONABLE, LIKELY

— fea·si·bil·i·ty noun

— fea·si·bly adverb

Synonyms
achievable, attainable, doable, possible, practicable, viable, workable—more at POSSIBLE

1feast noun
1 : an elaborate meal : BANQUET
2 : ABUNDANCE <a ~ of good books>
3 : FESTIVAL 1

Synonyms
banquet, dinner, feed, spread; also chow, repast; blowout, festival, fete, gala, party; festivity; barbecue, clambake, cookout, fry, luau, roast

2feast verb
1 a : to take part in a feast
b : to give a feast for
2 : to enjoy some unusual pleasure or delight
3 : DELIGHT, GRATIFY

Synonyms
banquet, dine, junket, regale; also cater, feed; fete, honor

feat noun
: a deed notable esp. for courage : a heroic achievement; especially : an act notable for courage, skill, endurance, or ingenuity

Synonyms
deed, exploit, stunt, trick; also accomplishment, achievement, coup; adventure; performance

1feather noun
1 : any of the light horny outgrowths that form the external covering of the body of a bird
2 : the vane of an arrow
3 : the entire clothing of feathers of a bird : PLUMAGE
4 : a group united by common traits or interests <birds of a ~>
5 : elaborate, showy, or ceremonial dress <in full ~>
6 : CONDITION, MOOD <in fine ~>

— feath·ered adjective

— feath·er·less adjective

— a feather in one's cap

: a mark of distinction : HONOR

Synonyms
[4] class, ilk, kind, like, sort, type—more at SORT
[5] array, best, finery, full dress, regalia—more at FINERY

2feather verb
1 : to furnish with a feather <~ an arrow>
2 : to cover, clothe, line, or adorn with or as if with feathers

— feather one's nest

: to provide for oneself financially esp. while exploiting a position of trust

feath·er·bed·ding noun
: the requiring of an employer usu. under a union rule or safety statute to employ more workers than are needed

feath·er·edge noun
: a very thin sharp edge

feath·er·weight noun
: one that is very light in weight; especially : a boxer weighing more than 118 but not over 126 pounds

feath·ery adjective
: light and delicate

Synonyms
airy, light—more at LIGHT

1feature noun
[ORIGIN: ME feture, fr. AF, fr. L factura act of making, fr. facere to make]

1 : the shape or appearance of the face or its parts
2 : a part of the face : LINEAMENT
3 : a prominent part or characteristic
4 : a special attraction (as in a newspaper)
5 : something offered to the public or advertised as particularly attractive

— fea·ture·less adjective

Synonyms
attribute, character, characteristic, mark, peculiarity, point, property, quality, trait—more at CHARACTERISTIC

2feature verb
1 : to picture in the mind : IMAGINE
2 : to give special prominence to <the show ~s new artists>
3 : to play an important part

Synonyms
accent, accentuate, emphasize, highlight, stress, underline, underscore—more at EMPHASIZE

Feb abbreviation
February

fe·brile adjective
: FEVERISH

Feb·ru·ary noun
[ORIGIN: ME Februarie, fr. L Februarius, fr. Februa, pl., feast of purification]

: the 2d month of the year

fe·ces noun plural
: bodily waste discharged from the intestine : EXCREMENT

— fe·cal adjective

feck·less adjective
1 : WEAK, INEFFECTIVE
2 : WORTHLESS, IRRESPONSIBLE

fe·cund adjective
: fruitful in offspring or vegetation : FRUITFUL, PROLIFIC

— fe·cun·di·ty noun

Synonyms
fat, fertile, fruitful, luxuriant, productive, prolific, rich—more at FERTILE

fe·cun·date verb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
1 : to make fecund
2 : IMPREGNATE

— fe·cun·da·tion noun

fed abbreviation
federal; federation

fed·er·al adjective
1 : formed by a compact between political units that surrender individual sovereignty to a central authority but retain certain limited powers
2 : of or constituting a form of government in which power is distributed between a central authority and constituent territorial units
3 : of or relating to the central government of a federation
4 cap : FEDERALIST
5 often cap : of, relating to, or loyal to the federal government or the Union armies of the U.S. in the American Civil War

— fed·er·al·ly adverb

Federal noun
: a supporter of the U.S. government in the Civil War; especially : a soldier in the federal armies

federal district noun
: a district (as the District of Columbia) set apart as the seat of the central government of a federation

fed·er·al·ism noun
1 often cap : the distribution of power in an organization (as a government) between a central authority and the constituent units
2 : support or advocacy of federalism
3 cap : the principles of the Federalists

fed·er·al·ist noun
1 : an advocate of federalism
2 often cap : an advocate of a federal union between the American colonies after the Revolution and of adoption of the U.S. Constitution
3 cap : a member of a major political party in the early years of the U.S. favoring a strong centralized national government

— federalist adjective, often cap

fed·er·al·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to unite in or under a federal system
2 : to bring under the jurisdiction of a federal government

fed·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to join in a federation

Synonyms
ally, associate, band, club, confederate, conjoin, cooperate, league, unite—more at ALLY

fed·er·a·tion noun
1 : a political or societal entity formed by uniting smaller entities
2 : a federal government
3 : a union of organizations
4 : the forming of a federal union

Synonyms
alliance, bloc, coalition, combination, combine, confederacy, confederation, league, union—more at CONFEDERACY

fedn abbreviation
federation

fe·do·ra noun
: a low soft felt hat with the crown creased lengthwise

fed up adjective
: satiated, tired, or disgusted beyond endurance

Synonyms
jaded, sick, tired, weary—more at WEARY

fee noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF fé, fief, of Gmc origin; akin to OE feoh cattle, property]

1 : an estate in land held from a feudal lord
2 : an inherited or heritable estate in land
3 : a fixed charge; also : a charge for a service

Synonyms
charge, cost, figure, price—more at PRICE

fee·ble adjective fee·bler ; fee·blest
[ORIGIN: ME feble, fr. OF, fr. L flebilis lamentable, wretched, fr. flēre to weep]

1 : markedly lacking in strength : FRAIL
2 : INEFFECTIVE, INADEQUATE <a ~ protest>

— fee·bly adverb

Synonyms
faint, frail, infirm, wasted, weak

fee·ble·ness noun
: the quality or state of being feeble

Synonyms
debility, frailty, infirmity, weakness

fee·ble·mind·ed adjective
: lacking normal intelligence

— fee·ble·mind·ed·ness noun

1feed verb fed ; feed·ing
1 : to give food to; also : to give as food
2 a : to consume food : EAT 1
b : to seize and devour prey — used with on, upon, or off
3 : to furnish what is necessary to the growth or function of
4 : to supply for use or consumption

— feed·er noun

Synonyms
[1] board, cater, provision; also serve, wait; nourish, nurture; banquet, dine, feast, regale; mess
[2a] dine, eat, fare—more at DINE

2feed noun
1 a : a usu. large meal; especially : a sumptuous meal
b : the portion or serving of food eaten at a meal
2 : food for livestock
3 : a mechanism for feeding material to a machine

Synonyms
[1a] banquet, dinner, feast, spread—more at FEAST
[1b] board, chow, meal, mess, repast, table—more at MEAL

feed·back noun
1 : the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process
2 : response esp. to one in authority about an activity or policy
3 : sound (as whistling) resulting from the retransmission of an amplified or broadcast signal

feed·lot noun
: land on which cattle are fattened for market

feed·stuff noun
: FEED 2

1feel verb felt ; feel·ing
1 : to perceive or examine through physical contact : TOUCH, HANDLE
2 : to undergo passive experience of : EXPERIENCE; also : to suffer from
3 : to ascertain by cautious trial <~ out public sentiment>
4 : to be aware of
5 : to be conscious of an inward impression, state of mind, or physical condition
6 : to be aware of by instinct or inference : BELIEVE, THINK <say what you ~>
7 : to search for something with the fingers : GROPE
8 : SEEM <it ~s like spring>
9 : to have sympathy or pity <I ~ for you>

Synonyms
[2] endure, experience, have, know, see, suffer, sustain, taste, undergo—more at EXPERIENCE
[4] perceive, scent, see, sense, smell, taste; also discern, observe, view; ascertain, discover, learn; anticipate, expect, foresee [6] believe, consider, deem, figure, guess, hold, imagine, suppose, think—more at BELIEVE
[7] fish, fumble, grope—more at GROPE
usually feel for [9] commiserate, pity, sympathize—more at PITY

2feel noun
1 : the sense of touch
2 : a sensation experienced through the sense of feeling
3 : the quality of a thing as imparted through touch

Synonyms
[2] feeling, sensation, sense—more at SENSATION

feel·er noun
1 : one that feels; especially : a tactile organ (as on the head of an insect)
2 : a proposal or remark made to find out the views of other people

1feeling noun
1 a : the sense of touch
b : a sensation perceived by touch
2 : a state of mind <a ~ of loneliness>
3 plural : general emotional condition : SENSIBILITIES <hurt their ~s>
4 : often unreasoned opinion or belief : OPINION, BELIEF
5 : capacity to respond emotionally

Synonyms
[1b] feel, sensation, sense—more at SENSATION
[2] emotion, sentiment; also impression, perception, sense
[4] belief, judgment, mind, notion, opinion, persuasion, view—more at OPINION
[5] compassion, heart, humanity, kindness, sympathy—more at HEART

2feeling adjective
1 : having the capacity to feel or respond emotionally : SENSITIVE; especially : easily moved emotionally
2 : expressing emotion or sensitivity

— feel·ing·ly adverb

feet plural of FOOT

feign verb
1 : to give a false appearance of : SHAM <~ illness>
2 : to assert as if true : PRETEND

Synonyms
affect, assume, fake, pretend, put on, sham, simulate; also act, dissemble, impersonate, masquerade; forge, imitate; camouflage, conceal, disguise, mask; bluff, feint

feigned adjective
1 : not genuine or real
2 : not genuinely felt

Synonyms
artificial, hypocritical, insincere, two-faced—more at INSINCERE

feint noun
: something feigned; especially : a mock blow or attack intended to distract attention from the real point of attack

— feint verb

feisty adjective feist·i·er; -est
: having or showing a lively aggressiveness <a ~ heroine>

feld·spar noun
: any of a group of crystalline minerals consisting of silicates of aluminum with another element (as potassium or sodium)

fe·lic·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: to offer congratulations to : CONGRATULATE

fe·lic·i·ta·tion noun
: the act or an instance of congratulating : CONGRATULATION

fe·lic·i·tous adjective
1 : suitably expressed : APT
2 : highly pleasing : affording great pleasure and satisfaction : PLEASANT, DELIGHTFUL

Synonyms
[1] applicable, appropriate, apt, fit, fitting, proper, right, suitable—more at FIT BECOMING
[2] agreeable, congenial, delightful, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying

fe·lic·i·tous·ly adverb
: in a felicitous manner

Synonyms
agreeably, favorably, nicely, pleasantly, pleasingly, satisfyingly, splendidly, well

fe·lic·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being happy; especially : great happiness
2 : something that causes happiness
3 : a pleasing manner or quality esp. in art or language
4 : an apt expression

Synonyms
[1] blessedness, bliss, gladness, happiness, joy—more at HAPPINESS
[2] benefit, blessing, boon, godsend, good, manna, windfall—more at BLESSING

fe·line adjective
[ORIGIN: L felinus, fr. felis cat]

1 : of or relating to cats or their kin
2 : SLY, TREACHEROUS
3 : STEALTHY

feline noun
: a feline animal

Synonyms
cat, kitty, puss—more at CAT

1fell noun
: SKIN, HIDE, PELT

2fell verb
1 a : to cut, beat, or knock down
b : to deprive of life
2 : to sew (a seam) by folding one raw edge under the other

Synonyms
chop, cut, hew

3fell past of FALL

4fell adjective
1 : violently hostile or aggressive in temperament : FIERCE
2 : killing or markedly sickening or destroying : DEADLY

— in one fell swoop
also at one fell swoop
: all at once : with a single effort

Synonyms
[1] ferocious, fierce, grim, savage, vicious—more at FIERCE
[2] deadly, fatal, lethal, mortal, murderous, pestilent, vital—more at DEADLY

fel·lah noun, plural fel·la·hin or fel·la·heen
: a peasant or agricultural laborer in Arab countries (as Egypt or Syria)

fel·la·tio also fel·la·tion noun
: oral stimulation of the penis

fel·low noun
[ORIGIN: ME felawe, fr. OE fēolaga, fr. ON fēlagi, fr. fēlag partnership (fr. fē cattle, money) + lag act of laying]

1 : one that accompanies or is in the company of another : one much in the company of another
2 : an equal in rank, power, or character : EQUAL, PEER
3 : one of a pair : MATE
4 : a member of an incorporated literary or scientific society
5 : an individual human : an adult male human : MAN
6 : a frequent, regular, or favorite escort or male companion : BOYFRIEND
7 : a person granted a stipend for advanced study

Synonyms
[1] associate, cohort, companion, comrade, crony, mate—more at ASSOCIATE
[2] equal, like, match, parallel, peer
[5] chap, dude, gent, gentleman, guy, hombre, male, man—more at MAN

fel·low man noun
: a kindred human being

fel·low·ship noun
1 : the condition of friendly relationship existing among persons
2 : a community of interest or feeling
3 : a group with similar interests
4 : the position of a fellow (as of a university)
5 : the stipend granted a fellow

Synonyms
[1] camaraderie, companionship, company, comradeship, society—more at COMPANIONSHIP
[2] brotherhood, community, corps, fraternity—more at CORPS
[3] association, club, college, congress, council, fraternity, league, order, organization, society—more at ASSOCIATION

fellow traveler noun
: a sympathetic supporter of another's cause; especially : a person who sympathizes with and often furthers the ideals and program of an organized group (as the Communist party) without joining it

fel·on noun
1 : one who has committed a felony
2 : WHITLOW

Synonyms
criminal, crook, culprit, lawbreaker, malefactor, offender—more at CRIMINAL

fel·o·ny noun, plural -nies
: a serious crime punishable by a heavy sentence

— fe·lo·ni·ous adjective

fel·spar chiefly British variant of FELDSPAR

1felt noun
1 : a cloth made of wool and fur often mixed with natural or synthetic fibers
2 : a material resembling felt

2felt past and past participle of FEEL

fem abbreviation
1 female
2 feminine

fe·male adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, alter. of femel, fr. MF femelle, fr. ML femella, fr. L, girl, dim. of femina woman]

1 : of, relating to, or being the sex that bears young; also : PISTILLATE
2 : characteristic of girls or women <~ voices>

Synonyms
feminine, womanly—more at FEMININE

female noun
: a female person : a woman

1feminine adjective
1 a : of the female sex
b : characteristic of or appropriate or peculiar to women
2 : of, relating to, or constituting the gender that includes most words or grammatical forms referring to females

— fem·i·nin·i·ty noun

Synonyms
female, womanly; also girlish, sissy, unmanly; ladylike
Antonyms
male, manly, mannish, masculine

2feminine noun
: a noun, pronoun, adjective, or inflectional form or class of the feminine gender; also : the feminine gender

fem·i·nism noun
1 : the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests

— fem·i·nist noun or adjective

femme fa·tale noun, plural femmes fa·tales
[ORIGIN: F, lit., disastrous woman]

: a seductive woman

fe·mur noun, plural fe·murs or fem·o·ra
: the long leg bone extending from the hip to the knee

— fem·o·ral adjective

fen noun
: low swampy land

Synonyms
bog, marsh, mire, morass, slough, swamp—more at SWAMP

1fence noun
[ORIGIN: ME fens, short for defens defense]

1 : a barrier (as of wood or wire) to prevent escape or entry or to mark a boundary
2 : a person who receives stolen goods; also : a place where stolen goods are disposed of

— on the fence

: in a position of neutrality or indecision

Synonyms
barrier, hedge, wall—more at BARRIER

2fence verb fenced; fenc·ing
1 : to enclose with a fence
2 : to keep in or out with a fence
3 : to practice fencing
4 : to use tactics of attack and defense esp. in debate

— fenc·er noun

Synonyms usually fence in
cage, corral, enclose, hedge, pen

fenc·ing noun
1 : the art or practice of attack and defense with the foil, épée, or saber
2 : the fences of a property or region
3 : material used for building fences

fend verb
1 : to keep or ward off : REPEL
2 : SHIFT <~ for yourself>

Synonyms usually fend off
repel, repulse, stave off—more at REPEL

fend·er noun
: a protective device (as a guard over the wheel of an automobile)

Synonyms
buffer, bumper, cushion, pad—more at CUSHION

fen·es·tra·tion noun
: the arrangement and design of windows and doors in a building

Fe·ni·an noun
: a member of a secret 19th century Irish and Irish-American organization dedicated to overthrowing British rule in Ireland

fen·nel noun
: a garden plant related to the carrot and grown for its aromatic foliage and seeds

FEPC abbreviation
Fair Employment Practices Commission

fe·ral adjective
1 : SAVAGE
2 : not domesticated or cultivated : WILD 1
3 : having escaped from domestication and become wild

Synonyms
savage, unbroken, undomesticated, untamed, wild—more at WILD

fer–de–lance noun, plural fer–de–lance
[ORIGIN: F, lit., lance iron, spearhead]

: a large venomous pit viper of Central and So. America

1ferment verb
1 : to cause or undergo fermentation
2 : to be or cause to be in a state of agitation or intense activity

2ferment noun
1 : a living organism (as a yeast) causing fermentation by its enzymes; also : ENZYME
2 : a state of unrest

Synonyms
disquiet, restlessness, turmoil, uneasiness, unrest—more at UNREST

fer·men·ta·tion noun
1 : chemical decomposition of an organic substance (as in the souring of milk or the formation of alcohol from sugar) by enzymatic action in the absence of oxygen often with formation of gas
2 : FERMENT 2

fer·mi·um noun
: an artificially produced radioactive metallic chemical element

fern noun
: any of an order of vascular plants resembling seed plants in having roots, stems, and leaflike fronds but reproducing by spores instead of by flowers and seeds

fern·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : a place for growing ferns
2 : a collection of growing ferns

fe·ro·cious adjective
1 : exhibiting or given to extreme fierceness and unrestrained violence and brutality
2 : extremely intense

— fe·ro·cious·ly adverb

— fe·ro·cious·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] fell, fierce, grim, savage, vicious—more at FIERCE
[2] deep, fearful, heavy, intense, profound

fe·roc·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being ferocious

1ferret noun
: a partially domesticated usu. white European mammal related to the weasels

2ferret verb
1 : to hunt game with ferrets
2 : to drive out of a hiding place
3 : to find and bring to light by searching <~ out the truth>

fer·ric adjective
: of, relating to, or containing iron

ferric oxide noun
: an oxide of iron found in nature as hematite and as rust and used esp. as a pigment, for polishing, and in magnetic materials

Fer·ris wheel noun
: an amusement device consisting of a large upright power-driven wheel with seats that remain horizontal around its rim

fer·ro·mag·net·ic adjective
: of or relating to substances that are easily magnetized

fer·rous adjective
: of, relating to, or containing iron

fer·rule noun
: a metal ring or cap around a slender wooden shaft to prevent splitting

1ferry verb fer·ried; fer·ry·ing
[ORIGIN: ME ferien, fr. OE ferian to carry, convey]

1 : to carry by boat across a body of water
2 : to cross by a ferry
3 : to convey from one place to another

Synonyms
bear, carry, convey, haul, transport—more at CARRY

2ferry noun, plural ferries
1 : a place where persons or things are ferried
2 : FERRYBOAT

fer·ry·boat noun
: a boat used in ferrying

fer·tile adjective
1 : producing plentifully : PRODUCTIVE <~ soils> <a ~ mind>
2 : capable of developing or reproducing <~ seed> <a ~ bull>

— fer·til·i·ty noun

Synonyms
fecund, fruitful, luxuriant, productive, prolific, rich; also bearing, producing, yielding; abounding, abundant, bountiful; copious, plenteous, plentiful; blooming, bursting, swarming, teeming, thriving; creative, inventive, original
Antonyms
barren, infertile, sterile, unfruitful, unproductive

fer·til·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to unite with in the process of fertilization <a sperm ~s an egg>
2 : to apply fertilizer to

— fer·til·iza·tion noun

fer·til·iz·er noun
: material (as manure or a chemical mixture) for enriching land

fer·ule noun
: a rod or ruler used to punish children

fer·ven·cy noun, plural -cies
: deep interest in or enthusiasm for something : FERVOR

Synonyms
ardor, emotion, fervor, heat, intensity, passion, vehemence, warmth—more at ARDOR

fer·vent adjective
1 : very hot : GLOWING
2 : marked by great intensity of feeling

— fer·vent·ly adverb

Synonyms
ardent, burning, charged, emotional, fiery, hot-blooded, impassioned, passionate
Antonyms
cold, cool, dispassionate, impassive, unemotional

fer·vid adjective
1 : very hot
2 : marked by often extreme fervor : ARDENT

— fer·vid·ly adverb

fer·vor noun
1 : intense heat
2 : intensity of feeling or expression

Synonyms
ardor, emotion, fervency, heat, intensity, passion, vehemence, warmth—more at ARDOR

fes·cue noun
: any of a genus of tufted perennial grasses

fes·tal adjective
: FESTIVE

fester verb
1 : to form pus
2 : PUTREFY, ROT
3 : RANKLE

fes·ti·val noun
1 : a time of celebration marked by special observances; especially : an occasion marked with religious ceremonies
2 : a periodic season or program of cultural events or entertainment <a dance ~>

Synonyms
carnival, celebration, festivity, fete, fiesta, gala, jubilee; also jollification, merrymaking, revel, revelry; exhibit, exhibition, exposition, fair, show; exercises, honors

fes·tive adjective
1 : of, relating to, or suitable for a feast or festival
2 : marked by gaiety, conviviality, or revelry

— fes·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
gay, gleeful, jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful, sunny—more at MERRY

fes·tiv·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a time of celebration marked by special observances : FESTIVAL 1
2 : the quality or state of being festive
3 : festive activity

1festoon noun
[ORIGIN: F feston, fr. It festone, fr. festa festival]

1 : a decorative chain or strip hanging between two points
2 : a carved, molded, or painted ornament representing a decorative chain

2festoon verb
1 : to hang or form festoons on
2 : to shape into festoons

fe·ta noun
: a white crumbly Greek cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk

fe·tal adjective
: of, relating to, or being a fetus

fetch verb
1 : to go or come after and bring or take back <teach a dog to ~ a stick>
2 : to have as a price
3 : to cause to come : bring out <~ed tears from the eyes>
4 : to give by striking <~ him a blow>

Synonyms
bring, cost, go, sell—more at COST

fetch up verb
: to bring to a stop

Synonyms
draw up, halt, hold up, stay, still, stop—more at HALT

fetch·ing adjective
: tending to win interest or admiration : ATTRACTIVE

— fetch·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
alluring, attractive, charming, engaging, fascinating

1fete or fête noun
[ORIGIN: F fête, fr. OF feste]

1 : a festive celebration or entertainment : FESTIVAL
2 : a large elaborate entertainment or party

Synonyms
[1] carnival, celebration, festival, festivity, fiesta, gala, jubilee—more at FESTIVAL
[2] affair, blowout, event, function, get-together, party—more at PARTY

2fete or fête verb fet·ed or fêt·ed; fet·ing or fêt·ing
1 : to honor or commemorate with a fete
2 : to pay high honor to

fet·id adjective
: having an offensive smell

Synonyms
foul, malodorous, noisome, rank, reeky, smelly, strong
—more at MALODOROUS

fe·tish also fe·tich noun
[ORIGIN: F & Pg; F fétiche, fr. Pg feitiço, fr. feitiço artificial, false, fr. L facticius factitious]

1 : an object (as an idol or image) believed to have magical powers (as in curing disease)
2 : an object of unreasoning devotion or concern
3 : an object whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification

Synonyms
[1] amulet, charm, mascot, talisman—more at CHARM
[2] fixation mania, obsession, preoccupation, prepossession—more at FIXATION

fe·tish·ism noun
1 : belief in or devotion to fetishes
2 : the pathological transfer of sexual interest and gratification to a fetish

— fe·tish·ist noun

— fe·tish·is·tic adjective

fe·tish·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to make a fetish of

fet·lock noun
: a projection on the back of a horse's leg above the hoof; also : a tuft of hair on this

fet·ter noun
1 : a chain or shackle for the feet
2 : something that confines

Synonyms
[1] band, bond, chain, irons, ligature, manacle, shackle—more at BOND
[2] check, condition, constraint, curb, limitation, restraint, restriction—more at RESTRICTION

fetter verb
1 : to put fetters on
2 : to restrain from motion, action, or progress

Synonyms
[1] bind, chain, enchain, handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel
[2] delay, encumber, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, impede, inhibit, interfere, obstruct

fet·tle noun
: a state of fitness or order : CONDITION <in fine ~>

Synonyms
condition, form, order, repair, shape, trim—more at CONDITION

fe·tus noun
: an unborn or unhatched vertebrate esp. after its basic structure is laid down; especially : a developing human in the uterus from usu. three months after conception to birth

feud noun
: a prolonged quarrel; especially : a lasting conflict between families or clans marked by violent attacks made for revenge

— feud verb

feu·dal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a medieval fee
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of feudalism

feu·dal·ism noun
: a system of political organization prevailing in medieval Europe in which a vassal renders service to a lord and receives protection and land in return; also : a similar political or social system

— feu·dal·is·tic adjective

1feudatory adjective
: owing feudal allegiance

2feudatory noun, plural -ries
1 : FIEF
2 : a person who holds lands by feudal law or usage

fe·ver noun
1 a : a rise in body temperature above the normal
b : an abnormal bodily state characterized by increased heat, accelerated pulse, and systemic debility
c : a disease of which a high body temperature is a chief symptom
2 : a state of heightened emotion or activity
3 : CRAZE

— fe·ver·ish·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1b, c] ailment, bug, disease, disorder, ill, illness, infirmity, malady, sickness

fe·ver·ish adjective
: marked by intense emotion, activity, or instability

Synonyms
agitated, frenzied, heated, hectic, overactive, overwrought; also fiery, impassioned; high-strung, jittery, jumpy, nervous
delirious, fierce, frantic, frenetic, frenzied, furious, mad, violent, wild—more at FURIOUS

1few pronoun
: not many : a small number

2few adjective
1 : consisting of or amounting to a small number
2 : not many but some <caught a ~ fish>

— few·ness noun

— few and far between

: RARE 3

3few noun
1 : a small number of units or individuals <a ~ of them>
2 : a special limited number <among the ~>

Synonyms
handful, smattering, sprinkle, sprinkling; also minority
Antonyms
crowd, horde, many

few·er pronoun
: a smaller number of persons or things

fez noun, plural fez·zes also fez·es
: a round red felt hat that has a flat top and a tassel but no brim

ff abbreviation
1 folios
2 [ORIGIN following] and the following ones
3 fortissimo

FHA abbreviation
Federal Housing Administration

fey adjective
1 chiefly Scottish : fated to die; also : marked by a foreboding of death or calamity
2 : able to see into the future : VISIONARY
3 : marked by an otherworldly air or attitude
4 : CRAZY, TOUCHED

fi·an·cé noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF, fr. pp. of fiancer to promise, betroth, fr. OF fiancier, fr. fiance promise, trust, fr. fier to trust, ultim. fr. L fidere]

: a man engaged to be married

fi·an·cée noun
: a woman engaged to be married

fi·as·co noun, plural -coes
[ORIGIN: F]

: a complete failure

Synonyms
bust, catastrophe, debacle, failure, flop, washout—more at FAILURE

fi·at noun
[ORIGIN: L, let it be done]

: an authoritative and often arbitrary order or decree

Synonyms
decree, directive, edict, ruling—more at EDICT

1fib noun
: a trivial or childish lie

Synonyms
fabrication, falsehood, falsity, lie, story, tale, untruth

2fib verb fibbed; fib·bing
: to tell a fib

Synonyms
fabricate, lie, prevaricate—more at LIE

fib·ber noun
: one that tells fibs

Synonyms
liar, prevaricator—more at LIAR

fi·ber noun
1 : a threadlike substance or structure (as a muscle cell or fine root); especially : a natural (as wool or flax) or artificial (as rayon) filament capable of being spun or woven
2 : indigestible material in human food that stimulates the intestine to move its contents along
3 : an element that gives texture or substance
4 : basic toughness : STRENGTH

— fi·brous adjective

Synonyms
backbone, fortitude, grit, guts, pluck, spunk—more at FORTITUDE

fi·ber·board noun
: a material made by compressing fibers (as of wood) into stiff sheets

fi·ber·fill noun
: synthetic fibers used as a filling material (as for cushions)

fi·ber·glass noun
: glass in fibrous form used in making various products (as insulation)

fiber optics noun
1 plural : thin transparent fibers of glass or plastic that are enclosed by a less refractive material and that transmit light by internal reflection; also : a bundle of such fibers used in an instrument
2 : the technique of the use of fiber optics

— fiber–optic adjective

fibre chiefly British variant of FIBRE

fi·bril noun
: a small fiber

fi·bril·la·tion noun
: rapid irregular contractions of the heart muscle fibers resulting in a lack of synchronism between heartbeat and pulse

— fib·ril·late verb

fi·brin noun
: a white insoluble fibrous protein formed in the clotting of blood

fi·broid adjective
: resembling, forming, or consisting of fibrous tissue <~ tumors>

fi·bro·my·al·gia noun
: any of a group of rheumatic disorders affecting soft tissues (as muscles or tendons)

fi·bro·sis noun
: a condition marked by abnormal increase of fiber-containing tissue

fib·u·la noun, plural -lae or -las
: the outer and usu. the smaller of the two bones between the knee and ankle

— fib·u·lar adjective

FICA abbreviation
Federal Insurance Contributions Act

-fication noun combining form
: making : production <simplification>

fiche noun, plural fiche
: MICROFICHE

fi·chu noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a woman's light triangular scarf draped over the shoulders and fastened in front

fick·le adjective
: not firm or steadfast in disposition or character : INCONSTANT

— fick·le·ness noun

Synonyms
capricious, changeable, inconstant, mercurial, uncertain, unpredictable, unsteady, variable; also aimless, erratic, haphazard, irregular, random; hesitating, shilly-shallying, vacillating, wavering; undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy; adaptable, mobile, protean, versatile
Antonyms
certain, constant, steady, unchangeable
disloyal, faithless, false, inconstant, unfaithful, untrue—more at FAITHLESS

fic·tion noun
1 : something (as a story) invented by the imagination
2 : fictitious literature (as novels)

Synonyms
[1, 2] fabrication, fantasy, figment, invention; also novel, story, tale
Antonyms
fact

fic·tion·al adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of fiction

— fic·tion·al·ly adverb

fic·ti·tious adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of fiction : IMAGINARY
2 : FALSE, ASSUMED <a ~ name>
3 : FEIGNED

Synonyms
imaginary, made-up, mythical, pretend, unreal—more at IMAGINARY

1fiddle noun
: VIOLIN

2fiddle verb fid·dled; fid·dling
1 : to play on a fiddle
2 : to move the hands or fingers restlessly
3 : to move or act aimlessly or idly — often used with around
4 : to interest oneself in what is not one's concern

— fid·dler noun

Synonyms
[2] fidget, jerk, squirm, toss, twitch, wiggle—more at FIDGET
usually fiddle around [3] fool, mess, monkey, play, putter; also dally, dawdle, dillydally, hang around, hang out, idle, loaf, loll, lounge; clown (around), horse (around); tinker
usually fiddle with [4] fool, mess, monkey, play, tamper, tinker—more at TAMPER (WITH)

fid·dle·head noun
: one of the young unfurling fronds of some ferns that are often eaten as greens

fiddler crab noun
: any of a genus of burrowing crabs with one claw much enlarged in the male

fid·dle·stick noun
1 archaic : a violin bow
2 plural : language, conduct, or an idea that is absurd or contrary to good sense : NONSENSE — used as an interjection

Synonyms fiddlesticks
foolishness, hogwash, humbug, nonsense, silliness—more at NONSENSE

fi·del·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being faithful
2 : ACCURACY <~ in sound reproduction>

Synonyms
allegiance, constancy, dedication, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, loyalty, steadfastness; also affection, attachment, fondness; determination, firmness, resolution; dependability, reliability, trustworthiness
Antonyms
disloyalty, infidelity, perfidy, treachery

1fidget noun
1 : uneasiness or restlessness as shown by nervous movements — usu. used in pl.
2 : one that fidgets

— fidg·ety adjective

2fidget verb
: to move or cause to move or act restlessly or nervously

Synonyms
fiddle, jerk, squirm, toss, twitch, wiggle; also flit, flutter, twitter; quake, quiver, shake, shiver, tremble; pace

fi·du·cia·ry adjective
1 : involving a confidence or trust
2 : held or holding in trust for another <~ accounts>

— fiduciary noun

fie interjection
— used to express disgust or disapproval

fief noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. OF]

: a feudal estate : FEE

1field noun
1 : open country
2 : a piece of cleared land for cultivation or pasture
3 : a piece of land yielding some special product
4 : the place where a battle is fought; also : BATTLE
5 : an area, division, or sphere of activity <the ~ of science> <salesmen in the ~>
6 : an area for military exercises
7 : an area for sports
8 : a background on which something is drawn or projected <a flag with white stars on a ~ of blue>
9 : a region or space in which a given effect (as magnetism) exists

— field adjective

Synonyms
[1] ground, lot, parcel, plat, plot, tract; also grass, green, greensward, lawn; glade, grassland, heath, lea, meadow, moor, pasture
[5] area, arena, department, discipline, domain, line, province, realm, specialty, sphere; also study, subject; territory, turf; business, occupation, profession, pursuit, racket, vocation

2field verb
1 : to handle a batted or thrown baseball while on defense
2 : to put into the field
3 : to answer satisfactorily <~ a tough question>

— field·er noun

field day noun
1 : a day devoted to outdoor sports and athletic competition
2 : a time of extraordinary pleasure or opportunity

field event noun
: a track-and-field event (as weight-throwing) other than a race

field glass noun
: a hand-held binocular telescope — usu. used in pl.

field guide noun
: a manual for identifying natural objects, plants, or animals

field hockey noun
: a field game played between two teams of 11 players each whose object is to knock a ball into the opponent's goal with a curved stick

field marshal noun
: an officer (as in the British army) of the highest rank

field–test verb
: to test (as a new product) in actual situations reflecting intended use

— field test noun

fiend noun
1 : DEVIL 1
2 : an infernal being : DEMON
3 : an extremely wicked or cruel person
4 : a person excessively devoted to a pursuit <a golf ~>
5 : one who is addicted esp. to a substance : ADDICT <dope ~>

— fiend·ish·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] demon, devil, ghoul, imp—more at DEMON
[3] beast, devil, evildoer, rascal, reprobate, rogue, villain—more at VILLAIN
[4] addict, enthusiast, fan, fanatic, freak, lover, maniac, nut—more at FAN
[5] addict, doper, user—more at DOPER

fiend·ish adjective
: perversely diabolical

Synonyms
demonic, devilish, diabolical, satanic; also hellish, infernal; baleful, evil, sinister; malevolent, malicious, malignant; heinous, monstrous; barbarous, cruel, ferocious, inhuman, savage, vicious
Antonyms
angelic

fierce adjective fierc·er; fierc·est
1 : violently hostile or aggressive in temperament
2 : given to fighting or killing : PUGNACIOUS
3 : marked by unrestrained zeal or vehemence : INTENSE
4 : furiously active or determined
5 : wild or menacing in appearance

— fierce·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] fell, ferocious, grim, savage, vicious; also bellicose, belligerent, pugnacious, warlike; contentious, quarrelsome, truculent; menacing, threatening; bestial, brute, inhuman, inhumane; barbaric, uncivilized, wild; heartless, implacable, merciless, pitiless, relentless, ruthless, unrelenting, wanton; bloodthirsty, bloody, murderous; rapacious, ravenous, voracious
Antonyms
gentle, mild
[3] explosive, ferocious, furious, intense, terrible, vehement, vicious, violent—more at INTENSE
[4] aggressive, ambitious, assertive, enterprising, go-getting, high-pressure, militant, self-assertive—more at AGGRESSIVE
[5] austere, forbidding, grim, rough, rugged, severe, steely, stern—more at GRIM

fierce·ness noun
: the quality or state of being fierce

Synonyms
aggressiveness, assertiveness, emphasis, intensity, vehemence—more at VEHEMENCE

fi·ery adjective fi·er·i·er; -est
1 : consisting of fire
2 : on fire : BURNING, BLAZING
3 : FLAMMABLE
4 : hot like a fire
5 : RED <a ~ sunset>
6 : full of emotion or spirit
7 : IRRITABLE

— fi·eri·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] ablaze, afire, burning—more at ABLAZE
[4] broiling, burning, hot, torrid—more at HOT
[6] ardent, emotional, fervent, feverish, hot-blooded, impassioned, passionate, red-hot, spirited—more at FERVENT

fi·es·ta noun
[ORIGIN: Sp]

: a time of celebration marked by special observances : FESTIVAL

Synonyms
carnival, celebration, festival, festivity, fete, gala, jubilee—more at FESTIVAL

fife noun
[ORIGIN: G Pfeife pipe, fife]

: a small flute

FIFO abbreviation
first in, first out

fif·teen noun
: one more than 14

— fifteen adjective or pronoun

— fif·teenth adjective or noun

fifth noun
1 : one that is number five in a countable series
2 : one of five equal parts of something
3 : a unit of measure for liquor equal to 1/5 U.S. gallon

— fifth adjective or adverb

fifth column noun
: a group of secret supporters of a nation's enemy that engage in espionage or sabotage within the country

— fifth columnist noun

fifth wheel noun
: one that is unnecessary and often burdensome

fif·ty noun, plural fifties
: five times 10

— fif·ti·eth adjective or noun

— fifty adjective or pronoun

fif·ty–fif·ty adjective
1 : shared equally <a ~ proposition>
2 : half favorable and half unfavorable

1fig noun
: a soft usu. pear-shaped edible fruit of a tree related to the mulberry; also : a tree bearing figs

2fig abbreviation
1 figurative; figuratively
2 figure

1fight verb fought ; fight·ing
1 : to contend against another in battle or physical combat
2 : BOX
3 : to put forth a determined effort
4 : to contend in disagreement or competition
5 : to attempt to prevent the success or effectiveness of
6 : WAGE
7 : to gain by struggle

Synonyms
[1] battle, clash, combat, scrimmage, skirmish, war; also beat, buffet, hit, punch, slug, strike; box, spar; brawl; grapple, scuffle, tussle, wrestle; bump, collide
[4] battle, compete, contend, race, vie—more at COMPETE
[4] argue, brawl, dispute, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble—more at ARGUE
[5] battle, combat, contend, counter, oppose; also baffle, foil, frustrate, resist, thwart, withstand; confront, defy, face, meet
Antonyms
advance, encourage, promote

2fight noun
1 : a hostile encounter : BATTLE
2 : a boxing match
3 : a verbal disagreement
4 : a struggle for a goal or an objective
5 : strength or disposition for fighting <full of ~>

Synonyms
[1] battle, clash, combat, conflict, contest, skirmish, struggle; also brawl, free-for-all, melee; fisticuffs; confrontation, duel, face-off; altercation, argument, disagreement, quarrel, row, wrangle
[3] argument, brawl, disagreement, dispute, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble—more at ARGUMENT
[4] battle, fray, scrabble, struggle—more at STRUGGLE
[5] aggression, aggressiveness, belligerence, militancy, pugnacity, truculence—more at BELLIGERENCE

fight·er noun
1 : one that fights; especially : WARRIOR
2 : one that engages in the sport of boxing : BOXER
3 : a fast maneuverable warplane for destroying enemy aircraft

Synonyms
[1] legionnaire, man-at-arms, regular, serviceman, soldier, warrior—more at SOLDIER
[2] boxer, prizefighter, pugilist—more at BOXER

fig·ment noun
: something imagined or made up

Synonyms
chimera, conceit, delusion, dream, fancy, fantasy, fiction, illusion, invention, vision—more at FANTASY

fig·u·ra·tion noun
1 : FORM, OUTLINE
2 : an act or instance of representation in figures and shapes

fig·u·ra·tive adjective
1 : EMBLEMATIC
2 : expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another with which it may be regarded as analogous : SYMBOLIC, METAPHORICAL <~ language>

— fig·u·ra·tive·ly adverb

1figure noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L figura, fr. fingere to shape]

1 : a number symbol : NUMERAL
2 : a written or printed character
3 : value esp. as expressed in numbers : PRICE
4 : a combination of points, lines, or surfaces in geometry <a circle is a closed plane ~>
5 : a body apparent chiefly in outline : an object significant or noticeable only in its form : SHAPE, FORM, OUTLINE
6 a : the graphic representation of a form esp. of a person
b : a representation of the human figure used esp. for displaying clothes
7 : a diagram or pictorial illustration of textual matter
8 : an often repetitive pattern or design in a manufactured article (as cloth) or natural product (as wood) : PATTERN, DESIGN
9 : appearance made or impression produced <they cut quite a ~>
10 : a series of movements (as in a dance)
11 : a prominent personality : PERSONAGE
12 : the shape of the human body

Synonyms
[3] charge, cost, fee, price—more at PRICE
[5] cast, configuration, form, outline, shape
[7] diagram, graphic, illustration, plate—more at ILLUSTRATION
[11] celebrity, notable, personage, personality—more at CELEBRITY
[12] build, constitution, form, frame, physique, shape—more at PHYSIQUE

2figure verb fig·ured; fig·ur·ing
1 : to represent by or as if by a figure or outline
2 : to decorate with a pattern
3 : to indicate or represent by numerals
4 : to think of esp. with regard to taking some action
5 : to be or appear important or conspicuous
6 : to determine esp. by mathematical means : COMPUTE, CALCULATE
7 : to reckon by exercise of practical judgment
8 : to take as granted or true

Synonyms
[4] choose, conclude, decide, determine, opt, resolve—more at DECIDE
[6] calculate, compute, reckon, work out—more at CALCULATE
[8] believe, consider, feel, imagine, suppose, think—more at BELIEVE

fig·ure·head noun
1 : a figure on the bow of a ship
2 : a head or chief in name only

figure of speech
: a form of expression (as a simile or metaphor) that often compares or identifies one thing with another to convey meaning or heighten effect

figure out verb
1 : FIND OUT, DISCOVER
2 : to find a solution, explanation, or answer for : SOLVE

Synonyms
answer, puzzle, resolve, riddle, solve, unravel, work, work out—more at SOLVE

figure skating noun
: skating that includes various jumps, spins, and dance movements

fig·u·rine noun
: a small carved or molded figure

Fi·ji·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of the Pacific island country of Fiji

— Fijian adjective

fil·a·ment noun
: a fine thread or threadlike object, part, or process

— fil·a·men·tous adjective

fil·bert noun
: the sweet thick-shelled nut of either of two European hazels; also : a shrub or small tree bearing filberts

filch verb
: to steal furtively

Synonyms
appropriate, pilfer, pocket, steal, swipe, thieve—more at STEAL

1file noun
: a usu. steel tool with a ridged or toothed surface used esp. for smoothing a hard substance

2file verb filed; fil·ing
: to rub, smooth, or cut away with a file

Synonyms
buff, grind, hone, rasp, rub, sand—more at GRIND

3file verb filed; fil·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML filare to string documents on a string or wire, fr. filum file of documents, lit., thread, fr. L]

1 : to arrange in order
2 : to enter or record officially or as prescribed by law <~ a lawsuit>
3 : to send (copy) to a newspaper

4file noun
1 : a device (as a folder or cabinet) by means of which papers may be kept in order
2 : a collection of papers or publications usu. arranged or classified
3 : a collection of data (as text) treated by a computer as a unit

5file noun
: a row of persons, animals, or things arranged one behind the other

Synonyms
column, cue, line, queue, range, string, train—more at LINE

6file verb filed; fil·ing
: to march or proceed in file

Synonyms
march, pace, parade, stride—more at MARCH

fi·let mi·gnon noun, plural filets mignons
[ORIGIN: F, lit., dainty fillet]

: a thick slice of beef cut from the narrow end of a beef tenderloin

fil·ial adjective
: of, relating to, or befitting a son or daughter

fil·i·bus·ter noun
[ORIGIN: Sp filibustero, lit., freebooter]

1 : a military adventurer; especially : an American engaged in fomenting 19th century Latin American uprisings
2 : the use of delaying tactics (as extremely long speeches) esp. in a legislative assembly; also : an instance of this practice

— filibuster verb

— fil·i·bus·ter·er noun

fil·i·gree noun
[ORIGIN: F filigrane]

: ornamental openwork (as of fine wire)

— fil·i·greed adjective

fil·ing noun
1 : the act or instance of using a file
2 : a small piece scraped off by a file <iron ~s>

Fil·i·pi·no noun, plural Filipinos
: a native or inhabitant of the Philippines

— Filipino adjective

1fill verb
1 : to make or become full
2 : to stop up : PLUG <~ a cavity>
3 : FEED, SATIATE
4 : to carry out the terms of (as a contract) : SATISFY, FULFILL <~ all requirements>
5 : to occupy fully
6 : to spread through <laughter ~ed the room>
7 : OCCUPY <~ the office of president>
8 : to put a person in <~ a vacancy>
9 : to supply as directed <~ a prescription>

Synonyms
[1] charge, cram, heap, jam, jam-pack, load, pack, stuff; also flood, glut, swamp; crowd, crush, press, ram, shove, squash, squeeze; refill, reload, repack
Antonyms
empty
[2] block, dam, pack, plug, stop, stuff; also choke, clog, obstruct; caulk, chink
[4] answer, comply, fulfill, keep, meet, redeem, satisfy—more at FULFILL

2fill noun
1 : a full supply; especially : a quantity that satisfies or satiates
2 : material used esp. for filling a low place

fill·er noun
1 : one that fills
2 : a substance added to another substance (as to increase bulk or weight)
3 : a material used for filling cracks and pores in wood before painting

Synonyms
fill, filling, padding, stuffing—more at FILLING

1fillet also fi·let noun
[ORIGIN: ME filet, fr. MF, dim. of fil thread]

1 : a narrow band, strip, or ribbon
2 : a piece or slice of boneless meat or fish; especially : the tenderloin of beef

2fillet verb
1 : to bind or adorn with or as if with a fillet
2 : to cut into fillets

fill in verb
1 : to provide necessary or recent information
2 : to serve as a temporary substitute

Synonyms
[1] acquaint, brief, enlighten, familiarize, inform, instruct—more at ENLIGHTEN
[2] cover, pinch-hit, stand in, sub, substitute, take over—more at COVER

fill·ing noun
1 : material used to fill something <a ~ for a tooth>
2 : the yarn interlacing the warp in a fabric
3 : a food mixture used to fill pastry or sandwiches

Synonyms
fill, filler, padding, stuffing; also interlining, lining, wadding; cushion

filling station noun
: a retail station for servicing motor vehicles esp. with gasoline and oil

fil·lip noun
1 : a blow or gesture made by a flick or snap of the finger across the thumb
2 : something that serves to arouse or excite

— fillip verb

fill–up noun
: an act or instance of filling something

fil·ly noun, plural fillies
: a young female horse usu. less than four years old

1film noun
1 : a thin skin or membrane
2 : a thin coating or layer
3 : a flexible strip of chemically treated material used in taking pictures
4 : a representation (as of a story) by means of motion pictures

Synonyms
motion picture, movie, picture—more at MOVIE

2film verb
1 : to cover with a film
2 : to make a motion picture of

film·dom noun
: the motion-picture industry

film·og·ra·phy noun, plural -phies
: a list of motion pictures featuring the work of a film figure or a particular topic

film·strip noun
: a strip of film bearing a sequence of images for projection as still pictures

filmy adjective
: light, transparent, and fluffy

fils noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: SON — used after a family name to distinguish a son from his father

1filter noun
1 : a porous material through which a fluid is passed to separate out matter in suspension; also : a device containing such material
2 : a device for suppressing waves of certain frequencies; especially : one (as for a camera) that absorbs light of certain colors
3 : software for sorting or blocking certain online material

2filter verb
1 : to remove by means of a filter
2 : to pass through a filter

— fil·ter·able also fil·tra·ble adjective

— fil·tra·tion noun

Synonyms
clarify, clear, distill, purify—more at CLARIFY

filth noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE fȳlth, fr. fūl foul]

1 : foul matter; especially : loathsome dirt or refuse
2 : moral corruption
3 : something that tends to corrupt or disgust : OBSCENITY

Synonyms
[1] dirt, grime, muck, refuse, smut, soil; also scum, sewage, slime, sludge, swill; garbage, trash; soot; dirtiness, filthiness, foulness, grubbiness, nastiness, uncleanliness, uncleanness
[2] coarseness, dirt, grossness, indecency, lewdness, obscenity, smut, vulgarity—more at OBSCENITY

filth·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being filthy

Synonyms
dinginess, dirtiness, foulness, grubbiness, nastiness, uncleanliness—more at DIRTINESS

1filthy adjective
1 : covered with, having the appearance of, or containing filth : very dirty
2 : abhorrent to morality or virtue : designed to incite to lust or depravity

Synonyms
[1] dirty, grubby, grungy, mucky, muddy, unclean—more at DIRTY
[2] bawdy, coarse, crude, dirty, gross, indecent, lewd, obscene, pornographic, vulgar—more at OBSCENE

2filthy adverb
: VERY, EXTREMELY <~ dirty> <~ rich>

fil·trate noun
: fluid that has passed through a filter

1fin noun
1 : one of the thin external processes by which an aquatic animal (as a fish) moves through water
2 : a fin-shaped part (as on an airplane)
3 : FLIPPER 2

— finned adjective

2fin abbreviation
1 finance; financial
2 finish

fi·na·gle verb -gled; -gling
1 : to obtain by indirect or dishonest means : WANGLE
2 : to use devious dishonest methods to achieve one's ends

— fi·na·gler noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] contrive, finesse, frame, machinate, maneuver, wangle

1final adjective
1 : not to be altered or undone
2 : coming at the end : being the last in a series, process, or progress
3 : relating to or occurring at the end or conclusion

— fi·nal·i·ty noun

— fi·nal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] certain, firm, fixed, hard, hard-and-fast, set, settled, stable—more at FIXED
[2] hindmost, last, latter, terminal, ultimate—more at LAST

2final noun
1 : a deciding match or game — usu. used in pl.
2 : the last examination in a course — often used in pl.

fi·na·le noun
: the close or end of something; especially : the last section of a musical composition

Synonyms
close, conclusion, consummation, end, ending, finis, finish, windup; also apex, climax, crescendo, culmination, peak, summit, zenith; aftermath, anticlimax, coda, epilogue, postscript; tag end, tail end
Antonyms
beginning, dawn, opening, start

fi·nal·ist noun
: a contestant in the finals of a competition

fi·nal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to put in final or finished form

Synonyms
complete, consummate, finish, perfect—more at FINISH

1finance noun
[ORIGIN: ME, ending, payment, fr. AF, fr. finer to end, pay, fr. fin end, fr. L finis boundary, end]

1 plural : money resources available esp. to a government or business
2 : management of money affairs

Synonyms usually finances
fund, pocket, resources, wherewithal—more at FUND

2finance verb fi·nanced; fi·nanc·ing
1 : to raise or provide funds for
2 : to furnish with necessary funds
3 : to sell or supply on credit

Synonyms
[1] capitalize, endow, fund, stake, subsidize, underwrite; also grubstake; aid, back, patronize, sponsor, support
[1, 2] endow, fund, subsidize—more at ENDOW

finance company noun
: a company that makes usu. small short-term loans usu. to individuals

fi·nan·cial adjective
: relating to finance or financiers

— fi·nan·cial·ly adverb

Synonyms
fiscal, monetary, pecuniary; also capitalist, commercial, economic

fi·nan·cials noun plural
: financial statistics

fi·nan·cier noun
1 : a person skilled in managing public moneys
2 : a person who deals with large-scale finance and investment

finch noun
: any of numerous songbirds with strong conical bills

1find verb found ; find·ing
1 : to meet with either by chance or by searching or study
2 : to obtain by effort or management <~ time to read>
3 : to arrive at : REACH <the bullet found its mark>
4 : EXPERIENCE, FEEL <found happiness>
5 : to gain or regain the use of <found his voice again>
6 : to determine and make a statement about <~ a verdict>

Synonyms
detect, determine, dig, discover, happen, hit, locate, track; also spot; look for, search (for or out), seek
Antonyms
miss, overlook, pass over

2find noun
1 : an act or instance of finding
2 : something found; especially : a valuable item of discovery

find·er noun
: one that finds; especially : VIEWFINDER

fin de siè·cle adjective
[ORIGIN: F, end of century]

1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the close of the 19th century
2 : of or relating to the end of a century

find·ing noun
1 : the act of finding
2 : FIND 2
3 : the result of a judicial proceeding or inquiry

Synonyms
detection, discovery—more at DISCOVERY

find out verb
: to learn by study, observation, or search : DISCOVER

Synonyms
ascertain, catch on, discover, hear, learn, realize, see—more at DISCOVER

1fine noun
: money exacted as a penalty for an offense

Synonyms
damages, forfeit, mulct, penalty; also reparations; award, compensation; indemnity

2fine verb fined; fin·ing
: to impose a fine on : punish by a fine

Synonyms
assess, charge, exact, impose, lay, levy, put—more at IMPOSE

3fine adjective fin·er; fin·est
1 : free from impurity
2 a : very thin in gauge or texture
b : very small
3 : not coarse
4 : SUBTLE, SENSITIVE <a ~ distinction>
5 : superior in quality or appearance : eminently good
6 : very precise or accurate : REFINED
7 : very well

— fine·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] pure, refined, unadulterated, undiluted—more at PURE
[2a] dusty, floury, powdery; also smooth; filtered, pulverized, refined
Antonyms
coarse, grainy, granular
[2b] narrow, skinny, slender, slim, thin—more at NARROW
[5] A1, excellent, grand, great, heavenly, prime, splendid, superb, superior, unsurpassed, wonderful—more at EXCELLENT
[6] delicate, exact, minute, precise, refined, subtle; also petty, piddling, trifling, trivial; fastidious, finicky, fussy, particular
Antonyms
coarse, inexact, rough
[7] agreeable, all right, alright, good, OK, satisfactory—more at SATISFACTORY

4fine adverb
1 : very well
2 — used to express agreement

Synonyms
all right, good, nicely, OK, satisfactorily, well—more at WELL

fine art noun
: art (as painting, sculpture, or music) concerned primarily with the creation of beautiful objects — usu. used in pl.

fine·ness noun
1 : exquisite perfection or elaborateness of form, texture, or construction : superior quality
2 : delicate, subtle, or sensitive in quality, perception, or discrimination

Synonyms
[1] accuracy, closeness, delicacy, exactness, precision, veracity—more at PRECISION
[2] daintiness, delicacy, fragility—more at DELICACY

fin·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : ORNAMENT, DECORATION
2 : showy clothing and jewels

Synonyms
array, best, feather, frippery, full dress, regalia; also apparel, attire, costume, duds, raiment

fine·spun adjective
: developed with extremely or excessively fine delicacy or detail

1finesse noun
1 : refinement or delicacy of workmanship, structure, or texture
2 : skillful handling of a situation : adroit maneuvering

Synonyms
adroitness, cleverness, craft, dexterity, sleight—more at DEXTERITY

2finesse verb
: to bring about, direct, or manage by adroit maneuvering

Synonyms
finagle, maneuver, mastermind, negotiate, wangle

fine–tune verb
: to adjust so as to bring to the highest level of performance or effectiveness

fin·fish noun
: FISH 2

1finger noun
1 : any of the five divisions at the end of the hand; especially : one other than the thumb
2 : something that resembles or does the work of a finger
3 : a part of a glove into which a finger is inserted

2finger verb fin·gered; fin·ger·ing
1 : to touch or feel with the fingers : HANDLE
2 : to perform with the fingers or with a certain fingering
3 : to mark the notes of a piece of music as a guide in playing
4 : to point out

fin·ger·board noun
: the part of a stringed instrument against which the fingers press the strings to vary the pitch

finger bowl noun
: a small water bowl for rinsing the fingers at the table

fin·ger·ing noun
1 : handling or touching with the fingers
2 : the act or method of using the fingers in playing an instrument
3 : the marking of the method of fingering

fin·ger·ling noun
: a small fish

fin·ger·nail noun
: the nail of a finger

fin·ger·print noun
: the pattern of marks made by pressing the tip of a finger or thumb on a surface; especially : an ink impression of such a pattern taken for the purpose of identification

— fingerprint verb

fin·ger·tip noun
: the tip of a finger

fin·i·al noun
: an ornamental projection or end (as on a spire)

fin·ick·ing adjective
: FINICKY

fin·icky adjective
: excessively particular in taste or standards

Synonyms
choosy, dainty, delicate, demanding, exacting, fastidious, fussy, particular, picky; also discerning, discriminating, insightful, knowledgeable; carping, critical; careful, meticulous, punctilious, scrupulous; queasy, squeamish; peevish, petulant, prickly, touchy
Antonyms
undemanding, unfussy

fi·nis noun
1 : a point that marks the extent of something
2 : cessation of a course of action, pursuit, or activity : END, CONCLUSION

Synonyms
close, conclusion, consummation, end, ending, finale, finish, windup—more at FINALE

1finish verb
1 : to come to an end : TERMINATE
2 : to use or dispose of entirely
3 : to bring to completion
4 : to put a final coat or surface on

— fin·ish·er noun

Synonyms
[1] break off, cease, close, conclude, die, end, expire, quit, stop, terminate—more at CEASE
[3] complete, consummate, finalize, perfect; also follow through, see out, stick out; accomplish, achieve, effect; discharge, execute, fulfill, perform; machine, polish, refine, round (off or out), shine, touch up

2finish noun
1 : final stage : END, CONCLUSION
2 : something that completes or perfects
3 : the final treatment or coating of a surface

Synonyms
close, conclusion, consummation, end, ending, finale, finis, windup—more at FINALE

fi·nite adjective
1 : having definite or definable limits; also : having a limited nature or existence
2 : being less than some positive integer in number or measure and greater than its negative
3 : showing distinction of grammatical person and number <a ~ verb>

Synonyms
definite, determinate, limited, measured, narrow, restricted—more at LIMITED

fink noun
1 : a contemptible person
2 : STRIKEBREAKER
3 : INFORMER

Finn noun
: a native or inhabitant of Finland

fin·nan had·die noun
: smoked haddock

1Finnish adjective
: of or relating to Finland, the Finns, or Finnish

2Finnish noun
: the language of the Finns

fin·ny adjective
1 : having or characterized by fins
2 : relating to or being fish

fiord variant of FJORD

fir noun
: any of a genus of usu. large evergreen trees related to the pines; also : the light soft wood of a fir

fiord variant of FJORD

1fire noun
1 : the light or heat and esp. the flame of something burning
2 : ENTHUSIASM, ZEAL
3 : fuel that is burning (as in a stove or fireplace)
4 : destructive burning (as of a house)
5 : the firing of weapons

— fire·less adjective

Synonyms
conflagration, holocaust, inferno; also blaze, flare-up; backfire, bonfire, forest fire, wildfire; arson

2fire verb fired; fir·ing
1 : to set on fire : set fire to : KINDLE, IGNITE <~ a house>
2 a : to give life or spirit to : STIR, ENLIVEN <~ the imagination>
b : to become irritated : become angry or inflamed with passion
3 : to dismiss from employment
4 : to cause to be driven forward with force from a bow, sling, or similar device or from a firearm : SHOOT <~ a gun> <~ an arrow>
5 : BAKE <firing pottery in a kiln>
6 : to apply fire or fuel to something <~ a furnace>
7 : to throw with speed or force

Synonyms
[1] burn, ignite, inflame, kindle, light—more at BURN
[2a] animate, energize, enliven, invigorate, pep, quicken, stimulate, stir, vitalize, vivify—more at ANIMATE
usually fire (up) [2b] arouse, encourage, excite, incite, instigate, move, pique, provoke, stimulate, stir
[3] cashier, dismiss, remove, retire, sack—more at DISMISS
[4] blast, discharge, loose, shoot—more at SHOOT
[7] dash, fling, heave, hurl, hurtle, launch, pitch, sling, throw, toss—more at THROW

fire ant noun
: either of two small fiercely stinging So. American ants introduced into the southeastern U.S. where they are agricultural pests

fire·arm noun
: a weapon (as a pistol) from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder

Synonyms
arm, gun, piece—more at GUN

fire·ball noun
1 : a ball of fire
2 : a very bright meteor
3 : the highly luminous cloud of vapor and dust created by a nuclear explosion
4 : a highly energetic person

fire·boat noun
: a boat equipped for fighting fires

fire·bomb noun
: an incendiary bomb

— firebomb verb

fire·box noun
1 : a chamber (as of a furnace) that contains a fire
2 : a box containing a fire alarm

fire·brand noun
1 : a piece of burning wood
2 : a person who creates unrest or strife : AGITATOR

Synonyms
agitator, demagogue, incendiary, inciter, rabble-rouser—more at AGITATOR

fire·break noun
: a barrier of cleared or plowed land intended to check a forest or grass fire

fire·bug noun
: a person who deliberately sets destructive fires

fire·crack·er noun
: a paper tube containing an explosive and a fuse and set off to make a noise

fire department noun
: an organization for preventing or extinguishing fires; also : its members

fire engine noun
: a motor vehicle with equipment for extinguishing fires

fire escape noun
: a stairway or ladder for escape from a burning building

fire·fight·er noun
: a person who fights fires; especially : a member of a fire department

fire·fly noun
: any of various small night-flying beetles that produce flashes of light for courtship purposes

fire·house noun
: FIRE STATION

fire irons noun plural
: tools for tending a fire esp. in a fireplace

fire·man noun
1 : STOKER
2 : FIREFIGHTER

fire off verb
: to write and send

fire·place noun
1 : a framed opening made in a chimney to hold an open fire
2 : an outdoor structure of brick or stone for an open fire

fire·plug noun
: HYDRANT

fire·pow·er noun
: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target

1fireproof adjective
: resistant to fire

Synonyms
noncombustible, nonflammable, noninflammable

2fireproof verb
: to make fireproof

fire–sale adjective
: heavily discounted <~ prices>

fire screen noun
: a protective screen before a fireplace

1fireside noun
1 : a place near the fire or hearth
2 : one's place of residence : HOME

Synonyms
abode, domicile, dwelling, habitation, hearth, home, house, lodging—more at HOME

2fireside adjective
: having an informal or intimate quality

fire station noun
: a building housing fire engines and usu. firefighters

fire·storm noun
1 : a large destructive very hot fire
2 : a sudden or violent outburst <~ of criticism>

fire tower noun
: a tower (as in a forest) from which a watch for fires is kept

fire·trap noun
: a building or place apt to catch on fire or difficult to escape from in case of fire

fire truck noun
: FIRE ENGINE

fire·wall noun
: computer hardware or software for preventing unauthorized access to data

fire·wa·ter noun
: intoxicating liquor

fire·wood noun
: wood used for fuel

fire·work noun
1 : a device designed to produce a striking display by the burning of explosive or flammable materials — usu. used in pl. <a display of ~s at the end of the festival>
2 : pl a display of temper or intense conflict

Synonyms usually fireworks
blowup, dudgeon, explosion, fit, huff, scene, tantrum—more at TANTRUM

firing line noun
1 : a line from which fire is delivered against a target
2 : the forefront of an activity

1firm adjective
1 : securely fixed in place
2 : SOLID, VIGOROUS <a ~ handshake>
3 : having a solid or compact texture
4 : not subject to change or fluctuation : STEADY <~ prices>
5 : not easily moved or disturbed : STEADFAST
6 : indicating firmness or resolution

Synonyms
[1] fast, frozen, secure, set, snug, tight—more at TIGHT
[3] compact, hard, rigid, solid, stiff, unyielding; also compacted, compressed, hardened, indurated, tempered; close, dense, heavy, thick, thickset; inelastic, inflexible, ramrod, unbending; compressed, condensed; sturdy, substantial; impenetrable, impermeable, nonporous
Antonyms
flabby, soft, spongy
[4] certain, fixed, hard, hard-and-fast, set, settled, stable—more at FIXED
[5] fast, sound, stable, stalwart, steady, strong, sturdy—more at STABLE
[6] decisive, determined, intent, purposeful, resolute, set—more at DETERMINED

2firm verb
: to make or become firm

Synonyms usually firm up
concrete, congeal, freeze, harden, set, solidify—more at HARDEN

3firm noun
[ORIGIN: G Firma, fr. It, signature, ultim. fr. L firmare to make firm, confirm]

1 : the name under which a company transacts business
2 : a business partnership of two or more persons
3 : a business enterprise

Synonyms
business, company, concern, enterprise, establishment, house, outfit—more at ENTERPRISE

fir·ma·ment noun
: the arch of the sky : HEAVENS

firm·ly adverb
: in a firm manner

Synonyms
forcefully, forcibly, hard, stoutly, strenuously, strongly, vigorously—more at HARD

firm·ness noun
: the quality or state of being firm

Synonyms
decision, decisiveness, determination, resolution, resolve, stability, strength—more at DETERMINATION

firm·ware noun
: computer programs contained permanently in a hardware device

1first adjective
: preceding all others as in time, order, or importance

Synonyms
chief, dominant, foremost, key, paramount, predominant, primary, principal—more at FOREMOST
initial, original, pioneer, premier; also ancient, early, primal, primary, primeval, primitive, primordial; antecedent, preceding, previous
Antonyms
final, last, terminal, ultimate

2first adverb
1 : before any other
2 : for the first time
3 : in preference to something else

Synonyms
preferably, rather, readily, soon—more at RATHER

3first noun
1 : number one in a countable series
2 : something that is first
3 : the lowest forward gear in an automotive vehicle
4 : the winning or highest place in a competition or examination

first aid noun
: emergency care or treatment given an injured or ill person

first·born adjective
: ELDEST

— firstborn noun

first class noun
: the best or highest group in a classification

— first–class adjective or adverb

first·hand adjective
: coming from direct personal observation or experience

— firsthand adverb

Synonyms
direct, immediate, primary—more at DIRECT

first lady noun, often cap F&L
: the wife or hostess of the chief executive of a political unit (as a country)

first lieutenant noun
: a commissioned officer (as in the army) ranking next below a captain

first·ling noun
: one that comes or is produced first

first·ly adverb
: in the first place : FIRST

Synonyms
first, initially, originally, primarily—more at ORIGINALLY

1first–rate adjective
: of the first order of size, importance, or quality

2first–rate adverb
: very well

first sergeant noun
1 : a noncommissioned officer serving as the chief assistant to the commander of a military unit
2 : a rank in the army below a sergeant major and in the marine corps below a master gunnery sergeant

first strike noun
: a preemptive nuclear attack

first–string adjective
: being a regular as distinguished from a substitute

— first–string·er noun

firth noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ON fjǫrthr]

: a narrow arm of the sea : the opening of a river into the sea : ESTUARY

fis·cal adjective
[ORIGIN: L fiscalis, fr. fiscus basket, treasury]

1 : of or relating to taxation, public revenues, or public debt
2 : of or relating to financial matters

— fis·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
financial, monetary, pecuniary—more at FINANCIAL

1fish noun, plural fish or fish·es
1 : a water-dwelling animal — usu. used in combination <starfish> <shellfish>
2 : any of numerous cold-blooded water-breathing vertebrates with fins, gills, and usu. scales that include the bony fishes and usu. the cartilaginous and jawless fishes
3 : the flesh of fish used as food

2fish verb
1 : to attempt to catch fish
2 : to seek something by roundabout means <~ for praise>
3 : to search for something underwater
4 : to engage in a search by groping
5 : to draw forth

Synonyms
feel, fumble, grope—more at GROPE

fish–and–chips noun plural
: fried fish and french fried potatoes

fish·bowl noun
1 : a bowl for the keeping of live fish
2 : a place or condition that affords no privacy

fish·er noun
1 : one that fishes
2 : a dark brown No. American carnivorous mammal related to the weasels

fish·er·man noun
1 : a person engaged in fishing
2 : a fishing boat

fish·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : the business of catching fish
2 : a place for catching fish

fish·hook noun
: a usu. barbed hook for catching fish

fish ladder noun
: an arrangement of pools in steps by which fish can pass over a dam in going upstream

fish·net noun
1 : netting for catching fish
2 : a coarse open-mesh fabric

fish·tail verb
: to have the rear end slide from side to side out of control while moving forward

fish·wife noun
1 : a woman who sells fish
2 : a vulgar abusive woman

fishy adjective fish·i·er; -est
1 : of or resembling fish
2 : inspiring doubt or suspicion : QUESTIONABLE <the story sounds ~ to me>

Synonyms
debatable, doubtful, problematic, questionable, shady, shaky, suspect, suspicious—more at DOUBTFUL

fis·sion noun
[ORIGIN: L fissio, fr. findere to split]

1 : a cleaving into parts
2 : a method of reproduction in which a living cell or body divides into two or more parts each of which grows into a whole new individual
3 : the splitting of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of large amounts of energy

— fis·sion·able adjective

fis·sure noun
: a narrow opening or crack

Synonyms
chink, cleft, crack, cranny, crevice, rift, split—more at CRACK

fist noun
1 : the hand with fingers folded into the palm
2 : INDEX 6

fist·ful noun
: HANDFUL

fist·i·cuffs noun plural
: a fight with the fists

fis·tu·la noun, plural -las or -lae
: an abnormal passage leading from an abscess or hollow organ

— fis·tu·lous adjective

1fit adjective fit·ter; fit·test
1 : adapted to a purpose
2 : PROPER, RIGHT <a movie ~ for children>
3 : put into a suitable state : made ready
4 : physically and mentally sound

— fit·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] appropriate, apt, good, happy, proper, right, suitable; also just, justified, right; needed, required, requisite; able, capable, competent, qualified, trained; acceptable, adequate, decent, satisfactory, tolerable; correct, decorous, respectable, seemly
Antonyms
inapplicable, inappropriate, unsuitable, wrong
[1, 3] go, ready, set—more at READY
[3] available, functional, operable, practicable, serviceable, usable, useful—more at USABLE
[4] able-bodied, hale, healthy, hearty, robust, sound, well—more at HEALTHY

2fit noun
1 : a sudden violent attack (as in epilepsy)
2 : a sudden outburst

Synonyms
[1] attack, bout, case, seizure, siege, spell—more at ATTACK
[2] blowup, dudgeon, explosion, fireworks, huff, outburst, scene, tantrum—more at TANTRUM

3fit verb fit·ted also fit; fit·ting
1 : to be suitable for or to
2 : to be correctly adjusted to or shaped for
3 : to insert or adjust until correctly in place
4 : to make a place or room for
5 : to be in agreement or accord with
6 : to put into a condition of readiness : PREPARE
7 : to make or adjust to the right shape and size : ADJUST
8 : to supply with something that is adjusted or designed for the use required — usu. used with out
9 : to be in harmony or accord : BELONG

— fit·ter noun

Synonyms
[1] befit, do, go, serve, suit—more at DO
[1, 6] equip, prepare, qualify, ready, season—more at QUALIFY
usually fit in or fit into [3] inject, insert, insinuate, interject, interpose, introduce—more at INSERT
[4] accommodate, hold, take—more at ACCOMMODATE
[5] agree, answer, check, conform, correspond, dovetail, go, harmonize—more at CHECK
[7] acclimate, accommodate, adapt, adjust, condition, conform, shape—more at ADAPT

4fit noun
: the fact, condition, or manner of fitting or being fitted

fit·ful adjective
: not regular : INTERMITTENT <~ sleep>

— fit·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
erratic, intermittent, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady; also convulsive, sudden, violent; broken, disconnected, fragmentary, interrupted; desultory, haphazard, random; changing, fluctuating, unstable, varying, wavering; changeable, fickle, variable
Antonyms
constant, continuous, regular, steady

fit·ness noun
: the quality or state of being fit

Synonyms
health, robustness, soundness, wellness—more at HEALTH
appropriateness, aptness, rightness, suitability—more at APPROPRIATENESS

1fitting adjective
: of a kind appropriate to the situation : APPROPRIATE, SUITABLE

Synonyms
applicable, appropriate, apt, fit, proper, right, suitable—more at FIT

fit·ting·ly adverb
: in a fitting manner

Synonyms
appropriately, correctly, happily, properly, rightly, suitably—more at PROPERLY

2fitting noun
1 : the action or act of one that fits; especially : a trying on of clothes being made or altered
2 : a small often standardized part <a plumbing ~>

five noun
1 : one more than four
2 : the 5th in a set or series
3 : something having five units; especially : a basketball team
4 : a 5-dollar bill

— five adjective or pronoun

1fix verb
1 : to make firm, stable, or fast
2 : to give a permanent or final form to
3 : to attach physically : AFFIX, ATTACH
4 : to hold or direct steadily <~es his eyes on the horizon>
5 : to set or place definitely : SET
6 : ASSIGN <~ the blame>
7 : to set in order : ADJUST
8 : to get ready : PREPARE
9 : to make whole or sound again
10 : to get even with
11 : to influence by improper or illegal methods <~ a race>
12 : to assign precisely : settle on : arrange

— fix·er noun

Synonyms
[3] affix, attach, fasten—more at FASTEN
[5] deposit, place, position, put, set, set up, stick—more at PLACE
[9] doctor, mend, patch, recondition, renovate, repair, revamp—more at MEND
[12] arrange, decide, set, settle—more at ARRANGE

2fix noun
1 : a position of difficulty or embarrassment : PREDICAMENT
2 : a determination of position (as of a ship)
3 : an accurate determination or understanding
4 : an act of improper influence
5 : a supply or dose of something (as an addictive drug) strongly desired or craved
6 : something that fixes or restores

Synonyms
corner, hole, jam, pickle, predicament, spot—more at PREDICAMENT

fix·a·tion noun
: an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation or attachment

— fix·ate verb

Synonyms
fetish, mania, obsession, preoccupation, prepossession; also complex, hang-up, problem; compulsion, craving, enthusiasm, fascination, infatuation, passion; idiosyncrasy, quirk; penchant, predilection, proclivity

fix·a·tive noun
: something that stabilizes or sets

fixed adjective
1 : securely placed or fastened : STATIONARY
2 : not volatile
3 : not subject to change or fluctuation
4 : INTENT, CONCENTRATED <a ~ stare>
5 : supplied with a definite amount of something needed (as money)

— fixed·ly adverb

Synonyms
certain, determinate, final, firm, flat, frozen, hard, hard-and-fast, set, settled, stable; also nonadjustable, nonnegotiable, unchangeable; constant, steady, unchanging, uniform, unwavering; definite, exact, explicit, specific; stated, stipulated
fast, hard-and-fast, immutable, inflexible, unalterable, unchangeable—more at INFLEXIBLE

fixed·ness noun
: the quality or state of being fixed

Synonyms
constancy, immutability, stability, steadiness—more at CONSTANCY

fix·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: the quality or state of being fixed or stable

fix·ture noun
1 : something firmly attached as a permanent part of some other thing
2 : a familiar feature in a particular setting; especially : a person associated with a place or activity

1fizz verb
: to make a hissing or sputtering sound

Synonyms
hiss, sizzle, swish, whish, whiz

2fizz noun
1 : a hissing sound
2 : an effervescent beverage

1fizzle verb fiz·zled; fiz·zling
1 : FIZZ
2 : to fail after a good start — often used with out

2fizzle noun
: lack of satisfactory performance or effect : FAILURE

Synonyms
collapse, crash, cropper, defeat, failure, nonsuccess—more at FAILURE

fjord noun
[ORIGIN: Norw]

: a narrow inlet of the sea between cliffs or steep slopes

fl abbreviation
1 [ORIGIN L floruit] flourished
2 fluid

FL or Fla abbreviation
Florida

flab noun
: soft flabby body tissue

flab·ber·gast verb
: to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder : ASTOUND

Synonyms
amaze, astonish, astound, bowl, dumbfound, floor, shock, startle, stun, stupefy, surprise—more at SURPRISE

flab·by adjective flab·bi·er; -est
: lacking firmness : FLACCID <~ muscles>

— flab·bi·ness noun

Synonyms
flaccid, mushy, pulpy, soft, spongy—more at SOFT

flac·cid adjective
: lacking firmness <~ muscles>

Synonyms
droopy, floppy, lank, limp, slack, yielding—more at LIMP

1flag noun
: any of various irises; especially : a wild iris

2flag noun
1 : a usu. rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol (as of a nation) or as a signaling device
2 : something used like a flag to signal or attract attention
3 : one of the cross strokes of a musical note less than a quarter note in value

Synonyms
banner, colors, ensign, pennant, standard, streamer; also bunting; black flag, Jolly Roger, union jack, white flag; semaphore; badge, coat of arms, crest, insignia

3flag verb flagged; flag·ging
1 : to signal with or as if with a flag; especially : to signal to stop <~ a taxi>
2 : to mark or identify with or as if with a flag
3 : to call a penalty on

Synonyms
gesture, motion, signal, wave—more at MOTION

4flag verb flagged; flag·ging
1 : to hang loose or limp
2 : to become unsteady, feeble, or spiritless
3 : to decline in interest or attraction <the topic flagged>

Synonyms
[1] droop, hang, loll, sag, wilt—more at DROOP
[2] decay, droop, fail, go, lag, languish, sag, waste, weaken, wilt—more at WEAKEN

5flag noun
: a hard flat stone suitable for paving

flag·el·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to punish by whipping

— flag·el·la·tion noun

fla·gel·lum noun, plural -la also -lums
: a long whiplike process that is the primary organ of motion of many microorganisms

— fla·gel·lar adjective

fla·geo·let noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a small woodwind instrument belonging to the flute class

fla·gi·tious adjective
: grossly wicked : VILLAINOUS

flag·on noun
: a container for liquids usu. with a handle, spout, and lid

flag·pole noun
: a pole on which to raise a flag

fla·grant adjective
[ORIGIN: L flagrans, prp. of flagrare to burn]

: conspicuously bad <~ abuse of power>

— fla·grant·ly adverb

Synonyms
blatant, conspicuous, egregious, gross, pronounced, rank, striking—more at EGREGIOUS

fla·gran·te de·lic·to adverb
: the act of committing a misdeed — used in the phrase in flagrante delicto

flag·ship noun
1 : the ship that carries the commander of a fleet or subdivision thereof and flies his flag
2 : the most important one of a group

flag·staff noun
: FLAGPOLE

flag·stone noun
: 5FLAG

1flail noun
: a tool for threshing grain by hand

2flail verb
: to strike or swing with or as if with a flail

Synonyms
flog, hide, lash, switch, thrash, whale, whip

flair noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., sense of smell, fr. OF, odor, fr. flairier to give off an odor, fr. VL *flagrare, alter. of L fragrare]

1 : ability to appreciate or make good use of something : TALENT
2 : a unique style

Synonyms
aptitude, endowment, faculty, genius, gift, knack, talent—more at TALENT

flak noun, plural flak
[ORIGIN: G, fr. Fliegerabwehrkanonen, fr. Flieger flyer + Abwehr defense + Kanonen cannons]

1 : antiaircraft guns or bursting shells fired from them
2 : CRITICISM, OPPOSITION

1flake noun
1 : a small loose mass or bit
2 : a thin flattened piece or layer : CHIP

Synonyms
chip, splinter—more at CHIP

flaky adjective
: tending to flake

Synonyms
crisp, crumbly, friable, short—more at CRISP

2flake verb flaked; flak·ing
: to form or separate into flakes

3flake noun
: a markedly eccentric person : ODDBALL

— flak·i·ness noun

— flaky adjective

flam·beau noun, plural flambeaux or flambeaus
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF, fr. flambe flame]

: a flaming torch

flam·boy·ant adjective
: marked by or given to strikingly elaborate or colorful display or behavior

— flam·boy·an·cy noun

Synonyms
flashy, garish, gaudy, glitzy, loud, ostentatious, swank, tawdry—more at GAUDY

flam·boy·ance noun
: the quality or state of being flamboyant

Synonyms
flashiness, gaudiness, glitz, ostentation, pretentiousness, showiness, swank—more at OSTENTATION

flam·boy·ant·ly adverb
: in a flamboyant manner : with flamboyance

Synonyms
flashily, gaily, jauntily, rakishly—more at GAILY

flame noun
1 : the glowing gaseous part of a fire
2 : a state of blazing combustion
3 : a flamelike condition
4 : burning zeal or passion
5 : BRILLIANCE
6 : a person beloved : SWEETHEART
7 : an angry, hostile, or abusive electronic message

Synonyms
beloved, darling, dear, honey, love, sweet, sweetheart—more at SWEETHEART

flame verb
1 : to burn with a flame
2 : to burst or break out violently or passionately
3 : to shine brightly

Synonyms
[1] blaze, burn, glow—more at BURN
[2] break out, burst, erupt, explode, flare, go off—more at ERUPT
[3] beat, blaze, burn, glare—more at GLARE

fla·men·co noun, plural -cos
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. flamenco of the Gypsies, lit., Flemish, fr. MD Vlaminc Fleming]

: a vigorous rhythmic dance style of the Spanish Gypsies

flame·throw·er noun
: a device that expels from a nozzle a burning stream of liquid or semiliquid fuel under pressure

fla·min·go noun, plural -gos also -goes
: any of several long-legged long-necked tropical water birds with scarlet wings and a broad bill bent downward

flam·ma·ble adjective
: easily ignited and quick-burning

— flam·ma·bil·i·ty noun

— flammable noun

Synonyms
combustible, ignitable, inflammable—more at COMBUSTIBLE

flan noun
1 : an open pie with a sweet or savory filling
2 : custard baked with a caramel glaze

flange noun
: a rim used for strengthening or guiding something or for attachment to another object

1flank noun
1 : the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip; also : the side of a quadruped
2 : SIDE
3 : the right or left of a formation

2flank verb
1 : to attack or threaten the flank of
2 : to be situated on the side of

Synonyms
abut, adjoin, border, fringe, join, skirt, touch, verge—more at ADJOIN

flank·er noun
: a football player stationed wide of the formation slightly behind the line of scrimmage as a pass receiver

flan·nel noun
1 : a soft twilled wool or worsted fabric with a napped surface
2 : a stout cotton fabric napped on one side
3 plural : flannel underwear or pants

1flap noun
1 : a stroke with something broad : SLAP
2 : something broad, limber, or flat and usu. thin that hangs loose
3 : the motion or sound of something broad and limber as it swings to and fro
4 : a state of excitement or confusion

2flap verb flapped; flap·ping
1 : to beat with something broad and flat
2 : FLING
3 : to move (as wings) with a beating motion
4 : to sway loosely usu. with a noise of striking

Synonyms
beat, flail, flop, flutter, whip; also bang, batter, buffet, knock, pound, smack, spank, thump; flick, flicker, flit; oscillate, sway, swing; undulate, wave; palpitate, pulse, throb

flap·jack noun
: a flat cake made of thin batter and cooked (as on a griddle) on both sides : PANCAKE

Synonyms
griddle cake, pancake—more at PANCAKE

flap·per noun
1 : one that flaps
2 : a young woman of the 1920s who showed freedom from conventions (as in conduct)

1flare noun
1 : a blaze of light used esp. to signal or illuminate; also : a device for producing such a blaze
2 : an unsteady glaring light
3 : a sudden outburst (as of sound, excitement, or anger)

Synonyms
[1] blaze, illumination, incandescence, light, luminescence, radiance, shine—more at LIGHT
[3] agony, burst, eruption, explosion, fit, flare-up, flash, outburst, spasm, storm—more at OUTBURST

2flare verb flared; flar·ing
1 : to flame with a sudden unsteady light
2 : to spread outward <her skirt flaring at the bottom> <a boat with the gunwales flaring out>
3 : to become suddenly excited or angry — usu. used with up <she ~s up at the slightest provocation>
4 : to break out or intensify usu. suddenly or violently — often used with up <fighting flared up after a 2-week lull>

Synonyms
[1] beat, blaze, burn, flame, glare—more at GLARE
usually flare out [2] expand, extend, fan, open, spread, stretch, unfold
usually flare up [4] break out, burst, erupt, explode, flame, go off—more at ERUPT

flare–up noun
: a sudden outburst or intensification

Synonyms
burst, flare, flash, outbreak, outburst, spurt—more at OUTBREAK

1flash verb
1 : to break forth in or like a sudden flame
2 : to appear or pass suddenly or with great speed
3 : to send out in or as if in flashes <~ a message>
4 : to make a sudden display (as of brilliance or feeling)
5 : to gleam or glow intermittently
6 : to fill by a sudden rush of water
7 : to expose to view very briefly <~ a badge>

— flash·er noun

Synonyms
flame, gleam, glimmer, glisten, glitter, shimmer, sparkle, twinkle, wink; also beam, radiate, shine; blind, bedazzle, daze, dazzle; blaze, burn, flare, glare, glow

2flash noun
1 : a sudden burst of light
2 : a movement of a flag or light in signaling
3 : a sudden and brilliant burst (as of wit)
4 : a brief time
5 : SHOW, DISPLAY; especially : ostentatious display
6 : something or someone that attracts notice; especially : an outstanding athlete
7 : GLIMPSE, LOOK
8 : a first brief news report
9 : FLASHLIGHT
10 : a device for producing a brief and very bright flash of light for taking photographs
11 : a quick-spreading flame or momentary intense outburst of radiant heat

Synonyms
[4] instant, jiffy, minute, moment, second, shake, twinkling, wink—more at INSTANT
[6] marvel, miracle, phenomenon, prodigy, sensation, wonder—more at WONDER

3flash adjective
: of sudden origin and short duration <a ~ flood>

Synonyms
fleeting, momentary, passing, short-lived, temporary, transient—more at MOMENTARY

4flash adverb
: by very brief exposure to an intense agent (as heat or cold) <~ freeze>

flash·back noun
1 : interruption of the chronological sequence (as of a film or literary work) by an event of earlier occurrence
2 : a past event remembered vividly

flash back verb
1 : to vividly remember a past incident
2 : to employ a flashback

flash·bulb noun
: an electric bulb that can be used only once to produce a brief and very bright flash of light for taking photographs

flash card noun
: a card bearing words, numbers, or pictures briefly displayed usu. as a learning aid

flash·cube noun
: a cubical device incorporating four flashbulbs

flash·gun noun
: a device for producing a bright flash of light for photography

flash·i·ly adverb
: in a flashy manner or style

Synonyms
flamboyantly, gaily, jauntily, rakishly—more at GAILY

flash·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being flashy

Synonyms
flamboyance, gaudiness, glitz, ostentation, pretentiousness, showiness, swank—more at OSTENTATION

flash·ing noun
: sheet metal used in waterproofing (as at the angle between a chimney and a roof)

flash·light noun
: a battery-operated portable electric light

flash memory noun
: a computer memory chip not requiring connection to a power source to retain its data

flashy adjective flash·i·er; -est
1 : momentarily dazzling
2 : superficially attractive or impressive : SHOWY

Synonyms
flamboyant, garish, gaudy, glitzy, loud, ostentatious, showy, swank, tawdry—more at GAUDY

flask noun
: a flattened bottle-shaped container <a whiskey ~>

1flat adjective flat·ter; flat·test
1 : spread out along a surface; also : being or characterized by a horizontal line
2 : having a smooth, level, or even surface
3 : having a broad smooth surface and little thickness
4 : clearly unmistakable : DOWNRIGHT <a ~ refusal>
5 : not varying : FIXED <charge a ~ rate>
6 : having no fraction either lacking or in excess : EXACT, PRECISE <in four minutes ~>
7 a : lacking in animation, zest, or vigor : DULL, UNINTERESTING
b : lacking savor : INSIPID
8 : DEFLATED <a ~ tire>
9 : lower than the true pitch; also : lower by a half step
10 : free from gloss <a ~ paint>
11 : lacking depth of characterization

— flat·ly adverb

— flat·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] even, flush, level, plane, smooth—more at LEVEL
[6] even, exact, precise, round—more at EVEN
[7a] dull, monotonous, uninteresting
[7b] flavorless, insipid, tasteless—more at INSIPID
[10] dim, dull, lusterless

2flat noun
1 : a level surface of land : PLAIN
2 : a flat part or surface
3 : a character ♭ that indicates that a specified note is to be lowered by a half step; also : the resulting note
4 : something flat
5 : an apartment on one floor
6 : a deflated tire

3flat adverb
1 : FLATLY
2 : without qualification or reservation : COMPLETELY <~ broke>
3 : below the true musical pitch

Synonyms
completely, entirely, fully, perfectly, quite, thoroughly, wholly—more at FULLY

4flat verb flat·ted; flat·ting
1 : FLATTEN
2 : to lower in pitch esp. by a half step

flat·bed noun
: a truck or trailer with a body in the form of a platform or shallow box

flat·boat noun
: a flat-bottomed boat used esp. for carrying bulky freight

flat·car noun
: a railroad freight car without sides or roof

flat·fish noun
: any of an order of flattened marine bony fishes with both eyes on the upper side

flat·foot noun, plural flat·feet
: a condition in which the arch of the foot is flattened so that the entire sole rests upon the ground

— flat–foot·ed adjective

Flat·head noun, plural Flatheads or Flathead
: a member of an American Indian people of Montana

flat·iron noun
: IRON 3

flat·land noun
: land lacking significant variation in elevation

flat–out adjective
1 : being or going at maximum effort or speed
2 : OUT-AND-OUT, DOWNRIGHT <it was a ~ lie>

flat out adverb
1 : BLUNTLY, DIRECTLY
2 : at top speed
3 usually flat–out : to the greatest degree : COMPLETELY <is just flat-out confusing>

flat–panel adjective
: relating to or being a thin flat video display

flat·ten verb
: to make or become flat

flat·ter verb
[ORIGIN: ME flateren, fr. AF flater to lap, flatter]

1 : to praise too much or without sincerity
2 : to represent too favorably <the portrait ~s him>
3 : to display to advantage
4 : to judge (oneself) favorably or too favorably

— flat·ter·er noun

Synonyms
blarney, overpraise; also cajole, coax, wheedle; fawn, kowtow, toady; idolize, worship; eulogize, extol, laud, praise; applaud, commend, compliment; congratulate, felicitate; drool, gush, slaver, slobber; endear, ingratiate; court, woo

flat·tery noun, plural -ter·ies
: flattering speech or attentions : insincere or excessive praise

Synonyms
adulation, blarney, overpraise; also endearments; compliments, greetings, regards, respects; adoration, idolatry, worship; cajolery, endearment; acclaim, applause, commendation, praise

flat·top noun
1 : AIRCRAFT CARRIER
2 : CREW CUT

flat·u·lent adjective
1 : full of gas <a ~ stomach>
2 : INFLATED, POMPOUS

— flat·u·lence noun

fla·tus noun
: gas formed in the intestine or stomach

flat·ware noun
: eating and serving utensils

flat·worm noun
: any of a phylum of flattened mostly parasitic segmented worms (as trematodes and tapeworms)

flaunt verb
1 : to display oneself to public notice
2 : to wave or flutter showily
3 : to display ostentatiously or impudently : PARADE

— flaunt noun

Synonyms
display, disport, exhibit, flash, parade, show, show off—more at SHOW

flau·ta noun
: a tortilla rolled around a filling and deep-fried

flau·tist noun
[ORIGIN: It flautista]

: FLUTIST

1flavor noun
1 : the quality of something that affects the sense of taste or of taste and smell
2 : a substance that adds flavor
3 : characteristic or predominant quality

— fla·vored adjective

— fla·vor·some adjective

Synonyms
[2] seasoning, spice—more at SEASONING
[3] air, atmosphere, aura, climate, mood, note, temper—more at AURA

2flavor verb
: to give or add flavor to

Synonyms
savor, season, spice—more at SEASON

fla·vor·ful adjective
: full of flavor

Synonyms
appetizing, delectable, delicious, savory, tasty, toothsome, yummy—more at DELICIOUS

fla·vor·ing noun
: a substance that flavors : FLAVOR 2

fla·vor·less adjective
: lacking in flavor

Synonyms
flat, insipid, tasteless—more at INSIPID

fla·vour chiefly British variant of FLAVOR

flaw noun
: a small often hidden defect

— flaw·less·ness noun

Synonyms
blemish, defect, fault, imperfection, mark—more at BLEMISH

flaw·less adjective
: lacking any flaw or imperfection

Synonyms
absolute, faultless, ideal, impeccable, letter-perfect, perfect, unblemished—more at PERFECT

flaw·less·ly adverb
: in a flawless manner

Synonyms
faultlessly, ideally, impeccably, perfectly—more at PERFECTLY

flax noun
: a fiber that is the source of linen; also : a blue-flowered plant grown for this fiber and its oily seeds

flax·en adjective
1 : made of flax
2 : resembling flax esp. in pale soft straw color

Synonyms
blond, fair, golden, sandy, straw—more at BLOND

flay verb
1 : to strip off the skin or surface of
2 : to criticize harshly

Synonyms
[1] bark, hull, husk, peel, shell, skin
[2] berate, castigate, lambaste, lecture, rail, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold, upbraid—more at SCOLD

fl dr abbreviation
fluid dram

flea noun
: any of an order of small wingless leaping bloodsucking insects

flea·bane noun
: any of various plants of the daisy family once believed to drive away fleas

flea–bit·ten adjective
: bitten by or infested with fleas

flea market noun
: a usu. open-air market for secondhand articles and antiques

1fleck verb
: to mark in or with spots : STREAK, SPOT

2fleck noun
1 : a small area visibly different (as in color, finish, or material) from the surrounding area : SPOT, MARK
2 : a small loose mass or bit : PARTICLE

Synonyms
[1] blotch, dapple, dot, mark, speck, spot—more at SPOT
[2] atom, bit, crumb, grain, granule, molecule, particle, speck

fledge verb fledged; fledg·ing
: to develop the feathers necessary for flying or independent activity

fledg·ling noun
1 : a young bird with flight feathers newly developed
2 : an immature or inexperienced person

Synonyms
beginner, greenhorn, neophyte, newcomer, novice, tyro—more at BEGINNER

flee verb fled ; flee·ing
1 : to run away often from danger or evil
2 : to pass away swiftly from perception

Synonyms
[1] clear out, escape, fly, get out, lam, run away, run off—more at ESCAPE
[2] disappear, dissolve, evaporate, fade, go, melt, vanish—more at DISAPPEAR

1fleece noun
1 : the woolly coat of an animal and esp. a sheep
2 : a soft or woolly covering

Synonyms
coat, fur, hair, pelage, pile, wool

2fleece verb fleeced; fleec·ing
1 : to strip of money or property by fraud or extortion
2 : SHEAR

Synonyms
cheat, defraud, rook, shortchange, skin, squeeze, stick, sting, swindle, victimize; also extort, wrench, wrest, wring; gouge, overcharge, soak; exploit, milk; deceive, dupe, fool, gull, trick; rope (in); betray

fleecy adjective
: covered with, made of, or resembling fleece

Synonyms
furry, hairy, unshorn, woolly—more at HAIRY

1fleet verb
: to pass rapidly

2fleet noun
[ORIGIN: ME flete, fr. OE flēot ship, fr. flēotan to float]

1 : a group of warships under one command
2 : a group (as of ships, planes, or trucks) under one management

Synonyms
armada, caravan, cavalcade, line, motorcade, train; also convoy, flotilla, navy; column, cortege, parade, procession

3fleet adjective
1 : swift in motion : SWIFT, NIMBLE
2 : not enduring : FLEETING

Synonyms
breakneck, fast, hasty, lightning, nimble, nippy, quick, rapid, speedy, swift—more at FAST

fleet·ness noun
: the quality or state of being fleet

Synonyms
celerity, fastness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, speed, swiftness, velocity—more at SPEED

fleet admiral noun
: an admiral of the highest rank in the navy

fleet·ing adjective
: passing swiftly

Synonyms
ephemeral, evanescent, momentary, short-lived, temporary, transient—more at MOMENTARY

Flem·ing noun
: a member of a Germanic people inhabiting chiefly northern Belgium

Flem·ish noun
1 : the Dutch language as spoken by the Flemings
2 Flemish plural : FLEMINGS

— Flemish adjective

1flesh noun
1 : the soft parts of an animal's body; especially : muscular tissue
2 : MEAT
3 : the physical nature of humans as distinguished from the soul
4 : human beings; also : living beings
5 : STOCK, KINDRED
6 : fleshy plant tissue (as fruit pulp)

— fleshed adjective

2flesh verb
: to make fuller or more nearly complete — usu. used with out

flesh fly noun
: a dipteran fly whose maggots feed on flesh

flesh·ly adjective
1 : of or relating to the flesh or body : CORPOREAL, BODILY
2 : not spiritual : WORLDLY
3 : of or relating to bodily appetites : CARNAL, SENSUAL

Synonyms
[1] animal, bodily, carnal, corporal, corporeal, material, physical, somatic—more at PHYSICAL
[2] carnal, earthly, material, mundane, temporal, terrestrial, worldly—more at EARTHLY
[3] carnal, luscious, sensual, sensuous, voluptuous—more at SENSUAL

flesh·pot noun
1 plural : bodily comfort : LUXURY
2 : a place of lascivious entertainment — usu. used in pl.

fleshy adjective flesh·i·er; -est
1 : consisting of or resembling animal flesh
2 : marked by abundant flesh : PLUMP, FAT
3 : full of juice

Synonyms
[2] chubby, fat, plump, portly, rotund, round—more at FAT
[3] juicy, pulpy, succulent—more at JUICY

flew past of 1FLY

flex verb
: to bend esp. repeatedly

— flex noun

flex·i·ble adjective
1 : capable of being flexed
2 : yielding to influence
3 : readily changed or changing

— flex·i·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
[1] limber, lissome, lithe, pliable, supple, willowy—more at WILLOWY
[1] elastic, resilient, rubbery, springy, stretch, supple—more at ELASTIC
[2, 3] easygoing, relaxed, unrestrained, unrestricted—more at EASYGOING
[3] adaptable, adjustable, changeable, elastic, fluid, malleable, variable; also changing, fluctuating, inconstant, unstable, unsteady
Antonyms
established, fixed, immutable

flex·or noun
: a muscle serving to bend a body part

flex·ure noun
: TURN, FOLD

flib·ber·ti·gib·bet noun
: a silly flighty person

1flick noun
1 : a light sharp jerky stroke or movement
2 : a sound produced by a flick
3 : 2FLICKER

2flick verb
1 : to strike lightly with a quick sharp motion
2 : FLUTTER, FLIT

3flick noun
: MOVIE <can't wait to catch the new flick at the theater>

1flicker verb
1 : to move irregularly or unsteadily : FLUTTER
2 : to burn fitfully or with a fluctuating light

— flick·er·ing·ly adverb

2flicker noun
1 : an act of flickering
2 : a sudden brief movement <a ~ of an eyelid>
3 : a momentary stirring <a ~ of interest>
4 : a slight indication : HINT
5 : a wavering light

3flicker noun
: a large barred and spotted No. American woodpecker with a brown back that occurs as an eastern form with yellow on the underside of the wings and tail and a western form with red in these areas

flied past and past participle of 3FLY

fli·er noun
1 : one that flies; especially : PILOT
2 : a reckless or speculative undertaking
3 usually fly·er : an advertising circular

Synonyms
[1] airman, aviator, pilot—more at PILOT
[2] chance, enterprise, gamble, speculation, venture—more at GAMBLE
usually flyer [3] circular, leaflet, pamphlet—more at PAMPHLET

1flight noun
1 : an act or instance of flying
2 : the ability to fly
3 : a passing through air or space
4 : the distance covered in a flight
5 : swift movement
6 : a trip made by or in an airplane or spacecraft
7 : a group of similar individuals (as birds or airplanes) flying as a unit
8 : a passing (as of the imagination) beyond ordinary limits
9 : a series of stairs from one landing to another

— flight·less adjective

2flight noun
: an act or instance of running away

Synonyms
escape, getaway, lam, slip—more at ESCAPE

flight bag noun
1 : a lightweight traveling bag with zippered outside pockets
2 : a small canvas satchel

flight·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being flighty

Synonyms
facetiousness, flippancy, frivolity, levity, lightness—more at FRIVOLITY

flight line noun
: a parking and servicing area for airplanes

flighty adjective flight·i·er; -est
1 : easily upset : VOLATILE
2 : easily excited : SKITTISH
3 : governed or characterized by caprice : CAPRICIOUS, SILLY

Synonyms
[2] excitable, fluttery, high-strung, jittery, jumpy, nervous, skittish, spooky—more at EXCITABLE
[3] capricious, frivolous, giddy, harebrained, scatterbrained, silly—more at GIDDY

flim·flam noun
: DECEPTION, FRAUD

— flim·flam·mery noun

flim·sy adjective flim·si·er; -est
1 : lacking strength or substance
2 : of inferior materials and workmanship
3 : having little worth or plausibility <a ~ excuse>

— flim·si·ly adverb

— flim·si·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] gauzy, insubstantial, unsubstantial; also dainty, delicate, fine; feeble, fragile, frail; sheer, transparent
Antonyms
sturdy, substantial
[3] doubtful, dubious, improbable, questionable, unlikely—more at IMPROBABLE

flinch verb
[ORIGIN: MF flenchir to bend]

: to shrink from or as if from pain : WINCE

— flinch noun

Synonyms
blench, quail, recoil, shrink, wince; also blanch, pale, whiten; quake, quiver, shake, shudder, tremble; crouch; jerk, start, twitch; recede, retire, retreat, withdraw; falter, hesitate, reel, waver

1fling verb flung ; fling·ing
1 : to move hastily, brusquely, or violently <flung out of the room>
2 : to kick or plunge vigorously
3 a : to throw with force or recklessness
b : to cast as if by throwing
4 : to put suddenly into a state or condition

Synonyms
cast, catapult, chuck, hurl, hurtle, launch, pitch, sling, throw, toss—more at THROW

2fling noun
1 : an act or instance of flinging
2 : a casual try : ATTEMPT
3 : a period of self-indulgence

Synonyms
[2] attempt, shot, stab, trial, try—more at ATTEMPT
[3] frolic, gambol, lark, revel, rollick, romp; also caper, escapade, prank; antic, shenanigans; field day; festivity, merriment, merrymaking; enjoyment, indulgence, pleasure, self-indulgence; amusement, diversion, entertainment

flint noun
1 : a hard quartz that produces a spark when struck by steel
2 : an alloy used for producing a spark in lighters

flinty adjective
: harsh and unyielding : rigorous and stern

Synonyms
austere, authoritarian, hard, harsh, rigorous, severe, stern, strict—more at SEVERE

flint glass noun
: heavy glass containing an oxide of lead and used in lenses and prisms

flint·lock noun
1 : a lock for a gun using a flint to ignite the charge
2 : a firearm fitted with a flintlock

1flip verb flipped; flip·ping
1 : to turn by tossing <~ a coin>
2 : to turn over; also : to leaf through
3 : FLICK, JERK <~ a light switch>
4 : to lose self-control

— flip noun

Synonyms
[2] reverse, turn—more at REVERSE
[4] break, crack, freak—more at CRACK

2flip adjective
: glib or pert in speech : FLIPPANT

flip·pan·cy noun
: the quality or state of being flippant

Synonyms
facetiousness, flightiness, frivolity, levity, lightness—more at FRIVOLITY

flip·pant adjective
: lacking proper respect or seriousness

Synonyms
facetious, flip, pert, smart; also flighty, frivolous; cheeky, cocky, cute, fresh, impertinent, impish, impudent, mischievous, playful, roguish, sassy, saucy, waggish; disrespectful, rude; breezy, casual, glib, inappropriate, thoughtless
Antonyms
earnest, sincere

flip·per noun
1 : a broad flat limb (as of a seal) adapted for swimming
2 : a paddlelike shoe used in skin diving

flip side noun
: the reverse and usu. less popular side of a phonograph record

1flirt verb
1 : to move erratically : FLIT
2 : to behave amorously without serious intent
3 : to show casual interest <~ed with the idea>; also : to come close to <~ with danger>

— flir·ta·tion noun

— flir·ta·tious adjective

2flirt noun
1 : an act or instance of flirting
2 : a person who flirts

flit verb flit·ted; flit·ting
: to pass or move quickly or abruptly from place to place : DART

— flit noun

Synonyms
dance, dart, flutter, zip; also dash, fly, sail, shoot, speed, sprint, zoom; scamper, scud, scurry, scuttle, skip, skitter; meander, ramble, roam, wander

flitch noun
: a side of cured meat; especially : a side of bacon

fliv·ver noun
: a small cheap usu. old automobile

1float noun
1 : something (as a raft) that floats; also : a floating platform anchored near a shoreline for use by swimmers or boats
2 : a cork buoying up the baited end of a fishing line
3 : a hollow ball that floats at the end of a lever in a cistern or tank and regulates the liquid level
4 : a vehicle with a platform to carry an exhibit
5 : a soft drink with ice cream floating in it

Synonyms
dock, jetty, landing, levee, pier, quay, wharf—more at DOCK

2float verb
1 : to rest on the surface of or be suspended in a fluid
2 : to move gently on or through a fluid
3 : to cause to float
4 : WANDER
5 : to offer (securities) in order to finance an enterprise
6 : to finance by floating an issue of stocks or bonds
7 : to arrange for <~ a loan>

— float·er noun

Synonyms
drift, glide, hang, hover, poise, ride, sail, waft; also bob, dangle, suspend; buoy; balloon, raft
Antonyms
settle, sink

1flock noun
1 : a group of birds or mammals assembled or herded together
2 : a group of people under the guidance of a leader; especially : CONGREGATION
3 : a large number <a ~ of tourists>

Synonyms
army, crowd, crush, drove, horde, host, legion, mob, multitude, press, swarm, throng—more at CROWD

2flock verb
: to gather or move in a flock <people ~ed to the beach>

Synonyms
crowd, mob, swarm, throng—more at CROWD

floe noun
: a flat mass of floating ice

flog verb flogged; flog·ging
1 : to beat with or as if with a rod or whip
2 : SELL <~ encyclopedias>

— flog·ger noun

Synonyms
bash, bat, batter, beat, belt, bludgeon, buffet, club, drub, hammer, hide, lace, lambaste, lick, maul, pelt, pound, thrash, thump, wallop, whale, whip—more at BEAT

1flood noun
1 : a great flow of water over the land
2 : the flowing in of the tide
3 : an overwhelming volume

Synonyms
[1, 3] cataclysm, cataract, deluge, inundation, overflow, spate, torrent; also current, river, stream, tide; discharge, flush, gush, outflow, outpouring; flux, inflow, influx; washout; avalanche; cascade, waterfall; excess, glut, overabundance, overage, overkill, overmuch, oversupply, superabundance, superfluity, surfeit, surplus
Antonyms
drought

2flood verb
1 : to cover or become filled with a flood
2 : to fill abundantly or excessively; especially : to supply an excess of fuel to <~ed the engine>
3 : to pour forth in a flood

— flood·er noun

Synonyms
deluge, drown, engulf, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, swamp; also overcome, flow, flush, gush, pour, sluice, spout, spurt, stream; douse, drench
Antonyms
drain

flood·gate noun
: a gate for controlling a body of water : SLUICE

flood·light noun
: a lamp that throws a broad beam of light; also : the beam itself

— floodlight verb

flood·plain noun
: a plain along a river or stream subject to periodic flooding

flood tide noun
1 : a rising tide
2 : an overwhelming quantity
3 : a high point

flood·wa·ter noun
: the water of a flood

1floor noun
1 : the bottom of a room on which one stands
2 : a ground surface
3 : a story of a building
4 : a main level space (as in a legislative chamber) distinguished from a platform or gallery
5 : AUDIENCE
6 : the right to address an assembly
7 : a lower limit <put a ~ under wheat prices>

— floor·ing noun

2floor verb
1 : to furnish with a floor
2 : to knock down
3 : to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder
4 : to press (a vehicle's accelerator) to the floorboard esp. rapidly

Synonyms
[2] bowl, down, drop, fell, knock, level
[3] amaze, astonish, astound, bowl, dumbfound, flabbergast, overwhelm, shock, startle, stun, surprise

floor·board noun
1 : a board in a floor
2 : the floor of an automobile

floor leader noun
: a member of a legislative body who has charge of a party's organization and strategy on the floor

floor show noun
: a series of acts presented in a nightclub

floor·walk·er noun
: a person employed in a retail store to oversee the sales force and aid customers

floo·zy or floo·zie noun, plural floozies
: a usu. young woman of loose morals

1flop verb flopped; flop·ping
1 : to swing or move loosely : FLAP
2 : to throw oneself down heavily, clumsily, or in a relaxed manner <flopped into a chair>
3 : to fall short of success : FAIL <the show flopped>

— flop adverb

— flop·per noun

Synonyms
[1] beat, flail, flap, flutter, whip—more at FLAP
[2] plop, plump, plunk; also fling, heave, sling, toss; ensconce, install, plant, settle
[3] collapse, fail, flunk, fold, wash out—more at FAIL

2flop noun
: something that is a failure

Synonyms
bust, debacle, dud, failure, fiasco, fizzle, loser, washout—more at FAILURE

flop·house noun
: a cheap hotel

1floppy adjective flop·pi·er; -est
: tending to flop; especially : soft and flexible

— flop·pi·ly adverb

Synonyms
droopy, flaccid, lank, limp, slack, yielding—more at LIMP

2floppy noun, plural flop·pies
: FLOPPY DISK

floppy disk noun
: a thin plastic disk with a magnetic coating on which computer data can be stored

flop sweat noun
: sweat caused by the fear of failing

flo·ra noun, plural floras also flo·rae
[ORIGIN: L Flora, Roman goddess of flowers]

: plants or plant life esp. of a region or period

Synonyms
foliage, green, greenery, herbage, leafage, vegetation, verdure—more at GREENERY

flo·ral adjective
: of, relating to, or depicting flowers <a ~ design>

flo·res·cence noun
: a state or period of being in bloom or flourishing

— flo·res·cent adjective

flor·id adjective
1 : very flowery in style <~ prose>
2 : tinged with red : RUDDY
3 : marked by emotional or sexual fervor

Synonyms
[1] flowery, grandiloquent, high-flown, highfalutin—more at FLOWERY
[2] flush, glowing, rosy, ruddy, sanguine—more at RUDDY

flo·rin noun
1 : an old gold coin first struck at Florence, Italy, in 1252
2 : a gold coin of a European country patterned after the florin of Florence
3 : any of several modern silver coins issued in Commonwealth countries

flo·rist noun
: a person who sells flowers or ornamental plants

1floss noun
1 : soft thread of silk or mercerized cotton for embroidery
2 : DENTAL FLOSS
3 : fluffy fibrous material

Synonyms
down, fluff, fur, fuzz, lint, nap, pile—more at FUZZ

2floss verb
: to use dental floss on (one's teeth)

flossy adjective floss·i·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of floss
2 : STYLISH, GLAMOROUS

— floss·i·ly adverb

flo·ta·tion noun
: the process or an instance of floating

flo·til·la noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, dim. of flota fleet]

: a fleet esp. of small ships

flot·sam noun
: floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo

1flounce verb flounced; flounc·ing
1 : to move with exaggerated jerky or bouncy motions
2 : to go with sudden determination

2flounce noun
: an act or instance of flouncing

— flouncy adjective

3flounce noun
: a strip of fabric attached by one edge; also : a wide ruffle

Synonyms
frill, furbelow, ruffle—more at RUFFLE

1flounder noun, plural flounder or flounders
: FLATFISH; especially : any of various important marine food fishes

2flounder verb
1 : to struggle to move or obtain footing
2 : to proceed clumsily <~ed through the speech>

Synonyms
limp, lumber, plod, stumble; also shamble, shuffle; wallow, welter; falter, lurch, reel, stagger, sway, teeter, totter; blunder, fumble, muddle

1flour noun
[ORIGIN: ME, flower, best of anything, flour, fr. AF flur flower]

: finely ground and sifted meal of a grain (as wheat); also : a fine soft powder

floury adjective
: of or resembling flour esp. in fine powdery texture

Synonyms
dusty, fine, powdery—more at FINE

2flour verb
: to coat with or as if with flour

1flourish verb
1 : to grow luxuriantly : THRIVE, PROSPER
2 : to be in a state of activity or production <~ed about 1850>
3 : to reach a height of development or influence
4 : to make bold and sweeping gestures
5 : BRANDISH

Synonyms
[1] burgeon, prosper, thrive—more at THRIVE
[3] prosper, succeed, thrive—more at SUCCEED

2flourish noun
1 : a florid bit of speech or writing; also : an ornamental touch or decorative detail
2 : FANFARE
3 : WAVE <with a ~ of his cane>
4 : showiness in doing something

1flout verb
: to treat with contemptuous disregard <~ the law>

— flout·er noun

Synonyms
despise, disregard, scorn—more at SCORN

2flout noun
: TAUNT

1flow verb
1 : to issue or move in a stream
2 : RISE <the tide ebbs and ~s>
3 : ABOUND
4 : to proceed smoothly and readily
5 : to have a smooth continuity
6 : to hang loose and billowing
7 : COME, ARISE
8 : MENSTRUATE

Synonyms
[1] pour, roll, run, stream; also arise, emanate, issue, spring; course, race, rush; gush, spout, spurt; deluge, engulf, flood, inundate, overflow, swamp; cascade, dribble, drip, gutter, ripple, trickle; flush
Antonyms
back up
[4] breeze, coast, glide, roll, sail, slide, slip, stream, sweep
Antonyms
flounder, struggle

2flow noun
1 : an act of flowing
2 : FLOOD 1, 2
3 : a smooth uninterrupted movement
4 : STREAM; also : a mass of material that has flowed when molten
5 : the quantity that flows in a certain time
6 : MENSTRUATION
7 : a continuous transfer of energy

— flow·age noun

flow·chart noun
: a symbolic diagram showing step-by-step progression through a procedure

flow diagram noun
: FLOWCHART

1flower noun
[ORIGIN: ME flour, fr. AF flur, flour, fr. L flor-, flos]

1 : a plant shoot modified for reproduction and bearing leaves specialized into floral organs; especially : one of a seed plant consisting of a calyx, corolla, stamens, and carpels
2 : a plant cultivated for its blossoms
3 : the best part or example
4 : the finest most vigorous period
5 : a state of blooming or flourishing

— flow·ered adjective

— flow·er·less adjective

— flow·er·like adjective

Synonyms
[3] best, choice, cream, elite, pick, prime—more at ELITE
[4] bloom, blossom, flush, heyday, prime—more at BLOOM

2flower verb
1 : DEVELOP; also : FLOURISH
2 : to produce flowers : BLOOM

Synonyms
bloom, blossom, blow, burgeon, unfold—more at BLOOM

flower girl noun
: a little girl who carries flowers at a wedding

flower head noun
: a compact cluster of small flowers without stems suggesting a single flower

flowering plant noun
: any of a major group of vascular plants (as magnolias, grasses, or roses) that produce flowers and fruit and have the seeds enclosed in an ovary

flow·er·pot noun
: a pot in which to grow plants

flow·ery adjective
1 : of, relating to, or resembling flowers
2 : full of fine words or phrases

— flow·er·i·ly adverb

— flow·er·i·ness noun

Synonyms
florid, grandiloquent, high-flown, highfalutin; also affected, grandiose, inflated, pompous, pretentious, stilted; excessive, fulsome; boastful, bombastic; elevated, eloquent, lofty

flown past participle of 1FLY

fl oz abbreviation
fluid ounce

flu noun
1 : INFLUENZA
2 : any of several virus diseases marked esp. by respiratory or intestinal symptoms

— flu–like adjective

1flub verb flubbed; flub·bing
: to make a mess of : BOTCH

Synonyms
bobble, botch, bungle, foul up, fumble, mangle, mess, muff

2flub noun
: a clumsy or stupid failure

Synonyms
blunder, error, fault, fumble, goof, mistake, slip, stumble—more at ERROR

fluc·tu·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to become wavering, unsteady, irresolute, or undetermined
2 : to move up and down or back and forth

— fluc·tu·a·tion noun

Synonyms
change, mutate, shift, vary—more at CHANGE

flue noun
: a passage (as in a chimney) for directing a current (as of smoke or gases)

flu·ent adjective
1 : capable of flowing : FLUID
2 : ready or facile in speech <~ in French>; also : having or showing mastery in a subject or skill
3 : effortlessly smooth and rapid <~ speech>

— flu·en·cy noun

Synonyms
[2] articulate, eloquent, well-spoken—more at ARTICULATE
[3] easy, effortless, facile, fluid, ready, simple, smooth

flu·ent·ly adverb
: in a fluent manner

Synonyms
easily, effortlessly, freely, handily, lightly, painlessly, readily, smoothly—more at EASILY

flue pipe noun
: an organ pipe whose tone is produced by an air current striking the beveled opening of the pipe

1fluff noun
1 : 7DOWN 1 <~ from a pillow>
2 : something fluffy
3 : something inconsequential
4 : BLUNDER; especially : an actor's lapse of memory

Synonyms
down, floss, fur, fuzz, lint, nap, pile—more at FUZZ

2fluff verb
1 : to make or become fluffy <~ up a pillow>
2 : to make a mistake

fluffy adjective fluff·i·er; -est
1 : covered with or resembling fluff
2 : being light and soft or airy
3 : lacking in meaning or substance

— fluff·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
airy, ethereal, light—more at AIRY

1fluid adjective
1 : capable of flowing
2 : subject to change or movement
3 : showing a smooth easy style <~ movements>
4 : available for a different use; especially : LIQUID 5 <~ assets>

— flu·id·i·ty noun

— flu·id·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] fluent, liquid, runny; also diluted, thin, watery, weak
Antonyms
hard, solid
[2] adaptable, adjustable, changeable, elastic, flexible, malleable, variable—more at FLEXIBLE
[3] easy, effortless, facile, fluent, light, ready, smooth

2fluid noun
: a substance (as a liquid or gas) tending to flow or take the shape of its container

fluid dram or flu·i·dram noun
: a unit of liquid measure equal to 1/8 fluid ounce

fluid ounce noun
: a unit of liquid measure equal to 1/16 pint in the U.S. or 1/20 pint in the U.K.

1fluke noun
: any of various trematode flatworms

2fluke noun
1 : the part of an anchor that fastens in the ground
2 : a lobe of a whale's tail

3fluke noun
: a stroke of luck

fluky also fluk·ey adjective
1 : happening or depending on chance rather than skill
2 : light and uncertain

Synonyms
accidental, casual, chance, fortuitous, incidental, unplanned

flume noun
1 : an inclined channel for carrying water
2 : a ravine or gorge with a stream running through it

Synonyms
[1] aqueduct, canal, channel, conduit, raceway, watercourse—more at CHANNEL
[2] canyon, gorge, gulch, ravine—more at CANYON

flung past and past participle of FLING

flunk verb
: to fail esp. in an examination or course

— flunk noun

Synonyms
collapse, fail, flop, fold, wash out—more at FAIL

flun·ky also flun·key or flun·kie noun, plural flunkies also flunkeys
1 a : a liveried servant
b : one performing menial or miscellaneous duties
2 : YES-MAN

Synonyms
domestic, lackey, menial, retainer, servant, steward—more at SERVANT

fluo·res·cence noun
1 : luminescence caused by radiation absorption that ceases almost immediately after the incident radiation has stopped
2 : visible emitted radiation

— fluo·resce verb

— fluo·res·cent adjective

Synonyms
glow, illumination, incandescence, light, luminescence, radiance, shine—more at LIGHT

fluorescent lamp noun
: a tubular electric lamp in which light is produced by the action of ultraviolet light on a fluorescent material that coats the inner surface of the lamp

fluo·ri·date verb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
: to add a fluoride to (as drinking water) to reduce tooth decay

— fluo·ri·da·tion noun

fluo·ride noun
: a compound of fluorine

fluo·ri·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to treat or cause to combine with fluorine or a compound of fluorine

— fluo·ri·na·tion noun

fluo·rine noun
: a pale yellowish flammable irritating toxic gaseous chemical element

fluo·rite noun
: a mineral that consists of the fluoride of calcium used as a flux and in making glass

fluo·ro·car·bon noun
: a compound containing fluorine and carbon used chiefly as a lubricant, refrigerant, or nonstick coating; also : CHLOROFLUOROCARBON

fluo·ro·scope noun
: an instrument for observing the internal structure of an opaque object (as the living body) by means of X-rays

— fluo·ro·scop·ic adjective

— fluo·ros·co·py noun

fluo·ro·sis noun
: an abnormal condition (as spotting of the teeth) caused by fluorine or its compounds

flu·ox·e·tine noun
: an antidepressant drug that enhances serotonin activity

flur·ry noun, plural flurries
1 : a gust of wind
2 : a brief light snowfall
3 : COMMOTION, BUSTLE
4 : a brief outburst of activity <a ~ of trading>

— flurry verb

Synonyms
[1] blast, blow, gust, williwaw—more at GUST
[4] burst, flash, outbreak, outburst, spurt—more at OUTBREAK

1flush verb
: to cause (a bird) to fly away suddenly

2flush noun
: a hand of cards all of the same suit

3flush noun
1 : a sudden flow (as of water)
2 : a surge esp. of emotion <a ~ of triumph>
3 : a tinge of red : BLUSH
4 : a fresh and vigorous state <in the ~ of youth>
5 : a passing sensation of extreme heat

Synonyms
bloom, blossom, flower, heyday, prime—more at BLOOM

4flush verb
1 : to flow and spread suddenly and freely
2 : to glow brightly
3 : to glow brightly : BLUSH
4 : to wash out with a rush of fluid
5 : INFLAME, EXCITE
6 : to cause to blush

Synonyms
[3] bloom, blush, color, crimson, glow, redden—more at BLUSH
[4] irrigate, rinse, sluice, wash; also deluge, engulf, flood, inundate, swamp; flow, gush, rush, stream; douche, hose; drench, saturate, soak; douse, slosh, splash

5flush adjective
1 : of a ruddy healthy color
2 : full of life and vigor
3 : filled to overflowing
4 : fully or generously supplied usu. with money : AFFLUENT
5 : readily available : ABUNDANT
6 : having an unbroken or even surface
7 : directly abutting : immediately adjacent
8 : set even with an edge of a type page or column

— flush·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] florid, glowing, rosy, ruddy
[3] fraught, replete, rife, thick
[4] affluent, loaded, moneyed, opulent, rich, wealthy, well-heeled, well-to-do—more at RICH
[6] even, flat, level, plane, smooth—more at LEVEL

6flush adverb
1 : in a flush manner
2 : SQUARELY <a blow ~ on the chin>

7flush verb
: to make flush

1fluster verb
: to put into a state of agitated confusion

Synonyms
abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, embarrass, rattle—more at EMBARRASS

2fluster noun
: a state of agitated confusion

Synonyms
abashment, confusion, discomfiture, dither, embarrassment, fret

flute noun
1 : a hollow pipelike musical instrument
2 : a grooved pleat
3 : GROOVE

— flute verb

— flut·ed adjective

flut·ing noun
: fluted decoration

flut·ist noun
: a flute player

1flutter verb
[ORIGIN: ME floteren to float, flutter, fr. OE floterian, fr. flotian to float]

1 : to flap the wings rapidly
2 : to move with quick wavering or flapping motions
3 : to vibrate in irregular spasms
4 : to move about or behave in an agitated aimless manner

Synonyms
beat, flail, flap, flop, whip—more at FLAP

2flutter noun
1 : an act of fluttering
2 : a state of nervous confusion
3 : a sudden but usu. slight stir : FLURRY

flut·tery adjective
: given to or characterized by fluttering

Synonyms
excitable, flighty, high-strung, jittery, jumpy, nervous, skittish, spooky—more at EXCITABLE

1flux noun
1 : an act of flowing
2 : a state of continuous change
3 : a substance used to aid in fusing metals

2flux verb
: to become or cause to become fluid

Synonyms
deliquesce, fuse, liquefy, melt, run, thaw—more at LIQUEFY

1fly verb flew ; flown ; fly·ing
1 : to move in or pass through the air with wings
2 : to move through the air or before the wind
3 : to float or cause to float, wave, or soar in the air
4 : to take flight : FLEE
5 : to fade and disappear : VANISH
6 : to move or pass swiftly
7 : to become expended or dissipated rapidly
8 : to operate or travel in an aircraft or spacecraft
9 : to journey over by flying
10 : AVOID, SHUN
11 : to transport by flying

Synonyms
[1] glide, plane, soar, wing; also drift, float, hang, hover, waft; coast, cruise, sail, sweep; dart, flit, flutter; catapult, jet, orbit, rocket
[4] abscond, clear out, escape, flee, get out, lam, run away, run off—more at ESCAPE
[6] barrel, bolt, career, course, dash, hasten, hurry, pelt, race, run, rush, speed, tear, zip, zoom—more at HURRY

2fly noun, plural flies
1 : the action or process of flying : FLIGHT
2 plural : the space over a theater stage
3 : a garment closing concealed by a fold of cloth
4 : the length of an extended flag from its staff or support
5 : a baseball hit high into the air
6 : the outer canvas of a tent with a double top

— on the fly

: while still in the air

3fly verb flied; fly·ing
: to hit a fly in baseball

4fly noun, plural flies
1 : a winged insect — usu. used in combination <butterfly>
2 : any of a large order of insects mostly with one pair of functional wings and another pair that if present are reduced to balancing organs and often with larvae without a head, eyes, or legs; especially : one (as a housefly) that is large and stout-bodied
3 : a fishhook dressed to suggest an insect

fly·able adjective
: suitable for flying or being flown

fly ball noun
: 2FLY 5

fly·blown adjective
: not pure : TAINTED, CORRUPT

fly·by noun, plural flybys
1 : a usu. low-altitude flight by an aircraft over a public gathering
2 : a flight of a spacecraft past a heavenly body (as Jupiter) close enough to obtain scientific data

fly–by–night adjective
1 : seeking a quick profit usu. by shady acts
2 : TRANSITORY, PASSING

fly casting noun
: the casting of artificial flies in fly-fishing or as a competitive sport

fly·catch·er noun
: any of various passerine birds that feed on insects caught in flight

flyer variant of FLIER

fly–fish·ing noun
: a method of fishing in which an artificial fly is used for bait

flying boat noun
: a seaplane with a hull designed for floating

flying buttress noun
: a projecting arched structure to support a wall or building

flying fish noun
: any of numerous marine bony fishes capable of long gliding flights out of water by spreading their large fins like wings

flying saucer noun
: an unidentified flying object reported to be saucer-shaped or disk-shaped

flying squirrel noun
: either of two small nocturnal No. American squirrels with folds of skin connecting the forelegs and hind legs that enable them to make long gliding leaps

fly·leaf noun, plural fly·leaves
: a blank leaf at the beginning or end of a book

fly·pa·per noun
: paper poisoned or coated with a sticky substance for killing or catching flies

fly·speck noun
1 : a speck of fly dung
2 : something small and insignificant

Synonyms
atom, bit, crumb, fleck, grain, particle, speck

fly·way noun
: an established air route of migratory birds

fly·wheel noun
: a heavy wheel for regulating the speed of machinery

fm abbreviation
fathom

Fm symbol
fermium

FM noun
: a broadcasting system using frequency modulation; also : a radio receiver of such a system

fn abbreviation
footnote

fo or fol abbreviation
folio

FO abbreviation
foreign office

1foal noun
: a young horse or related animal; especially : one under one year

2foal verb
: to give birth to a foal

1foam noun
1 : a mass of bubbles formed on the surface of a liquid : FROTH, SPUME
2 : material (as rubber) in a lightweight cellular form

— foamy adjective

Synonyms
froth, head, lather, spume; also mousse; mist, spindrift, spray; scum

2foam verb
: to form foam : FROTH

fob noun
1 : a short strap, ribbon, or chain attached esp. to a pocket watch
2 : a small ornament worn on a fob

FOB abbreviation
free on board

fob off verb
1 : to put off with a trick, excuse, or inferior substitute
2 : to pass or offer as genuine
3 : to put aside

FOC abbreviation
free of charge

focal length noun
: the distance of a focus from a lens or curved mirror

fo'c'sle variant of FORECASTLE

1focus noun, plural fo·ci also fo·cus·es
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L, hearth]

1 : a point at which rays (as of light, heat, or sound) meet or diverge or appear to diverge; especially : the point at which an image is formed by a mirror, lens, or optical system
2 : FOCAL LENGTH
3 : adjustment (as of eyes or eyeglasses) that gives clear vision
4 : a central point : CENTER

— fo·cal adjective

— fo·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
base, center, core, heart, hub, nucleus, seat—more at CENTER

2focus verb -cused also -cussed; -cus·ing also -cus·sing
1 : to bring or come to a focus <~ rays of light>
2 : to cause to be concentrated <~ attention on a problem>
3 : to adjust the focus of

Synonyms
concentrate, fasten, rivet, train—more at CONCENTRATE

fod·der noun
1 : coarse dry food (as cornstalks) for livestock
2 : available material used to supply a heavy demand

foe noun
[ORIGIN: ME fo, fr. OE fāh, fr. fāh hostile]

: one who has personal enmity for another : ENEMY

Synonyms
adversary, antagonist, enemy, opponent—more at ENEMY

FOE abbreviation
Fraternal Order of Eagles

foehn or föhn noun
[ORIGIN: G Föhn]

: a warm dry wind blowing down a mountainside

foe·man noun
: FOE

foe·tal, foe·tus chiefly British variant of FETAL, FETUS

1fog noun
1 : fine particles of water suspended in the lower atmosphere
2 : mental confusion

Synonyms
[1] haze, mist, murk, smog, soup—more at HAZE
[2] daze, haze, muddle, spin—more at HAZE

2fog verb fogged; fog·ging
: to obscure or be obscured with or as if with fog

Synonyms
blur, cloud, confuse, dim, haze, mist, obscure
becloud, befog, blur, cloud, confuse, muddy—more at CONFUSE

fog·gy adjective
1 a : filled or abounding with fog
b : covered or made opaque by moisture or grime
2 : blurred or obscured as if by fog

Synonyms
[1b] cloudy, hazy, misty, murky, smoggy, soupy—more at HAZY
[2] bleary, dim, faint, fuzzy, hazy, indefinite, indistinct, murky, obscure, unclear

fog·horn noun
: a horn sounded in a fog to give warning

fo·gy also fo·gey noun, plural fogies also fogeys
: a person with old-fashioned ideas <an old ~>

Synonyms
antediluvian, dodo, fossil, fuddy-duddy, reactionary; also conservative; old hand, old-timer, veteran; old maid
Antonyms
modern

foi·ble noun
: a minor failing or weakness in character or behavior

Synonyms
demerit, failing, fault, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness—more at FAULT

foie gras noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., fat liver]

: the fattened liver of an animal and esp. of a goose usu. served as a pâté

1foil verb
[ORIGIN: ME, alter. of fullen to full cloth, fr. AF foller]

1 : to prevent from attaining an end
2 : to bring to naught : THWART

Synonyms
[1, 2] baffle, balk, beat, checkmate, frustrate, thwart—more at FRUSTRATE

2foil noun
[ORIGIN: ME, leaf, fr. AF fuille, foille, fr. L folia, pl. of folium leaf]

1 : a very thin sheet of metal <aluminum ~>
2 : one that serves as a contrast to another <acted as a ~ for a comedian>

3foil noun
: a light fencing sword with a flexible blade tapering to a blunt point

foist verb
: to pass off (something false or worthless) as genuine

1fold noun
1 : an enclosure for sheep
2 : a group of people with a common faith, belief, or interest

Synonyms
body, circle, clan, clique, community, coterie, set—more at GANG

2fold verb
: to house (sheep) in a fold

3fold verb
1 : to lay one part over or against another part
2 : to clasp together
3 : EMBRACE
4 : to bend (as a layer of rock) into folds
5 : to incorporate into a mixture by overturning repeatedly without stirring or beating
6 : to become doubled or pleated
7 : to fail completely : FAIL, COLLAPSE

Synonyms
collapse, fail, flop, flunk, wash out—more at FAIL

4fold noun
1 : a doubling or folding over
2 : a part doubled or laid over another part

fold·away adjective
: designed to fold out of the way or out of sight

fold·er noun
1 : one that folds
2 : a folded printed circular
3 : a folded cover or large envelope for loose papers
4 : an object in a computer operating system used to organize files or other folders

Synonyms
booklet, brochure, circular, leaflet, pamphlet—more at PAMPHLET

fol·de·rol noun
1 : a useless trifle
2 : NONSENSE

fold·out noun
: a folded leaf (as in a magazine) larger in some dimension than the page

fo·liage noun
: a mass of leaves (as of a plant or forest)

Synonyms
flora, green, greenery, herbage, leafage, vegetation, verdure—more at GREENERY

fo·li·at·ed adjective
: composed of or separable into layers

fo·lic acid noun
: a vitamin of the vitamin B complex used esp. to treat nutritional anemias

fo·lio noun, plural fo·li·os
1 : a leaf of a book; also : a page number
2 : the size of a piece of paper cut two from a sheet
3 : a book printed on folio pages

1folk noun, plural folk or folks
1 : the largest number or most characteristic part of a group of people forming a tribe or nation
2 a plural : a certain kind, class, or group of people : PEOPLE, PERSONS <country ~> <old ~s>
b : people generally
3 folks plural : the persons of one's own family

Synonyms
usually folks [2a, 2b] humanity, humankind, people, persons, public, society, world—more at PEOPLE
usually folks [3] blood, clan, family, house, kin, kindred, kinfolk, line, lineage, people—more at FAMILY

2folk adjective
: of, relating to, or originating among the common people <~ music>

folk art noun
: the traditional anonymous art of usu. untrained people

folk·lore noun
: customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings of a people handed down from generation to generation

— folk·lor·ic adjective

— folk·lor·ist noun

Synonyms
legend, lore, myth, mythology, tradition; also information, knowledge, wisdom; anecdote, fable, old wives' tale, tale, yarn

folk mass noun
: a mass in which traditional liturgical music is replaced by folk music

folk·sing·er noun
: a singer of folk songs

— folk·sing·ing noun

folksy adjective folks·i·er; -est
1 : SOCIABLE, FRIENDLY
2 : informal, casual, or familiar in manner or style

folk·way noun
: a way of thinking, feeling, or acting common to a given group of people; especially : a traditional social custom

fol·li·cle noun
1 : a small anatomical cavity or gland <a hair ~>
2 : a small fluid-filled cavity in the ovary of a mammal enclosing a developing egg

fol·low verb
1 : to go or come after
2 : to proceed along
3 : to engage in as a way of life <~ the sea> <~ a profession>
4 : to be or act in accordance with : to accept as authority : OBEY
5 : to pursue in an effort to overtake : PURSUE
6 : to come after in order or rank or natural sequence
7 : to keep one's attention fixed on
8 : to result from

— follow suit

1 : to play a card of the same suit as the card led
2 : to follow an example set

Synonyms
[1] succeed; also displace, replace, supersede, supplant; ensue
Antonyms
antedate, precede, predate
[2] go, pass, proceed, travel, traverse—more at TRAVERSE
[4] comply, conform, mind, obey, observe—more at OBEY
[5] chase, pursue, tail, trace, track, trail; also accompany, chaperon, escort; hunt, search (for), seek; eye, observe, watch
Antonyms
guide, lead, pilot
[7] heed, listen, mind, note, observe, regard, watch—more at HEED

fol·low·er noun
: one that follows the opinions or teachings of another

Synonyms
adherent, convert, disciple, partisan, pupil, votary; also apostle; faithful, loyalist; advocate, backer, champion, supporter; scholar, student; ideologist, sectarian; admirer, cultist, devotee, enthusiast, fan, idolater, worshiper, zealot; flunky, hanger-on, henchman, lackey, satellite, stooge, sycophant, toady, yes-man
Antonyms
leader

1following adjective
1 : next after : SUCCEEDING <the ~ day>
2 : that immediately follows <trains will leave at the ~ times>

Synonyms
coming, next, succeeding—more at NEXT

2following noun
: a group of followers, adherents, or partisans

Synonyms
cortege, retinue, suite, train—more at CORTEGE

3following preposition
: subsequent to : AFTER

follow through verb
: to press on in an activity or process esp. to a conclusion

Synonyms
accomplish, achieve, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute, fulfill, make, perform—more at PERFORM

follow–up noun
: a system or instance of pursuing an initial effort by supplementary action

fol·ly noun, plural follies
[ORIGIN: ME folie, fr. OF, fr. fol fool]

1 : lack of good sense
2 : a foolish act or idea
3 : an excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking

Synonyms
absurdity, foolery, foolishness, idiocy, inanity, madness, stupidity

fo·ment verb
: to promote the growth or development of : INCITE

Synonyms
abet, ferment, incite, instigate, provoke, raise, stir, whip—more at INCITE

fo·men·ta·tion noun
1 : a hot moist material (as a damp cloth) applied to the body to ease pain
2 : the act of fomenting : INSTIGATION

fond adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. fonne fool]

1 : FOOLISH, SILLY <~ pride>
2 : prizing highly : DESIROUS <~ of praise>
3 : strongly attracted or predisposed <~ of music>
4 a : foolishly tender : INDULGENT
b : feeling or expressing love : LOVING, AFFECTIONATE
5 : CHERISHED, DEAR <his ~est hopes>

— fond·ly adverb

Synonyms
[3] inclined, partial; also crazy (about or over), enamored, enraptured, gone (on), infatuated, mad (about), nuts (about); desirous, eager, enthusiastic, excited, gung ho, keen
Antonyms
averse, disinclined
[4b] affectionate, devoted, loving, tender, tenderhearted—more at LOVING

fon·dant noun
: a creamy preparation of sugar used as a basis for candies or icings

fon·dle verb fon·dled; fon·dling
: to touch or handle lovingly : CARESS

Synonyms
caress, love, pat, pet, stroke; also cuddle, nestle, nose, nuzzle, snuggle; cradle, embrace, enfold, hug; bounce, dandle; knead, massage; baby, coddle, indulge, mollycoddle, pamper, spoil

fond·ness noun
1 : tender affection
2 : enjoyment of or delight in something that satisfies one's tastes, inclinations, or desires

Synonyms
[1] affection, attachment, devotion, love, passion—more at LOVE
[1, 2] appetite, fancy, favor, like, liking, love, partiality, preference—more at LIKING

fon·due also fon·du noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a preparation of melted cheese often flavored with white wine

1font noun
1 : a receptacle for baptismal or holy water
2 : FOUNTAIN, SOURCE

2font noun
: an assortment of printing type of one size and style

food noun
1 : material taken into an organism and used for growth, repair, and vital processes and as a source of energy; also : organic material produced by green plants and used by them as food
2 : nourishment in solid form
3 : something that nourishes, sustains, or supplies <~ for thought>

Synonyms
chow, fare, meat, provisions, viands, victuals; also rations; aliment, nutriment; diet, nurture, sustenance; mess, pap; feed, fodder, forage, slop, swill; feast, meal, refreshments, repast, spread; board; dish, plate, serving

food chain noun
1 : a hierarchical arrangement of organisms in an ecological community such that each uses the next usu. lower member as a food source
2 : a hierarchy based on power or importance

food court noun
: an area (as within a shopping mall) set apart for food concessions

food poisoning noun
: a digestive illness caused by bacteria or by chemicals in food

food·stuff noun
: a substance with food value; especially : a specific nutrient (as fat or protein)

1fool noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF fol, fr. LL follis, fr. L, bellows, bag]

1 : a person who lacks sense or judgment
2 : JESTER
3 : DUPE
4 : IDIOT

Synonyms
booby, goose, jackass, lunatic, nitwit, nut, simpleton; also daredevil; madman, madwoman; blockhead, cretin, dodo, dolt, dope, dumbbell, dummy, dunce, idiot, imbecile, moron; scatterbrain; butt, dupe, laughingstock, mockery, monkey; chump, loser, schlemiel

2fool verb
1 : to spend time idly, aimlessly, or frivolously
2 : to meddle or tamper thoughtlessly or ignorantly
3 : to speak in jest : JOKE
4 : to make a fool of : DECEIVE
5 : FRITTER <~ed away his time>

Synonyms
[1] fiddle, monkey, play, trifle
[2] fiddle, mess, monkey, play, tamper, tinker—more at TAMPER (WITH)
[3] banter, fun, jest, jive, joke, josh, kid, quip, wisecrack—more at JOKE
[4] deceive, delude, dupe, gull, hoodwink, mislead, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE

fool·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : a foolish act, utterance, or belief
2 : foolish behavior

Synonyms
[1] absurdity, asininity, fatuity, folly—more at FOLLY
[2] high jinks, horseplay, monkeyshines, shenanigans, tomfoolery—more at HORSEPLAY

fool·har·dy adjective
: foolishly daring : RASH

— fool·har·di·ness noun

Synonyms
brash, madcap, overbold, overconfident, rash, reckless; also adventuresome, adventurous, audacious, bold, daring, venturesome, venturous; brave, courageous, dauntless, fearless, intrepid, lionhearted, undaunted, valiant; hotheaded; impetuous, impulsive, rash; brainless, foolish, harebrained, scatterbrained; careless, heedless, thoughtless; hasty, headlong, precipitate
Antonyms
careful, cautious, heedful, prudent

fool·ish adjective
1 : showing or arising from folly or lack of judgment
2 : ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous : ABSURD
3 : ABASHED

— fool·ish·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] absurd, bizarre, crazy, fanciful, fantastic, insane, nonsensical, preposterous, unreal, wild—more at FANTASTIC
[2] absurd, asinine, crazy, cuckoo, fatuous, mad, nonsensical, nutty, senseless, silly, stupid; also dumb, idiotic, imbecilic, moronic, fallacious, illogical, invalid, irrational, unreasonable; farcical, laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous
Antonyms
judicious, prudent, sensible, sound, wise

fool·ish·ness noun
1 : foolish behavior
2 : a foolish act or idea

Synonyms
[1, 2] folly, nonsense, piffle, rot, silliness—more at NONSENSE

fool·proof adjective
: so simple or reliable as to leave no opportunity for error, misuse, or failure <a ~ plan>

fools·cap noun
[ORIGIN: fr. the watermark of a fool's cap formerly applied to such paper]

: a size of paper typically 16×13 inches

fool's gold noun
: PYRITE

1foot noun, plural feet also foot
1 : the end part of a leg below the ankle of a vertebrate animal
2 : a unit of measure equal to 12 inches
3 : a group of syllables forming the basic unit of verse meter
4 : something resembling an animal's foot in position or use
5 : the lowest part : BOTTOM
6 : the part at the opposite end from the head
7 : the part (as of a stocking) that covers the foot

Synonyms
base, bottom—more at BOTTOM

2foot verb
1 : to tread to music : DANCE
2 : to go on foot
3 : to add up
4 : to pay or provide for paying

Synonyms
usually foot it [1] dance, step—more at DANCE
usually foot it [2] leg, pad, step, traipse, tread, walk—more at WALK
[4] clear, discharge, liquidate, pay, recompense, settle, spring, stand—more at PAY

foot·age noun
1 : length expressed in feet
2 : the length of film used for a scene; also : the material contained on such footage

foot–and–mouth disease noun
: an acute contagious viral disease esp. of cattle

foot·ball noun
1 : any of several games played by two teams on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end in which the object is to get the ball over the goal line or between goalposts by running, passing, or kicking
2 : the ball used in football

foot·board noun
1 : a narrow platform on which to stand or brace the feet
2 : a board forming the foot of a bed

foot·bridge noun
: a bridge for pedestrians

foot·ed adjective
: having a foot or feet of a specified kind or number <flat-footed> <four-footed>

-foot·er combining form
: one that is a specified number of feet in height, length, or breadth <a six-footer>

foot·fall noun
: the sound of a footstep

foot·hill noun
: a hill at the foot of higher hills or mountains

foot·hold noun
1 : a hold for the feet : FOOTING
2 : a position usable as a base for further advance

foot·ing noun
1 : the placing of one's feet in a stable position
2 : the act of moving on foot
3 : a place or space for standing : FOOTHOLD
4 : position with respect to one another : STATUS
5 : an underlying condition or state of affairs : BASIS

Synonyms
[4] degree, level, place, position, rank, situation, standing, station, status—more at RANK
[5] base, basis, bedrock, foundation, ground, groundwork, keystone, underpinning—more at BASE

foot·less adjective
1 : having no feet
2 : INEPT, INEFFECTUAL

foot·lights noun plural
1 : a row of lights along the front of a stage floor
2 : the stage as a profession

foo·tling adjective
1 : INEPT
2 : TRIVIAL

foot·lock·er noun
: a small trunk designed to be placed at the foot of a bed (as in a barracks)

foot·loose adjective
: having no ties : FREE

Synonyms
free, loose, unbound, unconfined, unrestrained—more at FREE

foot·man noun
: a male servant who attends a carriage or waits on table, admits visitors, and runs errands

foot·note noun
1 : a note of reference, explanation, or comment placed usu. at the bottom of a page
2 : COMMENTARY

foot·pad noun
: a round somewhat flat foot on the leg of a spacecraft for distributing weight to minimize sinking into a surface

foot·path noun
: a narrow path for pedestrians

Synonyms
path, trace, track, trail—more at TRAIL

foot·print noun
1 : an impression of the foot
2 : the area on a surface covered by something

foot·race noun
: a race run on foot

foot·rest noun
: a support for the feet

foot·sore adjective
: having sore or tender feet (as from much walking)

foot·step noun
1 : the mark of the foot : TRACK
2 : TREAD
3 : distance covered by a step : PACE
4 : a step on which to ascend or descend
5 : a way of life, conduct, or action

foot·stool noun
: a low stool to support the feet

foot·wear noun
: apparel (as shoes or boots) for the feet

foot·work noun
: the management of the feet (as in boxing)

fop noun
: a man who is devoted to or vain about his appearance or dress : DANDY

— fop·pery noun

— fop·pish adjective

Synonyms
buck, dandy, dude, gallant—more at DANDY

1for preposition
1 : as a preparation toward <dress ~ dinner>
2 : toward the purpose or goal of <need time ~ study> <money ~ a trip>
3 : so as to reach or attain <run ~ cover>
4 : as being <took him ~ a fool>
5 : because of <cry ~ joy>
6 — used to indicate a recipient <a letter ~ you>
7 : in support of <fought ~ his country>
8 : directed at : AFFECTING <a cure ~ what ails you>
9 — used with a noun or pronoun followed by an infinitive to form the equivalent of a noun clause <~ you to go would be silly>
10 : in exchange as equal to : so as to return the value of <a lot of trouble ~ nothing> <pay $10 ~ a hat>
11 : CONCERNING <a stickler ~ detail>
12 : CONSIDERING <tall ~ her age>
13 : through the period of <served ~ three years>
14 : in honor of

2for conjunction
: for the reason that : BECAUSE

Synonyms
because, now, since, whereas—more at SINCE

3for abbreviation
1 foreign
2 forestry

fora plural of FORUM

1forage noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. fuerre, foer fodder, straw, of Gmc origin]

1 : food for animals esp. when taken by browsing or grazing
2 : a search for food or supplies

2forage verb for·aged; for·ag·ing
1 : to collect forage from
2 : to search for food or supplies
3 : to get by foraging
4 : to make a search : RUMMAGE

Synonyms usually forage for
cast about, hunt, pursue, quest, rummage, search, seek—more at SEEK

for·ay verb
: to raid esp. in search of plunder

Synonyms usually foray into
invade, overrun, raid—more at INVADE

foray noun
: a sudden or irregular incursion for war or spoils

Synonyms
descent, incursion, invasion, irruption, raid—more at RAID

1forbear verb -bore ; -borne ; -bear·ing
1 : to refrain from : ABSTAIN
2 : to be patient

Synonyms
abstain, forgo, keep, refrain; also avoid, eschew, shun; check, constrain, curb, inhibit; deny, refuse, withhold; buck, combat
Antonyms
give in (to), succumb (to), yield (to)

2forbear variant of FOREBEAR

for·bear·ance noun
: the act of forbearing

Synonyms
long-suffering, patience, sufferance, tolerance—more at PATIENCE

forbearing adjective
: marked by calm patience

Synonyms
long-suffering, patient, stoic, tolerant, uncomplaining—more at PATIENT

for·bid verb -bade also -bad ; -bid·den ; -bid·ding
1 : to command against : PROHIBIT
2 : HINDER, PREVENT

Synonyms
ban, bar, enjoin, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe; also deter, discourage, dissuade; repress, suppress; halt, preclude, prevent, stop; embargo, exclude, rule out, shut out; debar, deprive, disallow, reject, veto; check, curb, inhibit, restrain; block, hinder, impede, obstruct
Antonyms
allow, let, permit, suffer

forbidden adjective
: not allowed : not permitted

Synonyms
impermissible, taboo—more at IMPERMISSIBLE

forbidding adjective
1 : causing discomfort
2 : presenting, suggesting, or constituting a menace

Synonyms
austere, grim, menacing, scary, severe—more at GRIM

1force noun
1 : strength or energy esp. of an exceptional degree : active power
2 : capacity to persuade or convince
3 : military strength; also, pl : the whole military strength (as of a nation)
4 : a body (as of persons or ships) available for a particular purpose
5 : violence, compulsion, or constraint used on or against a person or thing : COMPULSION
6 : an influence (as a push or pull) that causes motion or a change of motion

— in force

1 : in great numbers
2 : VALID, OPERATIVE

Synonyms
[1] energy, main, might, muscle, potency, power, strength, vigor
[2] cogency, effectiveness, persuasiveness—more at COGENCY
[4] help, personnel, pool, staff; also labor, proletariat, rank and file; band, company, crew, gang, outfit, party, team; employee, helper, hireling, worker
[5] coercion, compulsion, constraint, duress, pressure; also browbeating, bullying; fear, intimidation, menace, sword, terror, terrorism, threat, violence; might, muscle, strength; hardheadedness, self-will; strain, stress

2force verb forced; forc·ing
1 : to compel by physical, moral, or intellectual means : COERCE
2 : to cause through necessity <forced to admit defeat>
3 : to press, attain to, or effect against resistance or inertia <~ your way through>
4 : to raise or accelerate to the utmost <~ the pace>
5 : to produce with unnatural or unwilling effort <forced a smile>
6 : to hasten (as in growth) by artificial means

Synonyms
coerce, compel, constrain, drive, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure; also browbeat, bulldoze, bully; high-pressure, intimidate, menace, terrorize, threaten

force·ful adjective
: possessing or filled with force

— force·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
cogent, compelling, convincing, decisive, emphatic, persuasive, strong—more at COGENT
authoritative, influential, weighty—more at INFLUENTIAL

force·ful·ly adverb
: in a forceful manner

Synonyms
firmly, forcibly, hard, mightily, powerfully, strongly, vigorously—more at HARD

for·ceps noun, plural forceps
[ORIGIN: L]

: a hand-held instrument for grasping, holding, or pulling objects esp. for delicate operations (as by a surgeon)

forc·ible adjective
1 : obtained or done by force
2 : showing force or energy : POWERFUL

forc·i·bly adverb
: in a forcible manner

Synonyms
energetically, firmly, forcefully, hard, mightily, powerfully, vigorously—more at HARD

1ford noun
: a place where a stream may be crossed by wading

2ford verb
: to cross (a body of water) by wading

1fore adverb
: in, toward, or adjacent to the front : FORWARD

2fore adjective
: being or coming before in time, order, or space

3fore noun
: something that occupies a front position

4fore interjection
— used by a golfer to warn anyone within range of the probable line of flight of the ball

fore–and–aft adjective
: lying, running, or acting along the length of a structure (as a ship)

1forearm verb
: to arm in advance : PREPARE

Synonyms
brace, fortify, nerve, prepare, ready, steel, strengthen—more at FORTIFY

2forearm noun
: the part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist

fore·bear noun
: one from whom a person is descended and who is usu. more remote in the line of descent than a grandparent : ANCESTOR, FOREFATHER

Synonyms
ancestor, father, forefather, grandfather—more at ANCESTOR

fore·bode verb
1 : to give promise of
2 : FORETELL, PREDICT

fore·bod·ing noun
: an omen, prediction, or presentiment esp. of coming evil

— fore·bod·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
omen, portent, premonition, presage, presentiment—more at PREMONITION
alarm, apprehension, dread, misgiving

1forecast verb -cast also -cast·ed; -cast·ing
1 : to calculate or predict (some future event or condition) : PREDICT <~ weather conditions>
2 : to indicate as likely to occur

Synonyms
[1, 2] augur, foretell, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy—more at FORETELL

2forecast noun
: a prophecy, estimate, or prediction of a future happening or condition

Synonyms
prediction, prognostication, prophecy

fore·cast·er noun
: one that forecasts

Synonyms
diviner, fortune-teller, futurist, prognosticator, prophet, seer

fore·cas·tle or fo'·c'sle noun
1 : the forward part of the upper deck of a ship
2 : the crew's quarters usu. in a ship's bow

fore·close verb
1 : to shut out : PRECLUDE
2 : to take legal measures to terminate a mortgage and take possession of the mortgaged property

fore·clo·sure noun
: the act of foreclosing; especially : the legal procedure of foreclosing a mortgage

fore·doom verb
: to doom beforehand

Synonyms
destine, doom, fate, foreordain, ordain, predestine—more at DESTINE

fore·fa·ther noun
1 : one from whom a person is descended and who is usu. more remote in the line of descent than a grandparent : ANCESTOR
2 : a person of an earlier period and common heritage

Synonyms
ancestor, father, forebear, grandfather—more at ANCESTOR

forefend variant of FORFEND

fore·fin·ger noun
: INDEX FINGER

fore·foot noun
: either of the front feet of a quadruped; also : the front part of the human foot

fore·front noun
: the foremost part or place

foregather variant of FORGATHER

1forego verb -went ; -gone ; -go·ing
: to go before : PRECEDE

Synonyms
antedate, precede—more at PRECEDE

2forego variant of FORGO

fore·go·ing adjective
: listed, mentioned, or occurring before : PRECEDING

Synonyms
antecedent, anterior, preceding, previous, prior—more at PREVIOUS

fore·gone adjective
: determined in advance <a ~ conclusion>

fore·ground noun
1 : the part of a scene or representation that appears nearest to and in front of the spectator
2 : a position of prominence

fore·hand noun
: a stroke (as in tennis) made with the palm of the hand turned in the direction in which the hand is moving; also : the side on which such a stroke is made

— forehand adjective

fore·hand·ed adjective
: mindful of the future : PRUDENT

Synonyms
farsighted, foresighted, prescient, provident, prudent—more at FORESIGHTED

fore·head noun
: the part of the face above the eyes

for·eign adjective
[ORIGIN: ME forein, fr. OF, fr. LL foranus on the outside, fr. L foris outside]

1 : situated outside a place or country and esp. one's own country
2 : born in, belonging to, or characteristic of some place or country other than the one under consideration <~ language>
3 : not connected, pertinent, or characteristically present
4 : related to or dealing with other nations <~ affairs>
5 : occurring in an abnormal situation in the living body <a ~ body in the eye>

Synonyms
alien, extraneous, extrinsic—more at EXTRINSIC

for·eign·er noun
: a person belonging to or owing allegiance to a foreign country

foreign minister noun
: a governmental minister for foreign affairs

fore·know verb -knew ; -known ; -know·ing
: to have previous knowledge of

— fore·knowl·edge noun

Synonyms
anticipate, divine, foresee—more at FORESEE

fore·la·dy noun
: FOREWOMAN

fore·leg noun
: a front leg

fore·limb noun
: a front or upper limb (as a wing, arm, fin, or leg)

fore·lock noun
: a lock of hair growing from the front part of the head

fore·man noun
1 : a spokesperson of a jury
2 : a person in charge of a group of workers

Synonyms
boss, captain, chief, head, headman, leader, master, taskmaster—more at BOSS

fore·mast noun
: the mast nearest the bow of a ship

fore·most adjective
: first in time, place, or order : most important : PREEMINENT

— foremost adverb

Synonyms
chief, dominant, first, key, main, predominant, preeminent, primary, principal
Antonyms
last, least

fore·name noun
: a first name

fore·named adjective
: previously named : AFORESAID

fore·noon noun
: MORNING

1forensic adjective
[ORIGIN: L forensis public, forensic, fr. forum forum]

1 : belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of law or to public speaking or debate
2 : relating to the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems <~ medicine>

2forensic noun
1 : an argumentative exercise
2 plural : the art or study of argumentative discourse
3 plural : scientific analysis of physical evidence (as from a crime scene)

fore·or·dain verb
: to ordain or decree beforehand : PREDESTINE

Synonyms
destine, doom, fate, foredoom, ordain, predestine—more at DESTINE

fore·part noun
1 : the anterior part of something
2 : the earlier part of a period of time

fore·quar·ter noun
: the front half of a lateral half of the body or carcass of a quadruped <a ~ of beef>

fore·run·ner noun
1 : one that goes before to give notice of the approach of others : HARBINGER
2 : something belonging to a relatively early developmental period of a contemporary or fully developed object or phenomenon : PREDECESSOR, ANCESTOR

Synonyms
[1] angel, harbinger, herald, precursor
[2] ancestor, antecedent, precursor, predecessor—more at ANCESTOR

fore·sail noun
1 : the lowest sail on the foremast of a square-rigged ship or schooner
2 : the principal sail forward of the foremast (as of a sloop)

fore·see verb -saw ; -seen ; -see·ing
: to see or realize beforehand

— fore·see·able adjective

Synonyms
anticipate, divine, foreknow

fore·shad·ow verb
: to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand

fore·short·en verb
: to shorten (a detail) in a drawing or painting so that it appears to have depth

fore·sight noun
1 : the act or power of foreseeing
2 : care or provision for the future : PRUDENCE
3 : an act of looking forward; also : a view forward

— fore·sight·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
forethought, prescience, providence, prudence
Antonyms
improvidence, shortsightedness

fore·sight·ed adjective
: having foresight

Synonyms
farsighted, forehanded, prescient, provident, prudent
Antonyms
improvident, shortsighted

fore·skin noun
: a fold of skin enclosing the end of the penis

for·est noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. LL forestis (silva) unenclosed (woodland), fr. L foris outside]

: a large thick growth of trees and underbrush

— for·est·ed adjective

— for·est·land noun

Synonyms
timberland, woodland

fore·stall verb
1 : to keep out, hinder, or prevent by measures taken in advance
2 : ANTICIPATE

Synonyms
avert, help, obviate, preclude, prevent—more at PREVENT

forest ranger noun
: a person in charge of the management and protection of a portion of a forest

for·est·ry noun
: the science of growing and caring for forests

— for·est·er noun

foreswear variant of FORSWEAR

1foretaste noun
: an advance indication, warning, or notion

2foretaste verb
: to taste beforehand : ANTICIPATE

fore·tell verb -told ; -tell·ing
: to tell of beforehand : PREDICT

Synonyms
augur, forecast, predict, presage, prognosticate, prophesy

fore·thought noun
1 : PREMEDITATION
2 : consideration for the future

Synonyms
foresight, prescience, providence—more at FORESIGHT

fore·to·ken verb
: to indicate in advance

fore·top noun
: a platform near the top of a ship's foremast

for·ev·er adverb
1 : for a limitless time
2 : at all times : ALWAYS

Synonyms
[1] always, eternally, ever, everlastingly, permanently, perpetually—more at EVER
[2] always, constantly, continually, incessantly, invariably, unfailingly—more at ALWAYS

for·ev·er·more adverb
: for a limitless time or endless ages : FOREVER

fore·warn verb
: to warn beforehand

Synonyms
alert, caution, warn—more at WARN

forewent past of FOREGO

fore·wing noun
: either of the anterior wings of a 4-winged insect

fore·wom·an noun
: a woman having the responsibilities of a foreman

fore·word noun
: prefatory comments (as for a book) esp. when written by someone other than the author : PREFACE

Synonyms
introduction, preamble, preface, prologue—more at INTRODUCTION

1forfeit noun
[ORIGIN: ME forfait, fr. AF, fr. pp. of forfaire, forsfaire to commit a crime, forfeit, fr. fors outside + faire to do]

1 : something forfeited : PENALTY, FINE
2 : FORFEITURE
3 : something deposited and then redeemed on payment of a fine
4 plural : a game in which forfeits are exacted

Synonyms
damages, fine, mulct, penalty—more at FINE

2forfeit verb
: to lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime

for·fei·ture noun
1 : the act of forfeiting
2 : something forfeited : PENALTY

for·fend verb
1 : PREVENT
2 : PROTECT, PRESERVE

for·gath·er verb
1 : to come together : ASSEMBLE
2 : to meet someone usu. by chance

Synonyms
assemble, collect, congregate, convene, gather, meet, rendezvous—more at ASSEMBLE

1forge noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF, fr. L fabrica, fr. faber smith]

: a furnace or shop with its furnace where metal is heated and worked

2forge verb forged; forg·ing
1 : to form (metal) by heating and hammering
2 : to form or bring into being esp. by an expenditure of effort : FASHION, SHAPE <~ an agreement>
3 : to make or imitate falsely esp. with intent to defraud <~ a signature>

— forg·er noun

Synonyms
[1] beat, hammer, pound—more at HAMMER
[2] build, carve, fashion, grind, hammer, shape, work out

3forge verb forged; forg·ing
: to move ahead steadily but gradually

Synonyms
advance, fare, get along, go, march, proceed, progress—more at GO

forg·ery noun
: something forged

Synonyms
counterfeit, fake, hoax, humbug, phony, sham—more at FAKE

for·get verb -got ; -got·ten or -got; -get·ting
1 : to be unable to think of or recall
2 : to fail to become mindful of at the proper time
3 : to treat with inattention or disregard : NEGLECT, DISREGARD
4 : to give up hope for or expectation of

Synonyms
[2] fail, neglect, omit—more at NEGLECT
[3] disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook, pass over, slight, slur—more at NEGLECT

for·get·ful adjective
: likely to forget

— for·get·ful·ly adverb

— for·get·ful·ness noun

for·get–me–not noun
: any of a genus of small herbs with bright blue or white flowers

forg·ing noun
: a piece of forged work

for·giv·able adjective
: being of a kind that can be forgiven

Synonyms
excusable, pardonable, venial—more at VENIAL

for·give verb -gave ; -giv·en ; -giv·ing
1 : to give up resentment of or claim to requital for
2 : to give up resentment of : PARDON, ABSOLVE
3 : to grant relief from payment of

for·give·ness noun
: an act of forgiving or state of being forgiven

Synonyms
absolution, amnesty, pardon, remission—more at PARDON

for·giv·ing adjective
1 : willing or able to forgive
2 : allowing room for error or weakness

for·go verb -went ; -gone ; -go·ing
: to give up the enjoyment or advantage of : do without

Synonyms
abstain, forbear, keep, refrain—more at FORBEAR

1fork noun
1 : an implement with two or more prongs for taking up (as in eating), pitching, or digging
2 : a forked part, tool, or piece of equipment
3 : a dividing into branches or a place where something branches; also : a branch of such a fork

2fork verb
1 : to divide into two or more branches
2 : to give the form of a fork to <~ing her fingers>
3 : to raise or pitch with a fork <~ hay>
4 : PAY, CONTRIBUTE — used with over, out, or up

Synonyms
branch, diverge, divide, separate—more at SEPARATE

forked adjective
: having a fork : shaped like a fork <~ lightning>

fork·lift noun
: a machine for lifting heavy objects by means of steel fingers inserted under the load

for·lorn adjective
1 : sad and lonely because of isolation or desertion
2 : being in poor condition : WRETCHED
3 : nearly hopeless

— for·lorn·ly adverb

Synonyms
desolate, lonely, lonesome, sad—more at LONESOME

for·lorn·ness noun
: forlorn quality or state

Synonyms
blues, dejection, desolation, melancholy, sadness—more at SADNESS

1form noun
1 : SHAPE, STRUCTURE
2 : a body esp. of a person : FIGURE
3 : the essential nature of a thing
4 : an established manner of doing or saying something
5 : FORMULA
6 : a document with blank spaces for insertion of information <tax ~>
7 : conduct regulated by extraneous controls (as of custom or etiquette) : CEREMONY
8 : manner of performing according to recognized standards
9 : a long seat : BENCH
10 : a model of the human figure used for displaying clothes
11 : MOLD <a ~ for concrete>
12 : type or plates in a frame ready for printing
13 : one of the different modes of existence, action, or manifestation of a particular thing or substance : MODE, KIND, VARIETY <coal is a ~ of carbon>
14 : orderly method of arrangement; also : a particular kind or instance of such arrangement <the sonnet ~ in poetry>
15 : the structural element, plan, or design of a work of art
16 : a bounded surface or volume
17 : a grade in a British school or in some American private schools
18 : RACING FORM
19 a : known ability to perform
b : condition (as of an athlete) suitable for performing
20 : one of the ways in which a word is changed to show difference in use <the plural ~ of a noun>

Synonyms
[2] build, constitution, figure, frame, physique, shape—more at PHYSIQUE
[4] manner, method, style, system, technique, way—more at METHOD
[6] blank, document, paper
[7] ceremonial, ceremony, formality, observance, rite—more at RITE
[10] dummy, figure, mannequin
[15] arrangement, composition, configuration, design, format, layout, makeup, pattern—more at COMPOSITION
[19b] condition, estate, fettle, order, repair, shape, trim—more at CONDITION

2form verb
1 : to give form or shape to : FASHION, MAKE
2 : TRAIN, INSTRUCT
3 : to serve to make up or constitute : CONSTITUTE, COMPOSE
4 : to acquire gradually : DEVELOP, ACQUIRE <~ a habit>
5 : to arrange in order <~ a battle line>
6 : to take form : ARISE <clouds are ~ing>
7 : to take a definite form, shape, or arrangement

Synonyms
[1] fabricate, fashion, frame, make, manufacture, produce—more at MAKE
[3] compose, comprise, constitute, make up—more at CONSTITUTE
[4] acquire, cultivate, develop—more at DEVELOP
[6] arise, begin, materialize, originate

1formal adjective
1 : according with conventional forms and rules <a ~ dinner party>
2 : done in due or lawful form <a ~ contract>
3 : rigidly ceremonious : CEREMONIOUS <a ~ manner>
4 : having the appearance without the substance : NOMINAL

— for·mal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 3] ceremonial, ceremonious, conventional, correct, decorous, proper, regular
Antonyms
informal, irregular, unceremonious
[4] nominal, paper, titular—more at NOMINAL

2formal noun
: something (as a social event) formal in character

Synonyms
ball, dance, prom—more at DANCE

form·al·de·hyde noun
: a colorless pungent gas used in water solution as a preservative and disinfectant

for·mal·ise British variant of FORMALIZE

for·mal·ism noun
: strict adherence to set forms

for·mal·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : compliance with formal or conventional rules
2 : the quality or state of being formal
3 : an established form that is required or conventional

Synonyms
[1, 3] ceremonial, ceremony, form, observance, rite, ritual, solemnity—more at RITE
[3] amenity, civility, courtesy, gesture—more at CIVILITY

for·mal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to give a certain or definite form to
2 : to make formal; also : to give formal status or approval to

Synonyms
homogenize, normalize, regularize, standardize—more at STANDARDIZE

1format noun
1 : the general composition or style of a publication
2 : the general plan or arrangement of something
3 : a method of organizing data <various file ~s>

Synonyms
[1, 2, 3] arrangement, composition, configuration, design, form, layout, makeup, pattern—more at COMPOSITION

2format verb for·mat·ted; for·mat·ting
: to arrange (as material to be printed) in a particular format

— for·mat·ter noun

for·ma·tion noun
1 : an act of giving form to something : DEVELOPMENT
2 : something that is formed
3 : the manner in which a thing is formed : STRUCTURE, SHAPE
4 : an arrangement of persons or things in a prescribed manner or for a certain purpose

for·ma·tive adjective
1 : giving or capable of giving form : CONSTRUCTIVE
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by important growth or formation <a child's ~ years>

for·mer adjective
1 : PREVIOUS, EARLIER
2 : FOREGOING
3 : being first mentioned or in order of two or more things
4 : having been previously

Synonyms
erstwhile, late, old, onetime, past, sometime

for·mer·ly adverb
: in time past : PREVIOUSLY

form·fit·ting adjective
: conforming to the outline of the body

for·mi·da·ble adjective
1 : exciting fear, dread, or awe
2 : imposing serious difficulties

— for·mi·da·bly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dreadful, fearful, fearsome, forbidding, frightful, redoubtable, scary
[2] arduous, demanding, difficult, exacting, hard, strenuous, tall, toilsome, tough—more at HARD

form·less adjective
: having no regular form or shape

Synonyms
amorphous, shapeless, unformed, unshaped, unstructured
Antonyms
formed, shaped, structured

form letter noun
1 : a letter on a frequently recurring topic that can be sent to different people at different times
2 : a letter for mass circulation sent out in many printed copies

for·mu·la noun, plural -las or -lae
1 : a set form of words for ceremonial use
2 : RECIPE, PRESCRIPTION
3 : a milk mixture or substitute for a baby
4 : a group of symbols or figures joined to express information concisely
5 : a customary or set form or method

for·mu·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to express in a formula
2 : to put into a systematized statement or expression <~ a policy>
3 : to prepare according to a formula

Synonyms
articulate, clothe, couch, express, phrase, put, say, state, word—more at PHRASE
cast, compose, craft, draft, draw, frame, prepare—more at COMPOSE

for·mu·la·tion noun
: an act or the product of formulating

Synonyms
articulation, expression, statement, utterance, voice—more at EXPRESSION

for·ni·ca·tion noun
: consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other

— for·ni·cate verb

— for·ni·ca·tor noun

for·sake verb for·sook ; for·sak·en ; for·sak·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE forsacan, fr. sacan to dispute]

: to renounce or turn away from entirely

Synonyms
abandon, desert, leave, quit—more at LEAVE

forsaken adjective
: left desolate or empty

Synonyms
abandoned, derelict, deserted—more at ABANDONED

for·sooth adverb
1 : in truth
2 : without any question

Synonyms
[1, 2] certainly, definitely, doubtless, indeed, really, surely, truly, undoubtedly

for·swear verb -swore ; -sworn ; -swear·ing
1 : to swear falsely : commit perjury
2 : to renounce earnestly or under oath
3 : to deny under oath

for·syth·ia noun, plural -ias also -ia
: any of a genus of shrubs related to the olive and having yellow bell-shaped flowers appearing before the leaves in early spring

fort noun
[ORIGIN: ME forte, fr. MF fort, fr. fort strong, fr. L fortis]

1 : a fortified place
2 : a permanent army post

Synonyms
bastion, bulwark, citadel, fastness, fortification, fortress, hold, stronghold

1forte noun
[ORIGIN: F fort, fr. fort, adj., strong]

: one's strong point

2forte adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It, fr. forte strong]

: LOUD — used as a direction in music

forth adverb
1 : onward in time, place, or order : FORWARD, ONWARD <from that day ~>
2 : out into view <put ~ leaves>

Synonyms
ahead, along, forward, on, onward—more at ALONG

forth·com·ing adjective
1 : coming or available soon <the ~ holidays>
2 : marked by openness and candor : OUTGOING

Synonyms
coming, imminent, impending, oncoming, pending
Antonyms
late, recent

forth·right adjective
1 : free from ambiguity or evasiveness
2 : going straight to the point <a ~ answer>

Synonyms
[1, 2] candid, direct, frank, honest, open, plain, straight, straightforward, unreserved—more at FRANK

forth·right·ly adverb
: in a forthright manner

Synonyms
directly, foursquare, plain, plainly, straight, straightforward

forth·right·ness noun
: the quality or state of being forthright

Synonyms
candor, directness, frankness, openness, plainness—more at CANDOR

forth·with adverb
: with dispatch : without delay : IMMEDIATELY

Synonyms
directly, immediately, instantly, now, promptly, pronto, right away, right now

for·ti·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to strengthen by military defenses
2 : to give physical strength or endurance to
3 : to add mental or moral strength to : ENCOURAGE
4 : to strengthen or enrich with a material <~ bread with vitamins>

Synonyms
[2] harden, season, steel, strengthen, toughen—more at HARDEN
[3] brace, encourage, forearm, nerve, ready, steel, strengthen; also season, toughen; bolster, boost, buoy (up), buttress, prop (up), reinforce, support, sustain

for·ti·fi·ca·tion noun
: something that fortifies, defends, or strengthens; especially : works erected to defend a place or position

Synonyms
bastion, citadel, fastness, fort, fortress, hold, stronghold—more at FORT

for·tis·si·mo adverb or adjective
: very loud — used as a direction in music

for·ti·tude noun
: strength of mind that enables one to meet danger or bear pain or adversity with courage

Synonyms
backbone, fiber, grit, guts, pluck, spunk; also determination, resoluteness, resolution; bravery, courage, fearlessness, intrepidity; endurance, stamina, tolerance; heart, mettle, spirit; audacity, boldness, brass, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, hardihood, nerve, temerity

fort·night noun
[ORIGIN: ME fourtenight, alter. of fourtene night fourteen nights]

: two weeks

— fort·night·ly adjective or adverb

for·tress noun
: a fortified place : FORT

Synonyms
bastion, citadel, fastness, fort, fortification, hold, stronghold—more at FORT

for·tu·itous adjective
1 : happening by chance
2 : producing or resulting in good by chance : FORTUNATE

Synonyms
[1] accidental, casual, chance, fluky, unplanned
[2] fortunate, happy, lucky, providential—more at FORTUNATE

for·tu·ity noun, plural -ities
1 : the quality or state of being fortuitous
2 : a chance event or occurrence

for·tu·nate adjective
1 : bringing some good thing not foreseen
2 : receiving some unforeseen or unexpected good

Synonyms
fluky, fortuitous, happy, lucky, providential
Antonyms
luckless, unfortunate, unhappy, unlucky

for·tu·nate·ly adverb
1 : in a fortunate manner
2 : it is fortunate that

for·tune noun
1 : prosperity attained partly through luck; also : CHANCE, LUCK
2 : what happens to a person : good or bad luck
3 : a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency : FATE, DESTINY
4 : abundance of valuable material possessions or resources : RICHES, WEALTH

Synonyms
[3] circumstance, destiny, doom, fate, lot, portion—more at FATE
[4] assets, capital, means, opulence, riches, substance, wealth, wherewithal—more at WEALTH

fortune hunter noun
: a person who seeks wealth esp. by marriage

for·tune–tell·er noun
: a person who professes to foretell future events

— for·tune–tell·ing noun or adjective

Synonyms
augur, diviner, forecaster, futurist, prognosticator, prophet, seer, soothsayer—more at PROPHET

for·ty noun, plural forties
: four times 10

— for·ti·eth adjective or noun

— forty adjective or pronoun

for·ty–five noun
1 : a .45 caliber handgun — usu. written .45
2 : a phonograph record designed to be played at 45 revolutions per minute

for·ty–nin·er noun
: a person in the rush to California for gold in 1849

forty winks noun singular or plural
: a short sleep

Synonyms
catnap, doze, drowse, nap, siesta, snooze, wink—more at NAP

fo·rum noun, plural forums also fo·ra
[ORIGIN: L]

1 : the marketplace or central meeting place of an ancient Roman city
2 : a medium (as a publication) of open discussion
3 : COURT
4 : a public assembly, lecture, or program involving audience or panel discussion

Synonyms
colloquy, conference, council, panel, parley, powwow, seminar, symposium

1forward adjective
1 : being near or at or belonging to the front
2 : EAGER, READY
3 : lacking modesty or reserve : BOLD
4 : notably advanced or developed : PRECOCIOUS
5 : moving, tending, or leading toward a position in front
6 : EXTREME, RADICAL
7 : of, relating to, or getting ready for the future

— for·ward·ness noun

Synonyms
bold, familiar, free, immodest, presumptuous—more at PRESUMPTUOUS

2forward adverb
: to or toward what is ahead or in front

Synonyms
ahead, along, forth, on, onward—more at ALONG

3forward verb
1 : to help onward : ADVANCE
2 : to send forward : TRANSMIT
3 : to send or ship onward

Synonyms
advance, cultivate, encourage, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote—more at FOSTER

4forward noun
: a player who plays at the front of a team's offensive formation near the opponent's goal

for·ward·er noun
: one that forwards; especially : an agent who forwards goods

for·wards adverb
: FORWARD

forwent past of FORGO

1fossil adjective
[ORIGIN: L fossilis obtained by digging, fr. fodere to dig]

1 : preserved from a past geologic age <~ plants>
2 : of or relating to fossil fuels

2fossil noun
1 : a trace or impression or the remains of a plant or animal of a past geologic age preserved in the earth's crust
2 : a person whose ideas are out-of-date

— fos·sil·ize verb

Synonyms
antediluvian, dodo, fogy, fuddy-duddy, reactionary—more at FOGY

fossil fuel noun
: a fuel (as coal or oil) that is formed in the earth from plant or animal remains

1foster adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE fōstor-, fr. fōstor food, feeding]

: affording, receiving, or sharing nourishment or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties <~ parent> <~ child>

2foster verb
1 : to give parental care to
2 : to promote the growth or development of : ENCOURAGE

Synonyms
[1] breed, bring up, raise, rear—more at BRING UP
[2] advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, nourish, nurture, promote
Antonyms
discourage, frustrate, hinder, inhibit

foster home noun
: a household in which an orphaned, neglected, or delinquent child is placed for care

fos·ter·ling noun
: a foster child

Fou·cault pendulum noun
: a device that consists of a heavy weight hung by a long wire and that swings in a constant direction which appears to change showing that the earth rotates

fought past and past participle of FIGHT

1foul adjective
1 a : offensive to the senses
b : clogged with dirt
2 : arousing or deserving hatred or repugnance : ODIOUS
3 : abhorrent to morality or virtue : OBSCENE
4 : being wet and stormy : STORMY <~ weather>
5 : characterized by or manifesting treachery : DISHONORABLE, UNFAIR
6 : marking the bounds of a playing field <~ lines>; also : being outside the foul line <~ ball> <~ territory>
7 : containing marked-up corrections
8 : ENTANGLED

— foul·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1a] fetid, malodorous, noisome, rank, reeky, smelly, strong—more at MALODOROUS
[1b] dirty, filthy, muddy, unclean
[1, 2, 3] abhorrent, awful, distasteful, nasty, obnoxious, obscene, odious, offensive, repellent, repugnant, repulsive
[4] bleak, dirty, inclement, nasty, raw, rough, squally, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent
Antonyms
clement, fair

2foul noun
1 : an entanglement or collision in fishing or sailing
2 : an infraction of the rules in a game or sport; also : a baseball hit outside the foul line

3foul verb
1 : to make or become foul or filthy
2 : to entangle or become entangled
3 : OBSTRUCT, BLOCK
4 : to collide with
5 : to make or hit a foul

Synonyms
befoul, blacken, contaminate, dirty, muddy, smirch, soil, stain, taint

4foul adverb
: in a foul manner

fou·lard noun
: a lightweight silk of plain or twill weave usu. decorated with a printed pattern

foul·mouthed adjective
: given to the use of obscene, profane, or abusive language

foul·ness noun
: the quality or state of being foul

Synonyms
dirtiness, filth, filthiness, grossness, nastiness, obscenity, smut, vulgarity—more at OBSCENITY

foul play noun
1 : unfair, dishonest, or treacherous conduct or dealing : VIOLENCE
2 : the crime of unlawfully killing a person esp. with malice aforethought : MURDER

foul–up noun
1 : a state of being fouled up
2 : a mechanical difficulty

foul up verb
1 : to spoil by mistakes or poor judgment
2 : to cause a foul-up : BUNGLE

Synonyms
botch, bungle, flub, fumble, mess

1found past and past participle of FIND

2found verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF funder, fonder, fr. L fundare, fr. fundus bottom]

1 : to take the first steps in building
2 : to set or ground on something solid : BASE
3 : to establish (as an institution) often with provision for future maintenance

Synonyms
establish, inaugurate, initiate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set up, start
Antonyms
close (down), phase out, shut (up)

foun·da·tion noun
1 : the act of founding
2 : a basis upon which something stands or is supported <suspicions without ~>
3 a : funds given for the permanent support of an institution or cause : ENDOWMENT
b : an endowed institution
4 : supporting structure : BASE
5 : CORSET

— foun·da·tion·al adjective

Synonyms
[2] base, basis, bedrock, footing, ground, groundwork, keystone, underpinning—more at BASE
[3b] establishment, institute, institution—more at INSTITUTION

foun·der verb
1 : to make or become lame <the horse ~ed>
2 : COLLAPSE
3 : SINK <a ~ing ship>
4 : FAIL

found·er noun
: one that founds or establishes

Synonyms
author, creator, father, originator—more at FATHER

found·ling noun
: an infant found after its unknown parents have abandoned it

found·ry noun, plural foundries
: a building or works where metal is cast

fount noun
: SOURCE, FOUNTAIN

foun·tain noun
1 : a spring of water
2 : SOURCE
3 : an artificial jet of water
4 : a container for liquid that can be drawn off as needed

foun·tain·head noun
: SOURCE

fountain pen noun
: a pen with a reservoir that feeds the writing point with ink

four noun
1 : one more than three
2 : the 4th in a set or series
3 : something having four units

— four adjective or pronoun

4x4 also four–by–four noun
: a four-wheel automobile with four-wheel drive

four–flush verb
: to make a false claim : BLUFF

four–flush·er noun
: one that cannot back up his pretensions

four·fold adjective
1 : being four times as great or as many
2 : having four units or members

— four·fold adverb

4–H adjective
[ORIGIN: fr. the fourfold aim of improving the head, heart, hands, and health]

: of or relating to a program set up by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help young people become productive citizens

— 4–H'·er noun

Four Hundred or 400 noun
: the exclusive social set of a community — used with the

four–in–hand noun
1 : a team of four horses driven by one person; also : a vehicle drawn by such a team
2 : a necktie tied in a slipknot with long ends overlapping vertically in front

four–o'clock noun
: a garden plant with fragrant yellow, red, or white flowers without petals that open late in the afternoon

four–post·er noun
: a bed with tall corner posts orig. designed to support curtains or a canopy

four·score adjective
: being four times twenty : EIGHTY

four·some noun
1 : a group of four persons or things
2 : a golf match between two pairs of partners

four·square adjective
1 : SQUARE
2 : marked by boldness and conviction : FORTHRIGHT

Synonyms
candid, direct, forthright, frank, honest, open, outspoken, plain, straightforward, unreserved—more at FRANK

foursquare adverb
: in a foursquare manner

Synonyms
directly, forthrightly, plain, plainly, straight, straightforward

four·teen noun
: one more than 13

— fourteen adjective or pronoun

— four·teenth adjective or noun

fourth noun
1 : one that is number four in a countable series
2 : one of four equal parts of something

— fourth adjective or adverb

fourth estate noun, often cap F&E
: the public press

fourth wall noun
: an imaginary wall that keeps performers from recognizing or directly addressing their audience

4WD abbreviation
four-wheel drive

four–wheel or four·wheeled adjective
: acting on or by means of four wheels of a motor vehicle

four–wheel drive noun
: an automotive drive mechanism that acts on all four wheels of the vehicle; also : a vehicle with such a drive

1fowl noun, plural fowl or fowls
1 : BIRD
2 : a cock or hen of the domestic chicken; also : the flesh of these used as food

2fowl verb
: to hunt wildfowl

1fox noun, plural fox·es also fox
1 : any of various flesh-eating mammals related to the wolves but smaller and with shorter legs and a more pointed muzzle; also : the fur of a fox
2 : a clever crafty person
3 cap : a member of an American Indian people formerly living in what is now Wisconsin

2fox verb
: to trick by ingenuity or cunning : OUTWIT

Synonyms
outfox, outmaneuver, outsmart, outwit, overreach—more at OUTWIT

fox·glove noun
: a common plant related to the snapdragons that is grown for its showy spikes of dotted white or purple tubular flowers and as a source of digitalis

fox·hole noun
: a pit dug for protection against enemy fire

fox·hound noun
: any of various large swift powerful hounds used in hunting foxes

fox·ing noun
: brownish spots on old paper

fox terrier noun
: a small lively terrier that occurs in varieties with smooth dense coats or with harsh wiry coats

fox–trot noun
1 : a short broken slow trotting gait
2 : a ballroom dance in duple time

foxy adjective fox·i·er; -est
1 : resembling or suggestive of a fox
2 : cunningly shrewd : WILY
3 : physically attractive

Synonyms
artful, cagey, crafty, cunning, devious, guileful, slick, sly, subtle, wily—more at ARTFUL

foy·er noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., fireplace, fr. OF foier, fr. VL *focarium, fr. L focus hearth]

1 : an anteroom or lobby esp. of a theater
2 : an entrance hallway

Synonyms
[1, 2] entry, hall, lobby, vestibule—more at HALL

fpm abbreviation
feet per minute

FPO abbreviation
fleet post office

fps abbreviation
feet per second

fr abbreviation
1 father
2 franc
3 friar
4 from

1Fr abbreviation
1 France; French
2 Friday

2Fr symbol
francium

fra·cas noun, plural fra·cas·es
[ORIGIN: F, din, row, fr. It fracasso, fr. fracassare to shatter]

: a noisy quarrel

Synonyms
brawl, fray, free-for-all, melee, row—more at BRAWL

frac·tal noun
: an irregular curve or shape that repeats itself at any scale on which it is examined

— fractal adjective

frac·tion noun
1 : a numerical representation (as 1/2, 3/4, or 3.323) indicating the quotient of two numbers
2 : FRAGMENT
3 : PORTION

— frac·tion·al adjective

— frac·tion·al·ly adverb

frac·tious adjective
1 : tending to be troublesome : hard to handle or control
2 : QUARRELSOME, IRRITABLE

1fracture noun
1 : a breaking of something and esp. a bone
2 : CRACK, CLEFT

2fracture verb
: to break or cause to break

Synonyms
break, bust, fragment—more at BREAK

frag·ile adjective
: easily broken : DELICATE

Synonyms
breakable, delicate, frail
Antonyms
nonbreakable, strong, sturdy, tough, unbreakable

fra·gil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being fragile

Synonyms
daintiness, delicacy, fineness—more at DELICACY

1fragment noun
: a part broken off, detached, or incomplete

Synonyms
bit, piece, scrap

2fragment verb
: to break into fragments

— frag·men·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
break, bust, fracture—more at BREAK

frag·men·tary adjective
: made up of fragments : INCOMPLETE

Synonyms
deficient, halfway, incomplete, partial—more at INCOMPLETE

fra·grance noun
: a sweet or delicate odor

Synonyms
aroma, bouquet, incense, perfume, redolence, scent, spice; also odor
Antonyms
reek, stench, stink

fra·grant adjective
: sweet or agreeable in smell

— fra·grant·ly adverb

Synonyms
ambrosial, aromatic, redolent, savory, scented; also sweet, pungent, spicy; odorous; clean, fresh, pure
Antonyms
fetid, foul, malodorous, noisome, putrid, smelly, stinking

frail adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF fraile, fr. L fragilis fragile, fr. frangere to break]

1 : morally or physically weak
2 : easily broken or destroyed : FRAGILE, DELICATE

Synonyms
[1] delicate, feeble, infirm, tender, wasted, weak
[2] breakable, delicate, fragile—more at FRAGILE

frail·ty noun, plural frailties
1 : the quality or state of being frail
2 : a fault due to weakness

Synonyms
[1] debility, delicacy, faintness, feebleness, infirmity, weakness
[2] demerit, failing, fault, foible, shortcoming, vice, weakness—more at FAULT

1frame verb framed; fram·ing
1 : to make plans
2 : to form, make, or create by combining parts or elements : SHAPE, CONSTRUCT
3 : to give expression to : FORMULATE
4 : to make a draft of or draw up <~ a constitution>
5 : to make appear guilty
6 : to fit or adjust for a purpose : ARRANGE
7 : to provide with or enclose in a frame

— fram·er noun

Synonyms
[1] arrange, blueprint, calculate, chart, design, lay out, map, plan, project, scheme—more at PLAN
[2] construct, fabricate, fashion, form, make, manufacture, produce, shape—more at MAKE
[3, 4] cast, compose, craft, draft, draw, formulate, prepare—more at COMPOSE

2frame noun
1 : something made of parts fitted and joined together
2 : the physical makeup of the body
3 : an arrangement of structural parts that gives form or support
4 : a supporting or enclosing border or open case (as for a window or picture)
5 : one picture of a series (as on a length of film)
6 : FRAME-UP

Synonyms
[2] build, constitution, figure, form, physique, shape—more at PHYSIQUE
[3] configuration, framework, shell, skeleton, structure

3frame adjective
: having a wood frame

frame of mind noun
: mental attitude or outlook : MOOD

frame–up noun
1 : an act or series of actions in which someone is framed
2 : an action that is planned, contrived, or formulated

frame·work noun
: a basic supporting part or structure

Synonyms
configuration, frame, shell, skeleton, structure—more at FRAME

franc noun
1 : any of various former basic monetary units (as of Belgium, France, and Luxembourg)
2 : a basic monetary unit of any of several countries esp. in Africa

fran·chise noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF, fr. franchir to free, fr. OF franc free]

1 : a right or license granted to an individual or group <a ~ to operate a ferry>
2 a : a constitutional or statutory right or privilege
b : the right to vote
3 : the right of membership in a professional sports league; also : a team having such membership

Synonyms
enfranchisement, suffrage, vote—more at VOTE

fran·chi·see noun
: one granted a franchise

fran·chis·er noun
1 : FRANCHISEE
2 : FRANCHISOR

fran·chi·sor noun
: one that grants a franchise

fran·ci·um noun
: a radioactive metallic chemical element

Fran·co–Amer·i·can noun
: an American of French or esp. French-Canadian descent

— Franco–American adjective

fran·gi·ble adjective
: BREAKABLE

— fran·gi·bil·i·ty noun

1frank adjective
: marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression

Synonyms
candid, direct, forthright, honest, open, outspoken, plain, straight, straightforward
Antonyms
dissembling

2frank verb
: to mark (a piece of mail) with an official sign so that it can be mailed free; also : to mail free

3frank noun
1 : the signature or mark on a piece of mail indicating free or paid postage
2 : the privilege of sending mail free

4frank noun
: FRANKFURTER

Fran·ken·stein noun
1 : a monstrous creation that usu. ruins its originator
2 : a monster in the shape of a man

frank·furt·er or frank·furt noun
: a seasoned sausage (as of beef or beef and pork)

frank·in·cense noun
: a fragrant resin burned as incense

frank·ly adverb
1 : in a frank manner
2 : in truth

Synonyms
actually, forsooth, honestly, really, truly, truthfully, verily—more at ACTUALLY

frank·ness noun
: the quality or state of being frank

Synonyms
candor, directness, forthrightness, openness, plainness—more at CANDOR

fran·tic adjective
: marked by or showing uncontrolled emotion or disordered anxious activity

Synonyms
agitated, distraught, feverish, frenetic, frenzied, hysterical
Antonyms
collected, composed, self-possessed

fran·ti·cal·ly adverb
: in a frantic manner

Synonyms
berserk, hectically, helter-skelter, madly, pell-mell, wild, wildly—more at HELTER-SKELTER

frap·pé or frappe noun
[ORIGIN: F frappé, fr. pp. of frapper to strike, chill]

1 : an iced or frozen drink
2 : a thick milk shake

— frap·pé adjective

fra·ter·nal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or involving brothers
2 : of, relating to, or being a fraternity or society
3 : derived from two ova <~ twins>
4 : FRIENDLY, BROTHERLY

— fra·ter·nal·ly adverb

fra·ter·ni·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : a social, honorary, or professional group; especially : a men's student organization
2 : BROTHERLINESS
3 : persons of the same class, profession, or tastes

Synonyms
association, brotherhood, club, council, fellowship, guild, league, order, organization, society—more at ASSOCIATION

frat·er·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to mingle as friends
2 : to associate on close terms with members of a hostile group

— frat·er·ni·za·tion noun

Synonyms
associate, chum, consort, hang around, hobnob, pal—more at ASSOCIATE

frat·ri·cide noun
1 : one that kills a sibling or countryman
2 : the act of a fratricide

— frat·ri·cid·al adjective

fraud noun
1 : DECEIT, TRICKERY
2 : TRICK
3 : a person who is not what he or she pretends to be : IMPOSTOR

Synonyms
charlatan, fake, hoaxer, humbug, impostor, mountebank, phony, pretender, quack

fraud·ster noun, chiefly British
: a person who engages in fraud

fraud·u·lent adjective
: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud

— fraud·u·lent·ly adverb

Synonyms
crooked, deceitful, deceptive, dishonest, double-dealing, false, misleading, specious
Antonyms
aboveboard, honest, truthful

fraught adjective
: full of or accompanied by something specified <~ with danger>

Synonyms
flush, replete, rife

1fray noun
: a usu. disorderly or protracted fight, struggle, or dispute : FIGHT, STRUGGLE

Synonyms
battle, clash, combat, conflict, contest, fight, fracas, hassle, struggle

2fray verb
1 : to wear (as an edge of cloth) by rubbing
2 : to separate the threads at the edge of
3 : STRAIN, IRRITATE <~ed nerves>

Synonyms
abrade, chafe, erode, fret, gall, rub, wear—more at ABRADE

fraz·zle verb fraz·zled; fraz·zling
1 : FRAY
2 : to put in a state of extreme physical or nervous fatigue

— frazzle noun

1freak noun
1 : a sudden and odd or seemingly pointless idea or turn of the mind : a seemingly capricious action or event
2 : a strange, abnormal, or unusual person or thing
3 slang : a person who uses an illicit drug
4 : an ardent enthusiast

— freaky adjective

Synonyms
[1] caprice, fancy, notion, vagary, whim—more at WHIM
[2] abnormality, monster, monstrosity
Antonyms
average, norm
[4] addict, aficionado, buff, bug, devotee, enthusiast, fan, fanatic, fancier, fiend, lover, maniac, nut—more at FAN

2freak verb
1 : to experience the effects (as hallucinations) of taking illicit drugs — often used with out
2 : to distress or become distressed — often used with out

— freak–out noun

Synonyms
usually freak out agitate, bother, concern, distress, disturb, exercise, perturb, unsettle, upset, worry

1freckle noun
: a brownish spot on the skin

2freckle verb
: to sprinkle or mark with freckles or small spots

Synonyms
dot, fleck, pepper, speck, spot, sprinkle

1free adjective fre·er; fre·est
1 : having liberty
2 : enjoying political or personal independence; also : not subject to or allowing slavery
3 : made or done voluntarily : SPONTANEOUS
4 : relieved from or lacking something unpleasant
5 : not subject to a duty, tax, or charge
6 : not obstructed : CLEAR
7 : not being used or occupied
8 : not fastened
9 : LAVISH
10 : OPEN, FRANK
11 a : given without charge
b : made, done, or given voluntarily or spontaneously
12 : not literal or exact
13 : not restricted by conventional forms
14 : overly familiar or forward in action or attitude

Synonyms
[1] footloose, loose, unbound, unconfined, unrestrained
Antonyms
bound, confined, restrained, unfree
[2] autonomous, independent, self-governing, separate, sovereign
Antonyms
dependent, subject, unfree
[6] clear, open, unobstructed—more at OPEN
[11a] complimentary, gratuitous
[11b] bountiful, charitable, generous, liberal, munificent, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing—more at GENEROUS
[14] bold, familiar, forward, immodest, presumptuous—more at PRESUMPTUOUS

2free verb freed; free·ing
1 : to set free
2 : to relieve or rid of what restrains, confines, restricts, or embarrasses
3 : to clear from what obstructs or is unneeded : CLEAR

Synonyms
[1, 2] discharge, emancipate, enfranchise, liberate, manumit, release, unchain, unfetter
Antonyms
bind, confine, enchain, fetter, restrain
[2] clear, disburden, disencumber, relieve, rid, unburden—more at RID
[2, 3] clear, disengage, disentangle, extricate, liberate, release, untangle—more at EXTRICATE
[3] clear, open, unclog, unstop

3free adverb
1 : FREELY
2 : without charge

free·base noun
: purified cocaine smoked as crack or heated to produce vapors for inhalation

— freebase verb

free·bie or free·bee noun
: something given without charge

Synonyms
bestowal, donation, gift, lagniappe, present—more at GIFT

free·board noun
: the vertical distance between the waterline and the upper edge of the side of a boat

free·boo·ter noun
[ORIGIN: D vrijbuiter, fr. vrijbuit plunder, fr. vrij free + buit booty]

: one who commits or practices piracy : PIRATE

Synonyms
buccaneer, corsair, pirate, rover—more at PIRATE

free·born adjective
1 : not born in vassalage or slavery
2 : of, relating to, or befitting one that is freeborn

freed·man noun
: a person freed from slavery

free·dom noun
1 : the quality or state of being free : INDEPENDENCE
2 : EXEMPTION, RELEASE
3 : EASE, FACILITY
4 : FRANKNESS
5 : unrestricted use
6 : a political right; also : FRANCHISE, PRIVILEGE
7 : the ability or capacity to act without undue hindrance or restraint

Synonyms
[1] autonomy, independence, liberty, self-government, sovereignty
Antonyms
dependence, subjection
[7] authorization, latitude, license, run; also authority, mandate, power

freedom fighter noun
: a person who takes part in a resistance movement against an oppressive political or social establishment

free enterprise noun
: freedom of private business to operate with little regulation by the government

1free–for–all adjective
: unrestricted as to entries, participants, or users

Synonyms
open, public, unrestricted—more at OPEN

2free–for–all noun
: a competition or fight open to all comers and usu. with no rules : BRAWL

Synonyms
brawl, fracas, fray, melee, row—more at BRAWL

free·hand adjective
: done without mechanical aids or devices

free·hold noun
: ownership of an estate for life usu. with the right to bequeath it to one's heirs; also : an estate thus owned

— free·hold·er noun

free·lance noun
: one who pursues a profession (as writing) without a long-term commitment to any one employer

— free·lance adjective or verb

free–living adjective
1 : unrestricted in pursuing personal pleasures
2 : being neither parasitic nor symbiotic <~ organisms>

free·load verb
: to impose upon another's hospitality

— free·load·er noun

free love noun
1 : the practice of living openly with one of the opposite sex without marriage
2 : sexual relations without any commitments by either partner

free·ly adverb
: in a free manner

Synonyms
easily, effortlessly, fluently, handily, lightly, painlessly, readily, smoothly—more at EASILY

free·man noun
1 : one who has civil or political liberty
2 : one having the full rights of a citizen

Free·ma·son noun
: a member of a secret fraternal society called Free and Accepted Masons

— Free·ma·son·ry noun

free radical noun
: an esp. reactive atom or group of atoms with one or more unpaired electrons; especially : one that can cause bodily damage (as by altering the chemical structure of cells)

free–range adjective
: allowed to range and forage with relative freedom <~ chickens>; also : produced by free-range animals <~ eggs>

free speech noun
: speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

free spirit noun
: NONCONFORMIST

free·stand·ing adjective
: standing alone or on its own foundation free of support

Synonyms
detached, disconnected, discrete, separate, single, unattached, unconnected—more at SEPARATE

free·stone noun
1 : a stone that may be cut freely without splitting
2 : a fruit stone to which the flesh does not cling; also : a fruit (as a peach or cherry) having such a stone

free·think·er noun
: one who forms opinions on the basis of reason independently of authority; especially : one who doubts or denies religious dogma

— free·think·ing noun or adjective

free trade noun
: trade between nations without restrictions (as high taxes on imports)

free verse noun
: verse whose meter is irregular or whose rhythm is not metrical

free·ware noun
: software that is free or that has a small usu. optional cost

free·way noun
: an expressway without tolls

free·wheel verb
: to move, live, or play freely or irresponsibly

free·wheel·ing adjective
: free and loose in form or manner

free·will adjective
: produced in or by an act of choice

Synonyms
deliberate, intentional, purposeful, voluntary, willful, willing

free will noun
: voluntary choice or decision

Synonyms
accord, choice, option, self-determination, volition, will

1freeze verb froze ; fro·zen
1 : to harden or cause to harden into a solid (as ice) by loss of heat
2 : to withstand freezing
3 : to chill or become chilled with cold
4 : to damage by frost
5 : to adhere solidly by or as if by freezing
6 : to become fixed, motionless, or incapable of speech
7 : to cause to grip tightly
8 : to become clogged with ice
9 : to fix at a certain stage or level

Synonyms
concrete, congeal, firm, harden, set, solidify—more at HARDEN

2freeze noun
1 : an act or instance of freezing
2 : the state of being frozen
3 : a state of weather marked by low temperature

freeze–dry verb
: to dry in a frozen state under vacuum esp. for preservation

— freeze–dried adjective

freez·er noun
: a compartment, device, or room for freezing food or keeping it frozen

freez·ing adjective
: very cold

Synonyms
arctic, cold, frigid, frosty, glacial, icy, polar, wintry

1freight noun
1 : payment for carrying goods
2 : something that is loaded for transportation : CARGO
3 : BURDEN
4 : the carrying of goods by a common carrier
5 : a train that carries freight

Synonyms
burden, cargo, draft, haul, lading, load, payload, weight—more at LOAD

2freight verb
1 : to load with goods for transportation
2 : BURDEN, CHARGE
3 : to ship or transport by freight

freight·er noun
: a ship or airplane used chiefly to carry freight

French noun
1 : the language of France
2 French plural : the people of France
3 : strong language

— French adjective

— French·man noun

— French·wom·an noun

French door noun
: a door with small panes of glass extending the full length

French dressing noun
1 : a thin salad dressing usu. made of vinegar and oil with spices
2 : a creamy salad dressing flavored with tomatoes

french fry noun, often cap 1st F
: a strip of potato fried in deep fat until brown

— french fry verb, often cap 1st F

French horn noun
: a curved brass instrument with a funnel-shaped mouthpiece and a flaring bell

French press noun
: a coffeepot in which ground beans are infused and then pressed by a plunger

French toast noun
: bread dipped in a mixture of eggs and milk and fried at a low heat

French twist noun
: a woman's hairstyle in which the hair is coiled at the rear and secured in place

fre·net·ic adjective
: marked by fast and nervous, disordered, or anxiety-driven activity : FRANTIC

— fre·net·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
delirious, feverish, fierce, frantic, frenzied, furious, mad, rabid, violent, wild—more at FURIOUS

fren·zied adjective
: feeling or showing great or abnormal excitement or emotional disturbance

Synonyms
delirious, feverish, frantic, frenetic, furious, hectic, hysterical

fren·zy noun, plural frenzies
1 : temporary madness or a violently agitated state
2 : intense often disordered activity

Synonyms
[1, 2] agitation, chaos, confusion, disorder, furor, fury, hysteria, rage, rampage, tumult, turmoil, uproar

freq abbreviation
frequency; frequent; frequently

fre·quen·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : the fact or condition of occurring frequently
2 : rate of occurrence
3 : the number of cycles per second of an alternating current
4 : the number of waves (as of sound or electromagnetic energy) that pass a fixed point each second

frequency modulation noun
: variation of the frequency of a carrier wave according to another signal; also : FM

1frequent verb
: to associate with, be in, or resort to habitually

Synonyms
hang around, hang out, haunt, resort, visit
Antonyms
avoid, shun

2frequent adjective
1 : happening often or at short intervals
2 : done or happening on a regular or recurring basis

Synonyms
[1] common, commonplace, customary, everyday, familiar, ordinary, routine, usual—more at COMMON
[2] constant, habitual, periodic, regular, repeated, steady—more at REGULAR

fre·quent·er noun
: one that frequents

fre·quent–fli·er adjective
: of, relating to, or being an airline program offering awards for specified numbers of air miles traveled

fre·quent·ly adverb
: at frequent or short intervals

Synonyms
constantly, continually, often, repeatedly—more at OFTEN

fres·co noun, plural frescoes
[ORIGIN: It, fr. fresco fresh]

: the art of painting on fresh plaster; also : a painting done by this method

fresh adjective
1 : VIGOROUS, REFRESHED
2 : not containing salt
3 : not altered by processing (as freezing or canning)
4 : free from taint : PURE
5 : fairly strong : BRISK <~ breeze>
6 : not stale, sour, or decayed <~ bread>
7 : not faded
8 : not worn or rumpled
9 : experienced, made, or received newly or anew
10 : ADDITIONAL, ANOTHER <made a ~ start>
11 : ORIGINAL, VIVID
12 : INEXPERIENCED
13 : newly come or arrived <~ from school>
14 : disposed to take liberties : IMPUDENT

Synonyms
[6, 8] brand-new, pristine, virgin; also unaltered, unblemished, unbruised, uncontaminated, undamaged, undefiled, unharmed, unhurt, unimpaired, uninjured, unpolluted, unsoiled, unspoiled, unsullied, untainted, untouched, unused, unworn
Antonyms
stale
[9] new, novel, original, unfamiliar—more at NEW
[14] bold, brash, brazen, cheeky, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY

fresh·en verb
: to make, grow, or become fresh

Synonyms
refresh, rejuvenate, renew, restore, revitalize, revive—more at RENEW

fresh·et noun
: an overflowing of a stream (as by heavy rains)

fresh·ly adverb
: in a fresh manner

Synonyms
just, late, lately, new, newly, now, only, recently—more at NEWLY

fresh·man noun
1 : a 1st-year student
2 : one that begins something; especially : an inexperienced person

Synonyms
beginner, greenhorn, neophyte, newcomer, novice, recruit, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro—more at BEGINNER

fresh·ness noun
: the quality or state of being fresh

Synonyms
newness, novelty, originality—more at NOVELTY

fresh·wa·ter noun
: water that is not salty

— freshwater adjective

1fret verb fret·ted; fret·ting
[ORIGIN: ME, to devour, fret, fr. OE fretan to devour]

1 : to eat or gnaw into
2 : to chafe with or as if with friction : RUB
3 : to make by wearing away
4 : to become irritated : WORRY
5 : GRATE; also : AGITATE

Synonyms
[2] abrade, chafe, erode, fray, gall, rub, wear—more at ABRADE
[4] bother, fear, stew, sweat, trouble, worry—more at WORRY

2fret noun
: an irritated or worried state <in a ~ about the interview>

Synonyms
dither, fluster, fuss, huff, lather, pother, stew, tizzy, twitter

3fret noun
: ornamental work esp. of straight lines in symmetrical patterns

4fret noun
: one of a series of ridges across the fingerboard of a stringed musical instrument

— fret·ted adjective

fret·ful adjective
: IRRITABLE

— fret·ful·ly adverb

— fret·ful·ness noun

fret·saw noun
: a narrow-bladed saw used for cutting curved outlines

fret·work noun
1 : decoration consisting of frets
2 : ornamental openwork or work in relief

Fri abbreviation
Friday

fri·a·ble adjective
: easily crumbled or pulverized <~ soil>

Synonyms
crisp, crumbly, flaky, short—more at CRISP

fri·ar noun
[ORIGIN: ME frere, fryer, fr. AF frere, friere, lit., brother, fr. L frater]

: a member of a religious order that orig. lived by alms

fri·ary noun, plural -ar·ies
: a monastery of friars

Synonyms
abbey, cloister, monastery, priory—more at MONASTERY

1fricassee noun
: a dish made of meat (as chicken) cut into pieces, stewed in stock, and served in sauce

2fricassee verb -seed; -see·ing
: to cook as a fricassee

fric·tion noun
1 : the rubbing of one body against another
2 : the force that resists motion between bodies in contact
3 : clash in opinions between persons or groups : DISAGREEMENT

— fric·tion·al adjective

Synonyms
conflict, disagreement, discord, dissension, dissent, disunity, schism, strife, variance—more at DISCORD

friction tape noun
: a usu. cloth adhesive tape impregnated with insulating material and used esp. to protect and insulate electrical conductors

Fri·day noun
: the sixth day of the week

fridge noun
: REFRIGERATOR

fried·cake noun
: DOUGHNUT, CRULLER

fried rice noun
: a dish of boiled or steamed rice that is stir-fried with soy sauce and typically includes egg, meat, and vegetables

friend noun
1 : one attached to another by respect or affection
2 : ACQUAINTANCE
3 : one who is not hostile
4 : one who supports or favors something <a ~ of art>
5 cap : a member of the Society of Friends : QUAKER

— friend·less adjective

Synonyms
[1] buddy, chum, comrade, crony, familiar, intimate, pal
Antonyms
enemy, foe
[4] advocate, apostle, backer, booster, champion, exponent, promoter, proponent, supporter—more at EXPONENT

friend·li·ness noun
: the quality or state of being friendly

Synonyms
amity, benevolence, cordiality, fellowship, friendship, goodwill, kindliness—more at GOODWILL

friend·ly adjective
: of, relating to, or befitting a friend

Synonyms
appreciative, complimentary, favorable, good, positive—more at FAVORABLE
amicable, companionable, comradely, cordial, genial, hearty, neighborly, warm, warmhearted
Antonyms
antagonistic, hostile, unfriendly

friend·ship noun
: the state of being friends

Synonyms
amity, benevolence, cordiality, fellowship, friendliness, goodwill, kindliness—more at GOODWILL

frieze noun
: an ornamental often sculptured band extending around something (as a building or room)

frig·ate noun
1 : a square-rigged warship
2 : a warship smaller than a destroyer

fright noun
1 : sudden terror : ALARM
2 : something that is ugly or shocking

Synonyms
[1] alarm, anxiety, apprehension, dread, fear, horror, panic, terror, trepidation—more at FEAR
[2] eyesore, horror, mess, monstrosity, sight—more at EYESORE

fright·en verb
1 : to make afraid
2 : to drive away or out by frightening
3 : to become frightened

— fright·en·ing adjective

— fright·en·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
alarm, horrify, panic, scare, shock, spook, startle, terrify, terrorize
Antonyms
reassure

fright·ful adjective
1 : causing intense fear or alarm : TERRIFYING
2 : startling esp. in being bad or objectionable
3 : EXTREME <~ thirst>

Synonyms
fearful, fearsome, forbidding, formidable, hair-raising, scary, shocking, terrifying—more at FEARFUL

fright·ful·ly adverb
: in a frightful manner

Synonyms
extremely, greatly, highly, much, very

fright·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being frightful

Synonyms
atrociousness, atrocity, hideousness, horror, monstrosity, repulsiveness—more at HORROR

frig·id adjective
1 : intensely cold
2 : lacking warmth or ardor : INDIFFERENT
3 : abnormally averse to or unable to achieve orgasm during sexual intercourse — used esp. of women

— fri·gid·i·ty noun

Synonyms
[1] arctic, bitter, cold, freezing, frosty, glacial, icy, polar, wintry—more at COLD
[2] chill, chilly, cold, cool, frosty, icy, indifferent, unfriendly, wintry

frigid zone noun
: the area or region between the arctic circle and the north pole or between the antarctic circle and the south pole

frill noun
1 : a gathered, pleated, or ruffled edging
2 : something unessential

— frilly adjective

Synonyms
[1] flounce, furbelow, ruffle—more at RUFFLE
[2] amenity, comfort, extra, indulgence, luxury, superfluity—more at LUXURY

1fringe noun
[ORIGIN: ME frenge, fr. AF, fr. VL *frimbia, alter. of L fimbriae (pl.)]

1 : an ornamental border consisting of short threads or strips hanging from an edge or band
2 : something that resembles a fringe : EDGE
3 : something that is additional or secondary to an activity, process, or subject

Synonyms
border, boundary, edge, margin, perimeter, periphery—more at BORDER

2fringe verb
1 : to furnish or adorn with a fringe
2 : to serve as a border or fringe for

Synonyms
border, bound, margin, rim, skirt—more at BORDER

fringe benefit noun
1 : an employment benefit paid for by an employer without affecting basic wage rates
2 : any additional benefit

frip·pery noun, plural -per·ies
[ORIGIN: MF friperie]

1 a : dressy or showy clothing and jewels : FINERY
b : something showy, frivolous, or nonessential
2 : pretentious display

Synonyms
[1a] array, best, bravery, caparison, feather, finery, full dress, gaiety, regalia—more at FINERY
[1b] child's play, nothing, trifle, triviality—more at TRIFLE

frisk verb
1 : to leap, skip, or dance in a lively or playful way : GAMBOL
2 : to search (a person) esp. for concealed weapons by running the hand rapidly over the clothing

Synonyms
caper, cavort, disport, frolic, gambol, lark, rollick, romp, sport—more at FROLIC

frisk·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being inclined to frisk

Synonyms
impishness, mischief, mischievousness, playfulness—more at PLAYFULNESS

frisky adjective frisk·i·er; -est
: inclined to frisk : PLAYFUL

— frisk·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
antic, coltish, elfish, fay, frolicsome, playful, sportive—more at PLAYFUL
active, animated, energetic, lively, peppy, perky, spirited, sprightly

1fritter noun
: a small lump of fried batter often containing fruit or meat

2fritter verb
1 : to reduce or waste piecemeal — usu. used with away
2 : to break into small fragments

Synonyms
usually fritter away blow, dissipate, lavish, misspend, run through, spend, squander, throw away, waste—more at WASTE

fritz noun
: a state of disorder or disrepair — used in the phrase on the fritz

fri·vol·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being frivolous

Synonyms
facetiousness, flightiness, flippancy, levity, lightness
Antonyms
gravity, seriousness, soberness, sobriety

friv·o·lous adjective
1 : of little importance : TRIVIAL
2 : lacking in seriousness

— friv·o·lous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] insignificant, little, minor, minute, negligible, slight, small, trifling, trivial, unimportant—more at UNIMPORTANT
[2] flighty, giddy, goofy, harebrained, light-headed, scatterbrained, silly—more at GIDDY

frizz verb
: to form into small tight curls

— frizz noun

— frizzy adjective

friz·zies noun plural
: hair which has become difficult to manage (as due to humidity)

1frizzle verb friz·zled; friz·zling
: FRIZZ, CURL

— frizzle noun

2frizzle verb friz·zled; friz·zling
1 : to fry until crisp and curled
2 : to cook with a sizzling noise

fro adverb
: BACK, AWAY — used in the phrase to and fro

frock noun
1 : an outer garment worn by monks and friars
2 : an outer garment worn esp. by men
3 : a woman's or girl's dress

frock coat noun
: a man's knee-length usu. double-breasted coat with knee-length skirts

frog noun
1 : any of various largely aquatic smooth-skinned tailless leaping amphibians
2 : an ornamental braiding for fastening the front of a garment by a loop through which a button passes
3 : a condition in the throat causing hoarseness
4 : a small holder (as of metal, glass, or plastic) with perforations or spikes that is placed in a bowl or vase to keep cut flowers in position

frog·man noun
: a swimmer equipped to work underwater for long periods of time

1frolic verb frol·icked; frol·ick·ing
1 : to make merry
2 : to play about happily : ROMP

Synonyms
[1, 2] caper, cavort, disport, frisk, gambol, lark, play, rollick, romp, sport

2frolic noun
1 : a playful or mischievous action
2 : an occasion or scene of fun

Synonyms
[1] dalliance, fun, play, relaxation, sport—more at PLAY
[1] antic, caper, escapade, monkeyshine, practical joke, prank, trick—more at PRANK
[2] binge, fling, gambol, lark, revel, rollick, romp—more at FLING

frol·ic·some adjective
: full of gaiety

Synonyms
antic, coltish, elfish, fay, frisky, playful, sportive—more at PLAYFUL

from preposition
1 — used to show a starting point <a letter ~ home>
2 — used to show removal or separation <subtract 3 ~ 9>
3 — used to show a material, source, or cause <suffering ~ a cold>

frond noun
: a usu. large divided leaf esp. of a fern or palm tree

1front noun
1 : FOREHEAD; also : the whole face
2 : external and often feigned appearance
3 : a region of active fighting; also : a sphere of activity
4 : a political coalition
5 : the side of a building containing the main entrance
6 : the forward part or surface
7 : FRONTAGE
8 : a boundary between two dissimilar air masses
9 : a position directly before or ahead of something else
10 : a person, group, or thing used to mask the identity of the actual controlling agent

Synonyms
[2] act, airs, facade, guise, masquerade, pose, pretense, put-on, semblance, show—more at MASQUERADE
[6] facade, face; also exterior, outside, skin, surface, veneer
Antonyms
back, rear, reverse

2front verb
1 : to have the principal side adjacent to something
2 : to serve as a front
3 : CONFRONT

front·age noun
1 : a piece of land lying adjacent (as to a street or the ocean)
2 : the length of a frontage
3 : the front side of a building

front·al adjective
1 : of, relating to, or next to the forehead
2 : of, relating to, or directed at the front <a ~ attack>

— fron·tal·ly adverb

fron·tier noun
1 : a border between two countries
2 : a region that forms the margin of settled territory
3 : the outer limits of knowledge or achievement <the ~s of science>

Synonyms
[1] border, borderland, march; also no-man's-land
[2] backwoods, bush, hinterland, up-country; also country, countryside, sticks

fron·tiers·man noun
: a person who lives or works on a frontier

Synonyms
colonist, homesteader, pioneer, settler; also explorer, pathfinder, trailblazer

fron·tis·piece noun
: an illustration preceding and usu. facing the title page of a book

front man noun
: a person serving as a front or figurehead

front·ward or front·wards adverb or adjective
: toward the front

1frost noun
1 : freezing temperature
2 : a covering of tiny ice crystals on a cold surface

frosty adjective
1 : briskly cold
2 : covered or appearing as if covered with frost
3 : marked by coolness or extreme reserve in manner

Synonyms
[1] chill, chilly, cold, cool, nippy, raw, snappy, wintry—more at COLD
[3] aloof, antisocial, cold, cool, detached, distant, remote, standoffish, unfriendly, unsociable—more at COOL

2frost verb
1 : to cover with frost
2 : to put icing on (as a cake)
3 : to produce a slightly roughened surface on (as glass)
4 : to injure or kill by frost

1frostbite verb -bit ; -bit·ten ; -bit·ing
: to injure by frost or frostbite

2frostbite noun
: the freezing or the local effect of a partial freezing of some part of the body

frost heave noun
: an upthrust of pavement caused by freezing of moist soil

frost·ing noun
1 : ICING
2 : dull finish on metal or glass

froth noun, plural froths
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ON frotha]

1 : bubbles formed in or on a liquid
2 : something light or worthless

— frothy adjective

Synonyms
foam, head, lather, spume—more at FOAM

frou·frou noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a rustling esp. of a woman's skirts
2 : showy or frilly ornamentation

fro·ward adjective
: habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition

Synonyms
contrary, defiant, disobedient, headstrong, intractable, rebellious, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful—more at DISOBEDIENT

1frown verb
1 : to wrinkle the forehead (as in displeasure or thought)
2 : to look with disapproval — usu. used with on in transitive senses
3 : to express with a frown

Synonyms
glare, gloom, glower, lower, scowl; also gape, gaze, ogle, stare; grimace, pout; growl, snarl, sneer
Antonyms
beam, smile
usually frown on deprecate, disapprove, discountenance, disfavor, dislike, reprove

2frown noun
: a wrinkling of the brow esp. in a severe, reproving, or stern look

Synonyms
face, grimace, lower, mouth, pout, scowl—more at GRIMACE

frow·sy or frow·zy adjective frow·si·er or frow·zi·er; -est
: having a slovenly or uncared-for appearance

Synonyms
dowdy, sloppy, slovenly, unkempt, untidy—more at SLOPPY

froze past of FREEZE

fro·zen adjective
1 : treated, affected, or crusted over by freezing
2 : subject to long and severe cold
3 : incapable of being changed, moved, or undone <~ wages>
4 : not available for present use <~ capital>
5 : expressing or characterized by cold unfriendliness

Synonyms
certain, determinate, final, firm, fixed, flat, hard, hard-and-fast, set, settled, stable

FRS abbreviation
Federal Reserve System

frt abbreviation
freight

fruc·ti·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to bear fruit
2 : to make fruitful or productive

fruc·tose noun
: a very sweet soluble sugar that occurs esp. in fruit juices and honey

fru·gal adjective
: characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources : ECONOMICAL, THRIFTY

— fru·gal·ly adverb

Synonyms
economical, provident, sparing, thrifty; also conserving, preserving, saving; forehanded, foresighted, prudent; penny-wise; cheap, close, closefisted, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, stingy, stinting, tight, tightfisted
Antonyms
prodigal, wasteful

fru·gal·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being frugal

Synonyms
economy, husbandry, providence, thrift—more at ECONOMY

1fruit noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF frut, fruit, fr. L fructus fruit, use, fr. frui to enjoy, have the use of]

1 : a product of plant growth; especially : a usu. edible and sweet reproductive body (as a strawberry or apple) of a seed plant
2 : a product of fertilization in a plant; especially : the ripe ovary of a seed plant with its contents and appendages
3 : the effect or consequence of an action or operation

— fruit·ed adjective

Synonyms
consequence, effect, outcome, product, result, upshot—more at EFFECT

2fruit verb
: to bear or cause to bear fruit

fruit·cake noun
: a rich cake containing nuts, dried or candied fruits, and spices

fruit fly noun
: any of various small dipteran flies whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

fruit·ful adjective
1 : yielding or producing fruit
2 : very productive <a ~ soil>; also : bringing results <a ~ idea>

— fruit·ful·ly adverb

— fruit·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] fat, fecund, fertile, luxuriant, productive, prolific, rich—more at FERTILE
[2] effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, potent, productive—more at EFFECTIVE

fru·ition noun
1 : ENJOYMENT
2 : the state of bearing fruit
3 : the state of being realized : REALIZATION, ACCOMPLISHMENT

Synonyms
accomplishment, achievement, actuality, attainment, consummation, fulfillment, realization
Antonyms
naught, nonfulfillment

fruit·less adjective
1 : not bearing fruit
2 : not successful : UNSUCCESSFUL <a ~ attempt>

— fruit·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
abortive, futile, ineffective, unproductive, unsuccessful, useless, vain—more at FUTILE

fruity adjective fruit·i·er; -est
: resembling a fruit esp. in flavor

frumpy adjective frump·i·er; -est
: DOWDY, DRAB

frus·trate verb frus·trat·ed; frus·trat·ing
1 : to balk or defeat in an endeavor
2 : to induce feelings of insecurity, discouragement, or dissatisfaction in
3 : to bring to nothing

— frus·trat·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
baffle, balk, beat, checkmate, foil, thwart

frus·trat·ing adjective
: tending to produce or characterized by frustration

Synonyms
aggravating, annoying, bothersome, galling, irksome, irritating, pesty, vexatious—more at ANNOYING

frus·tra·tion noun
1 : the state or an instance of being frustrated
2 : something that frustrates

Synonyms
[1] disappointment, dismay, dissatisfaction, letdown—more at DISAPPOINTMENT
[2] aggravation, annoyance, bother, exasperation, vexation—more at ANNOYANCE

frus·tum noun, plural frustums or frus·ta
: the part of a cone or pyramid formed by cutting off the top by a plane parallel to the base

frwy abbreviation
freeway

1fry verb fried; fry·ing
[ORIGIN: ME frien, fr. AF frire, fr. L frigere to roast]

1 : to cook in a pan or on a griddle over heat esp. with the use of fat
2 : to undergo frying

2fry noun, plural fries
1 : a social gathering where fried food is eaten
2 : a dish of something fried; esp, pl : FRENCH FRIES

3fry noun, plural fry
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF frie, fr. freier, frier to rub, spawn, fr. L fricare to rub]

1 : recently hatched fishes; also : very small adult fishes
2 : members of a group or class <small ~>

fry·er noun
1 : something (as a young chicken) suitable for frying
2 : a deep utensil for frying foods

FSLIC abbreviation
Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation

ft abbreviation
1 feet; foot
2 fort

FTC abbreviation
Federal Trade Commission

FTP noun
[ORIGIN: file transfer protocol]

: a system for transferring computer files esp. via the Internet

— FTP verb

fuch·sia noun
1 : any of a genus of shrubs related to the evening primrose and grown for their showy nodding often red or purple flowers
2 : a vivid reddish purple color

fud·dle verb fud·dled; fud·dling
: MUDDLE, CONFUSE

fud·dy–dud·dy noun, plural -dies
: one that is old-fashioned, unimaginative, or conservative

Synonyms
antediluvian, dodo, fogy, fossil, reactionary—more at FOGY

1fudge verb fudged; fudg·ing
1 : to exceed the proper bounds of something
2 : to act dishonestly : CHEAT; also : FALSIFY
3 : to fail to come to grips with

Synonyms
equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot—more at EQUIVOCATE

2fudge noun
1 : a piece of foolish nonsense
2 : a soft candy of milk, sugar, butter, and flavoring

Synonyms
bunk, folly, foolishness, hogwash, humbug, nonsense, piffle, rot, silliness—more at NONSENSE

1fuel noun
: a material used to produce heat or power by burning; also : a material from which nuclear energy can be liberated

2fuel verb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling
: to provide with or take in fuel

fuel cell noun
: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy

fuel injection noun
: a system for injecting a precise amount of atomized fuel into an internal combustion engine

— fuel–in·ject·ed adjective

1fugitive noun
1 : one who flees or tries to escape
2 : something elusive or hard to find

2fugitive adjective
1 : running away or trying to escape
2 : likely to vanish suddenly : not fixed or lasting

Synonyms
ephemeral, evanescent, flash, fleeting, impermanent, momentary, passing, short-lived, temporary, transient—more at MOMENTARY

fugue noun
1 : a musical composition in which different parts successively repeat the theme
2 : a disturbed state of consciousness characterized by acts that are not recalled upon recovery

füh·rer or fueh·rer noun
[ORIGIN: G]

: LEADER; especially : TYRANT

1-ful adjective suffix, sometimes -ful·ler; sometimes -ful·lest
1 : full of <prideful>
2 : characterized by <peaceful>
3 : having the qualities of <masterful>
4 : tending, given, or liable to <helpful>

2-ful noun suffix
: number or quantity that fills or would fill <roomful>

ful·crum noun, plural ful·crums or ful·cra
[ORIGIN: LL, fr. L, bedpost]

: the support on which a lever turns

ful·fill or ful·fil verb ful·filled; ful·fill·ing
1 : to put into effect
2 : to bring to an end
3 : to meet the requirements of : SATISFY

Synonyms
[2] accomplish, achieve, carry out, commit, compass, do, execute, follow through, make, perform—more at PERFORM
[3] answer, comply, fill, keep, meet, redeem, satisfy; also complete, conclude, finalize, finish; accomplish, achieve, bring about, bring off, effect; discharge, execute, perform
Antonyms
breach, break, violate

ful·fill·ment noun
: the act or process of fulfilling

Synonyms
accomplishment, achievement, actuality, attainment, consummation, fruition, realization—more at FRUITION

1full adjective
1 : containing as much or as many as is possible or normal : FILLED
2 : complete esp. in detail, number, or duration
3 : having all the distinguishing characteristics <a ~ member>
4 : being at the highest or greatest degree : MAXIMUM
5 : rounded in outline : being full or plump in form <a ~ figure>
6 : possessing or containing an abundance <~ of wrinkles>
7 : having an abundance of material <a ~ skirt>
8 : satisfied esp. with food or drink
9 : having volume or depth of sound
10 : completely occupied with a thought or plan

— full·ness also ful·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] brimful, crowded, filled, loaded, packed, replete, rife
Antonyms
bare, empty, stark, vacant
[2] complete, comprehensive, detailed, encyclopedic, inclusive, universal—more at ENCYCLOPEDIC
[3] complete, comprehensive, entire, total, whole—more at COMPLETE
[4] maximum, top, utmost; also high
Antonyms
least, lowest, minimal, minimum
[8] sated, satiate, satiated; also glutted, gorged
Antonyms
empty, hungry, starving

2full adverb
1 : to a high degree : VERY, EXTREMELY
2 : to a complete degree : ENTIRELY
3 : STRAIGHT, SQUARELY <hit him ~ in the face>

Synonyms
altogether, completely, entirely, fully, perfectly, quite, thoroughly, well, wholly—more at FULLY

3full noun
1 : the highest or fullest state or degree
2 : the utmost extent
3 : the requisite or complete amount

Synonyms
aggregate, sum, total, totality, whole—more at WHOLE

4full verb
: to shrink and thicken (woolen cloth) by moistening, heating, and pressing

— full·er noun

full·back noun
: a football back stationed between the halfbacks

full–blood·ed adjective
: of unmixed ancestry : PUREBRED

Synonyms
purebred, thoroughbred—more at PUREBRED

full–blown adjective
1 : being at the height of bloom
2 : fully mature or developed

Synonyms
adult, full-fledged, mature, ripe—more at MATURE

full–bod·ied adjective
: marked by richness and fullness

Synonyms
concentrated, full, potent, rich, robust, strong; also heavy; straight, undiluted, unmixed
Antonyms
light, mild, thin, weak

full dress noun
: the style of dress worn for ceremonial or formal occasions

Synonyms
array, best, bravery, caparison, feather, finery, frippery, gaiety, regalia—more at FINERY

full–fledged adjective
1 : fully developed
2 : having attained complete status <a ~ lawyer>

Synonyms
adult, full-blown, mature, ripe—more at MATURE

full house noun
: a poker hand containing three of a kind and a pair

full moon noun
: the moon with its whole disk illuminated

full–on adjective
: COMPLETE, FULL-FLEDGED

full–scale adjective
1 : identical to an original in proportion and size <~ drawing>
2 : involving full use of available resources <a ~ revolt>

Synonyms
all-out, clean, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, out-and-out, thorough, thoroughgoing, total—more at EXHAUSTIVE

full–term adjective
: retained in the uterus for the normal period of gestation before birth <a ~ baby>

full tilt adverb
: at high speed : with a rush

Synonyms
fast, hastily, posthaste, rapidly, speedily, swiftly—more at FAST

full–time adjective or adverb
: involving or working a normal or standard schedule

ful·ly adverb
1 : in a full manner or degree : COMPLETELY
2 : at least

Synonyms
altogether, chiefly, completely, entirely, generally, largely, mainly, mostly, perfectly, primarily, principally, quite, thoroughly, well, wholly
Antonyms
partially, partly

ful·mi·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML fulminatus, pp. of fulminare, fr. L, to strike (of lightning), fr. fulmen lightning]

: to utter or send out censure or invective : condemn severely

Synonyms
bluster, rant, rave, spout—more at RANT

ful·mi·na·tion noun
: vehement menace or censure

Synonyms
abuse, invective, vitriol, vituperation—more at ABUSE

ful·some adjective
1 : COPIOUS, ABUNDANT <~ detail>
2 : generous in amount or extent <a ~ victory>
3 : excessively flattering <~ praise>

Synonyms
adulatory, unctuous

fu·ma·role noun
: a hole in a volcanic region from which hot gases issue

1fumble verb fum·bled; fum·bling
1 a : to grope about clumsily
b : make awkward attempts to do or find something
2 : to fail to hold, catch, or handle properly

Synonyms
[1a] feel, fish, grope—more at GROPE
[2] bobble, botch, bungle, flub, foul up, mangle, mess, muff

2fumble noun
: an act or instance of fumbling

1fume noun
: a usu. irritating smoke, vapor, or gas

2fume verb fumed; fum·ing
1 : to treat with fumes
2 : to give off fumes
3 a : to express anger or annoyance
b : to be in a state of excited irritation or anger

Synonyms
[3a] rage, storm—more at RAGE
[3b] boil, burn, rage, seethe, steam—more at BOIL

fu·mi·gant noun
: a substance used for fumigation

fu·mi·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to treat with fumes to disinfect or destroy pests

— fu·mi·ga·tion noun

— fu·mi·ga·tor noun

1fun noun
[ORIGIN: E dial. fun to hoax]

1 : something that provides amusement or enjoyment
2 : the action or state of enjoying : ENJOYMENT
3 : a mood for finding or making amusement

Synonyms
[1] delight, diversion, entertainment, pleasure
Antonyms
bore, bummer, downer, drag
[3] game, jest, play, sport; also facetiousness, flippancy, levity
Antonyms
earnest

2fun adjective
: full of fun <a ~ person> <had a ~ time>

Synonyms
amusing, delightful, diverting, enjoyable, entertaining, pleasurable

1function noun
1 : professional or official position of employment
2 : special purpose
3 : the particular purpose for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists <the ~ of a hammer>; also : the natural or proper action of a bodily part in a living thing <the ~ of the heart>
4 : a formal ceremony or social affair
5 : a mathematical relationship that assigns to each element of a set one and only one element of the same or another set
6 : a variable (as a quality, trait, or measurement) that depends on and varies with another <height is a ~ of age in children>
7 : a computer subroutine that performs a calculation with variables provided by a program

— func·tion·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] appointment, billet, capacity, job, place, position, post, situation—more at JOB
[3] capacity, job, part, place, position, purpose, role, task, work—more at ROLE
[4] affair, blowout, event, fete, get-together, party—more at PARTY

2function verb
: to have or carry on a function

Synonyms
act, perform, serve, work; also operate, run; control, direct, manage

func·tion·al adjective
1 : performing or able to perform a regular function
2 : of, connected with, or being a function

Synonyms
active, alive, living, on, operational, operative, running, working—more at ACTIVE
applicable, practicable, practical, serviceable, usable, useful, workable—more at PRACTICAL

func·tion·ary noun, plural -ar·ies
: one who performs a certain function; especially : one who holds a public office

Synonyms
officeholder, officer, official, public servant—more at OFFICIAL

function word noun
: a word (as a preposition, auxiliary verb, or conjunction) expressing the grammatical relationship between other words

1fund noun
[ORIGIN: L fundus bottom, country estate]

1 : a sum of money or resources intended for a special purpose
2 : STORE, SUPPLY
3 a plural : available money
b : an available quantity of material or intangible resources
4 : an organization administering a special fund

Synonyms
[1] account, budget, deposit, kitty, nest egg, pool
usually funds [3a] assets, capital, finances, pocket, purse, resources, wealth, wherewithal
[3b] budget, pool, supply—more at SUPPLY

2fund verb
1 : to provide funds for
2 : to convert (a short-term obligation) into a long-term interest-bearing debt

— fund·er noun

Synonyms
capitalize, endow, finance, stake, subsidize, underwrite—more at FINANCE

fun·da·men·tal adjective
1 : serving as an origin : PRIMARY
2 : serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function : BASIC, ESSENTIAL
3 : RADICAL <~ change>
4 : of central importance : PRINCIPAL

— fundamental noun

— fun·da·men·tal·ly adverb

Synonyms
basic, elemental, elementary, essential, rudimentary, underlying—more at ELEMENTARY

fun·da·men·tal·ism noun
1 often cap : a Protestant religious movement emphasizing the literal infallibility of the Bible
2 : a movement or attitude stressing strict adherence to a set of basic principles

— fun·da·men·tal·ist adjective or noun

1funeral adjective
1 : of, relating to, or constituting a funeral
2 : befitting or suggesting a funeral : FUNEREAL

Synonyms
dolorous, funereal, lugubrious, mournful, plaintive, sorrowful, woeful

2funeral noun
: the ceremonies held for a dead person usu. before burial

fu·ner·ary adjective
: of, used for, or associated with burial

fu·ne·re·al adjective
1 : of or relating to a funeral
2 : suggesting a funeral

Synonyms
black, bleak, depressing, dreary, gloomy, gray, somber

fun·gi·cide noun
: an agent that kills or checks the growth of fungi

— fun·gi·cid·al adjective

fun·gus noun, plural fun·gi also fun·gus·es
: any of a kingdom of parasitic spore-producing organisms (as molds, mildews, and mushrooms) formerly classified as plants

— fun·gal adjective

— fun·gous adjective

fu·nic·u·lar noun
: a cable railway ascending a mountain

1funk noun
: a strong offensive smell

2funk noun
: a depressed state of mind

funky adjective funk·i·er; -est
1 : having an earthy unsophisticated style and feeling; especially : having the style and feeling of older black American music
2 : odd or quaint in appearance or style

1funnel noun
1 : a cone-shaped utensil with a tube used for catching and directing a downward flow (as of liquid)
2 : FLUE, SMOKESTACK

2funnel verb -neled also -nelled; -nel·ing also -nel·ling
1 : to pass through or as if through a funnel
2 : to move to a central point or into a central channel

Synonyms
channel, conduct, direct, pipe, siphon—more at CHANNEL

fun·nies noun plural
: a comic strip or a comic section (as of a newspaper) — used with the

1funny adjective fun·ni·er; -est
1 : affording light mirth and laughter
2 : seeking or intended to amuse
3 : differing from the ordinary in a suspicious, perplexing, quaint, or eccentric way : PECULIAR
4 : UNDERHANDED

— funny adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] amusing, antic, comic, comical, droll, farcical, hilarious, humorous, laughable, ludicrous, mirthful, risible
Antonyms
humorless, lame, uncomic, unfunny
[3] bizarre, curious, odd, peculiar, quaint, queer, quirky, strange, weird

2funny noun, plural funnies
: a comic strip or a comic section (as of a newspaper)

funny bone noun
: a place at the back of the elbow where a blow easily compresses a nerve and causes a painful tingling sensation

fun·plex noun
: a center containing various entertainment facilities

1fur noun
1 : an article of clothing made of or with fur
2 : the hairy coat of a mammal esp. when fine, soft, and thick
3 : an animal's coat dressed for use
4 : a coating resembling fur

— fur adjective

— furred adjective

Synonyms
[2] coat, fleece, hair, pelage, pile, wool; also hide, pelt, skin
[3] hide, pelt, skin—more at HIDE

2fur abbreviation
furlong

fur·be·low noun
1 : a pleated or gathered piece of material
2 : showy trimming

Synonyms
flounce, frill, ruffle—more at RUFFLE

fur·bish verb
1 : to make lustrous : POLISH
2 : to give a new look to : RENOVATE

fu·ri·ous adjective
1 : exhibiting or goaded by anger : indicative of or proceeding from anger
2 : BOISTEROUS
3 : existing in an extreme degree : INTENSE
4 : full of activity

— fu·ri·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] angry, enraged, irate—more at ANGRY
[3] deep, ferocious, fierce, hard, heavy, intense, profound, terrible—more at INTENSE
[4] crazy, delirious, excessive, extreme, feverish, fierce, frantic, frenetic, frenzied, inordinate, insane, intense, irrational, mad, rabid, vehement, violent, wild
Antonyms
relaxed

furl verb
1 : to wrap or roll (as a sail or a flag) close to or around something
2 : to curl in furls

— furl noun

fur·long noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE furlang, fr. furh furrow + lang long]

: a unit of distance equal to 220 yards (about 201 meters)

fur·lough noun
[ORIGIN: D verlof, lit., permission]

1 : a leave of absence from duty granted esp. to a soldier
2 : a leave of absence granted by an employer to an employee

— furlough verb

fur·nace noun
: an enclosed structure in which heat is produced

fur·nish verb
1 : to provide with what is needed : EQUIP
2 : to make available for use : SUPPLY, GIVE

Synonyms
[1] accoutre, allocate, allot, assign, bestow, deal, dispense, distribute, donate, equip, fit, give, outfit, present, rig, store, supply
[2] deliver, feed, give, hand, hand over, provide, supply
Antonyms
hold (back), keep (back), reserve, retain, withhold

fur·nish·ings noun plural
1 : articles or accessories of dress
2 : an object that tends to increase comfort or utility; especially : an article of furniture

fur·ni·ture noun
1 : equipment that is necessary or desirable
2 : movable articles (as chairs or beds) for a room

fu·ror noun
1 : an angry or maniacal fit : RAGE
2 : a contagious excitement; especially : a fashionable craze
3 : furious or hectic activity : UPROAR

Synonyms
[1] anger, fury, indignation, ire, outrage, rage, spleen, wrath, wrathfulness—more at ANGER
[3] commotion, disturbance, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil, uproar—more at COMMOTION

fu·rore noun
[ORIGIN: It]

1 : a contagious excitement; especially : a fashionable craze
2 : furious or hectic activity : UPROAR

fur·ri·er noun
: one who prepares or deals in fur

fur·ring noun
: wood or metal strips applied to a wall or ceiling to form a level surface or an air space

1furrow noun
1 : a trench in the earth made by a plow
2 : a narrow groove or wrinkle

Synonyms
crease, crimp, crinkle, wrinkle—more at WRINKLE

2furrow verb
: to make or form furrows, grooves, wrinkles, or lines

fur·ry adjective fur·ri·er; -est
1 : resembling or consisting of fur
2 : covered with fur

Synonyms
[1] fuzzy, hairy, rough, shaggy, woolly—more at HAIRY
[2] fleecy, hairy, hirsute, rough, shaggy, unshorn, woolly—more at HAIRY

1further adverb
1 : at or to a greater distance or more advanced point : FARTHER
2 : in addition : MOREOVER
3 : to a greater extent or degree

Synonyms
[1] beyond, farther, yonder—more at FARTHER
[2] additionally, again, also, besides, more, moreover, then, too

2further verb
: to promote or help advance

Synonyms
advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, nourish, nurture, promote—more at FOSTER

3further adjective
1 : FARTHER 1
2 : going or extending beyond what exists : ADDITIONAL

Synonyms
additional, another, else, farther, more, other—more at ADDITIONAL

fur·ther·ance noun
: the act of furthering

Synonyms
advance, advancement, passage, process, procession, progress, progression—more at ADVANCE

fur·ther·more adverb
: in addition to what precedes : BESIDES

Synonyms
additionally, again, also, besides, more, too, withal, yet

fur·ther·most adjective
: most distant : FARTHEST

fur·thest adverb or adjective
: to or at the greatest distance in space : FARTHEST

Synonyms
extreme, farthest, outermost, ultimate, utmost—more at EXTREME

fur·tive adjective
[ORIGIN: F or L; F furtif, fr. L furtivus, fr. furtum theft, fr. fur thief]

: done by stealth

— fur·tive·ly adverb

— fur·tive·ness noun

Synonyms
clandestine, covert, secret, sneaky, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover

fu·ry noun, plural furies
1 : intense and often destructive rage
2 : extreme fierceness or violence
3 : a state of inspired exaltation : FRENZY
4 : one who resembles an avenging spirit; especially : a spiteful woman

Synonyms
[1] anger, furor, indignation, ire, outrage, rage, spleen, wrath, wrathfulness—more at ANGER
[3] agitation, delirium, distraction, frenzy, furor, hysteria, rage, rampage, uproar—more at FRENZY
[4] harpy, shrew, termagant, virago—more at SHREW

furze noun
: GORSE

1fuse verb fused; fus·ing
1 : to reduce to a liquid or plastic state by heat : MELT
2 : to unite by or as if by melting together

— fus·ible adjective

Synonyms
[1] deliquesce, flux, liquefy, melt, run, thaw—more at LIQUEFY
[2] associate, coalesce, combine, couple, join, link, marry, unify, unite—more at UNITE
[2] amalgamate, blend, commingle, merge, mingle—more at MIX

2fuse noun
: an electrical safety device having a metal wire or strip that melts and interrupts the circuit when the current becomes too strong

3fuse noun
1 : a cord or cable that is set afire to ignite an explosive charge
2 usually fuze : a mechanical or electrical device for setting off the explosive charge of a projectile, bomb, or torpedo

4fuse also fuze verb fused or fuzed; fus·ing or fuz·ing
: to equip with a fuse

fu·se·lage noun
: the central body portion of an aircraft

fu·sil·lade noun
1 : a number of shots fired simultaneously or in rapid succession
2 : something that gives the effect of a fusillade

Synonyms
barrage, bombardment, cannonade, hail, salvo, shower, storm, volley—more at BARRAGE

fu·sion noun
1 : the act or process of melting or making plastic by heat
2 : union by or as if by melting
3 : the union of light atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei with the release of huge quantities of energy

Synonyms
[2] admixture, amalgam, blend, combination, composite, compound, intermixture, mix, mixture—more at BLEND

1fuss noun
1 : needless bustle or excitement : COMMOTION
2 : effusive praise
3 : a state of agitation
4 : an act of objecting
5 : DISPUTE

Synonyms
[1] bother, bustle, commotion, hubbub, hullabaloo, pandemonium, stir, tumult, turmoil, uproar—more at COMMOTION
[3] dither, fluster, fret, huff, lather, pother, stew, tizzy, twitter—more at FRET
[4] complaint, demur, grievance, gripe, objection, protest, question, remonstrance—more at OBJECTION

2fuss verb
1 : to make a fuss
2 a : to give flattering or doting attention to
b : to pay close or undue attention to small details
3 : to express annoyance or complaint

Synonyms
[2a] enthuse, fawn, gush, rave, rhapsodize, slobber—more at GUSH
[3] beef, carp, complain, crab, gripe, grouse, moan, squawk

fuss·bud·get noun
: one who fusses or is fussy about trifles

fussy adjective fuss·i·er; -est
1 : nervous or easily upset
2 : overly decorated
3 : requiring or giving close attention or concern to details or niceties; also : overly difficult to please

— fuss·i·ly adverb

— fuss·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] crabby, cranky, grouchy, grumpy, querulous; also fidgety, restive, restless, uneasy; discontented, disgruntled, displeased, dissatisfied; fretful, nervous, worrisome; cantankerous, crotchety, irascible, irritable, ornery
Antonyms
uncomplaining
[3] choosy, dainty, delicate, demanding, exacting, fastidious, finicky, meticulous, painstaking, particular, picky—more at FINICKY

fus·tian noun
1 : a strong usu. cotton fabric
2 : pretentious writing or speech

— fustian adjective

fus·ty adjective fus·ti·er; -est
[ORIGIN: prob. alter. of ME foisted, foist musty, fr. foist wine cask, fr. AF fust, fuist wood, tree trunk, cask]

1 : saturated with dust and stale odors : MUSTY
2 : OLD-FASHIONED

Synonyms
malodorous, musty, smelly—more at MALODOROUS

fut abbreviation
future

fu·tile adjective
1 : serving no useful purpose : USELESS, VAIN
2 : FRIVOLOUS, TRIVIAL

— fu·tile·ly adverb

— fu·til·i·ty noun

Synonyms
empty, fruitless, hopeless, ineffective, meaningless, pointless, unproductive, unsuccessful, useless, vain
Antonyms
effective, fruitful, productive, profitable, successful

fu·ton noun
[ORIGIN: Jp]

: a usu. cotton-filled mattress used on the floor or in a frame as a bed, couch, or chair

1future adjective
1 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense that expresses time yet to come
2 : coming after the present

2future noun
1 : time that is to come
2 : what is going to happen
3 : an expectation of advancement or progressive development
4 : the future tense; also : a verb form in it

Synonyms
hereafter; also eventuality, finality; posterity
Antonyms
past

fu·tur·ism noun
: a modern movement in art, music, and literature that tries esp. to express the energy and activity of mechanical processes

fu·tur·ist noun
: one who studies and predicts the future esp. on the basis of current trends

Synonyms
augur, diviner, forecaster, fortune-teller, prognosticator, prophet, seer, soothsayer—more at PROPHET

fu·tur·is·tic adjective
: of or relating to the future or to futurism; also : very modern

fu·tu·ri·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : time that is to come : FUTURE
2 : the quality or state of being future
3 plural : future events or prospects

fuze variant of FUSE

fuzz noun
: fine light particles or fibers (as of down or fluff)

Synonyms
down, floss, fluff, fur, lint, nap, pile; also batting

fuzzy adjective fuzz·i·er; -est
1 : having or resembling fuzz
2 : lacking in clarity or definition
3 : being or relating to pleasant usu. sentimental emotions <~ feelings>

— fuzz·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] furry, hairy, rough, shaggy, woolly—more at HAIRY
[2] indefinite, unclear, vague—more at VAGUE

fuzzy logic noun
: a system of logic in which a statement can be true, false, or any of a continuum of values in between

fwd abbreviation
forward

FWD abbreviation
front-wheel drive

FY abbreviation
fiscal year

-fy verb suffix
: make : form into <dandify>

FYI abbreviation
for your information

G

1g noun, plural g's or gs often cap
1 : the 7th letter of the English alphabet
2 : a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity on a body at rest and used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when accelerated
3 slang : a sum of $1000

2g abbreviation, often cap
1 game
2 gauge
3 good
4 gram
5 gravity

ga abbreviation
gauge

1Ga abbreviation
Georgia

2Ga symbol
gallium

GA abbreviation
1 general assembly
2 general average
3 general of the army
4 Georgia

gab verb gabbed; gab·bing
: to talk in a rapid or thoughtless manner : CHATTER

— gab noun

Synonyms
babble, blab, chat, chatter, gas, jabber, jaw, palaver, patter, prattle, run on, talk—more at CHAT

gab·ar·dine noun
1 : GABERDINE 1
2 : a firm durable twilled fabric having diagonal ribs and made of various fibers; also : a garment of gabardine

gab·ble verb gab·bled; gab·bling
: to talk fast or foolishly : JABBER, BABBLE

Synonyms
babble, chatter, drivel, gibber, jabber, prattle, sputter—more at BABBLE

gab·by adjective gab·bi·er; -est
: pointlessly or annoyingly talkative : GARRULOUS

Synonyms
chatty, conversational, garrulous, loquacious, talkative—more at TALKATIVE

gab·er·dine noun
1 : a long loose outer garment worn in medieval times and associated esp. with Jews
2 : GABARDINE 2

gab·fest noun
1 : an informal gathering for general talk
2 : an extended conversation

Synonyms
chat, chatter, chitchat, gossip, palaver, rap, talk—more at CHAT

ga·ble noun
: the vertical triangular end of a building formed by the sides of the roof sloping from the ridge down to the eaves

— ga·bled adjective

Gab·o·nese noun
: a native or inhabitant of Gabon

— Gabonese adjective

gad verb gad·ded; gad·ding
: to be constantly active without specific purpose — usu. used with about

— gad·der noun

Synonyms usually gad about
gallivant, knock, meander, rove, traipse, wander—more at WANDER

gad·about noun
: a person who flits about in social activity

gad·fly noun
1 : a fly that bites or harasses livestock
2 : a person who annoys esp. by persistent criticism

Synonyms
annoyance, bother, nuisance, persecutor, pest, tease—more at NUISANCE

gad·get noun
: an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty : CONTRIVANCE

— gad·get·ry noun

Synonyms
contraption, contrivance, gimmick, gizmo, jigger; also implement, instrument, tool, utensil; ingenuity, innovation, invention; accessory, adjunct; mechanism, trick

gad·o·lin·i·um noun
: a magnetic metallic chemical element

1Gael noun
: a Celtic inhabitant of Ireland or Scotland

2Gael abbreviation
Gaelic

Gael·ic adjective
: of or relating to the Gaels or their languages

— Gaelic noun

gaff noun
1 : a spear used in taking fish or turtles; also : a metal hook for holding or lifting heavy fish
2 : the spar supporting the top of a fore-and-aft sail
3 : rough treatment : ABUSE

— gaff verb

gaffe noun
: a usu. social blunder

Synonyms
familiarity, impropriety, indiscretion—more at IMPROPRIETY

gaf·fer noun
1 : an old man
2 : a lighting electrician on a motion-picture or television set

1gag verb gagged; gag·ging
1 : to restrict use of the mouth with a gag
2 : to prevent from speaking freely
3 : to retch or cause to retch
4 : OBSTRUCT, CHOKE
5 : BALK
6 : to make quips

— gag·ger noun

Synonyms
heave, spit up, throw up, vomit—more at VOMIT

2gag noun
1 : something thrust into the mouth esp. to prevent speech or outcry
2 : an official check or restraint on free speech
3 : a laugh-provoking remark or act
4 : PRANK, TRICK

Synonyms
crack, jest, joke, laugh, pleasantry, quip, sally, waggery, wisecrack, witticism—more at JOKE

1gage noun
1 : a token of defiance; especially : a glove or cap cast on the ground as a pledge of combat
2 : something deposited as a pledge of performance : SECURITY

Synonyms
guarantee, guaranty, pawn, pledge, security—more at PLEDGE

2gage variant of GAUGE

gag·gle noun
[ORIGIN: ME gagyll, fr. gagelen to cackle]

1 : a flock of geese
2 : an unorganized group

gai·ety noun, plural -eties
1 : festive activity : MERRYMAKING
2 : MERRIMENT
3 : dressy or showy clothing and jewels : FINERY

Synonyms
[1] conviviality, festivity, jollification, merriment, merrymaking, revelry—more at MERRYMAKING
[3] array, best, bravery, caparison, feather, finery, frippery, full dress, regalia—more at FINERY

gai·ly adverb
: in a gay manner

Synonyms
cheerfully, happily, heartily, jovially, merrily, mirthfully; also blithely, breezily, brightly; cheerily, gladly; good-naturedly
Antonyms
bleakly, cheerlessly, darkly, heavily, miserably, morosely, unhappily
exuberantly, jauntily, sprightly; also friskily, playfully; briskly, crisply; breezily
Antonyms
dully, inanimately, sluggishly, tardily
flamboyantly, flashily, jauntily, rakishly; also gaudily, loud, loudly; fancily, gallantly, ornately; nattily, neatly, smartly; conspicuously, luridly, strikingly; splendidly
Antonyms
conservatively, plain, quietly

1gain noun
1 : resources or advantage acquired or increased : PROFIT
2 : ACQUISITION, ACCUMULATION
3 : an increase in amount, magnitude, or degree

Synonyms
[1] earnings, lucre, net, payoff, proceeds, profit, return—more at PROFIT
[3] accretion, addition, augmentation, boost, expansion, increase, increment, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement—more at INCREASE

2gain verb
1 : to get possession of usu. by effort, merit, or craft : EARN
2 : WIN <~ a victory>
3 : to increase in <~ momentum>
4 : PERSUADE
5 : to arrive at
6 : ACHIEVE <~ strength>
7 : to run fast <the watch ~s a minute a day>
8 : PROFIT
9 : INCREASE
10 : to improve in health

— gain·er noun

Synonyms
[1] acquire, attain, capture, carry, draw, earn, garner, get, land, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure, win—more at EARN
[3] build, gather, grow, pick up; also accrue, accumulate, amass; excite, stimulate; enhance, enrich, maximize; boost, jack (up), mount, step up
Antonyms
decrease (in), lose
[10] convalesce, heal, mend, rally, recover, recuperate, snap back—more at CONVALESCE

gain·ful adjective
: productive of gain : PROFITABLE

— gain·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
fat, lucrative, profitable, remunerative—more at PROFITABLE

gain·say verb -said ; -say·ing; -says
[ORIGIN: ME gainsayen, fr. gain- against + -sayen to say]

1 : to declare to be untrue or invalid : DENY
2 : to speak against

— gain·say·er noun

Synonyms
contradict, deny, disallow, disavow, disclaim, negate, negative, reject, repudiate—more at DENY

gait noun
: manner of moving on foot; also : a particular pattern or style of such moving

— gait·ed adjective

gai·ter noun
1 : a leg covering reaching from the instep to ankle, mid-calf, or knee
2 : an overshoe with a fabric upper
3 : an ankle-high shoe with elastic gores in the sides

1gal noun
: a young unmarried woman : GIRL

2gal abbreviation
gallon

Gal abbreviation
Galatians

ga·la noun
: a festive celebration : FESTIVITY

— gala adjective

Synonyms
carnival, celebration, festival, festivity, fete, fiesta, jubilee—more at FESTIVAL

ga·lac·tic adjective
: of or relating to a galaxy

Ga·la·tians noun
: an argumentative letter of St. Paul written to the Christians of Galatia and included as a book in the New Testament

gal·axy noun, plural -ax·ies
[ORIGIN: ME galaxie, galaxias, fr. LL galaxias, fr. Gk, fr. galakt-, gala milk]

1 often cap : MILKY WAY GALAXY — used with the
2 : a very large group of stars
3 : an assemblage of brilliant or famous persons or things

gale noun
1 : a strong wind
2 : an emotional outburst <~s of laughter>

Synonyms
agony, burst, eruption, explosion, fit, flare, flare-up, flash, flush, gush, gust, outburst, paroxysm, spasm, storm—more at OUTBURST

ga·le·na noun
: a lustrous bluish gray mineral that consists of the sulfide of lead and is the chief ore of lead

1gall noun
1 : BILE
2 : something bitter to endure
3 : bitterness of spirit : RANCOR
4 : brazen boldness coupled with impudent assurance and insolence : IMPUDENCE

Synonyms
[3] animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, grudge, hostility, rancor—more at ENMITY
[4] audacity, brass, brazenness, cheek, chutzpah, effrontery, impudence, nerve, presumption, sauce, sauciness, temerity—more at EFFRONTERY

2gall noun
: a skin sore caused by chafing

3gall verb
1 : to make or become sore or worn by rubbing : CHAFE
2 : to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in : VEX

Synonyms
[1] abrade, chafe, erode, fray, fret, rub, wear—more at ABRADE
[2] aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, chafe, exasperate, get, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rasp, rile, vex—more at IRRITATE

4gall noun
: an abnormal outgrowth of plant tissue usu. due to parasites

1gallant noun
1 : a young man of fashion
2 : a man who shows a marked fondness for the company of women and who is esp. attentive to them
3 : one who courts a woman or seeks to marry her : SUITOR

Synonyms
buck, dandy, dude, fop—more at DANDY

2gallant adjective
1 : showy in dress or bearing : SMART
2 : impressive in size or splendor : SPLENDID, STATELY
3 : full of energy, animation, or courage : SPIRITED, BRAVE
4 : nobly chivalrous and often self-sacrificing
5 : polite and attentive to women

Synonyms
[3] brave, courageous, dauntless, doughty, fearless, heroic, intrepid, spirited, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant, valorous—more at BRAVE
[4] chivalrous, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, lordly, magnanimous, noble, sublime—more at NOBLE

gal·lant·ly adverb
: in a gallant manner

Synonyms
grandly, greatly, heroically, honorably, magnanimously, nobly—more at GREATLY

gal·lant·ry noun, plural -ries
1 archaic : gallant appearance
2 : an act of marked courtesy
3 : courteous attention to a woman
4 : conspicuous bravery

Synonyms
bravery, courage, daring, fearlessness, guts, hardihood, heart, heroism, nerve, stoutness, valor—more at COURAGE

gall·blad·der noun
: a membranous muscular sac attached to the liver and serving to store bile

gal·le·on noun
: a large square-rigged sailing ship formerly used esp. by the Spanish

gal·le·ria noun
[ORIGIN: It]

: a roofed and usu. glass-enclosed promenade or court

gal·lery noun, plural -ler·ies
1 : an outdoor balcony; also : PORCH, VERANDA
2 : a long narrow passage, apartment, or hall
3 : a narrow passage (as one made underground by a miner or through wood by an insect)
4 : a room where works of art are exhibited; also : an organization dealing in works of art
5 : a balcony in a theater, auditorium, or church; especially : the highest one in a theater
6 : the spectators at a tennis or golf match
7 : a photographer's studio

— gal·ler·ied adjective

Synonyms
corridor, hall, hallway, passage—more at HALL

gal·ley noun, plural galleys
1 : a long low ship propelled esp. by oars and formerly used esp. in the Mediterranean Sea
2 : the kitchen esp. of a ship or airplane
3 : a proof of typeset matter esp. in a single column

Gal·lic adjective
: of or relating to Gaul or France

gal·li·mau·fry noun, plural -fries
[ORIGIN: MF galimafree stew]

: HODGEPODGE

gall·ing
: markedly irritating

Synonyms
aggravating, annoying, bothersome, frustrating, irksome, irritating, pesty, vexatious—more at ANNOYING

gal·li·nule noun
: any of several aquatic birds related to the rails

gal·li·um noun
: a bluish white metallic chemical element

gal·li·vant verb
: to travel, roam, or move about for pleasure

Synonyms
gad, knock, maunder, meander, mope, ramble, range, roam, rove, traipse, wander—more at WANDER

gal·lon noun
: a unit of liquid capacity equal to 231 cubic inches or four quarts

1gallop verb
1 : to go or cause to go at a gallop
2 : to run fast

— gal·lop·er noun

Synonyms
dash, jog, run, scamper, sprint, trip—more at RUN

2gallop noun
1 : a bounding gait of a quadruped; especially : a fast 3-beat gait of a horse
2 : a ride or run at a gallop

gal·lows noun, plural gallows or gal·lows·es
: a frame usu. of two upright posts and a crosspiece from which criminals are hanged; also : the punishment of hanging

gall·stone noun
: an abnormal concretion occurring in the gallbladder or bile passages

gal·lus·es noun plural
: SUSPENDERS

ga·lore adjective
[ORIGIN: Ir go leor enough]

: amply supplied : characterized by, constituting, or existing in plenty

ga·losh noun
: a high overshoe

galv abbreviation
galvanized

gal·va·nise British variant of GALVANIZE

gal·va·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to stimulate as if by an electric shock
2 : to coat (iron or steel) with zinc

— gal·va·ni·za·tion noun

— gal·va·niz·er noun

Synonyms
electrify, excite, exhilarate, intoxicate, thrill, titillate, turn on—more at THRILL

gal·va·nom·e·ter noun
: an instrument for detecting or measuring a small electric current

Gam·bi·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Gambia

— Gambian adjective

gam·bit noun
[ORIGIN: It gambetto, lit., act of tripping someone, fr. gamba leg]

1 : a chess opening in which a player risks one or more minor pieces to gain an advantage in position
2 : a calculated move : STRATAGEM

1gamble verb gam·bled; gam·bling
1 : to play a game for money or property
2 : to bet on an uncertain outcome : WAGER
3 : to expose to hazard : VENTURE, HAZARD

Synonyms
[2] bet, go, lay, stake, wager—more at BET
usually gamble on [2] chance, hazard, risk, venture—more at RISK
usually gamble with [3] adventure, compromise, hazard, imperil, jeopardize, menace, risk, venture

2gamble noun
: something chancy

Synonyms
chance, enterprise, flier, speculation, venture; also bet, hazard, stake, wager; dark horse, long shot, play

gam·bol verb -boled or -bolled; -bol·ing or -bol·ling
: to skip about in play : FRISK

Synonyms
caper, cavort, disport, frisk, frolic, lark, rollick, romp, sport—more at FROLIC

gambol noun
: a skipping or leaping about in play

gam·brel roof noun
: a roof with a lower steeper slope and an upper flatter one on each side

1game noun
1 : AMUSEMENT, DIVERSION
2 : often derisive or mocking jesting : SPORT, FUN
3 : a procedure or strategy for gaining an end : SCHEME, PROJECT
4 : a line of work : PROFESSION
5 : a physical or mental competition conducted according to rules with the participants in direct opposition to each other : CONTEST
6 : animals hunted for sport or food; also : the flesh of a game animal

Synonyms
[2] fun, jest, play, sport—more at FUN
[3] arrangement, blueprint, design, plan, project, scheme, strategy, system—more at PLAN
[5] bout, competition, contest, event, match, meet, tournament; also athletics, sport; battle, conflict, scrimmage, skirmish, struggle, tug-of-war, tussle; championship, final, nightcap, play-off, semifinal; derby, field day, open; marathon, race; heat, round, run, set; rally, volley; rubber, runoff, sudden death; dead heat, photo finish, seesaw; classic

2game verb gamed; gam·ing
: to play for a stake : GAMBLE

3game adjective
: having or showing a resolute unyielding spirit; also : willing or ready to proceed

— game·ly adverb

Synonyms
amenable, disposed, glad, inclined, ready, willing—more at WILLING

4game adjective
: LAME <a ~ leg>

game·cock noun
: a rooster trained for fighting

game fish noun
: SPORT FISH

game·keep·er noun
: a person in charge of the breeding and protection of game animals or birds on a private preserve

game·ness noun
: the state or quality of being game

Synonyms
alacrity, goodwill, willingness—more at ALACRITY

game·some adjective
: MERRY

game·ster noun
: a person who gambles

gam·ete noun
: a mature germ cell

— ga·met·ic adjective

game theory noun
: the analysis of a situation involving conflicting interests (as in business) in terms of gains and losses among opposing players

gam·in noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a boy who hangs around on the streets
2 : GAMINE 2

ga·mine noun
1 : a girl who hangs around on the streets
2 : a small playfully mischievous girl

gam·ma noun
: the 3d letter of the Greek alphabet — Γ or γ

gamma globulin noun
: a blood protein fraction rich in antibodies; also : a solution of this from human blood donors that is given to provide immunity against some infectious diseases (as measles)

gamma ray noun
: a photon emitted by a radioactive substance; also : a high-energy photon — usu. used in pl.

gam·mer noun, archaic
: an old woman

gam·mon noun, chiefly British
: a cured ham or side of bacon

gam·ut noun
: an entire range or series

Synonyms
range, scale, spectrum, spread, stretch—more at RANGE

gamy or gam·ey adjective gam·i·er; -est
1 : GAME, PLUCKY
2 : having the flavor of game esp. when near tainting
3 : SCANDALOUS; also : DISREPUTABLE

— gam·i·ness noun

1gander noun
: a male goose

2gander noun
: the act of looking : GLANCE

Synonyms
cast, eye, glance, glimpse, look, peek, peep, regard, sight, view—more at LOOK

1gang noun
1 : a set of implements or devices arranged to operate together
2 a : a group of persons working or associated together
b : a group of criminals or young delinquents

Synonyms
[2a] band, company, crew, outfit, party, squad, team; also army, battalion, brigade, corps, troop; force, host, posse, stable, troupe; administration, department, help, personnel, staff
[2a] body, bunch, circle, clan, clique, community, coterie, crowd, fold, lot, ring, set; also bevy, covey, flock, herd, horde, mob, swarm, throng; club, college, fellowship, guild, league, organization, society; cohort, pack; camp, faction, sect, side, tribe; mess, squad; brotherhood, fraternity, order, sisterhood, sorority; commune; alliance, bloc, coalition, confederation, congress, council, federation, union
[2b] cabal, conspiracy, mob, ring, syndicate—more at RING

2gang verb
1 : to attack in a gang — usu. used with up
2 : to form into or move or act as a gang

gang·land noun
: the world of organized crime

gan·gling adjective
: loosely and awkwardly built : LANKY

Synonyms
lanky, rangy, spindly—more at LANKY

gan·gli·on noun, plural -glia also -gli·ons
: a mass of nerve tissue containing cell bodies of neurons outside the central nervous system; also : NUCLEUS 3

— gan·gli·on·ic adjective

gan·gly adjective
: GANGLING

gang·plank noun
: a movable bridge from a ship to the shore

gang·plow noun
: a plow that turns two or more furrows at one time

gan·grene noun
: the death of soft tissues in a local area of the body due to loss of the blood supply

— gangrene verb

— gan·gre·nous adjective

gang·ster noun
: a member of a gang of criminals : RACKETEER

Synonyms
bully, goon, hood, hoodlum, mobster, mug, punk, rowdy, ruffian, thug, tough—more at HOODLUM

gang·way noun
1 : PASSAGEWAY; also : GANGPLANK
2 : clear passage through a crowd

gan·net noun, plural gannets also gannet
: any of several large fish-eating usu. white and black seabirds that breed chiefly on offshore islands

gantlet variant of GAUNTLET

gan·try noun, plural gantries
: a frame structure on side supports over or around something

GAO abbreviation
General Accounting Office

gaol , gaol·er chiefly British variant of JAIL, JAILER

gap noun
1 : BREACH, CLEFT
2 : a mountain pass
3 : a blank space; also : an incomplete or deficient area
4 : a wide difference in character or attitude
5 : a problem caused by a disparity <credibility ~>

Synonyms
[2] canyon, defile, flume, gorge, gulch, gulf, notch, pass, ravine—more at CANYON
[3] breach, break, gulf, hole, opening, rent, rift, separation; also chink, cleft, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure; notch, slit, slot, split; pore, space; abyss, aperture, cavity, chasm, gape, orifice; fracture, rupture, severance, sundering
[3] discontinuity, hiatus, interim, interlude, intermission, interruption, interval; also caesura, pause, space; lapse, suspension; lull, recess, respite, rest
Antonyms
continuation, continuity

gape verb gaped; gap·ing
1 : to open the mouth wide
2 : to open or part widely
3 : to stare with mouth open
4 : YAWN

— gape noun

Synonyms
gawk, gaze, goggle, peer, rubberneck, stare; also glare, gloat, glower; eye, observe, watch; leer, ogle

1gar noun
: any of several fishes that have a long body resembling that of a pike and long narrow jaws

2gar abbreviation
garage

GAR abbreviation
Grand Army of the Republic

1garage noun
[ORIGIN: F, act of docking, garage, fr. garer to dock, fr. MF garrer, prob. ultim. fr. ON vara to beware, take care]

: a shelter or repair shop for automobiles

2garage verb ga·raged; ga·rag·ing
: to keep or put in a garage

garage sale noun
: a sale of used household or personal articles held on the seller's own premises

1garb noun
1 : style of dress
2 : outward form : APPEARANCE

Synonyms
dress, getup, guise, outfit—more at OUTFIT

2garb verb
: to cover with or as if with clothing

Synonyms
apparel, array, attire, caparison, clothe, deck, dress, invest, rig, suit—more at CLOTHE

gar·bage noun
1 : food waste
2 : unwanted or useless material

— gar·bage·man noun

Synonyms
chaff, deadwood, dust, junk, litter, refuse, riffraff, rubbish, scrap, trash, waste; also offal, sewage, slop, swill, wash; debris, detritus, rubble, ruins; odds and ends; flotsam, jetsam; cull, discard, reject, throwaway
Antonyms
find, prize

gar·ble verb gar·bled; gar·bling
: to distort the meaning of <~ a story>

Synonyms
color, distort, falsify, misinterpret, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp; also belie, camouflage, disguise, mask, veil; complicate, confuse, confound, mix up; mystify, obscure, puzzle; equivocate, fib, lie, palter, prevaricate

gar·çon noun, plural garçons
[ORIGIN: F, boy, servant]

: WAITER

1garden noun
1 : a plot for growing fruits, flowers, or vegetables
2 : a public recreation area; especially : one for displaying plants or animals

2garden verb
: to lay out or work in a garden

— gar·den·er noun

gar·de·nia noun
[ORIGIN: NL, genus name, fr. Alexander Garden †1791 Scot. naturalist]

: any of a genus of tropical trees or shrubs that are related to the madder and have fragant white or yellow flowers; also : one of these trees

garden–variety adjective
: COMMONPLACE, ORDINARY

gar·fish noun
: GAR

gar·gan·tuan adjective, often cap
: of tremendous size or volume

gar·gle verb gar·gled; gar·gling
: to rinse the throat with liquid agitated by air forced through it from the lungs

— gargle noun

gar·goyle noun
1 : a waterspout in the form of a grotesque human or animal figure projecting from the roof or eaves of a building
2 : a grotesquely carved figure

gar·ish adjective
1 : clothed in vivid colors : excessively or disturbingly vivid
2 : tastelessly showy : FLASHY, GAUDY

Synonyms
flamboyant, flashy, gaudy, glitzy, loud, ostentatious, swank, tawdry—more at GAUDY

1garland noun
: WREATH, CHAPLET

2garland verb
: to form into or deck with a garland

gar·lic noun
[ORIGIN: ME garlek, fr. OE gārlēac, fr. gār spear + lēac leek]

: an herb related to the lilies and grown for its pungent bulbs used in cooking; also : its bulb

— gar·licky adjective

gar·ment noun
: an article of clothing

gar·ner verb
1 : to gather into storage
2 : to acquire by effort
3 : to pick up : ACCUMULATE, COLLECT

Synonyms
[2] acquire, attain, capture, carry, draw, earn, gain, get, land, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure, win—more at EARN
[3] accumulate, amass, assemble, collect, concentrate, gather, group, lump, pick up, round up, scrape—more at GATHER

gar·net noun
[ORIGIN: ME gernet, fr. AF gernete, fr. gernet, dark red, fr. pume gernete pomegranate]

: a transparent deep red mineral sometimes used as a gem

1garnish verb
1 : to furnish with something ornamental : DECORATE, EMBELLISH
2 : to add decorative or savory touches to (food)
3 : GARNISHEE

Synonyms
adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, deck, decorate, do, dress, embellish, enrich, grace, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE

2garnish noun
1 : something that lends grace or beauty
2 : something (as lemon wedges or parsley) used to garnish food or drink

Synonyms
adornment, caparison, decoration, embellishment, frill, ornament, trim—more at DECORATION

gar·nish·ee verb -eed; -ee·ing
1 : to serve with a garnishment
2 : to take (as a debtor's wages) by legal authority

gar·nish·ment noun
1 : GARNISH
2 : a legal warning concerning the attachment of property to satisfy a debt; also : the attachment of such property

gar·ni·ture noun
: EMBELLISHMENT, TRIMMING

gar·ret noun
: the part of a house just under the roof : ATTIC

gar·ri·son noun
[ORIGIN: ME garisoun protection, fr. AF garisun healing, protection, fr. garir to heal, protect, of Gmc origin]

1 : a military post; especially : a permanent military installation
2 : the troops stationed at a garrison

— garrison verb

garrison state noun
: a state organized on a primarily military basis

1garrote or ga·rotte noun
[ORIGIN: Sp garrote]

1 : a method of execution by strangulation; also : the apparatus used
2 : an implement (as a wire with handles) for strangulation

2garrote or garotte verb
: to strangle with or as if with a garrote

Synonyms
choke, strangle, throttle—more at CHOKE

gar·ru·lous adjective
1 : WORDY
2 : pointlessly or annoyingly talkative

— gar·ru·li·ty noun

— gar·ru·lous·ly adverb

— gar·ru·lous·ness noun

Synonyms
chatty, conversational, gabby, loquacious, talkative—more at TALKATIVE

gar·ter noun
: a band or strap worn to hold up a stocking or sock

garter snake noun
: any of a genus of harmless American snakes with longitudinal stripes on the back

1gas noun, plural gas·es also gas·ses
[ORIGIN: NL, alter. of L chaos space, chaos]

1 : a fluid (as hydrogen or air) that tends to expand indefinitely
2 : a gas or mixture of gases used as a fuel or anesthetic
3 : a substance that can be used to produce a poisonous, asphyxiating, or irritant atmosphere
4 : GASOLINE
5 : empty talk

Synonyms
bombast, grandiloquence, hot air, rhetoric, wind—more at RHETORIC

2gas verb gassed; gas·sing
1 : to treat with gas; also : to poison with gas
2 : to fill with gasoline <~ up the car>
3 : to talk idly or garrulously

gas·eous adjective
1 : having the form of or being gas
2 : characterized by many words but little content

Synonyms
bombastic, grandiloquent, oratorical, rhetorical, windy—more at RHETORICAL

1gash noun
: a deep long cut

Synonyms
laceration, rent, rip, slash, slit, tear; also abrasion, score, scrape, scratch; injury, wound

2gash verb
: to make a gash in

gas·ket noun
: material (as rubber) or a part used to seal a joint

gas·light noun
1 : light made by burning illuminating gas
2 : a gas flame; also : a gas lighting fixture

gas mask noun
: a mask with a chemical air filter used to protect the face and lungs against poison gas

gas·o·line noun
: a flammable liquid mixture made from petroleum and used esp. as a motor fuel

gasp verb
1 : to catch the breath audibly (as with shock)
2 : to breathe laboriously : PANT
3 : to utter in a gasping manner

— gasp noun

Synonyms
blow, pant, puff, wheeze; also choke, gulp, huff; exhale, expire

gas·tric adjective
: of or relating to the stomach

gastric juice noun
: the acid digestive secretion of the stomach

gas·tri·tis noun
: inflammation of the lining of the stomach

gas·tro·en·ter·ol·o·gy noun
: a branch of medicine concerned with the structure, functions, and diseases of the stomach and intestines

— gas·tro·en·ter·ol·o·gist noun

gas·tro·in·tes·ti·nal adjective
: of, relating to, affecting, or including both the stomach and intestine <~ tract> <~ distress>

gas·tron·o·my noun
[ORIGIN: F gastronomie, fr. Gk Gastronomia, title of a 4th cent. B.C. poem, fr. gastēr belly + -nomia system of laws]

: the art of good eating

— gas·tro·nom·ic also gas·tro·nom·i·cal adjective

gas·tro·pod noun
: any of a large class of mollusks (as snails and slugs) with a muscular foot and a spiral shell or none

— gastropod adjective

gas·works noun singular or plural
: a plant for manufacturing gas

gate noun
1 : an opening for passage in a wall or fence
2 : a city or castle entrance often with defensive structures
3 : the frame or door that closes a gate
4 : a device (as a valve) for controlling the passage of a fluid or signal
5 : the total admission receipts or the number of people at an event

Synonyms
[1] door, doorway, entrance, gateway, way—more at DOOR
[4] cock, faucet, spigot, tap, valve—more at FAUCET

-gate noun combining form
[ORIGIN: Watergate, scandal that resulted in the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974]

: usu. political scandal often involving the concealment of wrongdoing

gate–crash·er noun
: a person who enters without paying admission or attends without invitation

gate·keep·er noun
: a person who tends or guards a gate

Synonyms
doorkeeper, janitor—more at DOORKEEPER

gate·post noun
: the post to which a gate is hung or the one against which it closes

gate·way noun
1 : an opening for a gate
2 : a means of entrance or exit

Synonyms
access, admission, doorway, entrance, entry, entrée—more at ENTRANCE

1gather verb
1 : to bring or come together : COLLECT
2 : to bring in a crop : PICK, HARVEST
3 : to pick up little by little
4 : to gain or win by gradual increase : ACCUMULATE <~ speed>
5 : to summon up <~ courage to dive>
6 : to draw about or close to something
7 : to pull (fabric) along a line of stitching into puckers
8 : to reach a conclusion often intuitively from hints or through inferences : DEDUCE, INFER
9 : ASSEMBLE
10 : to swell out and fill with pus
11 : GROW, INCREASE

— gath·er·er noun

Synonyms
[1] accumulate, amass, assemble, collect, concentrate, garner, group, lump, pick up, round up, scrape; also aggregate, agglomerate, ball, bunch, cluster, huddle; heap, pile, stack; muster, raise, rally; flock, herd, hive, pack, press, swarm, throng, troop; congregate, forgather, meet, rendezvous; affiliate, ally, combine, connect, join, link, merge, unite; arrange, organize, systematize; regather, regroup
Antonyms
dispel, disperse, dissipate, scatter
[1] assemble, congregate, convene, forgather, meet, rendezvous—more at ASSEMBLE
[2] harvest, pick, reap—more at HARVEST
[3] build, gain, grow, pick up—more at GAIN
[8] conclude, deduce, extrapolate, infer, judge, reason, understand—more at INFER

2gather noun
: a puckering in cloth made by gathering

gathering noun
1 : a company of persons gathered for deliberation and legislation, worship, or entertainment
2 : something compiled

Synonyms
[1] assemblage, assembly, conference, congregation, convocation, meeting, muster; also aggregation, collection, conglomeration; company, coterie, gang, pack; caucus, forum, market, panel, rally, symposium, synod; crowd, flock, horde, legion, multitude, press, swarm, throng; crush, mob, rabble
[2] accumulation, assemblage, collection—more at ACCUMULATION

GATT abbreviation
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

gauche adjective
[ORIGIN: F, lit., left]

1 : lacking social experience or grace; also : not tactful
2 : crudely made or done

Synonyms
awkward, clumsy, graceless, inelegant, stiff, stilted, uncomfortable, uneasy, ungraceful, wooden—more at AWKWARD

gau·che·rie noun
: a tactless or awkward action

gau·cho noun, plural gauchos
: a cowboy of the So. American pampas

gaud noun
: a small ornament (as a jewel or ring)

gaud·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being gaudy

Synonyms
flamboyance, flashiness, glitz, ostentation, pretentiousness, showiness, swank—more at OSTENTATION

gaudy adjective gaud·i·er; -est
1 : ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented
2 : marked by showiness or extravagance

— gaud·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
flamboyant, flashy, garish, glitzy, loud, ostentatious, swank, tawdry; also meretricious, pretentious; graceless, inelegant, tacky, tasteless, vulgar; extravagant, fancy, florid, glittery, spectacular; lurid, ornate, overdone, overwrought
Antonyms
conservative, quiet, understated

1gauge also gage noun
1 : measurement according to some standard or system
2 : DIMENSIONS, SIZE
3 usually gage : an instrument for measuring, testing, or registering

2gauge also gage verb gauged also gaged; gaug·ing also gag·ing
1 : to measure precisely the size, dimensions, or other measurable quantity of
2 : to determine the capacity or contents of
3 : to determine roughly the size, extent, or nature of : ESTIMATE, JUDGE

Synonyms
[1] measure, scale, span—more at MEASURE
[3] calculate, call, conjecture, estimate, figure, guess, judge, make, place, put, reckon, suppose—more at ESTIMATE

gaunt adjective
1 : excessively thin and angular
2 : BARREN, DESOLATE

— gaunt·ness noun

Synonyms
cadaverous, haggard, skeletal, wasted

1gauntlet noun
1 : a protective glove
2 : an open challenge (as to combat)
3 : a dress glove extending above the wrist

2gauntlet noun
1 : a severe trial : ORDEAL
2 : a double file of men armed with weapons (as clubs) with which to strike at an individual who is made to run between them

Synonyms
cross, ordeal, trial—more at TRIAL

gauze noun
: a very thin often transparent fabric used esp. for draperies and surgical dressings

gauzy adjective gauz·i·er; -est
: made of or resembling gauze; also : marked by vagueness, elusiveness, or fuzziness

Synonyms
flimsy, insubstantial, sheer, unsubstantial—more at FLIMSY

gave past of GIVE

gav·el noun
: the mallet of a presiding officer or auctioneer

ga·votte noun
: a dance of French peasant origin marked by the raising rather than sliding of the feet

gawk verb
: to gape or stare stupidly

— gawk·er noun

Synonyms
gape, gaze, goggle, peer, rubberneck, stare—more at GAPE

gawky adjective gawk·i·er; -est
: lacking ease or grace (as of movement or expression) : AWKWARD, CLUMSY

— gawk·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
awkward, clumsy, graceless, heavy-handed, lubberly, lumpish, ungainly, unhandy—more at CLUMSY

gay adjective
1 : happily excited : MERRY
2 : bright and lively in appearance
3 : brilliant in color
4 : given to social pleasures; also : LICENTIOUS
5 : HOMOSEXUAL; also : of, relating to, or used by homosexuals

Synonyms
[1] active, animate, animated, brisk, energetic, frisky, jaunty, jazzy, lively, peppy, perky, pert, racy, snappy, spirited, sprightly, springy, vital, vivacious—more at LIVELY
[1] blithe, boon, festive, gleeful, jocund, jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful, sunny—more at MERRY
[2] bright, cheerful, cheery, glad, upbeat—more at CHEERFUL

gayety, gayly variant of GAIETY, GAILY

gaz abbreviation
gazette

gaze verb gazed; gaz·ing
: to fix the eyes in a steady intent look

— gaze noun

— gaz·er noun

Synonyms
gape, gawk, goggle, peer, rubberneck, stare—more at GAPE

ga·ze·bo noun, plural -bos
1 : BELVEDERE
2 : a freestanding roofed structure usu. open on the sides

ga·zelle noun, plural gazelles also gazelle
: any of numerous small swift graceful antelopes

ga·zette noun
1 : NEWSPAPER
2 : an official journal

gaz·et·teer noun
: a geographical dictionary

ga·zil·lion noun
: ZILLION

— gazillion adjective

— ga·zil·lionth adjective

gaz·pa·cho noun, plural -chos
[ORIGIN: Sp]

: a spicy soup usu. made from raw vegetables and served cold

GB abbreviation
Great Britain

GCA abbreviation
ground-controlled approach

gd abbreviation
good

Gd symbol
gadolinium

GDR abbreviation
German Democratic Republic

Ge symbol
germanium

gear noun
1 : CLOTHING
2 : movable property : GOODS
3 : the implements used in an operation or activity : EQUIPMENT <fishing ~>
4 : a mechanism that performs a specific function <steering ~>
5 : a toothed wheel
6 : working adjustment of gears <in ~>
7 : an adjustment of transmission gears (as of an automobile or bicycle) that determines speed and direction of travel

— gear verb

Synonyms
accoutrements, apparatus, equipment, matériel, outfit, paraphernalia, tackle—more at EQUIPMENT

gear·box noun
: TRANSMISSION 3

gear·shift noun
: a mechanism by which transmission gears are shifted

gear·wheel noun
: GEAR 5

gecko noun, plural geck·os also geck·oes
: any of numerous small chiefly tropical insect-eating lizards

GED abbreviation
1 General Educational Development (tests)
2 general equivalency diploma

geek noun
: a person of an intellectual bent who is often disliked

— geeky adjective

geese plural of GOOSE

gee·zer noun
: an odd or eccentric person usu. of old age

Gei·ger counter noun
: an electronic instrument for detecting the presence of cosmic rays or radioactive substances

gei·sha noun, plural geisha or geishas
[ORIGIN: Jp, fr. gei art + -sha person]

: a Japanese girl or woman who is trained to provide entertaining company for men

1gel noun
: a solid jellylike colloid (as gelatin dessert)

2gel verb
: to change into or take on the form of a gel

Synonyms
clot, coagulate, congeal, jell, set—more at COAGULATE

gel·a·tin also gel·a·tine noun
: glutinous material and esp. protein obtained from animal tissues by boiling and used as a food, in dyeing, and in photography; also : an edible jelly formed with gelatin

ge·lat·i·nous adjective
: resembling gelatin or jelly

Synonyms
adhesive, gluey, glutinous, gooey, gummy, sticky, viscid, viscous—more at STICKY

geld verb
: CASTRATE

geld·ing noun
: a castrated male horse

gel·id adjective
: extremely cold

gem noun
1 : a usu. valuable stone cut and polished for ornament
2 : something valued for beauty or perfection

Synonyms
[1] brilliant, jewel; also birthstone; baguette, cameo, scarab, solitaire; paste, rhinestone, zircon
[2] catch, jewel, pearl, plum, prize, treasure—more at PRIZE

Gem·i·ni noun
1 : a zodiacal constellation between Taurus and Cancer usu. pictured as twins sitting together
2 : the 3d sign of the zodiac in astrology; also : one born under this sign

gem·ol·o·gy or gem·mol·o·gy noun
: the science of gems

— gem·olog·i·cal adjective

— gem·ol·o·gist also gem·mol·o·gist noun

gem·stone noun
: a mineral or petrified material that when cut and polished can be used in jewelry

gen abbreviation
1 general
2 genitive

Gen abbreviation
Genesis

Gen AF abbreviation
general of the air force

gen·darme noun
[ORIGIN: F, intended as sing. of gensdarmes, pl. of gent d'armes, lit., armed people]

: a member of a body of soldiers esp. in France serving as an armed police force

gen·der noun
[ORIGIN: ME gendre, fr. AF genre, gendre, fr. L gener-, genus birth, race, kind, gender]

1 : any of two or more divisions within a grammatical class that determine agreement with and selection of other words or grammatical forms
2 : SEX 1

gene noun
: a part of DNA or RNA that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait (as eye color) or activity or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes

— gen·ic adjective

ge·ne·al·o·gy noun, plural -gies
: an ancestral line : PEDIGREE, LINEAGE; also : the study of family pedigrees

— ge·ne·a·log·i·cal adjective

— ge·ne·a·log·i·cal·ly adverb

— ge·ne·al·o·gist noun

Synonyms
ancestry, birth, blood, bloodline, breeding, descent, extraction, family tree, line, lineage, origin, parentage, pedigree, stock, strain—more at ANCESTRY

genera plural of GENUS

1general adjective
1 : of or relating to the whole
2 : taken as a whole
3 : relating to or covering all instances
4 : not special or specialized
5 : common to many <a ~ custom>
6 : not limited in meaning : not specific
7 : holding superior rank <inspector ~>

Synonyms
[1] blanket, common, generic, global, overall, universal; also broad, collective, comprehensive, extensive, pervasive, sweeping, ubiquitous, wholesale, wide, widespread; complete, full, plenary; planetary, worldwide
Antonyms
individual, particular
[4] all-around, broad, nonspecific, overall, unlimited, wide; also comprehensive, inclusive; absolute, boundless, expansive, extensive, infinite, panoramic, sweeping, vast; indeterminate, nebulous, nondescript, vague; nonspecific, unrestricted, unspecified
Antonyms
delineated, detailed, particularized, specific
[5] characteristic, common, communal, contemporary, current, dominant, everyday, familiar, household, popular, predominant, present, public, rife, typical, universal, usual, well-known, widespread
Antonyms
uncommon, unpopular

2general noun
1 : something that involves or is applicable to the whole
2 : a commissioned officer ranking next below a general of the army or a general of the air force
3 : a commissioned officer of the highest rank in the marine corps

— in general

: for the most part

general assembly noun
1 : a legislative assembly; especially : a U.S. state legislature
2 cap G&A : the supreme deliberative body of the United Nations

gen·er·al·i·sa·tion, gen·er·al·ise, gen·er·al·ised British variant of GENERALIZATION, GENERALIZE, GENERALIZED

gen·er·a·lis·si·mo noun, plural -mos
[ORIGIN: It, fr. generale general]

: the chief commander of an army

gen·er·al·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being general
2 : a general statement, law, principle, or proposition : GENERALIZATION 2
3 : a vague or inadequate statement
4 : the greatest part : BULK

Synonyms
body, bulk, core, main, mass, staple, weight—more at BODY

gen·er·al·i·za·tion noun
1 : the act or process of generalizing
2 : a general statement, law, principle, or proposition

Synonyms
aphorism, generality, maxim, stereotype; also concept, conception, notion; precept, rule, rule of thumb; adage, proverb, saw, saying; cliché, commonplace, platitude, truism; hypothesis, proposition, theory

gen·er·al·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make general
2 : to draw general conclusions from
3 : to reach a general conclusion esp. on the basis of particular instances
4 : to extend throughout the body

gen·er·al·ly adverb
1 : in a general manner
2 : as a rule

Synonyms
commonly, naturally, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually—more at NATURALLY
altogether, basically, chiefly, largely, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, primarily, principally—more at CHIEFLY

general of the air force
: a commissioned officer of the highest rank in the air force

general of the army
: a commissioned officer of the highest rank in the army

general practitioner noun
: a physician or veterinarian whose practice is not limited to a specialty

gen·er·al·ship noun
1 : office or tenure of office of a general
2 : LEADERSHIP
3 : military skill as a high commander

general store noun
: a retail store that carries a wide variety of goods but is not divided into departments

gen·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to bring into existence : PRODUCE

Synonyms
create, engender, induce, make, produce, spawn; also begin, establish, father, found, inaugurate, initiate, institute, introduce, set, set up; bring about, effect; concoct, contrive, cook (up), design, devise, fabricate, hatch, make up

gen·er·a·tion noun
1 : a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor; also : the average period between generations
2 : PRODUCTION

Generation X noun
: the generation of Americans born in the 1960s and 1970s

gen·er·a·tive adjective
: having the power or function of generating, originating, producing, or reproducing <~ organs>

gen·er·a·tor noun
1 : one that generates
2 : a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

ge·ner·ic adjective
1 : not specific : GENERAL
2 : not protected by a trademark <a ~ drug>
3 : of or relating to a biological genus

— generic noun

— ge·ner·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
blanket, common, general, global, overall, universal—more at GENERAL

gen·er·ous adjective
1 : free in giving or sharing
2 : HIGH-MINDED, NOBLE
3 : marked by abundance or ample proportions : COPIOUS

— gen·er·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] bountiful, charitable, free, liberal, munificent, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing; also extravagant, handsome, lavish, profuse, unstinting; altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, hospitable, humanitarian, philanthropic; compassionate, good-hearted, greathearted, kindly, magnanimous
Antonyms
cheap, close, closefisted, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, selfish, stingy, tight, tightfisted, uncharitable
[3] abundant, ample, bountiful, comfortable, copious, liberal, plentiful—more at PLENTIFUL

gen·er·os·i·ty noun
1 : the quality or fact of being generous
2 : a generous act

Synonyms
bounty, liberality, philanthropy, unselfishness—more at LIBERALITY

gen·er·ous·ly adverb
: in a generous manner

Synonyms
bountifully, handsomely, liberally, well—more at WELL

gen·e·sis noun, plural -e·ses
: the origin or coming into existence of something

Synonyms
beginning, birth, commencement, dawn, launch, morning, onset, outset, start, threshold—more at BEGINNING

Genesis noun
: the mainly narrative first book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures

gene–splic·ing noun
: the process of preparing recombinant DNA

gene therapy noun
: the insertion of normal or altered genes into cells usu. to replace defective genes esp. in the treatment of genetic disorders

ge·net·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to the origin, development, or causes of something
2 a : of or relating to genetics
b : of, relating to, caused by, or controlled by genes

— ge·net·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
hereditary, heritable, inborn, inherited—more at HEREDITARY

genetic code noun
: the chemical code that is the basis of genetic inheritance and consists of units of three linked chemical groups in DNA and RNA which specify particular amino acids used to make proteins or which start or stop the process of making proteins

genetic engineering noun
: the alteration of genetic material esp. by cutting up and joining together DNA from one or more species of organism and inserting the result into an organism

— genetically engineered adjective

ge·net·ics noun
: a branch of biology dealing with heredity and variation

— ge·net·i·cist noun

ge·nial adjective
1 : favorable to growth or comfort <~ sunshine>
2 : marked by or diffusing sympathy or friendliness <a ~ host>

— ge·nial·ly adverb

Synonyms
affable, agreeable, amiable, good-natured, gracious, nice, sweet, well-disposed—more at AMIABLE
amicable, companionable, comradely, cordial, friendly, hearty, hospitable, neighborly, sociable, warm, warmhearted—more at FRIENDLY

ge·nial·i·ty noun
: the quality of being genial; especially : warmth of disposition and manners

Synonyms
agreeableness, amenity, amiability, graciousness, niceness, pleasantness, sweetness—more at AMIABILITY

-gen·ic adjective combining form
1 : producing : forming
2 : produced by : formed from
3 : suitable for production or reproduction by (such) a medium

ge·nie noun, plural ge·nies also ge·nii
[ORIGIN: F génie, fr. Ar jinnīy]

: a supernatural spirit that often takes human form usu. serving the person who calls on it

gen·i·tal adjective
1 : concerned with reproduction <~ organs>
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by the stage of psychosexual development in psychoanalytic theory in which oral and anal impulses are subordinated to adaptive interpersonal mechanisms

— gen·i·tal·ly adverb

gen·i·ta·lia noun plural
: reproductive organs; especially : the external genital organs

— gen·i·ta·lic adjective

gen·i·tals noun plural
: GENITALIA

gen·i·tive adjective
: of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical case marking typically a relationship of possessor or source

— genitive noun

gen·i·to·uri·nary adjective
: of or relating to the genital and urinary organs or functions

ge·nius noun, plural ge·nius·es or ge·nii
[ORIGIN: L, tutelary spirit, natural inclinations, fr. gignere to beget]

1 plural genii : an attendant spirit of a person or place; also : a person who influences another for good or evil
2 : a strong leaning or inclination
3 : a peculiar or distinctive character or spirit (as of a nation or a language)
4 plural usually genii : SPIRIT, GENIE
5 plural usually geniuses : a single strongly marked capacity or aptitude
6 a : extraordinary intellectual power
b : a person having extraordinary intellectual power

Synonyms
[2] bent, devices, disposition, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn
[3] character, complexion, constitution, nature, personality, tone—more at NATURE
[5] aptitude, endowment, faculty, flair, gift, knack, talent—more at TALENT
[6b] brain, intellect, thinker, whiz, wizard; also egghead, highbrow, intellectual; master, virtuoso; ace, crackerjack, natural; sage, savant
Antonyms
dumbbell, dummy, dunce, idiot, imbecile, moron

genl abbreviation
general

geno·cide noun
: the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group

ge·nome noun
1 : one haploid set of chromosomes
2 : the genetic material of an organism

ge·no·mics noun
: a branch of biotechnology concerned esp. with investigating and collecting data about the structure and function of all or part of an organism's genome

-genous adjective combining form
1 : producing : yielding <erogenous>
2 : having (such) an origin <endogenous>

genre noun
1 : a distinctive type or category esp. of literary composition
2 : a style of painting in which everyday subjects are treated realistically

gens noun, plural gen·tes
[ORIGIN: L]

: a Roman clan embracing the families of the same stock in the male line

gent noun
: a man of any social class or condition : GENTLEMAN

Synonyms
buck, chap, dude, fellow, gentleman, guy, hombre, jack, joker, lad, male, man—more at MAN

gen·teel adjective
1 : having an aristocratic quality or flavor; also : of or relating to the gentry or upper class
2 : ELEGANT, STYLISH
3 : free from vulgarity or rudeness : POLITE
4 : maintaining the appearance of superior social status
5 : marked by false delicacy, prudery, or affectation

— gen·teel·ly adverb

— gen·teel·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] aristocratic, gentle, grand, highborn, noble, patrician, wellborn—more at NOBLE
[1] civilized, cultivated, cultured, polished, refined—more at CULTIVATED
[3] civil, courteous, gracious, mannerly, polite, well-bred—more at POLITE
[3] correct, decent, decorous, nice, polite, proper, respectable, seemly—more at PROPER

gen·tian noun
: any of numerous herbs with opposite leaves and showy usu. blue flowers in the fall

gen·tile noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. LL gentilis heathen, pagan, fr. L gent-, gens clan, nation]

1 often cap : a person who is not Jewish; especially : a Christian as distinguished from a Jew
2 : a person who does not acknowledge the God of the Bible : HEATHEN, PAGAN

— gentile adjective, often cap

gen·til·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : good birth and family
2 : the qualities characteristic of a well-bred person
3 : good manners
4 : superior social status shown in manners or mode of life

Synonyms
civility, courtesy, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness—more at POLITENESS

1gentle adjective gen·tler ; gen·tlest
1 : belonging to a family of high social station
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a gentleman
3 : KIND, AMIABLE
4 : TRACTABLE, DOCILE
5 : not harsh, stern, or violent
6 : SOFT, DELICATE
7 : marked by moderation : MODERATE

— gen·tle·ness noun

— gen·tly adverb

Synonyms
[1] aristocratic, genteel, grand, highborn, noble, patrician, wellborn—more at NOBLE
[5] balmy, benign, bland, delicate, light, mellow, mild, soft, soothing, tender; also sleek, slick, smooth; calm, pacific, peaceful, placid, quiet, serene, tranquil; clement, compassionate, easy, lenient, merciful; cushioning, softening
Antonyms
abrasive, caustic, coarse, hard, harsh, rough
[7] balmy, clement, equable, mild, moderate, temperate—more at CLEMENT

2gentle verb gen·tled; gen·tling
1 : to make or become mild, docile, soft, or moderate
2 : MOLLIFY, PLACATE

gen·tle·folk also gen·tle·folks noun
: persons of good family and breeding

gen·tle·man noun
1 : a man of good family
2 : a well-bred man
3 : an adult male human being : MAN — used in pl. as a form of address

— gen·tle·man·ly adjective

Synonyms
[1] aristocrat, grandee, noble, patrician; also squire; cavalier, knight; don, seigneur, sheikh; baron, baronet, count, duke, earl, esquire, lord, marquess, marquis, prince, thane, viscount; magnate, mogul, nabob, czar; socialite, swell
[3] buck, chap, dude, fellow, gent, guy, hombre, jack, joker, lad, male, man—more at MAN

gen·tle·wom·an noun
1 : a woman of good family
2 : a woman attending a lady of rank
3 : a woman with very good manners : LADY

Synonyms
dame, lady, noblewoman; also ladyship, madam; baroness, countess, duchess, marchioness; czarina, empress, queen; dowager, matriarch, matron, mistress

gen·tri·fi·ca·tion noun
: the process of renewal accompanying the influx of middle-class people into deteriorating areas that often displaces earlier usu. poorer residents

— gen·tri·fy verb

gen·try noun, plural gentries
1 : people of good birth, breeding, and education : ARISTOCRACY
2 : the class of English people between the nobility and the yeomanry
3 : persons of a designated class

gen·u·flect verb
: to bend the knee esp. in worship

— gen·u·flec·tion noun

gen·u·ine adjective
1 : actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character : AUTHENTIC, REAL
2 : free from hypocrisy or pretense : SINCERE, HONEST

— gen·u·ine·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] authentic, bona fide, real, right, true—more at AUTHENTIC
[2] artless, honest, ingenuous, innocent, naive, natural, real, simple, sincere, true, unaffected, unpretentious

gen·u·ine·ly adverb
: in a genuine manner : ACTUALLY

Synonyms
actually, authentically, really, veritably, very—more at VERY

ge·nus noun, plural gen·era
[ORIGIN: L, birth, race, kind]

: a category of biological classification that ranks between the family and the species and contains related species

geo·cen·tric adjective
1 : relating to or measured from the earth's center
2 : having or relating to the earth as a center

geo·chem·is·try noun
: a branch of geology that deals with the chemical composition of and chemical changes in the earth

— geo·chem·i·cal adjective

— geo·chem·ist noun

ge·ode noun
: a nodule of stone having a cavity lined with mineral matter

1geodesic adjective
: made of light straight structural elements <a ~ dome>

2geodesic noun
: the shortest line between two points on a surface

geo·det·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or being precise measurement of the earth and its features <a ~ survey>

geog abbreviation
geographic; geographical; geography

ge·og·ra·phy noun, plural -phies
1 : a science that deals with the natural features of the earth and the climate, products, and inhabitants
2 : the natural features of a region

— ge·og·ra·pher noun

— geo·graph·ic or geo·graph·i·cal adjective

— geo·graph·i·cal·ly adverb

geol abbreviation
geologic; geological; geology

ge·ol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
1 : a science that deals with the history of the earth and its life esp. as recorded in rocks; also : a study of the features of a celestial body (as the moon)
2 : the geologic features of an area

— ge·o·log·ic or ge·o·log·i·cal adjective

— geo·log·i·cal·ly adverb

— ge·ol·o·gist noun

geom abbreviation
geometric; geometrical; geometry

geo·mag·net·ic adjective
: of or relating to the magnetism of the earth

— geo·mag·ne·tism noun

geometric mean noun
: the nth root of the product of n numbers; especially : a number that is the second term of three consecutive terms of a geometric progression <the geometric mean of 9 and 4 is 6>

geometric progression noun
: a progression (as 1, 1/2, 1/4) in which the ratio of a term to its predecessor is always the same

ge·om·e·try noun, plural -tries
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. Gk geōmetria, fr. gēometrein to measure the earth, fr. gē earth + metron measure]

1 : a branch of mathematics dealing with the relations, properties, and measurements of solids, surfaces, lines, points, and angles
2 : relative arrangement of parts or elements

— ge·om·e·ter noun

— ge·o·met·ric or ge·o·met·ri·cal adjective

Synonyms
cast, configuration, conformation, figure, form, shape

geo·phys·ics noun
: the physics of the earth

— geo·phys·i·cal adjective

— geo·phys·i·cist noun

geo·pol·i·tics noun
: a combination of political and geographic factors relating to a state

— geo·po·lit·i·cal adjective

geo·ther·mal adjective
: of, relating to, or using the heat of the earth's interior

ger abbreviation
gerund

Ger abbreviation
German; Germany

ge·ra·ni·um noun
[ORIGIN: L, fr. Gk geranion, fr. geranos crane]

: any of a genus of herbs with usu. deeply cut leaves and typically pink, purple, or white flowers; also : any of a related genus of herbs that are native to southern Africa and are widely grown for their clusters of showy usu. red, pink, or white flowers

ger·bil also ger·bile noun
: any of numerous Old World burrowing desert rodents with long hind legs

ge·ri·at·ric adjective
1 : of or relating to geriatrics or the process of aging
2 : of, relating to, or appropriate for elderly people
3 : advanced in years or age : OLD

Synonyms
ancient, elderly, old, senior—more at ELDERLY

ge·ri·at·rics noun
: a branch of medicine dealing with the problems and diseases of old age and aging

germ noun
1 : a bit of living matter capable of growth and development (as into an organism)
2 : SOURCE, RUDIMENTS
3 : MICROORGANISM; especially : one causing disease

Ger·man noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Germany
2 : the language of Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland

— German adjective

— Ger·man·ic adjective

ger·mane adjective
[ORIGIN: ME germain, lit., having the same parents, fr. AF, fr. L germanus, fr. germen sprout, bud]

: being at once relevant and appropriate

Synonyms
applicable, apposite, apropos, material, pertinent, pointed, relative, relevant—more at PERTINENT

ger·ma·ni·um noun
: a grayish white hard chemical element used esp. in semiconductors

German measles noun singular or plural
: an acute contagious virus disease milder than typical measles but damaging to the fetus when occurring early in pregnancy

German shepherd noun
: any of a breed of intelligent responsive working dogs of German origin often used in police work and as guide dogs for the blind

germ cell noun
: an egg or sperm or one of their antecedent cells

ger·mi·cide noun
: an agent that destroys germs

— ger·mi·cid·al adjective

ger·mi·nal adjective
: of or relating to a germ or germ cell; also : EMBRYONIC

ger·mi·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to cause to develop : begin to develop : SPROUT
2 : to come into being : EVOLVE

— ger·mi·na·tion noun

ger·on·tol·o·gy noun
: a scientific study of aging and the problems of the aged

— ge·ron·to·log·i·cal adjective

— ger·on·tol·o·gist noun

ger·ry·man·der verb
: to divide into election districts so as to give one political party an advantage

— gerrymander noun

ger·und noun
: a word having the characteristics of both verb and noun

ge·sta·po noun, plural -pos
[ORIGIN: G, fr. GeheimeStaatspolizei, lit., secret state police]

: a usu. terrorist secret-police organization operating against persons suspected of disloyalty

ges·ta·tion noun
: PREGNANCY, INCUBATION

— ges·tate verb

ges·tic·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to make gestures esp. when speaking

ges·tic·u·la·tion noun
: the act of making gestures; also : an expressive gesture made in showing strong feeling or in enforcing an argument

1gesture noun
1 : a movement usu. of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude
2 : something said or done by way of formality or courtesy, as a symbol or token, or for its effect on the attitudes of others

— ges·tur·al adjective

Synonyms
[1] pantomime, sign, signal; also beck, flourish, shrug, wave; body language, posture; indication, motion
[2] amenity, civility, courtesy, formality—more at CIVILITY

2gesture verb
: to make a gesture; also : to express or direct by a gesture

Synonyms
flag, motion, signal, wave—more at MOTION

ge·sund·heit interjection
[ORIGIN: G, lit., health]

— used to wish good health esp. to one who has just sneezed

1get verb got ; got or got·ten ; get·ting
1 : to gain possession of (as by receiving, acquiring, earning, buying, or winning) : PROCURE, OBTAIN
2 : to succeed in coming or going <got away to the lake>
3 : to cause to come or go <got the car to the station>
4 : to become the father of : BEGET
5 : to cause to be in a certain condition or position <don't ~ wet>
6 : to undergo change or development : BECOME <~ sick>
7 : to make ready : PREPARE
8 : to take possession of : SEIZE
9 : to move emotionally; also : IRRITATE
10 : BAFFLE, PUZZLE
11 : KILL
12 : HIT
13 : to be subjected to <~ the measles>
14 : to receive as punishment
15 : to find out esp. by calculation
16 a : HEAR
b : to grasp the meaning of : UNDERSTAND
17 : to prevail on : PERSUADE, INDUCE
18 : HAVE <he's got no money>
19 : to have as an obligation or necessity <you have got to come>
20 : to establish communication with
21 : to be able <finally got to go to med school>
22 : to come to be <got talking about old times>
23 : to leave at once

Synonyms
[1] acquire, attain, capture, carry, draw, earn, gain, garner, land, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure, win—more at EARN
[6] become, come, go, grow, run, turn, wax—more at BECOME
[8] bag, capture, catch, collar, corral, grab, grapple, hook, land, nab, seize, snare, trap—more at CATCH
[13] catch, come down, contract, sicken, take—more at CONTRACT
[15] ascertain, descry, detect, determine, dig, discover, find, find out, hit, hunt, learn, locate, run down, scout, track—more at FIND
[16b] appreciate, apprehend, catch, catch on, comprehend, grasp, make, make out, perceive, see, seize, tumble, understand—more at COMPREHEND

2get noun
: OFFSPRING, PROGENY

get along verb
1 : to meet one's needs
2 : to be on friendly terms
3 : to proceed toward a destination

Synonyms
[1] cope, do, fare, make out, manage, shift; also carry on, contrive, fend, handle, scrape (by or through), survive; eke out, scrape (out), scrounge, squeeze, wrest, wring; afford, swing
[3] advance, fare, forge, go, march, proceed, progress—more at GO

get·away noun
1 : an act or instance of getting away : ESCAPE
2 : START

Synonyms
escape, flight, lam, slip—more at ESCAPE

get by verb
: to meet one's needs : GET ALONG

get off verb
: to go away from; also : to do or experience the first stages or actions of <got off on the trip early>

Synonyms
clear out, depart, exit, go, move, pull, quit, sally, shove, take off—more at GO
begin, commence, embark, enter, launch, open, start, strike—more at BEGIN

get on verb
1 : to proceed toward a destination
2 : to meet one's needs : GET ALONG

get out verb
1 : to become known; also : to produce or release for distribution
2 : to get away (as by flight); also : to cause to leave or escape

Synonyms
[1] come out, leak, out, spread; also break, develop, transpire, unfold; circulate, disclose, reveal, spill, tell
[1] issue, print, publish—more at PUBLISH
[2] abscond, clear out, escape, flee, fly, lam, run away, run off—more at ESCAPE

get–to·geth·er noun
: an assembly for a common purpose; especially : an informal social gathering

Synonyms
assembly, conference, gathering, meeting—more at MEETING

get·up noun
1 : a clothing ensemble often for a special occasion or activity : OUTFIT, COSTUME
2 : general composition or structure

Synonyms
dress, garb, guise, outfit—more at OUTFIT

gew·gaw noun
: a showy trifle : BAUBLE, TRINKET

Synonyms
bauble, curiosity, knickknack, novelty, ornamental, trinket—more at KNICKKNACK

gey·ser noun
[ORIGIN: Icelandic Geysir, hot spring in Iceland]

: a spring that intermittently shoots up hot water and steam

g–force noun
: the force of gravity or acceleration on a body

Gha·na·ian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Ghana

— Ghanaian adjective

ghast·ly adjective ghast·li·er; -est
1 : terrifyingly horrible to the senses : SHOCKING
2 : resembling a ghost : DEATHLIKE, PALE

Synonyms
appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, horrible, horrid, nightmarish, shocking, terrible—more at HORRIBLE

ghat noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi & Urdu ghāṭ]

: a broad flight of steps on an Indian riverbank that provides access to the water

gher·kin noun
1 : a small prickly fruit of a vine related to the cucumber used to make pickles
2 : an immature cucumber

ghet·to noun, plural ghettos or ghettoes
: a quarter of a city in which members of a minority group live because of social, legal, or economic pressure

1ghost noun
1 : the seat of life : SOUL
2 : a disembodied soul; especially : the soul of a dead person believed to be an inhabitant of the unseen world or to appear in bodily form to living people
3 : SPIRIT, DEMON
4 : a faint trace <a ~ of a smile>
5 : a false image in a photographic negative or on a television screen

— ghost·ly adverb

Synonyms
apparition, bogey, phantasm, phantom, poltergeist, shade, shadow, specter, spirit, spook, vision, wraith; also banshee, demon, familiar, genie, imp, incubus, puck; vampire, zombie

2ghost verb
: GHOSTWRITE

ghost·write verb -wrote ; -writ·ten
: to write for and in the name of another

— ghost·writ·er noun

ghoul noun
[ORIGIN: Ar ghūl]

: a legendary evil being that robs graves and feeds on corpses

— ghoul·ish adjective

Synonyms
demon, devil, fiend, imp—more at DEMON

GHQ abbreviation
general headquarters

gi abbreviation
gill

1GI adjective
[ORIGIN: galvanized iron; fr. abbr. used in listing such articles as garbage cans, but taken as abbr. for government issue]

1 : provided by an official U.S. military supply department <~ shoes>
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of U.S. military personnel
3 : conforming to military regulations or customs <a ~ haircut>

2GI noun, plural GIs or GI's
: a member or former member of the U.S. armed forces; especially : an enlisted man

3GI abbreviation
1 galvanized iron
2 gastrointestinal
3 general issue
4 government issue

1giant noun
1 : a legendary humanlike being of great size and strength
2 : a living being or thing of extraordinary size or powers

Synonyms
behemoth, blockbuster, colossus, jumbo, leviathan, mammoth, monster, titan, whale, whopper; also amazon; bulk, hulk; heavyweight
Antonyms
dwarf, midget, mini, miniature, peewee, pygmy, runt, shrimp

2giant adjective
: having extremely large size, proportion, or power

Synonyms
astronomical, colossal, enormous, gigantic, grand, huge, jumbo, mammoth, massive, monumental, prodigious, titanic, tremendous—more at HUGE

gi·ant·ess noun
: a female giant

giant panda noun
: PANDA 2

gib·ber verb
: to speak rapidly, inarticulately, and often foolishly

Synonyms
babble, chatter, drivel, gabble, jabber, prattle, sputter—more at BABBLE

gib·ber·ish noun
: unintelligible or confused speech or language

Synonyms
babble, bunk, claptrap, drivel, gabble, gobbledygook, hogwash, nonsense, piffle, prattle, rot; also abracadabra; chatter, clatter, gab, gibber, prate, tattle, twaddle; double-talk, hocus-pocus, jive; hot air, gas, wind

1gibbet noun
: GALLOWS

2gibbet verb
1 : to hang on a gibbet
2 : to expose to public scorn
3 : to execute by hanging

gib·bon noun
: any of several tailless apes of southeastern Asia

gib·bous adjective
1 : rounded like the exterior of a sphere or circle
2 : seen with more than half but not all of the apparent disk illuminated <~ moon>
3 : having a hump : HUMPBACKED

gibe or jibe verb gibed or jibed; gib·ing or jib·ing
: to utter taunting words : SNEER

— gibe or jibe noun

Synonyms
deride, jeer, laugh, mock, ridicule, scout—more at RIDICULE

gib·lets noun plural
: the edible viscera of a fowl

Gib·son girl adjective
: of or relating to a style in women's clothing characterized by high necks, full sleeves, and slender waistlines

gid·dy adjective gid·di·er; -est
1 : having a whirling sensation in the head with a tendency to fall : DIZZY
2 : causing dizziness
3 : not serious : FRIVOLOUS, SILLY

— gid·di·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] dizzy, light-headed—more at DIZZY
[3] flighty, frivolous, goofy, harebrained, light-headed, scatterbrained, silly; also foolish, fatuous, inane, nonsensical, thoughtless, witless; crazy, daffy, daft, exuberant, flippant, fluttery, light, lighthearted, playful; sappy, shallow, superficial
Antonyms
earnest, serious, sober

GIF noun
[ORIGIN: graphic interchange format]

: a computer file format for digital images; also : the image itself

gift noun
1 : a special ability : TALENT
2 : something given : PRESENT
3 : the act or power of giving

Synonyms
[1] aptitude, endowment, faculty, flair, genius, knack, talent—more at TALENT
[2] bestowal, donation, freebie, lagniappe, present; also alms, benefaction, beneficence, benevolence, charity, contribution, dole, generosity, offering, philanthropy; grant, subsidy; remembrance, tribute; bonus, boon, windfall; favor, valentine; gratuity, tip; award, prize, reward; bequest, legacy; sacrifice

gift·ed adjective
: TALENTED

1gig noun
1 : a long light ship's boat
2 : a light 2-wheeled one-horse carriage

2gig noun
: a pronged spear for catching fish

— gig verb

3gig noun
: a job for a specified time; especially : an entertainer's engagement

4gig noun
: a military demerit

— gig verb

giga·byte noun
: 1024 megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes; also : one billion bytes

gi·gan·tic adjective
: exceeding the usual (as in size or force)

Synonyms
colossal, enormous, giant, huge, jumbo, mammoth, massive, prodigious, titanic, tremendous—more at HUGE

gig·gle verb gig·gled; gig·gling
: to laugh with repeated short catches of the breath

— gig·gly adjective

giggle noun
: the act of giggling

GIGO abbreviation
garbage in, garbage out

gig·o·lo noun, plural -los
1 : a man supported by a woman usu. in return for his attentions
2 : a professional dancing partner or male escort

Gi·la monster noun
: a large orange and black venomous lizard of the southwestern U.S.

1gild verb gild·ed or gilt ; gild·ing
1 : to overlay with or as if with a thin covering of gold
2 : to give an attractive but often deceptive appearance to

2gild variant of GUILD

1gill noun
: a British measure of capacity equal to 5 fluid ounces; also : a U.S. measure of capacity equal to 5 fluid ounces

2gill noun
: an organ (as of a fish) for obtaining oxygen from water

1gilt adjective
: of the color of gold

2gilt noun
: gold or a substance resembling gold laid on the surface of an object

3gilt noun
: a young female swine

gim·crack noun
: a showy object of little use or value

2gimcrack adjective
: CHEAP, SHODDY

gim·let noun
: a small tool with screw point and cross handle for boring holes

gim·mick noun
1 : an ingenious or novel mechanical device : CONTRIVANCE, GADGET
2 : an important feature that is not immediately apparent : CATCH
3 : a new and ingenious scheme

— gim·micky adjective

Synonyms
[1] contraption, contrivance, gadget, gizmo, jigger—more at GADGET
[3] artifice, device, dodge, jig, ploy, scheme, sleight, stratagem, trick, wile—more at TRICK

gim·mick·ry noun, plural -ries
: an array of or the use of gimmicks

gimpy adjective
: LAME 1

1gin noun
[ORIGIN: ME gin, fr. AF, short for engin engine]

1 : TRAP, SNARE
2 : a machine to separate seeds from cotton

— gin verb

2gin noun
[ORIGIN: by shortening & alter. fr. geneva, kind of gin]

: a liquor distilled from a grain mash and flavored with juniper berries

gin·ger noun
1 : the pungent aromatic rootstock of a tropical plant used esp. as a spice and in medicine; also : the spice or the plant
2 : brisk energy or initiative and high spirits

Synonyms
dash, drive, energy, go, hardihood, life, pep, sap, snap, vigor, vim, vitality, zing, zip—more at VIGOR

ginger ale noun
: a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger

gin·ger·bread noun
1 : a cake made with molasses and flavored with ginger
2 : lavish or superfluous ornament

gin·ger·ly adjective
: very cautious or careful

— gingerly adverb

Synonyms
alert, careful, cautious, circumspect, considerate, guarded, heedful, safe, wary—more at CAREFUL

gin·ger·snap noun
: a thin brittle molasses cookie flavored with ginger

ging·ham noun
: a clothing fabric usu. of yarn-dyed cotton in plain weave

gin·gi·vi·tis noun
: inflammation of the gums

gink·go also ging·ko noun, plural ginkgoes or ginkgos
: a tree of eastern China with fan-shaped leaves often grown as a shade tree

ginkgo bi·lo·ba noun
: an extract of the leaves of ginkgo that is held to enhance mental functioning

gin·seng noun
: an aromatic root of a Chinese or No. American herb used esp. in Chinese medicine; also : one of these herbs

Gip·sy chiefly British variant of GYPSY

gi·raffe noun, plural giraffes
[ORIGIN: It giraffa, fr. Ar zirāfah]

: an African ruminant mammal with a very long neck and a short coat with dark blotches

gird verb gird·ed or girt ; gird·ing
1 : to encircle or fasten (as a sword) with or as if with a belt
2 : to invest esp. with power or authority
3 : PREPARE, BRACE

Synonyms
band, belt, girdle, wrap; also tie up, truss; circle, loop, wind, wreathe; bandage, swathe; chain, cord, enchain, lash, rope, shackle, tape, wire
Antonyms
unwrap
band, bind, tie, truss—more at TIE

gird·er noun
: a horizontal main supporting beam

1girdle noun
1 : something (as a belt or sash) that encircles or confines
2 : a woman's supporting undergarment that extends from the waist to below the hips

2girdle verb gir·dled gir·dling
1 : to encircle with or as if with a girdle
2 : to move around

Synonyms
[1] band, belt, gird, wrap—more at GIRD
[2] circle, circumnavigate, coil, compass, encircle, loop, orbit, ring, round—more at ENCIRCLE

girl noun
1 : a female child
2 : a young woman
3 : SWEETHEART

— girl·hood noun

Synonyms
doll, lass, maid, maiden, miss; also gamine; hoyden, tomboy; hussy; ingenue; belle, deb, debutante, sylph; schoolgirl

girl Friday noun
: a female assistant (as in an office) entrusted with a wide variety of tasks

girl·friend noun
1 : a female friend
2 : a regular female companion in a romantic or sexual relationship

girl·ish adjective
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a girl or girlhood

Synonyms
effeminate, feminine, unmanly, womanly—more at EFFEMINATE

Girl Scout noun
: a member of any of the scouting programs of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America

girth noun
1 : a band around an animal by which something (as a saddle) may be fastened on its back
2 : a measure around something

gist noun
[ORIGIN: AF, it lies, fr. gesir to lie, ultim. fr. L jacēre]

: the main point or part

git dialect variant of GET

Synonyms
core, crux, heart, nub, pith, pivot—more at CRUX

1give verb gave ; giv·en ; giv·ing
1 : to make a present of
2 : to bestow by formal action
3 : to accord or yield to another
4 : to yield to force, strain, or pressure
5 : to put into the possession or keeping of another
6 : to offer to the action of another : PROFFER
7 : to put into the possession of another : DELIVER
8 : to present in public performance or to view
9 : PROVIDE <~ a party>
10 : ATTRIBUTE
11 : to make, form, or yield as a product or result <cows ~ milk>
12 : to yield possession of by way of exchange : PAY
13 : to deliver by some bodily action <gave me a push>
14 : to offer as a pledge <I ~ you my word>
15 : to apply freely or fully : DEVOTE
16 : to cause to have or receive

Synonyms
[1] bestow, contribute, donate, present; also chip in, kick in, pitch in; award, confer, dole (out), endow; afford, furnish, provide; lavish, regale; aid, assist, benefit, help; administer, dispense, issue, impart, render; extend, offer, pay, proffer, tender; sacrifice
[4] cave, collapse, crumple, go, yield—more at COLLAPSE
[5] commend, commit, consign, delegate, deliver, entrust, hand over, leave, pass, transfer, transmit, trust, turn over, vest; also confer, grant; assign, deal (out), dispense, disperse, distribute, divide; release, relinquish, submit, surrender, turn in, yield; bequeath, hand down, will; advance, lend, loan; furnish, supply
Antonyms
hold, keep, retain
[6] extend, offer, proffer, tender—more at OFFER
[8] carry, mount, offer, present, stage—more at PRESENT

2give noun
1 : capacity or tendency to yield to force or strain
2 : the quality or state of being springy

give–and–take noun
1 : the practice of making mutual concessions : COMPROMISE
2 : a usu. good-natured exchange (as of remarks or ideas)

Synonyms
[1] accommodation, compromise, concession, negotiation—more at CONCESSION
[2] argument, colloquy, conference, deliberation, discourse, discussion, parley, talk—more at DISCUSSION

give·away noun
1 : an unintentional revelation or betrayal
2 : something given away free; especially : PREMIUM

give away verb
1 : to make a present of
2 : to deliver (a bride) ceremonially to the bridegroom at a wedding
3 : to reveal or make known sometimes unintentionally

Synonyms
bespeak, betray, demonstrate, display, evince, expose, manifest, reveal, show—more at SHOW

give in verb
: to yield under insistence or entreaty : SUBMIT, SURRENDER

Synonyms
bow, budge, capitulate, concede, knuckle under, quit, submit, succumb, surrender, yield—more at YIELD

1given adjective
1 : having a tendency or inclination : INCLINED <~ to swearing>
2 : SPECIFIED, PARTICULAR <at a ~ time>

Synonyms
apt, inclined, prone—more at PRONE
accustomed, used, wont—more at ACCUSTOMED

2given preposition
: CONSIDERING

given name noun
: a name that precedes one's surname

give out verb
1 : EMIT
2 : BREAK DOWN
3 : to become exhausted : COLLAPSE

give up verb
1 : to yield control or possession of : SURRENDER
2 : to abandon (oneself) to a feeling, influence, or activity
3 : to cease doing or attempting something esp. as an admission of defeat : QUIT

Synonyms
[1] cede, deliver, hand over, leave, relinquish, render, surrender, turn over, yield—more at SURRENDER
[3] discontinue, drop, knock off, lay off, quit—more at QUIT

giz·mo also gis·mo noun, plural gizmos also gismos
: an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty : GADGET

Synonyms
contraption, contrivance, gadget, gimmick, jigger—more at GADGET

giz·zard noun
: the muscular usu. horny-lined enlargement of the alimentary canal of a bird used for churning and grinding up food

gla·cial adjective
1 : suggestive of ice: as
a : extremely cold
b : devoid of warmth and cordiality
2 : of or relating to glaciers
3 : being or relating to a past period of time when a large part of the earth was covered by glaciers
4 cap : PLEISTOCENE
5 : very slow <a ~ pace>

— gla·cial·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1a] arctic, bitter, cold, freezing, frigid, polar, raw, wintry—more at COLD
[1b] chill, chilly, cold, cold-blooded, cool, frigid, frosty, icy, unfriendly, unsympathetic, wintry—more at COLD

gla·ci·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to subject to glacial action
2 : to produce glacial effects in or on

— gla·ci·a·tion noun

gla·cier noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF dial. (Savoy), fr. glace ice, fr. L glacies]

: a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or spreading outward on a land surface

1glad adjective glad·der; glad·dest
1 : experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight
2 : PLEASED
3 : very willing
4 : PLEASANT, JOYFUL
5 : causing happiness and joy : CHEERFUL

— glad·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] blissful, delighted, happy, joyful, pleased; also beaming, blithe, blithesome, buoyant, cheerful, cheery, gay, gladsome, lighthearted, sunny, upbeat; gleeful, jocund, jolly, jovial, laughing, merry, mirthful, smiling; carried away, ecstatic, elated, enraptured, entranced, euphoric, exhilarated, intoxicated, rapturous, rhapsodic; exuberant, exultant, jubilant, rapt, rejoicing, thrilled; hopeful, rosy, sanguine
Antonyms
displeased, joyless, sad, unhappy, unsatisfied
[3] amenable, disposed, game, inclined, ready, willing—more at WILLING
[5] bright, cheerful, cheery, gay—more at CHEERFUL

2glad noun
: GLADIOLUS

glad·den verb
: to make glad

Synonyms
content, delight, gratify, please, rejoice, satisfy, suit, warm—more at PLEASE

glade noun
: a grassy open space surrounded by woods

glad·i·a·tor noun
1 : a person engaged in a fight to the death for public entertainment in ancient Rome
2 : a person engaging in a public fight or controversy; also : PRIZEFIGHTER

glad·i·a·to·ri·al adjective
1 : of, relating to, or suggestive of gladiators or the combats of gladiators
2 : inclined toward controversy or contention

glad·i·o·lus noun, plural -o·li or -olus
[ORIGIN: L, fr. dim. of gladius sword]

: any of a genus of chiefly African plants related to the irises and having erect sword-shaped leaves and stalks of bright colored flowers

glad·ness noun
: the quality or state of being glad

Synonyms
blessedness, bliss, felicity, happiness, joy—more at HAPPINESS
contentment, delectation, delight, enjoyment, gratification, pleasure, relish, satisfaction—more at PLEASURE

glad·some adjective
: giving or showing joy : CHEERFUL

glad·stone noun, often cap
: a suitcase with flexible sides on a rigid frame that opens flat into two compartments

glam noun
: extravagantly showy glamour

— glam adjective

glam·or·ise British variant of GLAMORIZE

glam·or·ize also glam·our·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to make or look upon as glamorous; also : treat as idealized or heroic

Synonyms
dream, glorify, idealize—more at IDEALIZE

glam·or·ous also glam·our·ous adjective
: full of glamour : excitingly attractive

Synonyms
exotic, fantastic, marvelous, outlandish, romantic, strange—more at EXOTIC
alluring, attractive, captivating, charming, elfin, engaging, fascinating, fetching, magnetic, seductive—more at FASCINATING

glam·our also glam·or noun
[ORIGIN: Sc glamour magic spell, alter. of E grammar; fr. the popular association of erudition with occult practices]

: an exciting and often illusory and romantic attractiveness; especially : alluring personal attraction

Synonyms
allure, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charisma, charm, enchantment, fascination, magic, magnetism—more at CHARM

1glance verb glanced; glanc·ing
1 : to strike and fly off to one side
2 : to flash or gleam with quick intermittent rays of light
3 : to give a quick look

Synonyms
[1] bounce, carom, rebound, ricochet, skim, skip; also brush, graze, nudge, shave, sweep; bump, contact, hit, kiss, touch; sideswipe; reflect
[2] flame, flash, gleam, glimmer, glisten, glitter, scintillate, shimmer, sparkle, twinkle, wink—more at FLASH
[3] browse, dip, glimpse, peek, skim; also peep; blink, squint; look over, scan
Antonyms
stare, gaze

2glance noun
1 : a quick intermittent flash or gleam
2 : a deflected impact or blow
3 : a quick look

Synonyms
cast, eye, gander, glimpse, look, peek, peep, regard, sight, view—more at LOOK

gland noun
: a cell or group of cells that prepares and secretes a substance (as saliva or sweat) for further use in or discharge from the body

glan·du·lar adjective
: of, relating to, or involving glands

glans noun, plural glan·des
[ORIGIN: L, lit., acorn]

: a conical vascular body forming the extremity of the penis or clitoris

1glare verb glared; glar·ing
1 : to shine with a harsh dazzling light
2 : to stare fiercely or angrily

Synonyms
[1] beat, blaze, burn, flame, flare; also beam, glow, radiate; flash, glance, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glister, glitter, scintillate, shimmer, sparkle, twinkle; bedazzle, blind, daze, dazzle
[2] frown, gloom, glower, lower, scowl—more at FROWN

2glare noun
1 : a harsh dazzling light
2 : an angry or fierce stare

glaring adjective
: very conspicuous <a ~ error>

— glar·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
blatant, conspicuous, egregious, flagrant, gross, obvious, patent, prominent, pronounced, rank, striking—more at EGREGIOUS

glass noun
1 : a hard brittle amorphous usu. transparent or translucent material consisting typically of silica
2 : something made of glass; especially : TUMBLER 2
3 plural : a pair of lenses used to correct defects of vision : SPECTACLES
4 : the quantity held by a glass container

— glass adjective

— glass·ful noun

— glassy adjective

Synonyms glasses
eyeglasses, spectacles; also bifocals; monocle, pince-nez; sunglasses; goggles; contact lens

glass·blow·ing noun
: the art of shaping a mass of glass that has been softened by heat by blowing air into it through a tube

— glass·blow·er noun

glass·ware noun
: articles made of glass

glau·co·ma noun
: a disease of the eye marked by increased pressure within the eyeball resulting in damage to the retina and gradual loss of vision

1glaze verb glazed; glaz·ing
1 : to furnish (as a window frame) with glass
2 : to apply glaze to

2glaze noun
: a glassy coating or surface

gla·zier noun
: a person who sets glass in window frames

1gleam noun
1 : a transient subdued or partly obscured light
2 a : a small bright light
b : GLINT
3 : a faint trace <a ~ of hope>

Synonyms
blaze, flare, fluorescence, glare, glow, illumination, incandescence, light, luminescence, radiance, shine—more at LIGHT

2gleam verb
1 : to shine with subdued light or moderate brightness
2 : to appear briefly or faintly

Synonyms
flame, flash, glance, glimmer, glisten, glitter, scintillate, shimmer, sparkle, twinkle, wink—more at FLASH

glean verb
1 : to gather grain left by reapers
2 : to collect little by little or with patient effort

— glean·able adjective

— glean·er noun

glean·ings noun plural
: things acquired by gleaning

glee noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE glēo entertainment, music]

1 : exultant high-spirited joy : HILARITY
2 : a part-song for three usu. male voices

Synonyms
cheer, cheerfulness, festivity, hilarity, joviality, merriment, mirth, mirthfulness—more at MIRTH

glee club noun
: a chorus organized for singing usu. short choral pieces

glee·ful adjective
: full of glee

Synonyms
blithe, boon, festive, gay, jocund, jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful, sunny—more at MERRY

glen noun
: a narrow hidden valley

glen·gar·ry noun, plural -ries often cap
: a woolen cap of Scottish origin

glib adjective glib·ber; glib·best
: speaking or spoken with careless ease

— glib·ly adverb

glide verb glid·ed; glid·ing
1 : to move smoothly and effortlessly
2 : to descend gradually without engine power <~ in an airplane>

— glide noun

Synonyms
[1] bowl, breeze, coast, drift, flow, roll, sail, skim, slide, slip, stream, sweep, whisk—more at FLOW
[2] fly, plane, soar, wing—more at FLY

glid·er noun
1 : one that glides
2 : an aircraft resembling an airplane but having no engine
3 : a porch seat suspended from an upright frame

1glimmer verb
: to shine faintly or unsteadily

Synonyms
flame, flash, glance, gleam, glisten, glitter, scintillate, shimmer, sparkle, twinkle, wink—more at FLASH

2glimmer noun
1 : a faint unsteady light
2 : INKLING
3 : a small amount : HINT

Synonyms
hint, little, mite, particle, touch, trace—more at PARTICLE

1glimpse verb glimpsed; glimps·ing
: to take a brief look : see momentarily or incompletely

Synonyms
browse, dip, glance, peek, skim—more at GLANCE

2glimpse noun
1 : a faint idea : GLIMMER
2 : a short hurried look

Synonyms
cast, eye, gander, glance, look, peek, peep, regard, sight, view—more at LOOK

glint verb
1 : to shine by reflection : SPARKLE, GLEAM
2 : to appear briefly or faintly

— glint noun

glis·san·do noun, plural -di or -dos
: a rapid sliding up or down the musical scale

1glisten verb
: to shine by reflection with a soft luster or sparkle

Synonyms
flame, flash, glance, gleam, glimmer, glitter, scintillate, shimmer, sparkle, twinkle, wink—more at FLASH

2glisten noun
: GLITTER, SPARKLE

glis·ter verb
: to shine by reflection with many small flashes of brilliant light : GLITTER

glitch noun
: MALFUNCTION; also : SNAG 2

1glitter verb
1 : to shine with brilliant or metallic luster : SPARKLE
2 : to shine with strong emotion : FLASH <eyes ~ing in anger>
3 : to be brilliantly attractive esp. in a superficial way

Synonyms
flame, flash, glance, gleam, glimmer, glisten, scintillate, shimmer, sparkle, twinkle, wink—more at FLASH

2glitter noun
1 : sparkling brilliancy, showiness, or attractiveness
2 : small glittering objects used for ornamentation

— glit·tery adjective

glitz noun
: extravagant showiness

Synonyms
flamboyance, flashiness, gaudiness, ostentation, pretentiousness, showiness, swank—more at OSTENTATION

glitzy adjective
: having glitz

Synonyms
flamboyant, flashy, garish, gaudy, loud, ostentatious, swank, tawdry—more at GAUDY

gloam·ing noun
: the light from the sky between full night and sunrise or between sunset and full night : TWILIGHT, DUSK

Synonyms
dusk, evening, nightfall, sundown, sunset, twilight—more at DUSK

gloat verb
: to think about something with triumphant and often malicious delight

glob noun
1 : a small drop
2 : a large rounded mass

Synonyms
[1] blob, driblet, drip, drop, droplet—more at DROP
[2] blob, chunk, clod, clump, gob, hunk, lump, nub, wad—more at LUMP

glob·al adjective
1 : of, relating to, or involving the entire world : WORLDWIDE
2 : of, relating to, or applying to a whole : COMPREHENSIVE, GENERAL

— glob·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
blanket, common, general, generic, overall, universal—more at GENERAL
compendious, complete, comprehensive, encyclopedic, full, inclusive, omnibus, panoramic, universal—more at ENCYCLOPEDIC

glob·al·i·za·tion noun
: the development of an increasingly integrated global economy

Global Positioning System noun
: GPS

global warming noun
: an increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures due to an increase in the greenhouse effect

globe noun
1 : a round body : BALL, SPHERE
2 : the planet on which we live that is third in order from the sun : EARTH; also : a spherical representation of the earth

globe–trot·ter noun
: a person who travels widely

— globe–trot·ting noun or adjective

glob·u·lar adjective
: having the shape of a globe or globule

glob·ule noun
: a tiny globe or ball esp. of a liquid

glob·u·lin noun
: any of a class of simple proteins insoluble in pure water but soluble in dilute salt solutions that occur widely in plant and animal tissues

glock·en·spiel noun
[ORIGIN: G, fr. Glocke bell + Spiel play]

: a percussion musical instrument consisting of a series of metal bars played with two hammers

gloom noun
1 : partial or total darkness
2 : lowness of spirits : DEJECTION
3 : an atmosphere of despondency

Synonyms
[1] dark, darkness, dusk, gloaming, murk, night, semidarkness, shade, shadow, twilight—more at DARK
[2] blues, dejection, depression, doldrums, dumps, melancholy, sadness—more at SADNESS

gloom·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being gloomy

gloomy adjective gloom·i·er -est
1 : partially or totally dark
2 : causing gloom; also : lacking in promise or hopefulness
3 : low in spirits

— gloom·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dark, darkling, dim, dusky, murky, obscure, somber—more at DARK
[2] bleak, dark, depressing, desolate, dismal, dreary, glum, gray, miserable, murky, somber; also dejected, depressed, despondent, disconsolate, droopy, inconsolable, low, melancholy, sad, unhappy, woebegone, woeful; discomfiting, discouraging, disheartening, dismaying, dispiriting, distressing, distressful, upsetting; desperate, hopeless, pessimistic; elegiac, lamentable, lugubrious, mournful, sorrowful; cloudy, colorless, drab, dull; dour, grim, lowering, menacing, negative, oppressive, threatening
Antonyms
bright, cheerful, gay, festive, friendly, heartwarming, sunshiny
[3] blue, dejected, depressed, down, downcast, forlorn, glum, low, melancholy, miserable, sad, sorrowful, unhappy—more at SAD

Gloomy Gus noun, plural Gloomy Gus·es
: a person who is habitually gloomy

glop noun
: a messy mass or mixture

glo·ri·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to raise to heavenly glory
2 : to light up brilliantly
3 : to represent as glorious : EXTOL
4 : to give glory to (as in worship)
5 : to cause to be or seem to be better than the actual condition
6 : to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration

— glo·ri·fi·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
[3] bless, extol, laud, magnify, praise—more at PRAISE
[4] adore, deify, revere, venerate, worship—more at WORSHIP
[5] dream, glamorize, idealize—more at IDEALIZE
[6] aggrandize, dignify, ennoble, exalt, magnify—more at EXALT

glo·ri·ous adjective
1 : possessing or deserving glory : PRAISEWORTHY
2 : conferring glory
3 : marked by great beauty or splendor : MAGNIFICENT
4 : DELIGHTFUL, WONDERFUL

Synonyms
august, baronial, gallant, grand, grandiose, heroic, imposing, magnificent, majestic, monumental, noble, proud, regal, royal, splendid, stately—more at GRAND

glo·ri·ous·ly adverb
: in a glorious manner

Synonyms
agreeably, delightfully, favorably, felicitously, nicely, pleasantly, pleasingly, satisfyingly, splendidly, well

1glory noun, plural glories
1 : praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent : RENOWN
2 : honor and praise rendered in worship
3 : something that secures praise or renown
4 : a distinguishing quality or asset
5 : great beauty and splendor : RESPLENDENCE, MAGNIFICENCE
6 : heavenly bliss
7 : a height of prosperity or achievement

Synonyms
[1] acclaim, accolade, credit, distinction, fame, homage, honor, laurels, praise, renown; also compliment, encomium, eulogy, panegyric, toast, tribute; acclamation, ovation, plaudit, rave, rhapsody; citation, commendation, note, recommendation; elevation, exaltation, glorification
[3] boast, credit, honor, jewel, pride, treasure; also pièce de résistance, showpiece; attraction, feature, highlight; distinction, excellence, merit, value, virtue
[5] augustness, brilliance, grandeur, grandness, magnificence, majesty, nobility, nobleness, resplendence, splendor, stateliness—more at MAGNIFICENCE

2glory verb glo·ried; glo·ry·ing
: to rejoice proudly : EXULT

Synonyms
crow, delight, exult, joy, rejoice, triumph—more at EXULT

1gloss noun
1 : a surface luster or brightness : SHEEN
2 : outward show

Synonyms
luster, polish, sheen, shine—more at SHINE

2gloss verb
1 : to give a false appearance of acceptableness to <~ over inadequacies>
2 : to deal with too lightly or not at all
3 : to give a gloss to

Synonyms
usually gloss over [1] excuse, palliate, whitewash—more at PALLIATE
usually gloss over [2] brush, condone, disregard, excuse, ignore, pardon, pass over, shrug off, wink—more at EXCUSE
[3] buff, burnish, dress, grind, polish, rub, shine, smooth—more at POLISH

3gloss noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of gloze, fr. ME glose, fr. AF, fr. ML glosa, glossa, fr. Gk glōssa, glōtta tongue, language, unusual word]

1 : an explanatory note (as in the margin of a text)
2 : GLOSSARY
3 : an interlinear translation
4 : a continuous commentary accompanying a text

4gloss verb
: to furnish glosses for

glos·sa·ry noun, plural -ries
: a collection of difficult or specialized terms with their meanings

— glos·sar·i·al adjective

glos·so·la·lia noun
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. Gk glōssa tongue, language + lalia chatter]

: TONGUE 6

1glossy adjective gloss·i·er; -est
: having a surface luster or brightness

— gloss·i·ly adverb

— gloss·i·ness noun

Synonyms
lustrous, polished, satiny, sleek; also silken, silky, slick, slippery; glassy, glazed, shellacked, varnished; gleaming, reflective, glittering, shining
Antonyms
dim, dull, flat, lusterless, matte

2glossy noun, plural gloss·ies
: a photograph printed on smooth shiny paper

glot·tis noun, plural glot·tis·es or glot·ti·des
: the slitlike opening between the vocal cords in the larynx

— glot·tal adjective

glove noun
1 : a covering for the hand having separate sections for each finger
2 : a padded leather covering for the hand for use in a sport

1glow verb
1 : to shine with or as if with intense heat
2 : to have a rich warm usu. ruddy color : FLUSH, BLUSH
3 : to feel hot
4 : to show exuberance or elation <~ with pride>

Synonyms
[1] blaze, burn, flame—more at BURN
[2] bloom, blush, color, crimson, flush, redden—more at BLUSH

2glow noun
1 : brightness or warmth of color; especially : REDNESS
2 : warmth of feeling or emotion
3 : a sensation of warmth
4 : light such as is emitted from a heated substance

Synonyms
blaze, flare, fluorescence, glare, gleam, illumination, incandescence, light, luminescence, radiance, shine—more at LIGHT

glow·er verb
: to stare angrily : SCOWL

— glower noun

Synonyms
frown, glare, gloom, lower, scowl—more at FROWN

glowing adjective
1 : giving off light esp. because of heat
2 : marked by a rich warm coloration; also : marked by a radiant healthfully ruddy coloration
3 : highly enthusiastic

Synonyms
[1] beaming, bright, brilliant, effulgent, incandescent, lambent, lucent, lucid, luminous, lustrous, radiant, refulgent, shiny—more at BRIGHT
[2] florid, flush, rosy, ruddy, sanguine—more at RUDDY

glow·worm noun
: any of various insect larvae or adults that give off light

glox·in·ia noun
: any of a genus of tropical herbs related to the African violets; especially : one with showy bell-shaped or slipper-shaped flowers

gloze verb glozed; gloz·ing
: to make appear right or acceptable : GLOSS

glu·cose noun
1 : a form of crystalline sugar; especially : DEXTROSE
2 : a sweet light-colored syrup made from cornstarch

glue noun
: a jellylike protein substance made from animal materials and used for sticking things together; also : any of various other strong adhesives

— glue verb

Synonyms
adhesive, cement, size; also epoxy, epoxy resin, mucilage; dope, goo, gum

glu·ey adjective
1 : having the quality of glue; also : resembling or suggestive of glue (as in stickiness or consistency)
2 : daubed, smeared, or covered with glue

Synonyms
adhesive, gelatinous, glutinous, gooey, gummy, sticky, viscid, viscous—more at STICKY

glum adjective glum·mer; glum·mest
1 : broodingly morose : SULLEN
2 : having nothing likely to provide cheer, comfort, or interest : DREARY, GLOOMY

Synonyms
[1] sulky, sullen, surly—more at SULKY
[1, 2] bleak, dark, dismal, dreary, gloomy, gray, miserable, murky, sullen—more at GLOOMY

1glut verb glut·ted; glut·ting
1 : to supply with more than is needed or than can be handled
2 : to fill esp. with food to satiety : SATIATE

Synonyms
gorge, sate, satiate, stuff, surfeit—more at GORGE

2glut noun
: an excessive supply

glu·ten noun
: a gluey protein substance that causes dough to be sticky

glu·ti·nous adjective
: having the quality of glue : STICKY

Synonyms
adhesive, gelatinous, gluey, gooey, gummy, sticky, viscid, viscous—more at STICKY

glut·ton noun
: one that eats to excess

— glut·tony noun

glut·ton·ous adjective
: marked by or given to excessive eating or drinking

Synonyms
greedy, hoggish, piggish, rapacious, ravenous, voracious—more at VORACIOUS

glyc·er·in or glyc·er·ine noun
: GLYCEROL

glyc·er·ol noun
: a sweet syrupy alcohol usu. obtained from fats and used esp. as a solvent

gly·co·gen noun
: a white tasteless substance that is the chief storage carbohydrate of animals

gm abbreviation
gram

GM abbreviation
1 general manager
2 guided missile

G–man noun
: a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation

GMT abbreviation
Greenwich mean time

gnarled adjective
1 : KNOTTY
2 : GLOOMY, SULLEN

gnash verb
: to grind (as teeth) together

Synonyms
crunch, grate, grind, grit, scrape—more at GRIND

gnat noun
: any of various small usu. biting dipteran flies

gnaw verb
1 : to consume, wear away, or make by persistent biting or nibbling
2 : to affect as if by gnawing

Synonyms usually gnaw on
bite, champ, chew, chomp, crunch, nibble

gnaw·er noun
: one that gnaws

gneiss noun
: a layered rock similar in composition to granite

gnome noun
: a dwarf of folklore who lives inside the earth and guards precious ore or treasure

— gnom·ish adjective

Synonyms
brownie, dwarf, elf, fairy, fay, hobgoblin, leprechaun, pixie, puck, troll—more at FAIRY

GNP abbreviation
gross national product

gnu noun, plural gnu or gnus
: WILDEBEEST

1go verb went ; gone ; go·ing; goes
1 : to move on a course : PROCEED <~ slow>
2 : to move out of or away from a place expressed or implied : LEAVE, DEPART
3 : to take a certain course or follow a certain procedure <reports ~ through department channels>
4 : to extend from point to point or in a certain direction : RUN <his land ~es to the river>; also : LEAD <that door ~es to the cellar>
5 : to be habitually in a certain state <~es armed after dark>
6 : to become lost, consumed, or spent; also : DIE
7 : ELAPSE, PASS
8 : to pass by sale <went for a good price>
9 : to become impaired or weakened
10 : to give way under force or pressure
11 : to move along in a specified manner <it went well>
12 : to be in general or on an average <cheap, as yachts ~>
13 : to become esp. as the result of a contest <the decision went against him>
14 : to put or subject oneself <~ to great expense>
15 : to have recourse to another : RESORT <went to court to recover damages>
16 : to begin or maintain an action or motion <here ~es>
17 : to function properly <the clock doesn't ~>
18 : to be known <~es by an alias>
19 : to be or act in accordance <a good rule to ~ by>
20 : to come to be applied
21 : to pass by award, assignment, or lot
22 : to contribute to a result <qualities that ~ to make a hero>
23 : to be about, intending, or expecting something <is ~ing to leave town>
24 : to arrive at a certain state or condition <~ to sleep>
25 : to come to be <the tire went flat>
26 : to be capable of being sung or played <the tune ~es like this>
27 : to be suitable or becoming : HARMONIZE
28 : to be capable of passing, extending, or being contained or inserted <this coat will ~ in the trunk>
29 : to have a usual or proper place or position : BELONG <these books ~ on the top shelf>
30 : to be capable of being divided <3 ~es into 6 twice>
31 : to have a tendency <that ~es to show that he is honest>
32 : to be acceptable, satisfactory, or adequate
33 : to empty the bladder or bowels
34 : to proceed along or according to : FOLLOW
35 : to travel through or along : TRAVERSE
36 : to make a wager or offer of : BET, BID <willing to ~ $50>
37 : to assume the function or obligation of <~ bail for a friend>
38 : to participate to the extent of <~ halves>
39 : WEIGH
40 : ENDURE, TOLERATE
41 : AFFORD <can't ~ the price>
42 : SAY — used chiefly in oral narration of speech
43 : to engage in <don't ~ telling everyone>

— go at

1 : ATTACK, ATTEMPT
2 : UNDERTAKE

— go back on

1 : ABANDON
2 : BETRAY
3 : FAIL

— go by the board

: to be discarded

— go for

1 : to pass for or serve as
2 : to try to secure
3 : FAVOR

— go one better

: OUTDO, SURPASS

— go over

1 : EXAMINE
2 : REPEAT
3 : STUDY, REVIEW

— go places

: to be on the way to success

— go steady

: to date one person exclusively

— go to bat for

: DEFEND, CHAMPION

— go to town

1 : to work or act efficiently
2 : to be very successful

Synonyms
[1] advance, fare, forge, get along, march, proceed, progress; also accelerate, fast-forward, speed; approach, near; journey, pass, repair, run, travel, wend; actuate, drive, impel, propel, push; do, go off, take out
Antonyms
remain, stand, stay, stop
[2] clear out, depart, exit, get off, leave, move, pull, quit, sally, shove, take off; also set out, start, strike out; abscond, decamp, escape, evacuate, flee, fly, get out, run away, scram, skip; go out, light out, step out; abandon, desert, forsake, vacate; emigrate; remove, retire, retreat, withdraw
Antonyms
arrive, come, show up, turn up
[4] extend, head, lead, lie, run—more at RUN
usually go for [8] bring, cost, fetch, sell—more at COST
usually go to [15] refer, resort, turn
[35] cover, crisscross, cross, cut, follow, pass, proceed, travel, traverse—more at TRAVERSE

2go noun, plural goes
1 : the act or manner of going
2 : the height of fashion <boots are all the ~>
3 : a turn of affairs : OCCURRENCE
4 : active bodily or mental strength or force : ENERGY, VIGOR
5 : an experimental trial or attempt
6 : a spell of activity

— no go

: USELESS, HOPELESS

— on the go

: constantly active

Synonyms
attempt, crack, endeavor, essay, fling, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack—more at ATTEMPT

3go adjective
: functioning properly

Synonyms
fit, ready, set—more at READY

1goad noun
[ORIGIN: ME gode, fr. OE gād spear, goad]

1 : a pointed rod used to urge on an animal
2 : something that urges

Synonyms
boost, encouragement, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulus, yeast—more at IMPULSE

2goad verb
: to incite or rouse as if with a goad

Synonyms
egg, encourage, exhort, press, prod, prompt, urge—more at URGE

go–ahead noun
: authority to proceed

goal noun
1 : the mark set as limit to a race; also : an area to be reached safely in children's games
2 : the end toward which effort is directed : AIM, PURPOSE
3 : an area or object toward which play is directed to score; also : a successful attempt to score

Synonyms
aim, ambition, aspiration, design, dream, end, intent, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, pretension, purpose, thing; also plot, project, scheme; desire, hope, wish; destination, terminus

goal·ie noun
: GOALKEEPER

goal·keep·er noun
: a player who defends the goal in various games

goal·post noun
: one of the two vertical posts with a crossbar that constitute the goal in various games

goat noun, plural goats or goat
: any of various hollow-horned ruminant mammals related to the sheep that have backward-curving horns, a short tail, and usu. straight hair

goa·tee noun
: a small trim pointed or tufted beard on a man's chin

goat·herd noun
: a person who tends goats

goat·skin noun
: the skin of a goat or a leather made from it

1gob noun
1 : a piece or mass of indefinite size and shape : LUMP, MASS
2 : a large amount — usu. used in pl. <~s of money>

Synonyms
[1] blob, chunk, clod, clump, glob, hunk, lump, mass, nub, wad—more at LUMP
usually gobs [2] abundance, lot, much, plenty, quantity, scads—more at LOT

2gob noun
: a member of a ship's crew : SAILOR

Synonyms
jack, jack-tar, mariner, sailor, seaman, swab, tar—more at SAILOR

gob·bet noun
: a piece or mass of indefinite size and shape : LUMP, MASS

1gobble verb gob·bled; gob·bling
1 : to swallow or eat greedily
2 : to take eagerly : GRAB

2gobble verb gob·bled; gob·bling
: to make the natural guttural noise of a male turkey

gob·ble·dy·gook also gob·ble·de·gook noun
: generally unintelligible jargon

Synonyms
babble, gabble, gibberish, hogwash, jabber, jabberwocky, nonsense—more at GIBBERISH

gob·bler noun
: a male turkey

go–be·tween noun
: an intermediate agent : BROKER

Synonyms
arbiter, arbitrator, broker, intercessor, intermediary, mediator, middleman, peacemaker—more at MEDIATOR

gob·let noun
: a drinking glass with a foot and stem

gob·lin noun
: an ugly or grotesque sprite that is mischievous and sometimes evil and malicious

go·by noun, plural gobies also goby
: any of numerous spiny-finned fishes usu. having the pelvic fins united to form a ventral sucking disk

god noun
1 cap : the supreme reality; especially : the Being worshiped as the creator and ruler of the universe
2 : a being or object believed to have supernatural attributes and powers and to require worship
3 : a thing of supreme value
4 : an extraordinarily attractive person

god·child noun
: a person for whom another person stands as sponsor at baptism

god·daugh·ter noun
: a female godchild

god·dess noun
1 : a female god
2 : a woman whose charm or beauty arouses adoration

god·fa·ther noun
1 : a man who sponsors a person at baptism
2 : the leader of an organized crime syndicate

god·head noun
1 : divine nature or essence
2 cap : GOD 1; also : the nature of God esp. as existing in three persons

Synonyms
deity, divinity—more at DIVINITY

god·hood noun
: the quality or state of being a god : DIVINITY

god·less adjective
: not acknowledging a deity or divine law

— god·less·ness noun

god·like adjective
: resembling or having the qualities of God or a god

Synonyms
blessed, divine, heavenly, holy, sacred, supernatural—more at HOLY

god·li·ness noun
: the quality or state of living a godly life

Synonyms
blessedness, devoutness, holiness, piety, sainthood, sanctity—more at HOLINESS

god·ly adjective god·li·er; -est
1 : DIVINE
2 : marked by or showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine worship : PIOUS, DEVOUT

Synonyms
devout, faithful, holy, pious, religious, sainted, saintly—more at HOLY

god·moth·er noun
: a woman who sponsors a person at baptism

god·par·ent noun
: a sponsor at baptism

god·send noun
: a desirable or needed thing or event that comes unexpectedly

Synonyms
benefit, blessing, boon, felicity, good, manna, windfall—more at BLESSING

god·son noun
: a male godchild

God·speed noun
: a prosperous journey : SUCCESS <bade him ~>

go·fer or go·pher noun
[ORIGIN: alter. of go for]

: an employee whose duties include running errands

go–get·ter noun
: an aggressively enterprising person

— adjective or noun

Synonyms
hustler, live wire, powerhouse, self-starter; also dasher; doer; he-man

go–get·ting adjective
: marked by driving forceful energy, ambition, or initiative

— go-getting noun

Synonyms
aggressive, ambitious, assertive, enterprising, fierce, high-pressure, militant, self-assertive—more at AGGRESSIVE

gog·gle verb gog·gled; gog·gling
: to stare with wide or protuberant eyes

Synonyms
gape, gawk, gaze, peer, rubberneck, stare—more at GAPE

gog·gles noun plural
: protective glasses set in a flexible frame that fits snugly against the face

go–go adjective
1 : related to, being, or employed to entertain in a disco <~ dancers>
2 : aggressively enterprising and energetic

go·ings–on noun plural
: ACTIONS, EVENTS

goi·ter noun
: an abnormally enlarged thyroid gland visible as a swelling at the base of the neck

— goi·trous adjective

goi·tre chiefly British variant of GOITER

go–kart noun
: a small motorized vehicle used esp. for racing

gold noun
1 : a malleable yellow metallic chemical element used esp. for coins and jewelry
2 : gold coins; also : MONEY
3 : a yellow color

gold·brick noun
: a person who shirks assigned work

— goldbrick verb

gold coast noun, often cap G&C
: an exclusive residential district

gold digger noun
: a person who uses charm to extract money or gifts from others

gold·en adjective
1 : made of or relating to gold
2 : having the color of gold; also : BLOND
3 : SHINING, LUSTROUS
4 : SUPERB
5 : marked by success or economic well-being : PROSPEROUS
6 : radiantly youthful and vigorous
7 : tending to promote or facilitate : FAVORABLE, ADVANTAGEOUS <a ~ opportunity>
8 : rich and full but free from garishness or stridency : MELLOW, RESONANT

Synonyms
[2] blond, fair, flaxen, sandy, straw—more at BLOND
[5] booming, palmy, prosperous, roaring, successful—more at PROSPEROUS
[7] advantageous, auspicious, bright, encouraging, favorable, heartening, hopeful, promising, propitious—more at FAVORABLE

gold·en–ag·er noun
: an elderly and often retired person usu. engaging in club activities

Synonyms
ancient, elder, oldster, senior citizen—more at SENIOR CITIZEN

golden hamster noun
: a small tawny hamster often kept as a pet

golden handcuffs noun plural
: special benefits offered to an employee as an inducement to continue service

golden handshake noun
: a generous severance agreement given esp. as an inducement to early retirement

golden retriever noun
: any of a breed of retrievers with a flat golden coat

gold·en·rod noun
: any of numerous herbs related to the daisies that have tall slender stalks with many tiny usu. yellow flower heads

golden years noun plural
: the advanced years in a lifetime

gold·finch noun
1 : a small largely red, black, and yellow Old World finch often kept in a cage
2 : any of three small related American finches of which the males usu. become bright yellow and black in summer

gold·fish noun
: a small usu. golden-orange carp often kept as an aquarium or pond fish

gold·smith noun
: a person who makes or deals in articles of gold

golf noun
: a game played with a small ball and various clubs on a course having 9 or 18 holes

— golf verb

— golf·er noun

-gon noun combining form
: figure having (so many) angles <hexagon>

go·nad noun
: a sperm- or egg-producing gland : OVARY, TESTIS

— go·nad·al adjective

go·nad·o·trop·ic also go·nad·o·tro·phic adjective
: acting on or stimulating the gonads

go·nad·o·tro·pin also go·nad·o·tro·phin noun
: a gonadotropic hormone

gon·do·la noun
[ORIGIN: It. dial. (Venice), prob. fr. MGk kontoura small vessel]

1 : a long narrow boat used on the canals of Venice
2 : a railroad car used for hauling loose freight (as coal)
3 : an enclosure beneath an airship or balloon
4 : an enclosed car suspended from a cable and used esp. for transporting skiers

gon·do·lier noun
: a person who propels a gondola

1gone past participle of GO

2gone adjective
1 : no longer alive : DEAD
2 : no longer possessed : LOST, RUINED
3 : SINKING, WEAK
4 : INVOLVED, ABSORBED
5 : INFATUATED
6 : PREGNANT
7 : having existed or taken place in a period before the present : PAST

Synonyms
bygone, dead, deceased, defunct, extinct—more at EXTINCT

gon·er noun
: one whose case is hopeless

gong noun
: a metallic disk that produces a resounding tone when struck

gono·coc·cus noun, plural -coc·ci
: a pus-producing bacterium causing gonorrhea

— gono·coc·cal adjective

gon·or·rhea noun
: a contagious sexually transmitted inflammation of the genital tract caused by the gonococcus

— gon·or·rhe·al adjective

goo noun
1 : a viscid or sticky substance
2 : sentimental tripe

goo·ber noun, Southern & Midland
: PEANUT

1good adjective bet·ter ; best
1 : of a favorable character or tendency
2 : BOUNTIFUL, FERTILE
3 : COMELY, ATTRACTIVE
4 : adapted to a use or purpose : SUITABLE, FIT
5 : SOUND, WHOLE
6 : having qualities that tend to give pleasure : AGREEABLE, PLEASANT
7 : SALUTARY, WHOLESOME
8 : of a noticeably large size or quantity : CONSIDERABLE
9 : FULL
10 : based on excellent reasoning, information, judgment, or grounds
11 : TRUE <holds ~ for everybody>
12 : legally valid or effectual
13 : sufficient for a specific requirement : SATISFACTORY
14 : conforming to a standard
15 : DISCRIMINATING
16 : worthy of being commended
17 : KIND
18 : UPPER-CLASS
19 : having or displaying competence or skill
20 : unswerving in allegiance : LOYAL, CLOSE

— good·ish adjective

— good–look·ing adjective

Synonyms
[1] appreciative, complimentary, favorable, friendly, positive—more at FAVORABLE
[4] applicable, appropriate, apt, felicitous, fit, fitting, happy, meet, proper, right, suitable—more at FIT
[6] agreeable, congenial, delightful, felicitous, grateful, gratifying, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying
[10] hard, informed, just, logical, rational, reasonable, reasoned, sensible, solid, valid, well-founded; also actual, real, true; certain, sure; certified, validated, verified; confirmed, substantiated; cogent, convincing, credible
Antonyms
baseless, illogical, invalid, unfounded, uninformed, unreasonable, unsound
[14] decent, ethical, honest, honorable, just, moral, right, straight, virtuous; also correct, decorous, proper, seemly; high-minded, noble, principled; commendable, creditable, exemplary, legitimate; esteemed, reputable, respected, upstanding, worthy; blameless, clean, guiltless, immaculate, incorruptible, innocent, inoffensive, irreproachable, unobjectionable; pure, scrupulous, spotless, unerring; goody-goody, moralistic, sanctimonious, self-righteous
Antonyms
bad, evil, unethical, wrong
[19] accomplished, adept, capable, competent, proficient, skilled, skillful—more at PROFICIENT

2good noun
1 : something good
2 : GOODNESS
3 : advancement of prosperity or well-being : BENEFIT, WELFARE <for the ~ of mankind>
4 : something that has economic utility
5 plural : personal property
6 plural : CLOTH
7 plural : something manufactured or produced for sale : WARES, MERCHANDISE
8 : good persons <the ~ die young>
9 plural : proof of wrongdoing

— for good

: FOREVER, PERMANENTLY

— to the good

: in a position of net gain or profit <$10 to the good>

Synonyms
[1] blessing, boon, felicity, godsend, manna, windfall—more at BLESSING
[3] benefit, interest, weal, welfare, well-being—more at WELFARE

3good adverb
: in a good or proper manner : WELL

Synonyms
OK, adequately, all right, fine, nicely, passably, satisfactorily, so-so, tolerably, well—more at WELL

good–bye or good–by noun
: a concluding remark at parting

Synonyms
adieu, au revoir, bon voyage, farewell; also leave-taking, send-off
Antonyms
hello

good cholesterol noun
: HDL

good–for–noth·ing adjective
: of no use or value

— good–for–nothing noun

Good Friday noun
: the Friday before Easter observed as the anniversary of the crucifixion of Christ

good–heart·ed adjective
: having a kindly generous disposition

Synonyms
beneficent, benevolent, compassionate, humane, kind, kindly, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warmhearted—more at HUMANE

good·ly adjective good·li·er; -est
1 : of pleasing appearance
2 : significantly large : CONSIDERABLE

Synonyms
considerable, good, healthy, respectable, significant, sizable, substantial, tidy—more at CONSIDERABLE

good·man noun, archaic
: MR.

good–na·tured adjective
: of a cheerful disposition

— good–na·tured·ly adverb

Synonyms
affable, agreeable, amiable, genial, gracious, nice, sweet, well-disposed—more at AMIABLE

good·ness noun
: the quality or state of being good : VIRTUE

Synonyms
character, decency, honesty, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, uprightness, virtue—more at MORALITY

good–tem·pered adjective
: not easily angered or upset

good·wife noun, archaic
: MRS.

good·will noun
1 : kindly feeling of approval and support : BENEVOLENCE
2 : the value of the trade a business has built up over time
3 : cheerful consent
4 : willing effort

Synonyms
[1] amity, benevolence, cordiality, fellowship, friendliness, friendship, kindliness; also camaraderie, community, companionship, comradeship; civility, comity, concord, harmony, rapport; charity, generosity, neighborliness; affinity, communion, empathy, sympathy, tolerance; altruism, philanthropy, selflessness
Antonyms
ill will, malevolence
[4] alacrity, gameness, willingness—more at ALACRITY

goody or good·ie noun, plural good·ies
: something that is good esp. to eat

Synonyms
dainty, delicacy, tidbit, treat—more at DELICACY

goody–goody adjective
: affectedly good

— goody–goody noun

goo·ey adjective
: having a sticky or thick quality

Synonyms
adhesive, gelatinous, gluey, glutinous, gummy, sticky, viscid, viscous—more at STICKY

1goof verb
1 : to spend time idly or foolishly — often used with off
2 : BLUNDER — often used with up

2goof noun
1 : a silly or stupid person
2 : a gross error or mistake resulting usu. from stupidity, ignorance, or carelessness

Synonyms
blunder, error, fault, flub, fumble, lapse, miscue, misstep, mistake, oversight, slip, stumble—more at ERROR

goof·ball noun
1 slang : a barbiturate sleeping pill
2 : a goofy person

go off verb
1 : to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy : EXPLODE
2 : to follow a course <the party went off well>

Synonyms
blow up, burst, detonate, explode, pop—more at EXPLODE

goof–off noun
: one who evades work or responsibility

goofy adjective goof·i·er; -est
: being crazy, ridiculous, or mildly ludicrous : SILLY

— goof·i·ness noun

Synonyms
flighty, frivolous, giddy, harebrained, light-headed, scatterbrained, silly—more at GIDDY

goon noun
1 : a man hired to terrorize or kill opponents
2 : a stupid person

Synonyms
[1] bully, gangster, hood, hoodlum, mobster, mug, punk, rowdy, ruffian, thug, tough—more at HOODLUM
[2] blockhead, cretin, dodo, dolt, donkey, dope, dummy, dunce, fathead, half-wit, idiot, imbecile, jackass, moron, nitwit, numskull, simpleton, stock, turkey—more at IDIOT

go on verb
1 : to continue in a course of action
2 : to take place : HAPPEN

Synonyms
be, befall, betide, chance, come, happen, occur, pass, transpire—more at HAPPEN

goose noun, plural geese
1 : any of numerous long-necked web-footed birds related to the swans and ducks; also : a female goose as distinguished from a gander
2 : a foolish person
3 plural goos·es : a tailor's smoothing iron

Synonyms
booby, fool, half-wit, jackass, lunatic, nitwit, nut, simpleton, turkey—more at FOOL

goose·ber·ry noun
: the acid berry of any of several shrubs related to the currant and used esp. in jams and pies

goose bumps noun plural
: roughening of the skin caused usu. by cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement

goose·flesh noun
: GOOSE BUMPS

goose pimples noun plural
: GOOSE BUMPS

go out verb
1 : to become extinguished
2 : to become a candidate <went out for the football team>

go over verb
: to win approval : SUCCEED

Synonyms
click, deliver, pan out, succeed, work out—more at SUCCEED

GOP abbreviation
Grand Old Party (Republican)

1gopher noun
1 : a burrowing American land tortoise
2 : any of a family of No. American burrowing rodents with large cheek pouches opening beside the mouth
3 : any of several small ground squirrels of the prairie region of No. America

2gopher variant of GOFER

1gore noun
1 : BLOOD
2 : vivid gruesomeness

2gore noun
: a tapering or triangular piece (as of cloth in a skirt)

3gore verb gored; gor·ing
: to pierce or wound with something pointed

Synonyms
harpoon, impale, lance, pierce, puncture, skewer, spear, spike, stab, stick, transfix—more at IMPALE

1gorge noun
1 : THROAT
2 : a narrow ravine
3 : a mass of matter that chokes up a passage

Synonyms
canyon, defile, flume, gap, gulch, gulf, notch, pass, ravine—more at CANYON

2gorge verb gorged; gorg·ing
: to eat greedily : stuff to capacity

Synonyms
glut, sate, stuff, surfeit; also gobble, gulp, guzzle; fill
bolt, cram

gor·geous adjective
: resplendently beautiful

Synonyms
attractive, beautiful, fair, handsome, knockout, lovely, pretty, ravishing, stunning—more at BEAUTIFUL

Gor·gon·zo·la noun
: a blue cheese of Italian origin

go·ril·la noun
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. Gk Gorillai, a tribe of hairy women in an account of a voyage around Africa]

: an African anthropoid ape related to but much larger than the chimpanzee

gor·man·dise chiefly British variant of GORMANDIZE

gor·man·dize verb -dized; -diz·ing
: to eat ravenously

gor·man·diz·er noun
: one who eats gluttonously or ravenously

gorp noun
: a snack consisting of high-calorie food (as raisins and nuts)

gorse noun
: a spiny yellow-flowered European evergreen shrub of the legume family

gory adjective gor·i·er; -est
1 : BLOODSTAINED
2 : HORRIBLE, SENSATIONAL

gos·hawk noun
: any of several long-tailed hawks with short rounded wings

gos·ling noun
: a young goose

1gospel noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE gōdspel, fr. gōd good + spell message, news]

1 : the teachings of Christ and the apostles
2 cap : any of the first four books of the New Testament
3 : something accepted as infallible truth

Synonyms
creed, doctrine, ideology, philosophy—more at CREED

2gospel adjective
1 : of, relating to, or emphasizing the gospel
2 : relating to or being American religious songs associated with evangelism

gos·sa·mer noun
[ORIGIN: ME gossomer, fr. gos goose + somer summer]

1 : a film of cobwebs floating in the air
2 : something light, delicate, or tenuous

1gossip noun
1 : a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts
2 : rumor or report of an intimate nature
3 : an informal conversation

Synonyms
chat, chatter, chitchat, gabfest, palaver, rap, talk—more at CHAT

2gossip verb
: to spread gossip

Synonyms
blab, talk, tattle; also bandy (about), circulate, noise (about), rumor; disclose, divulge, reveal, tell; hint, imply, insinuate, intimate, let on, suggest; inform, report, snitch, squeal, tip (off); babble, spill; confide

gos·sipy adjective
: characterized by, full of, or given to gossip

got past and past participle of GET

Goth noun
: a member of a Germanic people that early in the Christian era overran the Roman Empire

1Gothic adjective
1 : of or relating to the Goths
2 : of or relating to a style of architecture prevalent in western Europe from the middle 12th to the early 16th century

2Gothic noun
1 : the Germanic language of the Goths
2 : the Gothic architectural style or decoration

gotten past participle of GET

Gou·da noun
: a mild Dutch milk cheese shaped in balls

1gouge noun
1 : a rounded troughlike chisel
2 : a hole or groove made with or as if with a gouge

2gouge verb gouged; goug·ing
1 : to cut holes or grooves in with or as if with a gouge
2 : to charge too much or too fully

Synonyms
overcharge, soak, sting—more at OVERCHARGE

gou·lash noun
[ORIGIN: Hungarian gulyás]

: a stew made with meat, assorted vegetables, and paprika

go under verb
: to be overwhelmed, defeated, or destroyed : FAIL

gourd noun
1 : any of a family of tendril-bearing vines including the cucumber, squash, and melon
2 : the fruit of a gourd; especially : any of various inedible hard-shelled fruits used esp. for ornament or implements

gour·mand noun
1 : one who is excessively fond of eating and drinking
2 : GOURMET

gour·met noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF, alter. of gromet boy servant, vintner's assistant]

: a connoisseur of food and drink

gout noun
: a metabolic disease marked by painful inflammation and swelling of the joints

— gouty adjective

gov abbreviation
1 government
2 governor

gov·ern verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF governer, fr. L gubernare to steer, govern, fr. Gk kybernan]

1 : to control and direct the making and administration of policy in : RULE
2 : to prevail or have decisive influence over : CONTROL, DIRECT
3 : DETERMINE, REGULATE
4 : to hold in check : RESTRAIN

Synonyms
[1] boss, captain, command, control, preside, rule; also conduct, direct, head, lead; administer, manage, oversee, regulate, superintend, supervise; dictate, dominate, domineer, lord (it over), master, oppress, reign (over), tyrannize; conquer, subdue, subjugate
[2] administer, carry on, conduct, control, direct, guide, handle, manage, operate, oversee, regulate, run, superintend, supervise—more at CONDUCT
[4] bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, inhibit, regulate, rein, restrain, tame—more at CONTROL

gov·er·nance noun
: the act or process of governing; specif : authoritative direction or control

gov·ern·ess noun
: a woman who teaches and trains a child esp. in a private home

gov·ern·ment noun
1 : authoritative direction or control : RULE
2 : the making of policy
3 : the organization or agency through which a political unit exercises authority
4 : the complex of institutions, laws, and customs through which a political unit is governed
5 : the governing body

— gov·ern·men·tal adjective

Synonyms
[1] administration, authority, jurisdiction, regime, rule—more at RULE
[2] conduct, control, direction, guidance, management, operation, oversight, regulation, running, superintendence, supervision—more at CONDUCT

gov·er·nor noun
1 : one that governs; especially : a ruler, chief executive, or head of a political unit (as a state)
2 : an attachment to a machine for automatic control of speed

— gov·er·nor·ship noun

govt abbreviation
government

1gown noun
1 : a loose flowing outer garment
2 : an official robe worn esp. by a judge, clergyman, or teacher
3 : a woman's dress <evening ~s>
4 : a loose robe

2gown verb
: to dress in or invest with a gown

gp abbreviation
group

GP abbreviation
general practitioner

GPO abbreviation
1 general post office
2 Government Printing Office

GPS noun
[ORIGIN: Global Positioning System]

: a navigation system that uses satellite signals to fix location; also : the signal receiver itself

GQ abbreviation
general quarters

gr abbreviation
1 grade
2 grain
3 gram
4 gravity
5 gross

1grab verb grabbed; grab·bing
: to take hastily : SNATCH

Synonyms
bag, capture, catch, collar, corral, get, grapple, hook, land, nab, seize, snare, trap—more at CATCH

2grab noun
1 : something grabbed; also : an act or instance of grabbing
2 : an unlawful or unscrupulous seizure

Synonyms
rip-off, theft—more at THEFT

1grace noun
1 : unmerited help given to people by God (as in overcoming temptation)
2 : freedom from sin through divine grace
3 : a virtue coming from God
4 — used as a title for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop
5 : a short prayer at a meal
6 : a temporary respite (as from the payment of a debt)
7 : APPROVAL, ACCEPTANCE <in his good ~s>
8 : CHARM
9 : ATTRACTIVENESS, BEAUTY
10 : fitness or proportion of line or expression
11 : ease of movement
12 : a musical trill or ornament
13 : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

— grace·ful·ly adverb

— grace·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
[10] class, elegance, handsomeness, majesty, refinement, stateliness—more at ELEGANCE
[13] boon, courtesy, favor, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service, turn—more at FAVOR

2grace verb graced; grac·ing
1 : HONOR
2 : to endow with grace : ADORN, EMBELLISH

Synonyms
adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, deck, decorate, do, dress, embellish, enrich, garnish, ornament, trim—more at DECORATE

grace·ful adjective
: displaying grace in form or action : pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement

Synonyms
elegant, handsome, majestic, refined, stately, tasteful—more at ELEGANT
agile, light, lissome, lithe, nimble, spry; also flexible, limber, pliable, pliant, supple; adroit, deft, dexterous
Antonyms
awkward, clumsy, gawky, graceless, lumbering, ungainly, ungraceful

grace·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being graceful

grace·less adjective
1 : artistically inept or unbeautiful
2 : lacking a sense of propriety

Synonyms
[1] awkward, clumsy, gawky, heavy-handed, lubberly, lumpish, ungainly, unhandy—more at CLUMSY
[1] gauche, inelegant, stiff, stilted, uncomfortable, uneasy, ungraceful, wooden—more at AWKWARD
[2] improper, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong

gra·cious adjective
1 : marked by kindness and courtesy
2 : GRACEFUL
3 : characterized by charm and good taste
4 : MERCIFUL

— gra·cious·ly adverb

Synonyms
affable, agreeable, amiable, congenial, convivial, cordial, friendly, genial, hospitable, kind, kindly, sociable
Antonyms
inhospitable, ungracious, unsociable
civil, courteous, genteel, mannerly, polite, well-bred—more at POLITE

gra·cious·ness noun
: the quality or state of being gracious

Synonyms
civility, courtesy, gentility, mannerliness, politeness—more at POLITENESS
agreeableness, amenity, amiability, geniality, niceness, pleasantness, sweetness—more at AMIABILITY

grack·le noun
: any of several large American blackbirds with glossy iridescent plumage

grad abbreviation
graduate; graduated

gra·da·tion noun
1 : a series forming successive stages
2 : a step, degree, or stage in a series
3 : an advance by regular degrees
4 : the act or process of grading

1grade verb grad·ed; grad·ing
1 : to arrange in grades : SORT; also : to arrange in a scale or series
2 : to make level or evenly sloping <~ a highway>
3 : to give a grade to <~ a pupil in history>
4 : to assign to a grade

Synonyms
assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, group, peg, place, range, rank, rate, separate, sort—more at CLASSIFY

2grade noun
[ORIGIN: L gradus step, degree, fr. gradi to step, go]

1 : a degree or stage in a series, order, or ranking
2 : a position in a scale of rank, quality, or order
3 : a class of persons or things of the same rank or quality
4 : a division of the school course representing one year's work; also : the pupils in such a division
5 plural : the elementary school system
6 : a mark or rating esp. of accomplishment in school
7 : the degree of slope (as of a road); also : SLOPE
8 : a reference level or starting point used for measuring or calculating

Synonyms
[1] cut, degree, inch, notch, peg, phase, point, stage, step—more at DEGREE
[2] caliber, class, quality, rate—more at QUALITY
[3] bracket, category, class, division, family, group, kind, order, set, species, type—more at CLASS
[7] cant, diagonal, inclination, incline, lean, pitch, slant, slope, tilt, upgrade—more at SLANT
[8] criterion, mark, measure, par, standard, touchstone, yardstick—more at STANDARD

grad·er noun
: a machine for leveling earth

grade school noun
: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

gra·di·ent noun
: the rate of regular or graded ascent or descent : SLOPE, GRADE

grad·u·al adjective
: proceeding or changing by steps or degrees

— grad·u·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
imperceptible, progressive
Antonyms
sudden

grad·u·al·ism noun
: the policy of approaching a desired end gradually

1graduate noun
1 : a holder of an academic degree or diploma
2 : a graduated container for measuring contents

2graduate adjective
1 : holding an academic degree or diploma
2 : of or relating to studies beyond the first or bachelor's degree <~ school>

3graduate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to grant or receive an academic degree or diploma
2 : to divide into grades, classes, or intervals
3 : to admit to a particular standing or grade

grad·u·a·tion noun
1 : a mark that graduates something
2 : arrangement in degrees or ranks
3 : COMMENCEMENT 2

Synonyms
ladder, scale—more at SCALE

graf·fi·ti noun
: unauthorized writing or drawing on a public surface

graf·fi·to noun, plural -ti
: an inscription or drawing made on a public surface (as a wall)

1graft noun
1 : a grafted plant; also : the point of union in this
2 : material (as skin) used in grafting
3 : the getting of money or advantage dishonestly; also : the money or advantage so gained

2graft verb
1 : to insert a shoot from one plant into another so that they join and grow; also : to join one thing to another as in plant grafting <~ skin over a burn>
2 : to get (as money) dishonestly

— graft·er noun

gra·ham cracker noun
: a slightly sweet cracker made chiefly of whole wheat flour

Grail noun
: the cup or platter used according to medieval legend by Christ at the Last Supper and thereafter the object of knightly quests

grain noun
1 : a seed or fruit of a cereal grass
2 : seeds or fruits of various food plants and esp. cereal grasses; also : a plant (as wheat) producing grain
3 : a small hard particle
4 : a unit of weight based on the weight of a grain of wheat
5 : TEXTURE; also : the arrangement of fibers in wood
6 : natural disposition

— grained adjective

Synonyms
[3] bit, granule, molecule, particle
[6] disposition, nature, temper, temperament—more at DISPOSITION

grain alcohol noun
: ALCOHOL 1

grainy adjective grain·i·er; -est
1 : resembling or having some characteristic of grain : not smooth or fine
2 of a photograph : appearing to be composed of grain-like particles

Synonyms
coarse, granular—more at COARSE

1gram noun
[ORIGIN: F gramme, fr. LL gramma, a small weight, fr. Gk gramma letter, writing, a small weight, fr. graphein to write]

: a metric unit of mass and weight equal to 1/1000 kilogram

2gram abbreviation
grammar; grammatical

-gram noun combining form
: drawing : writing : record <telegram>

gram·mar noun
1 : the study of the classes of words, their inflections, and their functions and relations in the sentence
2 : a study of what is to be preferred and what avoided in inflection and syntax
3 : speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules

— gram·mar·i·an noun

— gram·mat·i·cal adjective

— gram·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

grammar school noun
1 : a secondary school emphasizing Latin and Greek in preparation for college; also : a British college preparatory school
2 : a school intermediate between the primary grades and high school
3 : ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

gramme chiefly British variant of GRAM

gram·o·phone noun
: PHONOGRAPH

gra·na·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : a storehouse for grain
2 : a region producing grain in abundance

1grand adjective
1 : higher in rank or importance : FOREMOST, CHIEF
2 : large and striking in size, scope, extent, or conception
3 : covering or intended to cover all items, costs, or services : COMPLETE <a ~ total>
4 : MAGNIFICENT, SPLENDID
5 : showing wealth or high social standing
6 : fine or imposing in appearance or impression : IMPRESSIVE, STATELY
7 : very good : FINE

Synonyms
[1] chief, dominant, first, foremost, key, main, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primary, principal—more at FOREMOST
[2] august, baronial, gallant, glorious, grandiose, heroic, imposing, magnificent, majestic, monumental, noble, proud, regal, royal, splendid, stately; also colossal, monstrous, prodigious, stupendous, tremendous; kingly, lordly, princely, queenly; awful, awesome, cosmic, sublime, wondrous; formidable, impressive, prepossessing, redoubtable; marvelous, superb, terrific, wonderful; extravagant, lavish, luxurious, opulent, sumptuous; gorgeous, resplendent; extraordinary, remarkable, sensational, striking; celestial, divine, heavenly
Antonyms
humble, unheroic, unimposing, unimpressive
[2] big, considerable, goodly, great, large, outsize, oversize, sizable, substantial
[3] complete, comprehensive, entire, full, intact, integral, perfect, plenary, total, whole—more at COMPLETE
[5] aristocratic, genteel, gentle, highborn, noble, patrician, wellborn—more at NOBLE

2grand noun, plural grand slang
: a thousand dollars

gran·dam or gran·dame noun
: an old woman

grand·child noun
: a child of one's son or daughter

grand·daugh·ter noun
: a daughter of one's son or daughter

grande dame noun, plural grandes dames
: a usu. elderly woman of great prestige or ability

gran·dee noun
: a high-ranking Spanish or Portuguese nobleman

Synonyms
aristocrat, gentleman, noble, patrician—more at GENTLEMAN

gran·deur noun
1 : the quality or state of being grand : MAGNIFICENCE
2 : something that is grand

Synonyms
augustness, brilliance, glory, grandness, magnificence, majesty, nobility, nobleness, resplendence, splendor, stateliness—more at MAGNIFICENCE

grand·fa·ther noun
: the father of one's father or mother; also : ANCESTOR

Synonyms
ancestor, father, forebear, forefather—more at ANCESTOR

grandfather clock noun
: a tall clock that stands on the floor

gran·dil·o·quence noun
: pompous eloquence

Synonyms
bombast, gas, hot air, rhetoric, wind—more at RHETORIC

gran·dil·o·quent adjective
: marked by a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style, manner, or quality esp. in language

Synonyms
florid, flowery, high-flown, highfalutin—more at FLOWERY
bombastic, gaseous, oratorical, rhetorical, windy—more at RHETORICAL

gran·di·ose adjective
: impressive because of uncommon largeness, scope, effect, or grandeur : IMPOSING; also : affectedly splendid

— gran·di·ose·ly adverb

Synonyms
august, baronial, gallant, glorious, grand, heroic, imposing, magnificent, majestic, monumental, noble, proud, regal, royal, splendid, stately—more at GRAND
affected, highfalutin, ostentatious, pompous, pretentious—more at PRETENTIOUS

gran·di·os·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being grandiose

grand jury noun
: a jury that examines accusations of crime against persons and makes formal charges on which the persons are later tried

grand·ly adverb
: in a grand manner

Synonyms
expensively, extravagantly, high, lavishly, luxuriously, opulently, richly—more at HIGH
gallantly, greatly, heroically, honorably, magnanimously, nobly—more at GREATLY

grand mal noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., great illness]

: severe epilepsy

grand·moth·er noun
: the mother of one's father or mother; also : a female ancestor

grand·ness noun
: the quality or state of being grand

Synonyms
augustness, brilliance, glory, grandeur, magnificence, majesty, nobility, nobleness, resplendence, splendor, stateliness—more at MAGNIFICENCE
bigness, greatness, largeness—more at LARGENESS

grand·par·ent noun
: a parent of one's father or mother

grand piano noun
: a piano with horizontal frame and strings

grand prix noun, plural grand prix often cap G&P
: a long-distance auto race over a road course

grand slam noun
1 : a total victory or success
2 : a home run hit with three runners on base

grand·son noun
: a son of one's son or daughter

grand·stand noun
: a usu. roofed stand for spectators at a racecourse or stadium

grange noun
1 : a farm or farmhouse with its various buildings
2 cap : one of the lodges of a national association originally made up of farmers; also : the association itself

— grang·er noun

gran·ite noun
1 : a hard granular igneous rock used esp. for building
2 : unyielding firmness or endurance

— gra·nit·ic adjective

Synonyms
decision, decisiveness, determination, firmness, resolution, resolve—more at DETERMINATION

gran·ite·ware noun
: ironware with mottled enamel

gra·no·la noun
: a cereal made of rolled oats and usu. raisins and nuts

1grant verb
1 : to consent to : ALLOW, PERMIT
2 : to bestow or transfer formally : GIVE
3 : to admit as true

— grant·er noun

— grant·or noun

Synonyms
[2] accord, award, confer, give—more at CONFER
[3] acknowledge, admit, agree, allow, concede, confess, own—more at ADMIT

2grant noun
1 : the act of granting
2 : something granted; especially : a gift for a particular purpose <a ~ for study abroad>
3 : a transfer of property by deed or writing; also : the instrument by which such a transfer is made
4 : the property transferred by grant

— grant·ee noun

Synonyms
allocation, allotment, appropriation, subsidy—more at APPROPRIATION

gran·u·lar adjective
: consisting of or appearing to consist of granules

— gran·u·lar·i·ty noun

Synonyms
coarse, grainy—more at COARSE

gran·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to form into grains or crystals

— gran·u·la·tion noun

gran·ule noun
: a small grain or particle

Synonyms
bit, grain, molecule, particle

grape noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, grape stalk, bunch of grapes, grape, of Gmc origin]

1 : a smooth-skinned juicy edible greenish white, deep red, or purple berry that is the chief source of wine
2 : any of numerous woody vines widely grown for their bunches of grapes

grape·fruit noun
1 plural grapefruit or grapefruits : a large edible yellow-skinned citrus fruit
2 : a tree bearing grapefruit

grape hyacinth noun
: any of several small bulbous spring-flowering herbs with clusters of usu. blue flowers that are related to the lilies

grape·shot noun
: a cluster of small iron balls formerly fired at people from short range by a cannon

grape·vine noun
1 : GRAPE 2
2 : RUMOR; also : an informal means of circulating information or gossip

graph noun
: a diagram that usu. by means of dots and lines shows change in one variable factor in comparison with one or more other factors

— graph verb

-graph noun combining form
1 : something written <autograph>
2 : instrument for making or transmitting records <seismograph>

1graphic also graph·i·cal adjective
1 : being written, drawn, or engraved
2 : vividly described
3 : of or relating to the arts (graphic arts) of representation, decoration, and printing on flat surfaces

— graph·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
vivid; also depicted, descriptive, expressive; concrete, explicit, specific; faithful, lifelike, natural, realistic; fresh, incisive, sharp

2graphic noun
1 : a picture, map, or graph used for illustration
2 plural : a pictorial image displayed on a computer screen

Synonyms
diagram, figure, illustration, plate—more at ILLUSTRATION

graphical user interface noun
: a computer program designed to allow easy user interaction esp. by having graphic menus or icons

graph·ics tablet noun
: a computer input device for entering pictorial information by drawing or tracing

graph·ite noun
[ORIGIN: G Graphit, fr. Gk graphein to write]

: a soft black form of carbon used esp. for lead pencils and lubricants

grap·nel noun
: a small anchor with usu. four claws used esp. in dragging or grappling operations

1grapple noun
[ORIGIN: MF grappelle, dim. of grape hook]

: the act of grappling

Synonyms
clasp, grasp, grip, hold—more at HOLD

2grapple verb grap·pled; grap·pling
1 : to seize or hold with or as if with a hooked implement
2 : to engage in a hand-to-hand struggle : WRESTLE
3 : to attempt to deal with something — used with with

Synonyms
[1] bag, capture, catch, collar, corral, get, grab, hook, land, nab, seize, snare, trap—more at CATCH
[2] scuffle, tussle, wrestle—more at WRESTLE
usually grapple with [3] contend, cope, handle, manage, maneuver, negotiate, swing, treat—more at HANDLE

1grasp verb
1 : to make the motion of seizing
2 : to take or seize firmly
3 : to enclose and hold with the fingers or arms
4 : to lay hold of with the mind : COMPREHEND

Synonyms
[3] clasp, grip, hold, take—more at TAKE
[4] appreciate, apprehend, catch, catch on, comprehend, get, make, make out, perceive, see, seize, tumble, understand—more at COMPREHEND

2grasp noun
1 : HANDLE
2 : EMBRACE
3 : HOLD, CONTROL
4 : the reach of the arms
5 a : the act or manner of holding
b : the power of seizing and holding
6 : mental hold or comprehension esp. when broad

Synonyms
[5a] clasp, grapple, grip, hold—more at HOLD
[6] appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grip, perception, understanding—more at COMPREHENSION

grasp·ing adjective
: desiring material possessions urgently and excessively and often to the point of ruthlessness : GREEDY, AVARICIOUS

Synonyms
acquisitive, avaricious, avid, covetous, greedy, mercenary, rapacious—more at GREEDY

grass noun
1 : herbage for grazing animals
2 : any of a large family of plants (as wheat, bamboo, or sugarcane) with jointed stems and narrow leaves
3 : grass-covered land
4 : MARIJUANA

— grassy adjective

grass·hop·per noun
: any of numerous leaping plant-eating insects

grass·land noun
: land covered naturally or under cultivation with grasses and low-growing herbs

Synonyms
down, plain, prairie, savanna, steppe, veld—more at PLAIN

grass roots noun plural
: society at the local level as distinguished from the centers of political leadership

1grate verb grat·ed; grat·ing
1 : to pulverize by rubbing against something rough
2 : to grind or rub against with a rasping noise
3 : to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in : IRRITATE

— grat·er noun

— grat·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] grind, rasp, scrape, scratch—more at SCRAPE
[3] aggravate, annoy, bother, exasperate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, put out, vex—more at IRRITATE

2grate noun
1 : GRATING
2 : a frame of iron bars for holding fuel while it burns

grate·ful adjective
1 : appreciative of benefits received : THANKFUL; also : expressing gratitude
2 : giving pleasure or contentment : PLEASING

— grate·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
appreciative, obliged, thankful; also beholden, indebted; gratified, pleased
Antonyms
thankless, unappreciative, ungrateful

grate·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being grateful

Synonyms
appreciation, gratitude, thanks—more at THANKS

grat·i·fi·ca·tion noun
: the act of gratifying : the state of being gratified

Synonyms
contentment, delectation, delight, enjoyment, gladness, pleasure, relish, satisfaction—more at PLEASURE

grat·i·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to afford pleasure to
2 : to give in to

Synonyms
[1] content, delight, gladden, please, rejoice, satisfy, suit, warm—more at PLEASE
[2] cater, humor, indulge—more at INDULGE

grat·i·fy·ing adjective
: giving pleasure or satisfaction

Synonyms
agreeable, felicitous, good, grateful, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying
comforting, encouraging, heartening, heartwarming, rewarding, satisfying—more at HEARTWARMING

grat·ing noun
: a framework with parallel bars or crossbars

gra·tis adverb or adjective
: without charge or recompense : FREE

grat·i·tude noun
: the state of being grateful : THANKFULNESS

Synonyms
appreciation, gratefulness, thanks—more at THANKS

gra·tu·itous adjective
1 : done or provided without recompense : FREE
2 : UNWARRANTED

Synonyms
complimentary, free—more at FREE

gra·tu·ity noun, plural -ities
: something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usu. for some service : TIP

gra·va·men noun, plural -va·mens or -vam·i·na
[ORIGIN: LL, burden]

: the basic or significant part of a grievance or complaint

1grave verb graved; grav·en or graved; grav·ing
1 : to carve or shape with a chisel : SCULPTURE
2 : to carve or cut (as letters or figures) into a hard surface : ENGRAVE

2grave noun
: an excavation in the earth as a place of burial; also : TOMB

3grave adjective
1 : deserving serious consideration
2 : threatening great harm or danger
3 : having a serious and dignified quality or demeanor : SOLEMN
4 : drab in color : SOMBER
5 : of, marked by, or being an accent mark having the form `

— grave·ly adverb

— grave·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] heavy, serious, weighty—more at SERIOUS
[2] dangerous, grievous, hazardous, menacing, parlous, perilous, risky, serious, unhealthy, unsafe, venturesome—more at DANGEROUS
[3] earnest, humorless, serious, severe, sober, solemn, staid, unsmiling, weighty—more at SERIOUS

grav·el noun
: pebbles and small pieces of rock larger than grains of sand

grav·el·ly adjective
1 : of, containing, or covered with gravel
2 : having a rough or grating sound

Synonyms
coarse, gruff, hoarse, husky, scratchy, throaty—more at HOARSE

Graves' disease noun
: hyperthyroidism characterized by goiter and often protrusion of the eyeballs

grave·stone noun
: a burial monument

Synonyms
headstone, monument, tombstone—more at TOMBSTONE

grave·yard noun
: CEMETERY

grav·id adjective
[ORIGIN: L gravidus, fr. gravis heavy]

: PREGNANT

gra·vi·me·ter noun
: a device for measuring variations in a gravitational field

grav·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: to move or tend to move toward something

grav·i·ta·tion noun
1 : a natural force of attraction that tends to draw bodies together and that occurs because of the mass of the bodies
2 : the action or process of gravitating

— grav·i·ta·tion·al adjective

— grav·i·ta·tion·al·ly adverb

grav·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 a : IMPORTANCE
b : the quality or state of being serious
2 : 2MASS 5
3 : the gravitational attraction of the mass of a celestial object (as earth) for bodies close to it; also : GRAVITATION 1

Synonyms
earnestness, intentness, seriousness, sobriety, solemnity—more at EARNESTNESS

gra·vure noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: PHOTOGRAVURE

gra·vy noun, plural gravies
1 : a sauce made from the thickened and seasoned juices of cooked meat
2 : unearned or illicit gain : GRAFT

1gray adjective
1 : of the color gray; also : dull in color
2 : having gray hair
3 : lacking cheer or brightness in mood, outlook, style, or flavor : CHEERLESS, DISMAL
4 : intermediate in position or character

— gray·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] leaden, pewter, silver, silvery, slate, steely; also achromatic, neutral; dirty, dull, faded, washed-out; ashen, ashy, chalky, livid, mousy, pale, white, whitish; chocolate, dun, sandy, sepia; brindled, grizzled, hoary
[3] bleak, desolate, dismal, dreary, gloomy, murky

2gray noun
1 : something of a gray color
2 : a neutral color ranging between black and white

3gray verb
: to make or become gray

gray·beard noun
: an old man

gray·ish adjective
: somewhat gray

gray·ling noun, plural grayling also graylings
: any of several slender freshwater food and sport fishes related to the trouts

gray matter noun
1 : the grayish part of nervous tissue consisting mostly of nerve cell bodies
2 : capacity for knowledge and learning : INTELLIGENCE

Synonyms
intellect, intelligence, reason, sense—more at INTELLIGENCE

gray wolf noun
: a large wolf of northern No. America and Asia that is usu. gray

1graze verb grazed; graz·ing
[ORIGIN: ME grasen, fr. OE grasian, fr. græs grass]

1 : to feed on herbage or pasture
2 : to feed (livestock) on grass or pasture

— graz·er noun

Synonyms
browse, forage, pasture; also eat, feed, nibble

2graze verb grazed; graz·ing
1 : to touch lightly in passing
2 : to irritate or roughen by rubbing : SCRATCH, ABRADE

Synonyms
[1] brush, kiss, nick, shave, skim—more at BRUSH
[2] abrade, scrape, scratch, scuff—more at SCRAPE

1grease noun
1 : rendered animal fat
2 : oily material
3 : a thick lubricant

2grease verb greased; greas·ing
: to smear or lubricate with grease

Synonyms
lubricate, oil, slick, wax—more at LUBRICATE

greasy adjective
1 : smeared or soiled with grease; also : oily in appearance, texture, or manner
2 : causing or tending to cause something to slide or fall
3 : containing an unusual amount of grease

Synonyms
slick, slippery, slithery—more at SLICK

grease·paint noun
: theater makeup

great adjective
1 : large in size : BIG
2 : ELABORATE, AMPLE
3 : large in number : NUMEROUS
4 : being beyond the average : MIGHTY, INTENSE <a ~ weight> <in ~ pain>
5 : EMINENT, GRAND
6 : long continued <a ~ while>
7 : MAIN, PRINCIPAL
8 : more distant in a family relationship by one generation <a great-grandfather>
9 : markedly superior in character, quality, or skill <~ at bridge>
10 : very good of its kind : EXCELLENT, FINE <had a ~ time>

Synonyms
[1] big, hefty, large, outsize, oversize, sizable, substantial
[6] extended, far, lengthy, long, marathon—more at LONG
[9] accomplished, adept, consummate, crack, crackerjack, expert, good, master, masterful, masterly, proficient, skilled, skillful, virtuoso—more at PROFICIENT
[10] excellent, fabulous, fine, grand, marvelous, splendid, superb, superior, swell, terrific, wonderful—more at EXCELLENT

great ape noun
: any of a family of primates including the gorilla, orangutan, and chimpanzees

great blue heron noun
: a large crested grayish blue American heron

great circle noun
: a circle on the surface of a sphere that has the same center as the sphere; especially : one on the surface of the earth an arc of which is the shortest travel distance between two points

great·coat noun
: a heavy overcoat

Great Dane noun
: any of a breed of tall massive powerful smooth-coated dogs

great·heart·ed adjective
1 : characterized by bravery : COURAGEOUS
2 : characterized by a noble or forbearing spirit : MAGNANIMOUS

Synonyms
brave, courageous, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant, valorous—more at BRAVE

great·ly adverb
1 : to a great extent or degree : very much
2 : in a great manner

Synonyms
[1] broadly, considerably, extremely, highly, hugely, largely, much, sizably, tremendously, very
Antonyms
slightly
[2] gallantly, grandly, heroically, honorably, magnanimously, nobly; also loftily; magnificently, majestically
Antonyms
basely, dishonorably, ignobly

great·ness noun
: the quality or state of being great

Synonyms
distinction, excellence, preeminence, superiority, supremacy—more at EXCELLENCE
bigness, grandness, largeness—more at LARGENESS

great power noun, often cap G&P
: one of the nations that figure most decisively in international affairs

great white shark noun
: a large and dangerous shark of warm seas that has large saw-edged teeth and is whitish below and bluish or brownish above

grebe noun
: any of a family of lobe-toed diving birds related to the loons

Gre·cian adjective
: GREEK

greed noun
: acquisitive or selfish desire beyond reason

— greed·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
acquisitiveness, avarice, avidity, covetousness, cupidity, rapaciousness; also materialism, possessiveness; appetite, craving, hankering, hunger, itch, longing, lust, passion, ravenousness, thirst, voracity, yearning, yen

greed·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being greedy; especially : extreme or excessive desire for wealth or gain

greedy adjective
1 : having a strong desire for food or drink
2 : marked by greed : having or showing a selfish desire for wealth and possessions

Synonyms
[1] gluttonous, hoggish, piggish, rapacious, ravenous, voracious—more at VORACIOUS
[2] acquisitive, avaricious, avid, covetous, grasping, mercenary, rapacious; also materialistic; desirous, eager, itchy, miserly; hoggish, piggish, swinish; devouring, gluttonous, gobbling, insatiable, ravenous, voracious, unquenchable; discontent, discontented, malcontent, unsatisfied; begrudging, grudging, resentful

1Greek noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Greece
2 : the ancient or modern language of Greece

2Greek adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of Greece, the Greeks, or Greek
2 : ORTHODOX 3

1green adjective
1 : of the color green
2 : covered with verdure; also : consisting of green plants or of the leafy parts of plants <a ~ salad>
3 : UNRIPE; also : IMMATURE
4 : having a sickly appearance
5 : not fully processed or treated <~ liquor> <~ hides>
6 : lacking in training, knowledge, or experience : INEXPERIENCED; also : NAIVE
7 : concerned with or supporting environmentalism

— green·ish adjective

Synonyms
[2] leafy, lush, luxuriant, verdant
[4] cadaverous, lurid, pale, pasty, peaked, sallow, sickly—more at SICKLY
[6] adolescent, callow, immature, inexperienced, juvenile, raw—more at CALLOW
[6] ingenuous, innocent, naive, simple, unknowing, unsophisticated, unwary, unworldly—more at NAIVE

2green verb
: to make or become green

3green noun
1 : a color between blue and yellow in the spectrum : the color of growing fresh grass or of the emerald
2 : something of a green color
3 : green vegetation; especially plural : leafy herbs or leafy parts of a vegetable <collard ~s> <beet ~s>
4 : a grassy plot; especially : a smooth grassy area around the hole into which the ball must be played in golf

green·back noun
: a U.S. legal-tender note

green bean noun
: a kidney bean that is used as a snap bean when the pods are colored green

green·belt noun
: a belt of parks or farmlands around a community

green card noun
: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.

green·ery noun, plural -er·ies
: green foliage or plants

Synonyms
flora, foliage, green, herbage, leafage, vegetation, verdure; also grassland, prairie

green–eyed adjective
: JEALOUS

green·gro·cer noun
: a retailer of fresh vegetables and fruit

green·horn noun
: an inexperienced person; also : NEWCOMER

Synonyms
beginner, fledgling, freshman, neophyte, newcomer, novice, recruit, rookie, tenderfoot, tyro—more at BEGINNER

green·house noun
: a glass structure for the growing of tender plants

greenhouse effect noun
: warming of a planet's atmosphere that occurs when the sun's radiation passes through the atmosphere, is absorbed by the planet, and is reradiated as radiation of longer wavelength that can be absorbed by atmospheric gases

green manure noun
: an herbaceous crop (as clover) plowed under when green to enrich the soil

green·ness noun
: the quality or state of being green; especially : being unaffectedly simple and candid

Synonyms
artlessness, ingenuousness, innocence, naturalness, naïveté, simplicity, unworldliness—more at NAÏVETÉ

green onion noun
: a young onion pulled before the bulb has enlarged and used esp. in salads; also : SCALLION

green pepper noun
: a sweet pepper before it turns red at maturity

green·room noun
: a room in a theater or concert hall where actors or musicians relax before, between, or after appearances

green·sward noun
: turf that is green with growing grass

green thumb noun
: an unusual ability to make plants grow

green·wash·ing noun
: expressions of environmentalist concerns as a cover for products, policies, or activities deleterious to the environment

Green·wich mean time noun
[ORIGIN: Greenwich, England]

: the time of the meridian of Greenwich used as the basis of worldwide standard time

Greenwich time noun
: GREENWICH MEAN TIME

green·wood noun
: a forest green with foliage

greet verb
1 : to address with expressions of kind wishes
2 : to meet or react to in a specified manner
3 : to be perceived by

— greet·er noun

greet·ing noun
1 : a salutation on meeting
2 plural : best wishes : REGARDS

Synonyms
[1] hello, salutation, salute—more at HELLO
greetings [2] compliment, regards, respects—more at COMPLIMENT

greeting card noun
: a card that bears a message usu. sent on a special occasion

gre·gar·i·ous adjective
[ORIGIN: L gregarius of a flock or herd, fr. greg-, grex flock, herd]

1 : marked by or indicating a liking for companionship : SOCIAL, COMPANIONABLE
2 : tending to flock together

— gre·gar·i·ous·ly adverb

— gre·gar·i·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
boon, companionable, convivial, extroverted, outgoing, sociable, social—more at CONVIVIAL

grem·lin noun
: a cause of error or equipment malfunction conceived of as a small gnome

gre·nade noun
[ORIGIN: MF, lit., pomegranate, fr. LL granata, fr. L, fem. of granatus seedy, fr. granum grain]

: a small bomb that is thrown by hand or launched (as by a rifle)

gren·a·dier noun
: a member of a European regiment formerly armed with grenades

gren·a·dine noun
: a syrup flavored with pomegranates and used in mixed drinks

grew past of GROW

grey variant of GRAY

grey·hound noun
: any of a breed of tall slender dogs noted for speed and keen sight

grid noun
1 : GRATING
2 : a network of conductors for distributing electric power
3 : a network of horizontal and perpendicular lines (as for locating points on a map)
4 : GRIDIRON 2; also : FOOTBALL

grid·dle noun
: a flat usu. metal surface for cooking food

griddle cake noun
: a flat cake made of thin batter and cooked (as on a griddle) on both sides : PANCAKE

Synonyms
flapjack, pancake—more at PANCAKE

grid·iron noun
1 : a grate for broiling food
2 : a football field

grid·lock noun
: a traffic jam in which an intersection is so blocked that vehicles cannot move

grief noun
1 : emotional distress caused by or as if by bereavement; also : a cause of such distress
2 : MISHAP
3 : DISASTER

Synonyms
affliction, anguish, dolor, heartache, sorrow, woe—more at SORROW

griev·ance noun
1 : a cause of distress affording reason for complaint or resistance
2 : the formal expression of a grievance : COMPLAINT

Synonyms
[1] grudge, resentment, score—more at GRUDGE
[2] beef, complaint, fuss, gripe, grumble, murmur, plaint, squawk—more at COMPLAINT

grieve verb grieved; griev·ing
[ORIGIN: ME greven, fr. OF grever, fr. L gravare to burden, fr. gravis heavy, grave]

1 : to cause grief or sorrow to : DISTRESS
2 : to feel grief

Synonyms
agonize, bleed, feel, hurt, mourn, sorrow, suffer; also ache, long (for), pine (away); rack, torment, torture; bemoan, bewail, deplore, lament, rue; bawl, cry, groan, howl, keen, moan, take on, wail, weep, yammer
usually grieve for bemoan, bewail, deplore, lament, mourn, wail—more at LAMENT

griev·ous adjective
1 : causing or characterized by severe suffering, grief, or sorrow : SEVERE <a ~ wound>
2 : unreasonably burdensome or severe : OPPRESSIVE, ONEROUS
3 : having important or dangerous possible consequences : SERIOUS, GRAVE

Synonyms
[1, 2] bitter, brutal, burdensome, cruel, excruciating, grim, hard, harsh, heavy, onerous, oppressive, rough, rugged, severe, stiff, tough, trying—more at HARSH
[3] dangerous, grave, hazardous, menacing, parlous, perilous, risky, serious, unhealthy, unsafe, venturesome—more at DANGEROUS

griev·ous·ly adverb
1 : in a grievous manner : in a manner characterized by sorrow or grief
2 : to a grievous degree

Synonyms
agonizingly, bitterly, hard, hardly, sadly, sorrowfully, unhappily, woefully, wretchedly—more at HARD

1grill verb
1 : to broil on a grill; also : to fry or toast on a griddle
2 : to question intensely

Synonyms
examine, interrogate, pump, query, question, quiz—more at EXAMINE

2grill noun
1 : a cooking utensil of parallel bars on which food is grilled
2 : an informal restaurant

Synonyms
café, diner, restaurant—more at RESTAURANT

grille or grill noun
: a grating that forms a barrier or screen

grill·work noun
: work constituting or resembling a grille

grim adjective grim·mer; grim·mest
1 : fierce in disposition or action : CRUEL
2 : harsh and forbidding in appearance
3 : ghastly or repellent in character
4 : not flinching or shrinking : RELENTLESS

— grim·ly adverb

— grim·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] cruel, fell, ferocious, fierce, savage, vicious—more at FIERCE
[2] austere, dour, fierce, flinty, forbidding, gruff, rough, rugged, severe, stark, steely, stern; also bleak, cold, hostile, unfriendly; adamant, determined, firm, resolute, steadfast, unflinching; fixed, hard, immovable, implacable, inflexible, obdurate, rigid, set, stiff, unbending, uncompromising, unyielding; immutable, unchangeable; black, cheerless, dark, gloomy, glum, joyless, moody, morose, sulky, sullen, surly; brooding, grave, melancholy, serious, sober, solemn, somber, unsmiling, weighty
Antonyms
benign, benignant, gentle, mild, tender
[4] determined, dogged, implacable, relentless, unflinching, unrelenting, unyielding—more at UNYIELDING

1grimace noun
: a facial expression usu. of disgust or disapproval

— grimace verb

Synonyms
face, frown, lower, mouth, pout, scowl; also flinch, wince; growl, snarl; simper, smirk; scoff, sneer; glare, glower, look, stare

grime noun
: soot, smut, or dirt adhering to or embedded in a surface; also : accumulated dirtiness and disorder

Synonyms
dirt, filth, muck, smut, soil—more at FILTH

grimy adjective
: full of or covered with grime

grin verb grinned; grin·ning
: to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth esp. in amusement

— grin noun

1grind verb ground ; grind·ing
1 : to reduce to small particles
2 : to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction
3 : OPPRESS
4 : to press with a grating noise : GRIT <~ the teeth>
5 : to operate or produce by turning a crank
6 : DRUDGE; especially : to study hard
7 : to move with difficulty or friction <gears ~ing>

Synonyms
[1] atomize, crush, powder, pulverize—more at POWDER
[2] buff, burnish, edge, file, hone, plane, polish, rasp, rub, sand, sharpen, whet
[4] crunch, gnash, grate, grit, rasp, scrape, scratch

2grind noun
1 : dreary monotonous labor, routine, or study
2 : one who works or studies excessively
3 : the act or sound of grinding

Synonyms
[1] drudgery, labor, slavery, sweat, toil, travail—more at TOIL
[3] rasp, scrape, scratch—more at RASP

grind·er noun
1 : MOLAR
2 plural : TEETH
3 : one that grinds
4 : a large sandwich on a long split roll : SUBMARINE 2

Synonyms
hoagie, poor boy, sub, submarine—more at SUBMARINE

grind out verb
: to produce in a mechanical way

Synonyms
build, carve, forge, hammer, work out

grind·stone noun
: a flat circular stone of natural sandstone that revolves on an axle and is used for grinding, shaping, or smoothing

1grip verb gripped; grip·ping
1 : to seize or hold firmly
2 : to hold the interest of strongly

Synonyms
[1] clasp, clench, cling, clutch, grasp, hang on, hold, hold on—more at HOLD
[2] absorb, busy, engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy—more at ENGAGE

2grip noun
1 : GRASP; also : strength in gripping
2 : a firm tenacious hold typically giving control, mastery, or understanding
3 : mental grasp : UNDERSTANDING
4 : a device for gripping
5 : portable case designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles : TRAVELING BAG

Synonyms
[2] arm, authority, clutch, command, control, dominion, hold, mastery, power, sway—more at POWER
[3] appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp, perception, understanding—more at COMPREHENSION
[5] carryall, handbag, portmanteau, suitcase, traveling bag—more at TRAVELING BAG

1gripe verb griped; grip·ing
1 : IRRITATE, VEX
2 : to cause or experience spasmodic pains in the bowels
3 : to complain with grumbling

Synonyms
beef, bellyache, carp, complain, crab, croak, fuss, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, moan, murmur, mutter, repine, squawk, wail, whine—more at COMPLAIN

2gripe noun
: expression of grief, pain, or dissatisfaction

Synonyms
beef, complaint, fuss, grievance, grumble, murmur, plaint, squawk—more at COMPLAINT

grippe noun
: INFLUENZA

gris–gris noun, plural gris–gris
[ORIGIN: F]

: an amulet or incantation used chiefly by people of black African ancestry

gris·ly adjective gris·li·er; -est
: inspiring horror, intense fear, disgust, or distaste : HORRIBLE, GRUESOME

Synonyms
appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, gruesome, hideous, horrible, horrid, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, terrible—more at HORRIBLE

grist noun
: grain to be ground or already ground

gris·tle noun
: CARTILAGE

— gris·tly adjective

grist·mill noun
: a mill for grinding grain

1grit noun
1 : a hard sharp granule (as of sand); also : material composed of such granules
2 : unyielding courage

— grit·ty adjective

Synonyms
backbone, fiber, fortitude, guts, pluck, spunk—more at FORTITUDE

2grit verb grit·ted; grit·ting
: to give forth a grating sound : GRIND, GRATE

grits noun plural
: coarsely ground hulled grain <hominy ~>

griz·zled adjective
: streaked or mixed with gray

griz·zly adjective griz·zli·er; -est
: GRIZZLED

grizzly bear noun
: a large pale-coated bear of western No. America

gro abbreviation
gross

groan verb
1 : to utter a deep moan indicative of pain, grief, or annoyance : MOAN
2 : to make a harsh sound under sudden or prolonged strain <the chair ~ed under his weight>

— groan noun

Synonyms
howl, keen, lament, moan, plaint, wail—more at LAMENT

groat noun
: an old British coin worth four pennies

gro·cer noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF groser wholesaler, fr. gros coarse, wholesale, fr. L grossus coarse]

: a dealer esp. in staple foodstuffs

— gro·cery noun

grog noun
[ORIGIN: Old Grog, nickname of Edward Vernon †1757 Eng. admiral responsible for diluting the sailors' rum]

: alcoholic liquor; especially : liquor (as rum) mixed with water

grog·gy adjective grog·gi·er; -est
: weak and unsteady on the feet or in action

— grog·gi·ly adverb

— grog·gi·ness noun

groin noun
1 : the juncture of the lower abdomen and inner part of the thigh; also : the region of this juncture
2 : the curved line or rib on a ceiling along which two vaults meet

grok verb grokked grok·king
: to understand profoundly and intuitively

grom·met noun
1 : a ring of rope
2 : an eyelet of firm material to strengthen or protect an opening

1groom noun
1 : a person responsible for the care of horses
2 : BRIDEGROOM

2groom verb
1 : to clean and care for (an animal)
2 : to make neat or attractive
3 : PREPARE

grooms·man noun
: a male friend who attends a bridegroom at his wedding

1groove noun
1 : a long narrow channel
2 : a fixed routine

Synonyms
pattern, rote, routine, rut, treadmill—more at ROUTINE

2groove verb
1 : to make a groove in; also : to form a groove
2 : to enjoy oneself intensely

Synonyms
[1] score, scribe—more at SCORE
usually groove on [2] adore, delight, dig, enjoy, fancy, like, love, relish, revel—more at ENJOY

groovy adjective groov·i·er; -est
1 : unusually good : EXCELLENT
2 : HIP

grope verb groped; grop·ing
1 : to feel about or search for blindly or uncertainly <~ for the right word>
2 : to feel one's way by groping

Synonyms
feel, fish, fumble; also cast about, hunt, look, reach, seek (out); clutch, grab, scrabble, snatch

gros·beak noun
: any of several finches of Europe or America with large stout conical bills

gros·grain noun
[ORIGIN: F gros grain coarse texture]

: a silk or rayon fabric with crosswise cotton ribs

1gross adjective
1 : glaringly noticeable
2 : OUT-AND-OUT, UTTER
3 : physically large : BIG, BULKY; especially : excessively fat
4 : GENERAL, BROAD
5 : consisting of an overall total exclusive of deductions <~ earnings>
6 : CARNAL, EARTHY <~ pleasures>
7 : coarse in nature or behavior : UNREFINED; also : crudely vulgar
8 : lacking knowledge

— gross·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] blatant, conspicuous, egregious, flagrant, glaring, obvious, patent, prominent, pronounced, rank, striking—more at EGREGIOUS
[3] chubby, corpulent, fat, fleshy, full, obese, overweight, plump, portly, rotund, round—more at FAT
[7] coarse, common, crass, crude, ill-bred, low, rough, rude, tasteless, uncouth, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar—more at COARSE

2gross noun
: an overall total exclusive of deductions

— gross verb

3gross noun, plural gross
: a total of 12 dozen things <a ~ of pencils>

gross domestic product noun
: the gross national product excluding the value of net income earned abroad

gross national product noun
: the total value of the goods and services produced in a nation during a year

gross·ness noun
: the quality or state of being gross

Synonyms
corpulence, fatness, obesity, plumpness—more at CORPULENCE
coarseness, indelicacy, lowness, rudeness, vulgarity—more at VULGARITY

grot noun
: a natural underground chamber or series of chambers open to the surface : GROTTO

gro·tesque adjective
1 : FANCIFUL, BIZARRE
2 : absurdly incongruous
3 : departing markedly from the natural, the expected, or the typical

— gro·tesque·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] harsh, unaesthetic—more at HARSH
[3] hideous, ugly, unappealing, unattractive

grot·to noun, plural grottoes also grottos
1 : a natural underground chamber or series of chambers open to the surface : CAVE
2 : an artificial cavelike structure

Synonyms
cave—more at CAVE

grouch noun
1 : a fit of bad temper
2 : a habitually irritable or complaining person

— grouch verb

Synonyms
bear, complainer, crab, crank, grumbler, whiner; also malcontent, sorehead; killjoy, spoilsport; defeatist, pessimist; faultfinder, kicker, nitpicker, quibbler

grouchy adjective
: given to grumbling : marked by ill temper

Synonyms
choleric, cross, crotchety, irascible, irritable, peevish, snappy, snippy, testy, waspish—more at IRRITABLE
crabby, cranky, fussy, grumpy, querulous—more at FUSSY

1ground noun
1 : the bottom of a body of water
2 plural : sediment at the bottom of a liquid
3 : a basis for belief, action, or argument
4 : a surrounding area : BACKGROUND
5 : the surface of the earth; also : SOIL
6 : an area with a particular use <fishing ~s>
7 plural : the area about and belonging to a building
8 : a conductor that makes electrical connection with the earth

Synonyms
grounds [2] deposit, dregs, precipitate, sediment—more at DEPOSIT
[3] base, basis, bedrock, footing, foundation, groundwork, keystone, underpinning—more at BASE
usually grounds [3] motive, reason, wherefore, why—more at REASON
[5] dirt, earth, soil—more at DIRT
grounds [7] demesne, park, premises, yard; also acres, estate, land, lot, parcel, plot, property, real estate, realty; campus; churchyard

2ground verb
1 : to bring to or place on the ground
2 : to run or cause to run aground
3 : to provide a reason or justification for
4 : to furnish with a foundation of knowledge
5 : to connect electrically with a ground
6 : to restrict to the ground; also : prohibit from some activity

Synonyms
base, rest—more at BASE

3ground past and past participle of GRIND

ground ball noun
: a batted baseball that rolls or bounces along the ground

ground cover noun
: low plants that grow over and cover the soil; also : a plant suitable for use as ground cover

ground·ed adjective
: mentally and emotionally stable

ground·er noun
: GROUND BALL

ground·hog noun
: WOODCHUCK

ground·less adjective
: having no ground or foundation

Synonyms
baseless, invalid, unfounded, unreasonable, unsubstantiated, unsupported, unwarranted—more at BASELESS

ground·ling noun
: a spectator in the pit of an Elizabethan theater

ground rule noun
1 : a sports rule adopted to modify play on a particular field, court, or course
2 : a rule of procedure

ground squirrel noun
: any of various burrowing rodents of No. America and Eurasia that are related to the squirrels and live in colonies in open areas

ground swell noun
1 : a broad deep ocean swell caused by an often distant gale or earthquake
2 usually ground·swell : a rapid spontaneous growth (as of political opinion)

ground·wa·ter noun
: water within the earth that supplies wells and springs

ground·work noun
: something that forms a foundation or support : BASIS; also : preparation made beforehand

Synonyms
base, basis, bedrock, footing, foundation, ground, keystone, underpinning—more at BASE

ground zero noun
1 : the point above, below, or at which a nuclear explosion occurs
2 : the center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity

1group noun
1 : a number of individuals related by a common factor (as physical association, community of interests, or blood)
2 : a combination of atoms commonly found together in a molecule <a methyl ~>

Synonyms
bracket, category, class, division, family, grade, kind, order, set, species, type—more at CLASS

2group verb
: to associate in groups

Synonyms
assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, grade, peg, place, range, rank, separate, sort—more at CLASSIFY
accumulate, amass, assemble, collect, concentrate, garner, gather, lump, pick up, round up, scrape—more at GATHER

group·ing noun
1 : the act or process of combining in groups
2 : a set of objects combined in a group

grou·per noun, plural groupers also grouper
: any of numerous large solitary bottom fishes of warm seas

group home noun
: a residence for persons requiring care or supervision

group·ie noun
: a fan of a rock group who usu. follows the group around on concert tours; also : ENTHUSIAST, FAN

group therapy noun
: therapy in the presence of a therapist in which several patients discuss their personal problems

groupware noun
: software that enables users to work jointly via a network on projects or files

1grouse noun, plural grouse or grouses
: any of numerous ground-dwelling game birds that have feathered legs and are usu. of reddish brown or other protective color

2grouse verb groused; grous·ing
: to mutter in discontent : COMPLAIN, GRUMBLE

Synonyms
beef, bellyache, carp, complain, crab, fuss, gripe, grumble, kick, moan, squawk, wail, whine—more at COMPLAIN

grout noun
: material (as mortar) used for filling spaces

— grout verb

grove noun
: a small wood usu. without underbrush

grov·el verb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling
1 : to creep or lie with the body prostrate in fear or humility
2 : to abase oneself

Synonyms
crawl, creep, slither, snake, worm—more at CRAWL

grow verb grew ; grown ; grow·ing
1 : to spring up and develop to maturity
2 : to be able to grow : THRIVE
3 : to take on some relation through or as if through growth <tree limbs grown together>
4 : to become progressively greater
5 : to develop from a parent source
6 : to pass into a condition : BECOME
7 : to have an increasing influence
8 : to cause to grow

Synonyms
[1] age, develop, grow up, mature, progress, ripen—more at MATURE
usually grow in [4] build, gain, gather, pick up—more at GAIN
[6] become, come, get, go, run, turn, wax—more at BECOME
[8] crop, cultivate, culture, promote, raise, rear, tend; also breed, produce, propagate; plant, sow; gather, glean, harvest, reap; germinate, quicken, root, sprout

grow·er noun
1 : one that grows esp. in a specified way
2 : a person who grows a specified fruit or other product

Synonyms
agriculturist, cultivator, farmer, planter, tiller—more at FARMER

growing pains noun plural
1 : pains in the legs of growing children having no known relation to growth
2 : the stresses and strains attending a new project or development

growl verb
1 : RUMBLE
2 : to utter a deep throaty sound
3 : to complain angrily : GRUMBLE

— growl noun

Synonyms
bellow, boom, roar, thunder—more at ROAR

grown–up adjective
: not childish : ADULT

— grown–up noun

growth noun
1 : stage or condition attained in growing
2 : a process of growing esp. through progressive development or increase
3 a : a result or product of growing <a fine ~ of hair>
b : an abnormal mass of tissue (as a tumor)

Synonyms
[2] development, elaboration, evolution, expansion, maturation, progress, progression—more at DEVELOPMENT
[3b] excrescence, lump, neoplasm, tumor; also outgrowth; cancer, carcinoma, lymphoma, malignancy, melanoma; cyst, tubercle, wart

growth hormone noun
: a vertebrate hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland and regulates growth

growth industry noun
: a business, interest, or activity that is increasingly popular, profitable, or trendy

grow up verb
: to grow toward or arrive at full stature or physical or mental maturity

Synonyms
age, develop, grow, mature, progress, ripen—more at MATURE

1grub verb grubbed; grub·bing
1 : to clear or root out by digging
2 : to dig in the ground usu. for a hidden object
3 : to search about
4 : to work hard and long

2grub noun
1 : a soft thick wormlike insect larva <beetle ~s>
2 : DRUDGE; also : a slovenly person
3 : nourishment in solid form : FOOD

Synonyms
chow, fare, food, meat, provender, provisions, viands, victuals—more at FOOD

grub·bi·ness noun
: the state of being grubby

Synonyms
dinginess, dirtiness, filthiness, foulness, nastiness, uncleanliness—more at DIRTINESS

grub·by adjective grub·bi·er; -est
: full of or covered with grime : DIRTY, SLOVENLY

Synonyms
dirty, filthy, foul, grungy, mucky, muddy, slovenly, unclean—more at DIRTY

grub·stake noun
: supplies or funds furnished a mining prospector in return for a share in his finds

1grudge verb grudged; grudg·ing
: to be reluctant to give : BEGRUDGE

2grudge noun
: a feeling of deep-seated resentment or ill will

Synonyms
animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, gall, hostility, rancor—more at ENMITY
grievance, resentment, score; also offense, umbrage; complaint; pique, peeve

gru·el noun
: a thin porridge

gru·el·ing or gru·el·ling adjective
: requiring extreme effort : EXHAUSTING

Synonyms
arduous, demanding, difficult, exacting, formidable, hard, herculean, laborious, murderous, rough, stiff, strenuous, tall, toilsome, tough—more at HARD

grue·some adjective
[ORIGIN: fr. earlier growsome, fr. E dial. grow, grue to shiver]

: inspiring horror or repulsion

Synonyms
appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, grisly, hideous, horrible, horrid, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, terrible—more at HORRIBLE

gruff adjective
1 : rough in speech or manner
2 : being deep and harsh : HOARSE

— gruff·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] flinty, grim, rough, rugged, severe, stark, steely, stern—more at GRIM
[2] coarse, gravelly, hoarse, husky, scratchy, throaty—more at HOARSE

grum·ble verb grum·bled; grum·bling
1 : to mutter in discontent
2 : to utter a growl : GROWL, RUMBLE

Synonyms
[1] beef, bellyache, complain, fuss, gripe, grouse, kick, moan, squawk, wail, whine—more at COMPLAIN
[2] growl, lumber, roll, rumble—more at RUMBLE

grum·bler noun
: one that grumbles

Synonyms
bear, complainer, crab, crank, grouch, whiner—more at GROUCH

grump·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being grumpy

Synonyms
biliousness, irritability, peevishness, perverseness, perversity

grumpy adjective grump·i·er; -est
: moodily cross : SURLY

— grump·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, grouchy, irascible, irritable, peevish, petulant, short-tempered, surly, testy, waspish—more at IRRITABLE

grunge noun
1 : one that is grungy
2 : heavy metal rock music expressing alienation and discontent
3 : untidy or tattered clothing typically worn by grunge fans

grun·gy adjective grun·gi·er; -est
: shabby or dirty in character or condition

Synonyms
dirty, grubby, mucky, muddy, unclean—more at DIRTY
neglected, ratty, scruffy, seedy, shabby, tacky—more at SHABBY

grun·ion noun
: a fish of the California coast which comes inshore to spawn at nearly full moon

1grunt noun
1 a : a deep throaty sound (as that of a hog)

2grunt verb
: to utter a grunt; also : to utter with a grunt

GSA abbreviation
1 General Services Administration
2 Girl Scouts of America

G suit noun
[ORIGIN: gravity suit]

: a suit for a pilot or astronaut designed to counteract the physiological effects of acceleration

GSUSA abbreviation
Girl Scouts of the United States of America

gt abbreviation
great

Gt Brit abbreviation
Great Britain

gtd abbreviation
guaranteed

GU abbreviation
Guam

gua·ca·mo·le noun
[ORIGIN: MexSp, fr. Nahuatl āhuacamōlli, fr. āhuacatl avocado + mōlli sauce]

: mashed and seasoned avocado

gua·nine noun
: a purine base that codes genetic information in the molecular chain of DNA and RNA

gua·no noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. Quechua wanu fertilizer, dung]

: excrement esp. of seabirds or bats; also : a fertilizer composed chiefly of this excrement

1guarantee noun
1 : GUARANTOR
2 : GUARANTY 1
3 : an agreement by which one person undertakes to secure another in the possession or enjoyment of something
4 : an assurance of the quality of or of the length of use to be expected from a product offered for sale
5 : something given as security : GUARANTY

Synonyms
[3] bond, contract, covenant, guaranty, surety, warranty; also oath, pledge, vow, word; bargain, compact, pact, treaty; assurance, insurance; bail, deposit, pawn, security
[5] gage, guaranty, pawn, pledge, security—more at PLEDGE

2guarantee verb -teed; -tee·ing
1 : to undertake to answer for the debt, failure to perform, or faulty performance of (another)
2 : to undertake an obligation to establish, perform, or continue
3 : to give security to

Synonyms
assure, cinch, ensure, guaranty, insure, secure—more at ENSURE

guar·an·tor noun
: one who gives a guarantee

Synonyms
backer, patron, sponsor, surety—more at SPONSOR

1guaranty noun, plural -ties
1 : an undertaking to answer for another's failure to pay a debt or perform a duty
2 : an agreement by which one person undertakes to secure another in the possession or enjoyment of something : GUARANTEE
3 : GUARANTOR
4 : something given as security : PLEDGE

Synonyms
gage, guarantee, pawn, pledge, security—more at PLEDGE

2guaranty verb -tied; -ty·ing
: to give security to : GUARANTEE

1guard noun
1 : a person or a body of persons on sentinel duty
2 plural : troops assigned to protect a sovereign
3 : a defensive position (as in boxing)
4 : the act or duty of protecting or defending
5 : one that protects : PROTECTION
6 : a protective or safety device
7 : a football lineman playing between center and tackle; also : a basketball player stationed toward the rear

— on guard

: WATCHFUL, ALERT

Synonyms
[1] custodian, guardian, keeper, lookout, picket, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watchman; also observer, patrol, spotter, watchdog; bodyguard, convoy, defender, escort
[4] aegis, armor, cover, defense, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward—more at DEFENSE
[5] custodian, defender, defense, protection, protector—more at PROTECTOR

2guard verb
1 : to protect from danger esp. by watchful attention : DEFEND
2 : to watch over
3 : to be on guard

Synonyms
[1] cover, defend, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward—more at DEFEND
usually guard against [3] beware, mind—more at BEWARE (OF)

guard·ed adjective
: careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences

Synonyms
alert, careful, cautious, circumspect, considerate, gingerly, heedful, safe, wary—more at CAREFUL

guard·house noun
1 : a building occupied by a guard or used as a headquarters by soldiers on guard duty
2 : a military jail

guard·ian noun
1 : one that guards : CUSTODIAN
2 : one who has the care of the person or property of another

Synonyms
[1, 2] caretaker, custodian, janitor, keeper, warden, watchman—more at CUSTODIAN

guard·ian·ship noun
: supervision or support of one that is smaller and weaker; specif : the relationship existing between guardian and ward

Synonyms
care, custody, keeping, safekeeping, trust, ward—more at CUSTODY

guard·room noun
1 : a room used by a military guard while on duty
2 : a room where military prisoners are confined

guards·man noun
: a member of a military body called guard or guards

Gua·te·ma·lan noun
: a native or inhabitant of Guatemala

— Guatemalan adjective

gua·va noun
: the sweet yellow or pink acid fruit of a shrubby tropical American tree used esp. for making jam and jelly; also : the tree

gu·ber·na·to·ri·al adjective
: of or relating to a governor

guer·don noun
: REWARD, RECOMPENSE

Guern·sey noun, plural Guernseys
: any of a breed of usu. reddish brown and white dairy cattle that produce rich yellowish milk

guer·ril·la or gue·ril·la noun
[ORIGIN: Sp guerrilla, fr. dim. of guerra war, of Gmc origin]

: one who engages in irregular warfare esp. as a member of an independent unit

1guess verb
1 : to form an opinion from little or no evidence
2 : to hold as an opinion : BELIEVE, SUPPOSE
3 : to conjecture correctly about

Synonyms
[1] assume, conjecture, presume, speculate, suppose, surmise, suspect; also conclude, deduce, gather, infer; hypothesize, theorize; believe, conceive, expect, imagine, take, think
[2] believe, consider, deem, feel, figure, hold, imagine, suppose, think—more at BELIEVE
[3] calculate, call, conjecture, estimate, figure, gauge, judge, make, place, put, reckon, suppose—more at ESTIMATE

2guess noun
: a conclusion deduced by surmise or guesswork

Synonyms
conjecture, supposition, surmise—more at CONJECTURE

guest noun
1 : a person to whom hospitality (as of a house or a club) is extended
2 : a patron of a commercial establishment (as a hotel)
3 : a person not a regular member of a cast who appears on a program

Synonyms
customer, patron—more at CUSTOMER

guest·house noun
: a house run as a boarding house or bed-and-breakfast

guf·faw noun
: a loud burst of laughter

— guf·faw verb

guid·ance noun
1 : the act or process of guiding
2 : the direction provided by a guide : ADVICE

Synonyms
administration, conduct, control, direction, government, management, operation, oversight, regulation, running, superintendence, supervision—more at CONDUCT

1guide noun
1 : one who leads or directs another's course
2 : one who shows and explains points of interest
3 : something that provides guiding information; also : SIGNPOST
4 : a device to direct the motion of something

Synonyms
[1, 2] attendant, companion, escort, guard—more at ESCORT

2guide verb guid·ed; guid·ing
1 : to act as a guide to
2 : to direct, supervise, or influence usu. to a particular end
3 : to superintend the training of

— guid·able adjective

Synonyms
[1] conduct, direct, lead, marshal, pilot, route, show, steer, usher—more at LEAD
[1, 2] administer, carry on, conduct, control, direct, govern, handle, manage, operate, oversee, regulate, run, superintend, supervise—more at CONDUCT
[2] coach, counsel, lead, mentor, pilot, shepherd, show, tutor; also direct, steer; accompany, escort, see; oversee, superintend, supervise; drill, train; brief, enlighten, inform; instruct, school, teach; inculcate, indoctrinate; cultivate, foster, nurture

guide·book noun
: a book of information for travelers

guided missile noun
: a missile whose course may be altered during flight

guide dog noun
: a dog trained to lead the blind

guide·line noun
: an indication or outline of policy or conduct

guide word noun
: a term at the head of a page of an alphabetical reference work that indicates the alphabetically first or last word on that page

gui·don noun
: a small flag (as of a military unit)

guild noun
: an association of people with common aims and interests; especially : a medieval association of merchants or craftsmen

— guild·hall noun

Synonyms
association, brotherhood, club, college, congress, council, fellowship, fraternity, institute, institution, league, order, organization, society—more at ASSOCIATION

guile noun
: deceitful cunning : DUPLICITY

Synonyms
artfulness, artifice, caginess, canniness, craft, craftiness, cunning, slyness, wiliness—more at CUNNING
craft, craftiness, crookedness, deceit, deceitfulness, dishonesty, dissimulation, double-dealing, duplicity—more at DECEIT

guile·ful adjective
: full of guile : characterized by cunning, deceit, or treachery

Synonyms
artful, cagey, crafty, cunning, devious, foxy, slick, sly, subtle, wily—more at ARTFUL

guil·lo·tine noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. Joseph Guillotin †1814 Fr. physician]

: a machine for beheading persons

— guillotine verb

guilt noun
1 : the fact of having committed an offense esp. against the law
2 : the state of one who has committed an offense esp. consciously
3 : a feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing

Synonyms
[2] blame, culpability, fault, rap—more at BLAME
[3] contrition, penitence, remorse, repentance, self-reproach, shame; also misgiving, qualm, scruple; compunction; blame, fault, responsibility; chagrin, regret

guilt·less adjective
: free from guilt or evil

Synonyms
blameless, clear, faultless, impeccable, innocent, irreproachable—more at INNOCENT

guilt-trip verb
: to cause feelings of guilt in

guilty adjective guilt·i·er; -est
1 : having committed a breach of conduct or a crime
2 : suggesting or involving guilt
3 : aware of or suffering from guilt

— guilt·i·ly adverb

— guilt·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] accountable, answerable, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, culpable, reprehensible
Antonyms
blameless, guiltless, innocent
[3] ashamed, contrite, hangdog, penitent, remorseful, repentant, shamefaced; also apologetic, sorry; regretful, rueful; penitential; chagrined, embarrassed, sheepish
Antonyms
impenitent, remorseless, shameless, unashamed, unrepentant

guin·ea noun
1 : a British gold coin no longer issued worth 21 shillings
2 : a unit of value equal to 21 shillings

guinea fowl noun
: a gray and white spotted West African bird related to the pheasants and widely raised for food; also : any of several related birds

guinea hen noun
: a female guinea fowl; also : GUINEA FOWL

Guin·ean noun
: a native or inhabitant of Guinea

— Guinean adjective

guinea pig noun
1 : a small stocky short-eared and nearly tailless So. American rodent often kept as a pet or used in lab research
2 : a subject of research or testing

guise noun
1 : a form or style of dress : COSTUME
2 : external appearance : SEMBLANCE

Synonyms
[1] dress, garb, getup, outfit—more at OUTFIT
[2] appearance, face, name, semblance, show—more at APPEARANCE

gui·tar noun
: a musical instrument with usu. six strings plucked with a pick or with the fingers

gulch noun
: a deep or precipitous cleft : RAVINE

Synonyms
canyon, defile, flume, gap, gorge, gulf, notch, pass, ravine—more at CANYON

gulf noun
[ORIGIN: ME goulf, fr. MF golfe, fr. It golfo, fr. LL colpus, fr. Gk kolpos bosom, gulf]

1 : a part of an ocean or sea partly or mostly surrounded by land
2 : ABYSS, CHASM
3 : a wide separation

Synonyms
bay, bight, cove, estuary, inlet; also harbor, port, roadstead; narrow, sound, strait; bayou

1gull noun
: any of numerous mostly white or gray long-winged web-footed seabirds

2gull verb
: to make a dupe of : DECEIVE

Synonyms
deceive, delude, dupe, fool, misinform, mislead, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE

3gull noun
: a person who is easily deceived or cheated : DUPE

gul·let noun
: ESOPHAGUS; also : THROAT

gull·ible adjective
: easily duped or cheated

Synonyms
easy, naive, susceptible—more at EASY

gul·ly noun, plural gullies
: a trench worn in the earth by and often filled with running water after rains

1gulp verb
1 : to swallow hurriedly or greedily
2 : SUPPRESS <~ down a sob>
3 : to catch the breath as if in taking a long drink

2gulp noun
1 : the act or an instance of gulping
2 : the amount taken in a single large swallow

1gum noun
: the oral tissue that surrounds the necks of the teeth

2gum noun
[ORIGIN: ME gomme, fr. MF, fr. L cummi, gummi, fr. Gk kommi, fr. Egyptian qmyt]

1 : a sticky plant exudate; especially : one that hardens on drying
2 : a sticky substance
3 : a preparation usu. of a plant gum sweetened and flavored and used for chewing

gum arabic noun
: a water-soluble gum obtained from several acacias and used esp. in making inks, adhesives, confections, and pharmaceuticals

gum·bo noun
[ORIGIN: AmerF gombo, of Bantu origin]

: a rich thick soup usu. thickened with okra

gum·drop noun
: a candy made usu. from corn syrup with gelatin and coated with sugar crystals

gum·my adjective
: having a thick or sticky quality; also : consisting, containing, or covered with gum

Synonyms
adhesive, gelatinous, gluey, glutinous, gooey, sticky, viscid, viscous—more at STICKY

gump·tion noun
1 : shrewd common sense
2 : ENTERPRISE, INITIATIVE

gum·shoe noun
: DETECTIVE

— gumshoe verb

1gun noun
1 : CANNON
2 : a portable firearm
3 : a discharge of a gun
4 : something suggesting a gun in shape or function
5 : THROTTLE

— gunned adjective

Synonyms
arm, firearm, piece; also handgun, pistol, revolver, six-gun, six-shooter; blunderbuss, flintlock, matchlock, musket, rifle, shotgun; automatic, machine gun, repeater, submachine gun, tommy gun

2gun verb gunned; gun·ning
1 : to hunt with a gun
2 : to hit with a missile (as a bullet) from a gun : SHOOT
3 : to open up the throttle of so as to increase speed

gun·boat noun
: a small lightly armed ship for use in shallow waters

gun·fight noun
: a duel with guns

— gun·fight·er noun

gun·fire noun
: the firing of guns

gung ho adjective
[ORIGIN: Gung ho!, motto (taken to mean “work together”) adopted by certain U.S. marines in World War II, fr. Chin gōnghé, short for Zhōngguó Gōngyè Hézuò Shè Chinese Industrial Cooperatives Society]

: extremely zealous or enthusiastic

Synonyms
avid, eager, enthusiastic, keen, nuts, raring—more at EAGER

gun·man noun
: a man armed with a gun; especially : a professional killer

gun·ner noun
1 : a soldier or airman who operates or aims a gun
2 : one who hunts with a gun

gun·nery noun
: the use of guns; especially : the science of the flight of projectiles and effective use of guns

gunnery sergeant noun
: a noncommissioned officer in the marine corps ranking next below a master sergeant

gun·ny·sack noun
: a sack made of a coarse heavy fabric (as burlap)

gun·point noun
: the muzzle of a gun

— at gunpoint

: under a threat of death by being shot

gun·pow·der noun
: an explosive powder used in guns and blasting

gun·shot noun
1 : shot fired from a gun
2 : the range of a gun <within ~>

gun–shy adjective
1 : afraid of a loud noise
2 : markedly distrustful

gun·sling·er noun
: a skilled gunman esp. in the old West

gun·smith noun
: one who designs, makes, or repairs firearms

gun·wale also gun·nel noun
: the upper edge of a ship's or boat's side

gup·py noun, plural guppies
[ORIGIN: R.J.L. Guppy †1916 Trinidadian naturalist]

: a small brightly colored tropical fish

gur·gle verb gur·gled; gur·gling
1 : to make a sound like that of an irregularly flowing or gently splashing liquid
2 : to flow in a broken irregular current

— gurgle noun

Synonyms
dribble, lap, plash, ripple, slosh, splash, trickle, wash; also eddy, purl, swirl; swash, swish, whish; drip, drop; gush, jet, spout, spurt, squirt, rush
Antonyms
roll, pour, stream

Gur·kha noun
: a soldier from Nepal in the British or Indian army

gur·ney noun, plural gurneys
: a wheeled cot or stretcher

gu·ru noun, plural gurus
[ORIGIN: ultim. Sanskrit guru, fr. guru, adj., heavy, venerable]

1 : a personal religious and spiritual teacher in Hinduism
2 : a teacher in matters of fundamental concern
3 : EXPERT <a fitness ~>

gush verb
1 : to issue or pour forth copiously or violently : SPOUT
2 : to make an effusive display of affection or enthusiasm

Synonyms
[1] jet, pour, rush, spew, spout, spurt, squirt; also cascade, issue, run, stream; plash, slosh, splash; surge, swell; flush, sluice; deluge, engulf, flood, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, swamp
Antonyms
dribble, drip, drop, trickle
[2] enthuse, fuss, rave, rhapsodize, slobber; also dote (on), fawn; emote

gush·er noun
: one that gushes; especially : an oil well with a large natural flow

gushy adjective gush·i·er; -est
: marked by effusive sentimentality

gus·set noun
: a triangular insert (as in a seam of a sleeve) to give width or strength

— gusset verb

gus·sy up verb
1 : to dress up in best or formal clothes
2 : to make more attractive, glamorous or fancy

1gust noun
1 : a sudden brief rush of wind
2 : a sudden outburst : SURGE

Synonyms
blast, blow, flurry, williwaw; also breeze, zephyr; air, breath, waft; puff, whiff; gale, hurricane, squall, tempest, tornado, windstorm; northeaster, norther, northerly, westerly

2gust verb
: to blow in gusts

gus·ta·to·ry adjective
: relating to or associated with the sense of taste

gus·to noun
: enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment, appreciation, or delight

gusty adjective
: blowing in gusts

Synonyms
blowy, blustery, breezy, windy—more at WINDY

1gut noun
1 plural : internal organs of the body : BOWELS, ENTRAILS
2 : the alimentary canal or a part of it (as the intestine); also : BELLY, ABDOMEN
3 plural : the inner essential parts
4 plural : fortitude and stamina in coping with what alarms, repels, or discourages : COURAGE, PLUCK

Synonyms
[2] abdomen, belly, solar plexus, stomach, tummy—more at STOMACH
guts [4] bravery, courage, daring, fearlessness, hardihood, nerve, stoutness—more at COURAGE
guts [4] backbone, fiber, fortitude, grit, pluck, spunk—more at FORTITUDE

2gut verb gut·ted; gut·ting
1 : to take out the entrails of : EVISCERATE
2 : to destroy the inside of

Synonyms
clean, draw, eviscerate; also bone, dress; cut, excise, extract, remove, withdraw; transplant

gut check noun
: a test of courage, character, or determination

gutsy adjective guts·i·er; -est
: marked by courage and determination

Synonyms
adventurous, audacious, bold, daring, enterprising, hardy, nervy, venturesome—more at BOLD

gut·ter noun
: a groove or channel for carrying off esp. rainwater

Synonyms
spout; also drain, flume, sluice; conduit, duct

gut·ter·snipe noun
: a street urchin

gut·tur·al adjective
1 : sounded in the throat
2 : being or marked by an utterance that is strange, unpleasant, or disagreeable

— guttural noun

gut·ty adjective gut·ti·er; -est
1 : GUTSY
2 : having a vigorous challenging quality

gut–wrench·ing adjective
: causing emotional anguish

1guy noun
: a rope, chain, or rod attached to something as a brace or guide

2guy verb
: to steady or reinforce with a guy

3guy noun
: an adult male human : MAN, FELLOW; also, pl : PERSONS <all the ~s came>

Synonyms
buck, chap, dude, fellow, gent, gentleman, hombre, jack, joker, lad, male, man—more at MAN

4guy verb
: to make fun of : RIDICULE

Guy·a·nese noun, plural Guyanese
: a native or inhabitant of Guyana

— Guyanese adjective

guz·zle verb guz·zled; guz·zling
: to drink greedily

Synonyms
drink, imbibe, quaff, sup, swig, toss—more at DRINK

gym noun
: GYMNASIUM

gym·kha·na noun
: a meet featuring sports contests; especially : a contest of automobile-driving skill

gym·na·si·um noun, plural -na·si·ums or -na·sia
[ORIGIN: L, exercise ground, school, fr. Gk gymnasion, fr. gymnazein to exercise naked, fr. gymnos naked]

1 : a room or building for indoor sports
2 : a European secondary school that prepares students for the university

gym·nas·tics noun
: a competitive sport developed from physical exercises designed to demonstrate strength, balance, and body control

— gym·nast noun

— gym·nas·tic adjective

gym·no·sperm noun
: any of a class or subdivision of woody vascular seed plants (as conifers) that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary

gyn or gynecol abbreviation
gynecology

gy·nae·col·o·gy chiefly British variant of GYNECOLOGY

gy·ne·col·o·gy noun
: a branch of medicine dealing with the diseases and hygiene of women

— gy·ne·co·log·ic or gy·ne·co·log·i·cal adjective

— gy·ne·col·o·gist noun

gy·no·cen·tric adjective
: emphasizing feminine interests or a feminine point of view

1gyp noun
1 : CHEAT, SWINDLER
2 : FRAUD, SWINDLE

2gyp verb
: to deprive of something valuable by the use of deceit or fraud

Synonyms
bleed, cheat, chisel, cozen, defraud, fleece, hustle, mulct, rook, shortchange, skin, squeeze, stick, sting, swindle, victimize—more at FLEECE

gyp·sum noun
: a calcium-containing mineral used in making plaster of paris

Gyp·sy noun, plural Gypsies
[ORIGIN: by shortening & alter. fr. Egyptian]

: a member of a traditionally traveling people coming orig. from India and living chiefly in Europe, Asia, and No. America; also : the language of the Gypsies

gypsy moth noun
: an Old World moth that was introduced into the U.S. where its caterpillar is a destructive defoliator of many trees

gy·rate verb gy·rat·ed; gy·rat·ing
1 : to revolve around a point or axis
2 : to oscillate with or as if with a circular or spiral motion

Synonyms
pirouette, revolve, roll, rotate, spin, turn, twirl, wheel, whirl—more at SPIN

gy·ra·tion noun
: an act or instance of gyrating

Synonyms
pirouette, reel, revolution, roll, rotation, spin, twirl, wheel, whirl—more at SPIN

gyr·fal·con noun
: an arctic falcon with several color forms that is the largest of all falcons

1gyro noun, plural gyros
: GYROSCOPE

2gyro noun, plural gyros
: a sandwich esp. of lamb and beef, tomato, onion, and yogurt sauce on pita bread

gy·ro·scope noun
: a wheel or disk mounted to spin rapidly about an axis that is free to turn in various directions

Gy Sgt abbreviation
gunnery sergeant

gyve noun
: FETTER

— gyve verb

H

1h noun, plural h's or hs often cap
: the 8th letter of the English alphabet

2h abbreviation, often cap
1 hard; hardness
2 heroin
3 hit
4 husband

H symbol
hydrogen

1ha interjection
— used esp. to express surprise or joy

2ha abbreviation
hectare

Hab abbreviation
Habacuc; Habakkuk

Ha·ba·cuc noun
: HABAKKUK

Ha·bak·kuk noun
: a book of the canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures

ha·ba·ne·ra noun
[ORIGIN: Sp (danza) habanera, lit., dance of Havana]

: a Cuban dance in slow time; also : the music for this dance

ha·ba·ne·ro also ha·ba·ñe·ro noun
: a very hot chili pepper that is usu. orange when mature

ha·be·as cor·pus noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML, lit., you should have the body (the opening words of the writ)]

: a writ issued to bring a party before a court

hab·er·dash·er noun
: a dealer in men's clothing and accessories

hab·er·dash·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : goods sold by a haberdasher
2 : a haberdasher's shop

ha·bil·i·ment noun
1 plural : TRAPPINGS, EQUIPMENT
2 : DRESS; especially : the dress characteristic of an occupation or occasion — usu. used in pl.

hab·it noun
1 : DRESS, GARB
2 : BEARING, CONDUCT
3 : PHYSIQUE
4 : mental makeup
5 : a usual manner of behavior : CUSTOM
6 : a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition
7 : ADDICTION
8 : mode of growth or occurrence <trees with a spreading ~>

Synonyms
custom, fashion, pattern, practice, trick, way, wont; also addiction; disposition; bent, inclination, proclivity, tendency, turn; convention, form, mode, style; usage; manners, mores; groove, rote, routine, rut; affectation, airs, pose; attribute, characteristic, mark, trait; oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity, tic; strangeness, weirdness

hab·it·able adjective
: capable of being lived in

— hab·it·abil·i·ty noun

hab·i·tat noun
[ORIGIN: L, it inhabits]

: the place or environment where a plant or animal naturally occurs

Synonyms
home, niche, range, territory—more at HOME

hab·i·ta·tion noun
1 : OCCUPANCY
2 : a dwelling place : RESIDENCE
3 : SETTLEMENT

Synonyms
abode, domicile, dwelling, fireside, hearth, home, house, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof—more at HOME

hab·it–form·ing adjective
: causing addiction : ADDICTIVE

ha·bit·u·al adjective
1 : having the nature of a habit
2 : doing, practicing, or acting by force of habit <~ drunkards>
3 : inherent in an individual

— ha·bit·u·al·ly adverb

— ha·bit·u·al·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] constant, frequent, periodic, regular, repeated, steady
[2] chronic, confirmed, inveterate; also incorrigible, unregenerate; born, natural; persistent, regular, steady, unfailing; addicted; accustomed, habituated, used; deep-rooted, entrenched, inbred, inherent, innate

ha·bit·u·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : ACCUSTOM
2 : to cause or undergo habituation

ha·bit·u·a·tion noun
1 : the process of becoming or state of being accustomed to or dependent on something
2 : psychological dependence on a drug after a period of use

ha·bi·tué also ha·bi·tue noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: one who may be regularly found in or at (as a place of entertainment)

ha·ci·en·da noun
1 : a large estate in a Spanish-speaking country
2 : the main building of a farm or ranch

1hack verb
1 : to cut or sever with repeated irregular blows
2 : to cough in a short dry manner
3 : to manage successfully; also : TOLERATE

2hack noun
1 : an implement for hacking
2 : a short dry cough
3 : a hacking blow
4 : a V-shaped indentation

Synonyms
chip, indentation, nick, notch—more at NOTCH

3hack noun
1 : a horse hired or used for varied work
2 : a horse worn out in service
3 : a light easy often 3-gaited saddle horse
4 a : HACKNEY
b : an automobile that carries passengers for a fare usu. determined by the distance traveled : TAXICAB
5 : a person who works solely for mercenary reasons; especially : a writer working solely for commercial success

— hack adjective

4hack verb
: to operate a taxicab

hack·er noun
1 : one that hacks; also : a person unskilled at something
2 : an expert at using a computer
3 : a person who illegally gains access to and sometimes tampers with information in a computer system

hack·ie noun
: a taxicab driver

hack·le noun
1 : one of the long feathers on the neck or back of a bird
2 plural : hairs (as on a dog's neck) that can be erected
3 plural : TEMPER, DANDER

hack·man noun
: HACKIE

1hackney noun, plural hackneys
1 : a horse for riding or driving
2 : a carriage or automobile kept for hire

2hackney verb
: to make trite

hack·neyed adjective
: lacking in freshness or originality

Synonyms
banal, commonplace, musty, stale, stereotyped, threadbare, tired, trite—more at STALE

hack·saw noun
: a fine-tooth saw in a frame for cutting metal

hack·work noun
: work done on order usu. according to a formula

had past and past participle of HAVE

had·dock noun, plural haddock also haddocks
: an Atlantic food fish usu. smaller than the related cod

Ha·des noun
1 : the abode of the dead in Greek mythology
2 often not cap : HELL

haem chiefly British variant of HEME

hae·ma·tite British variant of HEMATITE

haf·ni·um noun
: a gray metallic chemical element

haft noun
: the handle of a weapon or tool

hag noun
1 : an ugly or evil-looking old woman
2 : a woman that is credited with usu. malignant supernatural powers

Synonyms
crone, witch—more at CRONE

Hag abbreviation
Haggai

Hag·gai noun
: a book of the canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures

hag·gard adjective
: having a worn or emaciated appearance

— hag·gard·ly adverb

— hag·gard·ness noun

Synonyms
cadaverous, gaunt, skeletal, wasted

hag·gis noun
: a traditionally Scottish dish made of the heart, liver, and lungs of a sheep or a calf minced with suet, onions, oatmeal, and seasonings

hag·gle verb hag·gled; hag·gling
: to argue in bargaining

— hag·gler noun

Synonyms
bargain, chaffer, deal, dicker, negotiate, palter—more at BARGAIN

Ha·gi·og·ra·pha noun plural
: the third part of the Jewish Scriptures

ha·gio·graph·ic adjective
: of or relating to hagiography; especially : excessively flattering

ha·gi·og·ra·phy noun
1 : biography of saints or venerated persons
2 : idealizing or idolizing biography

— ha·gi·og·ra·pher noun

hai·ku noun, plural haiku
[ORIGIN: Jp]

: an unrhymed Japanese verse form of three lines containing usu. 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively; also : a poem in this form

1hail noun
1 : precipitation in the form of small lumps of ice
2 : something that gives the effect of falling hail

Synonyms
rain, shower, storm—more at RAIN
barrage, bombardment, cannonade, fusillade, salvo, shower, storm, volley—more at BARRAGE

2hail verb
1 : to precipitate hail
2 : to pour down and strike like hail

3hail interjection
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ON heill, fr. heill healthy]

— used to express acclamation

4hail verb
1 a : SALUTE, GREET
b : to greet with enthusiastic approval : ACCLAIM
2 : SUMMON

Synonyms
acclaim, applaud, cheer, crack up, laud, praise, salute, tout—more at ACCLAIM

5hail noun
1 : an expression of greeting, approval, or praise
2 : hearing distance

Hail Mary noun
: a salutation and prayer to the Virgin Mary

hail·stone noun
: a pellet of hail

hail·storm noun
: a storm accompanied by hail

hair noun
1 a : a threadlike outgrowth esp. from the skin of a mammal
b : a covering or growth of hairs of an animal or a body part
2 : a minute distance or amount

— haired adjective

— hair·less adjective

Synonyms
[1b] coat, fleece, fur, pelage, pile, wool
[2] ace, inch; also bit, crumb, mite, jot, particle, smidgen, trace, trifle

hair·breadth or hairs·breadth noun
: a very small distance or margin

hair·brush noun
: a brush for the hair

hair·cloth noun
: a stiff wiry fabric used esp. for upholstery

hair·cut noun
: the act, process, or style of cutting and shaping the hair

hair·do noun, plural hairdos
: a way of wearing the hair

hair·dress·er noun
: one who dresses or cuts hair

— hair·dress·ing noun

hair·line noun
1 : a very thin line
2 : the outline of the hair on the head

hair·piece noun
1 : supplementary hair (as a switch) used in some women's hairdos
2 : TOUPEE

hair·pin noun
1 : a U-shaped pin to hold the hair in place
2 : a sharp U-shaped turn in a road

— hairpin adjective

hair–rais·ing adjective
: causing terror or astonishment

Synonyms
fearful, fearsome, forbidding, formidable, frightful, scary, shocking, terrible, terrifying—more at FEARFUL

hair·split·ter noun
: a person who makes excessively fine distinctions in reasoning

— hair·split·ting noun

hair·split·ting adjective
: made or done with extreme care and accuracy

hair·spray noun
: a liquid sprayed onto the hair to hold it in place

hair·style noun
: HAIRDO

— hair·styl·ing noun

hair·styl·ist noun
: HAIRDRESSER

hair–trigger adjective
: immediately responsive to the slightest stimulus

hairy adjective hair·i·er; -est
1 : covered with or as if with hair
2 : tending to cause nervous tension <a few ~ moments>
3 : composed of or being like hair

— hair·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] fleecy, furry, hirsute, rough, shaggy, unshorn, woolly; also bearded, whiskered; downy, fluffy, fuzzy
Antonyms
bald, hairless, shorn, smooth
[3] furry, fuzzy, rough, shaggy, woolly; also downy, fluffy

hairy woodpecker noun
: a common No. American woodpecker with a white back that is larger than the similarly marked downy woodpecker

Hai·tian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Haiti

— Haitian adjective

hajj noun
: a pilgrimage to Mecca prescribed as a religious duty for Muslims

hajji noun
: one who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca — often used as a title

hake noun
: any of several marine food fishes related to the cod

hal·berd also hal·bert noun
: a weapon esp. of the 15th and 16th centuries consisting of a battle-ax and pike on a long handle

hal·cy·on adjective
[ORIGIN: Gk halkyōn, alkyōn a mythical bird believed to nest at sea and to calm the waves]

: marked by calm : PEACEFUL

Synonyms
calm, hushed, peaceful, placid, quiet, serene, still, tranquil, untroubled—more at CALM

1hale adjective
: free from defect, disease, or infirmity

Synonyms
able-bodied, chipper, fit, healthy, hearty, robust, sound, well, whole, wholesome—more at HEALTHY

2hale verb haled; hal·ing
1 : to exert force upon so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the force : HAUL, PULL
2 : to compel to go

Synonyms
drag, draw, haul, lug, pull, tow, tug—more at PULL

1half noun, plural halves
1 : either of two equal parts that compose something
2 : one of a pair

Synonyms
companion, fellow, match, mate, twin—more at MATE

2half adjective
1 : being one of two equal parts
2 : amounting to nearly half
3 : PARTIAL, INCOMPLETE

3half adverb
1 a : in an equal part or degree
b : not completely
2 : by any means : AT ALL

half–and–half noun
: something that is half one thing and half another

half·back noun
1 : a football back stationed on or near the flank
2 : a player stationed immediately behind the forward line

half–baked adjective
1 : not thoroughly baked
2 : poorly planned; also : lacking common sense

half–breed noun, often disparaging
: one of mixed racial descent
— half–breed adjective, often disparaging

half brother noun
: a brother related through one parent only

half–caste noun
: one of mixed racial descent : HALF-BREED

— half–caste adjective

half–dol·lar noun
1 : a coin representing one half of a dollar
2 : the sum of fifty cents

half·heart·ed adjective
: lacking spirit or interest

— half·heart·ed·ly adverb

— half·heart·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
tepid, uneager, unenthusiastic—more at TEPID

half–life noun
: the time required for half of something (as atoms or a drug) to undergo a process

half–mast noun
: a point about halfway down from the top of a mast or staff

half note noun
: a musical note equal in time to one half of a whole note

half·pen·ny noun, plural half·pence or halfpennies
: a formerly used British coin representing one half of a penny

half–pint adjective
: of less than average size

— half–pint noun

half sister noun
: a sister related through one parent only

half sole noun
: a shoe sole extending from the shank forward

— half–sole verb

half–staff noun
: HALF-MAST

half step noun
: a musical interval equivalent to one twelfth of an octave

half·time noun
: an intermission between halves of a game

half–track noun
: a motor vehicle propelled by an endless chain-track drive system; especially : such a vehicle lightly armored for military use

half–truth noun
: a statement that is only partially true; especially : one that deliberately mixes truth and falsehood

half·way adjective
1 : midway between two points
2 : of or relating to a part rather than the whole : not general or total : PARTIAL

— halfway adverb

Synonyms
intermediary, intermediate, median, medium, middle, midmost—more at MIDDLE

half–wit noun
: a foolish or imbecilic person

Synonyms
booby, fool, goose, jackass, lunatic, nitwit, nut, simpleton, turkey—more at FOOL
blockhead, cretin, dodo, dolt, donkey, dope, dummy, dunce, fathead, goon, idiot, imbecile, jackass, moron, nitwit, numskull, simpleton, stock, turkey—more at IDIOT

half–wit·ted adjective
1 : exhibiting or indicative of a lack of common sense or sound judgment
2 : mentally deficient

— half–wit·ted·ness noun

hal·i·but noun, plural halibut also halibuts
[ORIGIN: ME halybutte, fr. haly, holy holy + butte flatfish; fr. its being eaten on holy days]

: any of several large edible marine flatfishes

ha·lite noun
: ROCK SALT

hal·i·to·sis noun
: the condition of having fetid breath

hall noun
1 : the residence of a medieval king or noble; also : the house of a landed proprietor
2 : a large public building
3 : a college or university building; also : DORMITORY
4 a : the entrance room of a building : LOBBY
b : a corridor or passage in a building
5 : a large room for assembly : AUDITORIUM
6 : a place used for public entertainment

Synonyms
[4a] entry, foyer, lobby, vestibule; also antechamber, anteroom, waiting room; doorway, entrance, threshold
[4b] corridor, gallery, hallway, passage; also arcade, breezeway, cloister
[6] arena, theater; also amphitheater, hippodrome, house, playhouse; ballroom; lyceum; chamber, senate

hal·le·lu·jah interjection
[ORIGIN: Heb hallělūyāh praise (ye) the Lord]

— used to express praise, joy, or thanks

hall·mark noun
1 : a mark put on an article to indicate origin, purity, or genuineness
2 : a distinguishing characteristic

Synonyms
emblem, logo, symbol, trademark—more at EMBLEM

hal·low verb
1 : to make holy or set apart for holy use
2 : REVERE

Synonyms
bless, consecrate, sanctify—more at BLESS

hal·lowed adjective
1 : made or declared sacred
2 : regarded as worthy of great honor

Synonyms
[1] blessed, holy, sacred, sacrosanct, sanctified—more at HOLY
[2] reverend, venerable—more at VENERABLE

Hal·low·een also Hal·low·e'en noun
: the evening of October 31 observed esp. by children in merrymaking and masquerading

hal·lu·ci·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to have hallucinations or experience as a hallucination

hal·lu·ci·na·tion noun
1 : perception of objects with no reality due usu. to use of drugs or to disorder of the nervous system
2 : something perceived by hallucination

— hal·lu·ci·na·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
chimera, conceit, daydream, delusion, dream, fancy, fantasy, figment, illusion, phantasm, pipe dream, unreality, vision—more at FANTASY

hal·lu·ci·no·gen noun
: a substance that induces hallucinations

— hal·lu·ci·no·gen·ic adjective or noun

hall·way noun
1 : an entrance hall
2 : a passageway into which compartments or rooms open : CORRIDOR

Synonyms
corridor, gallery, hall, passage—more at HALL

ha·lo noun, plural halos or haloes
[ORIGIN: L halos, fr. Gk halōs threshing floor, disk, halo]

1 : a circle of light appearing to surround a shining body (as the sun)
2 : the aura of glory surrounding an idealized person or thing

1halogen noun
: any of the five elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine

2halogen adjective
: containing, using, or being a halogen <a ~ lamp>

1halt adjective
: LAME

2halt noun
: a stop in an action or process

Synonyms
cessation, close, closure, conclusion, end, ending, expiration, finish, lapse, shutdown, stop, stoppage, termination—more at END

3halt verb
1 : to stop marching or traveling
2 : to come or bring to an end : DISCONTINUE

Synonyms
break, break off, cease, cut, desist, discontinue, drop, end, knock off, layoff, leave off, quit, shut off, stop—more at STOP
arrest, catch, check, draw up, fetch up, hold up, stall, stay, still, stop; also balk, block, blockade, dam, detain, hinder, hold, hold back, impede, obstruct, stem; conclude, end, terminate; call, discontinue, suspend; clamp down, rein (in), squelch, squash, stamp, stanch, stunt, suppress, turn back

1halter noun
1 : a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal; also : HEADSTALL
2 : NOOSE
3 : a brief blouse held in place by straps around the neck and across the back

2halter verb hal·tered; hal·ter·ing
1 : to catch with or as if with a halter; also : to put a halter on (as a horse)
2 : HANG
3 : IMPEDE, RESTRAIN

halt·ing adjective
: UNCERTAIN, FALTERING

— halt·ing·ly adverb

halve verb halved; halv·ing
1 : to divide into two equal parts
2 : to reduce to one half

halv·ers noun plural
: half shares : HALVES

halves plural of HALF

hal·yard noun
: a rope or tackle for hoisting and lowering (as sails)

1ham noun
1 : a buttock with its associated thigh — usu. used in pl.
2 : a cut of meat and esp. pork from the thigh
3 : a showy performer
4 : an operator of an amateur radio station

— ham adjective

2ham verb hammed; ham·ming
: to overplay a part : OVERACT

ham·burg·er or ham·burg noun
[ORIGIN: G Hamburger of Hamburg, Germany]

1 : ground beef
2 : a sandwich consisting of a ground-beef patty in a round roll

ham·let noun
: a small village

1hammer noun
1 : a hand tool used for pounding; also : something resembling a hammer in form or function
2 : the part of a gun whose striking action causes explosion of the charge
3 : a metal sphere hurled for distance in a track-and-field event (hammer throw)
4 : ACCELERATOR 2

2hammer verb
1 : to beat, drive, or shape with or as if with repeated blows of a hammer : POUND
2 : to produce or bring about as if by repeated blows — usu. used with out
3 : to criticize severely

Synonyms
beat, forge, pound; also chase, fashion, form, knead, mold, model, work; coin, mint, stamp; carve, chisel, hew, sculpt, sculpture

ham·mer·head noun
1 : the striking part of a hammer
2 : any of a family of medium-sized sharks with eyes at the ends of lateral extensions of the flattened head

ham·mer·lock noun
: a wrestling hold in which an opponent's arm is held bent behind the back

hammer out verb
: to produce or bring about as if by repeated blows

Synonyms
build, carve, forge, grind, work out; also cobble (together or up), create, construct, fabricate, fashion, form, frame, manufacture, model, shape, tailor; conceive, concoct, contrive, cook (up), devise, hatch, invent, originate; bring forth, effect; accomplish, achieve, bring off

ham·mer·toe noun
: a toe deformed by having one or more joints permanently flexed

1hammock noun
[ORIGIN: Sp hamaca, of AmerInd origin]

: a swinging couch hung by cords at each end

2hammock noun
: a fertile elevated area of the southern U.S. and esp. Florida with hardwood vegetation and soil rich in humus

1hamper verb
1 : to restrict the movement or operation of : IMPEDE
2 : RESTRAIN

Synonyms
clog, cramp, delay, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere, manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel; also arrest, brake, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, snag; bind, chain, handcuff, leash, muzzle, strap, tether, tie; barricade, block, blockade, dam, head (off), plug; balk, choke, hurt, repress, retard, stifle, strangle, straiten, stunt; baffle, foil, frustrate, interrupt, thwart, sabotage; bog (down), confine, hedge (in), hem (in), limit, tie (down)
Antonyms
aid, assist, facilitate, help

2hamper noun
: a large usu. lidded basket

ham·ster noun
[ORIGIN: G, fr. OHG hamustro, of Slavic origin]

: any of a subfamily of small Old World rodents with large cheek pouches

1hamstring noun
: any of several muscles at the back of the thigh or tendons at the back of the knee

2hamstring verb -strung ; -string·ing
1 : to cripple by cutting the leg tendons
2 : to make ineffective or powerless

Synonyms
cripple, disable, immobilize, incapacitate, paralyze, prostrate—more at PARALYZE

1hand noun
1 : the end of a front limb when modified (as in humans) for grasping
2 : an indicator or pointer on a dial
3 : personal possession — usu. used in pl. and in the phrase in one's hands; also : CONTROL
4 : a position regarded as opposite to another : SIDE — usu. used in the phrase on the other hand
5 : a pledge esp. of betrothal
6 : style of penmanship : HANDWRITING
7 : SKILL, ABILITY; also : a significant part
8 : ASSISTANCE; also : PARTICIPATION
9 : an outburst of applause
10 : a single round in a card game; also : the cards held by a player after a deal
11 : one employed by another usu. for wages or salary and in a position below the executive level : WORKER, EMPLOYEE; also : a member of a ship's crew

— hand·less adjective

— at hand

: near in time or place

— on hand

: in present possession or readily available

Synonyms
[2] index, indicator, needle, pointer—more at POINTER
usually hands [3] control, keeping, possession—more at POSSESSION
[4] angle, aspect, facet, phase, side—more at ASPECT
[11] employee, hireling, jobholder, worker—more at EMPLOYEE

2hand verb
1 : to lead, guide, or assist with the hand
2 : to give, pass, or transmit with the hand

Synonyms
deliver, feed, furnish, give, hand over, provide, supply—more at FURNISH
hand over, pass, reach, transfer—more at PASS

hand·bag noun
: a bag for carrying small personal articles and money

Synonyms
bag, pocketbook, purse—more at PURSE

hand·ball noun
: a game played by striking a small rubber ball against a wall with the hand

hand·bill noun
: a small printed sheet for distribution by hand

hand·book noun
: a concise reference book : MANUAL

Synonyms
manual, primer, textbook—more at TEXTBOOK

hand·car noun
: a small 4-wheeled railroad car propelled by hand or by a small motor

hand·clasp noun
: HANDSHAKE

hand·craft verb
: to fashion by manual skill

1handcuff noun
: a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usu. connected with another such fastening — usu. used in pl.

2handcuff verb
1 : to apply handcuffs to : MANACLE
2 : to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless

Synonyms
[1, 2] bind, chain, enchain, fetter, manacle, shackle, trammel

hand·ed adjective
: having or using such or so many hands <a left-handed person>

— hand·ed·ness noun

hand·ful noun, plural hand·fuls also hands·ful
1 : as much or as many as the hand will grasp
2 : a small number
3 : as much as one can manage

Synonyms
few, smattering, sprinkle, sprinkling—more at FEW

hand·gun noun
: a firearm held and fired with one hand

1handicap noun
[ORIGIN: obs. E handicap, a game in which forfeits were held in a cap, fr. hand in cap]

1 : a contest in which an artificial advantage is given or disadvantage imposed on a contestant to equalize chances of winning; also : the advantage given or disadvantage imposed
2 : a disadvantage that makes achievement difficult

Synonyms
disadvantage, drawback, liability, minus, penalty, strike—more at DISADVANTAGE

2handicap verb -capped; -cap·ping
1 : to give a handicap to
2 : to put at a disadvantage

Synonyms
clog, cramp, delay, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, hinder, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere, manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel—more at HAMPER

hand·i·capped adjective, sometimes offensive
: having a physical or mental disability

Synonyms
challenged, disabled

hand·i·cap·per noun
: a person who predicts the winners in a horse race usu. for a publication

hand·i·craft noun
1 : manual skill
2 : an occupation requiring manual skill
3 : the articles fashioned by those engaged in handicraft

— hand·i·crafts·man noun

Synonyms
craft, trade—more at CRAFT

hand·i·craft·er noun
: one that engages in a handicraft usu. as a hobby or avocation

Synonyms
artificer, artisan, craftsman—more at ARTISAN

hand·i·ly adverb
: in an easy manner : without difficulty

Synonyms
easily, effortlessly, fluently, freely, lightly, painlessly, readily, smoothly—more at EASILY

hand in glove or hand and glove adverb
: in an extremely close relationship

hand·i·work noun
1 : work done personally or by the hands
2 : the product of handiwork

Synonyms
affair, fruit, output, produce, product, thing, work, yield—more at PRODUCT

hand·ker·chief noun, plural -chiefs also -chieves
: a small piece of cloth used for various personal purposes (as the wiping of the face)

1handle noun
1 : a part (as of a tool) designed to be grasped by the hand
2 : a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing : NAME

— han·dled adjective

— off the handle

: into a state of sudden and violent anger — usu. used with fly

2handle verb han·dled; han·dling
1 : to touch, hold, or manage with the hands
2 : to have responsibility for
3 : to deal or trade in
4 : to behave in a certain way when managed or directed <a car that ~s well>
5 : to act on or perform a required function with regard to

— han·dler noun

Synonyms
[2] contend, cope, grapple, manage, maneuver, negotiate, swing, treat; also bring off, carry out, pull, swing; command, direct, guide, steer; control, regulate, run
Antonyms
fumble, muddle (through)
[2] administer, carry on, conduct, control, direct, govern, guide, manage, operate, oversee, regulate, run, superintend, supervise—more at CONDUCT
[5] act, be, deal, serve, treat, use—more at TREAT

han·dle·bar noun
: a usu. bent bar with a grip at each end (as for steering a bicycle) — usu. used in pl.

hand·made adjective
: made by hand or by a hand process

hand·maid·en also hand·maid noun
: a female attendant

hand–me–down adjective
: used by one person after having been used by another

— hand–me–down noun

hand·out noun
1 : a portion (as of food) given to a beggar
2 : a piece of printed information for free distribution; also : a prepared statement released to the press

hand over verb
: to yield control of

Synonyms
cede, deliver, give up, leave, relinquish, render, surrender, turn over, yield—more at SURRENDER
hand, pass, reach, transfer—more at PASS

hand·pick verb
: to select personally <a ~ed candidate>

Synonyms
choose, cull, elect, name, opt, pick, prefer, select, single, take—more at CHOOSE

hand·rail noun
: a narrow rail for grasping as a support

hand·saw noun
: a saw designed to be used with one hand

hands down adverb
1 : with little effort
2 : without question

hand·sel noun
1 : a gift made as a token of good luck
2 : a first installment : earnest money

hand·set noun
: a combined telephone transmitter and receiver mounted on a handle

hand·shake noun
: a clasping usu. of right hands by two people

hands–off adjective
: characterized by noninterference

hand·some adjective hand·som·er; -est
[ORIGIN: ME handsom easy to manipulate]

1 : moderately large : SIZABLE
2 : GENEROUS, LIBERAL
3 : pleasing and usu. impressive in appearance

Synonyms
attractive, beautiful, fair, gorgeous, knockout, lovely, pretty, ravishing, stunning—more at BEAUTIFUL

hand·some·ly adverb
: in a handsome manner

Synonyms
bountifully, generously, liberally, well—more at WELL

hand·some·ness noun
: the quality or state of being handsome

Synonyms
class, elegance, grace, majesty, refinement, stateliness—more at ELEGANCE
attractiveness, beauty, comeliness, looks, loveliness, prettiness—more at BEAUTY

hands–on adjective
1 : being or providing direct practical experience in the operation of something
2 : characterized by active personal involvement <~ management>

hand·spring noun
: an acrobatic feat in which the body turns in a full circle from a standing position and lands first on the hands and then on the feet

hand·stand noun
: an act of supporting the body on the hands with the trunk and legs balanced in the air

hand–to–hand adjective
: involving physical contact or very close range <~ fighting>

— hand to hand adverb

hand–to–mouth adjective
: having or providing nothing to spare

hand·wo·ven adjective
: produced on a hand-operated loom

hand·writ·ing noun
1 : writing done by hand
2 : the form of writing peculiar to a person

— hand·writ·ten adjective

Synonyms
[1] manuscript, penmanship, script; also lettering; shorthand
Antonyms
print, type
[2] hand, penmanship, script; also scratch, scrawl, scribble; backhand, print; autograph, signature

handy adjective hand·i·er; -est
1 : conveniently near
2 : easily used
3 : clever in using the hands : DEXTEROUS

— hand·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] accessible, convenient, reachable—more at CONVENIENT
[3] clever, cunning, deft, dexterous—more at DEXTEROUS

handy·man noun
1 : one who does odd jobs
2 : one competent in a variety of small skills or repair work

1hang verb hung also hanged; hang·ing
1 : to fasten or remain fastened to an elevated point without support from below; also : to fasten or be fastened so as to allow free motion on the point of suspension <~ a door>
2 : to suspend by the neck until dead; also : to die by hanging
3 : to hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner : DROOP <hung his head in shame>
4 : to fasten to a wall <~ wallpaper>
5 : to prevent (a jury) from coming to a decision
6 : to display (pictures) in a gallery
7 : to remain stationary in the air
8 : to be imminent : IMPEND <doom hung over the nation>
9 : DEPEND
10 : to take hold for support
11 : to be burdensome
12 : to undergo delay
13 : to incline downward; also : to fit or fall from the figure in easy lines
14 : to be raptly attentive
15 : LINGER, LOITER

— hang·er noun

Synonyms
[1] dangle, sling, suspend, swing; also hook, pin, tack; drape, festoon, garland, string; extend (out), jut, project, stick out; overhang, protrude; cascade, depend, fall
[7] drift, float, glide, hover, poise, ride, sail, waft—more at FLOAT
usually hang over [8] hover, impend, menace, overhang, threaten—more at THREATEN

2hang noun
1 : the manner in which a thing hangs
2 : an understanding of something

han·gar noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a covered and usu. enclosed area for housing and repairing aircraft

hang around verb
1 : to pass time or stay aimlessly in or at
2 : to spend one's time in company esp. idly

Synonyms
usually hang around in [1] frequent, hang out, haunt, resort, visit—more at FREQUENT
[1] abide, dwell, remain, stay, stick around, tarry—more at STAY
[2] associate, chum, consort, fraternize, hobnob, pal—more at ASSOCIATE

hang back verb
: to be reluctant

Synonyms
falter, hesitate, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter, vacillate, waver, wobble—more at HESITATE

hang·dog adjective
1 : affected by or showing embarrassment caused by consciousness of a fault : ASHAMED, GUILTY
2 : ABJECT, COWED

Synonyms
ashamed, contrite, guilty, penitent, remorseful, repentant, shamefaced—more at GUILTY

hang·er noun
1 : one that hangs
2 : a device that fits inside or around a garment for hanging from a hook or rod

hang·er–on noun, plural hangers–on
: one who hangs around a person or place esp. for personal gain

Synonyms
leech, parasite, sponge—more at LEECH

hang in verb
: to persist tenaciously

hang·ing noun
1 : an execution by strangling or snapping the neck by a suspended noose
2 : something hung

hang·man noun
: a public executioner
2 : a game in which players must identify an unknown word by guessing the letters that comprise it within a designated number of chances

hang·nail noun
: a bit of skin hanging loose at the edge of a fingernail

hang on verb
1 : HANG IN
2 : to keep a telephone connection open
3 : to keep hold onto something

Synonyms
usually hang on to hold, keep, reserve, retain, withhold—more at KEEP
usually hang on to clench, cling, clutch, grip, hold, hold on—more at HOLD

hang·out noun
: a favorite place for spending time

Synonyms
haunt, rendezvous, resort; also camp, canteen, club, clubhouse, den, harbor, haven, nest, refuge, retreat

hang out verb
: to spend time idly or in loitering around or in a particular place

Synonyms
usually hang out at frequent, hang around, haunt, resort, visit—more at FREQUENT
dally, dawdle, dillydally, hang around, idle, loaf, loll, lounge—more at IDLE

hang·over noun
1 : something that remains from what is past
2 : disagreeable physical effects following heavy drinking or the use of drugs

hang–up noun
: a source of mental or emotional difficulty

hang up verb
1 : to place on a hook or hanger
2 : to end a telephone conversation by breaking the connection
3 : to keep delayed or suspended

hank noun
: COIL, LOOP

han·ker verb
: to desire strongly or persistently — often used with for or after

Synonyms usually hanker for or hanker after
ache, covet, crave, desire, die, hunger, long, lust, pant, pine, repine, thirst, want, wish, yearn—more at DESIRE

han·ker·ing noun
: the experience of one that hankers : strong desire

Synonyms
appetite, craving, desire, drive, hunger, itch, longing, lust, passion, thirst, urge, yearning, yen—more at DESIRE

han·kie or han·ky noun, plural hankies
: HANDKERCHIEF

han·ky–pan·ky noun
1 : questionable or underhanded activity
2 : sexual dalliance

Synonyms
artifice, chicanery, subterfuge, trickery, wile—more at TRICKERY

hansel variant of HANDSEL

han·som noun
: a 2-wheeled covered carriage with the driver's seat elevated at the rear

han·ta·virus noun
: any of a genus of viruses including some transmitted by rodents that cause pneumonia or hemorrhagic fevers

Ha·nuk·kah noun
[ORIGIN: Heb ḥănukkāh dedication]

: an 8-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem after its defilement by Antiochus of Syria

hap noun
1 : something that happens : HAPPENING
2 : a force which shapes events unpredictably : CHANCE

1haphazard noun
: CHANCE

2haphazard adjective
: marked by lack of plan or order

— hap·haz·ard·ly adverb

— hap·haz·ard·ness noun

Synonyms
aimless, arbitrary, desultory, erratic, random, scattered, stray—more at RANDOM

hap·less adjective
: having no luck : UNFORTUNATE

— hap·less·ly adverb

— hap·less·ness noun

Synonyms
ill-fated, ill-starred, luckless, unfortunate, unhappy, unlucky—more at UNLUCKY

hap·loid adjective
: having the number of chromosomes characteristic of gametic cells

— haploid noun

hap·ly adverb
: by chance

hap·pen verb
1 : to occur by chance
2 : to come into being or occur as an event, process, or result
3 : to come casually or unexpectedly : CHANCE 2 — used with on or upon

Synonyms
[2] be, befall, betide, chance, come, go, occur, pass, transpire; also arise, develop, materialize, crop (up), spring (up); intervene; fall out, go off, proceed, turn out
usually happen on or happen upon [3] chance, encounter, find, hit, meet, stumble; also confront, face; discover, turn up

1happening noun
1 : something that happens : OCCURRENCE
2 : an event that is esp. interesting, entertaining, or important

Synonyms
[1] affair, circumstance, episode, event, incident, occasion, occurrence, thing—more at EVENT
[2] adventure, experience, time—more at ADVENTURE

2happening adjective
1 : very fashionable
2 : offering much stimulating activity <a ~ nightclub>

hap·pi·ly adverb
1 : LUCKILY
2 : in a happy manner or state <lived ~ ever after>
3 : in an adequate or fitting manner

Synonyms
[2] cheerfully, gaily, heartily, jovially, merrily, mirthfully—more at GAILY
[3] appropriately, correctly, fittingly, properly, rightly, suitably—more at PROPERLY

hap·pi·ness noun
1 a : a state of well-being and contentment
b : a pleasurable satisfaction
2 : APTNESS

Synonyms
[1a] blessedness, bliss, felicity, gladness, joy; also elation, exhilaration, exultation, intoxication; ecstasy, euphoria, heaven, rapture; delectation, delight, enjoyment, pleasure; cheer, cheerfulness, exuberance, gaiety, glee, jollity, joyousness, jubilation, lightheartedness; content, contentedness, gratification, satisfaction
Antonyms
misery, sadness, unhappiness, wretchedness
[1b] content, contentedness, contentment, gratification, pleasure, satisfaction

hap·py adjective hap·pi·er; -est
1 : favored by luck or fortune : FORTUNATE
2 : notably fitting, effective, or well adapted : APT, FELICITOUS
3 : enjoying well-being and contentment
4 a : PLEASANT
b : made pleased, satisfied, or grateful

Synonyms
[1] fluky, fortuitous, fortunate, lucky, providential—more at FORTUNATE
[2] applicable, appropriate, apt, felicitous, fit, fitting, good, meet, proper, right, suitable—more at FIT
[4b] blissful, content, delighted, glad, joyful, pleased—more at GLAD

hap·py–go–lucky adjective
: blithely unconcerned

Synonyms
carefree, careless, cavalier, easygoing, gay, insouciant, lighthearted, unconcerned

happy hour noun
: a period of time when the price of drinks at a bar is reduced

hara–kiri noun
[ORIGIN: Jp harakiri, fr. hara belly + kiri cutting]

: ritual suicide by disembowelment

1harangue noun
1 : a ranting speech or writing
2 : a speech addressed to a public assembly

Synonyms
[1] diatribe, rant, tirade—more at TIRADE
[2] address, declamation, oration, speech, talk—more at SPEECH

2harangue verb
: to make a harangue

— ha·rangu·er noun

Synonyms
declaim, descant, discourse, lecture, orate, speak, talk—more at TALK

ha·rass verb
[ORIGIN: F harasser, fr. MF, fr. harer to set a dog on, fr. OF hare, interj. used to incite dogs, of Gmc origin]

1 : EXHAUST, FATIGUE
2 : to worry and impede by repeated raids
3 : to annoy continually

ha·rass·ment noun
1 : the act or an instance of harassing
2 : the condition of being harassed

Synonyms
aggravation, annoyance, disturbance, vexation—more at ANNOYANCE

har·bin·ger noun
1 : one that announces or foreshadows what is coming : PRECURSOR
2 : PORTENT

Synonyms
angel, forerunner, herald, precursor—more at FORERUNNER

1harbor noun
1 : a place of security and comfort
2 : a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to furnish anchorage : PORT

Synonyms
[1] asylum, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, shelter—more at SHELTER
[2] anchorage, haven, port; also seaport; arm, bay, bight, cove, estuary, firth, fjord, gulf, inlet, narrow, roads, roadstead; canal, channel, sound, strait

2harbor verb
1 : to give or take refuge : SHELTER
2 a : to be the home or habitat of
b : LIVE
3 : to hold a thought or feeling <~ a grudge>

Synonyms
[2a] accommodate, billet, chamber, domicile, house, lodge, put up, quarter, roof, shelter, take in—more at HOUSE
[3] bear, cherish, entertain, have, hold, nurse; also cultivate, foster, nurture, sustain, support; carry, keep, maintain, preserve, remember, retain, treasure; cleave (to), cling (to), hang on (to), stick (to)

har·bor·age noun
1 : a place of security and comfort
2 : a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to furnish anchorage : HARBOR

har·bour chiefly British variant of HARBOR

1hard adjective
1 : not easily penetrated : not easily yielding to pressure
2 : high in alcoholic content
3 : containing salts that prevent lathering with soap <~ water>
4 : stable in value <~ currency>
5 a : physically fit
b : resistant to stress or disease
6 a : not subject to change or revision : FIRM <~ agreement>
b : based on clear fact <~ evidence>
7 : CLOSE, SEARCHING <~ look>
8 : free from sentimentality or illusion : REALISTIC <good ~ sense>
9 : lacking in responsiveness : OBDURATE, UNFEELING <~ heart>
10 : difficult to bear <~ times>; also : HARSH, SEVERE
11 : caused or marked by resentment : RESENTFUL <~ feelings>
12 a : making no concession : STRICT
b : rigidly firm in will or purpose : UNRELENTING
13 : INCLEMENT <~ winter>
14 : intense in force, manner, or degree <~ blow>
15 : demanding the exertion of considerable effort : ARDUOUS, STRENUOUS <~ work>
16 : sounding as in arcing and geese respectively — used of c and g
17 : TROUBLESOME <~ problem>
18 : having difficulty in doing something <~ of hearing>
19 : addictive and gravely detrimental to health <~ drugs>
20 : of or relating to the natural sciences and esp. the physical sciences

Synonyms
[1] compact, firm, rigid, solid, stiff, unyielding—more at FIRM
[5b] hard-bitten, hardy, rugged, stout, strong, sturdy, tough, vigorous—more at HARDY
[6a] certain, determinate, final, firm, fixed, flat, frozen, hard-and-fast, set, settled, stable—more at FIXED
[6b] documentary, factual, historical, literal, matter-of-fact, nonfictional, objective, true—more at FACTUAL
[9] callous, cold-blooded, heartless, inhuman, inhumane, merciless, obdurate, pitiless, ruthless, soulless, stony, uncharitable, unfeeling, unsparing, unsympathetic; also inconsiderate, thoughtless, unfriendly, unloving, unthinking; hard-bitten, grim, harsh, heavy-handed, oppressive, rough, severe, stern, tough, ungentle; abusive, acrimonious, disagreeable, hateful, ill-natured, ill-tempered, malevolent, malicious, mean, rancorous, spiteful, surly, virulent; barbarous, brutal, brutish, bestial, cruel, evil-minded, savage, vicious
Antonyms
charitable, compassionate, humane, merciful, sensitive, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warm, warmhearted
[11] acrid, acrimonious, bitter, rancorous, resentful, sore—more at BITTER
[12a] austere, authoritarian, flinty, harsh, heavy-handed, ramrod, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict—more at SEVERE
[15] arduous, demanding, difficult, exacting, formidable, grueling, herculean, laborious, murderous, rough, stiff, strenuous, tall, toilsome, tough; also abstract, abstruse, complex, complicated, insoluble, intricate, involved, knotty, problematic, recondite, serious, spiny, thorny, ticklish, tricky, stubborn; burdensome, exhausting, labored, onerous, oppressive, problem, sore, stressful, taxing, tight, trying, uphill; annoying, distressing, bothersome, irksome, troublesome, vexatious; grievous, grim, heavy, strict, stringent; brutal, cruel, inhuman, painful
Antonyms
easy, effortless, facile, simple, soft, undemanding

2hard adverb
1 a : with great or utmost effort or energy
b : in a fierce or violent manner
2 a : in such a manner as to cause hardship, difficulty, or pain
b : with rancor, bitterness, or grief
3 : close in time or space

Synonyms
[1a] determinedly, diligently, hardly, laboriously, mightily, slavishly, strenuously, tirelessly; also actively, briskly, busily, energetically, feverishly, vehemently, vigorously, zealously; continuously, indefatigably, ploddingly, steadily, unrelentingly, unremittingly; ardently, attentively, conscientiously, earnestly, exhaustively, meticulously, painstakingly, seriously, thoroughly
[1b] energetically, firmly, forcefully, forcibly, mightily, powerfully, stiffly, stoutly, strenuously, strongly, sturdily, vigorously; also robustly, sharply, vehemently, violently; briskly, crisply, heartily, lustily, vivaciously; decidedly, determinedly, directly, emphatically, fast, fixedly, intensively, intently, resolutely, rigidly, smartly, solidly, soundly, squarely, steadfastly, steadily, surely; aggressively, manfully
Antonyms
feebly, gently, softly, weakly
[2a] hardly, harshly, ill, oppressively, roughly, severely, sternly, stiffly—more at HARDLY
[2b] agonizingly, bitterly, grievously, hardly, sadly, sorrowfully, unhappily, woefully, wretchedly; also abjectly, dejectedly, despondently, blackly, darkly, forlornly, gloomily, miserably; acutely, harshly, keenly, severely, sharply; cruelly, ill
Antonyms
gladly, happily, joyfully, joyously
[3] around, by, close, in, near, nearby, nigh—more at NEAR

hard–and–fast adjective
: rigidly binding <a ~ rule>

Synonyms
certain, determinate, final, firm, fixed, flat, frozen, hard, set, settled, stable—more at FIXED
fast, fixed, immutable, inflexible, unalterable, unchangeable—more at INFLEXIBLE

hard·back noun
: a hardcover book

hard·ball noun
1 : BASEBALL
2 : forceful uncompromising methods

hard–bit·ten adjective
: seasoned or steeled by difficult experience : TOUGH <~ campaigners>

Synonyms
hard, hardy, rugged, stout, strong, sturdy, tough, vigorous—more at HARDY

hard·board noun
: a very dense fiberboard

hard–boiled adjective
1 of an egg : boiled until both white and yolk have solidified
2 a : lacking sentiment
b : HARDHEADED 2

hard·bound adjective
: HARDCOVER

hard copy noun
: copy of textual or graphic information (as from computer storage) produced on paper

hard–core adjective
1 : extremely resistant to solution or improvement
2 : being the most determined or dedicated members of a specified group
3 : containing explicit depictions of sex acts

— hard core noun

hard·cov·er adjective
: having rigid boards on the sides covered in cloth or paper <~ books>

hard disk noun
: a sealed rigid metal disk used as a computer storage device

hard–drive noun
: a data-storage device consisting of a drive and one or more hard disks

hard·en verb
1 : to make or become hard or harder
2 : to confirm or become confirmed in disposition or action
3 : to make hardy or robust

— hard·en·er noun

Synonyms
[1] concrete, congeal, firm, freeze, set, solidify; also cake, callus, encrust; coagulate, clot, gel, jell, jelly, stiffen, thicken; calcify, crystallize, ossify, petrify; anneal, temper
Antonyms
soften
[3] fortify, season, steel, strengthen, toughen; also acclimate, acclimatize, adapt, adjust; anneal, temper; invigorate, vitalize; immunize; bolster, boost, brace, buttress, forearm, prop (up), reinforce, support; break in, limber (up), train; accustom, condition, habituate, naturalize
Antonyms
soften

hard·hack noun
: an American spirea with dense clusters of pink or white flowers and leaves having a hairy rusty yellow underside

hard hat noun
1 : a protective hat worn esp. by construction workers
2 : a construction worker

hard·head·ed adjective
1 : unreasonably or perversely unyielding : STUBBORN, WILLFUL
2 : concerned with or involving practical considerations

— hard·head·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dogged, headstrong, mulish, obdurate, obstinate, opinionated, peevish, pertinacious, perverse, pigheaded, stubborn, unyielding, willful—more at OBSTINATE
[2] astute, canny, knowing, sharp, shrewd, smart—more at SHREWD
[2] down-to-earth, earthy, matter-of-fact, practical, pragmatic, realistic

hard·head·ed·ness noun
: the quality or state of being hardheaded

Synonyms
mulishness, obduracy, obstinacy, peevishness, pertinacity, self-will, stubbornness, tenacity—more at OBSTINACY

hard–heart·ed adjective
: PITILESS, CRUEL

— hard–heart·ed·ly adverb

— hard–heart·ed·ness noun

har·di·hood noun
1 : resolute courage and fortitude
2 : active bodily or mental strength or force : VIGOR

Synonyms
[1] bravery, courage, daring, fearlessness, gallantry, guts, heart, heroism, nerve, stoutness, valor—more at COURAGE
[2] dash, drive, energy, ginger, go, life, pep, sap, snap, vigor, vim, vitality, zing, zip—more at VIGOR

hard–line adjective
: advocating or involving a rigidly uncompromising course of action

— hard–lin·er noun

hard–luck adjective
: marked by or relating to bad luck <~ losing teams>

hard·ly adverb
1 : with force
2 a : in a severe manner : HARSHLY
b : with great or excessive grief or resentment
3 : with difficulty : by hard work or struggle
4 : only just : BARELY
5 : certainly not

Synonyms
[2a] hard, harshly, ill, oppressively, roughly, severely, sternly, stiffly; also callously, inhumanly, mercilessly, pitilessly, ruthlessly, uncharitably, unfeelingly, unmercifully, tyrannically; abusively, brutally, savagely, viciously; aggressively, decidedly, determinedly, firmly, grimly, gruffly, resolutely, strongly, toughly
Antonyms
gently, leniently, lightly, mildly, softly
[3] determinedly, diligently, hard, laboriously, mightily, slavishly, strenuously, tirelessly—more at HARD
[4] barely, just, marginally, scarcely, slightly—more at JUST
[5] no, none, scarcely; also near, never, nothing, nowhere, nowise
Antonyms
absolutely, certainly, completely, definitely, positively, surely

hard·ness noun
1 : the quality or state of being hard
2 : a condition that makes life difficult, challenging, or uncomfortable

Synonyms
[1] harshness, inflexibility, rigidity, severity, sternness, strictness—more at SEVERITY
[2] adversity, asperity, difficulty, hardship, rigor—more at DIFFICULTY

hard–nosed adjective
: TOUGH, UNCOMPROMISING; also : HARDHEADED 2

hard palate noun
: the bony anterior part of the palate forming the roof of the mouth

hard·pan noun
: a compact layer in soil that is impenetrable by roots

hard–pressed adjective
: HARD PUT; especially : being under financial strain

hard put adjective
1 : barely able
2 : faced with difficulty or perplexity

hard rock noun
: rock music marked by a heavy beat, high amplification, and usu. frenzied performances

hard–shell adjective
: HIDEBOUND, UNCOMPROMISING <a ~ conservative>

hard·ship noun
1 : SUFFERING, PRIVATION
2 : something that causes suffering or privation

Synonyms
adversity, asperity, difficulty, hardness, rigor—more at DIFFICULTY

hard·tack noun
: a saltless hard biscuit, bread, or cracker

hard·top noun
: an automobile having a permanent rigid top

hard·ware noun
1 : ware (as cutlery or tools) made of metal
2 : the physical components (as electronic devices) of a vehicle (as a spacecraft) or an apparatus (as a computer)

hard·wired adjective
1 : connected or incorporated by or as if by permanent electrical connections
2 : genetically or innately determined or predisposed <~ reactions> <is ~ to avoid change>

hard·wood noun
: the wood of a broad-leaved usu. deciduous tree as distinguished from that of a conifer; also : such a tree

— hardwood adjective

hard·work·ing adjective
: INDUSTRIOUS

har·dy adjective har·di·er; -est
1 : BOLD, BRAVE
2 : intrepidly daring : AUDACIOUS
3 a : ROBUST
b : able to withstand adverse conditions <~ shrubs>

— har·di·ly adverb

— har·di·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] adventurous, audacious, bold, daring, enterprising, gutsy, nervy, venturesome—more at BOLD
[3b] hard, hard-bitten, rugged, stout, strong, sturdy, tough, vigorous; also flinty, leathery, resilient, stalwart; durable, enduring, everlasting, immortal, imperishable, lasting, permanent, stable, staunch, staying, tenacious, unyielding; prospering, thriving; able-bodied, brawny, muscular; fit, fortified, hale, healthy, husky, lusty, robust, sound, strapping, virile; annealed, seasoned, tempered
Antonyms
delicate, soft, tender, weak

hare noun, plural hare or hares
: any of various swift timid long-eared mammals like the related rabbits but born with open eyes and fur

hare·bell noun
: a slender herb with bright blue bell-shaped flowers

hare·brained adjective
: lacking in sense, judgment, or discretion

Synonyms
cockeyed, crazy, cuckoo, foolish, insane, mad, nonsensical, nutty, preposterous, sappy, screwball, senseless, silly—more at FOOLISH

hare·lip noun, sometimes offensive
: a birth defect characterized by one or more clefts in the upper lip
— hare·lipped adjective

ha·rem noun
[ORIGIN: Ar ḥarīm, lit., something forbidden & ḥaram, lit., sanctuary]

1 : a house or part of a house allotted to women in a Muslim household
2 : the women and servants occupying a harem
3 : a group of females associated with one male

hark verb
: to pay close attention : LISTEN

Synonyms
attend, hear, heed, listen, mind—more at LISTEN

harken variant of HEARKEN

har·le·quin noun
1 cap : a character (as in comedy) with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword
2 : a fool or comedian in an entertainment (as a circus) : CLOWN

Synonyms
buffoon, clown, zany—more at CLOWN

har·lot noun
: a woman who engages in sexual activities esp. for money : PROSTITUTE

1harm noun
1 : physical or mental damage : INJURY
2 : MISCHIEF, HURT

Synonyms
damage, detriment, hurt, injury—more at INJURY

2harm verb
: to cause harm to : INJURE

Synonyms
damage, hurt, injure, wound—more at INJURE

harm·ful adjective
: of a kind likely to be damaging

— harm·ful·ly adverb

— harm·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, damaging, deleterious, detrimental, evil, hurtful, ill, injurious, mischievous, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial; also hostile, inimical, unfriendly; contagious, deadly, infectious, pestilent, pestilential, poisonous, venomous; insidious, menacing, ominous, sinister, threatening; dangerous, hazardous, imperiling, parlous, perilous, risky, unsafe, unsound; nasty, noisome, unhealthful, unhealthy, unwholesome; destructive, fatal, lethal, malignant, ruinous
Antonyms
harmless, innocent, innocuous, inoffensive, safe

harm·less adjective
: lacking capacity or intent to injure

— harm·less·ly adverb

— harm·less·ness noun

Synonyms
innocent, innocuous, safe, white; also healthful, healthy, salubrious, wholesome; benign, benignant; sound, trustworthy; gentle, gracious, mild; nonthreatening, painless, unobjectionable; noncorrosive, nondestructive, nonfatal, noninfectious, nonlethal, nonpoisonous, nontoxic, nonvenomous
Antonyms
adverse, bad, harmful, hurtful, ill, injurious

1harmonic adjective
1 : of or relating to musical harmony or harmonics
2 : pleasing to the ear

— har·mon·i·cal·ly adverb

2harmonic noun
: a musical overtone

har·mon·i·ca noun
: a small wind instrument in which the sound is produced by metal reeds

har·mo·ni·ous adjective
1 : musically concordant
2 : having the parts agreeably related : CONGRUOUS
3 : marked by accord in sentiment or action

— har·mo·ni·ous·ly adverb

— har·mo·ni·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] euphonious, melodious, musical, symphonic, tuneful; also blending, chiming, flowing, mellifluous; dulcet, mellow, melodic, sweet; resonant, sonorous; quavering, trilling, warbling; agreeable, appealing, pleasant; cadenced, lyric, lyrical, rhythmic; harmonic, orchestral, polyphonic, tonal
Antonyms
discordant, dissonant, inharmonious, unmelodious, unmusical
[2] balanced, congruous, consonant; also even, proportioned, regular, symmetrical; aesthetic, artistic, becoming, elegant, graceful, tasteful; agreeable, felicitous, pleasant, pleasing, satisfying; compatible, coordinated, correspondent, matched, matching
Antonyms
incongruous, inharmonious, unbalanced
[3] agreeable, amicable, compatible, congenial, kindred, unanimous, united; also pacific, peaceable, peaceful; collaborating, cooperative, symbiotic; noncompeting, noncompetitive, nonconflicting; sympathetic, tolerant, understanding; affable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, neighborly; collaborating
Antonyms
disagreeable, disunited, incompatible, inharmonious, uncongenial

har·mo·nise British variant of HARMONIZE

har·mo·ni·um noun
: a keyboard wind instrument in which the wind acts on a set of metal reeds

har·mo·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to play or sing in harmony
2 : to be in harmony
3 : to bring into consonance or accord

— har·mo·ni·za·tion noun

Synonyms
[2, 3] agree, blend, conform, coordinate; also balance, correlate, correspond, dovetail, match; meet, parallel; bond, coalesce, cohere, conjoin, fuse, merge, square, tally
Antonyms
clash, collide, conflict
[3] accommodate, conciliate, conform, coordinate, key, reconcile; also adapt, attune, tune; blend, combine, connect, correlate, dovetail, fit, fuse, integrate, join, match, merge, orchestrate, pair, square, suit, synchronize, synthesize, unify, unite; align, arrange, array, balance, equalize, even, order, proportion, regularize, standardize
Antonyms
alienate, disjoin

har·mo·ny noun, plural -nies
[ORIGIN: ME armony, fr. AF armonie, fr. L harmonia, fr. Gk, joint, harmony, fr. harmos joint]

1 : musical agreement of sounds; especially : the combination of tones into chords and progressions of chords
2 a : a pleasing arrangement of parts
b : balanced interrelationship
3 : internal calm

Synonyms
[2a] balance, coherence, consonance, proportion, symmetry, symphony, unity; also coordination, correlation, correspondence, equalization, equilibrium, evenness, order, orderliness, regularity, uniformity
Antonyms
asymmetry, disproportion, disunity, imbalance, incoherence
[2b] compatibility, concord, peace; also amity, congeniality, fellowship, fraternization, friendship; collaboration, reciprocity, symbiosis; consensus, unanimity, unity; affinity, connection, empathy, kinship, oneness, rapport, solidarity, sympathy, understanding; serenity, tranquillity
Antonyms
conflict, discord, dissension

1harness noun
1 : the gear other than a yoke of a draft animal
2 : something that resembles a harness

2harness verb
1 : to put a harness on; also : YOKE
2 : to make use of : UTILIZE

Synonyms
apply, employ, exercise, exploit, operate, use, utilize—more at USE

1harp noun
: a musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame set with strings plucked by the fingers

— harp·ist noun

2harp verb
1 : to play on a harp
2 : to dwell on a subject tiresomely

— harp·er noun

1harpoon noun
: a barbed spear used esp. in hunting whales

2harpoon verb
: to strike or capture with or as if with a harpoon

— har·poon·er noun

Synonyms
gore, impale, lance, pierce, puncture, skewer, spear, spike, stab, stick, transfix—more at IMPALE

harp·si·chord noun
: a keyboard instrument producing tones by the plucking of its strings with quills or with leather or plastic points

har·py noun, plural harpies
[ORIGIN: L Harpyia, a mythical predatory monster having a woman's head and a bird's body, fr. Gk]

1 : a predatory person : LEECH
2 : a shrewish woman

Synonyms
fury, shrew, termagant, virago—more at SHREW

har·ri·dan noun
: SHREW 2

1harrier noun
1 : any of a breed of medium-sized foxhounds
2 : a runner on a cross-country team

2harrier noun
: a slender long-legged hawk

1harrow noun
: a cultivating tool that has spikes, spring teeth, or disks and is used esp. to pulverize and smooth the soil

2harrow verb
1 : to cultivate with a harrow
2 : to cause distress or suffering to : TORMENT

Synonyms
afflict, agonize, bedevil, curse, martyr, persecute, plague, rack, torment, torture—more at AFFLICT

harrowing adjective
: acutely distressing or painful

Synonyms
agonizing, bitter, cruel, excruciating, galling, grievous, harsh, hurtful, painful, tortuous—more at BITTER

har·rumph verb
: to comment disapprovingly as though clearing the throat

har·ry verb har·ried; har·ry·ing
1 : RAID, PILLAGE
2 : to torment by or as if by constant attack

harsh adjective
1 : disagreeably rough
2 : causing discomfort or pain
3 : unduly exacting : SEVERE
4 : lacking in aesthetic appeal or refinement

Synonyms
[2] bitter, brutal, burdensome, cruel, excruciating, grievous, grim, hard, heavy, inhuman, murderous, onerous, oppressive, rough, rugged, severe, stiff, tough, trying; also austere, bleak, discomforting, forbidding, hostile, inhospitable, uncomfortable; biting, inclement, intemperate; rigorous, strict, stringent; agonizing, heartbreaking, heartrending, painful, wretched; crushing, grinding, overwhelming, wearing; insufferable, insupportable, intolerable, unbearable, unendurable; harrowing, tortuous; bad, disagreeable, hostile, unpleasant, unfriendly
Antonyms
easy, light, soft
[3] austere, authoritarian, flinty, hard, heavy-handed, ramrod, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict—more at SEVERE
[4] grotesque, unaesthetic; also flashy, garish, gaudy, loud, tawdry; tacky, tasteless, vulgar; inartistic, unartistic; artless, clumsy, crude, graceless, inelegant, rude; uncouth, uncultured, unrefined; disgusting, gross, obscene, repugnant, repulsive, ugly; disagreeable, jolting, unpleasant, unpleasing; blaring, clashing, discordant, dissonant, inharmonious, jangling, raucous, unmelodious, unmusical; bizarre, kinky, odd, outlandish, shocking
Antonyms
aesthetic

harsh·en verb
: to make or become harsh <~ed his voice>

harsh·ly adverb
: in a harsh manner

Synonyms
hard, hardly, ill, oppressively, roughly, severely, sternly, stiffly—more at HARDLY

harsh·ness noun
: the quality or state of being harsh

Synonyms
acidity, acrimony, acuteness, asperity, bite, bitterness, edge, keenness, pungency, sharpness, tartness
hardness, inflexibility, rigidity, severity, sternness, strictness—more at SEVERITY

hart noun, chiefly British
: STAG

1harum–scarum adjective
: RECKLESS, IRRESPONSIBLE

2harum–scarum adverb
: in a rash or heedless way

Synonyms
amok, berserk, frantically, hectically, helter-skelter, madly, pell-mell, wild, wildly—more at HELTER-SKELTER

1harvest noun
1 : the season for gathering in crops; also : the act of gathering in a crop
2 : a mature crop
3 : the product or reward of effort

2harvest verb
1 : to gather in a crop : REAP
2 : to gather, hunt, or kill (as deer) for human use or population control

— har·vest·er noun

Synonyms
gather, pick, reap; also clam, fish, shrimp, seal, whale; accumulate, garner; glean; cut, hay, mow; bag, capture, hunt, net, snare, trap; crop, grow, raise

has present 3d singular of HAVE

has–been noun
: one that has passed the peak of ability, power, effectiveness, or popularity

1hash verb
[ORIGIN: F hacher, fr. OF hachier, fr. hache battle-ax, of Gmc origin]

1 : to chop into small pieces
2 : to talk about — often used with over or out
3 : to make a confused muddle of

Synonyms
[1] chop, mince—more at CHOP
usually hash over [2] argue, chew over, debate, discuss, dispute, moot, talk over—more at DISCUSS

2hash noun
1 : chopped meat mixed with potatoes and browned
2 : a mass of things mingled together without order or plan : HODGEPODGE, JUMBLE

Synonyms
assortment, clutter, hodgepodge, jumble, litter, medley, miscellany, motley, muddle, mélange, potpourri, rummage, scramble, shuffle, tumble, variety, welter—more at MISCELLANY

3hash noun
: HASHISH

hash browns noun plural
: boiled potatoes that have been diced, mixed with chopped onions and shortening, and fried

hash·ish noun
[ORIGIN: Ar ḥashīsh]

: the intoxicating concentrated resin from the flowering tops of the female hemp plant

hasp noun
: a fastener (as for a door) consisting of a hinged metal strap that fits over a staple and is secured by a pin or padlock

has·si·um noun
: an artificially produced radioactive metallic chemical element

1hassle noun
1 a : a heated often protracted argument
b : a violent skirmish : FIGHT
2 : an annoying or troublesome concern

Synonyms
[1a] altercation, argument, bicker, brawl, disagreement, dispute, fight, misunderstanding, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle—more at ARGUMENT
[2] aggravation, annoyance, bother, exasperation, frustration, headache, inconvenience, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, problem, thorn—more at ANNOYANCE

2hassle verb
1 : to contend or disagree in words
2 : to annoy persistently or acutely

Synonyms
argue, bicker, brawl, dispute, fall out, fight, quarrel, row, scrap, spat, squabble, wrangle—more at ARGUE

has·sock noun
: a cushion that serves as a seat or leg rest; also : a cushion to kneel on in prayer

haste noun
1 : rapidity of motion or action : SPEED
2 : rash or headlong action
3 : excessive eagerness

Synonyms
[1] celerity, fastness, fleetness, hurry, quickness, rapidity, speed, swiftness, velocity—more at SPEED
[2] hurry, hustle, precipitation, rush—more at HURRY

has·ten verb
1 : to urge on
2 : to move or act quickly : HURRY; also : to cause to move or act faster

Synonyms
accelerate, hurry, quicken, rush, speed, step up, whisk—more at HURRY

hast·i·ly adverb
: in haste

Synonyms
cursorily, headlong, hurriedly, pell-mell, precipitately, rashly; also hotheadedly, impatiently, impetuously, impulsively, recklessly, thoughtlessly; automatically, haphazardly; impromptu, spontaneously; abruptly, suddenly; offhand
Antonyms
deliberately
apace, briskly, fast, full tilt, posthaste, presto, pronto, quick, quickly, rapidly, soon, speedily, swift, swiftly—more at FAST

hast·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being hasty

hasty adjective
: made, done, or acting in haste

Synonyms
cursory, headlong, pell-mell, precipitate, precipitous, rash; also breakneck, breathtaking; heady, hotheaded, headstrong, impatient, impetuous, impulsive, madcap, reckless; quick, rapid, speedy, swift; impromptu, makeshift, offhand, snap, spontaneous; abrupt, sudden
Antonyms
deliberate, unhurried

hat noun
: a covering for the head usu. having a shaped crown and brim

Synonyms
cap, headgear; also beret, biretta, boater, bonnet, bowler, derby, fedora, fez, hard hat, helm, helmet, homburg, hood, leghorn, miter, nightcap, panama, pillbox, skullcap, sombrero, sou'wester, sunbonnet, tam-o'-shanter, top hat, toque, turban; coronet, crown, diadem, headband, tiara; coif, babushka, kerchief, mantilla, scarf, shawl, veil, wimple

hat·box noun
: a round piece of luggage esp. for carrying hats

1hatch noun
1 : a small door or opening
2 : a door or cover for access down into a compartment of a ship

Synonyms
door, gate, portal—more at DOOR

2hatch verb
1 a : to produce by incubation
b : to incubate eggs
2 : to emerge from an egg or pupa; also : to give forth young
3 : ORIGINATE

— hatch·ery noun

Synonyms
brood, incubate, set, sit—more at SET

hatch·back noun
: an automobile with a rear hatch that opens upward

hatch·et noun
1 : a short-handled ax with a hammerlike part opposite the blade
2 : TOMAHAWK

hatchet man noun
: a person hired for murder, coercion, or unscrupulous attack

hatch·ing noun
: the engraving or drawing of closely spaced fine lines chiefly to give an effect of shading; also : the pattern so created

hatch·way noun
: a hatch giving access usu. by a ladder or stairs

1hate noun
1 : intense hostility and aversion
2 : an object of hatred

Synonyms
[1] abhorrence, abomination, execration, hatred, loathing; also cattiness, despite, hatefulness, malevolence, malice, malignancy, malignity, meanness, spite, spitefulness; aversion, disgust, distaste, horror, odium, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, contempt, disdain, enmity, grudge, hostility, jealousy, pique, resentment, scorn; bile, jaundice, rancor, spleen, venom, virulence, vitriol
Antonyms
affection, love, devotion, fondness
[2] abhorrence, abomination, anathema, antipathy, aversion, bête noire; also dread, hang-up, horror, phobia; bogey, bugaboo, bugbear; enemy, adversary; annoyance, grievance, hassle, nuisance, peeve
Antonyms
love

2hate verb hat·ed; hat·ing
1 : to express or feel extreme enmity
2 : to find distasteful

— hat·er noun

Synonyms
abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, loathe; also deplore, deprecate, disapprove (of), discountenance, disdain, disfavor, scorn
Antonyms
love

hate·ful adjective
: full of hate : MALICIOUS

Synonyms
catty, cruel, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, virulent; also devious, scurvy; acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful; contemptuous, deprecating, disdainful, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, unkind, unkindly, unloving; baleful, baneful, evil; harsh, hostile, inimical; acrid, caustic, scathing, venomous
Antonyms
benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious

hate·ful·ly adverb
: in a hateful manner

Synonyms
maliciously, meanly, nastily, spitefully, viciously, wickedly—more at NASTILY

hate·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being hateful

Synonyms
cattiness, despite, malice, malignity, meanness, nastiness, spite, spleen, venom, viciousness—more at MALICE

ha·tred noun
: intense hostility and aversion : HATE; also : prejudiced hostility or animosity

Synonyms
abhorrence, abomination, execration, hate, loathing—more at HATE

hat·ter noun
: one that makes, sells, or cleans and repairs hats

hau·berk noun
: a coat of mail

haugh·ti·ness noun
: the quality or state of being haughty

Synonyms
arrogance, loftiness, pretense, pretension, pretentiousness, self-importance, superiority—more at ARROGANCE

haugh·ty adjective haugh·ti·er; -est
[ORIGIN: obs. haught, fr. ME haute, fr. AF halt, haut, lit., high, fr. L altus]

: disdainfully proud

— haugh·ti·ly adverb

Synonyms
disdainful, highfalutin, lofty, lordly, prideful, proud, superior—more at PROUD

1haul verb
1 : to exert traction on : DRAW, PULL
2 : to furnish transportation : CART

— haul·er noun

Synonyms
[1] drag, draw, hale, lug, pull, tow, tug—more at PULL
[2] bear, carry, cart, convey, ferry, lug, pack, tote, transport—more at CARRY

2haul noun
1 : the act or process of hauling : PULL, TUG
2 : the result of an effort to obtain, collect, or win
3 a : the length or course of a transportation route
b : a quantity transported : LOAD

Synonyms
[2] catch, take, yield; also bag; earnings, gain, gross, income, net, payoff, proceeds, profit, receipts, return, revenue, winnings; booty, loot, spoils, plunder, swag; appropriation, collection
[3b] burden, cargo, draft, freight, lading, load, payload, weight—more at LOAD

haul·age noun
1 : the act or process of hauling
2 : a charge for hauling

haunch noun
1 : 2HIP 1
2 : HINDQUARTER 2 — usu. used in pl.
3 : HINDQUARTER 1

1haunt verb
1 : to visit often : FREQUENT
2 : to have a disquieting effect on; also : to reappear continually in
3 : to visit or inhabit as a ghost

— haunt·er noun

Synonyms
frequent, hang around, hang out, resort, visit—more at FREQUENT

haunting adjective
: having a disquieting effect

— haunt·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
creepy, eerie, spooky, uncanny, unearthly, weird—more at EERIE

2haunt noun
1 : a place habitually frequented
2 chiefly dialect : GHOST

Synonyms
hangout, rendezvous, resort—more at HANGOUT

haute cou·ture noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: the establishments or designers that create exclusive and often trend-setting fashions for women; also : the fashions created

haute cui·sine noun
: artful or elaborate cuisine

hau·teur noun
: ARROGANCE, HAUGHTINESS

1have “” verb had ; hav·ing; has “”
1 : to hold in possession; also : to hold in one's use, service, or regard
2 : to be compelled or forced — usu. used with an infinitive with to <~ to go now>
3 : to stand in relationship to <has many enemies>
4 : OBTAIN; also : RECEIVE, ACCEPT
5 : to be marked by
6 : SHOW; also : USE, EXERCISE
7 a : to experience esp. by submitting to, undergoing, or suffering <~ a cold>
b : TAKE <~ a look>
8 : to entertain in the mind <~ an idea>
9 : to cause to
10 : to consent to : ALLOW <I won't ~ you jumping on the bed>
11 : to be competent in
12 a : to hold in a disadvantageous position
b : to take advantage of : TRICK
13 : to give birth to
14 : to partake of
15 — used as an auxiliary with the past participle to form the present perfect, past perfect, or future perfect

— have at

: ATTACK

— have coming

: DESERVE

— have done with

: to be finished with

— have had it

: to have endured all one will permit or can stand

— have to do with

: to have in the way of relation with or effect on

Synonyms
[1] command, enjoy, hold, occupy, own, possess, retain; also keep, reserve, withhold; bear, carry; boast, show off, sport
Antonyms
lack, want
usually have to [2] must, need, ought, shall, should—more at NEED
[7a] endure, experience, feel, know, see, suffer, sustain, taste, undergo—more at EXPERIENCE
[8] bear, cherish, entertain, harbor, hold, nurse—more at HARBOR
[12b] beguile, bluff, cozen, deceive, delude, dupe, fool, gull, hoax, hoodwink, humbug, misinform, mislead, string along, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE

2have noun
: one that has material wealth

ha·ven noun
1 : a part of a body of water protected and deep enough to furnish anchorage : HARBOR, PORT
2 : a place of safety
3 : a place offering favorable conditions <a tourist's ~>

Synonyms
asylum, harbor, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, shelter—more at SHELTER

have–not noun
: one that is poor in material wealth

hav·er·sack noun
[ORIGIN: F havresac, fr. G Habersack bag for oats]

: a bag similar to a knapsack but worn over one shoulder

hav·oc noun
1 : wide and general destruction
2 : great confusion and disorder

Synonyms
[1] annihilation, demolition, desolation, destruction, devastation, loss, obliteration, ruin, wastage, wreckage—more at DESTRUCTION
[2] chaos, confusion, disarray, disorder, disorganization, hell, jumble, mess, muddle, shambles—more at CHAOS

haw noun
: a hawthorn berry; also : HAWTHORN

Ha·wai·ian noun
: the Polynesian language of Hawaii

1hawk noun
1 : any of numerous mostly small or medium-sized day-flying birds of prey (as a falcon or kite)
2 : a supporter of a war or a warlike policy

— hawk·ish adjective

2hawk verb
: to offer goods for sale by calling out in the street

— hawk·er noun

3hawk verb
: to make a harsh coughing sound in or as if in clearing the throat; also : to raise by hawking

hawk·weed noun
: any of several plants related to the daisies usu. having yellow flowers

haw·ser noun
: a large rope for towing, mooring, or securing a ship

haw·thorn noun
: any of a genus of spiny spring-flowering shrubs or small trees related to the apple

1hay noun
1 : herbage (as grass) mowed and cured for fodder
2 : REWARD
3 slang : BED <hit the ~>
4 : a small amount of money

2hay verb
: to cut, cure, and store for hay

hay·cock noun
: a small conical pile of hay

hay fever noun
: an acute allergic reaction esp. to plant pollen that resembles a cold

hay·loft noun
: a loft for hay

hay·mow noun
: a mow of or for hay

hay·rick noun
: a large sometimes thatched outdoor stack of hay

hay·seed noun, plural hayseed or hayseeds
1 : clinging bits of straw or chaff from hay
2 : BUMPKIN, YOKEL

hay·stack noun
: a stack of hay

hay·wire adjective
: being out of order or control : CRAZY

1hazard noun
[ORIGIN: ME, a dice game, fr. AF hasard, fr. Sp azar, Ar al-zahr the die]

1 : a source of danger
2 : the assumed impersonal purposeless determiner of unaccountable happenings : CHANCE; also : ACCIDENT
3 : an obstacle on a golf course

Synonyms
[1] danger, menace, peril, pitfall, risk, threat, trouble—more at DANGER
[2] accident, chance, circumstance, luck—more at CHANCE

2hazard verb
1 : to expose to possible risk of loss or damage : VENTURE, RISK
2 : to undertake the risks and dangers of
3 : to offer at the risk of rebuff, rejection, or censure

Synonyms
chance, gamble, risk, venture—more at RISK

haz·ard·ous adjective
: involving or exposing one to risk (as of loss or harm)

Synonyms
dangerous, grave, grievous, menacing, parlous, perilous, risky, serious, unhealthy, unsafe, venturesome—more at DANGEROUS

1haze noun
1 : fine dust, smoke, or light vapor causing lack of transparency in the air
2 : vagueness of mind or perception

Synonyms
[1] fog, mist, murk, smog, soup; also cloud, fume, miasma, smoke, steam
[2] daze, fog, muddle, spin; also reverie, stupor, trance; bewilderment, perplexity, puzzlement; delirium, malaise, paralysis; cloudiness

2haze verb
: to make or become hazy, dull, or cloudy

3haze verb hazed; haz·ing
: to harass by abusive and humiliating tricks usu. by way of initiation

ha·zel noun
1 : any of a genus of shrubs or small trees related to the birches and bearing edible brown nuts (ha*zel*nuts)
2 : a light brown color

hazy adjective haz·i·er; -est
1 : obscured or darkened by haze
2 : not clearly perceived or understood : VAGUE, INDEFINITE

— haz·i·ly adverb

— haz·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] cloudy, foggy, misty, murky, smoggy, soupy; also overcast, rainy, stormy, thick; dirty, miry, mucky, muddy, slimy, slushy, turbid; smoky, sooty; filmy, milky, opaque
Antonyms
clear, cloudless, limpid, pellucid, unclouded
[2] bleary, dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, indefinite, indistinct, indistinguishable, murky, nebulous, obscure, opaque, shadowy, unclear, undefined, undetermined, vague—more at FAINT

Hb abbreviation
hemoglobin

HBM abbreviation
Her Britannic Majesty; His Britannic Majesty

H–bomb noun
: HYDROGEN BOMB

HC abbreviation
1 Holy Communion
2 House of Commons

hd abbreviation
head

HD abbreviation
heavy-duty

hdbk abbreviation
handbook

hdkf abbreviation
handkerchief

HDL noun
[ORIGIN: high-density lipoprotein]

: a cholesterol-poor protein-rich lipoprotein of blood plasma correlated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis

hdwe abbreviation
hardware

he pronoun
1 : that male one
2 : a person : the person <~ who hesitates is lost>

He symbol
helium

HE abbreviation
1 Her Excellency
2 His Eminence
3 His Excellency

1head noun
1 : the front or upper part of the body containing the brain, the chief sense organs, and the mouth
2 a : the seat of the intellect : MIND; also : mental or emotional control
b : natural aptitude
3 : POISE
4 : the obverse of a coin
5 : a single human being : INDIVIDUAL; also plural head : one of a number (as of cattle)
6 : the end that is upper or higher or opposite the foot; also : either end of something (as a drum) whose two ends need not be distinguished
7 : the source of a stream
8 : a person who leads : LEADER; also : a leading element (as of a procession)
9 : a projecting part; also : the striking part of a weapon
10 : the place of leadership or honor
11 : a separate part or topic
12 : the foam on a fermenting or effervescing liquid
13 : culminating point of action : CRISIS

— head·ed adjective

— head·less adjective

Synonyms
[1] noggin, pate, poll; also cranium, crown, scalp, skull
[2a] mind, reason, sanity, wit—more at MIND
[8] boss, captain, chief, foreman, headman, helmsman, kingpin, leader, master, taskmaster—more at BOSS
[10] chair, headship, helm, rein; also chieftainship, directorship; forefront, lead, preferment; chairmanship, deanship, dictatorship, governorship, kingship, mastery, presidency, superintendency; dominance, dominion, jurisdiction, sovereignty, sway, upper hand; eminence, height, pedestal, pinnacle, seat, throne, top
[12] foam, froth, lather, spume—more at FOAM

2head adjective
: most important, consequential, or influential : PRINCIPAL, CHIEF

Synonyms
chief, first, foremost, high, lead, preeminent, premier, primary, prime, principal, supreme; also senior; controlling, directing, officiating, overseeing, reigning, ruling, supervisory; paramount, predominant, main, major; dominant, grand, superior, topmost, upmost, upper, uppermost

3head verb
1 : to provide with or form a head; also : to form the head of
2 : to act as leader or head to
3 : to get in front of esp. so as to stop; also : SURPASS
4 : to put or stand at the head
5 : to point or proceed in a certain direction

Synonyms
[2] boss, captain, command, dominate, lead, spearhead, supervise—more at LEAD
[5] extend, go, lead, lie, run—more at RUN

head·ache noun
1 : pain in the head
2 : a vexatious or baffling situation or problem

Synonyms
aggravation, annoyance, bother, exasperation, frustration, hassle, inconvenience, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, problem, thorn—more at ANNOYANCE

head·band noun
: a band worn on or around the head

head·bang·er noun
: one who performs or enjoys hard rock

head·board noun
: a board forming the head (as of a bed)

head cold noun
: a common cold centered in the nasal passages and adjacent mucous tissues

head·dress noun
: an often elaborate covering for the head

head·first adverb
: HEADLONG 1

— headfirst adjective

head·gear noun
: a covering or protective device for the head

Synonyms
cap, hat—more at HAT

head–hunt·ing noun
: the practice of seeking out and decapitating enemies and preserving their heads as trophies

— head·hunt·er noun

head·ing noun
1 : the compass direction in which the longitudinal axis of a ship or airplane points
2 : something that forms or serves as a head; especially : an inscription, headline, or title standing at the top or beginning (as of a letter or chapter)

Synonyms
title; also guide word, legend; greeting, salutation; subhead, subheading, subtitle

head·land noun
: a high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water : PROMONTORY

Synonyms
arm, cape, peninsula, point, promontory, spit—more at CAPE

head·light noun
: a light mounted on the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead

1headline noun
: a head of a newspaper story or article usu. printed in large type

2headline verb
1 : to provide with a headline
2 : to publicize highly
3 : to be a leading performer in

head·lock noun
: a wrestling hold in which one encircles the opponent's head with one arm

1headlong adverb
1 : with the head foremost
2 : without deliberation : RASHLY
3 : without delay

Synonyms
cursorily, hastily, hurriedly, pell-mell, precipitately, rashly—more at HASTILY

2headlong adjective
1 : lacking in calmness or restraint : PRECIPITATE, RASH
2 : plunging with the head foremost

Synonyms
cursory, hasty, pell-mell, precipitate, precipitous, rash—more at HASTY

head·man noun
: one who is a leader : CHIEF

Synonyms
boss, captain, chief, foreman, head, helmsman, kingpin, leader, master, taskmaster—more at BOSS

head·mas·ter noun
: a man who is head of a private school

head·mis·tress noun
: a woman who is head of a private school

head of stream
: strong driving force : MOMENTUM

head–on adjective
: having the front facing in the direction of initial contact or line of sight <~ collision>

— head–on adverb

head·phone noun
: an earphone held on by a band over the head

head·piece noun
: a covering for the head

head·pin noun
: a bowling pin that stands foremost in the arrangement of pins

head·quar·ters noun singular or plural
1 : a place from which a commander exercises command
2 : the administrative center of an enterprise

head·rest noun
1 : a support for the head
2 : a pad at the top of the back of an automobile seat

head·room noun
: vertical space in which to stand, sit, or move

head–scratcher noun
: PUZZLE, MYSTERY

head·set noun
: a pair of headphones

head·ship noun
: the position, office, or dignity of a head

Synonyms
care, charge, guidance, oversight, regulation, superintendence, supervision—more at SUPERVISION
chair, head, helm, rein—more at HEAD

heads·man noun
: EXECUTIONER

head·stall noun
: a part of a bridle or halter that encircles the head

head·stone noun
: a memorial stone at the head of a grave

Synonyms
gravestone, monument, tombstone—more at TOMBSTONE

head·strong adjective
1 : not easily restrained
2 : directed by ungovernable will

Synonyms
[1] froward, intractable, recalcitrant, refractory, uncontrollable, unmanageable, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful—more at UNCONTROLLABLE
[2] dogged, hardheaded, mulish, obdurate, obstinate, opinionated, peevish, pertinacious, perverse, pigheaded, stubborn, unyielding, willful—more at OBSTINATE

heads–up noun
: WARNING

head·wait·er noun
: the head of the dining-room staff of a restaurant or hotel

head·wa·ter noun
: the source of a stream — usu. used in pl.

head·way noun
: forward motion; also : PROGRESS

Synonyms
advance, advancement, furtherance, march, onrush, passage, process, procession, progress, progression—more at ADVANCE

head wind noun
: a wind blowing in a direction opposite to a course esp. of a ship or aircraft

head·word noun
1 : a word or term placed at the beginning
2 : a word qualified by a modifier

head·work noun
: mental work or effort : THINKING

heady adjective head·i·er; -est
1 : WILLFUL, RASH; also : IMPETUOUS
2 : INTOXICATING
3 : SHREWD

heal verb
1 : to make or become healthy, sound, or whole
2 : to restore to health : CURE

— heal·er noun

Synonyms
[1] convalesce, gain, mend, rally, recover, recuperate, snap back—more at CONVALESCE
[2] cure, mend, rehabilitate; also attend (to), care (for), doctor, minister (to), nurse, treat; fortify, rejuvenate, renew, revive, resuscitate; alleviate, fix, relieve, remedy, repair

health noun
1 : sound physical or mental condition; also : overall condition of the body <in poor ~>
2 : WELL-BEING
3 : a toast to someone's health or prosperity

Synonyms
fitness, heartiness, robustness, soundness, wellness, wholeness, wholesomeness; also fettle, shape; cleanliness, hygiene; hardiness, lustiness, stamina, ruggedness, strength, toughness, vigor, vigorousness, vitality; bloom, flush, flushness; activeness, agility, liveliness; weal, welfare, well-being
Antonyms
illness, sickness, unsoundness

health care noun
: efforts made to maintain or restore health — usu. hyphenated when used attributively

health club noun
: a commercial establishment providing health and fitness facilities and equipment for members

health·ful adjective
1 : beneficial to health
2 : enjoying good health

— health·ful·ly adverb

— health·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
healthy, restorative, salubrious, salutary, wholesome; also corrective, curative, remedial, tonic; advantageous, beneficial, useful; antiseptic, clean, hygienic, sanitary; nonfattening, nonpoisonous, nontoxic
Antonyms
insalubrious, noxious, unhealthful, unhealthy, unwholesome

health·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being healthy

health maintenance organization noun
: HMO

healthy adjective health·i·er; -est
1 : enjoying or typical of good health : WELL
2 : evincing or conducive to health
3 a : PROSPEROUS
b : not small or feeble : CONSIDERABLE

— health·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] able-bodied, chipper, fit, hale, hearty, robust, sound, well, whole, wholesome; also hardy, lusty, rugged, stalwart, strong, sturdy, tough; active, agile, lively, sprightly, spry, vigorous, vital; blooming, clean-cut, flush, thriving; all right, good, right
Antonyms
ailing, diseased, ill, sick, unfit, unhealthy, unsound, unwell
[2] healthful, restorative, salubrious, salutary, wholesome—more at HEALTHFUL
[3b] considerable, good, goodly, respectable, significant, sizable, substantial, tidy—more at CONSIDERABLE

1heap noun
1 : a collection of things thrown one on another : PILE
2 : a great number or large quantity : LOT

Synonyms
[1] cock, hill, mound, mountain, pile, rick, stack—more at PILE
[2] abundance, deal, loads, lot, mass, mountain, much, plenty, profusion, quantity, scads, stack—more at LOT

2heap verb
1 : to throw or lay in a heap : pile or collect in great quantity
2 a : to give in large quantities
b : to load heavily

Synonyms
[1] accumulate, collect, conglomerate, gather, pile—more at COLLECT
[1] hill, mound, pile, stack—more at PILE
[2a] lavish, pour, rain, shower—more at RAIN
[2b] charge, cram, fill, jam, jam-pack, load, pack, stuff—more at FILL

hear verb heard ; hear·ing
1 : to perceive by the ear
2 : to gain knowledge of by hearing : LEARN
3 : to listen to with attention : HEED; also : ATTEND
4 : to give a legal hearing to or take testimony from

— hear·er noun

Synonyms
[2] ascertain, catch on, discover, find out, learn, realize, see—more at DISCOVER
[3] attend, hark, heed, listen, mind—more at LISTEN

hear·ing noun
1 : the process, function, or power of perceiving sound; especially : the special sense by which noises and tones are received as stimuli
2 : EARSHOT
3 : opportunity to be heard
4 : a listening to arguments (as in a court); also : a session of (as of a legislative committee) in which testimony is taken from witnesses

hear·ken verb
: to give attention : LISTEN

hear·say noun
: RUMOR

hearse noun
: a vehicle for carrying the dead to the grave

heart noun
1 : a hollow muscular organ that by rhythmic contraction keeps up the circulation of the blood in the body; also : something resembling a heart in shape
2 : any of a suit of playing cards marked with a red figure of a heart; also, pl : a card game in which the object is to avoid taking tricks containing hearts
3 a : the whole personality
b : the emotional or moral as distinguished from the intellectual nature
c : generous disposition : COMPASSION
4 : mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty : COURAGE
5 : one's innermost being
6 a : CENTER
b : the essential part
7 : the younger central part of a compact leafy cluster (as of lettuce)
8 : a single human being <dear ~>

— heart·ed adjective

— by heart

: by rote or from memory

Synonyms
[3c] charity, commiseration, compassion, feeling, humanity, kindliness, kindness, mercy, pity, sympathy; also responsiveness, sensitivity; affection, regard, love; affinity, empathy, rapport; altruism, benevolence, benignity, generosity, goodwill, humanitarianism, philanthropy
Antonyms
inhumanity
[4] bravery, courage, daring, fearlessness, gallantry, guts, hardihood, heroism, nerve, stoutness, valor—more at COURAGE
[5] core, quick, soul
[6b] core, crux, gist, nub, pith, pivot—more at CRUX

heart·ache noun
: anguish of mind

Synonyms
affliction, anguish, dolor, grief, sorrow, woe—more at SORROW

heart attack noun
: an acute episode of heart disease due to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle

heart·beat noun
: one complete pulsation of the heart

heart·break noun
: crushing grief

heart·break·ing adjective
: causing extreme sorrow or distress

— heart·break·er noun

Synonyms
depressing, dismal, dreary, melancholy, pathetic, sad, sorry, tearful—more at SAD
deplorable, distressful, grievous, lamentable, regrettable, unfortunate, woeful—more at REGRETTABLE

heart·bro·ken adjective
: overcome by sorrow

heart·burn noun
: a burning distress behind the sternum due to the backward flow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus

heart disease noun
: an abnormal organic condition of the heart or of the heart and circulation

heart·en verb
: to give heart to : ENCOURAGE, CHEER

Synonyms
buoy, cheer, comfort, embolden, encourage, inspire, steel—more at ENCOURAGE

heartening adjective
: tending or serving to hearten, inspire, or give fresh courage

Synonyms
auspicious, bright, encouraging, fair, golden, hopeful, likely, promising, propitious, rosy, upbeat—more at HOPEFUL
comforting, encouraging, gratifying, heartwarming, rewarding, satisfying—more at HEARTWARMING

heart·felt adjective
: deeply felt : SINCERE

hearth noun
1 : an area (as of brick) in front of a fireplace; also : the floor of a fireplace
2 : one's place of residence : HOME

Synonyms
abode, domicile, dwelling, fireside, habitation, home, house, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof—more at HOME

hearth·stone noun
1 : stone forming a hearth
2 : one's place of residence : HOME

heart·i·ly adverb
: in a hearty manner

Synonyms
cheerfully, gaily, happily, jovially, merrily, mirthfully—more at GAILY

heart·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being hearty

Synonyms
fitness, health, robustness, soundness, wellness, wholeness, wholesomeness—more at HEALTH

heart·less adjective
: lacking feeling or affection

Synonyms
callous, cold-blooded, hard, inhuman, inhumane, merciless, obdurate, pitiless, ruthless, soulless, stony, uncharitable, unfeeling, unsparing, unsympathetic—more at HARD

heart·rend·ing adjective
: causing extreme sorrow or distress : HEARTBREAKING

heart·sick adjective
: very despondent

Synonyms
bad, blue, brokenhearted, dejected, depressed, despondent, disconsolate, miserable, mournful, sad, wretched—more at SAD

heart·sick·ness noun
: the quality or state of being heartsick

Synonyms
blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despondency, doldrums, dumps, forlornness, gloom, melancholy, sadness—more at SADNESS

heart–stop·ping adjective
: extremely shocking or exciting

heart·strings noun plural
: the deepest emotions or affections

heart·throb noun
1 : the throb of a heart
2 : sentimental emotion
3 : SWEETHEART
4 : an entertainer noted for his sex appeal

heart–to–heart adjective
: SINCERE, FRANK

heart·warm·ing adjective
: inspiring sympathetic feeling

Synonyms
comforting, encouraging, gratifying, heartening, rewarding, satisfying; also affecting, inspiring, moving, poignant, stirring, touching; elevating, uplifting; sympathetic, tender; kind, kindly, loving, warm; exciting, exhilarating, rousing, stimulating, thrilling; pleasing, welcoming
Antonyms
depressing, discouraging, disheartening, dispiriting

heart·wood noun
: the older harder nonliving and usu. darker wood of the central part of a tree trunk

1hearty adjective heart·i·er; -est
1 a : giving full support
b : enthusiastically or exuberantly cordial
2 : vigorously healthy
3 : ABUNDANT; also : NOURISHING
4 : carried out forcefully and energetically

Synonyms
[1b] amicable, companionable, comradely, cordial, friendly, genial, neighborly, warm, warmhearted—more at FRIENDLY
[2] able-bodied, chipper, fit, hale, healthy, robust, sound, well, whole, wholesome—more at HEALTHY
[4] firm, forceful, lusty, robust, solid, stout, strong, sturdy, vigorous

2hearty noun, plural heart·ies
: an enthusiastic jovial fellow; also : SAILOR

1heat verb
1 : to make or become warm or hot
2 : EXCITE

— heat·ed·ly adverb

— heat·er noun

2heat noun
1 : a condition of being hot : WARMTH
2 : a form of energy that when added to a body causes the body to rise in temperature, to fuse, to evaporate, or to expand
3 : high temperature
4 a : intensity of feeling
b : sexual excitement esp. in a female mammal
5 : a preliminary race for narrowing the competition
6 : pungency of flavor
7 slang : POLICE
8 : PRESSURE, COERCION; also : ABUSE, CRITICISM

Synonyms
ardor, emotion, fervency, fervor, intensity, passion, vehemence, warmth—more at ARDOR

heat·ed adjective
1 : made or become hot or warm
2 : marked by anger or passion

Synonyms
agitated, feverish, frenzied, hectic, overactive, overwrought—more at FEVERISH

heat exchanger noun
: a device (as an automobile radiator) for transferring heat from one fluid to another without allowing them to mix

heat exhaustion noun
: a condition marked by weakness, nausea, dizziness, and profuse sweating resulting from physical exertion in a hot environment

heath noun
1 : any of a large family of often evergreen shrubby plants (as a blueberry or heather) of wet acid soils
2 : a tract of wasteland

— heathy adjective

1heathen adjective
1 : of or relating to heathens, their religions, or their customs
2 : not civilized

2heathen noun, plural heathens or heathen
1 : an unconverted member of a people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible
2 : an uncivilized or irreligious person

— hea·then·dom noun

— hea·then·ism noun

hea·then·ish adjective
: resembling or characteristic of heathens : BARBAROUS

Synonyms
Neanderthal, barbarous, heathen, rude, savage, uncivil, uncivilized, uncultivated, wild—more at SAVAGE

heath·er noun
: a northern and alpine evergreen heath with usu. lavender flowers

— heath·ery adjective

heat lightning noun
: flashes of light without thunder ascribed to distant lightning reflected by high clouds

heat·stroke noun
: a disorder marked esp. by high body temperature without sweating and by collapse that follows prolonged exposure to excessive heat

1heave verb heaved or hove ; heav·ing
1 : to rise or lift upward
2 : to propel through the air by a forward motion of the hand and arm : THROW
3 : to rise and fall rhythmically; also : PANT
4 : to disgorge the stomach contents through the mouth; also : to make an effort to vomit
5 : PULL, PUSH

— heav·er noun

Synonyms
[1] boost, heft, hoist, jack; also elevate, hike, raise, rear, up, uplift, upraise
[2] cast, catapult, chuck, dash, fire, fling, hurl, hurtle, launch, peg, pelt, pitch, sling, throw, toss—more at THROW

2heave noun
1 : an effort to lift or raise
2 : THROW, CAST
3 : an upward motion
4 plural : a chronic lung disease of horses marked by difficult breathing and persistent cough

heav·en noun
1 : FIRMAMENT — usu. used in pl.
2 often cap : the abode of the Deity and of the blessed dead; also : a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God
3 cap : GOD 1
4 : a place or condition of supreme happiness

— heav·en·ward adverb or adjective

Synonyms
Eden, Elysium, paradise, utopia—more at PARADISE
ecstasy, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, intoxication, paradise, rapture, rhapsody, transport—more at ECSTASY

heav·en·ly adjective
1 : of or relating to heaven or the heavens
2 a : suggesting the blessed state of heaven
b : highly pleasing

Synonyms
[1] Elysian, celestial, empyrean, supernal—more at CELESTIAL
[2b] agreeable, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, enjoyable, luscious, pleasurable

heavi·ly adverb
: to a large degree

1heavy adjective heavi·er; -est
1 : having great weight
2 : hard to bear
3 : of weighty import : SERIOUS
4 : characterized by intensity of quality : DEEP, PROFOUND
5 : burdened with something oppressive; also : PREGNANT
6 : SLUGGISH
7 a : lacking sparkle or vivacity : DRAB
b : DOLEFUL
8 : DROWSY
9 : greater than the average of its kind or class
10 : very rich and hard to digest; also : not properly raised or leavened
11 : producing goods (as steel) used in the production of other goods
12 : threatening to rain or snow

— heavi·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] hefty, massive, ponderous, weighty; also burdensome, leaden, lumpish; bulky, elephantine, outsize; overweight, top-heavy; solid, substantial
Antonyms
light, lightweight, weightless
[2] bitter, brutal, burdensome, cruel, excruciating, grievous, grim, hard, harsh, inhuman, murderous, onerous, oppressive, rough, rugged, severe, stiff, tough, trying—more at HARSH
[12] cloudy, dull, hazy, overcast—more at OVERCAST

2heavy noun, plural heav·ies
1 : a theatrical role representing a dignified or imposing person
2 : a villain esp. in a story

heavy–du·ty adjective
: able to withstand unusual strain

heavy–hand·ed adjective
1 : lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace : CLUMSY
2 : unduly exacting : HARSH

Synonyms
[1] awkward, clumsy, gawky, graceless, lubberly, lumpish, ungainly, unhandy—more at CLUMSY
[2] austere, authoritarian, flinty, hard, harsh, ramrod, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict—more at SEVERE

heavy·heart·ed adjective
: SADDENED, DESPONDENT

heavy lifting noun
: a burdensome or laborious duty

heavy metal noun
: energetic and highly amplified electronic rock music

heavy·set adjective
: stocky and compact in build

Synonyms
chunky, dumpy, squat, stocky, stout, stubby, stumpy, thickset—more at STOCKY

heavy water noun
: water enriched in deuterium

heavy·weight noun
: one above average in weight; especially : a boxer weighing over 175 pounds

Heb abbreviation
Hebrews

He·bra·ism noun
: the thought, spirit, or practice characteristic of the Hebrews

— He·bra·ic adjective

He·bra·ist noun
: a specialist in Hebrew and Hebraic studies

He·brew noun
1 : the language of the Hebrews
2 : a member of or descendant from a group of Semitic peoples; especially : ISRAELITE

— Hebrew adjective

He·brews noun
: a book of the New Testament in Christian Scriptures

hec·a·tomb noun
: an ancient Greek and Roman sacrifice of 100 oxen or cattle

heck·le verb heck·led; heck·ling
: to harass with questions or gibes

Synonyms
bait, bug, hassle, needle, ride, taunt, tease—more at TEASE

heck·ler noun
: one that heckles

Synonyms
oppressor, persecutor, taunter, tormentor, torturer—more at TORMENTOR

hect·are noun
: a metric measure equal to 10,000 square meters

hec·tic adjective
1 : being hot and flushed
2 : filled with excitement, activity, or confusion

Synonyms
agitated, feverish, frenzied, heated, overactive, overwrought—more at FEVERISH

hec·ti·cal·ly adverb
: in a hectic manner

Synonyms
amok, berserk, frantically, harum-scarum, helter-skelter, madly, pell-mell, wild, wildly—more at HELTER-SKELTER

hec·to·gram noun
: a metric measure equal to 100 grams

hec·to·li·ter noun
: a metric measure equal to 100 liters

hec·to·me·ter noun
: a metric measure equal to 100 meters

hec·tor verb
[ORIGIN: hector bully, fr. Hector, champion of Troy in Greek legend]

1 : SWAGGER
2 : to intimidate by bluster or personal pressure

Synonyms
browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate—more at INTIMIDATE

1hedge noun
1 : a fence or boundary formed of shrubs or small trees
2 : something that impedes or separates : BARRIER
3 : a means of protection (as against financial loss)

Synonyms
barrier, fence, wall—more at BARRIER

2hedge verb hedged; hedg·ing
1 : to enclose or protect with or as if with a hedge
2 : HINDER
3 : to protect oneself financially by a counterbalancing action
4 : to evade the risk of commitment

— hedg·er noun

Synonyms
[1] cage, closet, coop, corral, encase, enclose, envelop, fence, hem, house, immure, pen, wall—more at ENCLOSE
[4] equivocate, fudge, pussyfoot—more at EQUIVOCATE

hedge·hog noun
: a small Old World insect-eating mammal covered with spines; also : PORCUPINE

hedge·hop verb
: to fly an airplane very close to the ground

hedge·row noun
: a row of shrubs or trees bounding or separating fields

he·do·nism noun
[ORIGIN: Gk hēdonē pleasure]

: the doctrine that pleasure is the chief good in life; also : a way of life based on this

— he·do·nist noun

— he·do·nis·tic adjective

1heed verb
: to pay attention

Synonyms
attend, hark, hear, listen, mind—more at LISTEN
follow, listen, mind, note, observe, regard, watch; also consider, contemplate, mull, ponder, weigh; comply (with), keep, obey, respect; hark (to), hear, hearken (to); mark, notice, see
Antonyms
disregard, ignore, tune out

2heed noun
: the act or state of attending or noticing

Synonyms
attention, awareness, cognizance, ear, eye, notice, observance, observation—more at ATTENTION

heed·ful adjective
: taking heed

— heed·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
alert, careful, cautious, circumspect, considerate, gingerly, guarded, safe, wary—more at CAREFUL

heed·ful·ness noun
: the quality or state of being heedful

Synonyms
alertness, care, carefulness, caution, circumspection—more at CAUTION
care, carefulness, heed, pains, scrupulousness—more at CARE

heed·less adjective
: not taking heed

— heed·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
careless, mindless, unguarded, unsafe, unwary—more at CARELESS

heed·less·ness noun
: the quality or state of being heedless

Synonyms
carelessness, dereliction, laxness, negligence, remissness, slackness—more at NEGLIGENCE

1heel noun
1 : the hind part of the foot
2 : one of the crusty ends of a loaf of bread
3 : a solid attachment forming the back of the sole of a shoe
4 : a rear, low, or bottom part
5 : a contemptible person

Synonyms
beast, boor, churl, clown, creep, cretin, cur, jerk, joker, louse, lout, skunk, slob, snake—more at JERK

2heel verb
: to tilt to one side : LIST

1heft noun
: WEIGHT, HEAVINESS

2heft verb
1 : to heave up : HOIST
2 : to test the weight of by lifting

Synonyms
boost, heave, hoist, jack—more at HEAVE

hefty adjective heft·i·er; -est
1 : marked by bigness, bulk, and usu. strength
2 : impressively large
3 : quite heavy

Synonyms
[2] big, large, outsize, oversize, sizable, substantial—more at LARGE
[3] heavy, massive, ponderous, weighty—more at HEAVY

he·ge·mo·ny noun
: preponderant influence or authority over others : DOMINATION

he·gi·ra noun
[ORIGIN: the Hegira, flight of Muhammad from Mecca in A.D. 622, fr. ML, fr. Ar hijra, lit., departure]

: a journey esp. when undertaken to escape a dangerous or undesirable environment

heif·er noun
: a young cow; especially : one that has not had a calf

height noun
1 : the highest or most advanced part or point
2 : the distance from the bottom to the top of something standing upright
3 : ALTITUDE
4 : an extent of land rising to a considerable degree above the surrounding country

Synonyms
[1] acme, apex, climax, crown, culmination, head, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tip-top, top, zenith; also bloom, flood tide, flower, glory, heyday; high; cap, ceiling, crest, roof; crescendo, extremity, maximum, tip, vertex
Antonyms
bottom, nadir
[1] depth, limit; also consummation, epitome, quintessence, ultimate
[2] altitude, elevation; also rise; highness, loftiness, tallness
[4] elevation, eminence, highland, hill, mound, prominence, rise; also alp, mount, mountain, peak; butte, mesa, plateau, table, tableland, cliff, crag, precipice, tor; ridge, sierra; dome; foothill, hillock, knob, knoll; down
Antonyms
lowland

height·en verb
1 : to increase in amount or degree
2 : to make or become high or higher

Synonyms
[1] amplify, beef, boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen—more at INTENSIFY
[2] boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, hike, hoist, jack, lift, pick up, raise, up, uphold—more at RAISE

Heim·lich maneuver noun
[ORIGIN: Henry J. Heimlich b1920 Am. surgeon]

: the manual application of sudden upward pressure on the upper abdomen of a choking victim to force a foreign object from the trachea

hei·nous adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF hainus, heinous, fr. haine hate, fr. hair to hate]

: hatefully or shockingly evil

— hei·nous·ly adverb

hei·nous·ness noun
: the state or quality of being heinous

Synonyms
atrociousness, atrocity, depravity, enormity, monstrosity, vileness, wickedness—more at ENORMITY

heir noun
: one who inherits or is entitled to inherit property, rank, title, or office

— heir·ship noun

heir apparent noun, plural heirs apparent
: an heir whose right to succeed (as to a title) cannot be taken away if he or she survives the present holder

heir·ess noun
: a female heir esp. to great wealth

heir·loom noun
1 : a piece of personal property that descends by inheritance
2 : something handed on from one generation to another

heir presumptive noun, plural heirs presumptive
: an heir whose present right to inherit could be lost through the birth of a nearer relative

heist verb, slang
: to commit armed robbery on; also : STEAL
— heist noun, slang

held past and past participle of HOLD

he·li·cal adjective
: of, relating to, or having the form of a helix : SPIRAL

Synonyms
spiral, winding—more at SPIRAL

he·li·cop·ter noun
[ORIGIN: F hélicoptère, fr. Gk helik-, helix spiral + pteron wing]

: an aircraft that is supported in the air by one or more rotors revolving on substantially vertical axes

he·lio·cen·tric adjective
: having or relating to the sun as center

he·li·o·sphere noun
: the region in space influenced by the sun or solar wind

he·lio·trope noun
[ORIGIN: L heliotropium, fr. Gk hēliotropion, fr. hēlios sun + tropos turn; fr. its flowers' turning toward the sun]

: any of a genus of herbs or shrubs related to the forget-me-not that have small white or purple flowers

he·li·port noun
: a landing and takeoff place for a helicopter

he·li·um noun
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. Gk hēlios sun]

: a very light nonflammable gaseous chemical element occurring in various natural gases

he·lix noun, plural he·li·ces also he·lix·es
: something spiral in form

hell noun
1 : a nether world in which the dead continue to exist
2 : the realm of the devil in which the damned suffer everlasting punishment
3 : a place or state of torment or wickedness
4 : a place or state of turmoil, disorder, or destruction

— hell·ish adjective

Synonyms
[3] agony, horror, misery, murder, nightmare, torment, torture; also cross, ordeal, trial, tribulation; gall, thorn; bummer, downer, drag
Antonyms
heaven, paradise
[4] bedlam, circus, madhouse—more at MADHOUSE
[4] chaos, confusion, disarray, disorder, disorganization, havoc, jumble, mess, muddle, shambles—more at CHAOS

hel·la·cious adjective
1 : exceptionally powerful or violent
2 : remarkably good
3 : extremely difficult
4 : extraordinarily large

hell–bent adjective
: stubbornly determined

hell·cat noun
1 : WITCH 2
2 : a violently temperamental person; especially : an ill-tempered woman

hel·le·bore noun
1 : any of a genus of poisonous herbs related to the buttercups; also : the dried root of a hellebore
2 : a poisonous plant related to the lilies; also : its dried roots used in medicine and insecticides

Hel·lene noun
: GREEK

Hel·le·nism noun
: a body of humanistic and classical ideals associated with ancient Greece

— Hel·len·ic adjective

— Hel·le·nist noun

Hel·le·nis·tic adjective
: of or relating to Greek history, culture, or art after Alexander the Great

hell–for–leather adverb
: at full speed

hell·gram·mite noun
: an aquatic insect larva that is used as bait in fishing

hell·hole noun
: a place of extreme misery or squalor

hel·lion noun
: a troublesome or mischievous person

Synonyms
devil, imp, mischief, monkey, rapscallion, rascal, rogue, scamp, urchin—more at SCAMP

hel·lo noun, plural hellos
: an expression of greeting — used interjectionally

Synonyms
greeting, salutation, salute; also amenities, civilities, pleasantries; regards, respects
Antonyms
adieu, bon voyage, farewell, Godspeed, good-bye

helm noun
1 : a lever or wheel for steering a ship
2 : a position of control

Synonyms
chair, head, headship, rein—more at HEAD

hel·met noun
: a protective covering for the head

helms·man noun
: the person at the helm

Synonyms
boss, captain, chief, foreman, head, headman, kingpin, leader, master, taskmaster—more at BOSS

hel·ot noun
: SLAVE, SERF

1help verb
1 : to give assistance or support to : AID
2 : to make more pleasant or bearable
3 : to be of use; also : PROMOTE
4 : to change for the better
5 a : to refrain from
b : to keep from occurring : PREVENT
6 : to serve with food or drink <~ yourself>

Synonyms
[1] abet, aid, assist, back, prop, support; also advance, facilitate, forward, foster, further; champion, endorse, patronize, promote, sponsor; attend, care (for), comfort, minister (to), succor; bolster, boost, buttress, reinforce; advise, counsel, guide, mentor, nurture; bail out, deliver, rescue, save; embolden, encourage, hearten; benefit, favor, profit, serve
Antonyms
hinder
[2] allay, alleviate, assuage, ease, mitigate, mollify, palliate, relieve, soothe; also abate, lighten, moderate, soften, temper; cure, heal, remedy; amend, correct, emend, fix, mend, rectify, reform, repair; ameliorate, better, enhance, enrich, improve, meliorate, perfect, refine
Antonyms
aggravate

2help noun
1 a : the act of helping : help given
b : a source of aid
2 : REMEDY, RELIEF
3 : one who assists another
4 : one employed by another usu. for wages or salary and in a position below the executive level — often used collectively

Synonyms
[1a] aid, assist, assistance, backing, boost, lift, support; also advancement, encouragement, forwarding, furtherance, furthering; benefaction, patronage, promotion, sponsorship; advice, care, counsel, guidance; attendance, attention, service; beneficence, charity, favor, kindness, philanthropy; relief, succor
Antonyms
hindrance
[1b] advantage, aid, benefit, boon; also lift; support, sustenance; blessing, godsend, windfall; recourse, resort, resource; asset
Antonyms
disadvantage, drawback, hindrance, impediment
[4] force, personnel, pool, staff—more at FORCE

help·er noun
: one that helps

Synonyms
aid, apprentice, assistant, deputy, helpmate, mate, sidekick; also attendant, handmaiden, maid, maidservant, scullion, servant; auxiliary, subordinate, underling; employee, hand, help, hireling, laborer, worker

helper T cell noun
: a T cell that participates in the immune response by recognizing foreign antigens and has a protein on its surface to which HIV attaches

help·ful adjective
: of service or assistance

— help·ful·ly adverb

— help·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
advantageous, beneficial, favorable, profitable, salutary—more at BENEFICIAL

help·ing noun
: a portion of food

help·less adjective
1 : lacking protection or support : DEFENSELESS
2 : marked by an inability to act or react

— help·less·ly adverb

— help·less·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] defenseless, exposed, susceptible, undefended, unguarded, unprotected, unresistant, vulnerable; also indefensible, untenable; uncovered, unsafe; overcome, preyed (on or upon); passive, resistless, unarmed; feeble, frail, weak; abandoned, marooned
Antonyms
guarded, invulnerable, protected, resistant, shielded
[2] impotent, powerless, weak—more at POWERLESS

help·mate noun
1 : one that helps : HELPER
2 : a female partner in a marriage : WIFE

Synonyms
[1] aid, apprentice, assistant, deputy, helper, mate, sidekick—more at HELPER
[2] lady, wife—more at WIFE

help·meet noun
1 : one that helps : HELPMATE
2 : a female partner in a marriage : WIFE

hel·ter–skel·ter adverb
1 : in undue haste or disorder
2 : in a haphazard manner

Synonyms
amok, berserk, frantically, harum-scarum, hectically, madly, pell-mell, wild, wildly; also confusedly, crazily, desperately, feverishly, uncontrollably; heedlessly, hotheadedly, recklessly, wantonly; chaotically, turbulently; aimlessly, haphazardly

helve noun
: a handle of a tool or weapon

Hel·ve·tian adjective
: SWISS

— Helvetian noun

1hem noun
1 : a border of an article (as of cloth) doubled back and stitched down
2 : RIM, MARGIN

2hem verb hemmed; hem·ming
1 : to make a hem in sewing; also : BORDER, EDGE
2 : to surround restrictively

Synonyms
cage, closet, coop, corral, encase, enclose, envelop, fence, hedge, house, immure, pen, wall—more at ENCLOSE

he–man noun
: a strong virile man

he·ma·tite noun
: a mineral that consists of an oxide of iron and that constitutes an important iron ore

he·ma·tol·o·gy noun
: a branch of biology that deals with the blood and blood-forming organs

— he·ma·to·log·ic also he·ma·to·log·i·cal adjective

— he·ma·tol·o·gist noun

he·ma·to·ma noun, plural mas also -ma·ta
: a usu. clotted mass of blood forming as a result of a broken blood vessel

heme noun
: the deep red iron-containing part of hemoglobin

hemi·sphere noun
1 : one of the halves of the earth as divided by the equator into northern and southern parts or by a meridian into eastern and western parts
2 : either of two half spheres formed by a plane through the sphere's center

— hemi·spher·ic or hemi·spher·i·cal adjective

hem·line noun
: the line formed by the lower edge of a garment

hem·lock noun
1 : any of several poisonous herbs related to the carrot
2 : an evergreen tree related to the pines; also : its soft light wood

he·mo·glo·bin noun
: an iron-containing compound found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues

he·mo·phil·ia noun
: a hereditary blood defect usu. of males that slows blood clotting with resulting difficulty in stopping bleeding

— he·mo·phil·i·ac adjective or noun

hem·or·rhage noun
: a large discharge of blood from the blood vessels

— hemorrhage verb

— hem·or·rhag·ic adjective

hem·or·rhoid noun
: a swollen mass of dilated veins at or just within the anus — usu. used in pl.

hemp noun
: a tall widely grown Asian herb related to the mulberry that is the source of a tough fiber used in rope and of marijuana and hashish from its flowers and leaves; also : the fiber

— hemp·en adjective

hem·stitch verb
: to embroider (fabric) by drawing out parallel threads and stitching the exposed threads in groups to form designs

hen noun
: a female chicken esp. over a year old; also : a female bird

hence adverb
1 : AWAY
2 : from this time
3 : because of a preceding fact or premise : CONSEQUENTLY
4 : from this source or origin

Synonyms
accordingly, consequently, ergo, so, therefore, thus, wherefore—more at THEREFORE

hence·forth adverb
: from this point on

hence·for·ward adverb
: HENCEFORTH

hench·man noun
[ORIGIN: ME hengestman groom, fr. hengest stallion]

: a trusted follower or supporter

hen·na noun
1 : an Old World tropical shrub with fragrant white flowers; also : a reddish brown dye obtained from its leaves and used esp. on hair
2 : the color of henna dye

hen·peck verb
: to nag and boss one's husband

Synonyms
hound, nag, needle—more at NAG

hep adjective
: HIP

hep·a·rin noun
: a compound found esp. in liver that slows the clotting of blood and is used medically

he·pat·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or associated with the liver

he·pat·i·ca noun
: any of a genus of herbs related to the buttercups that have lobed leaves and delicate white, pink, or bluish flowers

hep·a·ti·tis noun, plural -tit·i·des
: inflammation of the liver; also : a virus disease of which this is a feature

hep·tam·e·ter noun
: a line of verse containing seven metrical feet

hep·tath·lon noun
: a 7-event athletic contest for women

1her adjective
: of or relating to her or herself

2her pronoun, objective case of SHE

1herald noun
1 : an official crier or messenger
2 : one that precedes or foreshadows : HARBINGER
3 : ANNOUNCER
4 : ADVOCATE

Synonyms
angel, forerunner, harbinger, precursor—more at FORERUNNER

2herald verb
1 : to give notice of
2 : HAIL, GREET; also : PUBLICIZE

he·ral·dic adjective
: of or relating to heralds or heraldry

her·ald·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : the practice of devising and granting armorial insignia and of tracing genealogies
2 : INSIGNIA
3 : PAGEANTRY

herb noun
1 : a seed plant that lacks woody tissue and dies to the ground at the end of a growing season
2 : a plant or plant part valued for medicinal or savory qualities

— her·ba·ceous adjective

herb·age noun
: green plants esp. when used or fit for grazing

Synonyms
flora, foliage, green, greenery, leafage, vegetation, verdure—more at GREENERY

herb·al adjective
: of, relating to, utilizing, or made of herbs

herb·al·ist noun
1 : a person who practices healing by the use of herbs
2 : a person who collects or grows herbs

her·bar·i·um noun, plural -ia
1 : a collection of dried plant specimens
2 : a place that houses an herbarium

her·bi·cide noun
: an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth

— her·bi·cid·al adjective

her·biv·o·rous adjective
: feeding on plants

— her·bi·vore noun

her·cu·le·an adjective, often cap
[ORIGIN: Hercules, hero of Greek myth renowned for his strength]

: of extraordinary power, size, or difficulty

Synonyms
arduous, demanding, difficult, exacting, formidable, grueling, hard, laborious, murderous, rough, stiff, strenuous, tall, toilsome, tough—more at HARD

1herd noun
1 : a group of animals of one kind kept or living together
2 : a group of people with a common bond
3 : the undistinguished masses : MOB

Synonyms
commoners, masses, mob, people, plebeians, populace, rank and file

2herd verb
: to assemble or move in or as if in a herd

— herd·er noun

Synonyms
drive, punch, run—more at DRIVE

herds·man noun
: one who manages, breeds, or tends livestock

1here adverb
1 : in or at this place; also : NOW
2 : at or in this point, particular, or case
3 : in the present life or state
4 : to this place

2here noun
: this place <get away from ~>

here·abouts or here·about adverb
: in this vicinity

1hereafter adverb
1 : after this in sequence or in time
2 : in some future time or state

2hereafter noun, often cap
1 : time that is to come : FUTURE
2 : an existence beyond earthly life

Synonyms
afterlife, eternity, immortality—more at ETERNITY

here·by adverb
: by means of this

he·red·i·tary adjective
1 : genetically passed or passable from parent to offspring
2 : passing by inheritance; also : having title or possession through inheritance
3 : of a kind established by tradition

Synonyms
genetic, heritable, inborn, inherited; also congenital, inbred, inherent, innate, native, natural

he·red·i·ty noun
: the characteristics and potentialities genetically derived from one's ancestors; also : the passing of these from ancestor to descendant

Her·e·ford noun
: any of a breed of red-coated beef cattle with white faces and markings

here·in adverb
: in this

here·of adverb
: of this

here·on adverb
: on this

her·e·sy noun, plural -sies
[ORIGIN: ME heresie, fr. AF, fr. LL haeresis, fr. LGk hairesis, fr. Gk, action of taking, choice, sect, fr. hairein to take]

1 : adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma
2 : an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma
3 : dissent from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice

Synonyms
dissent, heterodoxy, nonconformity; also error, fallacy, falsehood, misconception, myth; apostasy, defection, schism, sectarianism, separatism; deviance, deviation, unconventionality; disagreement, discord, dissension
Antonyms
conformity, orthodoxy

her·e·tic noun
: one who dissents from an accepted belief or doctrine

Synonyms
dissenter, dissident, nonconformist; also apostate, defector, renegade; schismatic, sectarian, separatist; disbeliever, infidel, unbeliever; bohemian, individualist

he·ret·i·cal adjective
: of, relating to, or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards

Synonyms
dissident, heterodox, nonconforming, nonconformist, nonorthodox, unconventional, unorthodox; also nontraditional; apostate, defecting, renegade; schismatic, sectarian, separatist
Antonyms
conforming, conventional, orthodox

here·to adverb
: to this document

here·to·fore adverb
: up to this time

Synonyms
hitherto, yet—more at HITHERTO

here·un·der adverb
: under this or according to this writing

here·un·to adverb
: to this

here·upon adverb
: on this or immediately after this

here·with adverb
1 : with this
2 : HEREBY

her·i·ta·ble adjective
: capable of being inherited

Synonyms
genetic, hereditary, inborn, inherited—more at HEREDITARY

her·i·tage noun
1 : property that descends to an heir
2 : something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor : LEGACY
3 : BIRTHRIGHT

Synonyms
bequest, birthright, inheritance—more at INHERITANCE

her·maph·ro·dite noun
: an animal or plant having both male and female reproductive organs

— hermaphrodite adjective

— her·maph·ro·dit·ic adjective

her·met·ic also her·met·i·cal adjective
: AIRTIGHT

— her·met·i·cal·ly adverb

her·mit noun
[ORIGIN: ME heremite, eremite, fr. AF, fr. LL eremita, fr. LGk erēmitēs, fr. Gk, adj., living in the desert, fr. erēmia desert, fr. erēmos desolate]

: one who lives in solitude esp. for religious reasons

Synonyms
anchorite, recluse, solitary—more at RECLUSE

her·mit·age noun
1 : the dwelling of a hermit
2 : a secluded dwelling

hermit crab noun
: any of numerous crabs that occupy empty mollusk shells

her·nia noun, plural -ni·as or -ni·ae
: a protrusion of a bodily part (as a loop of intestine) into a pouch of the weakened wall of a cavity in which it is normally enclosed

— her·ni·ate verb

— her·ni·a·tion noun

he·ro noun, plural heroes
1 : a mythological or legendary figure of great strength or ability
2 : a man admired for his achievements and qualities
3 : the chief male character in a literary or dramatic work
4 pl usu heros : a large sandwich on a long split roll : SUBMARINE 2

he·ro·ic adjective
1 : of, relating to, resembling, or suggesting heroes esp. of antiquity
2 : exhibiting or marked by courage and daring
3 : of impressive size, power, extent, or effect

Synonyms
[2] brave, courageous, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted, intrepid, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant, valorous—more at BRAVE
[3] august, baronial, gallant, glorious, grand, grandiose, imposing, magnificent, majestic, monumental, noble, proud, regal, royal, splendid, stately—more at GRAND

he·ro·i·cal·ly adverb
: in a heroic manner

Synonyms
gallantly, grandly, greatly, honorably, magnanimously, nobly—more at GREATLY

heroic couplet noun
: a rhyming couplet in iambic pentameter

he·ro·ics noun plural
: heroic or showy behavior

her·o·in noun
: an illicit addictive narcotic drug made from morphine

her·o·ine noun
1 : a woman admired for her achievements and qualities
2 : the chief female character in a literary or dramatic work

her·o·ism noun
1 : heroic conduct
2 : the qualities of a hero

Synonyms
bravery, courage, daring, fearlessness, gallantry, guts, hardihood, heart, nerve, stoutness, valor—more at COURAGE

her·on noun, plural herons also heron
: any of various long-legged long-billed wading birds with soft plumage

her·pes noun
: any of several virus diseases characterized by the formation of blisters on the skin or mucous membranes

herpes sim·plex noun
: either of two virus diseases marked in one by watery blisters above the waist (as on the mouth and lips) and in the other on the sex organs

herpes zos·ter noun
: SHINGLES

her·pe·tol·o·gy noun
: a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians

— her·pe·tol·o·gist noun

her·ring noun, plural herring or herrings
: a valuable narrow-bodied food fish of the north Atlantic; also : a related fish of the north Pacific harvested esp. for its roe

her·ring·bone noun
: a pattern made up of rows of parallel lines with adjacent rows slanting in reverse directions; also : a twilled fabric with this pattern

hers pronoun
: one or the ones belonging to her

her·self pronoun
: SHE, HER — used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions

hertz noun, plural hertz
: a unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second

hes·i·tance noun
: HESITANCY

hes·i·tan·cy noun
1 : the quality or state of being hesitant
2 : an act or instance of hesitating

Synonyms
[1] disinclination, reluctance—more at RELUCTANCE
[2] hesitation, indecision, irresolution, vacillation—more at HESITATION

hes·i·tant adjective
: tending to hesitate

— hes·i·tant·ly adverb

Synonyms
afraid, dubious, indisposed, reluctant; also uneager, unenthusiastic; averse, unwilling; doubtful, faltering, irresolute, questioning, uncertain, undecided, unsure, vacillating, wobbly; fainthearted, shy, timid
Antonyms
disposed, inclined

hes·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to hold back (as in doubt)
2 : PAUSE

Synonyms
falter, hang back, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter, vacillate, waver, wobble; also haw, hem; dally, dawdle, delay, linger, procrastinate, pause, wait; back down, chicken (out); consider, debate, deliberate, ponder, weigh; oscillate; equivocate, hedge, pussyfoot
Antonyms
dive (in), plunge (in)

hes·i·ta·tion noun
: an act or instance of hesitating

Synonyms
hesitancy, indecision, irresolution, vacillation; also delay, procrastination, waiting; consideration, debate, deliberation, doubt, incertitude, uncertainty; avoidance, equivocation; aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance; shyness

het·ero·dox adjective
1 : differing from an acknowledged standard
2 : holding unorthodox opinions

Synonyms
[1, 2] dissident, heretical, nonconforming, nonconformist, nonorthodox, unconventional, unorthodox—more at HERETICAL

het·er·o·doxy noun
: the quality or state of being heterodox

Synonyms
dissent, heresy, nonconformity—more at HERESY

het·er·o·ge·neous adjective
: consisting of dissimilar ingredients or constituents : MIXED

— het·er·o·ge·ne·ity noun

— het·er·o·ge·neous·ly adverb

Synonyms
assorted, miscellaneous, mixed, motley, varied—more at MISCELLANEOUS

het·ero·glos·sia noun
: a diversity of voices, styles of discourse, or points of view in a literary work

het·ero·sex·ism noun
: discrimination or prejudice by heterosexuals against homosexuals

het·ero·sex·u·al adjective
1 : of, relating to, or marked by sexual interest in the opposite sex; also : of, relating to, or involving sexual intercourse between members of opposite sex
2 : of or relating to different sexes

— heterosexual noun

— het·ero·sex·u·al·i·ty noun

hew verb hewed; hewed or hewn ; hew·ing
1 : to cut or fell with blows (as of an ax)
2 : to give shape to with or as if with an ax
3 : to conform or adhere strictly <~ to tradition>

— hew·er noun

Synonyms
[1] chop, cut, fell—more at FELL
usually hew to [3] adhere, cling, stick—more at STICK

HEW abbreviation
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare

1hex verb
1 : to practice witchcraft
2 : JINX
3 : to put a hex on

Synonyms
bewitch, charm, enchant, spell—more at BEWITCH

2hex noun
1 : a person who practices witchcraft : WITCH
2 : SPELL, JINX

Synonyms
enchantress, hag, witch—more at WITCH

3hex adjective
: HEXAGONAL

4hex abbreviation
hexagon

hexa·gon noun
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. Gk hex six + gōnia angle]

: a polygon having six angles and six sides

— hex·ag·o·nal adjective

hex·am·e·ter noun
: a line of verse containing six metrical feet

hey interjection
— used esp. to call attention or to express doubt, surprise, or joy

hey·day noun
: a period of greatest strength, vigor, or prosperity

Synonyms
bloom, blossom, flower, flush, prime—more at BLOOM

hf abbreviation
half

Hf symbol
hafnium

HF abbreviation
high frequency

hg abbreviation
hectogram

Hg symbol
[ORIGIN: NL hydrargyrum, lit., water silver]

mercury

hgt abbreviation
height

hgwy abbreviation
highway

HH abbreviation
1 Her Highness
2 His Highness
3 His Holiness

HHS abbreviation
Department of Health and Human Services

HI abbreviation
1 Hawaii
2 humidity index

hi·a·tus noun
[ORIGIN: L, fr. hiare to yawn]

1 : a break in an object : GAP
2 : a lapse in continuity

Synonyms
discontinuity, gap, interim, interlude, intermission, interruption, interval—more at GAP

hi·ba·chi noun
[ORIGIN: Jp]

: a charcoal brazier

hi·ber·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state

— hi·ber·na·tion noun

— hi·ber·na·tor noun

hi·bis·cus noun
: any of a genus of herbs, shrubs, and trees related to the mallows and noted for large showy flowers

hic·cup also hic·cough noun
1 : a spasmodic breathing movement checked by sudden closing of the glottis accompanied by a peculiar sound; also, pl : an attack of hiccuping
2 : a slight irregularity, error, or malfunction
3 : a brief minor interruption or change

— hiccup verb

hick noun
[ORIGIN: Hick, nickname for Richard]

: an awkward provincial person

— hick adjective

Synonyms
bumpkin, clodhopper, hillbilly, provincial, rustic, yokel; also boor, clod, gawk, lout, oaf; greenhorn, tenderfoot; peasant, peon; mountaineer
Antonyms
cosmopolitan

hick·o·ry noun, plural -ries
: any of a genus of No. American hardwood trees related to the walnuts; also : the wood of a hickory

— hickory adjective

hi·dal·go noun, plural -gos often cap
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. earlier fijo dalgo, lit., son of something]

: a member of the lower nobility of Spain

hidden tax noun
1 : a tax ultimately paid by someone other than the person on whom it is formally levied
2 : an economic injustice that reduces one's income or buying power

1hide verb hid ; hid·den or hid; hid·ing
1 : to put or remain out of sight
2 : to conceal for shelter or protection; also : to seek protection
3 : to keep secret
4 : to turn away in shame or anger

— hid·er noun

Synonyms
[1] bury, cache, conceal, ensconce, secrete; also hoard, squirrel (away), stash; entomb, inter
Antonyms
display, exhibit
[3] blanket, blot out, cloak, conceal, cover, curtain, enshroud, mask, obscure, occult, screen, shroud, veil; also camouflage, cover (up), disguise, smother; gild, gloss (over), varnish, whitewash; becloud, befog, cloud, darken, eclipse, overcast, overshadow, shade
Antonyms
bare, disclose, display, divulge, expose, reveal, show, uncloak, uncover, unmask, unveil

2hide noun
: the skin of an animal

Synonyms
fur, pelt, skin; also badger, beaver, chamois, chinchilla, ermine, fisher, fox, mink, muskrat, otter, Persian lamb, raccoon, sable, seal; calfskin, coonskin, cowhide, bearskin, buckskin, deerskin, goatskin, horsehide, kidskin, lambskin, pigskin, rawhide, sealskin, sharkskin, sheepskin; fleece, mouton; alligator; cordovan, morocco, suede

3hide verb
: to give a beating to

hide–and–seek noun
: a children's game in which everyone hides from one player who tries to find them

hide·away noun
: a place of refuge, retreat, or concealment : HIDEOUT

hide·bound adjective
: being inflexible or conservative

hid·eous adjective
[ORIGIN: ME hidous, fr. AF hidus, hisdos, fr. hisde, hide terror]

1 : offensive to one of the senses : UGLY
2 : morally offensive : SHOCKING

— hid·eous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] grotesque, ugly, unappealing, unattractive, unlovely, unsightly, vile—more at UGLY
[2] appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, grisly, gruesome, horrible, horrid, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, terrible—more at HORRIBLE

hid·eous·ness noun
: the quality or state of being hideous

Synonyms
atrociousness, atrocity, frightfulness, horror, monstrosity, repulsiveness—more at HORROR

hide·out noun
: a place of refuge or concealment

Synonyms
concealment, covert, den, lair, nest; also blind, cover, nook, recess; hangout, harbor, haunt, haven, refuge, retreat, shelter

hie verb hied; hy·ing or hie·ing
: HASTEN

hi·er·ar·chy noun, plural -chies
1 : a ruling body of clergy organized into ranks
2 : persons or things arranged in a graded series

— hi·er·ar·chi·cal adjective

— hi·er·ar·chi·cal·ly adverb

hi·er·o·glyph·ic noun
[ORIGIN: MF hieroglyphique, adj., ultim. fr. Gk hieroglyphikos, fr. hieros sacred + glyphein to carve]

1 : a character in a system of picture writing (as of the ancient Egyptians)
2 : a symbol or sign difficult to decipher

hi–fi noun
1 : HIGH FIDELITY
2 : equipment for reproduction of sound with high fidelity

1higgledy–piggledy adverb
: in confusion

2higgledy–piggledy adjective
: lacking order

Synonyms
chaotic, disheveled, disordered, disorderly, hugger-mugger, messy, pell-mell, topsy-turvy, unkempt, untidy

1high adjective
1 a : having large extension upward <a ~ wall>
b : having a specified elevation : TALL <six feet ~>
2 : advanced toward fullness or culmination; also : slightly tainted
3 : advanced esp. in complexity <~er mathematics>
4 : long past
5 : SHRILL, SHARP
6 : far from the equator <~ latitudes>
7 : exalted in character
8 : of greater degree, size, or amount than average <~ in cholesterol> <~ prices>
9 : of relatively great importance
10 : FORCIBLE, STRONG <~ winds>
11 : showing elation or excitement
12 : excited or stupefied by alcohol or a drug : INTOXICATED; also : excited or stupefied as if by a drug
13 : dear in price : EXPENSIVE

Synonyms
[1a] lofty, tall, towering; also dominant, dominating, eminent, prominent; elevated, lifted, raised, uplifted, upswept; high-rise, statuesque
Antonyms
low, short, squat
[8] advanced, up; also extreme, full, maximized, maximum, peaked, utmost; inflated, over, overflowing, overlarge, oversize, oversized
Antonyms
down, low
[9] chief, first, foremost, head, lead, preeminent, premier, primary, prime, principal, supreme—more at HEAD
[12] drunk, inebriate, intoxicated, tipsy—more at DRUNK
[13] costly, dear, expensive, precious, valuable—more at COSTLY

2high adverb
1 : at or to a high place or degree
2 : in a luxurious manner <living ~>

Synonyms
expensively, extravagantly, grandly, lavishly, luxuriously, opulently, richly; also imposingly, impressively, magnificently, splendidly; grandiosely, ostentatiously, pretentiously; comfortably, fine; immoderately, indulgently, wantonly, wastefully
Antonyms
austerely, humbly, modestly, plainly, simply

3high noun
1 a : an elevated place
b : the space overhead : SKY
2 : a region of high barometric pressure
3 : a high point or level
4 : the gear of a vehicle giving the highest speed
5 : an excited or stupefied state produced by or as if by a drug

high·ball noun
: a usu. tall drink of liquor mixed with water or a carbonated beverage

high beam noun
: the long-range focus of a vehicle headlight

high·born adjective
: of noble birth

Synonyms
aristocratic, genteel, gentle, grand, noble, patrician, wellborn—more at NOBLE

high·boy noun
: a high chest of drawers mounted on a base with legs

high·bred adjective
: coming from superior stock

high·brow noun
: a person of superior learning or culture

— highbrow adjective

— high·brow·ism noun

high–definition adjective
: being or relating to a television system with twice as many scan lines per frame as a conventional system

high–density li·po·pro·tein noun
: HDL

high·er–up noun
: a superior officer or official

high·fa·lu·tin adjective
1 : characterized by or reflecting an attitude of self-importance or superciliousness
2 : expressed in or marked by the use of high-flown bombastic language

Synonyms
[1] disdainful, haughty, lofty, lordly, prideful, proud, superior—more at PROUD
[1, 2] affected, grandiose, ostentatious, pompous, pretentious—more at PRETENTIOUS
[2] florid, flowery, grandiloquent, high-flown—more at FLOWERY

high fashion noun
1 : HIGH STYLE
2 : HAUTE COUTURE

high fidelity noun
: the reproduction of sound or image with a high degree of faithfulness to the original

high five noun
: a slapping of upraised right hands by two people (as in celebration)

— high–five verb

high–flown adjective
1 : exceedingly or excessively high or favorable
2 : having an excessively embellished or inflated character

Synonyms
[1] eloquent, formal, lofty, majestic, stately, towering
[2] florid, flowery, grandiloquent, highfalutin—more at FLOWERY

high frequency noun
: a radio frequency between 3 and 30 megahertz

high gear noun
1 : HIGH 4
2 : a state of intense or maximum activity

high–hand·ed adjective
: having or showing no regard for the rights, concerns, or feelings of others

— high–hand·ed·ly adverb

— high–hand·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
arbitrary, dictatorial, imperious, peremptory, willful—more at ARBITRARY

1high–hat adjective
: assuming an attitude of superiority : SUPERCILIOUS

Synonyms
arrogant, cavalier, haughty, high-handed, highfalutin, imperious, important, lofty, lordly, masterful, overweening, peremptory, pompous, presumptuous, pretentious, supercilious, superior, uppity—more at ARROGANT

2high–hat verb
: to treat snobbishly

Synonyms
disdain, scorn, slight, sniff, snub—more at SCORN

high jinks noun plural
: boisterous or rambunctious carryings-on

Synonyms
foolery, horseplay, monkeyshines, roughhouse, shenanigans, tomfoolery—more at HORSEPLAY

high·land noun
: elevated or mountainous land

Synonyms
elevation, eminence, height, hill, mound, prominence, rise—more at HEIGHT

high·land·er noun
1 : an inhabitant of a highland
2 cap : an inhabitant of the Scottish Highlands

high–lev·el adjective
1 : being of high importance or rank
2 : being or relating to highly concentrated and environmentally hazardous nuclear waste

1highlight noun
: an event or detail of major importance

2highlight verb
1 : to center attention on : EMPHASIZE
2 : to constitute a highlight of

Synonyms
accent, accentuate, emphasize, feature, play, point, stress, underline, underscore—more at EMPHASIZE

high·light·er noun
: a pen with transparent ink used for marking text passages

high·ly adverb
1 : in or to a high place, level, or rank
2 : in or to a high degree or amount
3 : with approval : FAVORABLY

Synonyms
especially, extremely, greatly, very

high–mind·ed adjective
: marked by elevated principles and feelings

— high–mind·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
chivalrous, gallant, great, greathearted, high, lofty, lordly, magnanimous, noble, sublime—more at NOBLE

high·ness noun
1 : the quality or state of being high
2 — used as a title (as for kings)

high–pres·sure adjective
: using or involving aggressive and insistent sales techniques

Synonyms
aggressive, ambitious, assertive, enterprising, fierce, go-getting, militant, self-assertive—more at AGGRESSIVE

high–rise adjective
: having several stories and being equipped with elevators <~ apartments>; also : of or relating to high-rise buildings

high road noun
: HIGHWAY

high school noun
: a school usu. including grades 9 to 12 or 10 to 12

high sea noun
: the open sea outside territorial waters — usu. used in pl.

high–sound·ing adjective
: POMPOUS, IMPOSING

high–spir·it·ed adjective
: characterized by a bold or energetic spirit

Synonyms
bubbly, buoyant, effervescent, exuberant, frolicsome, vivacious—more at EXUBERANT
fiery, mettlesome, peppery, spirited, spunky—more at SPIRITED

high–strung adjective
: having an extremely nervous or sensitive temperament

Synonyms
excitable, flighty, fluttery, jittery, jumpy, nervous, skittish, spooky—more at EXCITABLE

high style noun
: the newest in fashion or design

high·tail verb
: to retreat at full speed

high tech noun
: HIGH TECHNOLOGY

high technology noun
: technology involving the use of advanced devices

high–ten·sion adjective
: having or using a high voltage

high–test adjective
: having a high octane number

high–tick·et adjective
: EXPENSIVE

high–toned adjective
1 : high in social, moral, or intellectual quality
2 : PRETENTIOUS, POMPOUS

high·way noun
: a main direct road

Synonyms
artery, pike, road, thoroughfare, turnpike, way—more at WAY

high·way·man noun
: a person who robs travelers on a road

hi·jack also high·jack verb
: to steal esp. by stopping a vehicle on the highway; also : to commandeer a flying airplane

— hijack noun

— hi·jack·er noun

1hike verb hiked; hik·ing
1 : to move or raise with a sudden motion
2 : to take a long walk

— hik·er noun

Synonyms
boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hoist, jack, lift, pick up, raise, up, uphold—more at RAISE

2hike noun
1 : a long walk
2 : RISE, INCREASE

hi·lar·i·ous adjective
: marked by or providing boisterous merriment

— hi·lar·i·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
antic, comic, comical, droll, farcical, funny, humorous, hysterical, laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous, riotous, risible, screaming, uproarious—more at FUNNY

hi·lar·i·ty noun
: boisterous and high-spirited merriment or laughter

Synonyms
cheer, cheerfulness, festivity, glee, joviality, merriment, mirth, mirthfulness—more at MIRTH

hill noun
1 : a usu. rounded elevation of land
2 : a little heap or mound (as of earth)

— hilly adjective

Synonyms
[1] elevation, eminence, height, highland, mound, prominence, rise—more at HEIGHT
[2] cock, heap, mound, mountain, pile, rick, stack—more at PILE

hill·bil·ly noun, plural -lies
: a person from a backwoods area

Synonyms
bumpkin, clodhopper, hick, provincial, rustic, yokel—more at HICK

hill·ock noun
: a small hill

hill·side noun
: the part of a hill between the summit and the foot

hill·top noun
: the top of a hill

hilt noun
: a handle esp. of a sword or dagger

him pronoun, objective case of HE

Hi·ma·la·yan adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Himalaya mountains or the people living there

him·self pronoun
: HE, HIM — used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions

1hind noun, plural hinds also hind
: a female of a common Eurasian deer

2hind adjective
: of or forming the part that follows or is behind : REAR

Synonyms
back, hindmost, posterior, rear—more at BACK

1hinder verb
1 : to impede the progress of
2 : to hold back

Synonyms
clog, cramp, delay, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere, manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel—more at HAMPER

2hinder adjective
: HIND

Hin·di noun
: a literary and official language of northern India

hind·most adjective
: farthest to the rear

Synonyms
final, last, latter, terminal, ultimate—more at LAST

hind·quar·ter noun
1 : one side of the back half of the carcass of a quadruped
2 plural : the part of the body of a quadruped behind the junction of hind limbs and trunk

hin·drance noun
1 : the state of being hindered; also : the action of hindering
2 : something that impedes : IMPEDIMENT

Synonyms
bar, block, chain, clog, crimp, embarrassment, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, shackle, trammel—more at ENCUMBRANCE

hind·sight noun
: understanding of an event after it has happened

Hindu–Arabic adjective
: relating to, being, or composed of Arabic numerals

Hin·du·ism noun
: a body of religious beliefs and practices native to India

— Hin·du noun or adjective

hind wing noun
: either of the posterior wings of a 4-winged insect

1hinge noun
: a jointed device on which a swinging part (as a door, gate, or lid) turns

2hinge verb hinged; hing·ing
1 : to attach by or furnish with hinges
2 : to be contingent on a single consideration

1hint noun
1 : an indirect or summary suggestion
2 : a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something : CLUE
3 : a very small amount

Synonyms
[1, 2] clue, cue, indication, inkling, intimation, lead, suggestion; also breath, flicker, glimmer, glimpse, mention, scent, whiff, wind; hunch, idea, inspiration, notion; allusion, implication, innuendo, insinuation; evidence, mark, overtone, pointer, sign, signal, telltale, token; assistance, nod, prompt, tip, tip-off, wink; feeling, foreboding, intuition, premonition, presentiment, suspicion; augury, foretaste, omen, portent, symptom
[3] bit, dab, little, particle, suspicion, touch, trace—more at PARTICLE

2hint verb
: to give a hint

Synonyms
allude, imply, indicate, infer, insinuate, intimate, suggest; also advert, mention, point, refer, signal, signify; smack (of), smell (of)

hin·ter·land noun
1 : a region behind a coast
2 : a region remote from cities

Synonyms
backwoods, bush, frontier, up-country—more at FRONTIER

1hip noun
: the fruit of a rose

2hip noun
1 : the part of the body on either side below the waist consisting of the side of the pelvis and the upper thigh
2 : HIP JOINT

3hip adjective hip·per; hip·pest
: keenly aware of or interested in the newest developments or styles

— hip·ness noun

4hip verb hipped; hip·ping
: TELL, INFORM

hip·bone noun
: the large flaring bone that makes a lateral half of the pelvis in mammals

hip–hop noun
1 : a subculture esp. of inner-city youths who are devotees of rap music
2 : the stylized rhythmic music that accompanies rap

hip–hug·gers noun plural
: low-slung close-fitting pants that rest on the hips

hip joint noun
: the articulation between the femur and the hipbone

hipped adjective
: having hips esp. of a specified kind <broad-hipped>

hip·pie or hip·py noun, plural hippies
: a usu. young person who rejects established mores and advocates nonviolence; also : a long-haired unconventionally dressed young person

hip·po noun, plural hippos
: HIPPOPOTAMUS

hip·po·drome noun
: an arena for equestrian performances

hip·po·pot·a·mus noun, plural -mus·es or -mi
[ORIGIN: L, fr. Gk hippopotamos, alter. of hippos potamios, lit., river horse]

: a large thick-skinned aquatic mammal of sub-Saharan Africa that is related to the swine

1hire noun
1 : payment for labor or personal services : WAGES
2 : the state of being hired : EMPLOYMENT
3 : one who is hired

Synonyms
employ, employment, engagement; also appointment, assignment, conscription, enlistment, recruitment; incumbency, tenure; occupation, place, position, post, situation, work
Antonyms
unemployment

2hire verb hired; hir·ing
1 : to employ for pay
2 : to engage the temporary use of for pay
3 : to take employment

Synonyms
[1] employ, engage, retain, take on—more at EMPLOY
[2] engage, lease, let, rent; also sublease, sublet; check out; arrange (for), bespeak, book, contract (for), order, reserve, sign up (for)

hire·ling noun
: a hired person; especially : one with mercenary motives

Synonyms
employee, hand, jobholder, worker—more at EMPLOYEE

hir·sute adjective
: covered with hair or hairlike material : HAIRY

Synonyms
fleecy, furry, hairy, rough, shaggy, unshorn, woolly—more at HAIRY

1his adjective
: of or relating to him or himself

2his pronoun
: one or the ones belonging to him

His·pan·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or being a person of Latin-American descent living in the U.S.

— Hispanic noun

1hiss verb
: to make a sharp sibilant sound; also : to express disapproval of by hissing

2hiss noun
1 : a prolonged sibilant sound
2 : a hiss used to express disapproval

Synonyms
[1] fizz, sizzle, swish, whish, whiz; also wheeze, whistle, zip; sibilant
[2] boo, catcall, hoot, jeer, raspberry, snort—more at CATCALL

hissy fit noun
: TANTRUM

hist abbreviation
historian; historical; history

his·ta·mine noun
: a compound widespread in animal tissues that plays a major role in allergic reactions (as hay fever)

his·to·gram noun
: a representation of statistical data by rectangles whose widths represent class intervals and whose heights usu. represent corresponding frequencies

his·tol·og·y noun, plural -gies
1 : a branch of anatomy dealing with tissue structure
2 : tissue structure or organization

— his·to·log·i·cal or his·to·log·ic adjective

— his·tol·o·gist noun

his·to·ri·an noun
: a student or writer of history

his·tor·i·cal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or having the character of history
2 : based on history

— his·tor·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
documentary, factual, hard, literal, matter-of-fact, nonfictional, objective, true—more at FACTUAL

his·to·ric·i·ty noun
: historical actuality

his·to·ri·og·ra·pher noun
: HISTORIAN

his·to·ry noun, plural -ries
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. L historia, fr. Gk, inquiry, history, fr. histōr, istōr knowing, learned]

1 : a chronological record of significant events often with an explanation of their causes
2 : a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events
3 : events that form the subject matter of history
4 : an established record <a convict's ~ of violence>

— his·tor·ic adjective

Synonyms
[1] annals, chronicle, record; also autobiography, diary, journal, memoir; biography, life; epic, legend, narrative, saga, story, tale; archives, documentation, log, register, report; chronology, genealogy
[1] account, chronicle, narrative, record, report, story—more at ACCOUNT
[3] past, yesteryear, yore—more at PAST

his·tri·on·ic adjective
[ORIGIN: LL histrionicus, fr. L histrio actor]

1 : deliberately affected
2 : of or relating to actors, acting, or the theater

— his·tri·on·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
dramatic, melodramatic, theatrical—more at THEATRICAL

his·tri·on·ics noun plural
1 : theatrical performances
2 : deliberate display of emotion for effect

1hit verb hit; hit·ting
1 : to reach with a blow : STRIKE; also : to arrive with a force like a blow <the storm ~>
2 : to make or bring into contact : COLLIDE
3 : to affect detrimentally <was ~ by the flu>
4 : to make a request of
5 : to come upon : to discover or meet esp. by chance
6 : to accord with : SUIT
7 : to reach as an end : ATTAIN
8 : to indulge in often to excess
9 : to succeed in attaining or coming up with something — often used with on or upon

— hit·ter noun

Synonyms
[1] bang, bash, bat, belt, clout, crack, knock, pound, punch, slug, strike, swat, wallop, whack; also batter, beat, buffet, bung, chop, drub, lace, lambaste, lick, mangle, maul, pelt, pepper, pummel, rough; bunt, flick, stroke, tap; bump, butt, jab, jostle, kick, knee, poke, prod, push, shove, stamp; bowl (over), knock (down); cane, club, cudgel, flail, flog, lash, slash, spear, stab, switch, thrash, whip; brain
[2] bang, bash, bump, collide, crash, impact, knock, ram, slam, smash, strike, swipe, thud; also bounce, carom, glance, rebound, ricochet, skim, skip; contact, land, touch; brush, graze, kiss, nudge, scrape, shave, sweep; bulldoze, jostle, muscle, press, push
usually hit upon [5] chance, encounter, find, happen (on), meet, stumble—more at HAPPEN (on)
[7] achieve, attain, make, score, win—more at ACHIEVE
often hit on or hit upon [9] ascertain, descry, detect, determine, dig, discover, find, find out, get, hunt, learn, locate, run down, scout, track—more at FIND

2hit noun
1 : an act or instance of hitting or being hit
2 : a great success
3 : BASE HIT
4 : a dose of a drug
5 : a murder committed by a gangster
6 : a successful match in a search (as of the Internet)

Synonyms
blockbuster, smash, success, winner; also crackerjack, dandy, jim-dandy, pip, prizewinner; gem, jewel, treasure; marvel, phenomenon, sensation, wonder; coup, triumph, victory
Antonyms
bummer, bust, catastrophe, debacle, dud, failure, fiasco, flop, turkey, washout

1hitch verb
1 : to move by jerks
2 : to catch or fasten esp. by a hook or knot
3 : HITCHHIKE

Synonyms
[1] buck, jerk, jolt, twitch—more at JERK
[2] anchor, catch, clamp, fasten, fix, moor, secure, set

2hitch noun
1 : JERK, PULL
2 : a sudden halt
3 : a connection between something towed and its mover
4 : KNOT
5 : a delimited period esp. of military service

Synonyms
stint, tenure, term, tour—more at TERM

hitch·hike verb
: to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles

— hitch·hik·er noun

1hither adverb
: to this place

2hither adjective
: being on the near or adjacent side

hith·er·to adverb
: up to this time

Synonyms
heretofore, yet; also before, formerly, previously
Antonyms
henceforth, henceforward, hereafter, thenceforth, thenceforward, thereafter

HIV noun
[ORIGIN: human immunodeficiency virus]

: any of several retroviruses that infect and destroy helper T cells causing the great reduction in their numbers that is diagnostic of AIDS

hive noun
1 : a container for housing honeybees
2 : a colony of bees
3 : a place swarming with busy occupants

— hive verb

hives noun singular or plural
: an allergic disorder marked by raised itching patches on the skin or mucous membranes

hl abbreviation
hectoliter

HL abbreviation
House of Lords

hm abbreviation
hectometer

HM abbreviation
1 Her Majesty; Her Majesty's
2 His Majesty; His Majesty's

HMO noun
[ORIGIN: health maintenance organization]

: a comprehensive health-care organization financed by periodic fixed payments by voluntarily enrolled individuals and families

HMS abbreviation
1 Her Majesty's ship
2 His Majesty's ship

Ho symbol
holmium

hoa·gie also hoa·gy noun, plural hoagies
: a large sandwich on a long split roll : SUBMARINE

Synonyms
grinder, poor boy, sub, submarine—more at SUBMARINE

1hoard noun
: a hidden accumulation

Synonyms
cache, reserve, stash, stockpile, store; also nest egg, treasure; reservoir

2hoard verb
: to lay up a hoard

— hoard·er noun

Synonyms
cache, lay away, lay up, put by, salt away, stash, stockpile, store; also accumulate, amass, assemble, collect, garner, gather, round up; conserve, husband, preserve; bank, deposit, hold, keep, reserve, retain, save, stock, withhold; conceal, ensconce, secrete

hoar·frost noun
: FROST 2

hoarse adjective hoars·er; hoars·est
1 : rough and harsh in sound
2 : having a grating voice

— hoarse·ly adverb

— hoarse·ness noun

Synonyms
coarse, gravelly, gruff, husky, scratchy, throaty; also guttural; abrasive, cacophonous, discordant, grinding, jarring, rough, scraping, scratching; cawing, raucous, strident; choked, cracked, strained, strangled

hoary adjective hoar·i·er; -est
1 : gray or white with or as if with age
2 : extremely old : ANCIENT

— hoar·i·ness noun

Synonyms
age-old, ancient, antediluvian, antique, dateless, old, venerable—more at ANCIENT

1hoax verb
: to trick into believing or accepting as genuine something that is false

Synonyms
beguile, bluff, cozen, deceive, delude, dupe, fool, gull, have, hoodwink, humbug, misinform, mislead, string along, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE

2hoax noun
1 : an act intended to trick or dupe
2 : something accepted or established by fraud

Synonyms
counterfeit, fake, forgery, humbug, phony, sham—more at FAKE

hoax·er noun
: one that hoaxes another

Synonyms
cheat, dodger, shark, sharper, swindler, trickster—more at TRICKSTER
charlatan, fake, fraud, humbug, mountebank, phony, pretender, quack

hob noun
: action that annoys or irritates : MISCHIEF — used with play and raise <always raising ~>

1hobble verb hob·bled, hob·bling
1 : to limp along; also : to make lame
2 : to fasten together the legs of (as a horse) to prevent straying : FETTER
3 : to place under handicap : HAMPER

Synonyms
clog, cramp, delay, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere, manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel—more at HAMPER

2hobble noun
1 : a hobbling movement
2 : something used to hobble an animal

hob·by noun, plural hobbies
: a pursuit or interest engaged in for relaxation

— hob·by·ist noun

hob·by·horse noun
1 : a stick with a horse's head on which children pretend to ride
2 : a toy horse mounted on rockers
3 : a topic to which one constantly reverts

hob·gob·lin noun
1 : a mischievous goblin
2 : a source of fear, perplexity, or harassment : BOGEY

Synonyms
[1] brownie, dwarf, elf, fairy, fay, gnome, leprechaun, pixie, puck, troll—more at FAIRY
[2] bogey, bugbear, bête noire, ogre—more at BOGEY

hob·nail noun
: a short large-headed nail for studding shoe soles

— hob·nailed adjective

hob·nob verb hob·nobbed; hob·nob·bing
: to associate familiarly

Synonyms
associate, chum, consort, fraternize, hang around, pal—more at ASSOCIATE
associate, fraternize, mingle, mix, socialize—more at SOCIALIZE

ho·bo noun, plural hoboes also hobos
: a homeless and usu. penniless vagabond : TRAMP

Synonyms
bum, tramp, vagabond, vagrant—more at TRAMP

1hock noun
: a joint or region in the hind limb of a quadruped just above the foot and corresponding to the human ankle

2hock noun
[ORIGIN: D hok pen, prison]

: PAWN; also : DEBT 3

— hock verb

hock·ey noun
1 : FIELD HOCKEY
2 : ICE HOCKEY

ho·cus–po·cus noun
1 : SLEIGHT OF HAND
2 : nonsense or sham used to conceal deception

hod noun
: a long-handled carrier for mortar or bricks

hodge·podge noun
: a heterogeneous mixture : JUMBLE

Synonyms
assortment, clutter, hash, jumble, litter, medley, miscellany, motley, muddle, mélange, potpourri, rummage, scramble, shuffle, tumble, variety, welter—more at MISCELLANY

Hodgkin's disease noun
: a neoplastic disease of lymphoid tissue characterized esp. by enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen, and liver

hoe noun
: a long-handled implement with a thin flat blade used esp. for cultivating, weeding, or loosening the earth around plants

— hoe verb

hoe·cake noun
: a small cornmeal cake

hoe·down noun
1 : SQUARE DANCE
2 : a gathering featuring hoedowns

1hog noun, plural hogs also hog
1 : a domestic swine esp. when grown
2 : a selfish, gluttonous, or filthy person

2hog verb hogged; hog·ging
: to take or hold selfishly

ho·gan noun
: a Navajo Indian dwelling usu. made of logs and mud

hog·back noun
: a ridge with a sharp summit and steep sides

hog·gish adjective
: grossly selfish, gluttonous, or filthy

Synonyms
gluttonous, greedy, piggish, rapacious, ravenous, voracious—more at VORACIOUS

hog·nose snake or hog·nosed snake noun
: any of a genus of rather small harmless stout-bodied No. American snakes that seldom bite but hiss wildly and often play dead when disturbed

hogs·head noun
: a large cask or barrel

Synonyms
barrel, cask, keg, pipe, puncheon—more at CASK

hog–tie verb
1 : to tie together the feet of <~ a calf>
2 : to make helpless

hog·wash noun
1 : SWILL, SLOP
2 : language, conduct, or an idea that is absurd or contrary to good sense : NONSENSE

Synonyms
bunk, claptrap, drivel, fiddlesticks, folly, foolishness, fudge, humbug, nonsense, piffle, rot, silliness, slush, stupidity, trash—more at NONSENSE

hog–wild adjective
: lacking in restraint

hoi pol·loi noun plural
[ORIGIN: Gk, the many]

: the general populace

hoi·sin sauce noun
: a thick reddish sauce of soybeans, spices, and garlic used in Asian cookery

1hoist verb
: to raise from a lower to a higher position

Synonyms
boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hike, jack, lift, pick up, raise, up, uphold—more at RAISE

2hoist noun
1 : LIFT
2 : an apparatus for hoisting

hoke verb hoked; hok·ing
: FAKE — usu. used with up

hok·ey adjective hok·i·er; -est
: CORNY; also : PHONY

ho·kum noun
: NONSENSE

1hold verb held ; hold·ing
1 : to have possession or ownership of or have at one's disposal
2 : RESTRAIN
3 : to have a grasp on
4 : to support, remain, or keep in a particular situation or position
5 : SUSTAIN; also : RESERVE
6 : BEAR, COMPORT
7 : to maintain in being or action : PERSIST
8 : to enclose and keep in a container or within bounds : ACCOMMODATE
9 a : to have in the mind or express as a judgment, opinion, or belief
b : to think of in a particular way : CONSIDER, REGARD
10 : to carry on by concerted action; also : CONVOKE
11 : to occupy esp. by appointment or election
12 : to be valid
13 : HALT, PAUSE

— hold forth

: to speak at length

— hold to

: to adhere to : MAINTAIN

— hold with

: to agree with or approve of

Synonyms
[1] hang on, keep, reserve, retain, withhold—more at KEEP
[1] command, enjoy, have, occupy, own, possess, retain—more at HAVE
[3] clench, cling, clutch, grip, hang on, hold on; also bear, carry; catch, grapple, nab, seize, snatch, take; feel, finger, handle, paw; clasp, grasp, embrace, hug
[9a] believe, consider, deem, feel, figure, guess, imagine, suppose, think—more at BELIEVE
[9a] bear, cherish, entertain, harbor, have, nurse—more at HARBOR
[9b] account, call, consider, count, esteem, rate, reckon, regard, take—more at CONSIDER

2hold noun
1 : a fortified place : STRONGHOLD
2 : CONFINEMENT; also : PRISON
3 : the act or manner of holding : GRIP
4 : a restraining, dominating, or controlling influence
5 : something that may be grasped as a support
6 : an order or indication that something is to be reserved or delayed

— on hold

: in a temporary state of waiting (as during a phone call); also : in a state of postponement <plans on hold>

Synonyms
[1] bastion, citadel, fastness, fort, fortification, fortress, stronghold—more at FORT
[3] clasp, grapple, grasp, grip; also anchorage, leverage, purchase; grab, seizure; foothold, footing, toehold; embrace, hug
[4] arm, authority, clutch, command, control, dominion, grip, mastery, power, sway—more at POWER

3hold noun
1 : the interior of a ship below decks; especially : a ship's cargo deck
2 : an airplane's cargo compartment

hold back verb
: to hinder the progress or achievement of

Synonyms
clog, cramp, delay, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere, manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel—more at HAMPER

hold·er noun
1 : a person that holds
2 : a device that holds

Synonyms
[1] owner, possessor, proprietor—more at PROPRIETOR
[2] container, receptacle, vessel—more at CONTAINER

hold·ing noun
1 : land or other property owned — usu. used in plural
2 : a ruling of a court esp. on an issue of law

Synonyms
usually holdings [1] belongings, chattels, effects, paraphernalia, possessions, things—more at POSSESSION
[2] doom, finding, judgment, ruling, sentence—more at SENTENCE

holding pattern noun
: a course flown by an aircraft waiting to land

hold on verb
1 : to maintain a condition or position : PERSIST
2 : to maintain a grasp on something
3 : to await something (as a telephone connection) desired or requested

Synonyms
[1] endure, hold, last, persist
usually hold on to [2] clench, cling, clutch, grip, hang on, hold—more at HOLD
[3] await, bide, stay, wait—more at WAIT

hold out verb
1 : to continue to fight or work
2 : to refuse to come to an agreement

— hold·out noun

Synonyms
hold, keep up, last, prevail, survive; also bear up, carry on, cope, endure, go, hang in, persevere; continue, draw out, hang on, linger, persist, remain, stretch
Antonyms
fail, fizzle, give out, go out, peter (out), run out

hold·over noun
: one that is held over

hold·up noun
1 : DELAY
2 : robbery at the point of a gun

hold up verb
1 : to rob at gunpoint
2 : to stop, delay, or impede the course or advance of
3 : to call attention to
4 : to continue in the same condition without failing or losing effectiveness or force

Synonyms
[2] arrest, catch, check, draw up, fetch up, halt, stall, stay, still, stop—more at HALT
[2] clog, cramp, delay, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, impede, inhibit, interfere, manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel—more at HAMPER
[4] abide, continue, endure, keep up, last, persist, run on—more at CONTINUE

1hole noun
1 : an opening into or through something
2 : a hollow place (as a pit or cave)
3 : the resting or living place of a wild animal : DEN, BURROW
4 : a wretched or dingy place
5 : a unit of play from tee to cup in golf
6 : an awkward position

Synonyms
[1] breach, break, discontinuity, gap, gulf, interval, opening, rent, rift, separation—more at GAP
[1] aperture, opening, orifice, perforation; also chink, cleft, crack, cranny, crevice, cut, breach, break, fissure, gash, notch, rent, rift, rupture, slash, slit, split; gap, slot, space; exit, mouth, outlet, pore, vent; entrance, inlet, intake; pinprick, punch, puncture; armhole, buttonhole, knothole, peephole, pinhole, wormhole
[2] cavity, concavity, dent, depression, hollow, indentation, pit, recess; also burrow, cave, cavern, ditch, excavation, furrow, groove, trench, trough; basin, bowl, valley; alcove, cleft, niche, nook, opening, recess, socket; dimple, gouge, notch, impression, pocket; chuckhole, crater, posthole, pothole, sinkhole, wallow, well; abyss, chasm, gulf, vacuity, vacuum, void
Antonyms
bulge, convexity, protrusion, protuberance
[4] pigpen, shambles—more at PIGPEN
[6] corner, fix, jam, pickle, predicament, spot—more at PREDICAMENT

2hole verb
: to make a hole in

Synonyms
bore, drill, perforate, pierce, punch, puncture—more at PERFORATE

hol·i·day noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE hāligdæg, fr. hālig holy + dæg day]

1 : a day set aside for special religious observance
2 : a day of freedom from work; especially : one in commemoration of an event
3 : VACATION

— holiday verb

ho·li·ness noun
: the quality or state of being holy — used as a title for various high religious officials

Synonyms
blessedness, devoutness, godliness, piety, sainthood, sanctity; also asceticism, devotion, morality, spirituality; righteousness
Antonyms
godlessness, impiety, ungodliness, unholiness

ho·lis·tic adjective
: relating to or concerned with integrated wholes or complete systems rather than with the analysis or treatment of separate parts <~ medicine> <~ ecology>

hol·lan·daise noun
: a rich sauce made basically of butter, egg yolks, and lemon juice or vinegar

1holler verb
: to cry out : SHOUT

2holler noun
: a loud cry or call

Synonyms
cry, hoot, howl, shout, whoop, yell, yowl—more at SHOUT

1hollow noun
1 : CAVITY, HOLE
2 : a surface depression

Synonyms
dale, valley—more at VALLEY
cavity, concavity, dent, depression, hole, indentation, pit, recess—more at HOLE

2hollow adjective hol·low·er ; hol·low·est
1 : having an indentation or inward curve : CONCAVE, SUNKEN
2 : having a cavity within
3 : lacking in real value, sincerity, or substance; also : FALSE
4 : MUFFLED <a ~ sound>

— hol·low·ness noun

Synonyms
concave, depressed, sunken; also cavernous, cupped; dimpled, pockmarked; compressed, condensed, contracted, diminished, reduced
Antonyms
convex, bulging, protruding, protuberant

3hollow verb
: to make or become hollow

hol·low·ware or hol·lo·ware noun
: vessels (as bowls or cups) with a significant depth and volume

hol·ly noun, plural hollies
: either of two trees or shrubs with branches of usu. evergreen glossy spiny-margined leaves and red berries

hol·ly·hock noun
[ORIGIN: ME holihoc, fr. holi holy + hoc mallow]

: a biennial or perennial herb related to the mallows that is widely grown for its tall stalks of showy flowers

hol·mi·um noun
: a metallic chemical element

ho·lo·caust noun
1 : a thorough destruction esp. by fire
2 often cap : the killing of European Jews by the Nazis during World War II; also : GENOCIDE

Synonyms
conflagration, fire, inferno—more at FIRE

Ho·lo·cene adjective
: of, relating to, or being the present geologic epoch

— Holocene noun

ho·lo·gram noun
: a three-dimensional image produced by an interference pattern of light (as laser light)

ho·lo·graph noun
: a document wholly in the handwriting of its author

ho·log·ra·phy noun
: the process of making a hologram

— ho·lo·graph·ic adjective

Hol·stein noun
: any of a breed of large black-and-white dairy cattle that produce large quantities of comparatively low-fat milk

Hol·stein–Frie·sian noun
: HOLSTEIN

hol·ster noun
[ORIGIN: D]

: a usu. leather case for a firearm

ho·ly adjective ho·li·er; -est
1 : worthy of absolute devotion
2 : to be treated with veneration or the utmost respect : SACRED
3 : having a divine quality
4 : devoted to the deity or the work of the deity

— ho·li·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] inviolable, sacred, sacrosanct, untouchable—more at SACRED
[1, 2] blessed, hallowed, sacred, sacrosanct, sanctified; also adored, glorified, revered, venerated, worshiped; ceremonial, liturgical, priestly, religious, ritual, spiritual; biblical, scriptural
Antonyms
unconsecrated, unhallowed
[3] blessed, divine, godlike, heavenly, sacred, supernatural; also everlasting, eternal, immortal; almighty, omnipotent, omniscient, supreme
[4] devout, faithful, godly, pious, religious, sainted, saintly; also ascetic, prayerful, reverent, reverential, spiritual, worshipful; beatified, blessed, canonized, venerable; angelic, cherubic; chaste, pure, righteous, virtuous
Antonyms
faithless, godless, impious, irreligious, ungodly, unholy

Holy Spirit noun
: the third person of the Christian Trinity

ho·ly·stone noun
: a soft sandstone used to scrub a ship's wooden decks

— holystone verb

hom·age noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF homage, omage, fr. home man, vassal, fr. L homo human being]

: expression of high regard; also : TRIBUTE

Synonyms
accolade, citation, commendation, encomium, eulogy, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute—more at ENCOMIUM
acclaim, accolade, credit, distinction, glory, honor, laurels—more at GLORY

hom·bre noun
: an adult male human : GUY, FELLOW

Synonyms
buck, chap, dude, fellow, gent, gentleman, guy, jack, joker, lad, male, man—more at MAN

hom·burg noun
[ORIGIN: Homburg, Germany]

: a man's felt hat with a stiff curled brim and a high crown creased lengthwise

1home noun
1 : one's residence; also : HOUSE
2 : the social unit formed by a family living together
3 : a congenial environment; also : HABITAT
4 : a place of origin
5 : the objective in various games
6 : the place or environment where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows

Synonyms
[1] abode, domicile, dwelling, fireside, habitation, hearth, house, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof; also accommodations, housing, nest, residency, shelter; bungalow, cabin, chalet, cottage; duplex, ranch, town house, tract house, triplex; apartment, condominium, flat, tenement, walk-up; penthouse, salon, suite; barracks, boardinghouse, dorm, dormitory, lodgment; castle, estate, manor, mansion, palace, villa; farmhouse, grange, hacienda, homestead, ranch house; houseboat, mobile home, motor home, trailer; hermitage, manse, parsonage, vicarage; hovel, hut, shack
[4] country, fatherland, homeland, motherland, sod—more at COUNTRY
[6] habitat, niche, range, territory; also element, environment, environs, haunt, locality, milieu, neighborhood, setting, surroundings

2home verb homed; hom·ing
1 : to go or return home
2 : to proceed to or toward a source of radiated energy used as a guide

home·body noun
: one whose life centers on home

home·boy noun
1 : a boy or man from one's neighborhood, hometown, or region
2 : a fellow member of a youth gang
3 : an inner-city youth

home·bred adjective
: produced at home : INDIGENOUS

home·com·ing noun
1 : a return home
2 : an annual celebration for alumni at a college or university

home computer noun
: a small inexpensive microcomputer

home economics noun
: the theory and practice of homemaking

home·girl noun
1 : a girl or woman from one's neighborhood, hometown, or region
2 : a girl or woman who is a member of one's peer group
3 : an inner-city girl or woman

home·grown adjective
1 : grown domestically
2 : LOCAL, INDIGENOUS

home·land noun
1 : native land
2 : an area set aside to be a state for a people of a particular national, cultural, or racial origin

Synonyms
country, fatherland, home, motherland, sod—more at COUNTRY

1homeless adjective
: having no home or permanent residence

2homeless noun plural
: persons esp. in urban areas that have no home

home·ly adjective home·li·er; -est
1 : FAMILIAR
2 : unaffectedly natural
3 : lacking beauty or proportion

— home·li·ness noun

home·made adjective
: made in the home, on the premises, or by one's own efforts

home·mak·er noun
: one who manages a household esp. as a wife and mother

— home·mak·ing noun

ho·me·op·a·thy noun
: a system of medical practice that treats disease esp. with minute doses of a remedy that would in healthy persons produce symptoms similar to those of the disease treated

— ho·meo·path noun

— ho·meo·path·ic adjective

ho·meo·sta·sis noun
: the maintence of a relatively stable state of equilibrium between interrelated physiological, psychological, or social factors characteristic of an individual or group

— ho·meo·stat·ic adjective

home page noun
: the page usu. encountered first at a Web site that usu. contains hyperlinks to the other pages of the site

home plate noun
: a slab at the apex of a baseball diamond that a base runner must touch in order to score

hom·er noun
: HOME RUN

— homer verb

home·room noun
: a classroom where pupils report at the beginning of each school day

home run noun
: a hit in baseball that enables the batter to go around all the bases and score a run

home·school verb
: to teach school subjects to one's children at home

— home·school·er noun

home·sick adjective
: longing for home and family while absent from them

— home·sick·ness noun

home·spun adjective
1 : spun or made at home; also : made of a loosely woven usu. woolen or linen fabric
2 : SIMPLE, HOMELY

1homestead noun
: the home and land occupied by a family

2homestead verb
: to acquire or settle on public land

home·stead·er noun
: one who seeks, establishes, or possesses a homestead under a homestead law

Synonyms
colonist, frontiersman, pioneer, settler—more at FRONTIERSMAN

home·stretch noun
1 : the part of a racecourse between the last curve and the winning post
2 : a final stage (as of a project)

home theater noun
: an entertainment system (as a television with surround sound and a DVD player) for the home

home video noun
: prerecorded videocassettes or videodiscs for home viewing

1homeward or home·wards adverb
: toward home

2homeward adjective
: being or going toward home

home·work noun
1 : an assignment given a student to be completed outside the classroom
2 : preparatory reading or research

1homey adjective hom·i·er; -est
: characteristic of home

2homey or hom·ie noun, plural homeys or homies
: HOMEBOY

hom·i·cid·al adjective
: of, relating to, or tending toward homicide

Synonyms
bloodthirsty, bloody, murderous, sanguinary, sanguine—more at BLOODTHIRSTY

ho·mi·cide noun
[ORIGIN: L homicida murderer & homicidium manslaughter; both fr. homo human being + caedere to cut, kill]

1 : a person who kills another
2 : a killing of one human being by another

Synonyms
murder; also killing, manslaughter; bloodshed, butchery, carnage, destruction, massacre, slaughter; assassination, execution; euthanasia, mercy killing

hom·i·ly noun, plural -lies
: SERMON

— hom·i·let·ic adjective

homing pigeon noun
: a racing pigeon trained to return home

hom·i·nid noun
: any of a family of primate mammals that comprise all living humans and extinct ancestral and related forms

— hominid adjective

hom·i·ny noun
: hulled corn with the germ removed

ho·mo·cys·te·ine noun
: an amino acid associated with an increased risk of heart disease when occurring at high levels in the blood

ho·mo·erot·ic adjective
: marked by or portraying homosexual desire

— ho·mo·erot·i·cism noun

ho·mo·ge·neous adjective
: of the same or a similar kind; also : of uniform structure

— ho·mo·ge·ne·i·ty noun

— ho·mo·ge·neous·ly adverb

ho·mog·e·ni·sa·tion, ho·mog·e·nise British variant of HOMOGENIZATION, HOMOGENIZE

ho·mog·e·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
1 : to make homogeneous
2 : to reduce the particles in (as milk) to uniform size and distribute them evenly throughout the liquid

— ho·mog·e·ni·za·tion noun

— ho·mog·e·niz·er noun

Synonyms
formalize, normalize, regularize, standardize—more at STANDARDIZE

ho·mo·graph noun
: one of two or more words spelled alike but different in origin, meaning, or pronunciation (as the bow of a ship, a bow and arrow)

ho·mol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
1 : structural likeness between corresponding parts of different plants or animals due to evolution from a common ancestor
2 : structural likeness between different parts of the same individual

— ho·mol·o·gous adjective

hom·onym noun
1 : HOMOPHONE, HOMOGRAPH
2 : one of two or more words spelled and pronounced alike but different in meaning (as pool of water and pool the game)

ho·mo·pho·bia noun
: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

— ho·mo·phobe noun

— ho·mo·pho·bic adjective

ho·mo·phone noun
: one of two or more words (as to, too, two) pronounced alike but different in meaning or derivation or spelling

Ho·mo sa·pi·ens noun
: the human race : HUMANKIND

Synonyms
humanity, humankind, man, mankind—more at MANKIND

ho·mo·sex·u·al adjective
: of, relating to, or marked by sexual interest in the same sex as oneself; also : of, relating to, or involving sexual intercourse between members of the same sex

— homosexual noun

— ho·mo·sex·u·al·i·ty noun

hon abbreviation
honor; honorable; honorary

Hon·du·ran or Hon·du·ra·ne·an or Hon·du·ra·ni·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Honduras

— Honduran or Honduranean or Honduranian adjective

1hone noun
: WHETSTONE

2hone verb
1 : to sharpen or smooth with a whetstone
2 : to make more acute, intense, or effective

— hon·er noun

Synonyms
edge, grind, sharpen, strop, whet—more at SHARPEN

hone in verb
: to move toward or direct attention to an objective

1honest adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L honestus honorable, fr. honos, honor honor]

1 : free from deception : TRUTHFUL; also : GENUINE, REAL
2 : REPUTABLE
3 : CREDITABLE
4 : marked by integrity
5 : marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression : FRANK

Synonyms
[1] artless, genuine, ingenuous, innocent, naive, natural, real, simple, sincere, true, truthful, unaffected, unpretentious
[4] decent, ethical, good, honorable, just, moral, principled, right, righteous, straight, upright, virtuous—more at GOOD
[5] candid, direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, open, outspoken, plain, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved—more at FRANK

2honest adverb
: HONESTLY; also : with all sincerity <I didn't do it, ~>

hon·est·ly adverb
1 : in an honest manner
2 : to be honest <~, I don't know>

Synonyms
actually, forsooth, frankly, really, truly, truthfully, verily—more at ACTUALLY

hon·es·ty noun
1 : fairness and straightforwardness of conduct
2 : adherence to the facts

Synonyms
[1] character, decency, goodness, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, uprightness, virtue—more at MORALITY
[2] integrity, probity, truthfulness, veracity, verity; also honor, incorruptibility; candidness, candor, frankness, good faith, sincerity; dependability, reliability, reliableness, trustworthiness; accuracy, objectivity; authenticity, correctness, genuineness; credibility
Antonyms
deceit, deceitfulness, dishonesty, lying, mendacity

hon·ey noun, plural honeys
1 : a sweet sticky substance made by honeybees from the nectar of flowers
2 : a loved one

Synonyms
beloved, darling, dear, flame, love, sweet, sweetheart—more at SWEETHEART

hon·ey·bee noun
: a social and colonial 4-winged insect often kept in hives for the honey it produces

1honeycomb noun
: a mass of 6-sided wax cells built by honeybees; also : something of similar structure or appearance

2honeycomb verb
: to make or become full of cavities like a honeycomb

hon·ey·dew noun
: a sweetish deposit secreted on plants by aphids, scale insects, or fungi

honeydew melon noun
: a smooth-skinned muskmelon with sweet green flesh

honey locust noun
: a tall usu. spiny No. American leguminous tree with hard durable wood and long twisted pods

hon·ey·moon noun
1 : a period of harmony esp. just after marriage
2 : a holiday taken by a newly married couple

— honeymoon verb

hon·ey·suck·le noun
: any of a genus of shrubs with fragrant tube-shaped flowers rich in nectar

honk noun
: the cry of a goose; also : a similar sound (as of a horn)

— honk verb

— honk·er noun

hon·ky–tonk noun
: a tawdry nightclub or dance hall

— honky–tonk adjective

1honor noun
1 : good name : REPUTATION; also : outward respect
2 : an exclusive or special right, power, or privilege
3 : a person of superior standing — used esp. as a title
4 : one that brings respect or fame
5 : an evidence or symbol of distinction
6 : CHASTITY, PURITY
7 : a keen sense of ethical conduct : INTEGRITY

Synonyms
[2] boon, concession, privilege—more at PRIVILEGE
[5] acclaim, accolade, credit, distinction, glory, homage, laurels—more at GLORY
[5] award, decoration, distinction, plume, prize—more at AWARD
[7] honesty, integrity, probity, rectitude, righteousness, uprightness; also blamelessness, character, decency, fairness, high-mindedness, incorruptibility, justice, morality, nobility, respectability, scrupulousness, virtue
Antonyms
baseness, lowness

2honor verb
1 : to regard or treat with honor
2 : to confer honor on
3 : to fulfill the terms of; also : to accept as payment

— hon·or·ee noun

— hon·or·er noun

hon·or·able adjective
1 : deserving of honor
2 : of great renown
3 : accompanied with marks of honor
4 : doing credit to the possessor
5 : characterized by integrity

— hon·or·able·ness noun

Synonyms
decent, ethical, good, honest, just, moral, right, righteous, straight, upright, virtuous—more at GOOD
decent, ethical, honest, just, noble, principled, respectable, righteous, upright, upstanding; also decorous, proper, seemly; blameless, guiltless, irreproachable, unassailable, unimpeachable; chivalrous, high-minded; conscientious, fair, good, incorruptible, moral, reputable, respected, scrupulous, virtuous
Antonyms
base, dishonest, ignoble, low, unethical, unjust, unprincipled, unrighteous

hon·or·ably adverb
: in an honorable manner

Synonyms
gallantly, grandly, greatly, heroically, magnanimously, nobly—more at GREATLY

hon·o·rar·i·um noun, plural -ia also -i·ums
: a reward usu. for services on which custom or propriety forbids a price to be set

hon·or·ary adjective
1 : having or conferring distinction
2 : conferred in recognition of achievement without the usual prerequisites <~ degree>
3 : UNPAID, VOLUNTARY

— hon·or·ari·ly adverb

hon·or·if·ic adjective
: conferring or conveying honor <~ titles>

hon·our, hon·our·able chiefly British variant of HONOR, HONORABLE

1hood noun
1 : a covering for the head and neck and sometimes the face
2 : an ornamental fold (as at the back of an ecclesiastical vestment)
3 a : something resembling a hood in form or use
b : a cover for parts of mechanisms; especially : the covering over an automobile engine

— hood·ed adjective

Synonyms
cloak, curtain, mantle, mask, shroud, veil—more at CLOAK

2hood noun
: a brutal ruffian : HOODLUM

3hood noun
: an inner-city neighborhood

-hood noun suffix
1 : state : condition : quality : character <boyhood> <hardihood>
2 : instance of a (specified) state or quality <falsehood>
3 : individuals sharing a (specified) state or character <brotherhood>

hood·ie noun
: a hooded sweatshirt

hood·lum noun
1 : a brutal ruffian : THUG
2 : a young ruffian or loafer

Synonyms
bully, gangster, goon, hood, mobster, mug, punk, rowdy, ruffian, thug, tough; also cutthroat, scoundrel, villain; assassin, bandit, bravo, brigand, criminal, crook, desperado, felon, gunman, highwayman, lawbreaker, mafioso, outlaw, perpetrator, pickpocket, racketeer, robber, swindler, thief

hoo·doo noun, plural hoodoos
1 : a body of magical practices traditional esp. among blacks in the southern U.S.
2 : something that brings bad luck

— hoodoo verb

hood·wink verb
: to deceive by false appearance

Synonyms
beguile, bluff, cozen, deceive, delude, dupe, fool, gull, have, hoax, humbug, misinform, mislead, string along, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE

hoo·ey noun
: NONSENSE

hoof noun, plural hooves or hoofs
: a horny covering that protects the ends of the toes of ungulate mammals (as horses or cattle); also : a hoofed foot

— hoofed adjective

1hook noun
1 : a curved or bent device for catching, holding, or pulling
2 : something curved or bent like a hook
3 : a flight of a ball (as in golf) that curves in a direction opposite to the dominant hand of the player propelling it
4 : a short punch delivered with a circular motion and with the elbow bent and rigid

2hook verb
1 : to form into a hook : CURVE, CROOK
2 a : to seize or make fast with a hook
b : to connect by or as if by a hook — often used with up
3 : to take the property of another wrongfully : STEAL
4 : to work as a prostitute

Synonyms
[1] arc, arch, bend, bow, crook, curve, round, sweep, swerve, wheel—more at CURVE
[2b] chain, compound, connect, couple, hitch, join, link, yoke—more at CONNECT
[3] appropriate, filch, misappropriate, nip, pilfer, pocket, purloin, snitch, steal, swipe, thieve—more at STEAL

hoo·kah noun
[ORIGIN: Ar ḥuqqa bottle of a water pipe]

: WATER PIPE

hook·er noun
1 : one that hooks
2 : PROSTITUTE

hook·up noun
1 : a state of cooperation or alliance
2 : an assemblage (as of apparatus or circuits) used for a specific purpose (as in radio)

Synonyms
affiliation, alliance, association, collaboration, confederation, connection, cooperation, liaison, partnership, relation, relationship, union—more at ASSOCIATION

hook·worm noun
: any of several parasitic intestinal nematode worms having hooks or plates around the mouth; also : infestation with or disease caused by hookworms

hoo·li·gan noun
: RUFFIAN, HOODLUM

hoop noun
1 : a circular strip used esp. for holding together the staves of a barrel
2 : a circular figure or object : RING
3 : a circle of flexible material for expanding a woman's skirt
4 : BASKETBALL — usu. used in pl.

Synonyms
band, circle, eye, loop, ring, round—more at RING

hoop·la noun
[ORIGIN: F houp-là, interj.]

: TO-DO; also : BALLYHOO

hoop·ster noun
: a basketball player

hoo·ray interjection
— used to express joy, approval, or encouragement

hoose·gow noun
[ORIGIN: Sp juzgado panel of judges, courtroom]

: JAIL

1hoot verb
1 : to shout or laugh usu. in contempt
2 : to make the natural throat noise of an owl

— hoot·er noun

2hoot noun
1 : a sound of hooting
2 : the least bit <don't give a ~>
3 : something or someone amusing <the play is a real ~>

Synonyms
[1] cry, holler, howl, shout, whoop, yell, yowl—more at SHOUT
[1] boo, catcall, hiss, jeer, raspberry, snort—more at CATCALL
[2] jot, lick, modicum, rap, tittle, whit—more at JOT

hoot·e·nan·ny noun, plural -nies
: a gathering at which folksingers entertain often with the audience joining in

1hop verb hopped; hop·ping
1 : to move by a quick springy leap or in a series of leaps
2 : to make a quick trip
3 : to ride on esp. surreptitiously and without authorization

Synonyms
bound, jump, leap, spring, vault—more at JUMP

2hop noun
1 : a short brisk leap esp. on one leg
2 : a social gathering for dancing : DANCE
3 : a short trip by air

3hop noun
: a vine related to the mulberry whose ripe dried pistillate catkins are used esp. in flavoring malt liquors; also, pl : its pistillate catkins

1hope verb hoped; hop·ing
: to desire with expectation of fulfillment <hopes for a promotion>

Synonyms usually hope for
anticipate, await, expect, watch—more at EXPECT

2hope noun
1 : TRUST, RELIANCE
2 : desire accompanied by expectation of fulfillment; also : something hoped for
3 : one that gives promise for the future

HOPE abbreviation
Health Opportunity for People Everywhere

hope·ful adjective
1 : having qualities which inspire hope
2 : full of hope

— hope·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
auspicious, bright, encouraging, fair, golden, heartening, likely, promising, propitious, rosy, upbeat; also cheering, comforting, reassuring; assured, confident, decisive, doubtless, positive, sure, unhesitating; bullish, favorable, good
Antonyms
bleak, dark, desperate, discouraging, disheartening, dismal, dreary, gloomy, hopeless, inauspicious, pessimistic, unlikely, unpromising

hope·ful·ly adverb
1 : in a hopeful manner
2 : it is hoped

hope·less adjective
1 : having no expectation of good or success
2 a : incapable of solution, management, or accomplishment : IMPOSSIBLE
b : not susceptible to remedy or cure; also : incapable of redemption or improvement

— hope·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] defeatist, despairing, pessimistic—more at PESSIMISTIC
[2a] impossible, unattainable, unsolvable, unworkable—more at IMPOSSIBLE
[2b] incorrigible, incurable, irredeemable, irremediable, unrecoverable, unredeemable; also irreparable, irreversible; unpromising; impenitent, unregenerate, unrepentant
Antonyms
curable, correctable, reclaimable, recoverable, redeemable, reformable, remediable, retrievable

hope·less·ness noun
: the quality or state of being hopeless

Synonyms
despair, desperation, despondency, forlornness—more at DESPAIR

Ho·pi noun, plural Hopi or Hopis
: a member of an American Indian people of Arizona; also : the language of the Hopi people

hopped–up adjective
1 : being under the influence of a narcotic; also : full of enthusiasm or excitement
2 : having more power than usual <a ~ engine>

hop·per noun
1 : a usu. immature hopping insect (as a grasshopper)
2 : a usu. funnel-shaped container for delivering material (as grain)
3 : a freight car with hinged doors in a sloping bottom
4 : a box into which a bill to be considered by a legislative body is dropped
5 : a tank holding a liquid and having a device for releasing its contents through a pipe

hop·scotch noun
: a child's game in which a player tosses an object (as a stone) into areas of a figure drawn on the ground and hops through the figure to pick up the object

hor abbreviation
horizontal

horde noun
: a teeming crowd or throng : SWARM

Synonyms
army, crowd, crush, drove, flock, host, legion, mob, multitude, press, swarm, throng—more at CROWD

ho·ri·zon noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. LL, fr. Gk horizont-, horizōn, fr. prp. of horizein to bound, fr. horos limit, boundary]

1 : the apparent junction of earth and sky
2 : range of outlook or experience

hor·i·zon·tal adjective
: parallel to the horizon : LEVEL

— horizontal noun

— hor·i·zon·tal·ly adverb

hor·mon·al adjective
: of, relating to, or effected by hormones

hor·mone noun
[ORIGIN: Gk hormōn, prp. of horman to stir up, fr. hormē impulse, assault]

: a product of living cells that circulates in body fluids and has a specific effect on the activity of cells remote from its point of origin

horn noun
1 : one of the hard projections of bone or keratin on the head of many hoofed mammals
2 : something resembling or suggesting a horn
3 : a brass wind instrument
4 : a usu. electrical device that makes a noise <automobile ~>

— horned adjective

— horn·less adjective

horn·book noun
1 : a child's primer consisting of a sheet of parchment or paper protected by a sheet of transparent horn
2 : a rudimentary treatise

horned toad noun
: any of several small harmless insect-eating lizards with spines on the head resembling horns and spiny scales on the body

hor·net noun
: any of the larger social wasps

horn in verb
: to participate without invitation : INTRUDE

horn·pipe noun
: a lively folk dance of the British Isles

horny adjective horn·i·er; -est
1 : of or made of horn; also : HARD, CALLOUS
2 : having horns
3 : desiring sexual gratification; also : excited sexually

ho·rol·o·gy noun
: the science of measuring time or constructing time-indicating instruments

— hor·o·log·ic adjective

— ho·rol·o·gist noun

horo·scope noun
[ORIGIN: ME horoscopum, fr. L horoscopus, fr. Gk hōroskopos, fr. hōra hour + skopos watcher]

1 : a diagram of the relative positions of planets and signs of the zodiac at a particular time for use by astrologers to foretell events of a person's life
2 : an astrological forecast

hor·ren·dous adjective
: inspiring horror : DREADFUL, HORRIBLE

hor·ri·ble adjective
1 : marked by or arousing horror
2 : highly disagreeable

— hor·ri·ble·ness noun

— hor·ri·bly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dreadful, fearful, fearsome, hair-raising, scary, terrifying—more at FEARFUL
[2] abhorrent, abominable, distasteful, horrid, obnoxious, obscene, odious, offensive, repellent, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, ugly—more at OFFENSIVE
[2] appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, grisly, gruesome, hideous, horrid, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, terrible; also bloodcurdling, dire, direful, fearful, fearsome, forbidding, formidable, frightening, hair-raising, terrifying; abhorrent, deplorable, disagreeable, disgusting, distasteful, loathsome, nauseating, obnoxious, offensive, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, sickening; abominable, evil, foul, heinous, noxious, odious, unspeakable, vile

hor·rid adjective
1 : inspiring horror : HIDEOUS
2 : highly disagreeable

— hor·rid·ly adverb

Synonyms
abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, distasteful, dreadful, horrible, obnoxious, offensive, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, ugly—more at OFFENSIVE

hor·rif·ic adjective
: having the power to horrify

— hor·rif·i·cal·ly adverb

hor·ri·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to cause to feel horror

Synonyms
alarm, frighten, panic, scare, shock, spook, startle, terrify, terrorize—more at FRIGHTEN

hor·ror noun
1 : painful and intense fear, dread, or dismay
2 : intense repugnance
3 a : something that horrifies
b : a repulsive or dismal quality or character
4 : the quality of inspiring horror

Synonyms
[1] alarm, anxiety, apprehension, dread, fear, fright, panic, terror, trepidation—more at FEAR
[3a] agony, hell, misery, murder, nightmare, torment, torture—more at HELL
[4] atrociousness, atrocity, frightfulness, hideousness, monstrosity, repulsiveness; also badness, baseness, evil, foulness, heinousness, immorality, iniquity, ungodliness, viciousness, vileness, wickedness; hatefulness; agony, misery, torment, torture

horror story noun
: an account of an unsettling or unfortunate occurrence

hors de com·bat adverb or adjective
: in a disabled condition

hors d'oeuvre noun, plural hors d'oeuvres also hors d'oeuvre
[ORIGIN: F hors-d'oeuvre, lit., outside of the work]

: any of various savory foods usu. served as appetizers

horse noun, plural hors·es also horse
1 : a large solid-hoofed herbivorous mammal domesticated as a draft and saddle animal
2 : a supporting framework usu. with legs

— horse·less adjective

Synonyms
nag; also colt, filly, foal, gelding, mare, stallion; bronco, mustang, pony; charger, courser, cow pony, mount, palfrey, prancer, quarter horse, racehorse, saddle horse, trotter, workhorse; bay, black, buckskin, chestnut, dun, palomino, pinto, roan, sorrel; cob, jade, plug

1horseback noun
: the back of a horse

2horseback adverb
: on horseback

horse chestnut noun
: a large tree with palmate leaves, erect conical clusters of showy flowers, and large glossy brown seeds enclosed in a prickly bur; also : its seed

horse·flesh noun
: horses for riding, driving, or racing

horse·fly noun
: any of a family of large dipteran flies with bloodsucking females

horse·hair noun
1 : the hair of a horse esp. from the mane or tail
2 : cloth made from horsehair

horse·hide noun
1 : the dressed or raw hide of a horse
2 : the ball used in baseball

horse latitudes noun plural
: either of two calm regions near 30°N and 30°S latitude

horse·laugh noun
: a loud boisterous laugh

horse·man noun
1 : one who rides horseback; also : one skilled in managing horses
2 : a breeder or raiser of horses

— horse·man·ship noun

horse·play noun
: rough boisterous play

Synonyms
foolery, high jinks, monkeyshines, roughhouse, shenanigans, tomfoolery; also buffoonery, clownishness, foolishness, joking, nonsense, waggery; rowdiness; devilry, impishness, mischief, mischievousness, roguishness, trickery; cavorting, frivolity, frolicking, gamboling, merrymaking, playfulness, revelry, roistering, romping, sporting

horse·play·er noun
: a bettor on horse races

horse·pow·er noun
: a unit of power equal in the U.S. to 746 watts

horse·rad·ish noun
: a tall white-flowered herb related to the mustards whose pungent root is used as a condiment; also : the pungent condiment

horse sense noun
: sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts

Synonyms
common sense, prudence, sense, wisdom, wit—more at COMMON SENSE

horse·shoe noun
1 : a usu. U-shaped protective metal plate fitted to the rim of a horse's hoof
2 plural : a game in which horseshoes are pitched at a fixed object

— horse·shoe verb

— horse·sho·er noun

horseshoe crab noun
: any of several marine arthropods with a broad crescent-shaped combined head and thorax

horse·tail noun
: any of a genus of primitive spore-producing plants with hollow jointed stems and leaves reduced to sheaths about the joints

horse·whip verb
: to flog with a whip made to be used on a horse

horse·wom·an noun
: a woman skilled in riding horseback or in caring for or managing horses; also : a woman who breeds or raises horses

hors·ey also horsy adjective hors·i·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or suggesting a horse
2 : having to do with horses or horse racing

hort abbreviation
horticultural; horticulture

hor·ta·tive adjective
: giving exhortation

hor·ta·to·ry adjective
: HORTATIVE

hor·ti·cul·ture noun
: the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants

— hor·ti·cul·tur·al adjective

— hor·ti·cul·tur·ist noun

Hos abbreviation
Hosea

ho·san·na interjection
[ORIGIN: Gk hōsanna, fr. Heb hōshīāh-nnā pray, save (us)!]

— used as a cry of acclamation and adoration

— hosanna noun

1hose noun, plural hose or hos·es
1 plural hose : STOCKING, SOCK; also : a close-fitting garment covering the legs and waist
2 : a flexible tube for conveying fluids (as from a faucet)

2hose verb hosed; hos·ing
: to spray, water, or wash with a hose

Ho·sea noun
: a book of the canonical Jewish and Christian Scriptures

ho·siery noun
: STOCKINGS, SOCKS

hosp abbreviation
hospital

hos·pice noun
1 : a lodging for travelers or for young persons or the underprivileged
2 : a facility or program for caring for dying persons

Synonyms
hotel, inn, lodge, public house, tavern—more at HOTEL

hos·pi·ta·ble adjective
1 : given to generous and cordial reception of guests
2 : readily receptive

— hos·pi·ta·bly adverb

Synonyms
affable, cordial, genial, gracious, sociable—more at GRACIOUS

hos·pi·tal noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. ML hospitale hospice, guest house, fr. neut. of L hospitalis of a guest, fr. hospit-, hospes guest, host]

: an institution where the sick or injured receive medical or surgical care

hos·pi·tal·ise British variant of HOSPITALIZE

hos·pi·tal·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition

hos·pi·tal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to place in a hospital as a patient

— hos·pi·tal·i·za·tion noun

1host noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF ost, fr. LL hostis, fr. L, stranger, enemy]

1 : a large organized body of armed personnel trained for war esp. on land : ARMY
2 : a very large number : MULTITUDE

Synonyms
army, crowd, crush, drove, flock, horde, legion, mob, multitude, press, swarm, throng—more at CROWD

2host noun
[ORIGIN: ME hoste host, guest, fr. AF, fr. L hospit-, hospes]

1 : one who receives or entertains guests
2 : an animal or plant on or in which a parasite lives

— host verb

3host noun, often cap
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. L hostia sacrifice]

: the eucharistic bread

hos·tage noun
1 : a person kept as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement
2 : a person taken by force to secure the taker's demands

hos·tel noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. ML hospitale hospice]

1 : an establishment for the lodging and entertaining of travelers : INN
2 : a supervised lodging for youth

— hos·tel·er noun

hos·tel·ry noun, plural -ries
: an establishment for the lodging and entertaining of travelers : INN, HOTEL

host·ess noun
: a woman who acts as host

hos·tile adjective
: marked by usu. overt antagonism : UNFRIENDLY

— hostile noun

— hos·tile·ly adverb

Synonyms
antagonistic, inhospitable, inimical, jaundiced, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic; also adverse, bellicose, belligerent, clashing, conflicting, contentious, contrary, opposed, pugnacious, quarrelsome, resisting; antisocial, cold, cool, disagreeable, disapproving, distant, frigid, icy, biased, prejudiced; discourteous, impolite, rude, surly, uncivil, unfavorable, unkind, unpleasant, unsociable; acrimonious, antipathetic, bitter, hateful, malevolent, opprobrious, rancorous, spiteful, unloving, vindictive, virulent
Antonyms
friendly, hospitable, sympathetic

hos·til·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : an unfriendly state or action
2 plural : overt acts of war

Synonyms
animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, rancor—more at ENMITY

hos·tler noun
: one who takes care of horses or mules

hot adjective hot·ter; hot·test
1 : marked by a high temperature or an uncomfortable degree of body heat
2 : giving a sensation of heat or of burning
3 : ARDENT, FIERY
4 : sexually excited
5 : marked by enthusiastic or impatient desire or interest : EAGER
6 : newly made or received
7 : PUNGENT
8 : unusually lucky or favorable <~ dice>
9 : recently and illegally obtained <~ jewels>
10 : currently popular or in demand
11 : marked by extreme force or sudden intense activity : VIOLENT

— hot adverb

— hot·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] broiling, burning, fiery, red-hot, scorching, sultry, torrid; also blazing, glowing, molten, sizzling; heated, warmed; snug, warm; feverish, flushed, inflamed; muggy, steamy, summery, tropical
Antonyms
arctic, chill, chilled, cold, freezing, frigid, frozen, glacial, iced, icy
[5] agog, anxious, ardent, athirst, avid, crazy, eager, enthusiastic, gung ho, hungry, keen, nuts, raring, solicitous, thirsty, voracious—more at EAGER
[6] contemporary, current, mod, modern, new, newfangled, red-hot, space-age, ultramodern, up-to-date—more at MODERN
[10] fashionable, in, modish, popular, vogue—more at POPULAR
[11] explosive, ferocious, fierce, furious, rabid, rough, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, violent, volcanic—more at VIOLENT

hot air noun
: empty talk

Synonyms
bombast, gas, grandiloquence, rhetoric, wind—more at RHETORIC

hot·bed noun
1 : a glass-covered bed of soil heated (as by fermenting manure) and used esp. for raising seedlings
2 : an environment that favors rapid growth or development

hot–blood·ed adjective
: easily roused or excited

Synonyms
ardent, burning, charged, emotional, fervent, feverish, fiery, glowing, impassioned, passionate, red-hot, vehement, warm—more at FERVENT

hot·box noun
: a bearing (as of a railroad car) overheated by friction

hot button noun
: an emotional issue or concern that triggers immediate intense reaction

hot·cake noun
: a flat cake made of thin batter and cooked (as on a griddle) on both sides : PANCAKE

hot dog noun
: a cooked frankfurter usu. served in a long split roll

ho·tel noun
[ORIGIN: F hâotel, fr. OF hostel, fr. ML hospitale hospice]

: a building where lodging and usu. meals, entertainment, and various personal services are provided for the public

Synonyms
hospice, inn, lodge, public house, tavern; also bed-and-breakfast; accommodations, lodgings, rest; motel, motor court, resort, spa, youth hostel; camp, campground; dorm, dormitory; boardinghouse, lodging house, rooming house

hot flash noun
: a sudden brief flushing and sensation of heat usu. associated with menopausal endocrine imbalance

hot·head·ed adjective
: FIERY, IMPETUOUS

— hot·head noun

— hot·head·ed·ly adverb

— hot·head·ed·ness noun

hot·house noun
: a heated greenhouse esp. for raising tropical plants

hot·line noun
: a telephone line for emergency use (as between governments or to a counseling service)

hot·ness noun
: the quality or state of being hot

hot pants noun plural
: very short shorts

hot pepper noun
: a small usu. thin-walled pepper with a pungent taste; also : a plant bearing hot peppers

hot plate noun
: a simple portable appliance for heating or for cooking

hot potato noun
: an embarrassing or controversial issue

hot rod noun
: an automobile modified for high speed and fast acceleration

— hot–rod·der noun

hots noun plural
: strong sexual desire — usu. used with the

hot seat noun
: a position of anxiety or embarrassment

hot·shot noun
: a showily skillful person

hot tub noun
: a large tub of hot water for one or more bathers

hot water noun
: TROUBLE, DIFFICULTY

hot–wire verb
: to start (an automobile) by short-circuiting the ignition system

1hound noun
1 : a domestic mammal closely related to the gray wolf; especially : any of various hunting dogs that track prey by scent or sight
2 : FAN, ADDICT

2hound verb
: to pursue relentlessly

Synonyms
chase, dog, follow, pursue, shadow, tag, tail, trace, track, trail—more at FOLLOW
henpeck, nag, needle—more at NAG

hour noun
1 : the 24th part of a day : 60 minutes
2 : the time of day
3 : a particular or customary time
4 : a class session

— hour·ly adverb or adjective

hour·glass noun
: a glass vessel for measuring time in which sand runs from an upper compartment to a lower compartment in an hour

hou·ri noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. Pers hūri, fr. Ar ḥūrīya]

: one of the beautiful maidens of the Muslim paradise

1house noun, plural hous·es
1 : a building for human habitation
2 : an animal shelter (as a den or nest)
3 : a building in which something is stored
4 a : those who dwell under the same roof and compose a family : HOUSEHOLD
b : a family including ancestors, descendants, and kindred : FAMILY
5 : a residence for a religious community or for students; also : those in residence
6 : a legislative body
7 : a place of business or entertainment
8 : a business organization
9 : the audience in a theater or concert hall

— house·ful noun

Synonyms
[1] abode, domicile, dwelling, fireside, habitation, hearth, home, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof—more at HOME
[4b] blood, clan, family, folk, kin, kindred, kinfolk, line, lineage, people, race, stock, tribe—more at FAMILY
[8] business, company, concern, enterprise, establishment, firm, outfit—more at ENTERPRISE

2house verb housed; hous·ing
1 : to provide with or take shelter : LODGE
2 : to encase, enclose, or shelter as if by putting in a house

Synonyms
[1] accommodate, billet, chamber, domicile, harbor, lodge, put up, quarter, roof, shelter, take in; also board, bunk, ensconce, home, roost, secure, stable, tent
[2] cage, closet, coop, corral, encase, enclose, envelop, fence, hedge, hem, immure, pen, wall—more at ENCLOSE

house·boat noun
: a pleasure boat fitted for use as a dwelling or for leisurely cruising

house·boy noun
: a boy or man hired to act as a household servant

house·break verb -broke; -bro·ken; -break·ing
: to train (a pet) in excretory habits acceptable in indoor living

house·break·ing noun
: the act of breaking into a dwelling with the intent of committing a felony

house·clean verb
: to clean a house and its furniture

— house·clean·ing noun

house·coat noun
: a woman's often long-skirted informal garment for wear around the house

house·fly noun
: a dipteran fly that is common about human habitations

1household noun
: those who dwell as a family under the same roof

— house·hold·er noun

Synonyms
house; also folks, kin, kindred, kinfolk, kith; brood; nuclear family; clan, community

2household adjective
1 : DOMESTIC
2 : frequently seen or experienced : FAMILIAR, COMMON <a ~ name>

Synonyms
common, commonplace, customary, everyday, familiar, frequent, ordinary, routine, usual—more at COMMON

house·keep·er noun
: a woman employed to take care of a house

house·keep·ing noun
: the care and management of a house or institutional property

house·lights noun plural
: the lights that illuminate the auditorium of a theater

house·maid noun
: a female servant employed to do housework

Synonyms
domestic, maid, maidservant—more at MAID

house·moth·er noun
: a woman acting as hostess, chaperone, and often housekeeper in a group residence

house·plant noun
: a plant grown or kept indoors

house sparrow noun
: a Eurasian sparrow widely introduced in urban and agricultural areas

house·top noun
: ROOF

house·wares noun plural
: small articles of household equipment

house·warm·ing noun
: a party to celebrate the taking possession of a house or premises

house·wife noun
: a married woman in charge of a household

— house·wife·ly adjective

— house·wif·ery noun

house·work noun
: the work of housekeeping

1housing noun
1 : SHELTER; also : dwellings provided for people
2 : something that covers or protects

Synonyms
armor, capsule, case, casing, cocoon, cover, husk, jacket, pod, sheath, shell—more at CASE

2housing noun
: CAPARISON 1

HOV abbreviation
high-occupancy vehicle

hove past and past participle of HEAVE

hov·el noun
: a small, wretched, and often dirty house : HUT

hov·er verb hov·ered; hov·er·ing
1 a : FLUTTER
b : to remain suspended over a place or object
2 : to move to and fro
3 : to be in an uncertain state of uncertainty, irresolution, or suspense

Synonyms
[1b] drift, float, glide, hang, poise, ride, sail, waft—more at FLOAT
[3] hang, menace, overhang, threaten—more at THREATEN

hov·er·craft noun
: a vehicle that rides on a cushion of air over a surface

1how adverb
1 : in what way or manner <~ was it done>
2 : with what meaning <~ do we interpret such behavior>
3 : for what reason <~ could you have done such a thing>
4 : to what extent or degree <~ deep is it>
5 : in what state or condition <~ are you>

— how about

: what do you say to or think of <how about coming with me>

— how come

: why is it that

2how conjunction
1 : the way or manner in which <remember ~ they fought>
2 : HOWEVER <do it ~ you like>

1howbeit conjunction
: even though : ALTHOUGH

Synonyms
albeit, although, though, when, while—more at ALTHOUGH

2howbeit adverb
: on the other hand : NEVERTHELESS

Synonyms
but, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, though, withal, yet—more at HOWEVER

how·dah noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi & Urdu hauda, fr. Ar haudaj]

: a seat or covered pavilion on the back of an elephant or camel

1however conjunction
: in whatever manner that

2however adverb
1 : to whatever degree; also : in whatever manner
2 : on the other hand

Synonyms
but, howbeit, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, though, withal, yet; also after all, anyhow, regardless

how·it·zer noun
: a short cannon that shoots shells at a high angle

1howl verb
1 : to emit a loud long doleful sound characteristic of dogs
2 : to cry loudly

Synonyms
[1] bay, keen, wail, yowl; also bawl, caterwaul, squall, yawp, yell, yelp
[2] scream, shriek, shrill, squeal, yell, yelp—more at SCREAM

2howl noun
1 : a loud protracted mournful cry characteristic of dogs
2 a : a prolonged cry of distress
b : a yell or outcry of disappointment, rage, or protest

Synonyms
[2a] groan, keen, lament, moan, plaint, wail—more at LAMENT
[2b] cry, holler, hoot, shout, whoop, yell, yowl—more at SHOUT
[2b] clamor, hubbub, hue and cry, hullabaloo, noise, outcry, roar, tumult, uproar—more at CLAMOR

howl·er noun
1 : one that howls
2 : a humorous and ridiculous blunder

howl·ing adjective
1 : DESOLATE, WILD
2 : very great <a ~ success>

how·so·ev·er adverb
: HOWEVER 1

hoy·den noun
: a girl or woman of saucy, boisterous, or carefree behavior

hoy·den·ish adjective
: being or acting as a hoyden

hp abbreviation
horsepower

HP abbreviation
high pressure

HPF abbreviation
highest possible frequency

HQ abbreviation
headquarters

hr abbreviation
1 here
2 hour

HR abbreviation
House of Representatives

HRH abbreviation
1 Her Royal Highness
2 His Royal Highness

hrzn abbreviation
horizon

Hs symbol
hassium

HS abbreviation
high school

HST abbreviation
Hawaiian standard time

ht abbreviation
height

HT abbreviation
1 Hawaii time
2 high-tension

HTML noun
[ORIGIN: hypertext markup language]

: a computer language used to create World Wide Web documents

http abbreviation
hypertext transfer protocol

hua·ra·che noun
[ORIGIN: MexSp]

: a sandal with an upper made of interwoven leather strips

hub noun
1 : the central part of a circular object (as a wheel)
2 a : a center of activity
b : an airport or city through which an airline routes most of its traffic

Synonyms
base, center, core, cynosure, eye, focus, heart, mecca, nucleus, seat—more at CENTER

hub·bub noun
1 : a noisy confusion of sound : UPROAR
2 : a state of tumultuous confusion or excitement : TURMOIL

Synonyms
[1] clamor, howl, hue and cry, hullabaloo, noise, outcry, roar, tumult, uproar—more at CLAMOR
[2] commotion, disturbance, fuss, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil—more at COMMOTION

hub·cap noun
: a removable metal cap over the end of an axle

hu·bris noun
: exaggerated pride or self-confidence

huck·le·ber·ry noun
1 : any of a genus of American shrubs of the heath family; also : its edible dark blue berry
2 : BLUEBERRY

huck·ster noun
: PEDDLER, HAWKER

— huckster verb

HUD abbreviation
Department of Housing and Urban Development

1huddle verb hud·dled; hud·dling
1 : to crowd together
2 : CONFER
3 : to curl up : CROUCH

Synonyms
[1] bunch, cluster, crowd, press—more at PRESS
[3] crouch, hunch, squat—more at CROUCH

2huddle noun
1 : a closely packed group
2 : an assembly for a common purpose : MEETING, CONFERENCE

Synonyms
[1] array, assemblage, bank, batch, block, bunch, clump, cluster, collection, group, knot, lot, package, parcel, set, suite
[2] assembly, conference, congress, convention, convocation, council, gathering, get-together, meeting, powwow, seminar—more at MEETING

hue noun
1 : a phenomenon of light or visual perception that enables one to differentiate otherwise identical objects : COLOR; also : gradation of color
2 : the attribute of colors that permits them to be classed as red, yellow, green, blue, or an intermediate color

— hued adjective

Synonyms
cast, color, shade, tinge, tint, tone—more at COLOR

hue and cry noun
: a clamor of pursuit or protest

Synonyms
clamor, howl, hubbub, hullabaloo, noise, outcry, roar, tumult, uproar—more at CLAMOR

huff noun
: a fit of anger or pique

— huff verb

— huffy adjective

Synonyms
dither, fluster, fret, fuss, lather, pother, stew, tizzy, twitter—more at FRET
dudgeon, offense, peeve, pique, resentment, umbrage—more at PIQUE

hug verb hugged; hug·ging
1 : to press tightly esp. in the arms : EMBRACE
2 : to stay close to

— hug noun

Synonyms
caress, clasp, embrace, enfold, grasp—more at EMBRACE

huge adjective hug·er; hug·est
: very large or extensive

Synonyms
astronomical, colossal, enormous, giant, gigantic, grand, jumbo, mammoth, massive, prodigious, titanic, tremendous, vast, whopping; also big, bulky, considerable, extensive, good, goodly, great, gross, handsome, hefty, hulking, major, sizable, substantial, voluminous; august, formidable, grandiose, imposing, lofty, majestic; cavernous, monolithic, overwhelming, staggering, stupendous, towering; boundless, cosmic, immeasurable, infinite
Antonyms
diminutive, microscopic, minute, teeny, tiny, wee

huge·ly adverb
: to a great extent or degree

Synonyms
broadly, considerably, greatly, largely, massively, monstrously, much, sizably, stupendously, tremendously, utterly, vastly—more at GREATLY

huge·ness noun
: the quality or state of being huge

Synonyms
enormity, immensity, magnitude, massiveness, vastness—more at IMMENSITY

1hugger–mugger noun
1 : SECRECY
2 : CONFUSION, MUDDLE

2hugger–mugger adjective
1 : kept from knowledge or view
2 : of a confused or disorderly nature

Synonyms
[1] clandestine, covert, furtive, private, secret, sneak, sneaky, stealthy, surreptitious, undercover, underground, underhanded—more at SECRET
[2] chaotic, disheveled, disordered, disorderly, higgledy-piggledy, messy, pell-mell, topsy-turvy, unkempt, untidy

Hu·gue·not noun
: a French Protestant of the 16th and 17th centuries

hu·la noun
: a sinuous Polynesian dance usu. accompanied by chants

hulk noun
1 : a heavy clumsy ship
2 : an old ship unfit for service
3 : a bulky or unwieldy person or thing

Synonyms
clod, gawk, lout, lubber, lug, oaf—more at OAF

hulk·ing adjective
: BURLY, MASSIVE

1hull noun
1 : the outer covering of a fruit or seed
2 : the frame or body esp. of a ship or boat

2hull verb
: to remove the hulls of

— hull·er noun

Synonyms
bark, flay, husk, peel, shell, skin—more at PEEL

hul·la·ba·loo noun, plural -loos
: a confused noise : UPROAR

Synonyms
clamor, howl, hubbub, hue and cry, noise, outcry, roar, tumult, uproar—more at CLAMOR

hul·lo chiefly British variant of HELLO

1hum verb hummed; hum·ming
1 : to utter a sound like that of the speech sound m prolonged
2 : to make the natural noise of an insect in motion or a similar sound : DRONE
3 : to be busily active
4 : to run smoothly
5 : to sing with closed lips

Synonyms
buzz, drone, whir, whish, whiz, zip, zoom—more at WHIR

2hum noun
: the act of humming or the sound made by humming

Synonyms
buzz, drone, purr, whir, whiz, zoom; also coo, babble, gurgle, hiss, moan, murmur, rustle, sigh, whisper; whish, zing, zip

1human adjective
1 : of, relating to, being, or characteristic of humans
2 : having human form or attributes

— hu·man·ly adverb

— hu·man·ness noun

2human noun
: any of a species of bipedal primate mammals comprising all living persons and their recent ancestors; also : HOMINID

Synonyms
being, body, creature, individual, life, man, mortal, person, soul

hu·mane adjective
1 : marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for others
2 : HUMANISTIC

— hu·mane·ly adverb

— hu·mane·ness noun

Synonyms
beneficent, benevolent, compassionate, good-hearted, kind, kindly, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warmhearted; also attentive, considerate, thoughtful; affable, benign, cordial, friendly, gentle, good, good-natured, good-tempered, gracious, mild, nice, pleasant; clement, forbearing, forgiving, lenient, merciful, soft; patient, pitying, tolerant, understanding; altruistic, brotherly, charitable, generous, greathearted, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic, unselfish, unsparing
Antonyms
barbarous, bestial, brutal, brutish, callous, cold-blooded, cruel, heartless, inhuman, inhumane, insensate, savage, unfeeling, unkind, unkindly, unsympathetic

human immunodeficiency virus noun
: HIV

hu·man·ism noun
1 : devotion to the humanities; also : the revival of classical letters characteristic of the Renaissance
2 : a doctrine or way of life centered on human interests or values

— hu·man·ist noun or adjective

— hu·man·is·tic adjective

1humanitarian noun
: one who practices philanthropy

— hu·man·i·tar·i·an·ism noun

2humanitarian adjective
: concerned for or active in the promotion of human welfare

Synonyms
altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, charitable, philanthropic—more at CHARITABLE

hu·man·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being human or humane
2 plural : the branches of learning dealing with human concerns (as philosophy) as opposed to natural processes (as physics)
3 : the human race

Synonyms
[1] charity, commiseration, compassion, feeling, heart, kindliness, kindness, mercy, pity, sympathy—more at HEART
[3] folks, humankind, people, persons, public, society, world—more at PEOPLE

hu·man·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to make human or humane

— hu·man·iza·tion noun

— hu·man·iz·er noun

hu·man·kind noun
: the human race

Synonyms
Homo sapiens, humanity, man, mankind—more at MANKIND

hu·man·oid adjective
: having human form or characteristics

— humanoid noun

human pap·il·lo·ma·virus noun
: any of numerous DNA-containing viruses that cause various human warts

1humble adjective hum·bler ; hum·blest
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L humilis low, humble, fr. humus earth]

1 : not proud or haughty
2 : not pretentious : UNASSUMING
3 : ranking low in a hierarchy or scale

Synonyms
[2] demure, lowly, meek, modest, retiring, unassuming, unpretentious; also acquiescent, compliant, deferential, resigned, submissive, unaggressive, unassertive, yielding; cowering, cringing, shrinking; ingenuous, naive, plain, simple, unaffected; bashful, diffident, mousy, overmodest, passive, quiet, reserved, shy, subdued, timid, unobtrusive
Antonyms
arrogant, conceited, presumptuous, proud, self-important
[3] common, ignoble, inferior, low, lowly, mean, plebeian, vulgar—more at IGNOBLE

2humble verb hum·bled; hum·bling
1 : to make humble
2 : to destroy the power or prestige of

— hum·bler noun

Synonyms
abase, debase, degrade, demean, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humiliate, lower, shame, smirch, take down; also abash, discomfit, discountenance, embarrass, fluster, mortify; belittle, castigate, criticize, decry, depreciate, detract, disparage, minimize, put down, ridicule; bad-mouth, defame, defile, libel, malign, slander; affront, insult; censure, condemn, damn, denounce, reprobate
Antonyms
aggrandize, elevate, exalt

hum·ble·ness noun
: the quality or state of being humble

Synonyms
humility, lowliness, meekness, modesty—more at HUMILITY

hum·bly adverb
: in a humble manner

Synonyms
lowly, meekly, modestly, sheepishly

1humbug noun
1 : something designed to deceive and mislead : HOAX
2 : language, conduct, or an idea that is absurd or contrary to good sense : NONSENSE
3 : a willfully false, deceptive, or insincere person

Synonyms
[1] counterfeit, fake, forgery, hoax, phony, sham—more at FAKE
[2] bunk, claptrap, drivel, fiddlesticks, folly, foolishness, fudge, hogwash, nonsense, piffle, rot, silliness, slush, stupidity, trash—more at NONSENSE
[3] charlatan, fake, fraud, hoaxer, mountebank, phony, pretender, quack

2humbug verb hum·bugged; hum·bug·ging
: to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid : DECEIVE

Synonyms
beguile, bluff, cozen, deceive, delude, dupe, fool, gull, have, hoax, hoodwink, misinform, mislead, string along, take in, trick—more at DECEIVE

hum·ding·er noun
: a person or thing of striking excellence

hum·drum adjective
: tediously uniform or unvarying : MONOTONOUS, DULL

— humdrum noun

Synonyms
drab, dull, flat, monotonous, ponderous, stuffy, uninteresting

hu·mer·us noun, plural hu·meri
: the long bone extending from shoulder to elbow

hu·mid adjective
: containing or characterized by perceptible moisture

— hu·mid·ly adverb

Synonyms
muggy, sticky, sultry; also summery, sweltering, torrid; subtropical, tropic, tropical; close, heavy, oppressive, smothering, stifling, stuffy, suffocating; clammy, damp, dank, moist; drenched, dripping, soaked, sodden, soggy, sopping, waterlogged, wet
Antonyms
dry

hu·mid·i·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to make humid

— hu·mid·i·fi·ca·tion noun

— hu·mid·i·fi·er noun

hu·mid·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: the amount of atmospheric moisture

hu·mi·dor noun
: a case (as for storing cigars) in which the air is kept properly humidified

hu·mil·i·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to injure the self-respect of

— hu·mil·i·at·ing·ly adverb

— hu·mil·i·a·tion noun

Synonyms
abase, debase, degrade, demean, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, lower, shame, smirch, take down—more at HUMBLE

hu·mil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being humble

Synonyms
humbleness, lowliness, meekness, modesty; also acquiescence, compliance, deference, submission; ingenuousness, naïveté; directness, plainness, simpleness; bashfulness, diffidence, passivity, quietness, reserve, reservedness, shyness, timidity
Antonyms
arrogance, conceit, egoism, egotism, haughtiness, pretense, pretension, pretentiousness, pride, superiority

hum·mer noun
: one that hums

hum·ming·bird noun
: any of a family of tiny brightly colored American birds related to the swifts

hum·mock noun
: a rounded mound : KNOLL

— hum·mocky adjective

hum·mus noun
[ORIGIN: Ar ḥummuṣ chickpeas]

: a paste of pureed chickpeas usu. mixed with sesame oil or paste

hu·mon·gous adjective
[ORIGIN: perh. alter. of huge + monstrous]

: extremely large

1humor noun
1 : TEMPERAMENT
2 : a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion : MOOD
3 : WHIM
4 : a quality that appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or incongruous; also : a keen perception of the ludicrous or incongruous
5 : comical or amusing entertainment

Synonyms
[2] cheer, frame, mode, mood, spirit, temper—more at MOOD
[5] comedy, farce, slapstick—more at COMEDY

2humor verb
: to comply with the wishes or mood of

Synonyms
cater, gratify, indulge—more at INDULGE

hu·mor·ist noun
: a person specializing in or noted for humor

Synonyms
card, comedian, comic, jester, joker, wag, wit; also comedienne, entertainer; cut up, kidder, practical joker, prankster; clown, buffoon, fool, harlequin, zany; caricaturist, satirist

hu·mor·less adjective
1 : lacking a sense of humor
2 : lacking humorous characteristics

— hu·mor·less·ly adverb

— hu·mor·less·ness noun

Synonyms
earnest, grave, serious, severe, sober, solemn, staid, unsmiling, weighty—more at SERIOUS

hu·mor·ous adjective
1 : full of or characterized by humor
2 : indicating or expressive of a sense of humor

— hu·mor·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] antic, comic, comical, droll, farcical, funny, hilarious, hysterical, laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous, riotous, risible, screaming, uproarious—more at FUNNY
[2] clever, facetious, jocular, smart, witty—more at WITTY

hu·mor·ous·ness noun
: the quality or state of being humorous

hu·mour chiefly British variant of HUMOR

hump noun
1 : a rounded protuberance (as on the back of a camel)
2 : a difficult phase or obstacle <over the ~>

— humped adjective

hump·back noun
1 : HUNCHBACK
2 : HUMPBACK WHALE

— hump·backed adjective

humpback whale noun
: a large baleen whale having very long flippers

hu·mus noun
: the dark organic part of soil formed from decaying matter

Hun noun
: a member of an Asian people that invaded Europe about A.D. 450

1hunch verb
1 : to thrust oneself forward
2 : to assume or cause to assume a bent or crooked posture

Synonyms
crouch, huddle, squat—more at CROUCH

2hunch noun
1 : PUSH
2 : a strong intuitive feeling about what will happen

hunch·back noun
: a person with a crooked back; also : a back with a hump

— hunch·backed adjective

hun·dred noun, plural hundreds or hundred
: 10 times 10

— hundred adjective

— hun·dredth adjective or noun

hun·dred·weight noun, plural hundredweight or hundredweights
: a unit of measurement typically equal to 100 pounds

1hung past and past participle of HANG

2hung adjective
: unable to reach a decision or verdict <a ~ jury>

Hung abbreviation
Hungarian; Hungary

Hun·gar·i·an noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Hungary
2 : the language of the Hungarians

— Hungarian adjective

1hunger noun
1 : a craving or urgent need for food
2 : a strong desire

Synonyms
appetite, craving, desire, drive, hankering, itch, longing, lust, passion, thirst, urge, yearning, yen—more at DESIRE
appetite, ardor, avidity, eagerness, enthusiasm, excitement, impatience, keenness, thirst—more at EAGERNESS

2hunger verb
1 : to feel or suffer hunger
2 : to have an eager desire

Synonyms
ache, die, hanker, itch, long, pant, pine, sigh, thirst, yearn
usually hunger for ache, covet, crave, desire, die, hanker, long, lust, pant, pine, repine, thirst, want, wish, yearn—more at DESIRE

hung·over adjective
: having a hangover

hun·gry adjective
1 : feeling hunger
2 : marked by enthusiastic or impatient desire or interest

— hun·gri·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] empty, famished; also rapacious, ravenous, voracious, wolfish; malnourished, undernourished, underfed; gluttonous, gormandizing, greedy, hoggish, insatiable, piggish
Antonyms
full, satisfied
[2] agog, anxious, ardent, athirst, avid, crazy, eager, enthusiastic, gung ho, hot, keen, nuts, raring, solicitous, thirsty, voracious—more at EAGER

hung up adjective
1 : DELAYED
2 : ENTHUSIASTIC; also : PREOCCUPIED
3 : anxiously nervous

hunk noun
1 : a large piece
2 : an attractive well-built man

— hunky adjective

Synonyms
blob, chunk, clod, clump, glob, gob, lump, nub, wad—more at LUMP

hun·ker verb
1 : CROUCH, SQUAT — usu. used with down
2 : to settle in for a sustained period — used with down

hun·ky–do·ry adjective
: quite satisfactory : FINE

1hunt verb
1 : to pursue for food or in sport; also : to take part in a hunt
2 : to try to find : SEEK
3 : to drive or chase esp. by harrying
4 : to traverse or go over in search of prey or quarry
5 : to find, uncover, or obtain after diligent search — used with through, up, or down

— hunt·er noun

Synonyms
[2] cast about, forage, pursue, quest, search, seek—more at SEEK
usually hunt through [5] dig, dredge, rake, ransack, rifle, rummage, scour, search—more at SEARCH
usually hunt down or hunt up [5] ascertain, descry, detect, determine, dig, discover, find, find out, get, hit, learn, locate, run down, scout, track—more at FIND

2hunt noun
: an act, practice, or instance of hunting

Hun·ting·ton's disease noun
: a chorea that usu. begins in middle age and leads to dementia

hunt·ress noun
: a woman who hunts game

hunts·man noun
1 : HUNTER
2 : a person who manages a hunt and looks after the hounds

hur·dle noun
1 : a barrier to leap over in a race
2 : something that impedes progress or achievement : OBSTACLE

— hurdle verb

— hur·dler noun

hur·dy–gur·dy noun, plural -gur·dies
: a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by turning a crank

hurl verb
1 : to move or cause to move vigorously
2 : to throw down with violence
3 a : to throw forcefully : FLING
b : to throw (a baseball) to a batter : PITCH

— hurl noun

— hurl·er noun

Synonyms
cast, catapult, chuck, dash, fire, fling, heave, hurtle, launch, peg, pelt, pitch, sling, throw, toss—more at THROW

hur·ly–bur·ly noun
: a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance : UPROAR

Hu·ron noun, plural Hurons or Huron
: a member of a confederacy of American Indian peoples formerly living between Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario

hur·rah also hur·ray interjection
— used to express joy, approval, or encouragement

hur·ri·cane noun
[ORIGIN: Sp huracán, of AmerInd origin]

: a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles (118 kilometers) per hour or greater that is usu. accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning

hur·ried·ly adverb
: in a hurried manner

Synonyms
cursorily, hastily, headlong, pell-mell, precipitately, rashly—more at HASTILY

1hurry verb hur·ried; hur·ry·ing
1 : to carry or cause to go with haste
2 : to impel to a greater speed
3 : to move or act with haste

— hur·ried·ness noun

Synonyms
[1,3] accelerate, hasten, quicken, rush, speed, step up, whisk; also drive, goad, prod, propel, push, race, spur, stir, urge; advance, aid, dispatch, ease, encourage, expedite, facilitate, forward, further
Antonyms
decelerate, retard, slow (down)
[3] course, dash, fly, hasten, hurtle, hustle, pelt, race, rocket, run, rush, shoot, speed, step, tear, zip, zoom; also dart, flit, scamper, scud, scuffle; stampede, streak, whiz; gallop, jog, sprint; accelerate, quicken; catch up, fast-forward, outrun, outstrip, overtake
Antonyms
crawl, creep, poke

2hurry noun
: extreme haste or eagerness

Synonyms
celerity, fastness, fleetness, haste, quickness, rapidity, speed, swiftness, velocity—more at SPEED
haste, hustle, precipitation, rush; also bustle, flurry, flutter, scurry, scuttle, stir, whirl; beeline, dash, scramble, stampede; hotheadedness, impetuosity, impulsiveness, rashness; fleetness, quickness, rapidity, speed, swiftness; celerity, dispatch, promptness
Antonyms
deliberateness, deliberation

1hurt verb hurt; hurt·ing
1 : to feel or cause to feel physical or emotional pain
2 : to do harm to : DAMAGE
3 : OFFEND
4 : HAMPER
5 : to be in need — usu. used with for

— hurt adjective

Synonyms
[1] agonize, bleed, feel, grieve, mourn, sorrow, suffer—more at GRIEVE
[1] ache, pain, smart; also bleed, bite, burn, chafe, cramp, fester, itch, nag, pinch, pound, rack, sting, swell, throb, tingle, twinge; agonize, suffer
[2] damage, harm, injure, wound—more at INJURE
[2] blemish, break, cripple, damage, deface, disfigure, flaw, harm, injure, mar, spoil, vitiate—more at DAMAGE

2hurt noun
1 : a bodily injury or wound
2 : SUFFERING
3 : physical or mental damage : HARM

Synonyms
damage, detriment, harm, injury—more at INJURY

hurt·ful adjective
: causing injury, detriment, or suffering

— hurt·ful·ness noun

Synonyms
adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, damaging, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, ill, injurious, mischievous, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial—more at HARMFUL

hur·tle verb hur·tled; hur·tling
1 : to move rapidly or forcefully
2 : to throw forcefully : HURL, FLING

Synonyms
dash, fly, hasten, hurry, rocket, run, rush, speed, tear, zip, zoom—more at HURRY

1husband noun
[ORIGIN: ME husbonde, fr. OE hūsbonda master of a house, fr. ON hūsbōndi, fr. hūs house + bōndi householder]

: a male partner in a marriage

2husband verb
: to manage prudently

hus·band·man noun
: FARMER

hus·band·ry noun
1 : the control or judicious use of resources
2 : AGRICULTURE
3 : the production and care of domestic animals

Synonyms
economy, frugality, providence, thrift—more at ECONOMY

1hush verb
1 : to make or become quiet or calm
2 : SUPPRESS

Synonyms
calm, cool, quiet, settle—more at QUIET
mute, quell, settle, silence, still—more at SILENCE

hushed adjective
1 : free of noise or agitation
2 : marked by secrecy or caution

Synonyms
[1] calm, halcyon, peaceful, placid, quiet, serene, still, tranquil, untroubled—more at CALM
[1] muted, noiseless, quiet, silent, soundless, still—more at SILENT
[2] confidential, inside, intimate, private, secret—more at PRIVATE

2hush noun
: a silence or calm esp. following noise

Synonyms
calm, calmness, peace, placidity, quiet, quietness, repose, serenity, still, stillness, tranquillity—more at CALM

hush–hush adjective
: SECRET, CONFIDENTIAL

1husk noun
1 : a usu. thin dry outer covering of a seed or fruit
2 : an outer layer : SHELL

Synonyms
armor, capsule, case, casing, cocoon, cover, housing, jacket, pod, sheath, shell—more at CASE

2husk verb
: to strip the husk from

— husk·er noun

Synonyms
bark, flay, hull, peel, shell, skin

1husky adjective hus·ki·er; -est
: hoarse with or as if with emotion

— hus·ki·ly adverb

— hus·ki·ness noun

Synonyms
coarse, gravelly, gruff, hoarse, scratchy, throaty—more at HOARSE

2husky adjective
1 : strongly formed or constructed : BURLY
2 : LARGE

Synonyms
beefy, brawny, burly; also able-bodied, athletic, heavy, hefty, herculean, mighty, muscle-bound, muscular, powerful, robust, rugged, stalwart, strapping, strong, sturdy; chunky, compact, heavyset, solid, squat, stocky, thickset; dumpy, lumpish, portly, pudgy, stout

3husky noun, plural huskies
: a heavy-coated working dog of the New World arctic region

hus·sar noun
[ORIGIN: Hung huszár]

: a member of any of various European cavalry units

hus·sy noun, plural hussies
[ORIGIN: alter. of housewife]

1 : a lewd or brazen woman
2 : a pert or mischievous girl

hus·tings noun plural
: a place where political campaign speeches are made; also : the proceedings in an election campaign

1hustle verb hus·tled; hus·tling
1 : JOSTLE, SHOVE
2 : to move or act quickly : HASTEN, HURRY
3 : to work energetically
4 : to sell something to or obtain something from by energetic and esp. underhanded activity

Synonyms
bleed, cheat, chisel, cozen, defraud, fleece, gyp, mulct, rook, shortchange, skin, squeeze, stick, sting, swindle, victimize—more at FLEECE

2hustle noun
1 : energetic activity
2 : an act or instance of fraud

Synonyms
[1] haste, hurry, precipitation, rush—more at HURRY
[2] racket, swindle

hus·tler noun
: one that hustles

Synonyms
go-getter, live wire, powerhouse, self-starter—more at GO-GETTER

hut noun
: an often small and temporary dwelling of simple construction : SHACK

Synonyms
cabin, camp, hutch, shack, shanty—more at SHACK

hutch noun
1 : a chest or compartment for storage
2 : a cupboard usu. surmounted with open shelves
3 : a pen or coop for an animal
4 : a small and often temporary dwelling : HUT

Synonyms
buffet, cabinet, closet, cupboard, locker, sideboard—more at CABINET

huz·zah or huz·za noun
: a shout of acclaim — often used interjectionally to express joy or approbation

HV abbreviation
1 high velocity
2 high voltage

HVAC abbreviation
heating, ventilating and air-conditioning

hvy abbreviation
heavy

HW abbreviation
hot water

hwy abbreviation
highway

hy·a·cinth noun
: a bulbous Mediterranean herb related to the lilies that is widely grown for its spikes of fragrant bell-shaped flowers

1hybrid noun
1 : an offspring of genetically differing parents (as members of different breeds or species)
2 : one of mixed origin or composition

— hy·brid·i·za·tion noun

— hy·brid·ize verb

— hy·brid·iz·er noun

Synonyms
cross, mongrel

2hybrid adjective
: of, relating to, or being a hybrid

Synonyms
mixed, mongrel—more at MIXED

hy·dra noun
: any of numerous small tubular freshwater coelenterates that are polyps having at one end a mouth surrounded by tentacles

hy·dran·gea noun
: any of a genus of shrubs related to the currants and grown for their showy clusters of white or tinted flowers

hy·drant noun
: a pipe with a valve and spout at which water may be drawn from a main pipe

hy·drate noun
: a compound formed by union of water with some other substance

— hydrate verb

hy·drau·lic adjective
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. Gk hydraulis pipe organ using water pressure, fr. hydōr water + aulos reed instrument]

1 : operated, moved, or effected by means of water
2 : of or relating to hydraulics
3 : operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a quantity of liquid is forced through a small orifice or through a tube
4 : hardening or setting under water

hy·drau·lics noun
: a science that deals with practical applications of liquid (as water) in motion

hydro noun
: HYDROPOWER

hy·dro·car·bon noun
: an organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen

hy·dro·ceph·a·lus noun
: abnormal increase in the amount of fluid in the cranial cavity accompanied by enlargement of the skull and atrophy of the brain

hy·dro·chlo·ric acid noun
: a sharp-smelling corrosive acid used in the laboratory and in industry and present in dilute form in gastric juice

hy·dro·dy·nam·ics noun
: a science that deals with the motion of fluids and the forces acting on moving bodies immersed in fluids

— hy·dro·dy·nam·ic adjective

hy·dro·elec·tric adjective
: of or relating to production of electricity by waterpower

— hy·dro·elec·tric·i·ty noun

hy·dro·foil noun
: a boat that has fins attached to the bottom by struts for lifting the hull clear of the water to allow faster speeds

hy·dro·gen noun
[ORIGIN: F hydrogène, fr. Gk hydōr water + -genēs born; fr. the fact that water is generated by its combustion]

: a gaseous colorless odorless highly flammable chemical element that is the lightest of the elements

— hy·drog·e·nous adjective

hy·dro·ge·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to combine or treat with hydrogen; especially : to add hydrogen to the molecule of

— hy·dro·ge·na·tion noun

hydrogen bomb noun
: a bomb whose violent explosive power is due to the sudden release of atomic energy resulting from the fusion of light nuclei (as of hydrogen atoms)

hydrogen peroxide noun
: an unstable compound of hydrogen and oxygen used esp. as an oxidizing and bleaching agent, an antiseptic, and a propellant

hy·dro·graph·ic adjective
: of or relating to the description and study of bodies of water

— hy·drog·ra·pher noun

— hy·drog·ra·phy noun

hy·drol·o·gy noun
: a science dealing with the properties, distribution, and circulation of water

— hy·dro·log·ic or hy·dro·log·i·cal adjective

— hy·drol·o·gist noun

hy·dro·ly·sis noun
: a chemical decomposition involving the addition of the elements of water

hy·drom·e·ter noun
: a floating instrument for determining specific gravities of liquids and hence the strength (as of alcoholic liquors)

hy·dro·pho·bia noun
[ORIGIN: LL, fr. Gk, fr. hydōr water + phobos fear]

: RABIES

hy·dro·phone noun
: an underwater listening device

1hydroplane noun
1 : a powerboat designed for racing that skims the surface of the water
2 : SEAPLANE

2hydroplane verb
: to skid on a wet road due to loss of contact between the tires and road

hy·dro·pon·ics noun
: the growing of plants in nutrient solutions

— hy·dro·pon·ic adjective

hy·dro·pow·er noun
: hydroelectric power

hy·dro·sphere noun
: the water (as vapor or lakes) of the earth

hy·dro·stat·ic adjective
: of or relating to fluids at rest or to the pressures they exert or transmit

hy·dro·ther·a·py noun
: the use of water esp. externally in the treatment of disease or disability

hy·dro·ther·mal adjective
: of or relating to hot water

hy·drous adjective
: containing water

hy·drox·ide noun
1 : a negatively charged ion consisting of one atom of oxygen and one atom of hydrogen
2 : a compound of hydroxide with an element or group

hy·e·na noun
[ORIGIN: ME hyene, fr. L hyaena, fr. Gk hyaina, fr. hys hog]

: any of several large doglike carnivorous mammals of Asia and Africa

hy·giene noun
1 : a science concerned with establishing and maintaining good health
2 : conditions or practices conducive to health

— hy·gien·i·cal·ly adverb

— hy·gien·ist noun

hy·gien·ic adjective
: having or showing good hygiene

Synonyms
aseptic, sanitary, sterile—more at SANITARY

hy·grom·e·ter noun
: any of several instruments for measuring the humidity of the atmosphere

hy·gro·scop·ic adjective
: readily taking up and retaining moisture

hying present participle of HIE

hy·men noun
: a fold of mucous membrane partly closing the opening of the vagina

hy·me·ne·al adjective
: NUPTIAL

hymn noun
: a song of praise esp. to God

— hymn verb

Synonyms
anthem, canticle, carol, chorale, psalm, spiritual; also dirge, lament, requiem, threnody; hallelujah, paean; mass, oratorio; processional, recessional

hym·nal noun
: a book of hymns

hyp abbreviation
hypothesis; hypothetical

1hype verb hyped; hyp·ing
1 : STIMULATE — usu. used with up
2 : INCREASE

— hyped–up adjective

2hype verb hyped; hyping
1 : DECEIVE
2 : PUBLICIZE

3hype noun
1 : DECEPTION, PUT-ON
2 : PUBLICITY

hy·per adjective
1 : HIGH-STRUNG, EXCITABLE
2 : extremely active

hy·per·acid·i·ty noun
: the condition of containing excessive acid esp. in the stomach

— hy·per·ac·id adjective

hy·per·ac·tive adjective
: excessively or pathologically active

— hy·per·ac·tiv·i·ty noun

hy·per·bar·ic adjective
: of, relating to, or utilizing greater than normal pressure (as of oxygen)

hy·per·bo·la noun, plural -las or -lae
: a curve formed by the intersection of a double right circular cone with a plane that cuts both halves of the cone

— hy·per·bol·ic adjective

hy·per·bo·le noun
: extravagant exaggeration used as a figure of speech

Synonyms
caricature, elaboration, embellishment, exaggeration, magnification, overstatement, padding—more at EXAGGERATION

hy·per·crit·i·cal adjective
: excessively critical

— hy·per·crit·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
captious, carping, critical, overcritical—more at CRITICAL

hy·per·drive noun
: a state of extremely heightened activity

hy·per·ex·tend verb
: to extend beyond the normal range of motion

— hy·per·ex·ten·sion noun

hy·per·gly·ce·mia noun
: excess of sugar in the blood

— hy·per·gly·ce·mic adjective

hy·per·ki·net·ic adjective
: characterized by fast-paced or frenetic activity

hy·per·link noun
: a connecting element (as highlighted text) between one place in a hypertext or hypermedia document and another

hy·per·me·dia noun
: a database format offering direct access to text, sound, or images related to that on display

hy·per·opia noun
: a condition in which visual images come to focus behind the retina resulting esp. in defective vision for near objects

— hy·per·opic adjective

hy·per·sen·si·tive adjective
1 : excessively or abnormally sensitive
2 : abnormally susceptible physiologically to a specific agent (as a drug)

— hy·per·sen·si·tive·ness noun

— hy·per·sen·si·tiv·i·ty noun

hy·per·ten·sion noun
: high blood pressure

— hy·per·ten·sive adjective or noun

hy·per·text noun
: a database format in which information related to that on display can be accessed directly from the display

hy·per·thy·roid·ism noun
: excessive activity of the thyroid gland; also : the resulting bodily condition

— hy·per·thy·roid adjective

hy·per·tro·phy noun, plural -phies
: excessive development of a body part

— hy·per·tro·phic adjective

— hypertrophy verb

hy·per·ven·ti·late verb
: to breathe rapidly and deeply esp. to the point of losing an abnormal amount of carbon dioxide from the blood

— hy·per·ven·ti·la·tion noun

hy·phen noun
: a punctuation mark - used esp. to divide or to compound words or word parts

— hyphen verb

hy·phen·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to connect or divide with a hyphen

— hy·phen·ation noun

hyp·no·sis noun, plural -no·ses
: an induced state that resembles sleep and in which the subject is responsive to suggestions of the inducer (hyp*no*tist)

— hyp·no·tism noun

1hypnotic adjective
1 : inducing sleep
2 : of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism
3 : readily holding the attention

— hyp·not·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
drowsy, narcotic, opiate, slumberous; also depressant, relaxant, sedative, tranquilizing; calming, lulling, quieting, relaxing, restful, settling, soothing; analgesic, anesthetic, benumbing, deadening, dulling; mesmerizing, stupefying
Antonyms
stimulant

2hypnotic noun
: a sleep-inducing drug

hyp·no·tize verb
1 : to induce hypnosis in
2 : to dazzle or overcome by or as if by suggestion

— hyp·no·tiz·able adjective

Synonyms
arrest, enchant, enthrall, fascinate, grip, mesmerize—more at ENTHRALL

hy·po noun, plural hypos
: SODIUM THIOSULFATE

hy·po·al·ler·gen·ic adjective
: having little likelihood of causing an allergic response

hy·po·cen·ter noun
: the point of origin of an earthquake

hy·po·chon·dria noun
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. LL, pl., upper abdomen (formerly regarded as the seat of hypochondria), fr. Gk, lit., the parts under the cartilage (of the breastbone), fr. hypo- under + chondros cartilage]

: depression of mind often centered on imaginary physical ailments

— hy·po·chon·dri·ac adjective or noun

hy·poc·ri·sy noun, plural -sies
: a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion

Synonyms
cant, dissimulation, insincerity, piety; also deception, deceptiveness, dishonesty, falsity, pretense, pretension, pretentiousness, self-satisfaction; duplicity, falseness, shamming; artificiality, oiliness, smoothness
Antonyms
genuineness, sincerity

hyp·o·crit·i·cal adjective
: characterized by hypocrisy; also : being a hypocrite

— hyp·o·crite noun

— hyp·o·crit·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
artificial, double-dealing, feigned, insincere, left-handed, mealy, mealymouthed, two-faced, unctuous—more at INSINCERE

1hypodermic adjective
: administered by or used in making an injection beneath the skin

2hypodermic noun
: a small syringe with a hollow needle for injecting material into or through the skin : HYPODERMIC SYRINGE; also : an injection made with this

hypodermic needle noun
1 : NEEDLE 3
2 : a small syringe with a hollow needle for injecting material into or through the skin : HYPODERMIC SYRINGE

hypodermic syringe noun
: a small syringe with a hollow needle for injecting material into or through the skin

Synonyms
needle, syringe—more at NEEDLE

hy·po·gly·ce·mia noun
: abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood

— hy·po·gly·ce·mic adjective

hy·pot·e·nuse noun
: the side of a triangle having a right angle that is opposite the right angle; also : its length

hy·po·thal·a·mus noun
: a part of the brain that lies beneath the thalamus and is a control center for the autonomic nervous system

hy·poth·e·sis noun, plural -e·ses
: an assumption made esp. in order to test its logical or empirical consequences

Synonyms
conjecture, proposition, supposition, theory—more at THEORY

hy·poth·e·size verb -sized; -siz·ing
: to adopt as a hypothesis

hy·po·thet·i·cal adjective
: being or involving a hypothesis

— hy·po·thet·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
conjectural, speculative, theoretical—more at THEORETICAL

hy·po·thy·roid·ism noun
: deficient activity of the thyroid gland; also : a resultant lowered metabolic rate and general loss of vigor

— hy·po·thy·roid adjective

hys·sop noun
: a European mint sometimes used as a potherb

hys·ter·ec·to·my noun, plural -mies
: surgical removal of the uterus

hys·te·ria noun
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. E hysteric, adj., fr. L hystericus, fr. Gk hysterikos, fr. hystera womb; fr. the Greek notion that hysteria was peculiar to women and caused by disturbances in the uterus]

1 : a nervous disorder marked esp. by defective emotional control
2 : unmanageable fear or outburst of emotion

— hys·ter·ic noun

— hys·ter·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
agitation, delirium, distraction, frenzy, furor, fury, rage, rampage, uproar—more at FRENZY

hys·ter·i·cal also hysteric adjective
1 : of, relating to, or marked by hysteria
2 : exhibiting unrestrained emotionalism

Synonyms
agitated, delirious, distraught, frantic, frenzied—more at FRANTIC

hys·ter·ics noun plural
: a fit of uncontrollable laughter or crying

Hz abbreviation
hertz

I

1i noun, plural i's or is often cap
: the 9th letter of the English alphabet

2i abbreviation, often cap
island; isle

3i symbol
imaginary unit

1I pronoun
: the one speaking or writing

2I abbreviation
interstate

3I symbol
iodine

Ia or IA abbreviation
Iowa

-ial adjective suffix
: 1-AL <manorial>

iamb or iam·bus noun, plural iambs or iam·bus·es
: a metrical foot of one unaccented syllable followed by one accented syllable

— iam·bic adjective or noun

-i·at·ric also -i·at·ri·cal adjective combining form
: of or relating to (such) medical treatment or healing <pediatric>

-i·at·rics noun plural combining form
: medical treatment <pediatrics>

ib or ibid abbreviation
ibidem

ibex noun, plural ibex or ibex·es
[ORIGIN: L]

: any of several Old World wild goats with large curved horns

ibi·dem adverb
[ORIGIN: L]

: in the same place

ibis noun, plural ibis or ibis·es
[ORIGIN: L, fr. Gk, fr. Egypt hbw]

: any of various wading birds related to the herons but having a downwardly curved bill

ibu·pro·fen noun
: a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain and fever

IC noun
: INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

1-ic adjective suffix
1 : of, relating to, or having the form of : being <panoramic>
2 : related to, derived from, or containing <alcoholic>
3 : in the manner of : like that of : characteristic of
4 : associated or dealing with : utilizing <electronic>
5 : characterized by : exhibiting <nostalgic> : affected with <allergic>
6 : caused by
7 : tending to produce <analgesic>

2-ic noun suffix
: one having the character or nature of : one belonging to or associated with : one exhibiting or affected by : one that produces

-i·cal adjective suffix
: -IC <symmetrical> <geological>

— -i·cal·ly adverb suffix

ICBM noun, plural ICBM's or ICBMs
: an intercontinental ballistic missile

ICC abbreviation
Interstate Commerce Commission

1ice noun
1 : frozen water
2 : a substance resembling ice
3 : a state of coldness (as from formality or reserve)
4 : a flavored frozen dessert; especially : one containing no milk or cream

2ice verb iced; ic·ing
1 : FREEZE
2 : CHILL
3 : to cover with or as if with icing

ice age noun
: a time of widespread glaciation

ice bag noun
: a waterproof bag to hold ice for local application of cold to the body

ice·berg noun
: a large floating mass of ice broken off from a glacier

iceberg lettuce noun
: any of various crisp light green lettuces that form a compact head like a cabbage

ice·boat noun
: a boatlike frame on runners propelled on ice by sails

ice·bound adjective
: surrounded, obstructed, or covered by ice

ice·box noun
: REFRIGERATOR

ice·break·er noun
: a ship equipped to make a channel through ice

ice cap noun
: a glacier forming on relatively level land and flowing outward from its center

ice cream noun
: a frozen food containing sweetened or flavored cream or butterfat

ice hockey noun
: a game in which two teams of ice-skating players try to shoot a puck into the opponent's goal

ice·house noun
: a building in which ice is made or stored

Ice·land·er noun
: a native or inhabitant of Iceland

1Icelandic adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Iceland, the Icelanders, or their language

2Icelandic noun
: the language of Iceland

ice·man noun
: one who sells or delivers ice

ice milk noun
: a sweetened frozen food made of skim milk

ice pick noun
: a hand tool ending in a spike for chipping ice

ice–skate verb
: to skate on ice

— ice–skater noun

ice storm noun
: a storm in which falling rain freezes on contact

ice water noun
: chilled or iced water esp. for drinking

ich·thy·ol·o·gy noun
: a branch of zoology dealing with fishes

— ich·thy·ol·o·gist noun

ici·cle noun
[ORIGIN: ME isikel, fr. is ice + ikel icicle, fr. OE gicel]

: a hanging mass of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water

ic·ing noun
: a sweet usu. creamy mixture used to coat baked goods

ICJ abbreviation
International Court of Justice

icky adjective ick·i·er; -est
: OFFENSIVE, DISTASTEFUL

— ick·i·ness noun

icon noun
1 : IMAGE; especially : a religious image painted on a wood panel
2 : a small picture on a computer display that suggests the purpose of an available function

icon·o·clasm noun
: the doctrine, practice, or attitude of an iconoclast

icon·o·clast noun
[ORIGIN: ML iconoclastes, fr. MGk eikonoklastēs, lit., image destroyer, fr. Gk eikōn image + klan to break]

1 : one who destroys religious images or opposes their veneration
2 : one who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions

-ics noun singular or plural suffix
1 : study : knowledge : skill : practice <linguistics> <electronics>
2 : characteristic actions or activities <acrobatics>
3 : characteristic qualities, operations, or phenomena <mechanics>

ic·tus noun
: the recurring stress or beat in a rhythmic or metrical series of sounds

ICU abbreviation
intensive care unit

icy adjective ic·i·er; -est
1 : covered with, abounding in, or consisting of ice
2 : intensely cold
3 : being cold and unfriendly

— ic·i·ly adverb

— ic·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] arctic, bitter, chill, cold, freezing, frigid, frosty, glacial, polar, raw, wintry—more at COLD
[3] chill, chilly, cold, cold-blooded, cool, frigid, frosty, glacial, unfriendly, unsympathetic, wintry—more at COLD

1id noun
[ORIGIN: L, it]

: the part of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that is completely unconscious and concerned with instinctual needs and drives

2id abbreviation
idem

1ID verb ID'd or IDed; ID'ing or IDing
: IDENTIFY

2ID abbreviation
1 Idaho
2 identification

idea noun
1 : a plan for action : DESIGN
2 : something (as a thought, concept, sensation, or image) present in the mind
3 : a central meaning or purpose

Synonyms
concept, image, impression, notion, picture, thought; also apprehension, premonition, presentiment; chimera, illusion, phantasm; caprice, conceit, fancy, freak, notion, vagary, whim; observation, perception, reflection; assumption, belief, conclusion, conviction; conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis, speculation, supposition, surmise, theory; brainstorm, inspiration

1ideal adjective
1 : existing only in the mind : IMAGINARY; also : lacking practicality
2 : of or relating to an ideal or to perfection : PERFECT

Synonyms
absolute, faultless, flawless, impeccable, letter-perfect, perfect, unblemished—more at PERFECT

2ideal noun
1 : a standard of excellence
2 : one regarded as a model worthy of imitation
3 : GOAL

Synonyms
[1] classic, epitome, exemplar, perfection, quintessence—more at QUINTESSENCE
[2] beau ideal, classic, exemplar, model, nonpareil, paragon; also role model; embodiment, epitome, incarnation, manifestation, personification; archetype, example, paradigm, pattern; guideline, principle, rule; gauge, standard, touchstone; essence, quintessence; acme, apex, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit, zenith

ide·al·ise British variant of IDEALIZE

ide·al·ism noun
: the practice of forming ideals or living under their influence; also : an idealized representation

— ide·al·is·tic adjective

— ide·al·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

ide·al·ist noun
: one guided by ideals; also : one that places ideals before practical considerations

Synonyms
dreamer, romantic, utopian, visionary; also sentimentalist; theorist; perfectionist; thinker
Antonyms
realist

ide·al·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to think of or represent as ideal

— ide·al·i·za·tion noun

Synonyms
dream, glamorize, glorify; also daydream, imagine, romance, theorize, vision; better, perfect

ide·al·ly adverb
1 : in idea or imagination : MENTALLY
2 : in agreement with an ideal : PERFECTLY

Synonyms
faultlessly, flawlessly, impeccably, perfectly—more at PERFECTLY

ide·a·tion noun
: the forming of ideas

— ide·ate verb

— ide·a·tion·al adjective

idem pronoun
[ORIGIN: L, same]

: the same as something previously mentioned

iden·ti·cal adjective
1 : being the same
2 : essentially alike

Synonyms
[1, 2] duplicate, equal, even, indistinguishable, same—more at SAME

iden·ti·fi·ca·tion noun
1 : an act of identifying : the state of being identified
2 : evidence of identity
3 : an unconscious psychological process by which an individual models thoughts, feelings, and actions after another person or an object

iden·ti·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to regard as identical
2 : to think of as united (as in spirit, outlook, or principle) : ASSOCIATE
3 : to establish the identity of
4 : to practice psychological identification

— iden·ti·fi·able adjective

— iden·ti·fi·ably adverb

— iden·ti·fi·er noun

Synonyms
[2] associate, connect, correlate, link, relate—more at ASSOCIATE
[3] distinguish, pinpoint, single; also diagnose; find, determine; locate, pick out, place, recognize, spot; check, examine, inspect, investigate, notice, observe, scrutinize; betray, disclose, discover, reveal

iden·ti·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : sameness of essential character
2 : the distinguishing character or personality of an individual : INDIVIDUALITY
3 : the fact of being the same person or thing as claimed

Synonyms
character, individuality, personality, self-identity—more at INDIVIDUALITY

identity crisis noun
: psychological conflict esp. in adolescence involving confusion about one's social role and one's personality

identity theft noun
: the illegal use of someone else's personal information to obtain money or credit

ideo·gram noun
1 : a picture or symbol used in a system of writing to represent a thing or an idea
2 : a character or symbol used in a system of writing to represent an entire word

ideo·logue also idea·logue noun
: a partisan advocate or adherent of a particular ideology

ide·ol·o·gy also ide·al·o·gy noun, plural -gies
1 : the body of ideas characteristic of a particular individual, group, or culture
2 : the assertions, theories, and aims that constitute a political, social, and economic program

— ide·o·log·i·cal adjective

— ide·ol·o·gist noun

Synonyms
creed, doctrine, gospel, philosophy—more at CREED

ides noun singular or plural
: the 15th day of March, May, July, or October or the 13th day of any other month in the ancient Roman calendar

id·i·o·cy noun, plural -cies
1 usually offensive : extreme mental retardation
2 : something notably stupid or foolish

Synonyms
absurdity, asininity, fatuity, folly, foolery, imbecility, inanity, insanity, lunacy, stupidity—more at FOLLY

id·i·om noun
1 : the language peculiar to a person or group
2 : the characteristic form or structure of a language
3 : an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words (as give way)

— id·i·o·mat·ic adjective

— id·i·o·mat·i·cal·ly adverb

id·i·o·path·ic adjective
: arising spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause <an ~ disease>

id·i·o·syn·cra·sy noun, plural -sies
: personal peculiarity

— id·i·o·syn·crat·ic adjective

— id·i·o·syn·crat·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
crotchet, eccentricity, mannerism, oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity, trick; also affectation, airs; attribute, characteristic, property, mark, trait; custom, habit, pattern, practice, way, wont; addiction; abnormality, perversion; disposition, genius, leaning, partiality; bent, inclination, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn; attitude, character, humor, identity, individuality, nature, personality, temperament

id·i·ot noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF ydiote, fr. L idiota ignorant person, fr. Gk idiōtēs one in a private station, layman, ignorant person, fr. idios one's own, private]

1 usually offensive : a person affected with extreme mental retardation
2 : a foolish or stupid person

— id·i·ot·ic adjective

— id·i·ot·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
blockhead, cretin, dodo, dolt, dope, dummy, imbecile, jackass, moron, nitwit, numskull, simpleton; also booby, fool, goose, loony, lunatic, madman, nut, zany; loser gawk; scatterbrain; beast, boor, cad, churl, clown, creep, cur, heel, jerk, skunk, snake, stinker, villain
Antonyms
brain, genius

id·i·ot·proof adjective
: extremely easy to operate or maintain

1idle adjective idler ; idlest
1 : GROUNDLESS, WORTHLESS, USELESS <~ talk>
2 : not occupied or employed : INACTIVE
3 : lacking in ambition or incentive : LAZY

— idly adverb

Synonyms
[2] dead, dormant, fallow, free, inactive, inert, inoperative, latent, off, vacant—more at INACTIVE
[3] indolent, lazy, shiftless, slothful—more at LAZY

2idle verb idled; idling
1 : to spend time doing nothing
2 : to make idle
3 : to run without being connected so that power is not used for useful work

Synonyms
dally, dawdle, dillydally, hang around, hang out, loaf, loll, lounge; also fiddle, fool, mess, monkey, play, potter, putter, trifle; estivate, hibernate; lag, loiter, linger, poke, relax, rest; amble, mosey, saunter, stroll; bum, furlough, goldbrick, malinger

idle·ness noun
: the quality or state of being idle (as through lack of worth, occupation, employment, industry)

Synonyms
indolence, inertia, laziness, sloth—more at LAZINESS
dormancy, inaction, inactivity, inertness, quiescence—more at INACTION

idler noun
: one that idles or is unoccupied : a lazy person

Synonyms
drone, lazybones, loafer, slouch, slug, sluggard—more at LAZYBONES

idol noun
1 : an image worshipped as a god; also : a false god
2 : an object of passionate devotion

idol·a·ter or idol·a·tor noun
: a worshiper of idols

idol·a·try noun, plural -tries
1 : the worship of a physical object as a god
2 : excessive devotion

— idol·a·trous adjective

Synonyms
adulation, deification, worship—more at WORSHIP

idol·i·za·tion noun
: the act of idolizing or state of being idolized

idol·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to make an idol of

Synonyms
adore, canonize, deify, dote, worship; also appreciate, cherish, esteem, prize, treasure, value; fancy, favor, like, prefer; regard; respect, revere, venerate; approve, endorse, support

idyll noun
1 : a simple work of writing or poetry that describes country life or suggests a peaceful setting
2 : a fit subject for an idyll

— idyl·lic adjective

i.e. abbreviation
[ORIGIN: L id est]

that is

IE abbreviation
industrial engineer

if conjunction
1 : in the event that <~ he stays, I leave>
2 : WHETHER <ask ~ he left>
3 — used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish <~ it would only rain>
4 : even though <an interesting ~ untenable argument>

IF abbreviation
intermediate frequency

if·fy adjective
: full of contingencies or unknown conditions

-i·fy verb suffix
: -FY

IG abbreviation
inspector general

ig·loo noun, plural igloos
[ORIGIN: Inuit (an Eskimo language) iglu house]

: an Eskimo house or hut often made of snow blocks and in the shape of a dome

ig·ne·ous adjective
1 : FIERY
2 : formed by solidification of molten rock

ig·nit·able adjective
: capable of being ignited

Synonyms
combustible, flammable, inflammable—more at COMBUSTIBLE

ig·nite verb ig·nit·ed; ig·nit·ing
: to set afire or catch fire

Synonyms
burn, fire, inflame, kindle, light—more at BURN

ig·ni·tion noun
1 : a setting on fire
2 : the process or means (as an electric spark) of igniting the fuel mixture in an engine

ig·no·ble adjective
1 : of common birth
2 : not honorable : BASE, MEAN

— ig·no·bly adverb

Synonyms
[1] common, humble, inferior, low, lowly, mean, plebeian, vulgar; also bourgeois; peasant, plain, poor, simple
Antonyms
aristocratic, high, highborn, lofty, noble, wellborn
[2] base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, dishonorable, low, mean, snide, sordid, vile, wretched; also bad, black, evil, foul, immoral, iniquitous, wicked, wrong; cruel, nasty, vicious; blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible; corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, perverted; atrocious, villainous; unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous; discreditable, disgraceful, disreputable, ignominious, shameful
Antonyms
high, high-minded, honorable, lofty, noble, straight, upright, venerable, virtuous

ig·no·min·i·ous adjective
1 marked with or characterized by disgrace or shame : DISHONORABLE
2 : DESPICABLE
3 : HUMILIATING, DEGRADING

— ig·no·min·i·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, infamous, notorious, shameful—more at DISREPUTABLE

ig·no·mi·ny noun
1 : deep personal humiliation and disgrace
2 : disgraceful or dishonorable conduct, quality, or action

Synonyms
discredit, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, infamy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame—more at DISGRACE

ig·no·ra·mus noun
[ORIGIN: Ignoramus, ignorant lawyer in Ignoramus (1615), play by George Ruggle]

: an utterly ignorant person

ig·no·rance noun
: the state of being ignorant

Synonyms
obliviousness, unawareness; also callowness, greenness, inexperience, innocence, naïveté, rawness, simpleness
Antonyms
acquaintance, awareness, familiarity

ig·no·rant adjective
1 : lacking knowledge
2 : resulting from or showing lack of knowledge or intelligence
3 : not aware : UNAWARE, UNINFORMED

— ig·no·rant·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dark, illiterate, simple, uneducated, unlearned, untaught; also lowbrow, uncultivated, uncultured; callow, green, inexperienced, innocent, naive; unsophisticated; raw, untrained; brainless, dumb, idiotic, imbecilic, moronic, stupid, witless; foolish, senseless, silly
Antonyms
educated, knowledgeable, literate, schooled
[3] oblivious, unacquainted, unaware, unconscious, uninformed, unknowing, unwitting; also uneducated, unschooled, untaught; absent, absentminded, abstracted, heedless, inattentive
Antonyms
acquainted, aware, cognizant, conscious, conversant, grounded, informed, knowing, mindful, witting

ig·nore verb ig·nored; ig·nor·ing
: to refuse to take notice of

Synonyms
disregard, forget, neglect, overlook, pass over, slight, slur—more at NEGLECT
brush, condone, disregard, excuse, gloss, pardon, pass over, shrug off, wink—more at EXCUSE

igua·na noun
: any of various large tropical American lizards

ihp abbreviation
indicated horsepower

IHS
[ORIGIN: LL, part transliteration of Gk IHΣ, abbr. for IHΣOYΣ Iēsous Jesus]

— used as a Christian symbol and monogram for Jesus

ikon variant of ICON

IL abbreviation
Illinois

il·e·itis noun
: inflammation of the ileum

il·e·um noun, plural il·ea
: the part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the large intestine

il·i·ac adjective
: of, relating to, or located near the ilium

il·i·um noun
: the uppermost and largest of the three bones making up either side of the pelvis

ilk noun
: a group set up on the basis of any characteristic in common : SORT, KIND

Synonyms
breed, class, description, feather, kind, like, manner, nature, order, sort, species, type—more at SORT

1ill adjective worse ; worst
1 : attended or caused by an evil intent <~ deeds>
2 a : not normal or sound <~ health>
b : not in good health : SICK; also : feeling nauseated
3 : BAD, UNLUCKY <~ omen>
4 : not right or proper <~ manners>
5 : UNFRIENDLY, HOSTILE <~ feeling>

Synonyms
[1] adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, damaging, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, injurious, mischievous, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial—more at HARMFUL
[2b] nauseous, queasy, queer, sick, squeamish—more at NAUSEOUS
[2b] bad, down, indisposed, peaked, punk, sick, unhealthy, unsound, unwell—more at SICK

2ill adverb worse; worst
1 : with displeasure
2 : in a harsh manner
3 : probably not : HARDLY <can ~ afford it>
4 : BADLY, UNLUCKILY
5 : in a faulty way

Synonyms
hard, hardly, harshly, oppressively, roughly, severely, sternly, stiffly—more at HARDLY

3ill noun
1 : the reverse of good : EVIL
2 : MISFORTUNE, DISTRESS
3 : AILMENT, SICKNESS; also : TROUBLE

Synonyms
bad, evil, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy, wrong—more at EVIL

4ill abbreviation
illustrated; illustration; illustrator

Ill abbreviation
Illinois

ill–ad·vised adjective
: not well counseled <~ efforts>

— ill–ad·vis·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
imprudent, indiscreet, tactless, unwise—more at INDISCREET

ill–bred adjective
: showing bad upbringing : IMPOLITE

Synonyms
discourteous, ill-mannered, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungracious, unmannerly—more at IMPOLITE

il·le·gal adjective
: not lawful; also : not sanctioned by official rules

— il·le·gal·i·ty noun

— il·le·gal·ly adverb

Synonyms
criminal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful; also bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong; blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible; banned, barred, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned; corrupt, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous
Antonyms
lawful, legal, legitimate
dirty, foul, unfair, unsportsmanlike

il·leg·i·ble adjective
: not legible

— il·leg·i·bil·i·ty noun

— il·leg·i·bly adverb

il·le·git·i·mate adjective
1 : born of unmarried parents
2 : ILLOGICAL
3 : not sanctioned by law : ILLEGAL

— il·le·git·i·ma·cy noun

— il·le·git·i·mate·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] natural; also fatherless, motherless; adopted
Antonyms
legitimate
[3] criminal, illegal, illicit, unlawful, wrongful—more at ILLEGAL

ill–fat·ed adjective
: having or destined to a hapless fate : UNFORTUNATE

Synonyms
hapless, ill-starred, luckless, unfortunate, unhappy, unlucky—more at UNLUCKY

ill–fa·vored adjective
: unattractive in physical appearance : UGLY

ill–got·ten adjective
: acquired by improper means <~ gains>

ill–hu·mored adjective
: irritably sullen and churlish in mood or manner : SURLY

Synonyms
bearish, bilious, cantankerous, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-tempered, ornery, splenetic, surly

il·lib·er·al adjective
: not liberal : NARROW, BIGOTED

il·lic·it adjective
: not permitted : UNLAWFUL

— il·lic·it·ly adverb

Synonyms
criminal, illegal, illegitimate, unlawful, wrongful—more at ILLEGAL

il·lim·it·able adjective
: incapable of being limited or bounded : BOUNDLESS, MEASURELESS

— il·lim·it·ably adverb

Synonyms
boundless, endless, immeasurable, indefinite, infinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, unlimited—more at INFINITE

Il·li·nois noun, plural Illinois
: a member of an American Indian people of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin

il·lit·er·ate adjective
1 : having little or no education; especially : unable to read or write
2 : showing a lack of familiarity with the fundamentals of a particular field of knowledge

— il·lit·er·a·cy noun

— illiterate noun

Synonyms
dark, ignorant, simple, uneducated, unlearned, untaught—more at IGNORANT

ill–man·nered adjective
: marked by bad manners : RUDE

Synonyms
discourteous, ill-bred, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungracious, unmannerly—more at IMPOLITE

ill–na·tured adjective
: having a bad disposition : CROSS, SURLY

— ill–na·tured·ly adverb

ill·ness noun
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind : SICKNESS; also : a specific disease

Synonyms
affection, ailment, bug, complaint, complication, condition, disease, disorder, fever, ill, infirmity, malady, sickness, trouble—more at DISEASE

il·log·i·cal adjective
: lacking sound reasoning; also : SENSELESS

— il·log·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
fallacious, invalid, irrational, senseless, unreasonable, unsound, weak; also misleading, specious; ill-advised, unconsidered, unreasoned; inconsistent; absurd, asinine, foolish, meaningless, nonsensical, preposterous, silly; odd, peculiar, strange, unusual, weird; insane, nutty, mad, wacky; disordered, disorganized, rambling, random; unconvincing; inexplicable, unaccountable

ill–starred adjective
: having or meeting with misfortune : UNLUCKY

Synonyms
hapless, ill-fated, luckless, unfortunate, unhappy, unlucky—more at UNLUCKY

ill–tem·pered adjective
: having a bad disposition : CROSS

Synonyms
bearish, bilious, cantankerous, cross, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ornery, splenetic, surly; also choleric, crabby, cranky, crotchety, fussy, grouchy, grumpy, querulous; irascible, irritable, peevish, petulant, snappish, testy, touchy; argumentative, contrary, contentious; angry, indignant, irate, mad, upset, uptight; depressed, dour, glum, morose, sullen
Antonyms
amiable, good-natured, good-tempered

ill–treat verb
: to treat cruelly or improperly : MALTREAT

— ill–treat·ment noun

Synonyms
abuse, maltreat, manhandle, mishandle, mistreat, misuse—more at ABUSE

il·lu·mi·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to supply or brighten with light : light up
2 : to make clear : ELUCIDATE
3 : to decorate (as a manuscript) with designs or pictures in gold or colors

— il·lu·mi·nat·ing·ly adverb

— il·lu·mi·na·tor noun

Synonyms
[1] light; also brighten; beam, beat (down), radiate, shine; floodlight; highlight, spotlight; blaze, burn, fire, flame, glare, glow, ignite, incinerate, kindle; bedazzle, blind, daze, dazzle; gleam, glisten, glitter
Antonyms
blacken, darken
[2] clarify, clear, construe, demonstrate, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, illustrate, interpret, spell out—more at EXPLAIN

il·lu·mi·na·tion noun
1 : the action of illuminating
2 : the state of being illuminated

Synonyms
[1] blaze, flare, fluorescence, glare, gleam, glow, incandescence, light, luminescence, radiance, shine—more at LIGHT
[2] brilliance, dazzle, effulgence, lightness, lucidity, luminosity, radiance, refulgence, splendor—more at BRILLIANCE

il·lu·mine verb -mined; -min·ing
: to make clear or bright : ILLUMINATE

ill–us·age noun
: harsh, unkind, or abusive treatment

ill–use verb
: to use badly : MALTREAT, ABUSE

il·lu·sion noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. LL illusio, fr. L, action of mocking, fr. illudere to mock at, fr. ludere to play, mock]

1 : a mistaken idea : MISCONCEPTION
2 : a misleading visual image; also : HALLUCINATION

Synonyms
[1] error, fallacy, falsehood, falsity, misconception, myth, old wives' tale, untruth—more at FALLACY
[2] chimera, conceit, daydream, delusion, dream, fancy, fantasy, figment, hallucination, phantasm, pipe dream, unreality, vision—more at FANTASY

il·lu·sion·ist noun
: one that produces illusions; especially : a sleight-of-hand performer

il·lu·sive adjective
: DECEPTIVE

il·lu·so·ry adjective
: DECEPTIVE

illust or illus abbreviation
illustrated; illustration

il·lus·trate verb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
[ORIGIN: L illustrare, fr. lustrare to purify, make bright]

1 : to explain by use of examples; also : DEMONSTRATE
2 : to provide with pictures or figures that explain or decorate
3 : to serve to explain or decorate

— il·lus·tra·tor noun

Synonyms
demonstrate, exemplify, instance; also cite, instance, mention, quote; name, specify; analyze, break down; clarify, clear (up), explain, explicate, expound; edify, elucidate, enlighten; illuminate; construe, interpret; simplify, spell out; detail, enumerate, list

il·lus·tra·tion noun
1 : the act of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated
2 : an example or instance that helps make something clear
3 : a picture or diagram that explains or decorates

Synonyms
[2] clarification, construction, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, interpretation—more at EXPLANATION
[3] diagram, figure, graphic, plate; also drawing, illumination, image, picture; caption, key, legend; depiction, portrait, portrayal, representation; clarification, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition

il·lus·tra·tive adjective
: serving, tending, or designed to illustrate

— il·lus·tra·tive·ly adverb

il·lus·tri·ous adjective
: notably outstanding because of rank or achievement

— il·lus·tri·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
distinguished, eminent, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious, signal, star, superior—more at EMINENT

ill will noun
: unfriendly feeling

ILS abbreviation
instrument landing system

1image noun
1 : a likeness or imitation of a person or thing; especially : STATUE
2 : a picture of an object formed by a device (as a mirror or lens)
3 : a person strikingly like another person <he is the ~ of his father>
4 : a mental picture or conception : IMPRESSION, IDEA, CONCEPT
5 : a vivid representation or description

Synonyms
[3] carbon copy, counterpart, double, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, likeness, match, picture, replica, ringer, spit; also effigy, portrait, portrayal; companion, counterpart, fellow, mate; equal, equivalent, identical twin; analogue, parallel
[4] concept, idea, impression, notion, picture, thought—more at IDEA

2image verb im·aged; im·ag·ing
1 : to call up a mental picture of
2 : to describe or portray in words
3 : to create a representation of
4 : REFLECT, MIRROR
5 : to make appear : PROJECT

Synonyms
[2] delineate, depict, describe, draw, paint, picture, portray, sketch—more at DESCRIBE
[3] depict, picture, portray, represent—more at PICTURE

im·ag·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : IMAGES; also : the art of making images
2 : figurative language
3 : mental images; especially : the products of imagination

imag·in·able adjective
: capable of being imagined : CONCEIVABLE

— imag·in·ably adverb

imag·i·nary adjective
1 : existing only in the imagination
2 : containing or relating to a quantity (imaginary unit) that is the positive square root of minus 1 (√-1)

Synonyms
chimerical, fabulous, fanciful, fantastic, fictitious, made-up, mythical, phantom, pretend, unreal; also fabled, legendary, romantic; abstract, hypothetical, theoretical; unbelievable, unconvincing, unlikely; conceived, envisaged, pictured, visualized; deceptive, delusive, delusional, hallucinatory, illusory; concocted, fabricated
Antonyms
actual, existent, existing, real

imaginary number noun
: a complex number (as 2 + 3i) with a nonzero term (imaginary part) containing the imaginary unit as a factor

imag·i·na·tion noun
1 : the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or not previously known or experienced
2 : creative ability
3 : RESOURCEFULNESS
4 : a mental image : a creation of the mind

Synonyms
creativity, fancy, fantasy, invention, inventiveness; also brainstorm, inspiration; fecundity, fertility; ingenuity, originality; versatility; chimera, daydream, delusion, dream, figment, hallucination, illusion, mirage, phantasm, pipe dream; envisaging, visualization

imag·i·na·tive adjective
: of, relating to, or characterized by imagination

— imag·i·na·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
creative, ingenious, innovative, inventive, original—more at CREATIVE

imag·ine verb imag·ined; imag·in·ing
1 : to form a mental picture of something not present
2 : to hold as an opinion : THINK, GUESS <I ~ it will rain>

Synonyms
[1] conceive, dream, envisage, fancy, picture, vision, visualize; also daydream; hallucinate; reflect, relive, reminisce; contemplate, meditate, muse, ponder, ruminate; concoct, fabricate, invent, make up, manufacture, plan, project
[2] believe, consider, deem, feel, figure, guess, hold, suppose, think—more at BELIEVE

imag·in·ings noun plural
: products of the imagination

im·ag·ism noun, often cap
: a movement in poetry advocating free verse and the expression of ideas and emotions through clear precise images

— im·ag·ist noun

ima·go noun, plural imagoes or ima·gi·nes
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L, image]

: an insect in its final adult stage

— ima·gi·nal adjective

im·bal·ance noun
: lack of balance : the state of being out of equilibrium or out of proportion

im·be·cile noun
1 usually offensive : a person affected with moderate mental retardation
2 : a person lacking in judgment or prudence : IDIOT

— imbecile or im·be·cil·ic adjective

Synonyms
blockhead, dope, dummy, idiot, jackass, nitwit, numskull, simpleton—more at IDIOT

im·be·cil·i·ty noun
1 : the quality or state of being imbecile or an imbecile
2 : something that is foolish or nonsensical

Synonyms
absurdity, asininity, fatuity, folly, foolery, idiocy, inanity, insanity, lunacy, stupidity—more at FOLLY

imbed variant of EMBED

im·bibe verb im·bibed; im·bib·ing
1 : to receive and retain in the mind
2 : to take through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach : DRINK
3 : to take in or up : ABSORB

— im·bib·er noun

Synonyms
[2] drink, guzzle, quaff, sup, swig, toss—more at DRINK
[3] absorb, drink, soak, sponge, suck—more at ABSORB

im·bri·ca·tion noun
1 : an overlapping of edges (as of tiles)
2 : a pattern showing imbrication

— im·bri·cate adjective

im·bro·glio noun, plural -glios
[ORIGIN: It, fr. imbrogliare to entangle]

1 : a confused mass
2 : a complicated situation; also : a serious or embarrassing misunderstanding

im·brue verb im·brued; im·bru·ing
: STAIN <hands imbrued with blood>

im·bue verb im·bued; im·bu·ing
1 : to permeate or influence as if by dyeing
2 : to tinge or dye deeply

Synonyms
inculcate, infuse, ingrain, invest, steep, suffuse—more at INFUSE

IMF abbreviation
International Monetary Fund

imit abbreviation
imitative

im·i·ta·ble adjective
: capable or worthy of being imitated or copied

im·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to follow as a model
2 : RESEMBLE
3 : to produce a copy of : REPRODUCE
4 : to copy or feign esp. with intent to deceive : MIMIC

Synonyms
[1] ape, copy, emulate, mime, mimic; also burlesque, caricature, lampoon, mock, parody, travesty; impersonate, perform, play; pantomime
[3] copy, duplicate, replicate, reproduce—more at COPY
[4] burlesque, caricature, mimic, mock, parody, take off, travesty—more at MIMIC

1imitation noun
1 : an act of imitating
2 : something produced as a copy
3 : a literary work that reproduces the style of another author

Synonyms
carbon copy, copy, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, replica, replication, reproduction—more at COPY

2imitation adjective
: resembling something else that is usu. genuine and of better quality : not real

Synonyms
artificial, bogus, factitious, fake, false, mimic, mock, sham, substitute, synthetic; also dummy, phony; cultured, manufactured; unauthentic; adulterated, doctored, fudged, juggled, manipulated, tampered (with); concocted, fabricated; counterfeit, deceptive, forged, fraudulent, misleading; affected, feigned, pseudo, spurious
Antonyms
genuine, natural, real

im·i·ta·tive adjective
1 : marked by imitation
2 : inclined to imitate
3 : COUNTERFEIT

Synonyms
mimic, slavish, unoriginal; also copied, cribbed, plagiarized; artificial, bogus, factitious, fake, false, imitation, man-made, mock, sham, simulated, substitute, synthetic; duplicated, reproduced, transcribed; backup; counterfeit, deceptive, forged, fraudulent, misleading; uninspired
Antonyms
original

im·i·ta·tor noun
: one that imitates

Synonyms
impersonator, impressionist, mimic—more at MIMIC

im·mac·u·late adjective
1 : being without stain or blemish : PURE
2 : spotlessly clean <~ linen>

— im·mac·u·late·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] chaste, clean, decent, modest, pure—more at CHASTE
[2] clean, spick-and-span, spotless, stainless, unsoiled, unsullied—more at CLEAN

im·ma·nent adjective
1 : INHERENT
2 : being within the limits of experience or knowledge

— im·ma·nence noun

— im·ma·nen·cy noun

im·ma·te·ri·al adjective
1 : not consisting of matter : SPIRITUAL
2 : of no substantial consequence : UNIMPORTANT, TRIFLING
3 : not material or essential

— im·ma·te·ri·al·i·ty noun

Synonyms
[1] bodiless, incorporeal, insubstantial, nonmaterial, nonphysical, spiritual, unsubstantial; also metaphysical, supernatural; impalpable, insensible, intangible, invisible; airy, diaphanous, ethereal, tenuous, thin, vaporous
Antonyms
bodily, corporeal, material, physical, substantial
[3] extraneous, irrelevant—more at IRRELEVANT

im·ma·ture adjective
: lacking complete development : not yet mature

— im·ma·tu·ri·ty noun

Synonyms
adolescent, babyish, childish, infantile, juvenile, kiddish—more at CHILDISH
adolescent, callow, green, inexperienced, juvenile, raw—more at CALLOW

im·mea·sur·able adjective
: not capable of being measured : indefinitely extensive

— im·mea·sur·ably adverb

Synonyms
boundless, endless, illimitable, indefinite, infinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, unlimited—more at INFINITE

im·me·di·a·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : the quality or state of being immediate
2 : something that is of immediate importance

Synonyms
closeness, contiguity, nearness, proximity—more at PROXIMITY

im·me·di·ate adjective
1 : acting directly and alone : DIRECT <the ~ cause of death>
2 : being next in line or relation <members of the ~ family>
3 : not distant : CLOSE
4 : made or done at once <an ~ response>
5 : near to or related to the present time <the ~ future>

Synonyms
[1] direct, firsthand, primary—more at DIRECT
[3, 5] close, near, nearby, nigh—more at CLOSE
[4] prompt, punctual, timely—more at PROMPT

im·me·di·ate·ly adverb
1 : in direct connection or relation
2 : without interval of time

Synonyms
directly, forthwith, instantly, now, promptly, pronto, right away, right now; also away, freely; anon, momentarily, shortly, soon; apace, briskly, fast, posthaste, quick, quickly, rapidly, readily, speedily, swift, swiftly; abruptly, presto, suddenly, unexpectedly; hastily, impetuously, impulsively, rashly, recklessly; exactly, opportunely, punctually, seasonably

im·me·mo·ri·al adjective
: extending beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition

im·mense adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF, fr. L immensus immeasurable, fr. mensus, pp. of metiri to measure]

1 : very great in size or degree : VAST
2 : EXCELLENT

— im·mense·ly adverb

im·men·si·ty noun
1 : the quality or state of being immense
2 : something immense

Synonyms
enormity, hugeness, magnitude, massiveness, vastness; also bigness, greatness, largeness, voluminousness; grandness; extravagance, immoderacy
Antonyms
minuteness

im·merse verb im·mersed; im·mers·ing
1 : to plunge or dip esp. into a fluid
2 : to take or engage the whole attention of : ENGROSS, ABSORB
3 : to baptize by immersing

Synonyms
[1] dip, douse, duck, dunk, souse, submerge—more at DIP
[2] absorb, busy, engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate, grip, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy—more at ENGAGE

im·mer·sion noun
: the act of immersing or the state of being immersed; especially : absorbing involvement

im·mi·grant noun
1 : a person who immigrates
2 : a plant or animal that becomes established where it did not previously occur

Synonyms
emigrant, émigré, migrant, settler—more at EMIGRANT

im·mi·grate verb -grat·ed; -grat·ing
: to come into a foreign country and take up residence

— im·mi·gra·tion noun

im·mi·nent adjective
: ready to take place; especially : hanging threateningly over one's head

— im·mi·nence noun

— im·mi·nent·ly adverb

Synonyms
coming, forthcoming, impending, oncoming, pending—more at FORTHCOMING
impending, pending; also approaching, coming, forthcoming, future, near, nearing, oncoming, upcoming; brewing, gathering; likely, possible, probable; inevitable, unavoidable; menacing, ominous, portentous; anticipated, awaited, expected, foreseen, predicted

im·mis·ci·ble adjective
: incapable of mixing

— im·mis·ci·bil·i·ty noun

im·mis·er·a·tion noun
: IMPOVERISHMENT

im·mo·bile adjective
: incapable of moving or being moved : IMMOVABLE

— im·mo·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
immovable, standing, static, stationary, unmovable—more at STATIONARY

im·mo·bi·lize verb
: to make immobile

— im·mo·bi·li·za·tion noun

Synonyms
cripple, disable, hamstring, incapacitate, paralyze, prostrate—more at PARALYZE

im·mod·er·ate adjective
: lacking in moderation : EXCESSIVE

— im·mod·er·a·cy noun

— im·mod·er·ate·ly adverb

Synonyms
devilish, excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, inordinate, lavish, overmuch, overweening, steep, stiff, towering, unconscionable—more at EXCESSIVE

im·mod·est adjective
: not modest <~ conduct>; specif : not conforming to the sexual mores of a particular time or place <an ~ dress>

— im·mod·est·ly adverb

— im·mod·es·ty noun

Synonyms
bold, familiar, forward, free, presumptuous—more at PRESUMPTUOUS

im·mo·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
[ORIGIN: L immolare, to sprinkle with meal before sacrificing, sacrifice, fr. mola sacrificial barley cake, lit., millstone]

: to offer in sacrifice; especially : to kill as a sacrificial victim

im·mo·la·tion noun
1 : the act of immolating : the state of being immolated
2 : something that is immolated

im·mor·al adjective
: not moral

— im·mor·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
bad, black, evil, iniquitous, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unethical, unsavory, vicious, vile, villainous, wicked, wrong
cutthroat, Machiavellian, unconscionable, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous—more at UNPRINCIPLED

im·mo·ral·i·ty noun
1 : the quality or state of being immoral; especially : UNCHASTITY
2 : an immoral act or practice

Synonyms
[1] bad, evil, ill, iniquity, sin, villainy, wrong—more at EVIL
[2] corruption, debauchery, depravity, iniquity, licentiousness, sin, vice—more at VICE

1immortal adjective
1 : not mortal : exempt from death <~ gods>
2 : destined to be remembered forever <those ~ words>

— im·mor·tal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, permanent, perpetual, undying, unending—more at EVERLASTING

2immortal noun
1 : one exempt from death
2 plural often cap : the gods in Greek and Roman mythology
3 : a person whose fame is lasting <an ~ of baseball>

im·mor·tal·ise British variant of IMMORTALIZE

in·di·vid·u·al·ise British variant of INDIVIDUALIZE

im·mor·tal·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being immortal; especially : unending existence

Synonyms
afterlife, eternity, hereafter, immortality—more at ETERNITY

im·mor·tal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to make immortal

im·mov·able adjective
1 : firmly fixed, settled, or fastened <~ mountains>
2 : firm in belief, determination, or adherence : UNYIELDING
3 : IMPASSIVE

— im·mov·abil·ity noun

— im·mov·ably adverb

Synonyms
immobile, nonmotile, unbudging, unmovable; also motionless, static, stationary, still; fast, fixed, rooted, steadfast, stuck, wedged
Antonyms
mobile, motile, movable, moving

im·mune adjective
1 : EXEMPT
2 : having a special capacity for resistance (as to a disease)
3 : containing or producing antibodies

— im·mu·ni·ty noun

immune response noun
: a response of the body to an antigen resulting in the formation of antibodies and cells designed to react with the antigen and render it harmless

immune system noun
: the bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response and that includes esp. the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and lymphocytes

im·mu·nize verb -nized; -niz·ing
: to make immune

— im·mu·ni·za·tion noun

im·mu·no·de·fi·cien·cy noun
: inability to produce the normal number of antibodies or immunologically sensitized cells esp. in response to specific antigens

— im·mu·no·de·fi·cient adjective

im·mu·no·glob·u·lin noun
: ANTIBODY

im·mu·nol·o·gy noun
: a science that deals with the immune system, immunity, and the immune response

— im·mu·no·log·ic or im·mu·no·log·i·cal adjective

— im·mu·no·log·i·cal·ly adverb

— im·mu·nol·o·gist noun

im·mu·no·sup·pres·sion noun
: suppression (as by drugs) of natural immune responses

— im·mu·no·sup·press verb

— im·mu·no·sup·pres·sive adjective

im·mu·no·ther·a·py noun
: treatment or prevention of disease by attempting to induce immunity

im·mure verb im·mured; im·mur·ing
1 : to enclose within or as if within walls; also : IMPRISON
2 : to build into a wall; especially : to entomb in a wall

Synonyms
cage, closet, coop, corral, encase, enclose, envelop, fence, hedge, hem, house, pen, wall—more at ENCLOSE
commit, confine, imprison, jail—more at IMPRISON

im·mu·ta·ble adjective
: not capable of or susceptible to change : UNCHANGEABLE, UNCHANGING

— im·mu·ta·bly adverb

Synonyms
fast, fixed, hard-and-fast, inflexible, unalterable, unchangeable, unchanging—more at INFLEXIBLE

im·mu·ta·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being immutable

Synonyms
constancy, fixedness, stability, steadiness—more at CONSTANCY

1imp noun
1 : a small demon : FIEND
2 : a mischievous child

Synonyms
[1] demon, devil, fiend, ghoul—more at DEMON
[2] devil, hellion, mischief, monkey, rapscallion, rascal, rogue, scamp, urchin—more at SCAMP

2imp abbreviation
1 imperative
2 imperfect
3 imperial
4 import; imported

1impact verb
1 : to press together
2 : to have an impact on
3 : to strike forcefully

Synonyms
[2] affect, impress, influence, move, strike, sway, tell, touch—more at AFFECT
[3] bang, bash, bump, collide, crash, hit, knock, ram, slam, smash, strike, swipe, thud—more at HIT

2impact noun
1 : a forceful contact, collision, or onset; also : the impetus communicated in or as if in a collision
2 : the force of impression of one thing on another : EFFECT

Synonyms
[1] bump, collision, concussion, crash, jar, jolt, shock, smash, strike, wallop; also blow, buffet, hit, knock, punch, rap, slap, thump; bashing, bludgeoning, clobbering, hammering, licking, pounding, pummelling, thrashing; contact, encounter, meeting, touch
[2] effect, influence, mark, repercussion, sway—more at EFFECT

im·pact·ed adjective
1 : packed or wedged in
2 : wedged between the jawbone and another tooth

im·pair verb
: to diminish in quantity, value, excellence, or strength : DAMAGE, LESSEN

— im·pair·ment noun

im·paired adjective
: being in a less than perfect or whole condition; especially : disabled or functionally defective — often used in combination <hearing-impaired>

im·pa·la noun, plural impalas or impala
: a large brownish African antelope that in the male has slender curved horns with ridges

im·pale verb im·paled; im·pal·ing
: to pierce with or as if with something pointed

— im·pale·ment noun

Synonyms
gore, harpoon, lance, pierce, puncture, skewer, spear, spike, stab, stick, transfix; also spindle; perforate; jab, poke, prick, punch, thrust; cut, knife, slice

im·pal·pa·ble adjective
1 : unable to be felt by touch : INTANGIBLE
2 : not easily seen or understood

— im·pal·pa·bly adverb

Synonyms
imperceptible, inappreciable, indistinguishable—more at IMPERCEPTIBLE

im·pan·el verb
: to enter in or on a panel : ENROLL <~ a jury>

im·part verb
1 : to give from one's store or abundance <the sun ~s warmth>
2 : to make known

Synonyms
[1, 2] communicate, convey, spread, transfer, transfuse, transmit—more at COMMUNICATE

im·par·tial adjective
: not partial : UNBIASED, JUST

— im·par·tial·ly adverb

Synonyms
disinterested, dispassionate, equal, equitable, fair, just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced—more at FAIR

im·par·tial·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being impartial : freedom from bias or favoritism

Synonyms
detachment, disinterestedness, neutrality, objectivity—more at DETACHMENT

im·pass·able adjective
: incapable of being passed, traversed, or crossed <~ roads>

— im·pass·ably adverb

Synonyms
impenetrable, impervious

im·passe noun
1 : an impassable road or way
2 : a predicament from which there is no obvious escape

Synonyms
deadlock, halt, stalemate, standstill; also dead end; bottleneck, corner, dilemma, fix, hole, jam, pickle, pinch, plight, predicament, quagmire, quandary, spot; difficulty; problem

im·pas·si·ble adjective
: incapable of feeling : IMPASSIVE

im·pas·sioned adjective
: filled with passion or zeal : showing great warmth or intensity of feeling

Synonyms
ardent, burning, charged, emotional, fervent, feverish, fiery, glowing, hot-blooded, passionate, red-hot, vehement, warm—more at FERVENT

im·pas·sive adjective
: showing no signs of feeling, emotion, or interest : EXPRESSIONLESS; also : lacking or not feeling emotion

— im·pas·sive·ly adverb

Synonyms
blank, deadpan, expressionless, inexpressive, stolid, vacant—more at BLANK
apathetic, cold-blooded, phlegmatic, stoic, stolid, unemotional; also cold, cool, dispassionate, unmoved; calm, collected, composed; unflappable; reserved, reticent, taciturn; blank, empty, deadpan, dry, expressionless, inexpressive, vacant, wooden; enigmatic, impenetrable, inscrutable; aloof, detached, unconcerned, unsentimental; impersonal, objective, unresponsive; unfeeling, pitiless; inconsiderate, thoughtless
Antonyms
demonstrative, emotional, fervent, fervid, hot-blooded, impassioned, passionate

im·pas·siv·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being impassive : lack or absence of feeling or expression

Synonyms
apathy, numbness, phlegm, stupor—more at APATHY

im·pas·to noun
: the thick application of a pigment to a canvas or panel in painting; also : the body of pigment so applied

im·pa·tience noun
: the quality or state of being impatient

Synonyms
appetite, ardor, avidity, eagerness, enthusiasm, excitement, hunger, keenness, thirst—more at EAGERNESS

im·pa·tiens noun
: any of a genus of herbs with usu. spurred flowers and seed capsules that readily split open

im·pa·tient adjective
1 : not patient : restless or short of temper esp. under irritation, delay, or opposition
2 : INTOLERANT <~ of poverty>
3 : prompted or marked by impatience
4 : eagerly desirous : ANXIOUS

— im·pa·tient·ly adverb

im·peach verb
[ORIGIN: ME empechen to accuse, fr. MF empeechier to hinder, fr. LL impedicare to fetter, fr. L pedica fetter, fr. ped-, pes foot]

1 : to charge (a public official) before an authorized tribunal with misconduct in office
2 : to challenge the credibility or validity of
3 : to remove from public office for misconduct

— im·peach·ment noun

im·pec·ca·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being impeccable

im·pec·ca·ble adjective
1 : not capable of sinning or wrongdoing
2 : free from fault or blame : FAULTLESS <a man of ~ character>

Synonyms
faultless, flawless, irreproachable; also accurate, correct, exact, perfect, precise; appropriate, becoming, decorous, fitting, proper, right, seemly; immaculate, unblemished, unmarred, unspoiled; infallible, unerring, unfailing
Antonyms
censurable, defective, faulty, reproachable
absolute, ideal, letter-perfect, perfect, unblemished—more at PERFECT

im·pec·ca·bly adverb
: in an impeccable manner

Synonyms
faultlessly, flawlessly, ideally, perfectly—more at PERFECTLY

im·pe·cu·nious adjective
: having little or no money

Synonyms
broke, destitute, indigent, needy, penniless, penurious, poor, poverty-stricken—more at POOR

im·pe·cu·nious·ness noun
: the quality or state of being impecunious

Synonyms
beggary, destitution, impoverishment, indigence, need, pauperism, penury, poverty, want—more at POVERTY

im·ped·ance noun
: the opposition in an electrical circuit to the flow of an alternating current

im·pede verb im·ped·ed; im·ped·ing
[ORIGIN: L impedire, fr. ped-, pes foot]

: to interfere with the progress of

Synonyms
encumber, fetter, hamper, hinder, hold back, hold up, inhibit, interfere, obstruct—more at HAMPER

im·ped·i·ment noun
1 : something that impedes, hinders, or obstructs
2 : a speech defect

im·ped·i·men·ta noun plural
: things that impede

im·pel verb im·pelled; im·pel·ling
: to urge or drive forward or on; also : PROPEL

Synonyms
actuate, drive, move, propel, work

im·pel·ler also im·pel·lor noun
: a rotor esp. in a pump

im·pend verb
1 : to hover or hang over threateningly : MENACE
2 : to be about to occur

impending adjective
: that is about to occur

Synonyms
coming, forthcoming, imminent, oncoming, pending—more at FORTHCOMING

im·pen·e·tra·ble adjective
1 : incapable of being penetrated or pierced <an ~ jungle>
2 : incapable of being comprehended : INSCRUTABLE <an ~ mystery>

— im·pen·e·tra·bil·i·ty noun

— im·pen·e·tra·bly adverb

Synonyms
[1] impervious, tight—more at TIGHT
[2] cryptic, darkling, deep, enigmatic, inscrutable, mysterious, mystic, occult, uncanny—more at MYSTERIOUS
[2] incomprehensible, unfathomable—more at INCOMPREHENSIBLE

im·pen·i·tent adjective
: not penitent : not repenting of sin

— im·pen·i·tence noun

im·per·a·tive adjective
1 : expressing a command, request, or encouragement <~ sentence>
2 : having power to restrain, control, or direct
3 : not to be avoided or evaded

— imperative noun

— im·per·a·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] compulsory, incumbent, involuntary, mandatory, necessary, nonelective, obligatory, peremptory—more at MANDATORY
[3] acute, critical, dire, imperious, instant, pressing, urgent—more at ACUTE

im·per·cep·ti·ble adjective
: not perceptible; especially : too slight to be perceived <~ changes>

— im·per·cep·ti·bly adverb

Synonyms
impalpable, inappreciable, indistinguishable; also inaudible, intangible, invisible, inconspicuous, indistinct, unnoticeable, unseen; faint, insignificant, slight, trivial; buried, concealed, covert, disguised, hidden, obscure, shrouded, unapparent, vague
Antonyms
appreciable, discernible, palpable, perceptible, sensible

im·per·cep·tive adjective
: not perceptive

imperf abbreviation
imperfect

1imperfect adjective
1 : not perfect esp. by having a fault or a lack
2 : of, relating to, or being a verb tense used to designate a continuing state or an incomplete action esp. in the past

— im·per·fect·ly adverb

Synonyms
bad, defective, faulty—more at FAULTY

2imperfect noun
: the imperfect tense; also : a verb form in it

im·per·fec·tion noun
1 : the quality or state of being imperfect
2 : the quality or aspect which makes something incomplete or defective : FAULT, BLEMISH

Synonyms
blemish, defect, deformity, disfigurement, fault, flaw, mark, pockmark, scar—more at BLEMISH

im·pe·ri·al adjective
1 : of, relating to, or befitting an empire or an emperor; also : of or relating to the United Kingdom or to the Commonwealth or British Empire
2 : ROYAL, SOVEREIGN; also : REGAL, IMPERIOUS
3 : of unusual size or excellence

im·pe·ri·al·ism noun
: the policy of seeking to extend the power, dominion, or territories of a nation

— im·pe·ri·al·ist noun or adjective

— im·pe·ri·al·is·tic adjective

— im·pe·ri·al·is·ti·cal·ly adverb

im·per·il verb -iled or -illed; -il·ing or -il·ling
: to bring into peril : ENDANGER

Synonyms
adventure, compromise, gamble, hazard, jeopardize, menace, risk, venture

im·pe·ri·ous adjective
1 : befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : COMMANDING, LORDLY
2 : marked by arrogant assurance : DOMINEERING
3 : intensely compelling : IMPERATIVE, URGENT

— im·pe·ri·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] authoritarian, autocratic, bossy, despotic, dictatorial, domineering, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical, tyrannous—more at BOSSY
[2] arbitrary, dictatorial, high-handed, peremptory, willful—more at ARBITRARY
[3] acute, critical, dire, imperative, instant, pressing, urgent—more at ACUTE

im·per·ish·able adjective
: not perishable or subject to decay

im·per·ma·nent adjective
: not permanent

— im·per·ma·nent·ly adverb

Synonyms
interim, provisional, short-term, temporary—more at TEMPORARY
ephemeral, evanescent, flash, fleeting, fugitive, momentary, passing, short-lived, temporary, transient—more at MOMENTARY

im·per·me·able adjective
: not permitting passage (as of a fluid) through its substance

im·per·mis·si·ble adjective
: not permissible

Synonyms
forbidden, taboo; also intolerable, unacceptable, unbearable, unendurable; illegal, illegitimate, illicit, improper, inappropriate, unauthorized, unlawful, unlicensed, unmentionable; unseemly, unsuitable; objectionable; disallowed, disapproved, discouraged; refused, rejected, revoked, unsanctioned, vetoed; repressed, suppressed; precluded, prevented, stopped; excluded, ruled out, shut out; blocked, hindered, impeded, obstructed
Antonyms
allowable, permissible, permissive, sufferable

im·per·son·al adjective
1 : not referring to any particular person or thing
2 : not involving human emotions

— im·per·son·al·i·ty noun

— im·per·son·al·ly adverb

im·per·son·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to assume or act the character of

— im·per·son·a·tion noun

Synonyms
act, perform, play, portray—more at ACT
masquerade, play, pose; also ape, copy, imitate, mine, mimic, mock, parody, travesty; act, perform, portray

im·per·son·a·tor noun
: one that impersonates; especially : an entertainer who impersonates an individual, a type of person, an animal, or an inanimate object

Synonyms
imitator, impressionist, mimic—more at MIMIC

im·per·ti·nence noun
: the quality or state of being impertinent; also : an instance of impertinence

Synonyms
brazenness, discourtesy, disrespect, impudence, incivility, insolence, rudeness—more at DISCOURTESY

im·per·ti·nent adjective
1 : IRRELEVANT
2 : not restrained within due or proper bounds

— im·per·ti·nent·ly adverb

Synonyms
arch, bold, brash, brazen, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impudent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY
discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungracious, unmannerly—more at IMPOLITE

im·per·turb·able adjective
: marked by extreme calm, impassivity, and steadiness

Synonyms
nerveless, unflappable, unshakable—more at UNFLAPPABLE

im·per·vi·ous adjective
1 : incapable of being penetrated (as by moisture)
2 : not capable of being affected or disturbed <~ to criticism>

Synonyms
impenetrable, tight—more at TIGHT

im·pe·ti·go noun
: a contagious skin disease characterized by vesicles, pustules, and yellowish crusts

im·pet·u·ous adjective
1 : marked by impulsive vehemence <~ temper>
2 : marked by force and violence <with ~ speed>

— im·pet·u·os·i·ty noun

— im·pet·u·ous·ly adverb

im·pe·tus noun
[ORIGIN: L, assault, impetus, fr. impetere to attack, fr. petere to go to, seek]

1 : a driving force : IMPULSE; also : INCENTIVE
2 : MOMENTUM

Synonyms
boost, encouragement, goad, impulse, incentive, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulus, yeast—more at IMPULSE

im·pi·e·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being impious
2 : an impious act

Synonyms
blasphemy, defilement, desecration, irreverence, sacrilege—more at BLASPHEMY

im·pinge verb im·pinged; im·ping·ing
1 : to strike or dash esp. with a sharp collision
2 : ENCROACH, INFRINGE

— im·pinge·ment noun

im·pi·ous adjective
: not pious : IRREVERENT, PROFANE

imp·ish adjective
: of, relating to, or befitting an imp; especially : MISCHIEVOUS

— imp·ish·ly adverb

— imp·ish·ness noun

Synonyms
devilish, knavish, mischievous, rascally, roguish, sly, waggish, wicked—more at MISCHIEVOUS

imp·ish·ness noun
: the quality or state of being impish

Synonyms
friskiness, mischief, mischievousness, playfulness—more at PLAYFULNESS

im·pla·ca·ble adjective
: not capable of being appeased, pacified, mitigated, or changed <an ~ enemy>

— im·pla·ca·bil·i·ty noun

— im·pla·ca·bly adverb

Synonyms
adamant, hard, immovable, inflexible, pat, rigid, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unyielding

im·plant verb
1 : to set firmly or deeply
2 : to fix in the mind or spirit
3 : to insert in living tissue (as for growth or absorption)

— im·plant noun

— im·plan·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
embed, entrench, fix, ingrain, lodge, root—more at ENTRENCH

im·plau·si·ble adjective
: not plausible

— im·plau·si·bil·i·ty noun

— im·plau·si·bly adverb

Synonyms
fantastic, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unconvincing, unimaginable, unthinkable—more at INCREDIBLE

1implement noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. ML implementum item making a full complement, appurtenance, tool, fr. LL, act of filling up, fr. L implēre to fill up]

: a device used in the performance of a task : TOOL, UTENSIL

Synonyms
device, instrument, tool, utensil; also apparatus, appliance, mechanism; contraption, contrivance, gadget, gizmo, jigger

2implement verb
1 : to put into execution or bring to completion
2 : to provide implements for

Synonyms
administer, apply, enforce, execute—more at ENFORCE

im·ple·men·ta·tion noun
: the act of implementing or the state of being implemented

Synonyms
accomplishment, achievement, commission, discharge, enactment, execution, fulfillment, performance, perpetration—more at COMMISSION

im·pli·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : IMPLY
2 : INVOLVE

— im·pli·ca·tion noun

im·plic·it adjective
1 : understood though not directly stated or expressed : IMPLIED; also : POTENTIAL
2 : COMPLETE, UNQUESTIONING, ABSOLUTE <~ faith>

— im·plic·it·ly adverb

Synonyms
potential, tacit, unexpressed, unspoken, unvoiced, wordless; also inferred; unannounced, undeclared, unsaid, untold; intimated, suggested
Antonyms
explicit, express, expressed, spoken, stated

im·plode verb im·plod·ed; im·plod·ing
1 : to burst or collapse inward
2 : SELF-DESTRUCT

— im·plo·sion noun

— im·plo·sive adjective

im·plore verb im·plored; im·plor·ing
: to call upon in supplication : BESEECH, ENTREAT

Synonyms
appeal, beg, beseech, entreat, importune, petition, plead, pray, solicit, supplicate—more at BEG

im·ply verb im·plied; im·ply·ing
1 : to involve or indicate by inference, association, or necessary consequence rather than by direct statement <war implies fighting>
2 : to express indirectly : hint at

Synonyms
allude, hint, indicate, infer, insinuate, intimate, suggest—more at HINT

im·po·lite adjective
: not polite : RUDE, DISCOURTEOUS

Synonyms
discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, inconsiderate, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungracious, unmannerly; also audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassy, disrespectful, impudent, insolent, saucy, shameless; boorish, churlish, clownish, loutish, uncouth, vulgar; undiplomatic, unsportsmanlike; abrupt, blunt, brusque, crusty, curt, gruff, sharp, snippy; antisocial, crabbed, cross, disagreeable, grumpy, sullen, surly; improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, unseemly; arrogant, conceited, presumptuous, pretentious
Antonyms
civil, considerate, courteous, genteel, gracious, mannerly, polite, thoughtful, well-bred

im·pol·i·tic adjective
: not politic : UNWISE

im·pon·der·a·ble adjective
: incapable of being weighed or evaluated with exactness

— imponderable noun

1import verb
1 : to bear or convey as meaning or portent : MEAN
2 : to bring (as merchandise) into a place or country from a foreign or external source

— im·port·er noun

2import noun
1 : IMPORTANCE, SIGNIFICANCE
2 : meaning conveyed, professed, or implied : SIGNIFICATION
3 : something (as merchandise) brought in from another country

Synonyms
denotation, drift, intent, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification—more at MEANING

im·por·tance noun
: the quality or state of being important : MOMENT, SIGNIFICANCE

im·por·tant adjective
1 : marked by importance : SIGNIFICANT
2 : giving an impression of self-importance

— im·por·tant·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] big, consequential, eventful, major, material, meaningful, momentous, significant, substantial, weighty; also decisive, fatal, fateful, strategic; earnest, grave, serious, sincere; distinctive, exceptional, impressive, outstanding, prominent, remarkable; valuable, worthwhile, worthy; distinguished, eminent, great, illustrious, preeminent, prestigious; famous, notorious, renowned all-important, critical, crucial
Antonyms
insignificant, little, minor, slight, small, trivial, unimportant
[1] influential, mighty, potent, powerful, significant, strong; also senior, top; able, capable, competent, effective, efficient; authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical, distinguished, dominant, eminent, famous, great, illustrious, notorious, preeminent, prestigious, renowned; dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous
Antonyms
impotent, insignificant, little, powerless, unimportant, weak
[2] complacent, conceited, egotistic, overweening, pompous, prideful, proud, self-important, self-satisfied, smug, stuck-up, vain—more at CONCEITED

im·por·ta·tion noun
1 : the act or practice of importing
2 : something imported

im·por·tu·nate adjective
1 : troublesomely urgent or persistent
2 : BURDENSOME, TROUBLESOME

im·por·tune verb -tuned; -tun·ing
: to urge or beg with troublesome persistence

— im·por·tu·ni·ty noun

Synonyms
appeal, beg, beseech, entreat, implore, petition, plead, pray, solicit, supplicate—more at BEG

im·pose verb im·posed; im·pos·ing
1 : to establish or apply by authority <~ a tax>; also : to establish by force <imposed a government>
2 : OBTRUDE <imposed herself on others>
3 : to take unwarranted advantage of something <~ on her good nature>

Synonyms
assess, charge, exact, fine, lay, levy, put; also dock, mulct, penalize, tax; extort, shake down, wrest, wring; bleed, fleece, gouge, milk, skin, squeeze; coerce, compel, force; inflict, wreak; set
Antonyms
remit

im·pos·ing adjective
: impressive because of size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur

— im·pos·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
august, baronial, gallant, glorious, grand, grandiose, heroic, magnificent, majestic, monumental, noble, proud, regal, royal, splendid, stately—more at GRAND

im·po·si·tion noun
: something imposed: as
a : an amount levied
b : an excessive or uncalled-for requirement or burden

im·pos·si·ble adjective
1 : incapable of being or of occurring
2 : enormously difficult : felt to be incapable of being done, attained, or fulfilled
3 : extremely undesirable : UNACCEPTABLE

— im·pos·si·bil·i·ty noun

— im·pos·si·bly adverb

Synonyms
hopeless, unattainable, unsolvable, unworkable; also impracticable, impractical; doubtful, dubious, improbable, unlikely; implausible, inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unthinkable; futile, useless; absurd, fantastic, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous
Antonyms
achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, possible, realizable, workable

1impost noun
: something imposed or levied : TAX, DUTY

Synonyms
assessment, duty, levy, tax—more at TAX

2impost noun
: a block, capital, or molding from which an arch springs

im·pos·tor or im·pos·ter noun
: one that assumes an identity or title not one's own in order to deceive

im·pos·ture noun
: DECEPTION; especially : fraudulent impersonation

im·po·tence noun
: the quality or state of being impotent

Synonyms
inability, inadequacy, incapability, incompetence, ineptitude—more at INABILITY

im·po·tent adjective
1 : lacking in power or strength : deficient in capacity
2 a : unable to copulate
b : failing to produce or incapable of producing offspring : STERILE

— im·po·ten·cy noun

— im·po·tent·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] helpless, powerless, weak—more at POWERLESS
[2b] barren, infertile, sterile—more at STERILE

im·pound verb
1 : CONFINE, ENCLOSE <~ stray dogs>
2 : to seize and hold in legal custody
3 : to collect in a reservoir <~ water>

— im·pound·ment noun

im·pov·er·ish verb
: to make poor; also : to deprive of strength, richness, or fertility

impoverished adjective, of a fauna or flora
: represented by few species or individuals

im·pov·er·ish·ment noun
: the act of impoverishing or the state of being impoverished

Synonyms
beggary, destitution, impecuniousness, indigence, need, pauperism, penury, poverty, want—more at POVERTY

im·prac·ti·ca·ble adjective
: not practicable : incapable of being put into practice or use

im·prac·ti·cal adjective
1 : not practical
2 : incapable of being done by the means available : IMPRACTICABLE

Synonyms
inoperable, unusable, unworkable, useless; also unsuitable; inaccessible, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable, unreachable; dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inactive, inert, inoperative, latent; arrested, interrupted; unrealistic
Antonyms
practicable, practical, usable, useful, workable

im·pre·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: CURSE

im·pre·ca·tion noun
: a prayer or invocation for harm or injury to come upon one; also : the act of imprecating

Synonyms
anathema, curse, execration, malediction—more at CURSE

im·pre·cise adjective
: not precise

— im·pre·cise·ly adverb

— im·pre·cise·ness noun

— im·pre·ci·sion noun

Synonyms
inaccurate, inexact, loose—more at INEXACT

im·preg·na·ble adjective
1 : incapable of being taken by assault : UNCONQUERABLE
2 : not liable to doubt, attack, or question

— im·preg·na·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
indomitable, insurmountable, invincible, invulnerable, unbeatable, unconquerable—more at INVINCIBLE

im·preg·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to fertilize or make pregnant
2 : to cause to be filled, permeated, or saturated

— im·preg·na·tion noun

Synonyms
drench, drown, saturate, soak, sop, souse, steep—more at SOAK

im·pre·sa·rio noun, plural -ri·os
[ORIGIN: It, fr. impresa undertaking, fr. imprendere to undertake]

1 : the manager or conductor of an opera or concert company
2 : one who puts on an entertainment
3 : MANAGER, PRODUCER

1impress verb
1 : to apply with or produce (as a mark) by pressure : IMPRINT
2 : to press, stamp, or print in or upon
3 : to imprint a vivid impression of (as on the memory)
4 : to affect esp. forcibly or deeply

— im·press·ible adjective

Synonyms
[3] engrave, etch, imprint, ingrain, inscribe—more at ENGRAVE
[4] affect, impact, influence, move, strike, sway, tell, touch—more at AFFECT

2impress noun
1 : a characteristic or distinctive mark
2 : IMPRESSION, EFFECT
3 : IMPRESSION 2
4 : an image of something formed by or as if by pressure; especially : SEAL
5 : a product of pressure or influence

3impress verb
1 : to force into naval service
2 : to get the aid or services of by forcible argument or persuasion

— im·press·ment noun

im·pres·sion noun
1 : a characteristic trait or feature resulting from influence : IMPRESS
2 : a stamp, form, or figure made by impressing : IMPRINT
3 : an esp. marked influence or effect on feeling, sense, or mind
4 : a single print or copy (as from type or from an engraved plate or book)
5 : all the copies of a publication (as a book) printed for one issue : PRINTING
6 : a usu. vague notion or remembrance
7 : an imitation in caricature of a noted personality as a form of entertainment

Synonyms
[2] impress, imprint, print, stamp—more at PRINT
[6] concept, idea, image, notion, picture, thought—more at IDEA

im·pres·sion·able adjective
: capable of being easily impressed : easily molded or influenced

im·pres·sion·ism noun, often cap
: a theory or practice in modern art of depicting the natural appearances of objects by dabs or strokes of primary unmixed colors in order to simulate actual reflected light

— im·pres·sion·is·tic adjective

im·pres·sion·ist noun
1 often cap : a painter who practices impressionism
2 : an entertainer who does impressions

Synonyms
imitator, impersonator, impressionist, mimic—more at MIMIC

im·pres·sive adjective
: making or tending to make a marked impression <an ~ speech>

— im·pres·sive·ly adverb

— im·pres·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
affecting, emotional, moving, poignant, stirring, touching—more at MOVING

im·pri·ma·tur noun
[ORIGIN: NL, let it be printed]

1 : a license to print or publish; also : official approval of a publication by a censor
2 : explicit or official approval, permission, or ratification

Synonyms
approbation, approval, blessing, favor, OK—more at APPROVAL

1imprint verb
1 : to stamp or mark by or as if by pressure : IMPRESS
2 : to fix firmly (as on the memory)

Synonyms
engrave, etch, impress, ingrain, inscribe—more at ENGRAVE

2imprint noun
1 : something imprinted or printed; also : a mark or depression made by pressure
2 : a publisher's name printed at the foot of a title page
3 : an indelible distinguishing effect or influence

Synonyms
trace, track, trail—more at TRACK
impress, impression, print, stamp—more at PRINT

im·pris·on verb
: to put in or as if in prison : CONFINE

Synonyms
commit, confine, immure, jail; also constrain, limit, restrain, restrict, shut; apprehend, arrest, capture, catch, detain; impress, shanghai; hold, keep; enslave, subjugate
Antonyms
discharge, free, liberate, release

im·pris·on·ment noun
: the act of imprisoning or the state of being imprisoned

Synonyms
captivity, confinement, incarceration, internment—more at INTERNMENT

im·prob·a·ble adjective
: unlikely to be true or to occur

— im·prob·a·bil·i·ty noun

— im·prob·a·bly adverb

Synonyms
doubtful, dubious, flimsy, questionable, unlikely; also implausible, impossible, inconceivable, incredible, last, unbelievable, unthinkable; absurd, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous; outside, remote, slight
Antonyms
likely, probable

im·promp·tu adjective
[ORIGIN: F, fr. impromptu extemporaneously, fr. L in promptu in readiness]

1 : made or done on or as if on the spur of the moment
2 : composed or uttered without previous preparation : EXTEMPORANEOUS, UNREHEARSED

— impromptu adverb or noun

Synonyms
ad-lib, extemporaneous, offhand, snap, unplanned, unpremeditated, unprepared, unrehearsed—more at EXTEMPORANEOUS

im·prop·er adjective
1 : not proper, fit, or suitable
2 : INCORRECT, INACCURATE
3 : not in accord with propriety, modesty, or good manners

Synonyms
graceless, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong

improper fraction noun
: a fraction whose numerator is equal to or larger than the denominator

im·prop·er·ly adverb
: in an improper manner

Synonyms
amiss, erroneously, faultily, inaptly, incorrectly, mistakenly, wrongly

im·pro·pri·e·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : an improper act or remark; especially : an unacceptable use of a word or of language
2 : the quality or state of being improper

Synonyms
[1] familiarity, gaffe, indiscretion; also blunder, error, flub, fumble, goof, lapse, miscue, misstep, mistake, slip, slipup, stumble; discourtesy, incivility, offense; boner, howler; foul-up, muff; misapprehension, miscalculation, misconception, misjudgment, misstatement, misunderstanding
Antonyms
amenity, civility, courtesy, formality, gesture
[2] incorrectness, indecency; also coarseness; imprudence, indiscretion
Antonyms
appropriateness, correctness, decency, fitness, propriety, rightness, suitability

im·prov adjective
: of, relating to, or being an improvised comedy routine

— improv noun

im·prove verb im·proved; im·prov·ing
1 : to enhance or increase in value or quality
2 : to grow or become better <your work is improving>
3 : to make good use of <~ the time by reading>

— im·prov·able adjective

Synonyms
ameliorate, amend, better, enhance, enrich, perfect, refine; also correct, emend, rectify, reform, remedy; help; edit, revise; upgrade; fortify, intensify, strengthen; retouch, touch up
Antonyms
worsen

im·prove·ment noun
1 : the act or process of improving
2 : increased value or excellence of something
3 : something that adds to the value or appearance of a thing

Synonyms
advance, advancement, breakthrough, enhancement, refinement—more at ADVANCE

im·prov·i·dent adjective
: not providing for the future

— im·prov·i·dence noun

im·pro·vise verb -vised; -vis·ing
[ORIGIN: F improviser, fr. It improvvisare, fr. improvviso sudden, fr. L improvisus, lit., unforeseen]

1 : to compose, recite, play, or sing on the spur of the moment : EXTEMPORIZE <~ on the piano>
2 : to make, invent, or arrange offhand <~ a sail out of shirts>

— im·pro·vi·sa·tion noun

— im·pro·vis·er or im·pro·vi·sor noun

im·pru·dent adjective
: not prudent : lacking discretion

— im·pru·dence noun

Synonyms
ill-advised, indiscreet, tactless, unwise—more at INDISCREET

im·pu·dence noun
: the quality or state of being impudent; also : an impudent remark or act

Synonyms
brazenness, discourtesy, disrespect, impertinence, incivility, insolence, rudeness—more at DISCOURTESY

im·pu·dent adjective
: marked by contemptuous boldness or disregard of others

— im·pu·dent·ly adverb

Synonyms
arch, bold, brash, brazen, cheeky, cocky, fresh, impertinent, insolent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY

im·pugn verb
[ORIGIN: ME, to assail, fr. AF empugner, fr. L inpugnare, fr. pugnare to fight]

: to attack by words or arguments : oppose or attack as false or as lacking integrity

im·puis·sance noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF]

: the quality or state of being powerless : WEAKNESS

im·pulse noun
1 : a force that starts a body into motion; also : the motion produced by such a force
2 : an arousing of the mind and spirit to some usu. unpremeditated action
3 : NERVE IMPULSE

Synonyms
boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, incentive, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulus, yeast; also inducement, invitation; cause, consideration, motive, reason

im·pul·sion noun
1 : the act of impelling : the state of being impelled
2 : a force that impels
3 : IMPULSE 2; also : COMPULSION 3

im·pul·sive adjective
1 : having the power of or actually driving or impelling
2 : acting or prone to act on impulse <~ buying>

— im·pul·sive·ly adverb

— im·pul·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
capricious, whimsical—more at WHIMSICAL

im·pu·ni·ty noun
[ORIGIN: MF or L; MF impunité, fr. L impunitas, fr. impune without punishment, fr. poena penalty, punishment]

: exemption from punishment, harm, or loss

im·pure adjective
1 : not pure : UNCHASTE, OBSCENE
2 : DIRTY, FOUL
3 : mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usu. unwanted substance : ADULTERATED

Synonyms
dilute, polluted; also befouled, corrupted, debased, defiled, dirtied, fouled, soiled, spoiled, sullied; blended, commingled, incorporated, intermingled, intermixed, merged, mingled, mixed; coalesced, combined, compounded; cheapened, doctored
Antonyms
pure, unadulterated, unalloyed, uncontaminated, undiluted, unpolluted, untainted

im·pu·ri·ty noun
: something that is impure or makes something else impure; also : the quality or state of being impure

Synonyms
adulterant, contaminant, defilement, pollutant; also blot, blotch, spot, stain, taint; dirt, filth, grime; blemish, defect, disfigurement, fault, flaw; abnormality, imperfection, irregularity

im·pute verb im·put·ed; im·put·ing
1 : to lay the responsibility or blame for often falsely or unjustly
2 : to credit to a person or a cause : ATTRIBUTE

— im·put·able adjective

— im·pu·ta·tion noun

Synonyms
accredit, ascribe, attribute, credit—more at CREDIT

1in preposition
1 — used to indicate physical surroundings <swim ~ the lake>
2 : INTO 1 <ran ~ the house>
3 : DURING <~ the summer>
4 : WITH <written ~ pencil>
5 — used to indicate one's situation or state of being <~ luck> <~ love>
6 — used to indicate manner or purpose <~ a hurry> <said ~ reply>
7 : INTO 2 <broke ~ pieces>

2in adverb
1 : to or toward the inside <come ~>; also : to or toward some destination or place <flew ~ from the South>
2 : at close quarters : NEAR <the enemy closed ~>
3 : into the midst of something <mix ~ the flour>
4 : to or at its proper place <fit a piece ~>
5 : WITHIN <locked ~>
6 : in vogue or season
7 : in one's presence, possession, or control <the results are ~>

Synonyms
around, by, close, hard, near, nearby, nigh—more at NEAR

3in adjective
1 : located inside or within
2 : that is in position, operation, or power <the ~ party>
3 : directed inward : INCOMING <the ~ train>
4 : keenly aware of and responsive to what is new and fashionable <the ~ crowd>; also : extremely fashionable <the ~ thing to do>

Synonyms
à la mode, chic, fashionable, modish, popular, sharp, smart, snappy, stylish—more at STYLISH

4in noun
1 : one who is in office or power or on the inside
2 : INFLUENCE, PULL <he has an ~ with the owner>

5in abbreviation
1 inch
2 inlet

In symbol
indium

IN abbreviation
Indiana

in- prefix
: not : absence of : NON-, UN-

List of self-explanatory words with the prefix in-:

inadmissibility

inadmissibleinadvisability

inadvisable

inapparent

inapplicable

inapposite

inapproachable

inaptitude

inarguable

inartistic

inaudible

inaudibly

incautious

incombustible

incomprehension

inconclusive

incongruent

inconsistency

incoordination

indecipherable

indemonstrable

indestructible

indeterminable

indiscernible

inedible

ineducable

ineffaceable

inefficacious

inefficacy

inelastic

inelasticity

inequitable

inequity

ineradicable

inerrant

inexpedient

inextinguishable

infeasible

injudicious

inoffensive

insanitary

insensitive

insensitivity

insignificance

insolvable

insusceptible

in·abil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being unable

Synonyms
impotence, inadequacy, incapability, incompetence, ineptitude; also inaptitude; ineffectiveness, inefficiency
Antonyms
ability, adequacy, capability, capacity, competence, potency

in ab·sen·tia adverb
: in one's absence

in·ac·ces·si·ble adjective
: not accessible

— in·ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
inconvenient, unapproachable, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable, unreachable, untouchable; also distant, far, faraway, far-off, remote, removed; apart, hidden, isolated, out-of-the-way, secluded
Antonyms
accessible, approachable, attainable, convenient, obtainable, reachable

in·ac·cu·ra·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : the quality or state of being inaccurate
2 : something (as a statement or act) that is inaccurate

in·ac·cu·rate adjective
: not accurate

Synonyms
erroneous, false, incorrect, inexact, invalid, off, unsound, untrue, wrong—more at FALSE

in·ac·tion noun
: not occupied or employed

Synonyms
dormancy, idleness, inactivity, inertness, quiescence; also indolence, languor, lassitude, laziness, lethargy, listlessness, sleepiness, sloth, sluggishness
Antonyms
action, activeness, activity

in·ac·ti·vate verb
: to make inactive

— in·ac·ti·va·tion noun

in·ac·tive
: not active, energetic, or in use

Synonyms
dull, inert, lethargic, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, torpid; also apathetic, indolent, languorous, lazy, listless, slothful; dormant, inanimate, motionless, sedentary, static, still; dead; dopey, drugged
Antonyms
active
dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inert, inoperative, latent, off, vacant; also arrested, interrupted; asleep, lifeless, quiescent, sleepy; inoperable, unusable, unworkable, useless; dead, dull, slow
Antonyms
active, alive, busy, employed, functioning, on, operating, operative, running, working

in·ac·tiv·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being inactive

Synonyms
dormancy, idleness, inaction, inertness, quiescence—more at INACTION

in·ad·e·qua·cy noun
: the quality or state of being inadequate or insufficient

Synonyms
dearth, deficiency, deficit, failure, famine, insufficiency, lack, paucity, poverty, scantiness, scarcity, shortage, want—more at DEFICIENCY
impotence, inability, incapability, incompetence, ineptitude—more at INABILITY

in·ad·e·quate adjective
: not adequate : INSUFFICIENT

— in·ad·e·quate·ly adverb

— in·ad·e·quate·ness noun

Synonyms
deficient, insufficient, scarce, short, shy, wanting—more at SHORT

in·ad·ver·tent adjective
1 : HEEDLESS, INATTENTIVE
2 : not intentional : UNINTENTIONAL

— in·ad·ver·tence noun

— in·ad·ver·ten·cy noun

— in·ad·ver·tent·ly adverb

in·alien·able adjective
: incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred <~ rights>

— in·alien·abil·i·ty noun

— in·alien·ably adverb

in·amo·ra·ta noun
: a woman with whom one is in love

inane adjective inan·er; -est
1 : EMPTY, INSUBSTANTIAL
2 : lacking significance, meaning, or point

inan·i·ty noun
1 : the quality or state of being inane
2 : something that is inane

Synonyms
[1, 2] absurdity, asininity, balminess, craziness, daftness, fatuity, folly, foolishness, insanity, lunacy, madness, silliness, simplicity, zaniness

in·an·i·mate adjective
: not animate or animated : lacking the qualities of living things

— in·an·i·mate·ly adverb

— in·an·i·mate·ness noun

in·ap·pre·cia·ble adjective
: too small to be perceived

— in·ap·pre·cia·bly adverb

Synonyms
impalpable, imperceptible, indistinguishable—more at IMPERCEPTIBLE

in·ap·pro·pri·ate adjective
: not appropriate or in good taste

in·apt adjective
1 : not suitable
2 : inappropriate or incompetent often to an absurd degree : INEPT

— in·apt·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] graceless, improper, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong

in·apt·ly adverb
: in an inapt manner

Synonyms
amiss, erroneously, faultily, improperly, incorrectly, mistakenly, wrongly

in·ar·tic·u·late adjective
1 : not understandable as spoken words
2 : incapable of speech esp. under stress of emotion : MUTE
3 : incapable of being expressed by speech; also : UNSPOKEN
4 : not having the power of distinct utterance or effective expression

— in·ar·tic·u·late·ly adverb

Synonyms
dumb, mute, speechless, voiceless—more at MUTE

in·as·much as conjunction
: seeing that : SINCE

in·at·ten·tion noun
: failure to pay attention : DISREGARD

in·at·ten·tive adjective
: not paying attention : not attentive

1inaugural adjective
1 : of or relating to an inauguration
2 : marking a beginning

Synonyms
first, initial, maiden, original, pioneer, premier—more at FIRST

2inaugural noun
1 : an inaugural address
2 : an act of inaugurating : INAUGURATION; especially : a ceremonial induction into office

in·au·gu·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to introduce into an office with suitable ceremonies : INSTALL
2 : to dedicate ceremoniously
3 : to bring about the beginning of : INITIATE

Synonyms
[1] baptize, induct, initiate, install, invest—more at INSTALL
[3] constitute, establish, found, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set up, start—more at FOUND

in·au·gu·ra·tion noun
: an act of inaugurating; also : a ceremonial induction into office

Synonyms
inaugural, induction, installation, investiture—more at INSTALLATION

in·aus·pi·cious adjective
: not auspicious

Synonyms
foreboding, ominous, portentous, prophetic

in·au·then·tic adjective
: not authentic

Synonyms
bogus, counterfeit, fake, false, phony, sham, spurious, unauthentic—more at COUNTERFEIT

in·board adverb
1 : inside the hull of a ship
2 : close or closest to the center line of a vehicle or craft

— inboard adjective

in·born adjective
1 : present from or as if from birth
2 : genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring : HEREDITARY, INHERITED

Synonyms
[1] essential, ingrained, inherent, innate, integral, intrinsic, natural—more at INHERENT
[2] genetic, hereditary, heritable, inherited—more at HEREDITARY

in·bound adjective
: inward bound <~ traffic>

in–box noun
: a receptacle for incoming interoffice letters; also : a computer folder for incoming e-mail

in·bred adjective
1 : ingrained in one's nature as deeply as if by heredity
2 : subjected to or produced by inbreeding

in·breed·ing noun
1 : the interbreeding of closely related individuals esp. to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock
2 : confinement to a narrow range or a local or limited field of choice

— in·breed verb

inc abbreviation
1 incomplete
2 incorporated
3 increase

In·ca noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. Quechua inka ruler of the Inca empire]

1 : a noble or a member of the ruling family of an Indian empire of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador until the Spanish conquest
2 : a member of any people under Inca influence

in·cal·cu·la·ble adjective
: not capable of being calculated; especially : too large or numerous to be calculated

— in·cal·cu·la·bly adverb

in·can·des·cence noun
: the quality or state of being incandescent; especially : emission by a hot body of radiation that makes it visible

Synonyms
blaze, flare, fluorescence, glare, gleam, glow, illumination, light, luminescence, radiance, shine—more at LIGHT

in·can·des·cent adjective
1 : glowing with heat
2 : strikingly bright, radiant, or clear : SHINING, BRILLIANT

Synonyms
beaming, bright, brilliant, effulgent, glowing, lambent, lucent, lucid, luminous, lustrous, radiant, refulgent, shiny—more at BRIGHT

incandescent lamp noun
: a lamp in which an electrically heated filament emits light

in·can·ta·tion noun
: a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic; also : a formula of words used in or as if in such a ritual

Synonyms
bewitchment, charm, conjuration, enchantment, incantation, spell—more at SPELL

in·ca·pa·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being incapable

Synonyms
impotence, inability, inadequacy, incompetence, ineptitude—more at INABILITY

in·ca·pa·ble adjective
: lacking ability or qualification for a particular purpose; also : UNQUALIFIED

Synonyms
incompetent, inept, inexpert, unfit, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful—more at INCOMPETENT

in·ca·pac·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: to make incapable or unfit : DISABLE

Synonyms
cripple, disable, hamstring, immobilize, paralyze, prostrate—more at PARALYZE

in·ca·pac·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: the quality or state of being incapable

in·car·cer·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to put in prison : IMPRISON, CONFINE

in·car·cer·a·tion noun
: a confining or state of being confined

Synonyms
captivity, confinement, imprisonment, internment—more at INTERNMENT

in·car·na·dine verb -dined; -din·ing
: REDDEN

1incarnate adjective
1 : having bodily and esp. human form and substance
2 : PERSONIFIED

2incarnate verb
: to make incarnate: as
a : to give bodily form and substance to
b : to give a concrete or actual form to

in·car·na·tion noun
1 a : the embodiment of a deity or spirit in an earthly form
b : a concrete or actual form of a quality or concept
2 cap : the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ
3 : a person showing a trait or typical character to a marked degree
4 : the act of incarnating : the state of being incarnate

Synonyms
embodiment, epitome, manifestation, personification—more at EMBODIMENT

1incendiary adjective
1 : of or relating to a deliberate burning of property
2 : tending to excite or inflame
3 : designed to start fires <an ~ bomb>

2incendiary noun
1 a : a person who commits arson
b : an incendiary agent (as a bomb)
2 : a person who excites factions, quarrels, or sedition

Synonyms
agitator, demagogue, firebrand, inciter, rabble-rouser—more at AGITATOR

1incense noun
1 : material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
2 : the perfume or smoke from some spices and gums when burned

Synonyms
aroma, bouquet, fragrance, perfume, redolence, scent, spice—more at FRAGRANCE

2incense verb in·censed; in·cens·ing
: to make extremely angry

Synonyms
anger, antagonize, enrage, inflame, infuriate, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil—more at ANGER

in·cen·tive noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. LL incentivum, fr. incentivus stimulating, fr. L, setting the tune, fr. incinere to play (a tune), fr. canere to sing]

: something that incites or is likely to incite to determination or action

Synonyms
boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulus, yeast—more at IMPULSE

in·cep·tion noun
: an act, process, or instance of beginning : COMMENCEMENT

in·cer·ti·tude noun
1 : absence of assurance or confidence : UNCERTAINTY, DOUBT
2 : INSECURITY, INSTABILITY

Synonyms
distrust, doubt, misgiving, mistrust, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty—more at DOUBT

in·ces·sant adjective
: continuing or flowing without interruption <~ rains>

Synonyms
ceaseless, continual, continuous, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted—more at CONTINUOUS

in·ces·sant·ly adverb
: in an unceasing manner or course : without intermission or relief

Synonyms
always, constantly, continually, ever, forever, invariably, perpetually, unfailingly—more at ALWAYS

in·cest noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L incestus sexual impurity, fr. incestus impure, fr. castus pure]

: sexual intercourse between persons so closely related that marriage is illegal

— in·ces·tu·ous adjective

1inch noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE ynce, fr. L uncia twelfth part, inch, ounce]

1 : a unit of length equal to 1/36 yard
2 : a small amount, distance, or degree

Synonyms
ace, hair—more at HAIR

2inch verb
: to move by small degrees

Synonyms
crawl, creep, drag, plod, poke—more at CRAWL

in·cho·ate adjective
: being only partly in existence or operation : INCOMPLETE, INCIPIENT

inch·worm noun
: LOOPER

in·ci·dence noun
: rate of occurrence or effect

1incident noun
1 : an occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of experience : HAPPENING
2 : an action likely to lead to grave consequences esp. in diplomatic matters

Synonyms
affair, circumstance, episode, event, happening, occasion, occurrence, thing—more at EVENT

2incident adjective
1 : occurring or likely to occur esp. in connection with some other happening
2 : falling or striking on something <~ light rays>

1incidental adjective
1 : subordinate, nonessential, or attendant in position or significance <~ expenses>
2 : occurring merely by chance or without intention or planning : CASUAL, CHANCE

Synonyms
accidental, casual, chance, fluky, fortuitous, unintended, unintentional, unplanned, unpremeditated, unwitting—more at ACCIDENTAL

2incidental noun
1 plural : minor items (as of expense) that are not individually accounted for
2 : something incidental

in·ci·den·tal·ly adverb
1 : in an incidental manner
2 : by the way

in·cin·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to burn to ashes

in·cin·er·a·tor noun
: a furnace for burning waste

in·cip·i·ent adjective
: beginning to be or become apparent

in·cise verb in·cised; in·cis·ing
1 : to cut into
2 : to carve figures, letters, or devices into : ENGRAVE

in·ci·sion noun
: a wound made by something sharp : GASH; especially : a surgical cut

in·ci·sive adjective
: impressively direct and decisive

— in·ci·sive·ly adverb

in·ci·sor noun
: a front tooth typically adapted for cutting

in·cite verb in·cit·ed; in·cit·ing
: to arouse to action

Synonyms
abet, ferment, foment, instigate, provoke, raise, stir, whip; also forward, foster, further, promote, sow, stimulate; set off, trigger; excite, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse; activate, energize, quicken, vitalize
arouse, encourage, excite, fire, instigate, move, pique, provoke, stimulate, stir

in·cite·ment noun
: the act of inciting or the state of being incited

Synonyms
excitement, instigation, provocation, stimulus—more at PROVOCATION

in·cit·er noun
: one that incites

Synonyms
agitator, demagogue, firebrand, incendiary, rabble-rouser—more at AGITATOR

in·ci·vil·i·ty noun
1 : the quality or state of being uncivil : RUDENESS, DISCOURTESY
2 : a rude or discourteous act

Synonyms
brazenness, discourtesy, disrespect, impertinence, impudence, insolence, rudeness—more at DISCOURTESY

incl abbreviation
include; included; including; inclusive

in·clem·ent adjective
: lacking mildness; especially : physically severe : STORMY <~ weather>

— in·clem·en·cy noun

Synonyms
bleak, dirty, foul, nasty, raw, rough, squally, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent—more at FOUL

in·cli·na·tion noun
1 : a particular disposition of mind or character : PROPENSITY; especially : LIKING
2 : BOW, NOD <an ~ of the head>
3 : a tilting of something
4 : the degree of deviation from the true vertical or horizontal : SLANT, SLOPE

Synonyms
[1] bent, devices, disposition, genius, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn; also bias, prejudice; aptitude, faculty, flair, gift, knack, talent; addiction, fondness, liking; forte, specialty; convention, custom, habit, pattern, practice, routine, trick, way, wont; oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity
[4] cant, diagonal, grade, incline, lean, pitch, slant, slope, tilt, upgrade—more at SLANT

1incline verb in·clined; in·clin·ing
1 : BOW, BEND
2 : to be drawn toward an opinion or course of action
3 : to deviate from the vertical or horizontal : SLOPE
4 : INFLUENCE, PERSUADE

— in·clin·er noun

Synonyms
[2] lean, run, tend, trend—more at LEAN
[3] angle, cant, cock, heel, lean, list, slant, slope, tilt, tip—more at LEAN

2incline noun
: an inclined plane : SLOPE

in·clined adjective
1 : having inclination, disposition, or tendency
2 a : having a leaning or slope
b : making an angle with a line or plane

Synonyms
[1] amenable, disposed, game, glad, ready, willing—more at WILLING
[1] apt, given, prone—more at PRONE
[2a, b] canted, diagonal, leaning, listing, oblique, slantwise—more at DIAGONAL

inclose, inclosure variant of ENCLOSE, ENCLOSURE

in·clude verb in·clud·ed; in·clud·ing
: to take in or comprise as a part of a whole <the price ~s tax>

— in·clu·sion noun

Synonyms
carry, comprehend, contain, embrace, encompass, entail, involve, number, take in; also comprise, consist (of); have, hold, own, possess; admit, receive; compose, constitute, form, make; assimilate, embody, incorporate, integrate
Antonyms
exclude, omit

in·clu·sive adjective
1 : comprehending stated limits or extremes
2 : broad in orientation or scope; also : covering or intended to cover all items, costs, or services

Synonyms
compendious, complete, comprehensive, encyclopedic, full, global, omnibus, panoramic, universal—more at ENCYCLOPEDIC

incog abbreviation
incognito

1incognito noun, plural -tos
1 : one appearing or living incognito
2 : the state or disguise of an incognito

2incognito adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It, fr. L incognitus unknown, fr. cognoscere to know]

: with one's identity concealed

in·co·her·ent adjective
1 : not sticking closely or compactly together : LOOSE
2 : not clearly or logically connected : RAMBLING

— in·co·her·ence noun

— in·co·her·ent·ly adverb

Synonyms
disconnected, disjointed, rambling, unconnected; also baffling, bewildering, confounding, confused, confusing, disordered, disorderly, disorganized, muddled, perplexing, puzzling; disconcerting, frustrating; fallacious, illogical, inconsistent, invalid, irrational, unsound; asinine, absurd, eccentric, foolish, odd, peculiar, strange, unreasonable, unusual, weird; meaningless, nonsensical, nutty, preposterous, ridiculous, senseless, silly; unconvincing; inexplicable, unaccountable
Antonyms
coherent, connected

in·come noun
: a gain usu. measured in money that derives from labor, business, or property

Synonyms
earnings, proceeds, profit, return, revenue, yield; also killing, windfall; salary, tips, wages; capital finances, funds, money

income tax noun
: a tax on the net income of an individual or business concern

in·com·ing adjective
: coming in <the ~ tide> <~ freshmen>

in·com·men·su·rate adjective
: not commensurate; especially : INADEQUATE

in·com·mode verb -mod·ed; -mod·ing
: to give inconvenience or distress to : DISTURB

in·com·mu·ni·ca·ble adjective
: not capable of being communicated or imparted; also : UNCOMMUNICATIVE

in·com·mu·ni·ca·do adverb or adjective
: without means of communication; also : in solitary confinement <a prisoner held ~>

in·com·pa·ra·ble adjective
1 : eminent beyond comparison : MATCHLESS
2 : not suitable for comparison

— in·com·pa·ra·bly adverb

Synonyms
inimitable, matchless, nonpareil, only, peerless, unequaled, unmatched, unparalleled, unrivaled, unsurpassed—more at ONLY

in·com·pat·i·ble adjective
: incapable of or unsuitable for association or use together <~ colors> <temperamentally ~>

— in·com·pat·i·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
discordant, discrepant, incongruous, inharmonious

in·com·pe·tence noun
: the state or fact of being incompetent

Synonyms
impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, ineptitude—more at INABILITY

in·com·pe·tent adjective
1 : not legally qualified
2 : not competent : lacking sufficient knowledge, skill, or ability

— in·com·pe·ten·cy noun

— incompetent noun

Synonyms
incapable, inept, inexpert, unfit, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful; also ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient; callow, green, inexperienced, raw; unequipped, unprepared, untrained; useless, worthless; ineligible; wanting
Antonyms
able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful

in·com·plete adjective
: lacking a part or parts : UNFINISHED, IMPERFECT

— in·com·plete·ness noun

Synonyms
deficient, fragmentary, halfway, imperfect, partial; also broken, damaged, impaired
Antonyms
complete, entire, full, intact, whole

in·com·plete·ly adverb
: in an incomplete manner or to an incomplete degree : not wholly, perfectly, or fully

in·com·pre·hen·si·ble adjective
: impossible to comprehend : UNINTELLIGIBLE

Synonyms
impenetrable, unfathomable; also abstruse, enigmatic, esoteric, inscrutable, recondite; cryptic, mysterious, obscure; unanswerable, unknowable; baffling, bewildering, confounding, confusing, mystifying, perplexing, puzzling
Antonyms
fathomable, intelligible, understandable

in·con·ceiv·able adjective
1 : impossible to comprehend
2 : impossible to believe : UNBELIEVABLE

Synonyms
fantastic, implausible, incredible, unbelievable, unconvincing, unimaginable, unthinkable—more at INCREDIBLE

in·con·gru·ous adjective
1 : not consistent with or suitable to the surroundings or associations
2 : lacking harmony

— in·con·gru·i·ty noun

— in·con·gru·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
discordant, discrepant, incompatible, inharmonious

in·con·se·quen·tial adjective
1 : ILLOGICAL; also : IRRELEVANT
2 : of no significance : UNIMPORTANT

— in·con·se·quence noun

— in·con·se·quen·tial·ly adverb

Synonyms
frivolous, inconsiderable, insignificant, little, minor, minute, negligible, slight, small, trifling, trivial, unimportant—more at UNIMPORTANT

in·con·sid·er·able adjective
: not considerable : SLIGHT, TRIVIAL

Synonyms
inconsequential, insignificant, measly, minute, negligible, nominal, paltry, petty, slight, trifling, trivial—more at NEGLIGIBLE

in·con·sid·er·ate adjective
: not taking heed : THOUGHTLESS; especially : not respecting the rights or feelings of others

— in·con·sid·er·ate·ly adverb

— in·con·sid·er·ate·ness noun

Synonyms
discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, impolite, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungracious, unmannerly—more at IMPOLITE

in·con·sis·tent
: lacking consistency : not compatible with facts or claims

in·con·sol·able adjective
: incapable of being consoled

— in·con·sol·ably adverb

in·con·spic·u·ous adjective
: not readily noticeable

— in·con·spic·u·ous·ly adverb

in·con·stan·cy noun
: the quality or state of being inconstant

Synonyms
disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, infidelity, perfidy, unfaithfulness—more at INFIDELITY

in·con·stant adjective
: not constant : CHANGEABLE

— in·con·stant·ly adverb

Synonyms
capricious, changeable, fickle, fluid, mercurial, mutable, temperamental, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, variable, volatile—more at FICKLE

in·con·test·able adjective
: not contestable : INDISPUTABLE

Synonyms
indisputable, indubitable, irrefutable, unanswerable, undeniable, unquestionable—more at IRREFUTABLE

in·con·test·ably adverb
: in an incontestable manner or to an incontestable degree or level : with certainty

Synonyms
certainly, definitely, doubtless, forsooth, indeed, indisputably, really, surely, truly, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably—more at INDEED

in·con·ti·nent adjective
1 : lacking self-restraint
2 : unable to retain urine or feces voluntarily

— in·con·ti·nence noun

in·con·tro·vert·ible adjective
: not open to question : INDISPUTABLE <~ evidence>

in·con·tro·vert·ibly adverb
: not open to question

1inconvenience noun
1 : something that is inconvenient
2 : the quality or state of being inconvenient

Synonyms
aggravation, annoyance, bother, exasperation, frustration, hassle, headache, irritant, nuisance, peeve, pest, problem, thorn—more at ANNOYANCE

2inconvenience verb -nienced; -niencing
: to subject to inconvenience

Synonyms
discommode, disoblige, disturb, trouble; also burden, encumber, saddle, weigh; hamper, hamstring, hinder, hobble, impede; aggravate, anger, annoy, bother, bug, exasperate, gall, get, nettle, peeve, pique, put out, rile, vex; grate, inflame, provoke; agitate, perturb, upset
Antonyms
accommodate, oblige

in·con·ve·nient adjective
1 : not convenient
2 : causing trouble or annoyance

— in·con·ve·nient·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] inaccessible, unapproachable, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable, unreachable, untouchable—more at INACCESSIBLE
[2] awkward; also bothersome, burdensome, onerous, troublesome; annoying, irritating
Antonyms
convenient

in·cor·po·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
1 : to unite closely or so as to form one body
2 : to form, form into, or become a corporation
3 : to give material form to : EMBODY

— in·cor·po·ra·tion noun

Synonyms
assimilate, commingle, integrate, intermingle, merge

in·cor·po·re·al adjective
: having no material body or form

Synonyms
bodiless, immaterial, insubstantial, nonmaterial, nonphysical, spiritual, unsubstantial—more at IMMATERIAL

in·cor·rect adjective
1 : marked by fault or defect : INACCURATE
2 : not true : WRONG
3 : not according with appropriate standards : UNBECOMING, IMPROPER

Synonyms
[2] erroneous, false, inaccurate, inexact, invalid, off, unsound, untrue, wrong—more at FALSE
[3] graceless, improper, inapt, incongruous, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong

in·cor·rect·ly adverb
: in an incorrect manner

Synonyms
amiss, erroneously, faultily, improperly, inaptly, mistakenly, wrongly

in·cor·rect·ness noun
: the quality or state of being incorrect

Synonyms
impropriety, indecency—more at IMPROPRIETY

in·cor·ri·gi·ble adjective
: incapable of being corrected, amended, or reformed

— in·cor·ri·gi·bil·i·ty noun

— in·cor·ri·gi·bly adverb

Synonyms
hopeless, incurable, irredeemable, irremediable, unrecoverable, unredeemable—more at HOPELESS

in·cor·rupt·ible adjective
1 : not subject to decay or dissolution
2 : incapable of being bribed or morally corrupted

— in·cor·rupt·ibil·i·ty noun

— in·cor·rupt·ibly adverb

incr abbreviation
increase; increased

1increase verb in·creased; in·creas·ing
[ORIGIN: ME encresen, fr. AF encreistre, fr. L. increscere, fr. crescere to grow]

1 : to become greater : GROW
2 : to multiply by the production of young <rabbits ~ rapidly>
3 : to make greater

— in·creas·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] accumulate, appreciate, balloon, build, burgeon, enlarge, escalate, expand, grow, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, snowball, swell, wax; also rocket, skyrocket; heighten, intensify; blow up, distend, inflate; crest, peak, surge
Antonyms
contract, decrease, diminish, lessen, wane
[3] add, aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, multiply, raise, swell, up; also skyrocket; blow up, dilate, distend, inflate; elongate, lengthen, prolong, protract; enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify; complement, supplement; beef (up), reinforce, strengthen; maximize; accumulate, amass, collect; follow up, parlay
Antonyms
abate, contract, decrease, diminish, lessen, lower, reduce, subtract (from)

2increase noun
1 : addition or enlargement in size, extent, or quantity : GROWTH
2 : something that is added to an original stock or amount (as by growth)

Synonyms
[1, 2] accretion, addition, augmentation, boost, expansion, gain, growth, increment, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement; also accumulation; complement; appendix, continuation, extension uptrend, upturn; jump
Antonyms
abatement, decrease, lessening, lowering, reduction

in·cred·i·ble adjective
: too extraordinary and improbable to be believed; also : hard to believe

— in·cred·i·bil·i·ty noun

— in·cred·i·bly adverb

Synonyms
fantastic, implausible, inconceivable, unbelievable, unconvincing, unimaginable, unthinkable; also doubtful, dubious, fishy, flimsy, questionable, suspect, unlikely, unreasonable; hopeless, impossible; absurd, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous; indefensible, insupportable, untenable
Antonyms
believable, conceivable, convincing, credible, imaginable, plausible

in·cred·u·lous adjective
1 : unwilling to admit or accept what is offered as true : SKEPTICAL
2 : expressing disbelief

— in·cre·du·li·ty noun

— in·cred·u·lous·ly adverb

Synonyms
distrustful, leery, mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious—more at SKEPTICAL

in·cre·ment noun
1 : the action or process of increasing esp. in quantity or value : ENLARGEMENT; also : QUANTITY
2 : something gained or added; especially : one of a series of regular consecutive additions

Synonyms
accretion, addition, augmentation, boost, expansion, gain, increase, plus, proliferation, raise, rise, supplement—more at INCREASE

in·cre·men·tal adjective
: of, relating to, being, or occurring in esp. small increments

— in·cre·men·tal·ly adverb

in·crim·i·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to charge with or prove involvement in a crime or fault : ACCUSE

— in·crim·i·na·tion noun

— in·crim·i·na·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
accuse, charge, indict—more at ACCUSE

incrust variant of ENCRUST

in·crus·ta·tion noun
1 : CRUST; also : an accumulation (as of habits, opinions, or customs) resembling a crust
2 : the act of encrusting : the state of being encrusted

in·cu·bate verb -bat·ed; -bat·ing
: to sit on (eggs) to hatch by the warmth of the body; also : to keep (as an embryo) under conditions favorable for development

— in·cu·ba·tion noun

Synonyms
brood, hatch, set, sit—more at SET

in·cu·ba·tor noun
: one that incubates; especially : an apparatus providing suitable conditions (as of warmth and moisture) for incubating something (as a premature baby)

in·cu·bus noun, plural -bi also -bus·es
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. LL, fr. L incubare to lie on]

1 : a spirit supposed to work evil on persons in their sleep
2 : NIGHTMARE 1
3 : one that oppresses like a nightmare

in·cul·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
[ORIGIN: L inculcare, lit., to tread on, fr. calcare to trample, fr. calx heel]

: to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions

— in·cul·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
imbue, infuse, ingrain, invest, steep, suffuse—more at INFUSE

in·cul·pa·ble adjective
: free from guilt : INNOCENT

in·cul·pate verb -pat·ed; -pat·ing
: INCRIMINATE

in·cum·ben·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : something that is incumbent
2 : the quality or state of being incumbent
3 : the office or period of office of an incumbent

1incumbent noun
: the holder of an office or position

2incumbent adjective
1 : imposed as a duty
2 : occupying a specified office
3 : lying or resting on something else

Synonyms
compulsory, imperative, involuntary, mandatory, necessary, nonelective, obligatory, peremptory—more at MANDATORY

in·cu·nab·u·lum noun, plural -la
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L incunabula, pl., bands holding the baby in a cradle, fr. cunae cradle]

: a book printed before 1501

in·cur verb in·curred; in·cur·ring
: to become liable or subject to : bring down upon oneself

in·cur·able adjective
1 : not curable
2 : not likely to be changed

— incurable noun

— in·cur·ably adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] hopeless, incorrigible, irredeemable, irremediable, unrecoverable, unredeemable—more at HOPELESS

in·cu·ri·ous adjective
: lacking a normal or usual curiosity

in·cur·sion noun
1 : a sudden hostile invasion : RAID
2 : an entering in or into (as an activity)

Synonyms
descent, foray, invasion, irruption, raid—more at RAID

in·cus noun, plural in·cu·des
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L, anvil]

: the middle bone of a chain of three small bones in the middle ear of a mammal

ind abbreviation
1 independent
2 index
3 industrial; industry

Ind abbreviation
1 Indian
2 Indiana

in·debt·ed adjective
1 : owing gratitude or recognition to another
2 : owing money

— in·debt·ed·ness noun

in·de·cen·cy noun
: the quality or state of being indecent

Synonyms
impropriety, incorrectness—more at IMPROPRIETY

in·de·cent adjective
: not decent; especially : morally offensive

— in·de·cent·ly adverb

Synonyms
bawdy, coarse, crude, dirty, filthy, foul, gross, lascivious, lewd, nasty, obscene, pornographic, ribald, smutty, unprintable, vulgar, wanton—more at OBSCENE

in·de·ci·sion noun
: a wavering between two or more possible courses of action : IRRESOLUTION

Synonyms
hesitancy, hesitation, irresolution, vacillation—more at HESITATION

in·de·ci·sive adjective
1 : leading to no conclusion or definite result
2 : marked by or prone to indecision
3 : INDEFINITE

— in·de·ci·sive·ly adverb

— in·de·ci·sive·ness noun

in·de·co·rous adjective
: not decorous

— in·de·co·rous·ly adverb

— in·de·co·rous·ness noun

Synonyms
graceless, improper, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, inept, infelicitous, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong

in·deed adverb
1 : without any question — often used interjectionally to express irony, disbelief, or surprise
2 : in reality
3 : all things considered

Synonyms
[1] certainly, definitely, doubtless, forsooth, incontestably, indisputably, really, surely, truly, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably; also conceivably, likely, perhaps, possibly, probably; clearly, obviously, unmistakably
[2] even, nay, truly, verily, yea—more at EVEN

indef abbreviation
indefinite

in·de·fat·i·ga·ble adjective
: incapable of being fatigued : UNTIRING

Synonyms
inexhaustible, tireless, unflagging, untiring—more at TIRELESS

in·de·fat·i·ga·bly adverb
: in an indefatigable manner

in·de·fea·si·ble adjective
: not capable of being annulled or voided

— in·de·fea·si·bly adverb

in·de·fen·si·ble adjective
1 : incapable of being maintained as right or valid
2 : incapable of being justified or excused : INEXCUSABLE
3 : incapable of being protected against physical attack

Synonyms
inexcusable, unforgivable, unjustifiable, unpardonable, unwarrantable—more at INEXCUSABLE

in·de·fin·able adjective
: incapable of being precisely described or analyzed

— in·de·fin·ably adverb

in·def·i·nite adjective
1 : not defining or identifying <an is an ~ article>
2 : not precise : VAGUE
3 : having no fixed limit

— in·def·i·nite·ly adverb

— in·def·i·nite·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] bleary, dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indistinct, indistinguishable, murky, nebulous, obscure, opaque, shadowy, unclear, undefined, undetermined, vague—more at FAINT
[3] boundless, endless, illimitable, immeasurable, infinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, unlimited—more at INFINITE

in·del·i·ble adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML indelibilis, alter. of L indelebilis, fr. delēre to delete, destroy]

1 : not capable of being removed or erased
2 : making marks that cannot be erased
3 : LASTING, UNFORGETTABLE

— in·del·i·bly adverb

in·del·i·ca·cy noun
1 : the quality or state of being indelicate
2 : something that is indelicate

Synonyms
coarseness, grossness, lowness, rudeness, vulgarity—more at VULGARITY

in·del·i·cate adjective
: not delicate; especially : IMPROPER, COARSE, TACTLESS

in·dem·ni·fi·ca·tion noun
1 : the action of indemnifying; also : the condition of being indemnified
2 : something that indemnifies

in·dem·ni·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
[ORIGIN: L indemnis unharmed, fr. in- not + damnum damage]

1 : to secure against hurt, loss, or damage
2 : to make compensation to for hurt, loss, or damage

Synonyms
compensate, recompense, recoup, remunerate, requite—more at COMPENSATE

in·dem·ni·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : security against hurt, loss, or damage; also : exemption from incurred penalties or liabilities
2 : something that indemnifies

Synonyms
compensation, damages, quittance, recompense, redress, remuneration, reparation, requital, restitution, satisfaction—more at COMPENSATION

1indent verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF endenter, fr. dent tooth, fr. L dent-, dens]

1 : to notch the edge of
2 : INDENTURE
3 : to set (as a line of a paragraph) in from the margin

2indent verb
1 : to force inward so as to form a depression
2 : to form a dent in

in·den·ta·tion noun
1 : a V-shaped cut usu. on an edge or a surface : NOTCH; also : a usu. deep recess (as in a coastline)
2 : the action of indenting : the condition of being indented
3 : a depression or hollow made by a blow or by pressure : DENT
4 : INDENTION 2

Synonyms
[1] chip, hack, nick, notch—more at NOTCH
[3] cavity, concavity, dent, depression, hole, hollow, pit, recess—more at HOLE

in·den·tion noun
1 : INDENTATION 2
2 : the blank space produced by indenting

1indenture noun
1 : a written certificate or agreement; especially : a contract binding one person (as an apprentice) to work for another for a given period of time — usu. used in pl.
2 : INDENTATION 1
3 : DENT

2indenture verb in·den·tured; in·den·tur·ing
: to bind (as an apprentice) by indentures

in·de·pen·dence noun
: the quality or state of being independent : FREEDOM

Synonyms
autonomy, freedom, liberty, self-government, sovereignty—more at FREEDOM

Independence Day noun
: July 4 observed as a legal holiday in commemoration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776

in·de·pen·dent adjective
1 : not subject to control by others : SELF-GOVERNING; also : not affiliated with a larger controlling unit
2 : not requiring or relying on something else or somebody else <an ~ conclusion> <~ of her parents>
3 : not easily influenced : showing self-reliance and personal freedom <an ~ mind>
4 : not committed to a political party <an ~ voter>
5 : MAIN <an ~ clause>

— independent noun

Synonyms
[1] autonomous, free, self-governing, separate, sovereign—more at FREE
[2] self-reliant, self-sufficient, self-supporting—more at SELF-SUFFICIENT

in·de·pen·dent·ly adverb
: in an independent manner : without dependence on another

Synonyms
alone, singly, solely, unaided, unassisted—more at ALONE

independent variable noun
: a variable whose value is not determined by that of any other variable in a function

in·de·scrib·able adjective
1 : that cannot be described
2 : being too intense or great for description

— in·de·scrib·ably adverb

Synonyms
ineffable, inexpressible, nameless, unspeakable, unutterable; also inconceivable, incredible, unbelievable, unimaginable, unthinkable; featureless, nondescript
Antonyms
communicable, definable

in·de·ter·mi·nate adjective
1 : VAGUE; also : not known in advance
2 : not limited in advance; also : not leading to a definite end or result

— in·de·ter·mi·na·cy noun

— in·de·ter·mi·nate·ly adverb

1index noun, plural in·dex·es or in·di·ces
1 : a device (as the pointer on a scale) that serves to indicate a value or quantity
2 : SIGN, INDICATION <an ~ of character>
3 : a guide for facilitating references; especially : an alphabetical list of items treated in a printed work with the page number where each item may be found
4 : a list of restricted or prohibited material
5 plural usually indices : a number or symbol or expression (as an exponent) associated with another to indicate a mathematical operation or use or position in an arrangement or expansion
6 : a character used to direct attention (as to a note)
7 : INDEX NUMBER

2index verb
1 : to provide with or put into an index
2 : to serve as an index of
3 : to regulate by indexation

Synonyms
catalog, enroll, enter, inscribe, list, put down, record, register, schedule, slate—more at LIST

in·dex·ation noun
: a system of economic control in which a body of variables (as wages and interest) rise or fall at the same rate as an index of the cost of living

index finger noun
: the finger next to the thumb

in·dex·ing noun
: INDEXATION

index number noun
: a number used to indicate change in magnitude (as of cost) as compared with the magnitude at some specified time usu. taken as 100

index of refraction
: REFRACTIVE INDEX

in·dia ink noun, often cap 1st I
1 : a solid black pigment used in drawing
2 : a fluid made from india ink

In·di·an noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of India or of the East Indies
2 : a person of Indian descent
3 : a member of any of the native peoples of the western hemisphere except often the Eskimos : AMERICAN INDIAN

— Indian adjective

Synonyms
American Indian—more at AMERICAN INDIAN

Indian corn noun
: a tall widely grown American cereal grass bearing seeds on long ears; also : its ears or seeds

Indian meal noun
: CORNMEAL

Indian paintbrush noun
: any of a genus of herbaceous plants related to the snapdragon that have brightly colored bracts

Indian pipe noun
: a waxy white leafless saprophytic herb of Asia and the U.S.

Indian summer noun
: a period of mild weather in late autumn or early winter

In·dia paper noun
1 : a thin absorbent paper used esp. for taking impressions (as of steel engravings)
2 : a thin tough opaque printing paper

indic abbreviation
indicative

in·di·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to point out or to
2 : to show indirectly
3 : to state briefly

Synonyms
allude, hint, imply, infer, insinuate, intimate, suggest—more at HINT

in·di·ca·tion noun
1 : something that serves to indicate; also : something that is indicated as advisable or necessary
2 : the action of indicating

Synonyms
clue, cue, hint, inkling, intimation, lead, suggestion—more at HINT

1indicative adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being a verb form that represents an act or state as a fact <~ mood>
2 : serving to indicate <actions ~ of fear>

Synonyms
denotative, significant, telltale; also alluding, allusive, referring; characteristic, symptomatic; demonstrative, exhibiting, expressive; symbolic; connoting, implying, insinuating, suggestive

2indicative noun
1 : the indicative mood of a language
2 : a form in the indicative mood

in·di·ca·tor noun
: one that indicates; especially : an index hand (as on a dial)

Synonyms
hand, index, needle, pointer—more at POINTER

in·di·cia noun plural
1 : distinctive marks
2 : postal markings often imprinted on mail or mailing labels

in·dict verb
[ORIGIN: alter. of earlier indite, fr. ME, fr. AF to write, point out, indict, ultim. fr. L indicere to make known formally, fr. dicere to say]

1 : to charge with a fault or offense
2 : to charge with a crime by the finding of a jury

— in·dict·able adjective

Synonyms
accuse, charge, incriminate, indict—more at ACCUSE

in·dict·ment noun
: the action or the legal process of indicting

Synonyms
charge, complaint, count, rap—more at CHARGE

in·die noun
1 : one that is independent; especially : an unaffiliated record or motion-picture production company
2 : something produced by an indie

— indie adjective

in·dif·fer·ence noun
: the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent; also : absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another

Synonyms
apathy, disinterestedness, disregard, insouciance, nonchalance; also halfheartedness; carelessness, heedlessness, recklessness, unawareness; lethargy, listlessness; calmness, detachment, dispassion; callousness, hardness, insensitivity; impassivity, phlegm; aloofness, coldness
Antonyms
concern, interest, regard

in·dif·fer·ent adjective
1 : UNBIASED, UNPREJUDICED
2 : of no importance one way or the other
3 : marked by no special liking for or dislike of something
4 : being neither excessive nor inadequate
5 : being neither good nor bad : PASSABLE, MEDIOCRE
6 : being neither right nor wrong

— in·dif·fer·ent·ly adverb

Synonyms
[3] apathetic, casual, disinterested, insouciant, nonchalant, perfunctory, unconcerned, uncurious, uninterested; also halfhearted, lukewarm; aloof, cold, numb, remote, unemotional; calm, detached, dispassionate; careless, heedless, mindless; impassive, phlegmatic, stoic, stolid; lethargic, listless; unimpressed
Antonyms
concerned, interested
[5] common, fair, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary, passable, run-of-the-mill, second-rate, so-so—more at MEDIOCRE

in·di·gence noun
: a level of poverty in which real hardship and deprivation are suffered and comforts of life are wholly lacking

Synonyms
beggary, destitution, impecuniousness, impoverishment, need, pauperism, penury, poverty, want—more at POVERTY

in·dig·e·nous adjective
: produced, growing, or living naturally in a particular region

Synonyms
aboriginal, born, endemic, native—more at NATIVE

in·di·gent adjective
: suffering from indigence : NEEDY

Synonyms
broke, destitute, impecunious, needy, penniless, penurious, poor, poverty-stricken—more at POOR

in·di·gest·ible adjective
: not readily digested

in·di·ges·tion noun
: inadequate or difficult digestion : DYSPEPSIA

in·dig·nant adjective
: filled with or marked by indignation

— in·dig·nant·ly adverb

in·dig·na·tion noun
: anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean

Synonyms
anger, furor, fury, ire, outrage, rage, spleen, wrath, wrathfulness—more at ANGER

in·dig·ni·ty noun, plural -ties
: an offense against personal dignity or self-respect; also : humiliating treatment

Synonyms
affront, barb, dart, dig, insult, name, offense, outrage, put-down, sarcasm, slight, slur, wound—more at INSULT

in·di·go noun, plural -gos or -goes
[ORIGIN: It dial., fr. L indicum, fr. Gk indikon, fr. indikos Indic, fr. Indos India]

1 : a blue dye obtained from plants or synthesized
2 : a deep reddish blue color

in·di·rect adjective
1 : not straight <an ~ route>
2 : not straightforward and open <~ methods>
3 : not having a plainly seen connection <an ~ cause>
4 : not directly to the point <an ~ answer>

— in·di·rec·tion noun

— in·di·rect·ly adverb

— in·di·rect·ness noun

Synonyms
circuitous, circular, roundabout; also crooked, serpentine, sinuous, tortuous, twisting, winding; meandering, rambling, wandering; long-winded, prolix, verbose; deceitful, deceptive, devious, dishonest, insidious, misleading, sneaky, underhand, underhanded; calculating, crafty, cunning, subtle, tricky
Antonyms
direct, straight, straightforward

in·dis·creet adjective
: not discreet : IMPRUDENT

— in·dis·creet·ly adverb

Synonyms
ill-advised, imprudent, tactless, unwise; also dumb, idiotic, moronic, stupid; inconsiderate, thoughtless; ill-mannered, improper, inappropriate, indecorous, unbecoming, uncivil, unseemly; foolish, harebrained, nonsensical, preposterous, senseless, silly
Antonyms
advisable, discreet, judicious, prudent, tactful, wise

in·dis·cre·tion noun
1 : IMPRUDENCE
2 : something marked by lack of discretion; especially : an act deviating from accepted morality

Synonyms
familiarity, gaffe, impropriety—more at IMPROPRIETY

in·dis·crim·i·nate adjective
1 : not marked by discrimination or careful distinction
2 : HAPHAZARD, RANDOM
3 : UNRESTRAINED
4 : MOTLEY

— in·dis·crim·i·nate·ly adverb

in·dis·pens·able adjective
: absolutely essential : REQUISITE

— in·dis·pens·abil·i·ty noun

— indispensable noun

— in·dis·pens·ably adverb

Synonyms
essential, imperative, integral, necessary, needful, requisite, vital—more at ESSENTIAL

in·dis·posed adjective
1 : slightly ill
2 : having an active feeling of reluctance or dislike : AVERSE

Synonyms
[1] bad, down, ill, peaked, punk, sick, unhealthy, unsound, unwell—more at SICK
[2] afraid, dubious, hesitant, reluctant—more at HESITANT

in·dis·po·si·tion noun
: the condition of being indisposed: as
a : slight aversion
b : a usu. slight illness

in·dis·put·able adjective
: not disputable : UNQUESTIONABLE <~ proof>

Synonyms
incontestable, indubitable, irrefutable, unanswerable, undeniable, unquestionable—more at IRREFUTABLE

in·dis·put·ably adverb
: not open to question

Synonyms
certainly, definitely, doubtless, incontestably, indeed, really, surely, truly, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably—more at INDEED

in·dis·sol·u·ble adjective
: not capable of being dissolved, undone, or broken : PERMANENT

in·dis·tinct adjective
1 : not sharply outlined or separable : BLURRED, FAINT, DIM
2 : not readily distinguishable

— in·dis·tinct·ly adverb

— in·dis·tinct·ness noun

Synonyms
bleary, dim, faint, foggy, fuzzy, hazy, indefinite, indistinguishable, murky, nebulous, obscure, opaque, shadowy, unclear, undefined, undetermined, vague—more at FAINT

in·dis·tin·guish·able adjective
: not distinguishable: as
a : indeterminate in shape or structure
b : not clearly recognizable or understandable
c : lacking identifying or individualizing qualities

Synonyms
[b] impalpable, imperceptible, inappreciable—more at IMPERCEPTIBLE
[c] duplicate, equal, even, identical, same—more at SAME

in·dite verb in·dit·ed; in·dit·ing
: COMPOSE <~ a poem>; also : to put in writing <~ a letter>

in·di·um noun
: a malleable silvery metallic chemical element

indiv abbreviation
individual

1individual adjective
1 : of, relating to, or associated with an individual <~ traits>
2 : being an individual : existing as an indivisible whole
3 : intended for one person
4 : SEPARATE <~ copies>
5 : having marked individuality <an ~ style>

— in·di·vid·u·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] particular, peculiar, personal, private, separate, singular, unique; also characteristic, distinctive, intimate; identifying, idiosyncratic; special, specific; independent, nonconformist, self-sufficient; custom, customized, specialized
Antonyms
general, generic, public, popular, shared, universal
[5] different, respective, separate—more at SEPARATE

2individual noun
1 : a single member of a category : a particular person, animal, or thing
2 : a single human being <a disagreeable ~>

Synonyms
[1] being, entity, object, substance, thing—more at ENTITY
[2] being, body, creature, customer, human, party, person, sort, soul, specimen, thing—more at HUMAN

in·di·vid·u·al·ise British variant of INDIVIDUALIZE

in·di·vid·u·al·ism noun
1 : a doctrine that the interests of the individual are primary
2 : a doctrine holding that the individual has political or economic rights with which the state must not interfere
3 : INDIVIDUALITY

in·di·vid·u·al·ist noun
1 : one that pursues a markedly independent course in thought or action
2 : one that advocates or practices individualism

— individualist or in·di·vid·u·al·is·tic adjective

Synonyms
bohemian, deviant, loner, maverick, nonconformist—more at NONCONFORMIST

in·di·vid·u·al·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the sum of qualities that characterize and distinguish an individual from all others; also : PERSONALITY
2 : separate or distinct existence
3 : INDIVIDUAL, PERSON

Synonyms
character, identity, personality, self-identity; also distinctiveness, oneness, peculiarity, singleness, singularity, uniqueness; disposition, humor, nature, temper, temperament; independence

in·di·vid·u·al·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
1 : to make individual in character
2 : to treat or notice individually : PARTICULARIZE
3 : to adapt to the needs of an individual

individual retirement account noun
: IRA

in·di·vid·u·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to give individuality to : form into an individual

— in·di·vid·u·a·tion noun

in·di·vis·i·ble adjective
: impossible to divide or separate

— in·di·vis·i·bil·i·ty noun

— in·di·vis·i·bly adverb

In·do–Ar·y·an noun
: a branch of the Indo-European language family that includes Hindi and other languages of south Asia

in·doc·tri·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
1 : to instruct esp. in fundamentals or rudiments : TEACH
2 : to teach the beliefs and doctrines of a particular group

— in·doc·tri·na·tion noun

— in·doc·tri·na·tor noun

Synonyms
educate, instruct, school, teach, train, tutor—more at TEACH

In·do–Eu·ro·pe·an adjective
: of, relating to, or constituting a family of languages comprising those spoken in most of Europe and in the parts of the world colonized by Europeans since 1500 and also in Persia, the subcontinent of India, and some other parts of Asia

in·do·lence noun
: inclination to laziness

Synonyms
idleness, inertia, laziness, sloth—more at LAZINESS

in·do·lent adjective
[ORIGIN: LL indolens insensitive to pain, fr. L dolēre to feel pain]

1 : slow to develop or heal <~ ulcers>
2 : averse to activity, effort, or movement : LAZY

— in·do·lent·ly adverb

Synonyms
idle, lazy, shiftless, slothful—more at LAZY

in·dom·i·ta·ble adjective
: incapable of being subdued : UNCONQUERABLE <~ courage>

— in·dom·i·ta·bly adverb

Synonyms
impregnable, insurmountable, invincible, invulnerable, unbeatable, unconquerable—more at INVINCIBLE

In·do·ne·sian noun
: a native or inhabitant of the Republic of Indonesia

— Indonesian adjective

in·door adjective
1 : of or relating to the inside of a building
2 : living, located, or carried on within a building

in·doors adverb
: in or into a building

indorse, indorsement variant of ENDORSE, ENDORSEMENT

in·du·bi·ta·ble adjective
: too evident to be doubted : UNQUESTIONABLE

— in·du·bi·ta·bly adverb

Synonyms
incontestable, indisputable, irrefutable, unanswerable, undeniable, unquestionable—more at IRREFUTABLE

in·duce verb in·duced; in·duc·ing
1 : to move by persuasion or influence : PERSUADE
2 : to serve as the cause of : BRING ABOUT
3 : to produce (as an electric current) by induction
4 : to determine by induction; especially : to infer from particulars

— in·duc·er noun

Synonyms
argue, convince, get, move, persuade, prevail, satisfy, talk, win—more at PERSUADE

in·duce·ment noun
1 : something that induces : MOTIVE
2 : the act or process of inducing

Synonyms
convincing, persuasion—more at PERSUASION

in·duct verb
1 : to place in office
2 : to admit as a member
3 : to enroll for military training or service

— in·duct·ee noun

Synonyms
[1, 2] baptize, inaugurate, initiate, install, invest—more at INSTALL

in·duc·tance noun
: a property of an electric circuit by which a varying current produces an electromotive force in that circuit or in a nearby circuit; also : the measure of this property

in·duc·tion noun
1 : the act or process of inducting; also : INITIATION
2 : the formality by which a civilian is inducted into military service
3 : inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances; also : a conclusion so reached
4 : the act of causing or bringing on or about
5 : the process by which an electric current, an electric charge, or magnetism is produced in a body by the proximity of an electric or magnetic field

Synonyms
inaugural, inauguration, installation, investiture—more at INSTALLATION

in·duc·tive adjective
: of, relating to, or employing induction

in·duc·tor noun
: an electrical component that acts upon another or is itself acted upon by induction

in·dulge verb in·dulged; in·dulg·ing
1 : to give free rein to : GRATIFY
2 : HUMOR
3 : to gratify one's taste or desire for <~ in alcohol>

Synonyms
cater, gratify, humor; also bask, luxuriate, revel, wallow; coddle, mollycoddle, pamper, spoil; delight, please, pleasure; sate, satiate, satisfy

in·dul·gence noun
1 : remission of temporal punishment due in Roman Catholic doctrine for sins whose eternal punishment has been remitted by reception of the sacrament of penance
2 : the act of indulging : the state of being indulgent
3 : an indulgent act
4 : the thing indulged in
5 : SELF-INDULGENCE

— in·dul·gent adjective

— in·dul·gent·ly adverb

Synonyms
amenity, comfort, extra, frill, luxury, superfluity—more at LUXURY

in·du·rat·ed adjective
: physically or emotionally hardened

— in·du·ra·tion noun

in·dus·tri·al adjective
1 : of or relating to industry; also : HEAVY-DUTY
2 : characterized by highly developed industries

— in·dus·tri·al·ly adverb

in·dus·tri·al·ise British variant of INDUSTRIALIZE

in·dus·tri·al·ist noun
: a person owning or engaged in the management of an industry

in·dus·tri·al·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to make or become industrial

— in·dus·tri·al·i·za·tion noun

in·dus·tri·ous adjective
: constantly, regularly, or habitually active or occupied : DILIGENT, BUSY

in·dus·tri·ous·ly adverb
: in an industrious manner

in·dus·tri·ous·ness noun
: the quality or state of being industrious

in·dus·try noun, plural -tries
1 : steady or habitual effort : DILIGENCE
2 : a department or branch of a craft, art, business, or manufacture; especially : one that employs a large personnel and capital
3 : a distinct group of productive enterprises
4 : manufacturing activity as a whole

Synonyms
assiduity, diligence—more at DILIGENCE

in·dwell verb
: to exist within as an activating spirit or force

In·dy car noun
: a single-seat, open-cockpit racing car with the engine in the rear

1inebriate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to make drunk : INTOXICATE

— in·ebri·a·tion noun

2inebriate noun
: one that is drunk; especially : DRUNKARD

Synonyms
drunk, soak, sot, souse, tippler—more at DRUNK

in·ef·fa·ble adjective
1 : incapable of being expressed in words : INDESCRIBABLE <~ joy>
2 : UNSPEAKABLE <~ disgust>
3 : not to be uttered : TABOO

— in·ef·fa·bly adverb

Synonyms
indescribable, inexpressible, nameless, unspeakable, unutterable—more at INDESCRIBABLE

in·ef·fec·tive adjective
1 : not producing an intended effect : INEFFECTUAL
2 : incapable of performing efficiently

— in·ef·fec·tive·ly adverb

— in·ef·fec·tive·ness noun

in·ef·fec·tu·al adjective
: INEFFECTIVE

— in·ef·fec·tu·al·ly adverb

in·ef·fi·cient adjective
1 : not producing the desired effect
2 : wasteful of time or energy
3 : INCAPABLE, INCOMPETENT

— in·ef·fi·cien·cy noun

— in·ef·fi·cient·ly adverb

in·el·e·gant adjective
: lacking in refinement, grace, or good taste

— in·el·e·gance noun

— in·el·e·gant·ly adverb

Synonyms
awkward, clumsy, gauche, graceless, stiff, stilted, uncomfortable, uneasy, ungraceful, wooden—more at AWKWARD
dowdy, tacky, tasteless, trashy, unfashionable, unstylish—more at TACKY

in·el·i·gi·ble adjective
: not qualified for an office or position

— in·el·i·gi·bil·i·ty noun

in·eluc·ta·ble adjective
: not to be avoided, changed, or resisted

— in·eluc·ta·bly adverb

in·ept adjective
1 : lacking in fitness or aptitude : UNFIT
2 : FOOLISH
3 : inappropriate to the time or circumstances
4 : generally incompetent : BUNGLING

— in·ept·ly adverb

— in·ept·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 4] incapable, incompetent, inexpert, unfit, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful—more at INCOMPETENT
[3] graceless, improper, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, infelicitous, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong

in·ep·ti·tude noun
: the quality or state of being inept; especially : INCOMPETENCE

Synonyms
impotence, inability, inadequacy, incapability, incompetence—more at INABILITY

in·equal·i·ty noun
1 : the quality of being unequal or uneven; especially : UNEVENNESS, DISPARITY
2 : an instance of being unequal

in·ert adjective
[ORIGIN: L inert-, iners unskilled, idle, fr. art-, ars skill]

1 : powerless to move
2 : averse to activity or exertion : SLUGGISH
3 : lacking in active properties <chemically ~>

— in·ert·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inactive, inoperative, latent, off, vacant—more at INACTIVE
[2] dull, inactive, lethargic, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, torpid—more at INACTIVE

in·ert·ness noun
: the quality or state of being inert : lack of activity

Synonyms
dormancy, idleness, inaction, inactivity, quiescence—more at INACTION

in·er·tia noun
1 : a property of matter whereby it remains at rest or continues in uniform motion unless acted upon by some outside force
2 : indisposition to motion, exertion, or change

— in·er·tial adjective

Synonyms
idleness, indolence, laziness, sloth—more at LAZINESS

in·es·cap·able adjective
: incapable of being escaped : INEVITABLE

in·es·cap·ably adverb
: in an inevitable way

in·es·ti·ma·ble adjective
1 : incapable of being estimated or computed <~ errors>
2 : too valuable or excellent to be fully appreciated

— in·es·ti·ma·bly adverb

in·ev·i·ta·ble adjective
: incapable of being avoided or evaded : bound to happen

— in·ev·i·ta·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
certain, necessary, sure, unavoidable; also decided, definite, settled; likely, possible, probable; destined, fated, foreordained, predestined, preordained; inexorable, relentless, unremitting
Antonyms
avoidable, uncertain, unsure

in·ev·i·ta·bly adverb
1 : in an inevitable way
2 : as is to be expected

Synonyms
necessarily, needs, perforce, unavoidably—more at NEEDS

in·ex·act adjective
1 : not precisely correct or true : INACCURATE
2 : not rigorous and careful

— in·ex·act·ly adverb

— in·ex·act·ness noun

Synonyms
erroneous, false, inaccurate, incorrect, invalid, off, unsound, untrue, wrong—more at FALSE
imprecise, inaccurate, loose; also approximate; erroneous, false, incorrect, off, wrong; general, indefinable, indefinite, indeterminate, indistinct, undefined, undetermined, unsettled, vague; faulty, mistaken; specious; distorted, fallacious, misleading; doubtful, dubious, questionable, uncertain; inconclusive, indecisive; debatable, disputable; unconfirmed, unsubstantiated, unsupported
Antonyms
accurate, dead, exact, precise

in·ex·cus·able adjective
: being without excuse or justification

— in·ex·cus·ably adverb

Synonyms
indefensible, unforgivable, unjustifiable, unpardonable, unwarrantable; also insufferable, insupportable, intolerable, unbearable, unendurable; abominable, atrocious, heinous, monstrous, outrageous, scandalous, shocking; egregious, flagrant, glaring, gross, rank; unacceptable, untenable; black, evil, iniquitous, vicious, wicked; base, contemptible, deplorable, despicable, dirty, execrable, ignoble, vile, reprobate, wretched; cruel, nasty; blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible; banned, barred, condemned, disallowed, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed
Antonyms
defensible, excusable, forgivable, justifiable, pardonable

in·ex·haust·ible adjective
1 : incapable of being used up <an ~ supply>
2 : incapable of being wearied or worn out : UNTIRING

— in·ex·haust·ibly adverb

Synonyms
indefatigable, tireless, unflagging, untiring—more at TIRELESS

in·ex·o·ra·ble adjective
: not to be moved by entreaty : RELENTLESS

— in·ex·o·ra·bly adverb

in·ex·pen·sive adjective
: reasonable in price

in·ex·pe·ri·ence noun
: lack of experience or of knowledge gained by experience

in·ex·pe·ri·enced adjective
: lacking practical experience

Synonyms
amateur, amateurish, inexpert, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful—more at AMATEURISH

in·ex·pert adjective
: not expert : UNSKILLED

— in·ex·pert·ly adverb

Synonyms
amateur, amateurish, inexperienced, nonprofessional, unprofessional, unskilled, unskillful—more at AMATEURISH

in·ex·pi·a·ble adjective
: not capable of being atoned for

in·ex·pli·ca·ble adjective
: incapable of being explained or accounted for

— in·ex·pli·ca·bly adverb

in·ex·press·ible adjective
: not capable of being expressed

— in·ex·press·ibly adverb

Synonyms
indescribable, ineffable, nameless, unspeakable, unutterable—more at INDESCRIBABLE

in·ex·pres·sive adjective
: lacking expression or meaning

Synonyms
blank, deadpan, expressionless, impassive, stolid, vacant—more at BLANK

in ex·tre·mis adverb
: in extreme circumstances; especially : at the point of death

in·ex·tri·ca·ble adjective
1 : forming a maze or tangle from which it is impossible to get free
2 : incapable of being disentangled or untied

— in·ex·tri·ca·bly adverb

inf abbreviation
1 infantry
2 infinitive

in·fal·li·ble adjective
1 : incapable of error : UNERRING
2 : not liable to mislead, deceive, or disappoint : SURE, CERTAIN <an ~ remedy>

— in·fal·li·bil·i·ty noun

— in·fal·li·bly adverb

Synonyms
certain, sure, unfailing; also dependable, reliable, surefire; deadly, unerring
Antonyms
fallible

in·fa·mous adjective
1 : having a reputation of the worst kind
2 : causing or bringing infamy : DISGRACEFUL

— in·fa·mous·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, notorious, shameful—more at DISREPUTABLE

in·fa·my noun, plural -mies
1 : evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking, or brutal
2 : an extreme and publicly known criminal or evil act
3 : the state of being infamous

Synonyms
discredit, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame—more at DISGRACE

in·fan·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : early childhood
2 : a beginning or early period of existence

in·fant noun
[ORIGIN: ME enfaunt, fr. AF enfant, fr. L infant-, infans, adj., incapable of speech, young, fr. fant-, fans, prp. of fari to speak]

: a child in the first period of life : BABY; also : a person who is a legal minor

Synonyms
baby, child, newborn—more at BABY

in·fan·ti·cide noun
: the killing of an infant

in·fan·tile adjective
: of or relating to infants; also : CHILDISH

Synonyms
adolescent, babyish, childish, immature, juvenile, kiddish—more at CHILDISH

infantile paralysis noun
: POLIOMYELITIS

in·fan·try noun, plural -tries
[ORIGIN: MF & It; MF infanterie, fr. It infanteria, fr. infante boy, foot soldier]

: soldiers trained, armed, and equipped to fight on foot

— in·fan·try·man noun

in·farct noun
[ORIGIN: L infarctus, pp. of infarcire to stuff]

: an area of dead tissue (as of the heart wall) caused by blocking of local blood circulation

— in·farc·tion noun

in·fat·u·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to inspire with a foolish or extravagant love or admiration

— in·fat·u·a·tion noun

in·fect verb
1 : to contaminate with disease-producing matter
2 : to communicate a pathogen or disease to
3 : to cause to share one's feelings

in·fec·tion noun
1 : a disease or condition caused by a germ or parasite; also : such a germ or parasite
2 : an act or process of infecting

— in·fec·tive adjective

in·fec·tious adjective
1 : capable of causing infection; also : communicable by infection
2 : spreading or capable of spreading rapidly to others

Synonyms
catching, contagious—more at CONTAGIOUS

infectious mononucleosis noun
: an acute infectious disease characterized by fever, swelling of lymph glands, and increased numbers of lymph cells in the blood

in·fe·lic·i·tous adjective
: not appropriate in application or expression

— in·fe·lic·i·ty noun

Synonyms
graceless, improper, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, wrong

in·fer verb in·ferred; in·fer·ring
1 : to derive as a conclusion from facts or premises
2 : GUESS, SURMISE
3 : to lead to as a conclusion or consequence
4 : to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly : HINT, SUGGEST

Synonyms
[1] conclude, deduce, extrapolate, gather, judge, reason, understand; also conjecture, guess, speculate, surmise; construe, interpret; contemplate, rationalize, think; ascertain, dope (out), find out
[4] allude, hint, imply, indicate, insinuate, intimate, suggest—more at HINT

1inferior adjective
1 : situated lower down
2 : of low or lower degree or rank
3 : of lesser quality
4 : of little or less importance, value, or merit

— in·fe·ri·or·i·ty noun

Synonyms
[2] common, humble, ignoble, low, lowly, mean, plebeian, vulgar—more at IGNOBLE
[3] cheap, cut-rate, junky, lousy, mediocre, shoddy, sleazy, trashy—more at CHEAP
[4] junior, less, lesser, lower, minor, subordinate, under—more at LESSER
[4] mean, minor, second-rate, secondary; also junior, lesser, lower, petty, subordinate, under; average, common, fair, middling, ordinary; amiss, bad, defective, unsatisfactory, wrong; deficient, inadequate, insufficient, unacceptable; littler; jerkwater
Antonyms
superior

2inferior noun
: a person or thing inferior to another (as in worth, status, or importance)

Synonyms
junior, subordinate, underling—more at UNDERLING

in·fer·nal adjective
1 : of or relating to hell
2 : HELLISH, FIENDISH <~ schemes>
3 : DAMNABLE <an ~ pest>

— in·fer·nal·ly adverb

in·fer·no noun, plural -nos
[ORIGIN: It, hell, fr. LL infernus, fr. L, lower]

: a place or a state that resembles or suggests hell; also : intense heat

Synonyms
conflagration, fire, holocaust—more at FIRE

in·fer·tile adjective
: not fertile or productive : BARREN

— in·fer·til·i·ty noun

Synonyms
barren, impotent, sterile, unproductive—more at STERILE

in·fest verb
: to trouble by spreading or swarming in or over; also : to live in or on as a parasite

— in·fes·ta·tion noun

in·fi·del noun
1 : one who is not a Christian or opposes Christianity
2 : an unbeliever esp. with respect to a particular religion

in·fi·del·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : lack of belief in a religion
2 : unfaithfulness to a moral obligation : DISLOYALTY
3 : marital unfaithfulness or an instance of it

Synonyms
[2, 3] betrayal, disloyalty, double cross, treachery, treason—more at BETRAYAL
[3] disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy, perfidy, unfaithfulness; also adultery; betrayal, double-dealing, duplicity, treachery, treason; deceit, deception, lying
Antonyms
allegiance, constancy, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty

in·field noun
: the part of a baseball field inside the baselines

— in·field·er noun

in·fight·ing noun
1 : fighting at close quarters
2 : dissension or rivalry among members of a group

in·fil·trate verb -trat·ed; -trat·ing
1 : to enter or filter into or through something
2 : to pass into or through by or as if by filtering or permeating

— in·fil·tra·tion noun

— in·fil·tra·tor noun

Synonyms
insinuate, slip, sneak, work, worm—more at INSINUATE

in·fi·nite adjective
1 : extending indefinitely : LIMITLESS, ENDLESS <~ space> <~ patience>
2 : VAST, IMMENSE; also : INEXHAUSTIBLE <~ wealth>
3 : greater than any preassigned finite value however large <~ number of positive integers>; also : extending to infinity <~ plane surface>

— infinite noun

— in·fi·nite·ly adverb

Synonyms
boundless, endless, illimitable, immeasurable, indefinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, unlimited; also abysmal, bottomless; countless, incalculable, inestimable, innumerable, unmeasured; inexhaustible; far-flung, immense, vast
Antonyms
bounded, circumscribed, confined, definite, finite, limited, restricted

in·fin·i·tes·i·mal adjective
: immeasurably or incalculably small

— in·fin·i·tes·i·mal·ly adverb

Synonyms
atomic, microscopic, miniature, minute, teeny, tiny, wee—more at TINY

in·fin·i·tive noun
: a verb form having the characteristics of both verb and noun and in English usu. being used with to

in·fin·i·tude noun
1 : the quality or state of being infinite
2 : something that is infinite esp. in extent

in·fin·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality of being infinite
2 : unlimited extent of time, space, or quantity : BOUNDLESSNESS
3 : an indefinitely great number or amount

in·firm adjective
1 : deficient in vitality; especially : feeble from age
2 : weak of mind, will, or character : IRRESOLUTE
3 : not solid or stable : INSECURE

Synonyms
delicate, faint, feeble, frail, wasted, weak—more at WEAK

in·fir·ma·ry noun, plural -ries
: a place for the care of the infirm or sick

in·fir·mi·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the condition of being feeble : FEEBLENESS
2 : a disease or disorder of the animal body : AILMENT
3 : a personal failing : FOIBLE

Synonyms
[1] debility, delicacy, enfeeblement, faintness, feebleness, frailty, languor, lowness, weakness—more at WEAKNESS
[2] affection, ailment, bug, complaint, complication, condition, disease, disorder, fever, ill, illness, malady, sickness, trouble

infl abbreviation
influenced

in fla·gran·te de·lic·to adverb
1 : in the very act of committing a misdeed
2 : in the midst of sexual activity

in·flame verb in·flamed; in·flam·ing
1 : to set on fire : KINDLE
2 : to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling; also : INTENSIFY
3 : to affect or become affected with inflammation

Synonyms
[1] burn, fire, ignite, kindle, light—more at BURN
[2] anger, antagonize, enrage, incense, infuriate, intensify, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil—more at ANGER

in·flam·ma·ble adjective
1 : capable of being easily ignited and of burning quickly : FLAMMABLE
2 : easily inflamed, excited, or angered : IRASCIBLE

Synonyms
combustible, flammable, ignitable—more at COMBUSTIBLE

in·flam·ma·tion noun
: a bodily response to injury in which an affected area becomes red, hot, and painful and congested with blood

in·flam·ma·to·ry adjective
1 : tending to excite the senses or to arouse anger, disorder, or tumult : SEDITIOUS
2 : causing or accompanied by inflammation <an ~ disease>

in·flate verb in·flat·ed; in·flat·ing
1 : to swell with air or gas <~ a balloon>
2 : to puff up : ELATE
3 : to expand or increase abnormally <~ prices>

— in·flat·able adjective

in·fla·tion noun
1 : an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2 : empty pretentiousness : POMPOSITY
3 : a continuing rise in the general price level usu. attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit

in·fla·tion·ary adjective
: of, characterized by, or productive of inflation

in·flect verb
1 : to turn from a direct line or course : CURVE
2 : to vary a word by inflection
3 : to change or vary the pitch of the voice

in·flec·tion noun
1 : the act or result of curving or bending
2 : a change in pitch or loudness of the voice
3 : the change of form that words undergo to mark case, gender, number, tense, person, mood, or voice

— in·flec·tion·al adjective

in·flex·i·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being inflexible

Synonyms
hardness, harshness, rigidity, severity, sternness, strictness—more at SEVERITY

in·flex·i·ble adjective
1 : rigidly firm in will or purpose : UNYIELDING
2 : not readily bent : RIGID
3 : incapable of change

— in·flex·i·bly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] adamant, hard, immovable, implacable, pat, rigid, steadfast, unbending, uncompromising, unflinching, unrelenting, unyielding; also grim, severe, stern, strict; determined, firm; dogged, intractable, obdurate, obstinate, relentless, stubborn, tenacious; confirmed, inveterate, unregenerate; demanding, exacting
Antonyms
acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, compliant, flexible, pliant, pliable
[3] fast, fixed, hard-and-fast, immutable, unalterable, unchangeable; also constant, determinate, established, set, settled, stable, steadfast, steady, unaltered, unchanging, unvarying; immovable, unmovable
Antonyms
changeable, flexible, mutable, variable

in·flex·ion chiefly British variant of INFLECTION

in·flict verb
: AFFLICT; also : to give by or as if by striking

— in·flic·tion noun

in·flo·res·cence noun
: the manner of development and arrangement of flowers on a stem; also : a flowering stem with its appendages : a flower cluster

in·flow noun
: a flowing in

1influence noun
1 : the act or power of producing an effect without apparent force or direct authority
2 : the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways <under the ~ of liquor>
3 : a person or thing that exerts influence

Synonyms
[1] authority, clout, pull, sway, weight; also command, dominance, dominion, mastery, predominance, scepter, sovereignty, supremacy; consequence, eminence, importance, moment; impact, impression, mark
[2] effect, impact, mark, repercussion, sway—more at EFFECT

in·flu·en·tial adjective
: exerting or possessing influence; also : having authority or ascendancy

Synonyms
important, mighty, potent, powerful, significant, strong—more at IMPORTANT
authoritative, forceful, weighty; also controlling, dominating, masterful; dominant, predominant, sovereign, supreme; eminent, important, momentous

2influence verb -enced; -enc·ing
1 : to affect or alter by influence : SWAY
2 : to have an effect on the condition or development of : MODIFY

Synonyms
affect, impact, impress, move, strike, sway, tell, touch—more at AFFECT

in·flu·en·za noun
[ORIGIN: It, lit., influence, fr. ML influentia; fr. the belief that epidemics were due to the influence of the stars]

: an acute and highly contagious virus disease marked by fever, prostration, aches and pains, and respiratory inflammation; also : any of various feverish usu. virus diseases typically with respiratory symptoms

in·flux noun
: a coming in

Synonyms
flux; also deluge, flood, flow, inundation, overflow, spate, torrent; rush, stampede; flow, river, stream, tide
Antonyms
outflow, outpouring

in·fo noun
: INFORMATION

in·fold verb
1 : ENFOLD
2 : to fold inward or toward one another

in·fo·mer·cial noun
: a television program that is an extended advertisement often including a discussion or demonstration

in·form verb
1 : to communicate knowledge to : TELL
2 : to give information or knowledge
3 : to act as an informer

Synonyms
[1] acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, clue, enlighten, familiarize, fill in, instruct, tell, wise—more at ENLIGHTEN
[3] snitch, squeal, talk, tell—more at SQUEAL

in·for·mal adjective
1 : conducted or carried out without formality or ceremony <an ~ party>
2 : characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary, casual, or familiar use <~ clothes>

— in·for·mal·i·ty noun

— in·for·mal·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] irregular, unceremonious, unconventional, unorthodox; also unauthorized, unofficial; casual, easygoing, lax, loose, relaxed
Antonyms
ceremonial, ceremonious, conventional, formal, orthodox, regular, routine
[2] casual, everyday, workaday—more at CASUAL

in·for·mant noun
: a person who gives information : INFORMER

in·for·ma·tion noun
1 : the communication or reception of knowledge or intelligence
2 : knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction : FACTS, DATA

in·for·ma·tion·al adjective
: relating to or giving information

information superhighway noun
: INTERNET

in·for·ma·tive adjective
: imparting knowledge : INSTRUCTIVE

Synonyms
educational, instructive; also detailed, comprehensive, full; enlightening, explanatory, illuminating; chatty, gossipy, newsy; availing, beneficial, constructive, helpful, profitable; practical, serviceable, usable, useful, worthwhile
Antonyms
uninstructive

in·formed adjective
1 : having or based on information
2 : having an education : KNOWLEDGEABLE

Synonyms
[1] good, hard, just, levelheaded, logical, rational, reasonable, reasoned, sensible, sober, solid, valid, well-founded—more at GOOD
[2] abreast, conversant, familiar, knowledgeable, up, up-to-date, versed—more at FAMILIAR

informed consent noun
: consent to a medical procedure by someone who understands what is involved

in·form·er noun
: one that informs; especially : a person who informs against others for illegalities esp. for financial gain

Synonyms
betrayer, stool pigeon, tattletale, telltale; also collaborator; gossip; snoop, spy

in·fo·tain·ment noun
: a television program that presents information (as news) in a manner intended to be entertaining

in·frac·tion noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML infractio, fr. L, subduing, fr. infringere to break, crush]

: the act of infringing : VIOLATION

Synonyms
breach, infringement, transgression, trespass, violation—more at BREACH

in·fra dig adjective
[ORIGIN: short for L infra dignitatem]

: being beneath one's dignity

in·fra·red adjective
: being, relating to, or using radiation having wavelengths longer than those of red light

— infrared noun

in·fra·struc·ture noun
1 : the underlying foundation or basic framework (as of a system or organization)
2 : the system of public works of a country, state, or region; also : the resources (as buildings or equipment) required for an activity

in·fre·quent adjective
1 : seldom happening : RARE
2 : placed or occurring at wide intervals in space or time

Synonyms
occasional, rare, sporadic; also scarce, scattered, uncommon, unique, unusual; choppy, discontinuous, erratic, fitful, intermittent, irregular, spasmodic, spotty, unsteady
Antonyms
frequent

in·fre·quent·ly adverb
: in an infrequent manner

Synonyms
little, rarely, seldom—more at SELDOM

in·fringe verb in·fringed; in·fring·ing
1 : to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another : VIOLATE, TRANSGRESS <~ a patent>
2 : ENCROACH, TRESPASS

in·fringe·ment noun
: the act of infringing; also : an encroachment or trespass on a right or privilege

Synonyms
breach, infraction, transgression, trespass, violation—more at BREACH

in·fu·ri·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to make furious : ENRAGE

— in·fu·ri·at·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
anger, antagonize, enrage, incense, inflame, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil—more at ANGER

in·fuse verb in·fused; in·fus·ing
1 : to instill a principle or quality in
2 : INSPIRE, ANIMATE
3 : to steep (as tea) without boiling

— in·fu·sion noun

Synonyms
imbue, inculcate, ingrain, invest, steep, suffuse; also animate, enliven, invigorate; implant, instill, plant; impregnate, permeate, pervade, saturate; deluge, drown, fill, flood, inundate, overwhelm, submerge

1-ing noun suffix
1 : action or process <sleeping> : instance of an action or process <a meeting>
2 : product or result of an action or process <an engraving> <earnings>
3 : something used in an action or process <a bed covering>
4 : something connected with, consisting of, or used in making (a specified thing) <scaffolding>
5 : something related to (a specified concept) <offing>

2-ing noun suffix
: one of a (specified) kind

3-ing verb suffix or adjective suffix
— used to form the present participle <sailing> and sometimes to form an adjective resembling a present participle but not derived from a verb <swashbuckling>

in·ga·ther verb
: to gather in : ASSEMBLE

in·ge·nious adjective
1 : marked by special aptitude at discovering, inventing, or contriving
2 : marked by originality, resourcefulness, and cleverness in conception or execution

— in·ge·nious·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] creative, imaginative, innovative, inventive, original—more at CREATIVE
[2] artful, clever, creative, imaginative—more at CLEVER

in·ge·nious·ness noun
: the power or quality of ready invention

in·ge·nue or in·gé·nue noun
: a naive girl or young woman; especially : an actress portraying such a person

in·ge·nu·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: skill or cleverness in planning or inventing : INVENTIVENESS

Synonyms
creativity, invention, inventiveness, originality—more at CREATIVITY

in·gen·u·ous adjective
[ORIGIN: L ingenuus native, freeborn, fr. gignere to beget]

1 : STRAIGHTFORWARD, FRANK
2 : showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness : NAIVE

Synonyms
green, innocent, naive, simple, unknowing, unsophisticated, unwary, unworldly—more at NAIVE

in·gen·u·ous·ly adverb
: in an ingenuous manner

Synonyms
artlessly, naively, naturally, unaffectedly—more at NATURALLY

in·gen·u·ous·ness noun
: the quality of being ingenuous : absence of guile, reserve, or disguise

Synonyms
artlessness, greenness, innocence, naïveté, naturalness, simplicity, unworldliness—more at NAÏVETÉ

in·gest verb
: to take in for or as if for digestion

— in·ges·tion noun

in·gle·nook noun
: a nook by a large open fireplace; also : a bench occupying this nook

in·glo·ri·ous adjective
1 : SHAMEFUL
2 : not glorious : lacking fame or honor

— in·glo·ri·ous·ly adverb

in·got noun
: a mass of metal cast in a form convenient for storage or transportation

1ingrain verb
: to work indelibly into the natural texture or mental or moral constitution

Synonyms
imbue, inculcate, infuse, invest, steep, suffuse—more at INFUSE

2ingrain adjective
1 : made of fiber that is dyed before being spun into yarn
2 : made of yarn that is dyed before being woven or knitted
3 : INNATE

— in·grain noun

in·grained adjective
1 : worked into the grain or fiber
2 : forming a part of the essence or inmost being

Synonyms
essential, inborn, inherent, innate, integral, intrinsic, natural—more at INHERENT

in·grate noun
: an ungrateful person

in·gra·ti·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to gain favor by deliberate effort

in·gra·ti·at·ing adjective
1 : capable of winning favor <an ~ smile>
2 : FLATTERING <an ~ manner>

Synonyms
endearing, winning, winsome; also adorable, charming, likable, lovable; affecting, poignant, touching; adulatory, deferential, groveling, kowtowing, obsequious, servile, sycophantic; drooling, slobbering; soapy, sugary, unctuous

in·grat·i·tude noun
: lack of gratitude : UNGRATEFULNESS

in·gre·di·ent noun
: one of the substances that make up a mixture or compound : CONSTITUENT

Synonyms
component, constituent, element, factor, member—more at ELEMENT

in·gress noun
: ENTRANCE, ACCESS

— in·gres·sion noun

in·grow·ing adjective
: growing or tending inward

in·grown adjective
: grown in; especially : having the free tip or edge embedded in the flesh <~ toenail>

in·gui·nal adjective
: of, relating to, or situated in or near the region of the groin

in·hab·it verb
: to live or dwell in

— in·hab·it·able adjective

in·hab·i·tant noun
: a permanent resident in a place

Synonyms
denizen, dweller, occupant, resident; also aborigine, native; citizen, national, subject; colonist, émigré, migrant, newcomer, settler; burgher, townie, villager
Antonyms
transient

in·hal·ant noun
: something (as a medicine) that is inhaled

in·ha·la·tor noun
: a device that provides a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen for breathing

in·hale verb in·haled; in·hal·ing
: to breathe in

— in·ha·la·tion noun

in·hal·er noun
: a device by means of which medicinal material is inhaled

in·har·mo·ni·ous adjective
1 : not harmonious
2 : not fitting or congenial

Synonyms
[1, 2] discordant, discrepant, incompatible, incongruous, inharmonious

in·here verb in·hered; in·her·ing
: to be inherent

in·her·ent adjective
: established as an essential part of something : INTRINSIC

Synonyms
essential, inborn, ingrained, innate, integral, intrinsic, natural; also basic, constitutional, elemental, fundamental; congenital, hereditary, inherited, inmost, inner, interior; internal; characteristic, distinctive, peculiar; normal, regular, typical
Antonyms
adventitious, extraneous, extrinsic

in·her·ent·ly adverb
: in an inherent manner

Synonyms
constitutionally, innately, intrinsically, naturally—more at NATURALLY

in·her·it verb
1 : to receive esp. from one's ancestors
2 : to receive by genetic transmission

— in·her·i·tor noun

in·her·it·able adjective
1 : capable of being inherited
2 : capable of taking by inheritance

in·her·i·tance noun
1 : the act of inheriting
2 : something that is or may be passed on to another generation

Synonyms
bequest, birthright, heritage; also heirloom; bestowal, gift, offering, present

inherited adjective
: being something received by inheritance

Synonyms
genetic, hereditary, heritable, inborn, inherited—more at HEREDITARY

in·hib·it verb
1 : PROHIBIT, FORBID
2 : to hold in check

Synonyms
bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, govern, regulate, rein, restrain, tame—more at CONTROL

in·hi·bi·tion noun
1 : something that forbids or restricts
2 : a usu. inner check on free activity, expression, or functioning

Synonyms
constraint, repression, restraint, self-control, self-restraint, suppression

in·hos·pi·ta·ble adjective
1 : not showing hospitality : not friendly or receptive
2 : providing no shelter or sustenance

Synonyms
antagonistic, hostile, inimical, jaundiced, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic—more at HOSTILE

in–house adjective
: existing, originating, or carried on within a group or organization

in·hu·man adjective
1 : lacking pity, kindness, or mercy
2 : not engaging the human personality or emotions
3 : not worthy of or conforming to the needs of human beings <~ conditions>
4 : of or suggesting a nonhuman class of beings

— in·hu·man·ly adverb

— in·hu·man·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] callous, cold-blooded, hard, heartless, inhumane, merciless, obdurate, pitiless, ruthless, soulless, stony, uncharitable, unfeeling, unsparing, unsympathetic—more at HARD
[3] bitter, brutal, burdensome, cruel, excruciating, grievous, grim, hard, harsh, heavy, murderous, onerous, oppressive, rough, rugged, severe, stiff, tough, trying—more at HARSH

in·hu·mane adjective
: not humane : not devoted or sympathetic to humans or human needs

Synonyms
barbarous, brutal, cruel, heartless, sadistic, savage, vicious, wanton—more at CRUEL

in·hu·man·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being cruel or barbarous
2 : a cruel or barbarous act

Synonyms
barbarity, brutality, cruelty, sadism, savagery, viciousness, wantonness—more at CRUELTY

in·im·i·cal adjective
1 : being adverse often by reason of hostility
2 : having the disposition of an enemy : HOSTILE, UNFRIENDLY

— in·im·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
antagonistic, hostile, inhospitable, jaundiced, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic—more at HOSTILE

in·im·i·ta·ble adjective
: not capable of being imitated

Synonyms
incomparable, matchless, nonpareil, only, peerless, unequaled, unmatched, unparalleled, unrivaled, unsurpassed—more at ONLY

in·iq·ui·tous adjective
: characterized by iniquity

Synonyms
bad, black, evil, immoral, nefarious, rotten, sinful, unethical, unsavory, vicious, vile, villainous, wicked, wrong

in·iq·ui·ty noun, plural -ties
[ORIGIN: ME iniquite, fr. AF iniquité, fr. L iniquitas, fr. iniquus uneven, fr. aequus equal]

1 : gross injustice : WICKEDNESS
2 : a wicked act

Synonyms
corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, licentiousness, sin, vice—more at VICE

1initial adjective
1 : of or relating to the beginning : INCIPIENT
2 : placed at the beginning : FIRST

Synonyms
first, inaugural, maiden, original, pioneer, premier—more at FIRST

2initial noun
: the first letter of a word or name

3initial verb -tialed or -tialled; -tial·ing or -tial·ling
: to affix an initial to

ini·tial·ly adverb
: in the first place : at the beginning

Synonyms
firstly, originally, primarily—more at ORIGINALLY

1initiate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : set going : START, BEGIN
2 : to induct into membership by or as if by special ceremonies
3 : to instruct in the rudiments or principles of something

Synonyms
[1] begin, constitute, establish, found, inaugurate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set up, start—more at FOUND
[2] baptize, inaugurate, induct, install, invest—more at INSTALL
[3] acquaint, familiarize, introduce, orient—more at ACQUAINT

2initiate noun
1 : a person who is undergoing or has passed an initiation
2 : a person who is instructed or adept in some special field

ini·ti·a·tion noun
1 : the act or an instance of initiating
2 : the process of being initiated; specif : the rites, ceremonies, ordeals, or instructions with which one is made a member of a sect or society or is invested with a particular function or status

ini·tia·tive noun
1 : an introductory step
2 : self-reliant enterprise <showed great ~>
3 : a process by which laws may be introduced or enacted directly by vote of the people

Synonyms
aggressiveness, ambition, drive, enterprise, go, hustle—more at ENTERPRISE

ini·tia·to·ry adjective
1 : INTRODUCTORY
2 : tending or serving to initiate <~ rites>

in·ject verb
1 : to force into something <~ serum with a needle>
2 : to introduce as an element into some situation or subject <~ a note of suspicion>

— in·jec·tion noun

Synonyms
fit, insert, insinuate, interject, interpose, introduce—more at INSERT

in·junc·tion noun
1 : ORDER, ADMONITION
2 : a court writ whereby one is required to do or to refrain from doing a specified act

in·jure verb in·jured; in·jur·ing
1 : to do an injustice to : WRONG
2 : to inflict bodily hurt on : HURT; also : to impair the soundness of

Synonyms
damage, harm, hurt, wound; also batter, bruise, contuse, gash, gore, lacerate, scald, scar, tear; cripple, lame, maim, mangle, mutilate; afflict, torment, torture; lay up; blemish, impair, mar, scrape, spoil

in·ju·ri·ous adjective
: inflicting or tending to inflict injury

Synonyms
adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, damaging, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, ill, mischievous, noxious, pernicious, prejudicial—more at HARMFUL

in·ju·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : an act that damages or hurts
2 : hurt, damage, or loss sustained

Synonyms
damage, detriment, harm, hurt; also disservice, injustice, outrage, wrong; affront, dart, indignity, insult, offense; crippling, mayhem, mutilation; defacement, disability, disfigurement; abrasion, bruise, bump, contusion, scald, scar, scrape, scratch, sear

in·jus·tice noun
1 : violation of a person's rights : UNFAIRNESS
2 : an unjust act or deed : WRONG

Synonyms
[1, 2] disservice, injury, raw deal, wrong—more at DISSERVICE

1ink noun
[ORIGIN: ME enke, fr. AF encre, enke, fr. LL encaustum, fr. L encaustus burned in, fr. Gk enkaustos, fr. enkaiein to burn in]

: a usu. liquid and colored material for writing and printing

— inky adjective

2ink verb
: to put ink on; especially : SIGN

ink·blot test noun
: any of several psychological tests based on the interpretation of irregular figures

ink·horn noun
: a small bottle (as of horn) for holding ink

in–kind adjective
: consisting of something (as goods) other than money

ink–jet noun
: a computer printer that sprays electrically charged droplets of ink onto paper

— ink–jet adjective

in·kling noun
1 : a slight indication or suggestion : HINT, INTIMATION
2 : a vague idea

Synonyms
clue, cue, hint, indication, intimation, lead, suggestion—more at HINT

ink·stand noun
: INKWELL; also : a pen and ink stand

ink·well noun
: a container for ink

in·laid adjective
: decorated with material set into a surface

1inland adjective
1 chiefly British : not foreign : DOMESTIC <~ revenue>
2 : of or relating to the interior of a country

2inland noun
: the interior of a country

3inland adverb
: into or toward the interior

in–law noun
: a relative by marriage

1inlay verb in·laid ; in·lay·ing
: to set (a material) into a surface or ground material esp. for decoration

2inlay noun
1 : inlaid work
2 : a shaped filling cemented into a tooth

in·let noun
1 : a small or narrow bay
2 : an opening for intake esp. of a fluid

Synonyms
bay, bight, cove, estuary, gulf—more at GULF

in–line skate noun
: a roller skate whose four wheels are set in a straight line

in·mate noun
: any of a group occupying a single place of residence; especially : a person confined (as in a hospital or prison)

in me·di·as res adverb
[ORIGIN: L, lit., into the midst of things]

: in or into the middle of a narrative or plot

in me·mo·ri·am preposition
[ORIGIN: L]

: in memory of

in·most adjective
: deepest within : INNERMOST

inn noun
: an establishment for the lodging and entertaining of travelers : HOTEL, TAVERN

Synonyms
hospice, hotel, lodge, public house, tavern—more at HOTEL

in·nards noun plural
[ORIGIN: alter. of inwards]

1 : the internal organs of a human being or animal; especially : VISCERA
2 : the internal parts of a structure or mechanism

in·nate adjective
1 : existing in, belonging to, or determined by factors present in an individual from birth : NATIVE
2 : belonging to the essential nature of something : INHERENT, INTRINSIC

Synonyms
essential, inborn, ingrained, inherent, integral, intrinsic, natural—more at INHERENT

in·nate·ly adverb
: in an innate manner

Synonyms
constitutionally, inherently, intrinsically, naturally—more at NATURALLY

in·ner adjective
1 : located farther in <the ~ bark>
2 : near a center esp. of influence <the ~ circle>
3 : of or relating to the mind or spirit

Synonyms
[1] inside, interior, internal, inward; also inmost, innermost; central, mid, middle
Antonyms
exterior, external, outer, outside, outward
[3] cerebral, intellectual, mental, psychological—more at MENTAL

inner city noun
: the usu. older, poorer, and more densely populated section of a city

— inner–city adjective

in·ner–di·rect·ed adjective
: directed in thought and action by one's own scale of values as opposed to external norms

inner ear noun
: the part of the ear that is most important for hearing, is located in a cavity in the temporal bone, and contains sense organs of hearing and of awareness of position in space

in·ner·most adjective
: farthest inward : INMOST

in·ner·sole noun
: INSOLE

in·ner·spring adjective
: having coil springs inside a padded casing

inner tube noun
: an airtight rubber tube inside a tire to hold air under pressure

in·ning noun
1 singular or plural : a division of a cricket match
2 : a baseball team's turn at bat; also : a division of a baseball game consisting of a turn at bat for each team

inn·keep·er noun
1 : a proprietor of an inn
2 : a hotel manager

in·no·cence noun
1 : freedom from guilt or sin through being unacquainted with evil : BLAMELESSNESS; also : freedom from legal guilt
2 : freedom from guile or cunning : SIMPLICITY; also : IGNORANCE

Synonyms
[1] decency, goodness, honesty, integrity, righteousness
Antonyms
blameworthiness, culpability, guilt, guiltiness
[2] artlessness, greenness, ignorance, ingenuousness, naïveté, naturalness, simplicity, unworldliness—more at NAÏVETÉ

1innocent adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L innocens, fr. nocens wicked, fr. nocēre to harm]

1 : free from guilt or sin : BLAMELESS
2 : harmless in effect or intention; also : CANDID
3 : free from legal guilt or fault : LAWFUL
4 : lacking or reflecting a lack of sophistication, guile, or self-consciousness : INGENUOUS
5 : UNAWARE

Synonyms
[1] blameless, clear, faultless, guiltless, impeccable, irreproachable; also absolved, acquitted, cleared, exonerated, vindicated; ethical, moral, righteous, upright, virtuous
Antonyms
guilty
[2] candid, harmless, innocuous, safe, white—more at HARMLESS
[4] green, ingenuous, naive, simple, unknowing, unsophisticated, unwary, unworldly—more at NAIVE

2innocent noun
: an innocent one

Synonyms
angel, dove, lamb, sheep—more at LAMB

in·no·cent·ly adverb
: in an innocent manner

in·noc·u·ous adjective
1 : producing no injury : HARMLESS
2 : not offensive; also : INSIPID

Synonyms
harmless, innocent, safe, white—more at HARMLESS

in·nom·i·nate adjective
: having no name; also : ANONYMOUS

in·no·vate verb -vat·ed; -vat·ing
: to introduce as or as if new; also : to make changes

Synonyms
constitute, establish, found, inaugurate, initiate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set up, start—more at FOUND

in·no·va·tion noun
1 : the introduction of something new
2 : a new idea, method, or device

Synonyms
coinage, concoction, contrivance, creation, invention, wrinkle—more at INVENTION

in·no·va·tive adjective
: characterized by, tending to, or introducing innovations

Synonyms
creative, imaginative, ingenious, inventive, original—more at CREATIVE

in·no·va·tor noun
: one that innovates

Synonyms
designer, developer, inventor, originator—more at INVENTOR

in·nu·en·do noun, plural -dos or -does
[ORIGIN: L, by nodding, fr. innuere to nod to, make a sign to, fr. nuere to nod]

: HINT, INSINUATION; especially : a veiled reflection on character or reputation

in·nu·mer·a·ble adjective
: too many to be numbered

Synonyms
countless, numberless, uncountable, unnumbered, untold—more at COUNTLESS

in·oc·u·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
[ORIGIN: ME, to insert a bud in a plant, fr. L inoculare, fr. oculus eye, bud]

: to introduce something into: as
a : to introduce a serum or antibody into (an organism) to treat or prevent a disease
b : to introduce information to

— in·oc·u·la·tion noun

in·op·er·a·ble adjective
1 : not suitable for surgery
2 : not operable

Synonyms
inoperative, nonfunctional; also broken; off; deactivated, ineffective, ineffectual, nonproductive, unproductive, unusable, unworkable, useless
Antonyms
functional, functioning, operable, operating, operational, operative, running, working
impractical, unusable, unworkable, useless—more at IMPRACTICAL

in·op·er·a·tive adjective
: not functioning

Synonyms
dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inactive, inert, latent, off, vacant—more at INACTIVE

in·op·por·tune adjective
: not opportune : INCONVENIENT

in·op·por·tune·ly adverb
: in an inopportune manner

in·or·di·nate adjective
: exceeding reasonable limits : IMMODERATE <an ~ curiosity>

Synonyms
devilish, excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, immoderate, lavish, overmuch, overweening, steep, stiff, towering, unconscionable—more at EXCESSIVE

in·or·di·nate·ly adverb
: to an excessive or unreasonable degree

Synonyms
devilishly, excessively, monstrously, overly, overmuch, too—more at TOO

in·or·gan·ic adjective
: being or composed of matter of other than plant or animal origin : MINERAL

in·pa·tient noun
: a hospital patient who receives lodging and food as well as treatment

in·put noun
1 : something put in
2 : power or energy put into a machine or system
3 : information fed into a computer or data processing system
4 : ADVICE, OPINION

— input verb

in·quest noun
1 : an official inquiry or examination esp. before a jury
2 : a systematic investigation : INQUIRY, INVESTIGATION

in·qui·etude noun
: UNEASINESS, RESTLESSNESS

in·quire verb in·quired; in·quir·ing
1 : to ask about : ASK
2 : to make investigation or inquiry : INVESTIGATE — often used with into

— in·quir·er noun

— in·quir·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
usually inquire of [1] ask, interrogate, query, question, quiz—more at ASK
usually inquire into [2] delve, dig, explore, go, investigate, look, probe, research—more at EXPLORE

in·qui·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : a request for information; also : RESEARCH
2 : a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest

Synonyms
[1] call, query, question, request—more at QUESTION
[1, 2] examination, exploration, investigation, probe, research, study; also quest; audit, check; checkup, diagnosis, inspection; hearing, interrogation, trial; feeler, query, question; poll, questionnaire; challenge, cross-examination, grilling, quiz

in·qui·si·tion noun
1 : a judicial or official inquiry usu. before a jury
2 cap : a former Roman Catholic tribunal for the discovery and punishment of heresy
3 : a severe questioning
4 : the act of inquiring

— in·quis·i·tor noun

— in·quis·i·to·ri·al adjective

in·quis·i·tive adjective
1 : given to examination or investigation <an ~ mind>
2 : unduly curious

— in·quis·i·tive·ly adverb

Synonyms
curious, nosy, prying—more at CURIOUS

in·quis·i·tive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being inquisitive

in re preposition
: in the matter of

INRI abbreviation
[ORIGIN: L Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum]

Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews

in·road noun
1 : a sudden hostile incursion : INVASION, RAID
2 : an advance made usu. at the expense of another

in·rush noun
: a crowding or flooding in

ins abbreviation
1 inches
2 insurance

INS abbreviation
Immigration and Naturalization Service

in·sa·lu·bri·ous adjective
: UNWHOLESOME, NOXIOUS

ins and outs noun plural
1 : characteristic peculiarities
2 : RAMIFICATIONS

in·sane adjective
1 : exhibiting serious and debilitating mental disorder; also : used by or for the insane
2 : ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous : ABSURD

— in·sane·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] crazy, cuckoo, deranged, loco, lunatic, mad, nuts, nutty, screwy, unsound, wacky; also off; aberrant, delusional, disordered; eccentric, odd, queer, strange; foolish, senseless, witless; irrational, unreasonable; berserk, delirious; depressed; distraught, frantic, frenzied, hysterical
Antonyms
balanced, sane, sound
[2] absurd, bizarre, crazy, fanciful, fantastic, foolish, nonsensical, preposterous, unreal, wild—more at FANTASTIC

in·san·i·ty noun
1 : a deranged state of the mind usu. occurring as a specific disorder (as schizophrenia)
2 : extreme folly or unreasonableness; also : something utterly foolish or unreasonable

Synonyms
[1] aberration, dementia, derangement, lunacy, madness, mania; also irrationality, unreasonableness; delirium, frenzy, hysteria; neurosis, psychosis, schizophrenia; delusion, hallucination, obsession, phobia; abnormality, unsoundness
Antonyms
mind, sanity
[2] absurdity, asininity, balminess, craziness, daftness, fatuity, folly, foolishness, inanity, lunacy, madness, silliness, simplicity, zaniness

in·sa·tia·ble adjective
: incapable of being satisfied

— in·sa·tia·bil·i·ty noun

— in·sa·tia·bly adverb

in·sa·tiate adjective
: INSATIABLE

— in·sa·tiate·ly adverb

in·scribe verb
1 : to write, engrave, or print as a lasting record
2 : to enter on a list : ENROLL
3 : to write, engrave, or print characters upon
4 : to dedicate to someone
5 : to draw within a figure so as to touch in as many places as possible

— in·scrip·tion noun

Synonyms
[2] catalog, enroll, enter, index, list, put down, record, register, schedule, slate—more at LIST
[3] engrave, etch, grave, inscribe—more at ENGRAVE

in·scru·ta·ble adjective
: not readily comprehensible : MYSTERIOUS

— in·scru·ta·bly adverb

Synonyms
cryptic, darkling, deep, enigmatic, impenetrable, mysterious, mystic, occult, uncanny—more at MYSTERIOUS

in·seam noun
: the seam on the inside of the leg of a pair of pants; also : the length of this seam

in·sect noun
[ORIGIN: L insectum, fr. insectus, pp. of insecare to cut into, fr. secare to cut]

: any of a class of small usu. winged arthropod animals (as flies, bees, beetles, and moths) with usu. three pairs of legs as adults

in·sec·ti·cide noun
: an agent for destroying insects

— in·sec·ti·cid·al adjective

in·sec·tiv·o·rous adjective
: feeding on insects

in·se·cure adjective
1 : UNCERTAIN
2 : not protected : UNSAFE
3 : not firmly fastened or fixed : LOOSE
4 : not highly stable; also : lacking assurance : ANXIOUS, FEARFUL

— in·se·cure·ly adverb

Synonyms
lax, loose, relaxed, slack—more at LOOSE

in·se·cu·ri·ty noun
: the quality or state of being insecure

Synonyms
instability, precariousness, shakiness, unsteadiness—more at INSTABILITY

in·sem·i·nate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to introduce semen into the genital tract of (a female)

— in·sem·i·na·tion noun

in·sen·sate adjective
1 : lacking sense or understanding; also : FOOLISH
2 : INANIMATE
3 : lacking humane feeling : INHUMAN <~ rage>

in·sen·si·ble adjective
1 : not perceptible by a sense or by the mind : IMPERCEPTIBLE; also : SLIGHT, GRADUAL
2 : INANIMATE
3 : not knowing or perceiving : UNCONSCIOUS
4 : lacking sensory perception or ability to react <~ to pain>
5 : APATHETIC, INDIFFERENT; also : UNAWARE <~ of their danger>
6 : MEANINGLESS
7 : lacking delicacy or refinement

— in·sen·si·bly adverb

in·sen·si·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being insensible: as
a : lack of mental or emotional feeling or response
b : an unconscious or comatose state

in·sen·tient adjective
: lacking perception, consciousness, or animation

— in·sen·tience noun

in·sep·a·ra·ble adjective
1 : incapable of being separated or disjoined
2 very close or intimate

— inseparable noun

— in·sep·a·ra·bly adverb

in·sep·a·ra·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being inseparable

1insert verb
1 : to put or thrust in <~ a key in a lock> <~ a comma>
2 : to put or introduce into the body of something : INTERPOLATE
3 : to set in (as a piece of fabric) and make fast

Synonyms
fit, inject, insinuate, interject, interpose, introduce; also inlay, inset, install, weave, work (in); cram, sandwich, shove, thrust, wedge; add, append, attach

2insert noun
: something that is inserted or is for insertion; especially : written or printed material inserted (as between the leaves of a book)

in·ser·tion noun
1 : something that is inserted
2 : the act or process of inserting

in·set verb inset or in·set·ted; in·set·ting
: to set in : INSERT

— inset noun

1inshore adjective
1 : situated, living, or carried on near shore
2 : moving toward shore

2inshore adverb
: to or toward shore

1inside noun
1 : an inner side or surface : INTERIOR
2 : inward nature, thoughts, or feeling
3 plural : VISCERA, ENTRAILS
4 : a position of power, trust, or familiarity

2inside adverb
1 : on the inner side
2 : in or into the interior

3inside preposition
1 : in or into the inside of
2 : WITHIN <~ an hour>

4inside adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being on or near the inside
2 : relating or known to a select group

Synonyms
[1] inner, interior, internal, inward—more at INNER
[2] confidential, hushed, intimate, private, secret—more at PRIVATE

inside of preposition
: INSIDE

inside out adverb
1 : in such a manner that the inner surface becomes the outer <turned the shirt inside out>
2 : in a state of disarray or reorganization <turned her life inside out>

in·sid·er noun
: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information

in·sid·i·ous adjective
[ORIGIN: L insidiosus, fr. insidiae ambush, fr. insidēre to sit in, sit on, fr. sedēre to sit]

1 : SLY, TREACHEROUS
2 : SEDUCTIVE
3 : having a gradual and cumulative effect : SUBTLE

— in·sid·i·ous·ly adverb

— in·sid·i·ous·ness noun

in·sight noun
: the power, act, or result of seeing into a situation

Synonyms
discernment, perception, sagacity, sapience, wisdom—more at WISDOM

in·sight·ful adjective
: exhibiting or characterized by insight

Synonyms
discerning, perceptive, sagacious, sage, sapient, wise—more at WISE

in·sig·nia also in·sig·ne noun, plural -nia or -ni·as
: a distinguishing mark esp. of authority or honor : BADGE

in·sig·nif·i·cant adjective
: not significant: as
a : lacking meaning or import
b : not worth considering

Synonyms
[a, b] frivolous, inconsequential, inconsiderable, little, minor, minute, negligible, slight, small, trifling, trivial, unimportant—more at UNIMPORTANT

in·sin·cere adjective
: not sincere : HYPOCRITICAL

— in·sin·cere·ly adverb

Synonyms
artificial, double-dealing, feigned, hypocritical, left-handed, mealy, mealymouthed, two-faced, unctuous; also empty, hollow, meaningless; deceitful, devious, dishonest, untruthful; facile, glib, superficial; bogus, counterfeit, fake, false, phony, sham; facetious, jocular
Antonyms
genuine, heartfelt, honest, sincere, unfeigned

in·sin·cer·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being insincere

Synonyms
cant, dissimulation, hypocrisy, piety—more at HYPOCRISY

in·sin·u·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
[ORIGIN: L insinuare, fr. sinuare to bend, curve, fr. sinus curve]

1 : to introduce gradually or in a subtle, indirect, or artful way
2 : to imply in a subtle or devious way

— in·sin·u·a·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] infiltrate, insert, interpose, introduce, slip, sneak, work, worm
[2] allude, hint, imply, indicate, infer, intimate, suggest—more at HINT

in·sin·u·at·ing adjective
1 : winning favor and confidence by imperceptible degrees
2 : tending gradually to cause doubt, distrust, or change of outlook

in·sip·id adjective
1 : lacking taste or savor
2 : lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge : FLAT

— in·si·pid·i·ty noun

Synonyms
[1] flat, flavorless, tasteless; also bland, dilute, thin, watery, weak; plain, unflavored
Antonyms
flavorful, savory, tasty
[2] banal, flat, wishy-washy—more at WISHY-WASHY

in·sist verb
[ORIGIN: MF or L; MF insister, fr. L insistere to stand upon, persist, fr. sistere to take a stand]

: to take a resolute stand

Synonyms
affirm, allege, assert, aver, avouch, avow, claim, contend, declare, maintain, profess, protest, warrant—more at CLAIM
usually insist on call, claim, clamor, command, demand, enjoin, exact, press, quest, stipulate—more at DEMAND

in·sis·tence noun
: the act of insisting; also : an insistent attitude or quality : URGENCY

in·sis·tent adjective
: disposed to insist

— in·sis·tent·ly adverb

Synonyms
dogged, patient, persevering, persistent, pertinacious, tenacious—more at PERSISTENT

in si·tu adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: L, in position]

: in the natural or original position

in·so·far as conjunction
: to the extent or degree that

insol abbreviation
insoluble

in·so·la·tion noun
: solar radiation that has been received

in·sole noun
1 : an inside sole of a shoe
2 : a loose thin strip placed inside a shoe for warmth or comfort

in·so·lence noun
1 : the quality or state of being insolent
2 : an instance of insolent conduct or treatment

Synonyms
back talk, cheek, impertinence, impudence, sauce—more at BACK TALK
brazenness, discourtesy, disrespect, impertinence, impudence, incivility, rudeness—more at DISCOURTESY

in·so·lent adjective
: contemptuous, rude, disrespectful, or bold in behavior or language

Synonyms
bold, brash, fresh, impertinent, impudent, nervy, sassy, saucy—more at NERVY

in·sol·u·ble adjective
1 : having or admitting of no solution or explanation
2 : difficult or impossible to dissolve

— in·sol·u·bil·i·ty noun

in·sol·vent adjective
1 : unable or insufficient to pay all debts <an ~ estate>
2 : IMPOVERISHED, DEFICIENT

— in·sol·ven·cy noun

in·som·nia noun
: prolonged and usu. abnormal sleeplessness

— in·som·ni·ac noun

in·so·much as conjunction
: INASMUCH AS

insomuch that conjunction
: to such a degree that : SO

in·sou·ci·ance noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: lighthearted unconcern

Synonyms
apathy, disinterestedness, disregard, indifference, nonchalance—more at INDIFFERENCE

in·sou·ci·ant adjective
: exhibiting or characterized by insouciance

Synonyms
carefree, careless, cavalier, easygoing, gay, happy-go-lucky, lighthearted, nonchalant, unconcerned

insp abbreviation
inspector

in·spect verb
: to view closely and critically : EXAMINE

— in·spec·tor noun

Synonyms
audit, check, examine, review, scan, scrutinize, survey; also notice, observe, watch; peruse, pore (over); analyze, dissect; delve (into), explore, investigate, probe, research, study; categorize, classify

in·spec·tion noun
1 : the act of inspecting
2 : a checking or testing of an individual against established standards

Synonyms
audit, check, checkup, examination, review, scan, scrutiny, survey; also analysis, dissection; exploration, investigation, probe, research, study; inquisition, interrogation; perusal; observation, surveillance, watch

inspector general noun
: the head of a system of inspection (as of an army)

in·spi·ra·tion noun
1 : the act or power of moving the intellect or emotions
2 : INHALATION
3 : the quality or state of being inspired; also : something that is inspired
4 : an inspiring agent or influence

— in·spi·ra·tion·al adjective

in·spire verb in·spired; in·spir·ing
1 : to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration
2 : to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence upon; also : AFFECT
3 : to communicate to an agent supernaturally; also : to bring out or about
4 : INHALE
5 : INCITE
6 : to spread by indirect means

— in·spir·er noun

Synonyms
affect, buoy, cheer, comfort, embolden, encourage, hearten, steel—more at ENCOURAGE

in·spir·it verb
: ENCOURAGE, HEARTEN

inst abbreviation
1 instant
2 institute; institution; institutional

in·sta·bil·i·ty noun
: lack of steadiness; especially : lack of emotional or mental stability

Synonyms
insecurity, precariousness, shakiness, unsteadiness; also unsoundness; inconstancy, mutability
Antonyms
fixedness, security, stability, steadiness

in·stal chiefly British variant of INSTALL

in·stall or in·stal verb in·stalled; in·stall·ing
1 : to place formally in office : induct into an office, rank, or order
2 : to establish in an indicated place, condition, or status
3 : to set up for use or service

Synonyms
[1] baptize, inaugurate, induct, initiate, invest; also swear in; accept, admit, receive, take in; enlist, enroll
[2] ensconce, lodge, perch, roost, settle—more at ENSCONCE

in·stal·la·tion noun
1 : the act of installing : the state of being installed
2 : a military camp, fort, or base

Synonyms
[1] inaugural, inauguration, induction, investiture; also enlistment, enrollment; promotion
[2] complex, establishment, facility—more at FACILITY

1installment also in·stal·ment noun
: INSTALLATION

2installment also instalment noun
1 : one of the parts into which a debt or sum is divided for payment
2 : one of several parts presented at intervals

1instance noun
1 : INSTIGATION, REQUEST
2 : an individual illustrative of a category or brought forward in support or disproof of a generalization : EXAMPLE <for ~>
3 : an event or step that is part of a process or series

Synonyms
case, example, exemplar, illustration, representative, sample, specimen—more at EXAMPLE

2instance verb in·stanced; in·stanc·ing
1 : to mention as a case or example
2 : to explain by reference to examples

Synonyms
[1] advert, cite, mention, name, note, notice, quote, refer, specify, touch—more at MENTION
[2] demonstrate, exemplify, illustrate—more at ILLUSTRATE

1instant noun
1 : an immeasurably small space of time : MOMENT <the ~ we met>
2 : the present or current month

Synonyms
flash, jiffy, minute, moment, second, shake, trice, twinkle, twinkling, wink; also microsecond, nanosecond; snatch, spurt

2instant adjective
1 : calling for immediate attention : URGENT
2 : PRESENT, CURRENT
3 : occurring, acting, or accomplished without loss or interval of time : IMMEDIATE <~ relief>
4 : premixed or precooked for easy final preparation <~ cake mix>; also : immediately soluble in water <~ coffee>

in·stan·ta·neous adjective
: done or occurring in an instant or without delay

— in·stan·ta·neous·ly adverb

Synonyms
immediate, instant; also summary; fast, prompt, quick, rapid, speedy, swift

in·stan·ter adverb
: at once

in·stan·ti·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to represent (an abstraction) by a concrete example

— in·stan·ti·a·tion noun

in·stant·ly adverb
: at once : IMMEDIATELY

Synonyms
directly, forthwith, immediately, now, promptly, pronto, right away, right now—more at IMMEDIATELY

in·state verb
: to establish in a rank or office : INSTALL

in·stead adverb
1 : as a substitute or equivalent
2 : as an alternative : RATHER

instead of preposition
: as a substitute for or alternative to

in·step noun
: the arched part of the human foot in front of the ankle joint; especially : its upper surface

in·sti·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to goad or urge forward : PROVOKE, INCITE <~ a revolt>

Synonyms
abet, ferment, foment, incite, provoke, raise, stir, whip—more at INCITE

in·sti·ga·tion noun
1 : an act of instigating or the state of being instigated
2 : something that instigates

Synonyms
boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitement, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulus, yeast—more at IMPULSE

in·sti·ga·tor noun
: one that instigates

in·stil chiefly British variant of INSTILL

in·still also in·stil verb in·stilled; in·still·ing
1 : to cause to enter drop by drop
2 : to impart gradually

1instinct noun
1 : a natural aptitude
2 : a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason; also : behavior originating below the conscious level

2instinct adjective
: IMBUED, INFUSED

in·stinc·tive adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being instinct
2 : prompted by natural instinct or propensity : arising spontaneously

— in·stinc·tive·ly adverb

in·stinc·tu·al adjective
: of, relating to, or based on instinct

1institute verb -tut·ed; -tut·ing
1 : to establish in a position or office
2 : ORGANIZE
3 : to bring about the beginning of : INAUGURATE, INITIATE

Synonyms
constitute, establish, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, introduce, launch, pioneer, set up, start—more at FOUND

2institute noun
1 : an elementary principle recognized as authoritative; also, pl : a collection of such principles and precepts
2 : an organization for the promotion of a cause : ASSOCIATION
3 : an educational institution
4 : a brief course of instruction on a particular field

Synonyms
association, brotherhood, club, college, congress, council, fellowship, fraternity, guild, institution, league, order, organization, society—more at ASSOCIATION

in·sti·tu·tion noun
1 : an act of originating, setting up, or founding
2 : an established practice, law, or custom
3 : a society or corporation esp. of a public character <a charitable ~>
4 : ASYLUM 3

— in·sti·tu·tion·al adjective

— in·sti·tu·tion·al·ize verb

— in·sti·tu·tion·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
establishment, foundation, institute; also body, collective, group; corporation, enterprise; charity, philanthropy; think tank

instr abbreviation
1 instructor
2 instrument; instrumental

in·struct verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L instructus, pp. of instruere, fr. struere to build]

1 : to give knowledge to : TEACH
2 : to provide with authoritative information or advice : INFORM
3 : to give an order or a command to

Synonyms
[1] educate, indoctrinate, school, teach, train, tutor—more at TEACH
[2] acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, clue, enlighten, familiarize, fill in, inform, tell, wise—more at ENLIGHTEN
[3] bid, boss, charge, command, direct, enjoin, order, tell—more at COMMAND

in·struc·tion noun
1 : LESSON, PRECEPT
2 : a direction calling for compliance : COMMAND, ORDER
3 plural : DIRECTIONS
4 : the action, practice, or profession of a teacher

Synonyms
[2] behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, edict, order, word—more at COMMAND
[4] education, teaching, training, tutelage—more at EDUCATION

in·struc·tion·al adjective
1 : relating to, serving for, or promoting instruction
2 : containing or conveying instruction or information

in·struc·tive adjective
: carrying a lesson

Synonyms
educational, informative—more at INFORMATIVE

in·struc·tor noun
: one that instructs; especially : a college teacher below professorial rank

— in·struc·tor·ship noun

Synonyms
educator, pedagogue, schoolteacher, teacher—more at TEACHER

in·stru·ment noun
1 : a device used to produce music
2 : a means by which something is done
3 : a device for doing work and esp. precision work
4 : a legal document (as a deed)
5 : a device used in navigating an airplane

— in·stru·ment verb

Synonyms
[2] agency, agent, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, organ, vehicle—more at AGENT
[3] device, implement, tool, utensil—more at IMPLEMENT

in·stru·men·tal adjective
1 : acting as a crucial agent or means
2 : of, relating to, or done with an instrument
3 : relating to, composed for, or performed on a musical instrument

in·stru·men·tal·ist noun
: a player on a musical instrument

in·stru·men·tal·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being instrumental
2 : something useful or helpful to a desired end : MEANS, AGENCY

Synonyms
agency, agent, instrument, machinery, means, medium, organ, vehicle—more at AGENT

in·stru·men·ta·tion noun
1 : ORCHESTRATION
2 : instruments for a particular purpose

instrument panel noun
: DASHBOARD

in·sub·or·di·nate adjective
: disobedient to authority

in·sub·or·di·na·tion noun
: the quality or state of being insubordinate : defiance of authority

Synonyms
defiance, disobedience, rebelliousness, recalcitrance, refractoriness, unruliness—more at DISOBEDIENCE

in·sub·stan·tial adjective
1 : lacking substance or reality
2 : lacking firmness or solidity

Synonyms
flimsy, gauzy, unsubstantial—more at FLIMSY

in·suf·fer·able adjective
: not to be endured : INTOLERABLE <an ~ bore>

— in·suf·fer·ably adverb

Synonyms
insupportable, intolerable, unbearable, unendurable, unsupportable—more at UNBEARABLE

in·suf·fi·cien·cy noun
: the quality or state of being insufficient: as
a : lack of mental or moral fitness
b : lack of adequate supply

Synonyms
dearth, deficiency, deficit, failure, famine, inadequacy, lack, paucity, poverty, scantiness, scarcity, shortage, want—more at DEFICIENCY

in·suf·fi·cient adjective
: not sufficient

— in·suf·fi·cient·ly adverb

Synonyms
deficient, inadequate, scarce, short, shy, wanting—more at SHORT

in·su·lar adjective
1 : of, relating to, or forming an island
2 : dwelling or situated on an island
3 : being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint : NARROW-MINDED

— in·su·lar·i·ty noun

Synonyms
little, narrow, narrow-minded, parochial, petty, provincial, sectarian, small—more at NARROW

in·su·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
[ORIGIN: L insula island]

1 : to place in a detached situation : ISOLATE
2 : to separate a conductor of electricity, heat, or sound from other conducting bodies by means of a nonconductor

— in·su·la·tor noun

Synonyms
cut off, isolate, seclude, segregate, separate, sequester—more at ISOLATE

in·su·la·tion noun
1 a : the action of insulating
b : the state of being insulated
2 : material used in insulating

Synonyms
isolation, seclusion, segregation, sequestration, solitude—more at ISOLATION

in·su·lin noun
: a pancreatic hormone essential esp. for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of glucose in the blood

1insult verb
[ORIGIN: MF or L; MF insulter, fr. L insultare, lit., to spring upon, fr. saltare to leap]

: to treat with insolence or contempt : AFFRONT

— in·sult·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
affront, offend, outrage, slight, wound; also cut, snub; displease, distress, disturb, hurt, pain, trouble, upset; jeer, mock, ridicule, sneer (at), taunt; defame, disparage, libel, malign, revile, slander, slur, smear; oppress, persecute, torment, torture

2insult noun
: a gross indignity

Synonyms
affront, barb, dart, dig, indignity, name, offense, outrage, put-down, sarcasm, slight, slur, wound; also gibe, jeer, sneer, taunt; abuse, invective, vituperation; disapproval, opprobrium; disgrace, dishonor, shame; attack, criticism, slam; torment, torture

in·su·per·a·ble adjective
: incapable of being surmounted, overcome, passed over, or solved

— in·su·per·a·bly adverb

in·sup·port·able adjective
1 : more than can be endured : UNENDURABLE
2 : UNJUSTIFIABLE

Synonyms
insufferable, intolerable, unbearable, unendurable, unsupportable—more at UNBEARABLE

in·sur·able adjective
: capable of being or proper to be insured

in·sur·ance noun
1 : the business of insuring persons or property
2 : coverage by contract whereby one party agrees to guarantee another against a specified loss
3 : the sum for which something is insured
4 : a means of guaranteeing protection or safety

in·sure verb in·sured; in·sur·ing
1 : to provide or obtain insurance on or for : UNDERWRITE
2 : to make certain : ENSURE

Synonyms
assure, cinch, ensure, guarantee, guaranty, secure—more at ENSURE

in·sured noun
: a person whose life or property is insured

in·sur·er noun
: one that insures; especially : an insurance company

in·sur·gen·cy noun
: the quality or state of being insurgent; specif : a condition of revolt against a government that is less than an organized revolution and that is not recognized as belligerency

1insurgent noun
1 : a person who revolts against civil authority or an established government : REBEL
2 : a member of a political party who rebels against it

— in·sur·gence noun

2insurgent adjective
: rising in opposition to civil authority or established leadership

Synonyms
mutinous, rebellious, revolutionary—more at REBELLIOUS

in·sur·mount·able adjective
: incapable of being surmounted, overcome, passed over, or solved

— in·sur·mount·ably adverb

Synonyms
impregnable, indomitable, invincible, invulnerable, unbeatable, unconquerable—more at INVINCIBLE

in·sur·rec·tion noun
: an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government

Synonyms
mutiny, rebellion, revolt, revolution, uprising—more at REBELLION

in·sur·rec·tion·ist noun
: a favorer of or participant in insurrection

Synonyms
insurgent, mutineer, rebel, red, revolter, revolutionary—more at REBEL

int abbreviation
1 interest
2 interior
3 intermediate
4 internal
5 international
6 intransitive

in·tact adjective
1 : untouched esp. by anything that harms or diminishes
2 : being complete or entire

Synonyms
complete, comprehensive, entire, full, grand, integral, perfect, plenary, total, whole—more at COMPLETE

in·ta·glio noun, plural -glios
[ORIGIN: It]

: an engraving cut deeply into the surface of a hard material (as stone)

in·take noun
1 : an opening through which fluid enters
2 : the act of taking in
3 : something taken in

in·tan·gi·ble adjective
: incapable of being touched : IMPALPABLE

— intangible noun

— in·tan·gi·bly adverb

in·te·ger noun
[ORIGIN: L, adj., whole, entire]

: a number (as 1, 2, 3, 12, 432) that is not a fraction and does not include a fraction, is the negative of such a number, or is 0

Synonyms
digit, figure, number, numeral, whole number—more at NUMBER

in·te·gral adjective
1 : essential to completeness
2 : formed as a unit with another part
3 : composed of parts that make up a whole
4 : lacking nothing essential : ENTIRE
5 : being or involved in the essential nature of a thing

Synonyms
[1] essential, imperative, indispensable, necessary, needful, requisite, vital—more at ESSENTIAL
[4] complete, comprehensive, entire, full, grand, intact, perfect, plenary, total, whole—more at COMPLETE
[5] essential, inborn, ingrained, inherent, innate, intrinsic, natural—more at INHERENT

integral calculus noun
: calculus concerned esp. with advanced methods of finding lengths, areas, and volumes

in·te·grate verb -grat·ed; -grat·ing
1 : to form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning whole
2 : to incorporate into a larger unit
3 : to end the segregation of and bring into equal membership in society or an organization; also : DESEGREGATE

— in·te·gra·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] assimilate, embody, incorporate—more at EMBODY
[2] amalgamate, blend, combine, commingle, fuse, incorporate, intermingle, merge, mingle, mix—more at MIX

integrated circuit noun
: a group of tiny electronic components and their connections that is produced in or on a small slice of material (as silicon)

in·teg·ri·ty noun
1 : adherence to a code of values
2 : SOUNDNESS
3 : COMPLETENESS

Synonyms
character, decency, goodness, honesty, honor, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, uprightness, virtue—more at MORALITY

in·teg·u·ment noun
: a covering layer (as a skin or cuticle) of an organism or one of its parts

in·tel·lect noun
1 : the power of knowing : the capacity for knowledge
2 : the capacity for rational or intelligent thought esp. when highly developed
3 : a person with great intellectual powers

Synonyms
brain, genius, thinker, whiz, wizard—more at GENIUS

in·tel·lec·tu·al adjective
1 : of, relating to, or performed by the intellect
2 : given to study, reflection, and speculation
3 : engaged in activity requiring the creative use of the intellect

— intellectual noun

— in·tel·lec·tu·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] cerebral, inner, mental, psychological—more at MENTAL
[2] cerebral, erudite, learned, literate, scholarly; also cultivated, cultured; well-read; academic, bookish, professorial; didactic, pedantic; high-hat, snobbish, snooty; educated, schooled; brainy, bright, brilliant, clever, intelligent, quick-witted, smart
Antonyms
lowbrow, nonintellectual

in·tel·lec·tu·al·ism noun
: devotion to the exercise of intellect or to intellectual pursuits

in·tel·li·gence noun
1 : ability to learn and understand or to deal with new or trying situations
2 : mental acuteness
3 : INFORMATION, NEWS
4 : an agency engaged in obtaining information esp. concerning an enemy or possible enemy; also : the information so gained

Synonyms
gray matter, intellect, reason, sense; also acumen, alertness, astuteness, discernment, insight, judgment, mentality, perception, perspicacity; sagacity, sapience, wisdom, wit; head, mind, skull

intelligence quotient noun
: IQ

in·tel·li·gent adjective
[ORIGIN: L intelligens, fr. intelligere to understand, fr. inter between + legere to select]

: having or showing intelligence or intellect

— in·tel·li·gent·ly adverb

Synonyms
alert, brainy, bright, brilliant, clever, keen, nimble, quick, quick-witted, sharp, smart; also apt, ingenious, resourceful; acute, astute, discerning, insightful, knowing, perceptive, perspicacious, sagacious, sapient, savvy, wise; cerebral, erudite, highbrow, knowledgeable, learned, literate, scholarly, well-read; educated, informed, schooled, skilled, trained; creative, inventive, judicious, prudent, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, sound, wise; crafty, cunning, foxy, shrewd, wily; logical, rational, reasonable
Antonyms
brainless, dumb, mindless, stupid, thick, unintelligent
rational, reasonable, reasoning—more at RATIONAL

in·tel·li·gen·tsia noun
[ORIGIN: Russ intelligentsiya, fr. L intelligentia intelligence]

: intellectuals forming a vanguard or elite

in·tel·li·gi·ble adjective
: capable of being understood or comprehended

— in·tel·li·gi·bil·i·ty noun

— in·tel·li·gi·bly adverb

in·tem·per·ance noun
: lack of moderation; especially : habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants

— in·tem·per·ate·ness noun

in·tem·per·ate adjective
: not temperate; also : given to excessive use of intoxicating liquors

Synonyms
rampant, unbridled, unchecked, uncontrolled, ungoverned, unhampered, unhindered, unrestrained—more at RAMPANT

in·tend verb
[ORIGIN: ME entenden, intenden, fr. AF entendre, fr. L intendere to stretch out, direct, aim at, fr. tendere to stretch]

1 : to have in mind as a purpose or aim
2 : to design for a specified use or future

Synonyms
aim, aspire, contemplate, design, mean, meditate, plan, propose; also dream, hope, wish; consider, debate, mull (over), ponder; attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try; plot, scheme; accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform

in·ten·dant noun
: an official (as a governor) esp. under the French, Spanish, or Portuguese monarchies

1intended adjective
1 : expected to be such in the future; especially : BETROTHED
2 : INTENTIONAL

2intended noun
: an engaged person

Synonyms
betrothed—more at BETROTHED

in·tense adjective
1 : existing in an extreme degree
2 : marked by great zeal, energy, or eagerness
3 : showing strong feeling; also : deeply felt

Synonyms
deep, explosive, exquisite, fearful, ferocious, fierce, furious, hard, heavy, profound, terrible, vehement, vicious, violent; also accentuated, aggravated, concentrated, deepened; emphasized, enhanced, heightened, intensified, magnified; stressed; exhaustive, thorough; harsh, rigorous, severe
Antonyms
light, moderate, soft

in·tense·ly adverb
: in an intense manner

in·ten·si·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to make or become intense or more intensive
2 : to make more acute : SHARPEN

— in·ten·si·fi·ca·tion noun

Synonyms
amplify, beef, boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen; also broaden, enlarge, expand, extend, lengthen; accelerate, hasten, quicken; accentuate, emphasize, stress; augment, reinforce, supplement; maximize; enliven, jazz (up); aggravate, exacerbate
Antonyms
abate, moderate

in·ten·si·ty noun, plural -ties
: the quality or state of being intense; especially : degree of strength, energy, or force

Synonyms
ardor, emotion, fervency, fervor, heat, passion, vehemence, warmth—more at ARDOR

1intensive adjective
1 : marked by intensity : highly concentrated
2 : serving to give emphasis

2intensive noun
: an intensive word, particle, or prefix

intensive care noun
: continuous monitoring and treatment of seriously ill patients; also : an area of a hospital providing this treatment

in·ten·sive·ly adverb
: in an intensive manner

1intent noun
1 : the state of mind with which an act is done : VOLITION
2 : a usu. clearly formulated or planned intention : PURPOSE, AIM
3 : the thing that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed esp. by language : MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE

Synonyms
[2] aim, ambition, aspiration, design, dream, end, goal, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, pretension, purpose, thing—more at GOAL
[3] denotation, drift, import, meaning, purport, sense, significance, signification—more at MEANING

2intent adjective
1 : directed with keen attention <an ~ gaze>
2 : having the mind, attention, or will concentrated on something or some end or purpose

Synonyms
bent, bound, decisive, determined, firm, purposeful, resolute, set—more at DETERMINED
absorbed, attentive, engrossed, observant, rapt—more at ATTENTIVE

in·ten·tion noun
1 : a determination to act in a certain way
2 : what one intends to do or bring about : PURPOSE, AIM

in·ten·tion·al adjective
: done by intention or design : INTENDED

Synonyms
deliberate, freewill, purposeful, willful; also knowing, witting; designed, intended, planned; conscious; advised, calculated, considered, measured, reasoned, studied, thoughtful, weighed; premeditated; discretionary, elective, optional, volunteer
Antonyms
coerced, forced, involuntary, unintentional

in·ten·tion·al·ly adverb
: in an intentional manner : with intention

Synonyms
consciously, deliberately, knowingly, purposely, willfully; also calculatingly; voluntarily, willingly
Antonyms
inadvertently, unconsciously, unintentionally, unknowingly, unwittingly

in·tent·ly adverb
: in an intent manner

in·tent·ness noun
: the quality or state of being intent

Synonyms
earnestness, gravity, seriousness, sobriety, solemnity—more at EARNESTNESS

in·ter verb in·terred; in·ter·ring
: BURY

in·ter·ac·tion noun
: mutual or reciprocal action or influence

— in·ter·act verb

in·ter·ac·tive adjective
1 : mutually or reciprocally active
2 : allowing two-way electronic communications (as between a person and a computer)

— in·ter·ac·tive·ly adverb

in·ter alia adverb
: among other things

in·ter·atom·ic adjective
: existing or acting between atoms

in·ter·breed verb -bred ; -breed·ing
: to breed together

in·ter·ca·la·ry adjective
1 : INTERCALATED <February 29 is an ~ day>
2 : INTERPOLATED

in·ter·ca·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to insert (as a day) in a calendar
2 : to insert between or among existing elements or layers

— in·ter·ca·la·tion noun

in·ter·cede verb -ced·ed; -ced·ing
: to act between parties with a view to reconciling differences

Synonyms
interpose, intervene, mediate—more at INTERVENE

1intercept verb
1 : to stop or interrupt the progress or course of
2 : to include (as part of a curve or solid) between two points, curves, or surfaces
3 : to gain possession of (an opponent's pass in football)

— in·ter·cep·tion noun

2intercept noun
: INTERCEPTION; especially : the interception of a target by an interceptor or missile

in·ter·cep·tor noun
: a fighter plane designed for defense against attacking bombers

in·ter·ces·sion noun
1 : MEDIATION
2 : prayer or petition in favor of another

— in·ter·ces·so·ry adjective

in·ter·ces·sor noun
: one who intercedes

Synonyms
arbiter, arbitrator, go-between, intermediary, mediator, middleman, peacemaker—more at MEDIATOR

1interchange verb
1 : to put each in the place of the other
2 : EXCHANGE
3 : to change places mutually

— in·ter·change·able adjective

— in·ter·change·ably adverb

2interchange noun
1 : EXCHANGE
2 : a highway junction that by separated levels permits passage between highways without crossing traffic streams

in·ter·col·le·giate adjective
: existing or carried on between colleges

in·ter·com noun
: a two-way system for localized communication

in·ter·con·nect verb
: to connect with one another

— in·ter·con·nec·tion noun

in·ter·con·ti·nen·tal adjective
1 : extending among or carried on between continents <~ trade>
2 : capable of traveling between continents <~ ballistic missiles>

in·ter·course noun
1 : connection or dealings between persons or nations
2 : physical sexual contact between individuals that involves the genitalia of at least one person <anal ~>; especially : SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

Synonyms
[1] dealings, relations
[2] copulation, sexual intercourse—more at SEXUAL INTERCOURSE

in·ter·de·nom·i·na·tion·al adjective
: involving different denominations

in·ter·de·part·men·tal adjective
: carried on between or involving different departments (as of a college)

in·ter·de·pen·dent adjective
: dependent upon one another

— in·ter·de·pen·dence noun

in·ter·dict verb
1 : to prohibit by decree
2 : to destroy, cut off, or damage (as an enemy line of supply)
3 : INTERCEPT

Synonyms
ban, bar, enjoin, forbid, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe—more at FORBID

in·ter·dic·tion noun
: the act of interdicting or state of being interdicted; also : a prohibitory decree

Synonyms
barring, forbidding, prohibition, proscription—more at PROHIBITION

in·ter·dis·ci·plin·ary adjective
: involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines

1interest noun
1 : right, title, or legal share in something
2 : a charge for borrowed money that is generally a percentage of the amount borrowed; also : the return received by capital on its investment
3 a : a benefit resulting from some course of action : WELFARE
b : SELF-INTEREST
4 : CURIOSITY, CONCERN
5 : readiness to be concerned with or moved by an object or class of objects
6 : a quality in a thing that arouses interest

Synonyms
[1] claim, share, stake; also ownership, part, partnership, possession, title
[3a] good, weal, welfare, well-being—more at WELFARE

2interest verb
1 : to persuade to participate or engage
2 : to engage the attention of

Synonyms
absorb, busy, engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate, grip, immerse, intrigue, involve, occupy—more at ENGAGE

in·ter·est·ing adjective
: holding the attention

— in·ter·est·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
absorbing, engaging, engrossing, enthralling, fascinating, intriguing; also breathtaking, electric, electrifying, exciting, exhilarating, galvanizing, inspiring, rousing, stimulating, stirring, thrilling; provocative, tantalizing; emphatic, showy, striking; alluring, attractive, bewitching, captivating, charming; mesmerizing; curious, odd, unusual, weird; amazing, astounding, astonishing, eye-opening, fabulous, marvelous, surprising, wonderful, wondrous; amusing, entertaining
Antonyms
boring, drab, dry, dull, heavy, monotonous, tedious, uninteresting

1interface noun
1 : a surface forming a common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases <an oil-water ~>
2 : the place at which two independent systems meet and act on or communicate with each other <the man-machine ~>
3 : the means by which interaction or communication is achieved at an interface

— in·ter·fa·cial adjective

2interface verb -faced; -fac·ing
1 : to connect by means of an interface
2 : to serve as an interface

in·ter·faith adjective
: involving persons of different religious faiths

in·ter·fere verb -fered; -fer·ing
[ORIGIN: ME enterferen, fr. AF (s')entreferir to strike one another, fr. entre between, among + ferir to strike, fr. L ferire]

1 : to come in collision or be in opposition : to interpose in a way that hinders or impedes
2 : to take an unwarranted active part in the affairs of others
3 : to affect one another

Synonyms
usually interfere with [1] delay, embarrass, encumber, hamper, hinder, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, obstruct
[2] butt in, intrude, meddle, mess, nose, obtrude, poke, pry, snoop; also intercede, interpose, intervene; encroach, infringe, invade, trespass; fiddle, fool, monkey, play, tamper

in·ter·fer·ence noun
1 : the act or process of interfering
2 : something that interferes : OBSTRUCTION
3 : the mutual effect on meeting of two waves resulting in areas of increased and decreased amplitude
4 : the blocking of an opponent in football to make way for the ballcarrier
5 : the illegal hindering of an opponent in sports

Synonyms
bar, block, encumbrance, hindrance, inhibition, obstacle—more at ENCUMBRANCE

in·ter·fer·om·e·ter noun
: an apparatus that uses the interference of waves (as of light) for making precise measurements

— in·ter·fer·om·e·try noun

in·ter·fer·on noun
: any of a group of antiviral proteins of low molecular weight produced usu. by animal cells in response to a virus, a parasite in the cell, or a chemical

in·ter·ga·lac·tic adjective
: relating to or situated in the spaces between galaxies

in·ter·gen·er·a·tion·al adjective
: existing or occurring between generations

in·ter·gla·cial noun
: a warm period between successive glaciations

in·ter·gov·ern·men·tal adjective
: existing or occurring between two governments or levels of government

1interim noun
[ORIGIN: L, adv., meanwhile, fr. inter between]

: a time intervening : INTERVAL

Synonyms
discontinuity, gap, hiatus, interlude, intermission, interruption, interval—more at GAP

2interim adjective
: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

Synonyms
impermanent, provisional, short-term, temporary—more at TEMPORARY

1interior adjective
1 : lying, occurring, or functioning within the limiting boundaries : INSIDE
2 : remote from the surface, border, or shore : INLAND

Synonyms
inner, inside, internal, inward—more at INNER

2interior noun
1 : the inland part (as of a country)
2 : INSIDE
3 : the internal affairs of a state or nation
4 : a scene or view of the interior of a building

interior decoration noun
: INTERIOR DESIGN

— interior decorator noun

interior design noun
: the art or practice of planning and supervising the design and execution of architectural interiors and their furnishings

— interior designer noun

interj abbreviation
interjection

in·ter·ject verb
: to throw in between or among other things

Synonyms
fit, inject, insert, insinuate, interpose, introduce—more at INSERT

in·ter·jec·tion noun
: an exclamatory word (as ouch)

— in·ter·jec·tion·al·ly adverb

in·ter·lace verb
: to unite by or as if by lacing together : INTERWEAVE

Synonyms
intersperse, intertwine, interweave, lace, thread, weave, wreathe—more at THREAD

in·ter·lard verb
: to vary by inserting or interjecting something

in·ter·leave verb -leaved; -leav·ing
: to arrange in alternate layers

in·ter·leu·kin noun
: any of several proteins of low molecular weight that are produced by cells of the body and regulate the immune system and immune responses

1interline verb
: to insert between lines already written or printed

2interline verb
: to provide (as a coat) with an interlining

in·ter·lin·ear adjective
: inserted between lines already written or printed <an ~ translation of a text>

in·ter·lin·gual adjective
: of, relating to, or existing between two or more languages

in·ter·lin·ing noun
: a lining (as of a coat) between the ordinary lining and the outside fabric

in·ter·link verb
: to link together

in·ter·lock verb
1 : to engage or interlace together : lock together : UNITE
2 : to connect so that action of one part affects action of another part

— in·ter·lock noun

in·ter·loc·u·tor noun
: one who takes part in dialogue or conversation

in·ter·loc·u·to·ry adjective
: made during the progress of a legal action and not final or definite <an ~ decree>

in·ter·lope verb -loped; -lop·ing
1 : to encroach on the rights (as in trade) of others
2 : INTRUDE, INTERFERE

in·ter·lop·er noun
: one who interlopes; especially : one that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity

Synonyms
busybody, intruder, kibitzer, meddler—more at BUSYBODY

in·ter·lude noun
1 : a usu. short simple play or dramatic entertainment
2 : an intervening period, space, or event
3 : a piece of music inserted between the parts of a longer composition or a religious service

Synonyms
discontinuity, gap, hiatus, interim, intermission, interruption, interval—more at GAP

in·ter·mar·riage noun
1 : marriage within one's own group as required by custom
2 : marriage between members of different groups

in·ter·mar·ry verb
1 : to marry each other
2 : to marry within a group
3 : to become connected by intermarriage

1intermediary adjective
1 : being or occurring at the middle place, stage, or degree or between extremes : INTERMEDIATE
2 : acting as a mediator

2intermediary noun, plural -ar·ies
: one that mediates : MEDIATOR, GO-BETWEEN

Synonyms
arbiter, arbitrator, go-between, intercessor, mediator, middleman, peacemaker—more at MEDIATOR

1intermediate adjective
: being or occurring at the middle place or degree or between extremes

Synonyms
halfway, intermediary, median, medium, middle, midmost—more at MIDDLE

2intermediate noun
1 : one that is intermediate
2 : INTERMEDIARY

intermediate school noun
1 : JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
2 : a school usu. comprising grades 4–6

in·ter·ment noun
: the act or ceremony of interring : BURIAL

Synonyms
burial, entombment, sepulture—more at BURIAL

in·ter·mez·zo noun, plural -zi or -zos
[ORIGIN: It, ultim. fr. L intermedius intermediate]

: a short movement connecting major sections of an extended musical work (as a symphony); also : a short independent instrumental composition

in·ter·mi·na·ble adjective
: ENDLESS; especially : wearisomely protracted

— in·ter·mi·na·bly adverb

in·ter·min·gle verb
: to mingle or mix together

Synonyms
amalgamate, blend, combine, commingle, fuse, incorporate, integrate, merge, mingle, mix—more at MIX

in·ter·mis·sion noun
1 : the act of intermitting : the state of being intermitted : INTERRUPTION
2 : a temporary halt esp. in a public performance

Synonyms
discontinuity, gap, hiatus, interim, interlude, interruption, interval—more at GAP

in·ter·mit verb -mit·ted; -mit·ting
: DISCONTINUE; also : to be intermittent

in·ter·mit·tent adjective
: coming and going at intervals

— in·ter·mit·tent·ly adverb

Synonyms
casual, choppy, discontinuous, erratic, fitful, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady—more at FITFUL

in·ter·mix verb
: to mix together : INTERMINGLE

in·ter·mix·ture noun
: a mass formed by mixture : a mass of ingredients mixed

Synonyms
admixture, amalgam, blend, combination, composite, compound, fusion, mix, mixture—more at BLEND

in·ter·mo·lec·u·lar adjective
: existing or acting between molecules

in·ter·mon·tane adjective
: situated between mountains

1intern verb
: to confine or impound esp. during a war

2intern also in·terne noun
: an advanced student or recent graduate (as in medicine) gaining supervised practical experience

— in·tern·ship noun

3intern verb
: to work as an intern

in·ter·nal adjective
1 : existing or situated within the limits or surface of something
2 : relating to or located in the inside of the body <~ pain>
3 : of, relating to, or occurring within the confines of an organized structure <~ affairs>
4 : of, relating to, or existing within the mind
5 : INTRINSIC, INHERENT

— in·ter·nal·ly adverb

Synonyms
inner, inside, interior, inward—more at INNER

internal combustion engine noun
: an engine in which the fuel is ignited within the engine cylinder

in·ter·nal·ise British variant of INTERNALIZE

in·ter·nal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to incorporate (as values) within the self through learning or socialization

— in·ter·nal·i·za·tion noun

internal medicine noun
: a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases not requiring surgery

1international adjective
1 : common to or affecting two or more nations <~ trade>
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a group having members in two or more nations

— in·ter·na·tion·al·ly adverb

2international noun
: one that is international; especially : an organization of international scope

in·ter·na·tion·al·ise British variant of INTERNATIONALIZE

in·ter·na·tion·al·ism noun
: a policy of cooperation among nations; also : an attitude favoring such a policy

in·ter·na·tion·al·ize verb
: to make international; especially : to place under international control

International System of Units noun
: a system of units based on the metric system and used by international convention esp. for scientific work

in·ter·ne·cine adjective
[ORIGIN: L internecinus, fr. internecare to destroy, kill, fr. necare to kill, fr. nec-, nex violent death]

1 : DEADLY; especially : mutually destructive
2 : of, relating to, or involving conflict within a group <~ feuds>

in·tern·ee noun
: a person interned

Synonyms
captive, capture, prisoner—more at CAPTIVE

In·ter·net noun
: an electronic communications network that connects computer networks worldwide

in·ter·nist noun
: a physician who specializes in internal medicine

in·tern·ment noun
: the act of interning or the state of being interned

Synonyms
captivity, confinement, imprisonment, incarceration; also bondage, enslavement, servitude; restraint, restriction; arrest, capture, entrapment; custody, detention

in·ter·nun·cio noun
[ORIGIN: It internunzio]

: a papal legate of lower rank than a nuncio

in·ter·of·fice adjective
: functioning or communicating between the offices of an organization

in·ter·per·son·al adjective
: being, relating to, or involving relations between persons

— in·ter·per·son·al·ly adverb

in·ter·plan·e·tary adjective
: existing, carried on, or operating between planets <~ space>

in·ter·play noun
: INTERACTION

in·ter·po·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
1 : to change (as a text) by inserting new or foreign matter
2 : to insert (as words) into a text or into a conversation
3 : to estimate values of (data or a function) between two known values
4 : to insert between other things or parts

— in·ter·po·la·tion noun

in·ter·pose verb -posed; -pos·ing
1 : to place between
2 : to thrust in : INTRUDE, INTERRUPT
3 : to inject between parts of a conversation or argument
4 : to come or be between

— in·ter·po·si·tion noun

Synonyms
[1] fit, inject, insert, insinuate, interject, introduce—more at INSERT
[2] break, chime in, cut in, interrupt, intrude—more at INTERRUPT

in·ter·pret verb
1 : to explain the meaning of; also : to act as an interpreter
2 : to understand according to individual belief, judgment, or interest
3 : to represent artistically

— in·ter·pret·er noun

— in·ter·pre·tive adjective

Synonyms
clarify, clear, construe, demonstrate, elucidate, explain, explicate, expound, illuminate, illustrate, spell out—more at EXPLAIN

in·ter·pre·ta·tion noun
1 : the act or the result of interpreting : EXPLANATION
2 : an instance of artistic interpretation in performance or adaptation

— in·ter·pre·ta·tive adjective

Synonyms
clarification, construction, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration—more at EXPLANATION

in·ter·ra·cial adjective
: of, involving, or designed for members of different races

in·ter·reg·num noun, plural -nums or -na
1 : the time during which a throne is vacant between two successive reigns or regimes
2 : a pause in a continuous series

in·ter·re·late verb
: to bring into or have a mutual relationship

— in·ter·re·lat·ed·ness noun

— in·ter·re·la·tion noun

— in·ter·re·la·tion·ship noun

interrog abbreviation
interrogative

in·ter·ro·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to question esp. formally and systematically

— in·ter·ro·ga·tion noun

— in·ter·ro·ga·tor noun

Synonyms
ask, examine, grill, pump, query, question, quiz—more at EXAMINE

in·ter·rog·a·tive adjective
: asking a question <~ sentence>

— interrogative noun

— in·ter·rog·a·tive·ly adverb

in·ter·rog·a·to·ry adjective
: INTERROGATIVE

in·ter·rupt verb
1 : to stop or hinder by breaking in
2 : to break the uniformity or continuity of
3 : to break in by speaking while another is speaking

— in·ter·rupt·er noun

— in·ter·rup·tive adverb

Synonyms
break, chime in, cut in, interpose, intrude; also barge (in), bother; add, chip in, contribute, put in

in·ter·rup·tion noun
: an act of interrupting or state of being interrupted; also : temporary cessation

Synonyms
discontinuity, gap, hiatus, interim, interlude, intermission, interval—more at GAP
break, breath, breathe, lull, pause—more at PAUSE

in·ter·scho·las·tic adjective
: existing or carried on between schools

in·ter·sect verb
1 : to divide by passing through or across
2 : to meet and cross (as at a point); also : OVERLAP

in·ter·sec·tion noun
: a place or area where two or more things (as streets) intersect

Synonyms
corner, crossing, crossroad—more at CROSSROAD

in·ter·sperse verb -spersed; -spers·ing
1 : to place something at intervals in or among
2 : to insert at intervals among other things

— in·ter·sper·sion noun

Synonyms
interlace, intertwine, interweave, lace, thread, weave, wreathe—more at THREAD

1interstate adjective
: relating to, including, or connecting two or more states esp. of the U.S.

2interstate noun
: an interstate highway

in·ter·stel·lar adjective
: located or taking place among the stars

in·ter·stice noun, plural -stic·es
: a space that intervenes between things : CHINK

— in·ter·sti·tial adjective

in·ter·tid·al adjective
: of, relating to, or being the area that is above low-tide mark but exposed to tidal flooding <life in the ~ mud>

in·ter·twine verb
: to twine or cause to twine about one another : INTERLACE

— in·ter·twine·ment noun

Synonyms
interlace, interweave, lace; also blend, fuse, join, link, mix

in·ter·twist verb
: INTERTWINE

in·ter·ur·ban adjective
: connecting cities or towns

in·ter·val noun
[ORIGIN: ME intervalle, fr. AF & L; AF entreval, fr. L intervallum space between ramparts, interval, fr. inter- between + vallum rampart]

1 : a space of time between events or states : PAUSE
2 : a space between objects, units, or states
3 : the difference in pitch between two tones

Synonyms
[1] discontinuity, gap, hiatus, interim, interlude, intermission, interruption, pause—more at GAP
[2] breach, break, discontinuity, gap, gulf, hole, opening, rent, rift, separation—more at GAP

in·ter·vene verb -vened; -ven·ing
1 : to occur, fall, or come between points of time or between events
2 : to enter or appear as an unrelated feature or circumstance <rain intervened and we postponed the trip>
3 : to come in or between in order to stop, settle, or modify <~ in a quarrel>
4 : to occur or lie between two things

— in·ter·ven·tion noun

Synonyms
intercede, interpose, mediate; also butt in, interfere, intrude, meddle, obtrude, pry, snoop; arbitrate, moderate, negotiate; barge (in), bother; break (in), chime in, cut in; infringe, invade, trespass

in·ter·ven·tion·ism noun
: interference by one country in the political affairs of another

— in·ter·ven·tion·ist noun or adjective

in·ter·view noun
1 : a formal consultation usu. to evaluate qualifications
2 : a meeting at which a writer or reporter obtains information from a person; also : the recorded or written account of such a meeting

— interview verb

— in·ter·view·ee noun

— in·ter·view·er noun

in·ter·vo·cal·ic adjective
: immediately preceded and immediately followed by a vowel

in·ter·weave verb -wove also -weaved; -wo·ven also -weaved; -weav·ing
: to weave or blend together

— interwoven adjective

Synonyms
interlace, intersperse, intertwine, lace, thread, weave, wreathe—more at THREAD

in·tes·tate adjective
1 : having made no valid will <died ~>
2 : not disposed of by will <~ estate>

in·tes·tine noun
: the tubular part of the alimentary canal that extends from stomach to anus and consists of a long narrow upper part (small intestine) followed by a broader shorter lower part (large intestine)

— in·tes·ti·nal adjective

in·ti·fa·da noun
: an armed uprising of Palestinians against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip

in·ti·ma·cy noun
1 : the state of being intimate
2 : something of a personal or private nature

Synonyms
closeness, familiarity, nearness—more at FAMILIARITY

1intimate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
[ORIGIN: LL intimare to put in, announce, fr. L intimus innermost]

1 : ANNOUNCE, NOTIFY
2 : to communicate indirectly : HINT

Synonyms
allude, hint, imply, indicate, infer, insinuate, suggest—more at HINT

2intimate adjective
1 : INTRINSIC; also : INNERMOST
2 : marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity
3 : marked by a warm friendship
4 : suggesting informal warmth or privacy
5 : of a very personal or private nature

— in·ti·mate·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] bosom, chummy, close, familiar, friendly, thick—more at FAMILIAR
[5] confidential, hushed, inside, private, secret—more at PRIVATE

3intimate noun
: an intimate friend, associate, or confidant

Synonyms
buddy, chum, comrade, crony, familiar, friend, pal—more at FRIEND

in·tim·i·date verb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
: to make timid or fearful; especially : to compel or deter by or as if by threats

— in·tim·i·dat·ing·ly adverb

— in·tim·i·da·tion noun

Synonyms
browbeat, bully, cow, hector; also affright, alarm, frighten, horrify, scare, shock, spook, startle, terrify; menace, terrorize, threaten; badger, harass, hound; bulldoze, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, force, make, oblige, press, pressure; demoralize, unman, unnerve; discompose, disconcert, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, upset

in·ti·ma·tion noun
: an indirect usu. hinted suggestion or notice; also : something intimated

Synonyms
clue, cue, hint, indication, inkling, lead, suggestion—more at HINT

intl or intnl abbreviation
international

in·to preposition
1 : to the inside of <ran ~ the house>
2 : to the state, condition, or form of <got ~ trouble>
3 : AGAINST <ran ~ a wall>

in·tol·er·a·ble adjective
1 : not tolerable : UNBEARABLE
2 : EXCESSIVE

— in·tol·er·a·bly adverb

Synonyms
insufferable, insupportable, unbearable, unendurable, unsupportable—more at UNBEARABLE

in·tol·er·ant adjective
1 : unable or unwilling to tolerate
2 : unwilling to grant equality, freedom, or other social rights : BIGOTED

— in·tol·er·ance noun

Synonyms
bigoted, narrow, narrow-minded, prejudiced; also conservative, hidebound, old-fashioned, reactionary; insular, parochial, provincial; biased, one-sided, partial, partisan
Antonyms
liberal, broad-minded, open-minded, tolerant, unprejudiced

in·to·na·tion noun
1 : the act of intoning and esp. of chanting
2 : something that is intoned
3 : the manner of singing, playing, or uttering tones
4 : the rise and fall in pitch of the voice in speech

in·tone verb in·toned; in·ton·ing
: to utter in musical or prolonged tones : CHANT

in to·to adverb
[ORIGIN: L, on the whole]

: TOTALLY, ENTIRELY

in·tox·i·cant noun
: something that intoxicates; especially : an alcoholic drink

— intoxicant adjective

Synonyms
alcohol, booze, drink, liquor, moonshine, spirits—more at ALCOHOL

in·tox·i·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
1 : to affect by a drug (as alcohol or cocaine) esp. to the point of physical or mental impairment
2 : to excite to enthusiasm or frenzy

Synonyms
electrify, excite, exhilarate, galvanize, thrill, titillate, turn on—more at THRILL

in·tox·i·cat·ed adjective
: affected by or as if by alcohol

Synonyms
drunk, high, inebriate, tipsy—more at DRUNK
ecstatic, elated, euphoric, rapturous, rhapsodic—more at ECSTATIC

in·tox·i·ca·tion noun
: the condition of being drunk; also : a strong excitement or elation

Synonyms
ecstasy, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, heaven, paradise, rapture, rhapsody, transport—more at ECSTASY

in·trac·ta·ble adjective
: not easily controlled

Synonyms
froward, headstrong, recalcitrant, refractory, uncontrollable, unmanageable, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful—more at UNCONTROLLABLE

in·tra·mu·ral adjective
: being or occurring within the walls or limits (as of a city or college) <~ sports>

in·tra·mus·cu·lar adjective
: situated within, occurring in, or administered by entering a muscle

— in·tra·mus·cu·lar·ly adverb

in·tra·net noun
: a network similar to the World Wide Web but having access limited to certain authorized users

intrans abbreviation
intransitive

in·tran·si·gent adjective
: UNCOMPROMISING; also : IRRECONCILABLE

— in·tran·si·gence noun

— intransigent noun

in·tran·si·tive adjective
: not transitive; especially : not having or containing an object <an ~ verb>

— in·tran·si·tive·ly adverb

— in·tran·si·tive·ness noun

in·tra·state adjective
: existing or occurring within a state

in·tra·uter·ine device noun
: a device inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent pregnancy

in·tra·ve·nous adjective
: being within or entering by way of the veins; also : used in or using intravenous procedures

— in·tra·ve·nous·ly adverb

intrench variant of ENTRENCH

in·trep·id adjective
: characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance

Synonyms
brave, courageous, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted, heroic, lionhearted, manful, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant, valorous—more at BRAVE

in·tre·pid·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being intrepid : resolute bravery

in·tri·ca·cy noun
: the quality or state of being intricate; also : something intricate

Synonyms
complexity, complication, difficulty, intricacy—more at COMPLICATION
complexity, elaborateness, sophistication—more at COMPLEXITY

in·tri·cate adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L intricatus, pp. of intricare to entangle, fr. tricae trifles, complications]

1 : having many complexly interrelated parts : COMPLICATED
2 : involving or done with precision; also : difficult to follow, understand, or solve

— in·tri·cate·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1, 2] complex, complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, involved, knotty, sophisticated—more at COMPLEX

1intrigue verb in·trigued; in·trigu·ing
1 : to accomplish by intrigue
2 : to carry on an intrigue; especially : PLOT, SCHEME
3 : to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of

Synonyms
[2] conspire, contrive, machinate, plot, scheme—more at PLOT
[3] absorb, busy, engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, involve, occupy—more at ENGAGE

2intrigue noun
1 : a secret scheme : MACHINATION
2 : a clandestine love affair

Synonyms
conspiracy, design, machination, plot, scheme—more at PLOT

intriguing adjective
: engaging the interest to a marked degree

Synonyms
absorbing, engaging, engrossing, enthralling, fascinating, interesting—more at INTERESTING

in·trin·sic adjective
: belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing

Synonyms
essential, inborn, ingrained, inherent, innate, integral, natural—more at INHERENT

in·trin·si·cal·ly adverb
: in an intrinsic manner : having an intrinsic quality

Synonyms
constitutionally, inherently, innately, naturally—more at NATURALLY

introd abbreviation
introduction

in·tro·duce verb -duced; -duc·ing
1 : to lead or bring in esp. for the first time
2 : to bring into practice or use
3 : to cause to be acquainted
4 : to present for discussion
5 : to put in : INSERT

— in·tro·duc·to·ry adjective

Synonyms
[2] constitute, establish, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, launch, pioneer, set up, start—more at FOUND
[3] acquaint, familiarize, initiate, orient—more at ACQUAINT
[4] bring up, broach, moot, raise; also allude (to), cite, mention, name, refer (to); offer, propose, suggest; air, express, speak (of), talk (about), vent, ventilate; interject, interrupt; debate, discuss, thrash (out or over)
[5] fit, inject, insert, insinuate, interject, interpose—more at INSERT

in·tro·duc·tion noun
1 : something that introduces
2 : the act or process of introducing : the state of being introduced; also : something introduced

Synonyms
foreword, preamble, preface, prologue; also beginning, commencement, initiation, opening, origin, outset, start
Antonyms
epilogue

in·troit noun
1 often cap : the first part of the traditional proper of the Mass
2 : a piece of music sung or played at the beginning of a worship service

in·tro·spec·tion noun
: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts or feelings

— in·tro·spect verb

— in·tro·spec·tive adjective

— in·tro·spec·tive·ly adverb

in·tro·vert noun
: a reserved or shy person

— in·tro·ver·sion noun

— introvert adjective

in·tro·vert·ed adjective
: turned in upon itself; specif : marked by being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life

Synonyms
bashful, coy, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, sheepish, shy—more at SHY

in·trude verb in·trud·ed; in·trud·ing
1 : to thrust, enter, or force in or upon
2 : ENCROACH, TRESPASS

— in·tru·sion noun

Synonyms
break, chime in, cut in, interpose, interrupt—more at INTERRUPT
butt in, interfere, meddle, mess, nose, obtrude, poke, pry, snoop—more at INTERFERE
usually intrude upon bother, bug, disturb, pester—more at BOTHER

in·trud·er noun
: one that intrudes

Synonyms
busybody, interloper, kibitzer, meddler—more at BUSYBODY

in·tru·sive adjective
: characterized by intrusion : intruding where one is not welcome or invited

— in·tru·sive·ness noun

Synonyms
meddlesome, nosy, obtrusive, officious, presumptuous, prying; also bold, brazen, impertinent, impudent, insolent, rude; invading, trespassing; curious, inquisitive; annoying, harassing, pestiferous
Antonyms
unobtrusive

intrust variant of ENTRUST

in·tu·it verb
: to know, sense, or understand by intuition

in·tu·ition noun
1 : quick and ready insight
2 : the power or faculty of knowing things without conscious reasoning

— in·tu·i·tive adjective

— in·tu·i·tive·ly adverb

In·u·it noun
[ORIGIN: Inuit inuit, pl. of inuk person]

1 plural Inuit or Inuits : a member of the Eskimo people of No. America and Greenland
2 : the language of the Inuit people

in·un·date verb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
: to cover with or as if with a flood : OVERFLOW

Synonyms
deluge, drown, engulf, flood, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, swamp—more at FLOOD

in·un·da·tion noun
: an overflowing of the land by water; also : an overwhelming amount or number

Synonyms
cataclysm, cataract, deluge, flood, overflow, spate, torrent—more at FLOOD

in·ure verb in·ured; in·ur·ing
[ORIGIN: ME enuren, fr. in ure customary, fr. putten in ure to use, put into practice, part trans. of AF mettre en ovre, en uevre]

1 : to accustom to accept something undesirable
2 : to become of advantage

in utero adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: L]

: in the uterus : before birth

inv abbreviation
1 inventor
2 invoice

in vac·uo adverb
[ORIGIN: L]

: in a vacuum

in·vade verb in·vad·ed; in·vad·ing
1 : to enter in a hostile manner
2 : to encroach upon
3 : to spread through and usu. harm <germs ~ the tissues>

— in·vad·er noun

Synonyms
foray, overrun, raid; also despoil, loot, maraud, pillage, plunder, ravage, sack; conquer, crush, overcome, overpower, overwhelm, subdue, subjugate; assail, assault, attack; battle, combat, fight, war (with); encroach, infringe, trespass; besiege, blockade; occupy

1invalid adjective
: being without foundation or force in fact, reason, or law

— in·va·lid·i·ty noun

— in·val·id·ly adverb

Synonyms
baseless, groundless, unfounded, unreasonable, unsubstantiated, unsupported, unwarranted—more at BASELESS
null, void—more at NULL
erroneous, false, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, off, unsound, untrue, wrong—more at FALSE

2invalid adjective
: being in ill health : SICKLY

3invalid noun
: a person in usu. chronic ill health

— in·va·lid·ism noun

4invalid verb
1 : to remove from active duty by reason of sickness or disability
2 : to make sickly or disabled

in·val·i·date verb
: to make invalid; especially : to weaken or make valueless

— in·val·i·da·tion noun

Synonyms
abolish, abrogate, annul, cancel, dissolve, negate, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, void—more at ABOLISH

in·valu·able adjective
: valuable beyond estimation

in·vari·able adjective
: not changing or capable of change : CONSTANT

in·vari·ably adverb
: on every occasion

Synonyms
always, constantly, continually, ever, forever, incessantly, perpetually, unfailingly—more at ALWAYS

in·va·sion noun
: an act or instance of invading; especially : entry of an army into a country for conquest

Synonyms
descent, foray, incursion, irruption, raid—more at RAID

in·va·sive adjective
1 : tending to spread <~ cancer cells>
2 : involving entry into the living body (as by surgery) <~ therapy>

in·vec·tive noun
1 : an abusive expression or speech
2 : abusive language

— invective adjective

Synonyms
abuse, fulmination, vitriol, vituperation—more at ABUSE

in·veigh verb
: to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently : RAIL

in·vei·gle verb in·vei·gled; in·vei·gling
[ORIGIN: AF enveegler, aveogler to blind, hoodwink, fr. avogle, enveugle blind, fr. ML ab oculis, lit., lacking eyes]

1 : to win over by flattery : ENTICE
2 : to acquire by ingenuity or flattery

in·vent verb
1 : to think up
2 : to create or produce for the first time

Synonyms
[1, 2] concoct, contrive, cook, devise, fabricate, make up, manufacture, think; also coin, contrive, create, design, hatch, produce; daydream, dream, fantasize; conceive, envisage, imagine, picture, visualize

in·ven·tion noun
1 : productive imagination : INVENTIVENESS
2 : a creation of the imagination; especially : a false conception
3 : a device, contrivance, or process originated after study and experiment
4 : the act or process of inventing

Synonyms
[1] creativity, fancy, fantasy, imagination, inventiveness—more at IMAGINATION
[2] fabrication, fantasy, fiction, figment, invention—more at FICTION
[3] coinage, concoction, contrivance, creation, innovation, wrinkle; also contraption, device, gadget, gizmo, novelty; design, product, work; dream, fantasy, picture, vision; conception, imagining

in·ven·tive adjective
1 : adept or prolific at producing inventions : CREATIVE, INGENIOUS <an ~ composer>
2 : characterized by invention <an ~ turn of mind>

Synonyms
creative, imaginative, ingenious, innovative, original—more at CREATIVE

in·ven·tive·ness noun
: the quality or state of being inventive

Synonyms
creativity, ingenuity, invention, originality—more at CREATIVITY

in·ven·tor noun
: one that invents: as
a : one that conceives by creative imagination
b : one that creates a new device or process

Synonyms
designer, developer, innovator, originator; also author, creator, father, founder, originator; pioneer, researcher; builder, maker, producer; dreamer

1inventory noun, plural -ries
1 : an itemized list of current goods or assets
2 : SURVEY, SUMMARY
3 : STOCK, SUPPLY
4 : the act or process of taking an inventory

2inventory verb -ried; -ry·ing
: to make an inventory of

Synonyms
enumerate, itemize, list, numerate—more at LIST

1inverse adjective
: opposite in order, nature, or effect : REVERSED

— in·verse·ly adverb

2inverse noun
: something inverse or resulting in or from inversion : OPPOSITE

in·ver·sion noun
1 : a reversal of position, order, or relationship; especially : an increase of temperature with altitude through a layer of air
2 : the act or process of inverting

in·vert verb
1 : to reverse in position, order, or relationship
2 : to turn upside down or inside out
3 : to turn inward

in·ver·te·brate adjective
1 : lacking a backbone; also : of or relating to invertebrate animals
2 : lacking in strength or vitality

— invertebrate noun

1invest verb
1 : to install formally in an office or honor
2 : to furnish with power or authority
3 : to cover completely : ENVELOP
4 : to cover with or as if with cloth or clothing : CLOTHE, ADORN
5 : to surround with troops or ships so as to prevent escape or entry : BESIEGE
6 : to endow with a quality or characteristic

Synonyms
[1] baptize, inaugurate, induct, initiate, install—more at INSTALL
[2] accredit, authorize, certify, commission, empower, enable, license, qualify—more at AUTHORIZE
[6] imbue, inculcate, infuse, ingrain, steep, suffuse—more at INFUSE

2invest verb
1 : to commit (money) in order to earn a financial return
2 : to expend for future benefits or advantages
3 : to make an investment

— in·ves·tor noun

in·ves·ti·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
[ORIGIN: L investigare to track, investigate, fr. vestigium footprint, track]

: to study by close examination and systematic inquiry

— in·ves·ti·ga·tive adjective

Synonyms
delve, dig, explore, go, inquire, look, probe, research—more at EXPLORE

in·ves·ti·ga·tion noun
: the action or process of investigating; especially : detailed examination or a searching inquiry

Synonyms
examination, exploration, inquiry, probe, research, study—more at INQUIRY

in·ves·ti·ga·tor noun
: one that investigates; especially : one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible

Synonyms
detective, operative, shadow, sleuth, tail—more at DETECTIVE

in·ves·ti·ture noun
1 : the act of ratifying or establishing in office
2 : something that covers or adorns

Synonyms
inaugural, inauguration, induction, installation—more at INSTALLATION

1investment noun
1 : an outer layer : ENVELOPE
2 : INVESTITURE 1
3 : BLOCKADE, SIEGE

2investment noun
: the outlay of money for income or profit; also : the sum invested or the property purchased

in·vet·er·ate adjective
1 : firmly established by age or long persistence
2 : confirmed in a habit

Synonyms
[1] confirmed, deep-rooted, deep-seated, settled; also fixed, immutable, set; implanted, instilled; inborn, inbred, innate, inherent, natural; accustomed, chronic, customary, habitual, regular, typical, usual; abiding, enduring, lifelong, persistent, persisting
[2] chronic, confirmed, habitual—more at HABITUAL

in·vi·a·ble adjective
: incapable of surviving

in·vid·i·ous adjective
1 : tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy
2 : feeling or showing envy : ENVIOUS
3 : OBNOXIOUS

— in·vid·i·ous·ly adverb

in·vig·o·rate verb -rat·ed; -rat·ing
: to give life and energy to : ANIMATE

— in·vig·o·ra·tion noun

Synonyms
animate, brace, energize, enliven, fire, jazz, liven, pep, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify—more at ANIMATE

invigorating adjective
: having an enlivening effect

Synonyms
bracing, refreshing, restorative, stimulative, tonic—more at TONIC

in·vin·ci·ble adjective
: incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued

— in·vin·ci·bil·i·ty noun

— in·vin·ci·bly adverb

Synonyms
impregnable, indomitable, insurmountable, invulnerable, unbeatable, unconquerable; also inviolable, unassailable, untouchable; armored, defended, guarded, protected, safe, safeguarded, secure, shielded; unbeaten, unconquered, undefeated, unsubdued
Antonyms
vulnerable

in·vi·o·la·ble adjective
1 : safe from violation or profanation
2 : secure from assault or trespass : UNASSAILABLE

— in·vi·o·la·bil·i·ty noun

Synonyms
holy, sacred, sacrosanct, untouchable—more at SACRED

in·vi·o·late adjective
: not violated or profaned : PURE

in·vis·i·ble adjective
1 : incapable of being seen <~ to the naked eye>
2 : HIDDEN
3 : IMPERCEPTIBLE, INCONSPICUOUS

— in·vis·i·bil·i·ty noun

— in·vis·i·bly adverb

invisible hand noun
: a hypothetical economic force that works for the benefit of all

in·vi·ta·tion·al adjective
: limited to invited participants <an ~ tournament>

— invitational noun

in·vite verb in·vit·ed; in·vit·ing
1 : ENTICE, TEMPT
2 : to increase the likelihood of
3 : to request the presence or participation of : ASK
4 : to request formally
5 : ENCOURAGE

— in·vi·ta·tion noun

in·vit·ing adjective
: ATTRACTIVE, TEMPTING

in vi·tro adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: NL, lit., in glass]

: outside the living body and in an artificial environment <in vitro fertilization>

in·vo·ca·tion noun
1 : SUPPLICATION; especially : a prayer at the beginning of a service
2 : a formula for conjuring : INCANTATION

1invoice noun
[ORIGIN: modif. of MF envois, pl. of envoi message]

: an itemized list of goods shipped usu. specifying the price and the terms of sale : BILL

Synonyms
account, bill, check, statement, tab—more at BILL

2invoice verb in·voiced; in·voic·ing
: to send an invoice to or for : BILL

in·voke verb in·voked; in·vok·ing
1 : to petition for help or support
2 : to appeal to or cite as authority <~ a law>
3 : to call forth by incantation : CONJURE <~ spirits>
4 : to make an earnest request for : SOLICIT
5 : to put into effect or operation
6 : to bring about : CAUSE

in·vol·un·tary adjective
1 : done contrary to or without choice
2 : dictated by authority or circumstance : COMPULSORY
3 : not controlled by the will <~ contractions>

— in·vol·un·tari·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] unintended, unintentional; also accidental, unplanned, unpremeditated; automatic, impulsive, instinctive, spontaneous, unprompted; inadvertent, unconscious, unknowing, unwitting
Antonyms
deliberate, intentional, unforced, voluntary, willful, willing
[2] compulsory, imperative, incumbent, mandatory, necessary, nonelective, obligatory, peremptory—more at MANDATORY
[3] automatic, mechanical, spontaneous—more at AUTOMATIC

in·vo·lute adjective
: INVOLVED, INTRICATE

in·vo·lu·tion noun
1 : the act or an instance of enfolding or entangling
2 : the quality or state of being complex : COMPLEXITY, INTRICACY

in·volve verb in·volved; in·volv·ing
1 : to draw in as a participant
2 : ENVELOP
3 : to occupy (as oneself) absorbingly; especially : to commit oneself emotionally
4 : to relate closely : CONNECT
5 : to have as part of itself : INCLUDE
6 : ENTAIL, IMPLY
7 : to have an effect on

— in·volve·ment noun

Synonyms
[1] affect, concern, interest, touch—more at CONCERN
[3] absorb, busy, engage, engross, enthrall, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, occupy—more at ENGAGE
[5] carry, comprehend, contain, embrace, encompass, entail, include, number, take in—more at INCLUDE

in·volved adjective
: marked by extreme and often needless or excessive complexity : INTRICATE, COMPLEX <an ~ plot>

Synonyms
complex, complicated, convoluted, detailed, elaborate, intricate, knotty, sophisticated—more at COMPLEX

in·vul·ner·a·ble adjective
1 : incapable of being wounded, injured, or damaged
2 : immune to or proof against attack

— in·vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty noun

— in·vul·ner·a·bly adverb

Synonyms
impregnable, indomitable, insurmountable, invincible, unbeatable, unconquerable—more at INVINCIBLE

1inward adjective
1 : situated on the inside
2 : MENTAL; also : SPIRITUAL
3 : directed toward the interior

Synonyms
inner, inside, interior, internal—more at INNER

2inward or in·wards adverb
1 : toward the inside, center, or interior
2 : toward the inner being

in·ward·ly adverb
1 : MENTALLY, SPIRITUALLY
2 : INTERNALLY <bled ~>
3 : to oneself <cursed ~>

IOC abbreviation
International Olympic Committee

io·dide noun
: a compound of iodine with another element or group

io·dine noun
1 : a nonmetallic chemical element used esp. in medicine and photography
2 : a solution of iodine used as a local antiseptic

io·dise British variant of IODIZE

io·dize verb io·dized; io·diz·ing
: to treat with iodine or an iodide

ion noun
[ORIGIN: Gk, neut. of iōn, prp. of ienai to go; so called because in electrolysis it goes to one of the two poles]

: an electrically charged particle, atom, or group of atoms

— ion·ic adjective

-ion noun suffix
: act, process, state, or condition <validation>

ion·ise British variant of IONIZE

ion·ize verb ion·ized; ion·iz·ing
1 : to convert wholly or partly into ions
2 : to become ionized

— ion·iz·able adjective

— ion·iza·tion noun

— ion·iz·er noun

ion·o·sphere noun
: the part of the earth's atmosphere extending from about 30 miles (50 kilometers) to the exosphere that contains ionized atmospheric gases

— ion·o·spher·ic adjective

IOOF abbreviation
Independent Order of Odd Fellows

io·ta noun
[ORIGIN: L, fr. Gk iōta]

1 : the 9th letter of the Greek alphabet — Ι or ι
2 : a very small quantity : JOT

IOU noun
: an acknowledgment of a debt

IP abbreviation
innings pitched

IP address noun
[ORIGIN: Internet protocol]

: the numeric address of a computer on the Internet

ip·e·cac noun
[ORIGIN: Pg ipecacuanha]

: an emetic and expectorant drug used esp. as a syrup in treating accidental poisoning; also : either of two tropical American plants or their rhizomes and roots used to make ipecac

IPO noun, plural IPOs
: an initial public offering of a company's stock

ip·so fac·to adverb
[ORIGIN: NL, lit., by the fact itself]

: by the very nature of the case

iq abbreviation
[ORIGIN: L idem quod]

the same as

IQ noun
: a number used to express a person's relative intelligence as determined by a standardized test

1Ir abbreviation
Irish

2Ir symbol
iridium

IR abbreviation
infrared

1IRA noun
[ORIGIN: individual retirement account]

: a retirement savings account in which income taxes are deferred until withdrawals are made

2IRA abbreviation
Irish Republican Army

Ira·ni·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Iran

— Iranian adjective

Iraqi noun
: a native or inhabitant of Iraq

— Iraqi adjective

iras·ci·ble adjective
: marked by hot temper and easily provoked anger

Synonyms
choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, irritable, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snippy, testy, waspish—more at IRRITABLE

iras·ci·bil·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being irascible : proneness to anger

irate adjective
1 : roused to ire
2 : arising from anger

— irate·ly adverb

Synonyms
angry, boiling, enraged, furious, rabid, sore—more at ANGRY

ire noun
: intense and usu. openly displayed anger : ANGER, WRATH

Synonyms
anger, furor, fury, indignation, outrage, rage, spleen, wrath, wrathfulness—more at ANGER

Ire abbreviation
Ireland

ire·ful adjective
: full of ire : marked by ire; also : easily angered

ire·nic adjective
: favoring, conducive to, or operating toward peace or conciliation

ir·i·des·cence noun
: a rainbowlike play of colors

— ir·i·des·cent adjective

irid·i·um noun
: a hard brittle heavy metallic chemical element

iris noun, plural iris·es also iri·des
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L iris rainbow, iris plant, fr. Gk, rainbow, iris plant, iris of the eye]

1 : the colored part around the pupil of the eye
2 : any of a large genus of plants with linear basal leaves and large showy flowers

Irish noun
1 Irish plural : the people of Ireland
2 : the Celtic language of Ireland

— Irish adjective

— Irish·man noun

— Irish·wom·an noun

Irish bull noun
: an incongruous statement (as “it was hereditary in his family to have no children”)

Irish coffee noun
: hot sugared coffee with Irish whiskey and whipped cream

Irish moss noun
: the dried and bleached plants of a red alga that is a source of carrageenan; also : this red alga

Irish setter noun
: any of a breed of hunting dogs with a mahogany-red coat

irk verb
: to make weary, irritated, or bored : ANNOY

Synonyms
aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, chafe, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irritate, nettle, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rasp, rile, vex—more at IRRITATE

irk·some adjective
: tending to irk : ANNOYING

— irk·some·ly adverb

Synonyms
aggravating, annoying, bothersome, frustrating, galling, irritating, pesty, vexatious—more at ANNOYING

1iron noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE īsern, īren]

1 : a heavy malleable magnetic metallic chemical element that rusts easily and is vital to biological processes
2 a : something made of metal and esp. iron
b plural : something (as handcuffs) used to bind or restrain <put them in ~s>
3 : a household device with a flat base that is heated and used for pressing cloth
4 : STRENGTH, HARDNESS

Synonyms
usually irons band, bond, chain, fetter, ligature, manacle, shackle—more at BOND

2iron verb
1 : to press or smooth with or as if with a heated iron
2 : to remove (as wrinkles) by ironing

— iron·er noun

1ironclad adjective
1 : sheathed in iron armor
2 : so firm or secure as to be unbreakable

2ironclad noun
: an armored naval vessel esp. of the 19th century

iron curtain noun
: a political, military, and ideological barrier that isolates an area; especially often cap : one formerly isolating an area under Soviet control

iron·ic also iron·i·cal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or marked by irony
2 : given to irony

iron·i·cal·ly adverb
1 : in an ironic manner
2 : it is ironic

iron·ing noun
: clothes ironed or to be ironed

iron lung noun
: a device for artificial respiration that encloses the chest in a chamber in which changes of pressure force air into and out of the lungs

iron out verb
: to remove or lessen difficulties in or extremes of

iron oxide noun
: FERRIC OXIDE

iron·stone noun
1 : a hard iron-rich sedimentary rock
2 : a hard heavy durable pottery developed in England in the 19th century

iron·ware noun
: articles made of iron

iron·weed noun
: any of a genus of mostly weedy plants related to the asters that have terminal heads of red, purple, or white flowers

iron·wood noun
: any of numerous trees or shrubs with exceptionally hard wood; also : the wood

iron·work noun
1 : work in iron
2 plural : a mill or building where iron or steel is smelted or heavy iron or steel products are made

— iron·work·er noun

iro·ny noun, plural -nies
[ORIGIN: L ironia, fr. Gk eirōnia, fr. eirōn dissembler]

1 : the use of words to express the opposite of what one really means
2 : incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the expected result

Ir·o·quois noun, plural Iroquois
1 plural : an American Indian confederacy orig. of New York that consisted of the Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca and later included the Tuscarora
2 : a member of any of the Iroquois peoples

ir·ra·di·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to supply or brighten with light : ILLUMINATE
2 : ENLIGHTEN
3 : to treat by exposure to radiation
4 : RADIATE

— ir·ra·di·a·tion noun

1irrational adjective
1 : incapable of reasoning <~ beasts>; also : defective in mental power <~ with fever>
2 : not based on reason <~ fears>
3 : being or numerically equal to an irrational number

— ir·ra·tio·nal·i·ty noun

— ir·ra·tio·nal·ly adverb

Synonyms
fallacious, illogical, invalid, unreasonable, unsound, weak—more at ILLOGICAL

2irrational noun
: IRRATIONAL NUMBER

irrational number noun
: a real number that cannot be expressed as the quotient of two integers

ir·rec·on·cil·able adjective
: impossible to reconcile, adjust, or harmonize

— ir·rec·on·cil·abil·i·ty noun

ir·re·cov·er·able adjective
: not capable of being recovered or rectified : IRREPARABLE

— ir·re·cov·er·ably adverb

ir·re·deem·able adjective
1 : not redeemable; especially : not terminable by payment of the principal <an ~ bond>
2 : not convertible into gold or silver at the will of the holder
3 : being beyond remedy

Synonyms
hopeless, incorrigible, incurable, irremediable, irreparable, unrecoverable, unredeemable—more at HOPELESS

ir·re·den·tism noun
: a principle or policy directed toward the incorporation of a territory historically or ethnically part of another into that other

— ir·re·den·tist noun or adjective

ir·re·duc·ible adjective
: not reducible

— ir·re·duc·ibly adverb

ir·re·fut·able adjective
: impossible to refute

Synonyms
incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, unanswerable, undeniable, unquestionable; also certain, definite, positive, sure; unambiguous, unequivocal; absolute, clear, conclusive, decisive; uncontested, undisputed
Antonyms
answerable, debatable, disputable, questionable

irreg abbreviation
irregular

ir·reg·u·lar adjective
1 : not regular : not natural or uniform
2 : not conforming to the normal or usual manner of inflection <~ verbs>
3 : not belonging to a regular or organized army <~ troops>

— irregular noun

— ir·reg·u·lar·ly adverb

Synonyms
aberrant, abnormal, anomalous, atypical, deviant, unnatural—more at DEVIANT
informal, unceremonious, unconventional, unorthodox—more at INFORMAL

ir·reg·u·lar·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : something that is irregular
2 : the quality or state of being irregular
3 : occasional constipation

ir·rel·e·vant adjective
: not relevant

— ir·rel·e·vance noun

Synonyms
extraneous, immaterial; also inconsequential, insignificant, unimportant; meaningless, pointless, senseless, useless; inappropriate, inapt, unsuitable

ir·re·li·gious adjective
: lacking religious emotions, doctrines, or practices

Synonyms
blasphemous, nonreligious, sacrilegious
Antonyms
religious

ir·re·me·di·a·ble adjective
: impossible to remedy or correct

Synonyms
hopeless, incorrigible, incurable, irredeemable, unrecoverable, unredeemable—more at HOPELESS

ir·re·mov·able adjective
: not removable

ir·rep·a·ra·ble adjective
: impossible to make good, undo, repair, or remedy <~ damage>

Synonyms
irredeemable, irremediable, unrecoverable, unredeemable; also irreplaceable, irrevocable
Antonyms
redeemable, remediable, retrievable

ir·re·place·able adjective
: not replaceable

ir·re·press·ible adjective
: impossible to repress or control

ir·re·proach·able adjective
: not reproachable

Synonyms
blameless, clear, faultless, guiltless, impeccable, innocent, irreproachable—more at INNOCENT

ir·re·sist·ible adjective
: impossible to successfully resist

— ir·re·sist·ibly adverb

ir·res·o·lute adjective
: uncertain how to act or proceed : VACILLATING

— ir·res·o·lute·ly adverb

ir·res·o·lu·tion noun
: lack of resolution : a fluctuation of mind (as in doubt or between hope and fear)

Synonyms
hesitancy, hesitation, indecision, vacillation—more at HESITATION

ir·re·spec·tive of preposition
: without regard to

ir·re·spon·si·ble adjective
: not responsible

— ir·re·spon·si·bil·i·ty noun

— ir·re·spon·si·bly adverb

Synonyms
foolhardy, reckless—more at RECKLESS

ir·re·triev·able adjective
: not retrievable : IRRECOVERABLE

ir·rev·er·ence noun
1 : lack of reverence
2 : an irreverent act or utterance

Synonyms
blasphemy, defilement, desecration, impiety, sacrilege—more at BLASPHEMY

ir·rev·er·ent adjective
: lacking proper respect or seriousness; also : SATIRIC

— ir·rev·er·ent·ly adverb

ir·re·vers·ible adjective
: incapable of being reversed

ir·rev·o·ca·ble adjective
: incapable of being revoked or recalled

— ir·rev·o·ca·bly adverb

ir·ri·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to supply (as land) with water by artificial means; also : to flush with liquid

— ir·ri·ga·tion noun

Synonyms
flush, rinse, sluice, wash—more at FLUSH

ir·ri·ta·bil·i·ty noun
1 : the property of living things and of protoplasm that enables reaction to stimuli
2 : the quality or state of being irritable; especially : readiness to become annoyed or angry

Synonyms
grumpiness, peevishness

ir·ri·ta·ble adjective
: capable of being irritated; especially : readily or easily irritated

— ir·ri·ta·bly adverb

Synonyms
choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, peevish, perverse, petulant, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snippy, testy, waspish; also bearish, bilious, cantankerous, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-natured, ill-tempered, ornery, surly; sensitive, sulky, thin-skinned, touchy; hot-blooded, passionate

ir·ri·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
1 : to excite to anger : EXASPERATE
2 : to make sore or inflamed

— ir·ri·tat·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, chafe, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irk, nettle, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rasp, rile, vex; also hassle, heckle; nag; inflame, provoke, rouse; bait, harass, harry, pester; anger, enrage, incense, infuriate, madden; agitate, disturb, fret, perturb, upset; affront, insult, offend, outrage
[2] abrade, chafe, gall—more at CHAFE

ir·ri·tant noun
: something that irritates or excites

— irritant adjective

Synonyms
aggravation, annoyance, bother, exasperation, frustration, hassle, headache, inconvenience, nuisance, peeve, pest, problem, thorn—more at ANNOYANCE

irritating adjective
: causing displeasure or annoyance

Synonyms
aggravating, annoying, bothersome, frustrating, galling, irksome, pesty, vexatious—more at ANNOYING

ir·ri·ta·tion noun
: the act of irritating : the state of being irritated; also : something that irritates

ir·rupt verb
1 : to rush in forcibly or violently
2 : to increase suddenly in numbers <rabbits ~ in cycles>

ir·rup·tion noun
: an act or instance of irrupting; especially : a sudden violent or forcible entry

Synonyms
descent, foray, incursion, invasion, raid—more at RAID

IRS abbreviation
Internal Revenue Service

is present 3d singular of BE

Isa or Is abbreviation
Isaiah

Isa·iah noun
1 : a major Hebrew prophet in Judah about 740 to 701B.C.
2 : a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

Isa·ias noun
: ISAIAH

ISBN abbreviation
International Standard Book Number

is·che·mia noun
: deficient supply of blood to a body part (as the brain)

— is·che·mic adjective

-ish adjective suffix
1 : of, relating to, or being <Finnish>
2 : characteristic of <boyish> <mulish>
3 : inclined or liable to <bookish>
4 : having a touch or trace of : somewhat <purplish>
5 : having the approximate age of <fortyish>

isin·glass noun
1 : a gelatin obtained from various fish
2 : mica esp. in thin sheets

isl abbreviation
island

Is·lam noun
[ORIGIN: Ar islām submission (to the will of God)]

: the religious faith of Muslims including belief in Allah as the sole deity and in Muhammad as his prophet; also : the civilization built on this faith

— Is·lam·ic adjective

is·land noun
[ORIGIN: ME iland, fr. OE īgland, fr. īg island + land land]

1 : a body of land smaller than a continent surrounded by water
2 : something resembling an island in its isolation

Synonyms
cay, isle, key

is·land·er noun
: a native or inhabitant of an island

isle noun
: ISLAND; especially : a small island

is·let noun
: a small island

ism noun
: a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory

-ism noun suffix
1 : act : practice : process <criticism>
2 : manner of action or behavior characteristic of a (specified) person or thing <fanaticism>
3 : state : condition : property <dualism>
4 : abnormal state or condition <alcoholism>
5 : doctrine : theory : cult <Buddhism>
6 : adherence to a set of principles <stoicism>
7 : prejudice or discrimination on the basis of a (specified) attribute <racism> <sexism>
8 : characteristic or peculiar feature or trait <colloquialism>

iso·bar noun
: a line on a map connecting places of equal barometric pressure

— iso·bar·ic adjective

iso·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
[ORIGIN: fr. isolated set apart, fr. F isolé, fr. It isolato, fr. isola island, fr. L insula]

: to place or keep by itself : separate from others

Synonyms
cut off, insulate, seclude, segregate, separate, sequester; also quarantine; confine, immure, incarcerate, intern, jail, lock (up), restrain, restrict; detach, disengage, remove; detain, hold, keep
Antonyms
desegregate, integrate

iso·lat·ed adjective
1 : occurring alone or once : UNIQUE
2 : SPORADIC
3 : placed alone or apart

Synonyms
cloistered, covert, quiet, remote, secluded, secret—more at SECLUDED

iso·la·tion noun
: the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated

Synonyms
insulation, seclusion, segregation, sequestration, solitude; also loneliness, lonesomeness; confinement, incarceration, internment, quarantine; retirement, withdrawal

iso·la·tion·ism noun
: a policy of national isolation by abstention from international political and economic relations

— iso·la·tion·ist noun or adjective

iso·mer noun
: any of two or more chemical compounds that contain the same numbers of atoms of the same elements but differ in structural arrangement and properties

— iso·mer·ic adjective

— isom·er·ism noun

iso·met·rics noun singular or plural
: exercise involving a series of brief and intense contractions of muscles against each other or against an immovable resistance

— iso·met·ric adjective

iso·prene noun
: a hydrocarbon used esp. in making synthetic rubber

isos·ce·les adjective
: having two equal sides <an ~ triangle>

iso·therm noun
: a line on a map connecting points having the same temperature

iso·ther·mal adjective
: of, relating to, or marked by equality of temperature

iso·tope noun
[ORIGIN: Gk isos equal + topos place]

: any of the forms of a chemical element that differ chiefly in the number of neutrons in an atom

— iso·to·pic adjective

— iso·to·pi·cal·ly adverb

Isr abbreviation
Israel; Israeli

Is·rae·li noun, plural Israelis also Israeli
: a native or inhabitant of Israel

— Israeli adjective

Is·ra·el·ite noun
: a member of the Hebrew people descended from Jacob

is·su·ance noun
: the act of issuing or giving out esp. officially

Synonyms
allocation, dispensation, distribution, division—more at DISTRIBUTION

1issue noun
[ORIGIN: ME, exit, proceeds, fr. AF, fr. issir to come out, go out, fr. L. exire, fr. ire to go]

1 : the action of going, coming, or flowing out : EGRESS, EMERGENCE
2 : a means or place of going out : EXIT, OUTLET
3 : the product of the reproductive processes of an animal or plant : OFFSPRING, PROGENY
4 : OUTCOME, RESULT
5 : a point of debate or controversy; also : the point at which an unsettled matter is ready for a decision
6 : a discharge (as of blood) from the body
7 : something coming forth from a specified source
8 : the act of officially giving out or printing : PUBLICATION; also : the quantity of things given out at one time

Synonyms
[3] offspring, posterity, progeny, seed, spawn—more at OFFSPRING
[7] aftermath, conclusion, consequence, corollary, development, effect, fate, fruit, outcome, outgrowth, product, result, resultant, sequence, upshot—more at EFFECT

2issue verb is·sued; is·su·ing
1 : to go, come, or flow out
2 : to come forth or cause to come forth : EMIT
3 : ACCRUE
4 : to descend from a specified parent or ancestor
5 : to result in
6 : to put forth or distribute officially
7 : to send out for sale or circulation : PUBLISH
8 : EMANATE, RESULT

— is·su·er noun

Synonyms
[2] cast, discharge, emit, exhale, expel, release, shoot, vent—more at EMIT
[7] get out, print, publish—more at PUBLISH

1-ist noun suffix
1 : one that performs a (specified) action <cyclist> : one that makes or produces <novelist>
2 : one that plays a (specified) musical instrument <harpist>
3 : one that operates a (specified) mechanical instrument or contrivance <machinist>
4 : one that specializes in a (specified) art or science or skill <geologist>
5 : one that adheres to or advocates a (specified) doctrine or system or code of behavior <socialist> or that of a (specified) individual <Darwinist>

2-ist adjective suffix
: -ISTIC

isth·mi·an adjective
: of, relating to, or situated in or near an isthmus

isth·mus noun
: a narrow strip of land connecting two larger portions of land

-is·tic or -is·ti·cal adjective suffix
: of, relating to, or characteristic of <altruistic>

1it pronoun
1 : that one — used of a lifeless thing, a plant, a person or animal, or an abstract entity <~'s a big building> <~'s a shade tree> <who is ~> <beauty is everywhere and ~ is a source of joy>
2 — used as a subject of an impersonal verb that expresses a condition or action without reference to an agent <~ is raining>
3 — used as an anticipatory subject or object <~'s good to see you>

2it noun
: the player in a game who performs the principal action of the game (as trying to find others in hide-and-seek)

It abbreviation
Italian; Italy

ital abbreviation
italic; italicized

Ital abbreviation
Italian

Ital·ian noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Italy
2 : the language of Italy

— Italian adjective

ital·ic adjective
: relating to type in which the letters slope up toward the right (as in “italic”)

— italic noun

ital·i·cise British variant of ITALICIZE

ital·i·cize verb -cized; -ciz·ing
: to print in italics

— ital·i·ci·za·tion noun

1itch noun
1 : an uneasy irritating skin sensation that evokes a desire to scratch the affected area
2 : a skin disorder accompanied by an itch
3 : a persistent desire

— itchy adjective

Synonyms
appetite, craving, desire, drive, hankering, hunger, longing, lust, passion, thirst, urge, yearning, yen—more at DESIRE

2itch verb
1 : to have an itch; also : to produce an itchy sensation
2 : to have a restless desire or hankering for something

Synonyms
ache, die, hanker, hunger, long, pant, pine, sigh, thirst, yearn

-ite noun suffix
1 : native : resident <suburbanite>
2 : adherent : follower <Leninite>
3 : product <metabolite>
4 : mineral : rock <quartzite>

item noun
[ORIGIN: L, likewise, also]

1 : a separate particular in a list, account, or series : ARTICLE
2 : a separate piece of news (as in a newspaper)

Synonyms
[1] article, constituent, detail, element, feature, ingredient, particular, point
[2] intelligence, news, story, tidings, word—more at NEWS

item·ise British variant of ITEMIZE

item·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to set down in detail

— item·i·za·tion noun

Synonyms
detail, enumerate, inventory, list, numerate—more at LIST

it·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: REITERATE, REPEAT

it·er·a·tion noun
1 : REPETITION; especially : a computational process in which a series of operations is repeated until a condition is met
2 : one repetition of the series of operations in iteration

itin·er·ant adjective
: traveling from place to place; especially : covering a circuit <an ~ preacher>

Synonyms
errant, nomad, peripatetic, roaming, vagabond, vagrant; also drifting, footloose, meandering, rambling; sauntering, strolling, traipsing, walking

itin·er·ary noun, plural -ar·ies
1 : the route of a journey or the proposed outline of one
2 : a travel diary
3 : GUIDEBOOK

its adjective
: of or relating to it or itself

it·self pronoun
: that identical one — used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions

-ity noun suffix
: quality : state : degree <alkalinity>

IUD noun
: INTRAUTERINE DEVICE

IV noun
[ORIGIN: intravenous]

: an apparatus used to administer a fluid (as of nutrients) intravenously; also : a fluid administered by IV

-ive adjective suffix
: that performs or tends toward an (indicated) action <corrective>

ivo·ry noun, plural -ries
[ORIGIN: ME ivorie, fr. AF ivoire, ivurie, fr. L eboreus of ivory, fr. ebur ivory]

1 : the hard creamy-white material composing the tusks of an elephant or walrus
2 : a pale yellow color
3 : something made of ivory or of a similar substance

ivory tower noun
1 : an impractical lack of concern with urgent problems
2 : a place of learning

ivy noun, plural ivies
: a trailing woody evergreen vine with small black berries that is related to ginseng

IWW abbreviation
Industrial Workers of the World

-ize verb suffix
1 : cause to be or conform to or resemble <Americanize> : cause to be formed into <unionize>
2 : subject to a (specified) action <satirize>
3 : saturate, treat, or combine with <macadamize>
4 : treat like <idolize>
5 : become : become like <crystallize>
6 : be productive in or of : engage in a (specified) activity <philosophize>
7 : adopt or spread the manner of activity or the teaching of <Christianize>

J

1j noun, plural j's or js often cap
: the 10th letter of the English alphabet

2j abbreviation, often cap
1 jack
2 journal
3 judge
4 justice

1jab verb jabbed; jab·bing
: to thrust quickly or abruptly : POKE

2jab noun
: a usu. short straight punch

Synonyms
dab, dig, poke—more at POKE

1jabber verb
: to talk rapidly, indistinctly, or unintelligibly : CHATTER

Synonyms
babble, chatter, drivel, gabble, gibber, prattle, sputter—more at BABBLE

2jabber noun
: unintelligible or meaningless language

jab·ber·er noun
: one that jabbers

Synonyms
chatterbox, magpie, talker—more at CHATTERBOX

jab·ber·wocky noun
: meaningless speech or writing

Synonyms
babble, gabble, gibberish, gobbledygook, hogwash, jabber, nonsense, piffle, prattle—more at GIBBERISH

ja·bot noun
: a ruffle worn down the front of a dress or shirt

jac·a·ran·da noun
: any of a genus of pinnate-leaved tropical American trees with clusters of showy blue flowers

1jack noun
1 : a mechanical device; especially : one used to raise a heavy body a short distance
2 : a male donkey
3 : a small target ball in lawn bowling
4 : a small national flag flown by a ship
5 : a small 6-pointed metal object used in a game (jacks)
6 : a playing card bearing the figure of a soldier or servant
7 : a socket into which a plug is inserted for connecting electric circuits
8 a : an adult male human
b : a member of a ship's crew

Synonyms
banner, colors, ensign, flag, pennant, standard, streamer—more at FLAG

2jack verb
1 : to raise by means of a jack
2 : to raise the level of <~ up prices>

Synonyms
[1, 2] boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hike, hoist, lift, pick up, raise, up, uphold—more at RAISE

jack·al noun
[ORIGIN: Turk çakal, fr. Pers shaqāl]

: any of several mammals of Asia and Africa related to the wolves

jack·a·napes noun
1 : MONKEY, APE
2 : an impudent or conceited person

jack·ass noun
1 : the domestic ass : DONKEY; especially : a male donkey
2 : a stupid person

Synonyms
[1] ass, donkey—more at DONKEY
[2] blockhead, dolt, donkey, dope, dummy, idiot, imbecile, nitwit, numskull, simpleton—more at IDIOT

jack·boot noun
1 : a heavy military boot of glossy black leather extending above the knee
2 : a laceless military boot reaching to the calf

jack·daw noun
: a black and gray Old World crowlike bird

jack·et noun
[ORIGIN: ME jaket, fr. AF jackés, pl., dim. of MF jaque short jacket, fr. jacques peasant, fr. the name Jacques James]

1 : a garment for the upper body usu. having a front opening, collar, and sleeves
2 : an outer covering or casing <a book ~>

Synonyms
armor, capsule, case, casing, cocoon, cover, housing, husk, pod, sheath, shell—more at CASE

Jack Frost noun
: frost or frosty weather personified

jack·ham·mer noun
: a pneumatic percussion tool for drilling rock or breaking pavement

jack–in–the–box noun, plural jack–in–the–boxes or jacks–in–the–box
: a toy consisting of a small box out of which a figure springs when the lid is raised

jack–in–the–pulpit noun, plural jack–in–the–pulpits also jacks–in–the–pulpit
: a No. American spring-flowering woodland herb having an upright club-shaped spadix arched over by a green and purple spathe

1jackknife noun
1 : a large pocketknife
2 : a dive in which the diver bends from the waist and touches the ankles before straightening out

2jackknife verb
: to fold like a jackknife <the trailer truck jackknifed>

jack·leg adjective
1 : lacking skill or training
2 : MAKESHIFT

jack–of–all–trades noun, plural jacks–of–all–trades
: one who is able to do passable work at various tasks

jack–o'–lan·tern noun
: a lantern made of a pumpkin cut to look like a human face

jack·pot noun
1 : a large sum of money formed by the accumulation of stakes from previous play (as in poker)
2 : an impressive and often unexpected success or reward

jack·rab·bit noun
: any of several large hares of western No. America with very long ears and hind legs

Jack Russell terrier noun
: any of a breed of small terriers having a white coat with dark markings

jack·straw noun
1 plural : a game in which straws or thin sticks are let fall in a heap and each player in turn tries to remove them one at a time without disturbing the rest
2 : one of the straws or sticks in jackstraws

jack–tar noun, often cap
: a member of a ship's crew : SAILOR

Synonyms
gob, jack, mariner, sailor, seaman, swab, tar—more at SAILOR

Ja·cob's ladder noun
: any of several perennial herbs related to phlox that have pinnate leaves and blue or white bell-shaped flowers

jac·quard noun, often cap
: a fabric of intricate variegated weave or pattern

1jade noun
1 : a broken-down, vicious, or worthless horse
2 : a disreputable woman

2jade verb jad·ed; jad·ing
1 : to wear out by overwork or abuse
2 : to become weary esp. through repetition or excess

Synonyms
bore, tire, weary—more at BORE

3jade noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. obs. Sp (piedra de la) ijada, lit., loin stone; fr. the belief that jade cures renal colic]

: a usu. green gemstone that takes a high polish

jad·ed adjective
: fatigued by overwork; also : made dull, apathetic, or cynical by experience or by surfeit

Synonyms
beat, bushed, dead, drained, limp, prostrate, spent, tired, weary, worn-out—more at WEARY

1jag noun
: a sharp projecting part

2jag noun
: SPREE

jag·ged adjective
: sharply notched

Synonyms
broken, craggy, ragged, scraggly—more at RAGGED

jag·uar noun
: a black-spotted tropical American cat that is larger and stockier than the Old World leopard

jai alai noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. Basque, fr. jai festival + alai merry]

: a court game played by usu. two or four players with a ball and a curved wicker basket strapped to the wrist

1jail noun
[ORIGIN: ME jaiole, fr. AF gaiole, jaiole, fr. LL caveola, dim. of L cavea cage]

: a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody : PRISON; especially : such a place for the confinement of persons awaiting trial or those convicted of minor crimes

Synonyms
pen, prison; also bull pen; concentration camp, prison camp; dungeon, keep; reformatory, reform school

2jail verb
: to confine in or as if in a jail

Synonyms
commit, confine, immure, imprison—more at IMPRISON

jail·bird noun
: an habitual criminal

jail·break noun
: a forcible escape from jail

jail·er also jail·or noun
: a keeper of a jail

jal·ap noun
: a powdered purgative drug from the root of a Mexican plant related to the morning glory; also : this root or plant

ja·la·pe·ño noun
: a small plump dark green chili pepper

ja·lopy noun, plural ja·lop·ies
: a dilapidated vehicle (as an automobile)

jal·ou·sie noun
[ORIGIN: F, lit., jealousy]

: a blind, window, or door with adjustable horizontal slats or louvers

1jam verb jammed; jam·ming
1 : to press into a close or tight position; also : to become blocked or wedged
2 : to cause to become wedged so as to be unworkable; also : to make or become unworkable through the jamming of a movable part
3 : to push forcibly <~ on the brakes>
4 : CRUSH, BRUISE
5 : to make unintelligible by sending out interfering signals or messages
6 : to take part in a jam session
7 : to fill often to excess

— jam·mer noun

Synonyms
cram, crowd, ram, sandwich, squeeze, stuff, wedge—more at CROWD
block, choke, clog, close, congest, dam, obstruct, plug, stop, stuff—more at CLOG

2jam noun
1 : a crowded mass that impedes or blocks <traffic ~>
2 : a difficult state of affairs

Synonyms
corner, fix, hole, pickle, predicament, spot—more at PREDICAMENT

3jam noun
: a food made by boiling fruit and sugar to a thick consistency

Jam abbreviation
Jamaica

Ja·mai·can noun
: a native or inhabitant of Jamaica

— Jamaican adjective

jamb noun
[ORIGIN: ME jambe, fr. AF jambe, gambe, lit., leg]

: an upright piece forming the side of an opening (as of a door)

jam·ba·laya noun
[ORIGIN: LaF]

: rice cooked with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp, or oysters and seasoned with herbs

jam·bo·ree noun
: a large festive gathering

James noun
: a moral lecture addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament

jam–pack verb
: to pack tightly or to excess

Synonyms
charge, cram, fill, heap, jam, load, pack, stuff—more at FILL

jam session noun
: an impromptu performance esp. by jazz musicians

Jan abbreviation
January

jan·gle verb jan·gled; jan·gling
: to make a harsh or discordant sound

— jangle noun

jan·i·tor noun
[ORIGIN: L, doorkeeper, fr. janus arch, gate]

1 : a person who has the care of a building
2 : a person who tends a door

— jan·i·to·ri·al adjective

Synonyms
caretaker, custodian, guardian, keeper, warden, watchman—more at CUSTODIAN

Jan·u·ary noun
[ORIGIN: ME Januarie, fr. L Januarius, first month of the ancient Roman year, fr. Janus, two-faced god of gates and beginnings]

: the 1st month of the year

1japan noun
: a varnish giving a hard brilliant finish

2japan verb ja·panned; ja·pan·ning
: to cover with a coat of japan

Jap·a·nese noun, plural Japanese
1 : a native or inhabitant of Japan
2 : the language of Japan

— Japanese adjective

Japanese beetle noun
: a small metallic green and brown scarab beetle introduced from Japan that is a pest on the roots of grasses as a grub and on foliage and fruits as an adult

1jape verb japed; jap·ing
1 : JOKE
2 : MOCK

2jape noun
: JEST, GIBE

1jar verb jarred; jar·ring
1 : to make a harsh or discordant sound
2 : to have a harsh or disagreeable effect
3 : VIBRATE, SHAKE

Synonyms
clash, collide, conflict—more at CLASH

2jar noun
1 : a state of conflict
2 : a harsh discordant sound
3 : a sudden or unexpected shake : JOLT
4 : a painful effect : SHOCK

Synonyms
bump, collision, concussion, crash, impact, jolt, shock, smash, strike, wallop—more at IMPACT

3jar noun
: a widemouthed container usu. of glass or earthenware

jar·di·niere noun
: an ornamental stand for plants or flowers

jar·gon noun
1 : confused unintelligible language
2 : the special vocabulary of a particular group or activity
3 : obscure and often pretentious language

Synonyms
argot, cant, language, lingo, slang, terminology, vocabulary—more at TERMINOLOGY

Jas abbreviation
James

jas·mine noun
[ORIGIN: MF jasmin, fr. Ar yāsamīn, fr. Pers]

: any of various climbing shrubs with fragrant flowers

jas·per noun
: a usu. red, yellow, or brown opaque quartz

jaun·dice noun
1 : yellowish discoloration of skin, tissues, and body fluids by bile pigments; also : an abnormal condition marked by jaundice
2 : a state or attitude characterized by satiety, distaste, or hostility

jaun·diced adjective
1 : affected with or as if with jaundice
2 : exhibiting envy, distaste, or hostility

Synonyms
covetous, envious, jealous, resentful—more at ENVIOUS
antagonistic, hostile, inhospitable, inimical, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic—more at HOSTILE

jaunt noun
: a short trip usu. for pleasure

Synonyms
excursion, junket, outing, sally—more at EXCURSION

jaun·ti·ly adverb
: in a light or carefree manner

Synonyms
exuberantly, gaily, sprightly—more at GAILY

jaun·ty adjective jaun·ti·er; -est
: sprightly in manner or appearance : LIVELY

— jaun·ti·ness noun

Synonyms
active, animate, animated, brisk, energetic, lively, snappy, spirited, sprightly, springy—more at LIVELY

Ja·va·nese noun
: a native or inhabitant of the Indonesian island of Java

jav·e·lin noun
1 : a light spear
2 : a slender shaft thrown for distance in a track-and-field contest

1jaw noun
1 : either of the bony or cartilaginous structures that support the soft tissues enclosing the mouth and that usu. bear teeth
2 : the parts forming the walls of the mouth and serving to open and close it — usu. used in pl.
3 : one of a pair of movable parts for holding or crushing something

— jawed adjective

2jaw verb
: to talk abusively, indignantly, or at length

Synonyms
berate, castigate, chew out, lambaste, lecture, rail, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold, upbraid—more at SCOLD
babble, chat, chatter, gab, gas, prattle, run on, talk—more at CHAT

1jawbone noun
: JAW 1

2jawbone verb
: to talk forcefully and persuasively

jaw·break·er noun
1 : a word difficult to pronounce
2 : a round hard candy

jaw–drop·ping adjective
: causing great surprise or astonishment

jaw·less fish noun
: any of a group of primitive vertebrates (as lampreys) without jaws

jay noun
: any of various noisy brightly colored often largely blue birds smaller than the related crows

jay·bird noun
: JAY

jay·vee noun
1 : JUNIOR VARSITY
2 : a member of a junior varsity team

jay·walk verb
: to cross a street carelessly without regard for traffic regulations

— jay·walk·er noun

1jazz noun
1 : American music characterized by improvisation, syncopated rhythms, and contrapuntal ensemble playing
2 : empty talk
3 : similar but unspecified things : STUFF

Synonyms
bunk, claptrap, drivel, gibberish, hogwash, nonsense, piffle, prattle, rot—more at GIBBERISH

2jazz verb
: to increase the appeal or excitement of : ENLIVEN <~ things up>

Synonyms
usually jazz up animate, brace, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, liven, pep, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify—more at ANIMATE

jazzy adjective jazz·i·er; -est
1 : having the characteristics of jazz
2 : marked by unrestraint, animation, or flashiness

Synonyms
active, animate, animated, flashy, jaunty, lively, racy, sharp, smart, snappy, spirited, sprightly

JCS abbreviation
joint chiefs of staff

jct abbreviation
junction

JD abbreviation
1 [ORIGIN L juris doctor] doctor of jurisprudence; doctor of law
2 [ORIGIN L jurum doctor] doctor of laws
3 justice department
4 juvenile delinquent

jeal·ous adjective
1 : demanding complete devotion
2 : hostile toward a rival or of one believed to enjoy an advantage
3 : VIGILANT

— jeal·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
covetous, envious, jaundiced, resentful—more at ENVIOUS

jeal·ou·sy noun
1 : a jealous disposition, attitude, or feeling
2 : zealous vigilance

Synonyms
covetousness, enviousness, envy, resentment—more at ENVY

jeans noun plural
[ORIGIN: pl. of jean twilled cloth, short for jean fustian, fr. ME Gene Genoa, Italy]

: pants made of durable twilled cotton cloth

jeep noun
[ORIGIN: prob. fr. g.p. (abbr. of general purpose)]

: a small four-wheel drive general-purpose motor vehicle used in World War II

1jeer verb
: to speak or cry out in derision : MOCK

Synonyms
deride, gibe, laugh, mock, ridicule, scout—more at RIDICULE

2jeer noun
: a jeering remark or sound : TAUNT

Synonyms
boo, catcall, hiss, hoot, raspberry, snort, taunt—more at CATCALL

Je·ho·vah noun
: the supreme or ultimate reality

Synonyms
Almighty, deity, Supreme Being

je·hu noun
: a driver of a coach or cab

je·june adjective
[ORIGIN: L jejunus empty of food, hungry, meager]

: lacking interest or significance : DULL

je·ju·num noun
[ORIGIN: L]

: the section of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum

— je·ju·nal adjective

jell verb
1 : to come to the consistency of jelly
2 : to take shape

Synonyms
[1] clot, coagulate, congeal, gel, set—more at COAGULATE
[2] crystallize, form, shape, solidify

1jelly noun, plural jellies
1 : a food with a soft elastic consistency due usu. to the presence of gelatin or pectin; especially : a fruit product made by boiling sugar and the juice of a fruit
2 : a substance resembling jelly

2jelly verb
: to bring to or come to the consistency of jelly

jelly bean noun
: a bean-shaped candy

jel·ly·fish noun
: a marine coelenterate with a nearly transparent jellylike body and stinging tentacles

jen·net noun
1 : a small Spanish horse
2 : a female donkey

jen·ny noun, plural jennies
: a female bird or donkey

jeop·ar·dize verb
: to expose to danger or risk

Synonyms
adventure, compromise, gamble, hazard, imperil, menace, risk, venture

jeop·ar·dy noun
[ORIGIN: ME jeopardie, fr. AF juparti, jeuparti alternative, lit., divided game]

: exposure to death, loss, or injury

Synonyms
danger, distress, peril, risk, trouble—more at DANGER

Jer abbreviation
Jeremiah; Jeremias

jer·e·mi·ad noun
: a prolonged lamentation or complaint; also : a cautionary or angry harangue

Jer·e·mi·ah noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

Jer·e·mi·as noun
: JEREMIAH

1jerk noun
1 : a short quick pull or twist : TWITCH
2 : an annoyingly stupid or foolish person

— jerk·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] draw, haul, pluck, pull, tug, twitch, wrench—more at PULL
[2] beast, boor, churl, clown, creep, cretin, cur, heel, joker, louse, lout, skunk, slob, snake; also brute, Neanderthal, savage; rascal, rogue, scamp, villain; fool, jackass, nitwit, nincompoop; blockhead, dolt, goon, idiot

2jerk verb
1 : to give a sharp quick push, pull, or twist
2 : to move in short abrupt motions

Synonyms
[1] buck, hitch, jolt, twitch; also jounce, lurch, stagger; shake, jiggle; lug, pull, tug; pluck, tweak; grab, snap, snatch, wrench, wrest, wring
[2] fiddle, fidget, squirm, toss, twitch, wiggle—more at FIDGET

jer·kin noun
: a close-fitting usu. sleeveless jacket

jerk·wa·ter adjective
[ORIGIN: fr. jerkwater rural train]

: of minor importance : INSIGNIFICANT <~ towns>

jerky adjective
1 : moving along with or marked by fits and starts
2 : lacking in sense, judgment, or discretion

jer·ry–built adjective
: built cheaply and flimsily

jer·ry–rigged adjective
: organized or constructed in a crude or improvised manner

jer·sey noun, plural jerseys
[ORIGIN: Jersey, one of the Channel islands]

1 : a plain weft-knitted fabric
2 : a close-fitting knitted shirt
3 often cap : any of a breed of small usu. fawn-colored dairy cattle

Jersey barrier noun
: a concrete slab that is used with others to block or reroute traffic or to divide a highway

Je·ru·sa·lem artichoke noun
: a No. American sunflower widely grown for its edible tubers that are used as a vegetable; also : its tubers

jess noun
: a leg strap by which a captive bird of prey may be controlled

jessamine variant of JASMINE

1jest noun
1 : an act intended to provoke laughter
2 : a witty remark
3 : a frivolous mood <said in ~>

Synonyms
[1, 2] crack, gag, joke, laugh, pleasantry, quip, sally, waggery, wisecrack, witticism—more at JOKE
[3] fun, game, play, sport—more at FUN

2jest verb
: to speak or act without seriousness or in a frivolous manner; also : to make a witty remark

Synonyms
banter, fool, fun, jive, joke, josh, kid, quip, wisecrack—more at JOKE

jest·er noun
: a retainer formerly kept to provide casual entertainment; broadly : one given to jests

Synonyms
card, comedian, comic, humorist, joker, wag, wit—more at HUMORIST

1jet noun
: a velvet-black coal that takes a good polish and is often used for jewelry

2jet verb jet·ted; jet·ting
: to spout or emit in a stream

Synonyms
gush, pour, rush, spew, spout, spurt, squirt—more at GUSH

3jet noun
1 : a forceful rush (as of liquid or gas) through a narrow opening; also : a nozzle for a jet of fluid
2 : a jet-propelled airplane

4jet verb jet·ted; jet·ting
: to travel by jet

jet lag noun
: a condition that is marked esp. by fatigue and irritability and occurs following a long flight through several time zones

— jet–lagged adjective

jet·lin·er noun
: a jet-propelled airliner

jet·port noun
: an airport designed to handle jets

jet–pro·pelled adjective
: driven by an engine (jet engine) that produces propulsion (jet propulsion) by the rearward discharge of a jet of fluid (as heated air and exhaust gases)

jet·sam noun
: jettisoned goods; especially : such goods washed ashore

jet set noun
: an international group of wealthy people who frequent fashionable resorts

jet stream noun
: a long narrow high-altitude current of high-speed winds blowing generally from the west

1jettison verb
1 : to throw (goods) overboard to lighten a ship or aircraft in distress
2 : to get rid of as superfluous or encumbering : DISCARD

Synonyms
cast, discard, ditch, dump, fling, junk, lose, reject, scrap, shed, shuck, slough, throw away, throw out, unload—more at DISCARD

2jettison noun
: a voluntary sacrifice of cargo to lighten a ship's load in time of distress

jet·ty noun, plural jetties
1 : a pier built to influence the current or to protect a harbor
2 : a landing wharf

Synonyms
dock, float, landing, levee, pier, quay, wharf—more at DOCK

jeu d'es·prit noun, plural jeux d'esprit
[ORIGIN: F, lit., play of the mind]

: a witty comment or composition

Jew noun
1 : ISRAELITE
2 : one whose religion is Judaism

— Jew·ish adjective

1jewel noun
[ORIGIN: ME juel, fr. AF, dim. of ju, jeu game, play, fr. L jocus game, joke]

1 : an ornament of precious metal
2 : a precious stone : GEMSTONE
3 : one that is highly esteemed

Synonyms
[2] brilliant, gem, gemstone—more at GEM
[3] boast, credit, glory, honor, pride, treasure—more at GLORY
[3] catch, gem, pearl, plum, prize, treasure—more at PRIZE

2jewel verb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling
: to adorn or equip with jewels

jewel box noun
: a thin plastic case for a CD or DVD

jew·el·er or jew·el·ler noun
: a person who makes or deals in jewelry and related articles

jew·el·lery chiefly British variant of JEWELRY

jew·el·ry noun
: JEWELS; especially : objects of precious metal set with gems and worn for personal adornment

Jew·ry noun
: the Jewish people

jg abbreviation
junior grade

1jib noun
: a triangular sail set on a line running from the bow to the mast

2jib verb jibbed; jib·bing
: to refuse to proceed further

1jibe variant of GIBE

2jibe verb jibed; jib·ing
: to be in accord : AGREE

Synonyms
accord, agree, answer, check, coincide, comport, conform, correspond, dovetail, fit, go, harmonize, square, tally—more at CHECK

ji·ca·ma noun
: an edible starchy tuber of a tropical American vine of the legume family

jif·fy noun, plural jiffies
: a small portion or point of time : MOMENT, INSTANT <I'll be ready in a ~>

Synonyms
flash, instant, minute, moment, second, shake, trice, twinkle, twinkling, wink—more at INSTANT

1jig noun
1 : a lively dance in triple rhythm
2 : a crafty procedure or practice meant to deceive or defraud : TRICK <the ~ is up>
3 : a device used to hold work during manufacture or assembly

Synonyms
artifice, device, dodge, gimmick, ploy, scheme, sleight, stratagem, trick, wile—more at TRICK

2jig verb jigged; jig·ging
: to dance a jig

jig·ger noun
1 : a measure usu. holding 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) used in mixing drinks
2 : an often small mechanical or electronic device with a practical use but often thought of as a novelty

Synonyms
contraption, contrivance, gadget, gimmick, gizmo—more at GADGET

jig·gle verb jig·gled; jig·gling
: to move with quick little jerks

— jiggle noun

jig·saw noun
: a machine saw with a narrow vertically reciprocating blade for cutting curved lines

jigsaw puzzle noun
: a puzzle consisting of small irregularly cut pieces to be fitted together to form a picture

ji·had noun
1 : a Muslim holy war
2 : a reforming enterprise undertaken with zeal

1jilt verb
: to drop (a lover) capriciously or unfeelingly

2jilt noun
: one who jilts a lover

jim crow noun, often cap J&C
: discrimination against blacks esp. by legal enforcement or traditional sanctions

— jim crow adjective, often cap J&C

— jim crow·ism noun, often cap J&C

1jim–dandy noun
: something excellent of its kind

Synonyms
beauty, crackerjack, dandy, knockout, pip; also marvel, wonder; gem, jewel, treasure

2jim–dandy adjective
: fine or wonderful of its kind

jim·mies noun plural
: tiny rod-shaped bits of usu. chocolate-flavored candy often sprinkled on ice cream

1jimmy noun, plural jimmies
: a small crowbar

2jimmy verb jim·mied; jim·my·ing
: to force open with a jimmy

Synonyms
prize, pry—more at PRY

jim·son·weed noun, often cap
: a coarse poisonous weed related to the tomato that has large trumpet-shaped white or violet flowers

1jingle verb jin·gled; jin·gling
: to make a light clinking or tinkling sound

Synonyms
chink, tinkle; also clack, clang, clank; clatter, rattle; jangle, ping, ring

2jingle noun
1 : a light clinking or tinkling sound
2 : a short verse or song with catchy repetition

Synonyms
lay, lyric, song, vocal—more at SONG

jin·go·ism noun
: extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked esp. by a belligerent foreign policy

— jin·go·ist noun

— jin·go·is·tic adjective

jin·rik·sha noun
: RICKSHA

1jinx noun
: one that brings bad luck

2jinx verb
: to foredoom to failure or misfortune

jit·ney noun, plural jitneys
: a small bus that serves a regular route on a flexible schedule

jit·ter·bug noun
: a dance in which couples two-step, balance, and twirl vigorously in standardized patterns

— jitterbug verb

jit·ters noun plural
: extreme nervousness

Synonyms
dither, shakes, shivers, willies; also cold sweat; anxiety, fear, hysteria; frazzle, nervous breakdown

jit·tery adjective
1 : suffering from the jitters
2 : marked by jittering movements

Synonyms
excitable, flighty, fluttery, high-strung, jumpy, nervous, skittish, spooky—more at EXCITABLE
aflutter, anxious, edgy, jumpy, nervous, nervy, perturbed, tense, troubled, uneasy, upset, worried—more at NERVOUS

1jive noun
1 : swing music or dancing performed to it
2 : glib, deceptive, or foolish talk
3 : the jargon of jazz enthusiasts

2jive verb jived; jiv·ing
1 : to persuade with flattery or gentle urging esp. in the face of reluctance : TEASE; also : kid around
2 : to dance to or play jive

Synonyms
chaff, josh, kid, rally, razz, rib, ride, roast, tease—more at TEASE

Jn or Jno abbreviation
John

Jo abbreviation
Joel

1job noun
1 : a piece of work
2 : something that has to be done : TASK; also : a specific duty, role, or function
3 : a regular remunerative position

— job·less adjective

Synonyms
[2] assignment, chore, duty, stint, task—more at CHORE
[2] assignment, charge, mission, operation, post—more at MISSION
[3] appointment, billet, capacity, function, place, position, post, situation; also business, employment, occupation, profession; work; office, spot; calling, pursuit, vocation; line, racket; engagement; livelihood, living; assignment, mission, task

2job verb jobbed; job·bing
1 : to do occasional pieces of work for hire
2 : to hire or let by the job

Job noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

job action noun
: a protest action by workers to force compliance with demands

job·ber noun
1 : a person who buys goods and then sells them to other dealers : MIDDLEMAN
2 : a person who does work by the job

job·hold·er noun
: one having a regular job

Synonyms
employee, hand, hireling, worker—more at EMPLOYEE

jock noun
[ORIGIN: jockstrap]

: ATHLETE; especially : a college athlete

1jockey noun, plural jockeys
: one who rides a horse esp. as a professional in a race

2jockey verb jock·eyed; jock·ey·ing
: to maneuver or manipulate by adroit or devious means

jock·strap noun
[ORIGIN: E slang jock penis]

: ATHLETIC SUPPORTER

jo·cose adjective
: given to joking : MERRY; also : characterized by joking

joc·u·lar adjective
: marked by jesting : PLAYFUL

— joc·u·lar·i·ty noun

— joc·u·lar·ly adverb

Synonyms
clever, facetious, humorous, playful, smart, witty—more at WITTY

jo·cund adjective
: marked by mirth or cheerfulness

Synonyms
blithe, boon, festive, gay, gleeful, jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful, sunny—more at MERRY

jodh·pur noun
1 plural : riding breeches loose above the knee and tight-fitting below
2 : an ankle-high boot fastened with a strap

Joe Blow noun
: an average or ordinary man

Jo·el noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

Joe Six–Pack noun
: a blue-collar worker

1jog verb jogged; jog·ging
1 : to give a slight shake or push to
2 : to go at a slow monotonous pace
3 : to run or ride at a slow trot
4 : to move up and down or about with a short heavy motion

— jog·ger noun

Synonyms
bob, bobble, jounce, nod, pump, seesaw—more at NOD

2jog noun
1 : a slight shake
2 : a jogging movement or pace

3jog noun
1 : a projecting or retreating part of a line or surface
2 : a brief abrupt change in direction

jog·gle verb jog·gled; jog·gling
: to shake slightly

— joggle noun

john noun
1 : TOILET
2 : a prostitute's client

John noun
1 : the fourth Gospel in the New Testament
2 : any of three short didactic letters addressed to early Christians and included in the New Testament

john·ny noun, plural johnnies
: a short-sleeved gown opening in the back that is worn by hospital patients

John·ny–jump–up noun
: any of various small-flowered cultivated pansies

joie de vi·vre noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: keen enjoyment of life

join verb
1 : to come or bring together so as to form a unit
2 : to come or bring into close association
3 : to become a member of
4 : to lie next to or in contact with : ADJOIN
5 : to take part in a collective activity

Synonyms
[1] associate, coalesce, combine, conjoin, connect, couple, fuse, link, marry, unify, unite—more at UNITE
[3] enlist, enroll, enter, sign on, sign up—more at ENTER
[4] abut, adjoin, border, flank, fringe, skirt, touch, verge—more at ADJOIN
[5] collaborate, concert, cooperate, team—more at COOPERATE

join·er noun
1 : a worker who constructs articles by joining pieces of wood
2 : a gregarious person who joins many organizations

1joint noun
1 : the point of contact between bones of an animal skeleton with the parts that surround and support it
2 : a cut of meat suitable for roasting
3 : a place where two things or parts are connected
4 : a place of business or residence with its furnishings and staff : ESTABLISHMENT; especially : a shabby or disreputable establishment
5 : a marijuana cigarette

— joint·ed adjective

Synonyms
connection, coupling, junction, juncture; also crux, link, tie; intersection; abutment, articulation; seam, suture; concourse, confluence, meeting; union

2joint adjective
1 : acting in concert : UNITED
2 : common to two or more

— joint·ly adverb

Synonyms
collective, common, communal, concerted, conjoint, mutual, public, united—more at COLLECTIVE

3joint verb
1 : to unite by or provide with a joint
2 : to separate the joints of

joist noun
: any of the small beams ranged parallel from wall to wall in a building to support a floor or ceiling

1joke noun
: something said or done to provoke laughter; especially : a brief narrative with a humorous climax

Synonyms
crack, gag, jest, laugh, pleasantry, quip, sally, waggery, wisecrack, witticism; also joking, wisecracking; antic, buffoonery, caper, prank; caricature, lampoon, parody, put-on; banter, persiflage, raillery, repartee; facetiousness, humorousness; barb, humor, wit, wordplay

2joke verb joked; jok·ing
: to make jokes

— jok·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
banter, fool, fun, jest, jive, josh, kid, quip, wisecrack; also chaff, mock, rally, razz, rib, ridicule, tease; caricature, lampoon, parody, satirize; amuse, divert, entertain

jok·er noun
1 : a person who jokes
2 : an extra card used in some card games
3 : a misleading part of an agreement that works to one party's disadvantage
4 a : an adult male human
b : an insignificant, obnoxious, or incompetent person

Synonyms
[1] card, comedian, comic, humorist, jester, wag, wit—more at HUMORIST
[4b] beast, boor, churl, clown, creep, cretin, cur, heel, jerk, louse, lout, skunk, slob, snake—more at JERK

jol·li·fi·ca·tion noun
: a festive celebration

Synonyms
conviviality, festivity, gaiety, merriment, merrymaking, revelry—more at MERRYMAKING

jol·li·ty noun, plural -ties
: the quality or state of being jolly : GAIETY, MERRIMENT

jol·ly adjective jol·li·er; -est
: full of high spirits : MERRY

Synonyms
blithe, boon, festive, gay, gleeful, jocund, jovial, merry, mirthful, sunny—more at MERRY

1jolt verb
1 : to give a quick hard knock or blow to
2 : to move with a sudden jerky motion
3 : to disturb the composure of

— jolt·er noun

Synonyms
[2] agitate, convulse, jounce, quake, quiver, shake, shudder, vibrate, wobble—more at SHAKE
[2] buck, hitch, jerk, twitch—more at JERK
[3] appall, bowl, floor, shake up, shock—more at SHOCK

2jolt noun
1 : an abrupt jerky blow or movement
2 : a sudden shock

Synonyms
[1] bump, collision, concussion, crash, impact, jar, shock, smash, strike, wallop—more at IMPACT
[2] bolt, bombshell, jar, surprise—more at SURPRISE

Jon abbreviation
Jonah; Jonas

Jo·nah noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

Jo·nas noun
: JONAH

1jones noun
1 slang : addiction to heroin
2 slang : HEROIN
3 slang : a craving for something

2jones verb, slang
: to have a craving for something

jon·gleur noun
: an itinerant medieval minstrel

jon·quil noun
[ORIGIN: F jonquille, fr. Sp junquillo, dim. of junco reed, fr. L juncus]

: a narcissus with fragrant clustered white or yellow flowers

Jor·da·ni·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Jordan

— Jordanian adjective

josh verb
: to tease good-naturedly; also : JOKE

Synonyms
chaff, jive, kid, rally, razz, rib, ride, roast, tease—more at TEASE
banter, fool, fun, jest, jive, joke, kid, quip, wisecrack—more at JOKE

Josh abbreviation
Joshua

Josh·ua noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

Joshua tree noun
: a tall branched yucca of the southwestern U.S.

jos·tle verb jos·tled; jos·tling
1 : to come in contact or into collision
2 : to make one's way by pushing and shoving

Jos·ue noun
: JOSHUA

1jot noun
: the least bit : IOTA

Synonyms
hoot, iota, lick, modicum, rap, tittle, whit; also ace, bit, crumb, dab, driblet, glimmer, hint, little, mite, nip, ounce, peanuts, ray, scruple, shade, shadow, shred, smidgen, snap, speck, spot, sprinkling, strain, streak, suspicion, touch, trace

2jot verb jot·ted; jot·ting
: to write briefly and hurriedly

Synonyms
usually jot down log, mark, note, put down, record, register, set down—more at RECORD

jot·ting noun
: a brief note

joule noun
: a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter

jounce verb jounced; jounc·ing
: to move or cause to move in an up-and-down manner : JOLT

— jounce noun

Synonyms
agitate, convulse, jolt, quake, quiver, shake, shudder, vibrate, wobble—more at SHAKE

jour abbreviation
1 journal
2 journeyman

jour·nal noun
[ORIGIN: ME, service book containing the day hours, fr. AF jurnal, fr. jurnal daily, fr. L diurnalis, fr. dies day]

1 : a brief account of daily events
2 : a record of proceedings (as of a legislative body)
3 : a periodical (as a newspaper) dealing esp. with current events
4 : the part of a rotating axle or spindle that turns in a bearing

Synonyms
magazine, organ, paper, review; also annual, bimonthly, biweekly, daily, monthly, quarterly, semimonthly, semiweekly, weekly, yearbook; broadside, extra, sheet, tabloid

jour·nal·ese noun
: a style of writing held to be characteristic of newspapers

jour·nal·ism noun
1 : the business of writing for, editing, or publishing periodicals (as newspapers)
2 : writing designed for or characteristic of newspapers

— jour·nal·ist noun

— jour·nal·is·tic adjective

1journey noun, plural journeys
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF journee day's journey, fr. jour day]

: a traveling from one place to another

Synonyms
expedition, passage, peregrination, trek, trip; also errand, excursion, flight, hop, jaunt, junket, outing, sally, tour; cruise, sail, voyage; drive, ride, spin; odyssey, pilgrimage, progress, quest, safari

2journey verb jour·neyed; jour·ney·ing
: to go on a journey : TRAVEL

Synonyms
tour, travel, trek, voyage—more at TRAVEL

jour·ney·man noun
1 : a worker who has learned a trade and works for another person
2 : an experienced reliable worker

1joust verb
: to engage in a joust

2joust noun
: a combat on horseback between two knights with lances esp. as part of a tournament

jo·vial adjective
: marked by good humor

Synonyms
blithe, boon, festive, gay, gleeful, jocund, jolly, merry, mirthful, sunny—more at MERRY

jo·vi·al·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being jovial

Synonyms
cheer, cheerfulness, festivity, glee, hilarity, merriment, mirth, mirthfulness—more at MIRTH

jo·vi·al·ly adverb
: in a jovial manner

Synonyms
cheerfully, gaily, happily, heartily, merrily, mirthfully—more at GAILY

1jowl noun
: loose flesh about the lower jaw or throat

2jowl noun
1 : the lower jaw
2 : CHEEK

1joy noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF joie, fr. L gaudia]

1 : a feeling of happiness that comes from success, good fortune, or a sense of well-being
2 : a source of happiness

Synonyms
[1] blessedness, bliss, felicity, gladness, happiness—more at HAPPINESS
[2] delectation, delight, kick, manna, pleasure, treat—more at DELIGHT

2joy verb
: to experience great pleasure or delight : REJOICE

joy·ful adjective
: experiencing, causing, or showing joy

— joy·ful·ly adverb

Synonyms
blissful, delighted, glad, happy, pleased—more at GLAD

joy·less adjective
1 : not experiencing joy
2 : not inspiring or causing joy

joy·ous adjective
experiencing, causing, or showing joy : JOYFUL

— joy·ous·ly adverb

— joy·ous·ness noun

joy·ride noun
: a ride for pleasure often marked by reckless driving

— joyride verb

— joy·rid·er noun

— joy·rid·ing noun

joy·stick noun
: a control device (as for a computer display) consisting of a lever capable of motion in two or more directions

JP abbreviation
1 jet propulsion
2 justice of the peace

JPEG noun
[ORIGIN: Joint Photographic Experts Group]

: a computer file format for usu. high-quality digital images

Jr abbreviation
junior

jt or jnt abbreviation
joint

ju·bi·lant adjective
[ORIGIN: L jubilans, prp. of jubilare to rejoice]

: filled with or expressing great joy or triumph : EXULTANT

— ju·bi·lant·ly adverb

Synonyms
exultant, rejoicing, triumphant—more at EXULTANT

ju·bi·la·tion noun
: EXULTATION

ju·bi·lee noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF & LL; AF jubilé, fr. LL jubilaeus, fr. LGk iōbēlaios, fr. Heb yōbhēl ram's horn, trumpet, jubilee]

1 : a 50th anniversary
2 : a season or occasion of celebration

Synonyms
carnival, celebration, festival, festivity, fete, fiesta, gala—more at FESTIVAL

ju·co noun, plural jucos
: JUNIOR COLLEGE; also : an athlete at a junior college

Jud abbreviation
Judith

Ju·da·ic also Ju·da·ical adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Jews or Judaism

Ju·da·ism noun
: a religion developed among the ancient Hebrews and marked by belief in one God and by the moral and ceremonial laws of the Old Testament and the rabbinic tradition

Jude noun
: a short hortatory epistle addressed to early Christians and included as a book in the New Testament

Judg abbreviation
Judges

1judge verb judged; judg·ing
1 : to form an authoritative opinion
2 : to decide as a judge
3 : to form an estimate or evaluation about something

Synonyms
[2] adjudicate, arbitrate, decide, determine, referee, rule, settle, umpire; also consider, hear, ponder, weigh; size (up); mediate, moderate, negotiate; prosecute, try; find (for or against)
[3] calculate, call, conjecture, estimate, figure, gauge, guess, make, place, put, reckon, suppose—more at ESTIMATE
[3] conclude, deduce, extrapolate, gather, infer, reason, understand—more at INFER

2judge noun
1 : a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court
2 : one appointed to decide in a contest or competition : UMPIRE
3 : one who gives an authoritative opinion : CRITIC

— judge·ship noun

Synonyms
[1] bench, court, justice, magistrate; also JP, justice of the peace
[2] arbiter, arbitrator, referee, umpire; also justice, magistrate; intermediary, mediator, negotiator; go-between, peacemaker, reconciler

Judges noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

judg·ment or judge·ment noun
1 : a decision or opinion given after judging; especially : a formal decision given by a court
2 cap : the final judging of mankind by God
3 : the process of forming an opinion by discerning and comparing
4 : the capacity for judging : DISCERNMENT

Synonyms
[1] appraisal, assessment, estimate, estimation, evaluation—more at ESTIMATION
[1] doom, finding, holding, ruling, sentence—more at SENTENCE
[3] belief, conviction, eye, feeling, mind, notion, opinion, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, view—more at OPINION
[3] conclusion, decision, determination, diagnosis, resolution—more at DECISION

judg·men·tal adjective
1 : of, relating to, or involving judgment
2 : characterized by a tendency to judge harshly

— judg·men·tal·ly adverb

judgment call noun
: a subjective decision, ruling, or opinion

Judgment Day noun
: the day of the final judging of all human beings by God

ju·di·ca·ture noun
1 : the administration of justice
2 : JUDICIARY 1

ju·di·cial adjective
1 : of or relating to the administration of justice or the judiciary
2 : ordered or enforced by a court
3 : CRITICAL

— ju·di·cial·ly adverb

ju·di·cia·ry noun
1 : a system of courts of law; also : the judges of these courts
2 : a branch of government in which judicial power is vested

— judiciary adjective

ju·di·cious adjective
: having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment

— ju·di·cious·ly adverb

Synonyms
advisable, desirable, expedient, politic, prudent, tactical, wise—more at EXPEDIENT

Ju·dith noun
: a book of Scripture in the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament and in the Protestant Apocrypha

ju·do noun
[ORIGIN: Jp, fr. jū weakness, gentleness + dō art]

: a sport derived from jujitsu that emphasizes the use of quick movement and leverage to throw an opponent

— ju·do·ist noun

ju·do·ka noun, plural judoka or judokas
: one who participates in judo

1jug noun
1 : a large deep container with a narrow mouth and a handle
2 : a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody : JAIL, PRISON

2jug verb jugged; jug·ging
: to confine in or as if in a jail : JAIL, IMPRISON

jug–eared adjective
: having protuberant ears

jug·ger·naut noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi Jagannāth, title of Vishnu (a Hindu god), lit., lord of the world]

: a massive inexorable force or object that crushes everything in its path

jug·gle verb jug·gled; jug·gling
1 : to keep several objects in motion in the air at the same time
2 : to manipulate esp. in order to achieve a desired and often fraudulent end

— jug·gler noun

jug·u·lar adjective
: of, relating to, or situated in or on the throat or neck <the ~ veins>

juice noun
1 : the extractable fluid contents of cells or tissues
2 plural : the natural fluids of an animal body
3 : something that supplies power; especially : ELECTRICITY 2

juic·er noun
: an appliance for extracting juice (as from fruit)

juice up verb
: to give life, energy, or spirit to

juicy adjective juic·i·er; -est
1 : full of juice : SUCCULENT
2 : rich in interest; also : RACY

— juic·i·ly adverb

— juic·i·ness noun

Synonyms
fleshy, pulpy, succulent; also sappy, watery

ju·jit·su also ju·jut·su noun
[ORIGIN: Jp jūjutsu, fr. jū weakness + jutsu art, skill]

: an art of fighting employing holds, throws, and paralyzing blows

ju·ju noun
: a style of African music characterized by a rapid beat, use of percussion instruments, and vocal harmonies

ju·jube noun
: a fruit-flavored gumdrop or lozenge

juke·box noun
: a coin-operated machine that automatically plays selected recordings

Jul abbreviation
July

ju·lep noun
[ORIGIN: ME, sweetened water, fr. MF, fr. Ar julāb, fr. Pers gulāb, fr. gul rose + āb water]

: a drink made of bourbon, sugar, and mint served over crushed ice

Ju·ly noun
[ORIGIN: ME Julie, fr. OE Julius, fr. L, fr. Gaius Julius Caesar]

: the 7th month of the year

1jumble verb jum·bled; jum·bling
: to mix in a confused mass

2jumble noun
: a mass of things mingled together without order or plan; also : a state of confusion

Synonyms
chaos, confusion, disarray, disorder, disorganization, havoc, hell, mess, muddle, shambles—more at CHAOS
clutter, hash, hodgepodge, miscellany, motley, potpourri, rummage, scramble, variety, welter—more at MISCELLANY

1jumbo noun, plural jumbos
[ORIGIN: Jumbo, a huge elephant exhibited by P.T. Barnum]

: a very large specimen of its kind

Synonyms
behemoth, blockbuster, colossus, giant, leviathan, mammoth, monster, titan, whale, whopper—more at GIANT

2jumbo adjective
: very large

1jump verb
1 : to spring into the air : leap over
2 : to give a start
3 : to rise or increase suddenly or sharply
4 : to make a sudden attack
5 : ANTICIPATE <~ the gun>
6 : to leave hurriedly and often furtively <~ town>
7 : to act or move before (as a signal)

— jump bail

: to abscond after being released from custody on bail

— jump ship

1 : to leave the company of a ship without authority
2 : to desert a cause

Synonyms
[1] bound, hop, leap, spring, vault; also bounce, lope, skip; buck; caper, cavort, frolic, gambol, romp; attack, pounce; shoot, skyrocket
[2] bolt, start, startle—more at START
usually jump on [4] abuse, castigate, excoriate, lambaste, slam, vituperate—more at ATTACK
usually jump on [4] assail, assault, attack, beset, charge, descend, pounce, raid, rush, storm, strike—more at ATTACK

2jump noun
1 : a spring into the air; especially : one made for height or distance in a track meet
2 : a sharp sudden increase
3 : an initial advantage

Synonyms
[1] bound, hop, leap, spring, vault; also bounce, lope, skip; caper, gambol; attack, pounce; dive, pitch, plunge
[3] advantage, better, drop, edge, upper hand, vantage—more at ADVANTAGE

1jumper noun
: one that jumps

2jumper noun
1 : a loose blouse
2 : a sleeveless one-piece dress worn usu. with a blouse
3 plural : a child's sleeveless coverall

jumping bean noun
: a seed of any of several Mexican shrubs that tumbles about because of the movements of a small moth larva inside it

jumping–off place noun
1 : a remote or isolated place
2 : a place from which an enterprise is launched

jump·mas·ter noun
: a person who supervises parachutists

jump–start verb
: to start (an engine or vehicle) by connection to an external power source

jump·suit noun
1 : a coverall worn by parachutists in jumping
2 : a one-piece garment consisting of a blouse or shirt with attached pants or shorts

jumpy adjective jump·i·er; -est
: easily excited or irritated : NERVOUS, JITTERY

Synonyms
edgy, excitable, high-strung, jittery, nervous, skittish, spooky—more at EXCITABLE

jun abbreviation
junior

Jun abbreviation
June

junc abbreviation
junction

jun·co noun, plural juncos or juncoes
: any of a genus of small common pink-billed No. American finches that are largely gray with conspicuous white tail feathers

junc·tion noun
1 : an act of joining
2 : a place or point of meeting

Synonyms
[1] combination, connection, consolidation, coupling, unification, union—more at UNION
[2] connection, coupling, joint, juncture—more at JOINT

junc·ture noun
1 : a place where two things or parts are joined : JOINT, CONNECTION
2 : UNION
3 : a critical time or state of affairs

Synonyms
clutch, crisis, crunch, emergency, head—more at EMERGENCY

June noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. L Junius]

: the 6th month of the year

jun·gle noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi & Urdu jangal forest]

1 : a thick tangled mass of tropical vegetation; also : a tract overgrown with vegetation
2 : a place of ruthless struggle for survival

1junior adjective
1 : YOUNGER
2 : lower in rank
3 : of or relating to juniors

Synonyms
inferior, less, lesser, lower, minor, subordinate, under—more at LESSER

2junior noun
1 : a person who is younger or of lower rank than another
2 : a student in the next-to-last year before graduating

junior college noun
: a school that offers studies corresponding to those of the 1st two years of college

junior high school noun
: a school usu. including grades 7–9

junior varsity noun
: a team whose members lack the experience or qualifications required for the varsity

ju·ni·per noun
: any of numerous coniferous shrubs or trees with leaves like needles or scales and female cones like berries

1junk noun
1 : old iron, glass, paper, or waste; also : discarded articles
2 : a shoddy product
3 slang : NARCOTICS; especially : HEROIN

Synonyms
chaff, deadwood, dust, garbage, litter, refuse, riffraff, rubbish, scrap, trash, waste—more at GARBAGE

2junk verb
: to get rid of as worthless : DISCARD, SCRAP

Synonyms
cast, discard, ditch, dump, fling, jettison, lose, reject, scrap, shed, shuck, slough, throw away, throw out, unload—more at DISCARD

3junk noun
: a ship of eastern Asia with a high stern and 4-cornered sails

junk·er noun
: something (as an old automobile) ready for scrapping

Jun·ker noun
[ORIGIN: G]

: a member of the Prussian landed aristocracy

jun·ket noun
1 : a pudding of sweetened flavored milk set by rennet
2 : a pleasure trip or outing; especially : a trip made by an official at public expense ostensibly for public business

Synonyms
excursion, jaunt, outing, sally—more at EXCURSION

junk food noun
: food that is high in calories but low in nutritional content

junk·ie also junky noun, plural junkies
1 slang : a narcotics peddler or addict
2 : one that derives inordinate pleasure from or is dependent on something <sugar ~>

junky adjective
: having the character of junk : constituting junk

Synonyms
chaffy, empty, no-good, null, valueless, worthless—more at WORTHLESS

jun·ta noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. junto joined, fr. L junctus, pp. of jungere to join]

: a group of persons controlling a government esp. after a revolutionary seizure of power

Ju·pi·ter noun
: the largest of the planets and the one 5th in order of distance from the sun

Ju·ras·sic adjective
: of, relating to, or being the period of the Mesozoic era between the Triassic and the Cretaceous that is marked esp. by the presence of dinosaurs

— Jurassic noun

ju·rid·i·cal also ju·rid·ic adjective
1 : of or relating to the administration of justice
2 : LEGAL

— ju·rid·i·cal·ly adverb

ju·ris·dic·tion noun
1 : the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law
2 : the authority of a sovereign power
3 : the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised

— ju·ris·dic·tion·al adjective

Synonyms
administration, authority, government, regime, rule—more at RULE

ju·ris·pru·dence noun
1 : a system of laws
2 : the science or philosophy of law

ju·rist noun
: one having a thorough knowledge of law; especially : JUDGE

ju·ris·tic adjective
1 : of or relating to a jurist or jurisprudence
2 : of, relating to, or recognized in law

ju·ror noun
: a member of a jury

1jury noun, plural juries
1 : a body of persons sworn to inquire into a matter submitted to them and to give their verdict
2 : a committee for judging and awarding prizes

2jury adjective
: improvised for temporary use esp. in an emergency <a ~ mast>

jury nullification noun
: the acquitting of a defendant by a jury in disregard of the judge's instructions and contrary to the jury's findings of fact

jury–rig verb
: to construct or arrange in a makeshift fashion

1just adjective
1 : having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason : REASONABLE <~ comment>
2 : conforming to a standard of correctness <~ proportions>
3 : morally or legally right <a ~ title>
4 : being what is merited <~ punishment>

— just·ly adverb

— just·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] good, hard, informed, levelheaded, logical, rational, reasonable, reasoned, sensible, sober, solid, valid, well-founded—more at GOOD
[2] due, right; also applicable, appropriate, apt, fit, fitting, meet, proper, requisite, suitable; lawful, legal; accurate, correct
Antonyms
undeserved, undue, unjust, unwarranted
[2] disinterested, dispassionate, equal, equitable, fair, impartial, nonpartisan, objective, square, unbiased, unprejudiced—more at FAIR
[3] decent, ethical, good, honest, honorable, moral, principled, right, righteous, straight, upright, upstanding, virtuous—more at GOOD

2just adverb
1 : in a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly conforms to a fact or condition : EXACTLY <~ right>
2 : very recently <has ~ left>
3 : by a very small margin : BARELY <~ too late>
4 : DIRECTLY <~ west of here>
5 : to the exclusion of all else : ONLY <~ last year>
6 : QUITE <~ wonderful>
7 : POSSIBLY <it ~ might work>

Synonyms
[1] accurately, exactly, precisely, right, sharp, squarely—more at EXACTLY
[2] freshly, late, lately, new, newly, now, only, recently—more at NEWLY
[3] barely, hardly, marginally, scarcely, slightly; also minimally, minutely; approximately, more or less, roughly, somewhat
Antonyms
considerably, significantly, substantially, well
[5] but, merely, only, simply

jus·tice noun
1 : the administration of what is just (as by assigning merited rewards or punishments)
2 : a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court : JUDGE
3 : the administration of law
4 : FAIRNESS; also : RIGHTEOUSNESS

Synonyms
bench, court, judge, magistrate—more at JUDGE

justice of the peace
: a local magistrate empowered chiefly to try minor cases, to administer oaths, and to perform marriages

jus·ti·fi·able adjective
: capable of being justified

Synonyms
defensible, maintainable, supportable, sustainable, tenable—more at TENABLE

jus·ti·fi·ca·tion noun
: the act or an instance of justifying

Synonyms
alibi, defense, excuse, plea, reason—more at EXCUSE

jus·ti·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 : to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable
2 : to pronounce free from guilt or blame
3 : to adjust spaces in a line of printed text so the margins are even

Synonyms
defend, maintain, support, uphold—more at MAINTAIN
account, condone, excuse, explain, rationalize

jut verb jut·ted; jut·ting
: to shoot out or forward : PROJECT, PROTRUDE

jute noun
: a strong glossy fiber from either of two tropical plants used esp. for making sacks and twine

juv abbreviation
juvenile

1juvenile adjective
1 : showing incomplete development
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of children or young people

Synonyms
[1] adolescent, immature, young, youthful—more at YOUNG
[2] adolescent, babyish, childish, immature, infantile, kiddish—more at CHILDISH

2juvenile noun
1 : a young person; especially : one below the legally established age of adulthood
2 : a young animal (as a fish or a bird) or plant
3 : an actor or actress who plays youthful parts

Synonyms
child, cub, kid, youngster, youth—more at CHILD

juvenile delinquency noun
: violation of the law or antisocial behavior by a juvenile

— juvenile delinquent noun

jux·ta·pose verb -posed; -pos·ing
: to place side by side

— jux·ta·po·si·tion noun

JV abbreviation
junior varsity

K

1k noun, plural k's or ks
1 often cap : the 11th letter of the English alphabet
2 cap : STRIKEOUT

2k abbreviation
1 karat
2 kitchen
3 knit
4 kosher — often enclosed in a circle

1K abbreviation
Kelvin

2K symbol
[ORIGIN: NL kalium]

potassium

kab·ba·lah also kab·ba·la or ka·ba·la or ca·ba·la noun, often cap
1 : a medieval Jewish mysticism marked by belief in creation through emanation and a cipher method of interpreting Scripture
2 : esoteric or mysterious doctrine

kabob variant of KEBAB

Ka·bu·ki noun
: traditional Japanese popular drama with highly stylized singing and dancing

kad·dish noun, often cap
: a Jewish prayer recited in the daily synagogue ritual and by mourners at public services after the death of a close relative

kaf·fee·klatsch noun, often cap
[ORIGIN: G]

: an informal social gathering for coffee and conversation

kai·ser noun
: EMPEROR; especially : the ruler of Germany from 1871 to 1918

Ka·lash·ni·kov noun
[ORIGIN: M. T. Kalashnikov b1919 Soviet weapons designer]

: a Soviet-designed assault rifle

kale noun
: a hardy cabbage with curled leaves that do not form a head

ka·lei·do·scope noun
: a tube containing loose bits of colored material (as glass) and two mirrors at one end that shows many different patterns as it is turned

— ka·lei·do·scop·ic adjective

— ka·lei·do·scop·i·cal·ly adverb

ka·ma·ai·na noun
[ORIGIN: Hawaiian kama'āina, fr. kama child + 'āina land]

: one who has lived in Hawaii for a long time

kame noun
[ORIGIN: Sc, lit., comb]

: a short ridge or mound of material deposited by water from a melting glacier

ka·mi·ka·ze noun
[ORIGIN: Jp, lit., divine wind]

: a member of a corps of Japanese pilots assigned to make a suicidal crash on a target; also : an airplane flown in such an attack

Kan or Kans abbreviation
Kansas

kan·ga·roo noun, plural -roos
: any of various large leaping marsupial mammals of Australia and adjacent islands with powerful hind legs and a long thick tail

kangaroo court noun
: a court or an illegal self-appointed tribunal characterized by irresponsible, perverted, or irregular procedures

ka·o·lin noun
: a fine usu. white clay used in ceramics and refractories and for the treatment of diarrhea

ka·pok noun
: silky fiber from the seeds of a tropical tree used esp. as a filling (as for life preservers)

Kap·o·si's sar·co·ma noun
: a neoplastic disease associated esp. with AIDS that affects esp. the skin and mucous membranes and is characterized usu. by the formation of pink to reddish-brown or bluish plaques

kap·pa noun
: the 10th letter of the Greek alphabet — Κ or κ

ka·put also ka·putt adjective
[ORIGIN: G, fr. F capot not having made a trick at piquet]

1 : utterly defeated or destroyed
2 : unable to function : USELESS

kar·a·kul noun
: the usu. curly glossy black coat of a very young lamb of a hardy Asian breed of sheep

kar·a·o·ke noun
[ORIGIN: Jp]

: a device that plays instrumental accompaniments for songs to which the user sings along

kar·at noun
: a unit for expressing proportion of gold in an alloy equal to 1/24 part of pure gold

ka·ra·te noun
[ORIGIN: Jp, lit., empty hand]

: an art of self-defense in which an attacker is disabled by crippling kicks and punches

kar·ma noun, often cap
[ORIGIN: Skt]

: the force generated by a person's actions held in Hinduism and Buddhism to perpetuate reincarnation and to determine the nature of the person's next existence

— kar·mic adjective

karst noun
[ORIGIN: G]

: an irregular limestone region with sinks, underground streams, and caverns

ka·ty·did noun
: any of several large green tree-dwelling American grasshoppers with long antennae

kay·ak noun
: an Eskimo canoe made of a skin-covered frame with a small opening and propelled by a double-bladed paddle; also : a similar portable boat

— kay·ak·er noun

kayo noun
: KNOCKOUT

— kayo verb

ka·zoo noun, plural kazoos
: a toy musical instrument consisting of a tube with a membrane sealing one end and a side hole to sing or hum into

KB abbreviation
kilobyte

kc abbreviation
kilocycle

KC abbreviation
1 Kansas City
2 King's Counsel
3 Knights of Columbus

kc/s abbreviation
kilocycles per second

KD abbreviation
knocked down

ke·bab, ke·bob noun
: cubes of meat cooked with vegetables usu. on a skewer

kedge noun
: a small anchor

1keel noun
1 : the chief structural member of a ship running lengthwise along the center of its bottom
2 : something (as a bird's breastbone) like a ship's keel in form or use

— keeled adjective

2keel verb
: FAINT, SWOON — usu. used with over

keel·boat noun
: a shallow covered keeled riverboat for freight that is usu. rowed, poled, or towed

keel·haul verb
1 : to haul under the keel of a ship as punishment
2 : to rebuke severely

Synonyms
berate, castigate, chew out, dress down, flay, jaw, lambaste, lecture, rail, rate, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold, score, upbraid—more at SCOLD

1keen adjective
1 : having a fine edge or point : SHARP <a ~ knife>
2 : affecting one as if by cutting <a ~ wind>
3 : showing a quick and ardent responsiveness : ENTHUSIASTIC <~ about swimming>
4 : mentally alert <a ~ mind>
5 : extremely sensitive in perception : STRONG, ACUTE <~ eyesight>
6 : unusually good : WONDERFUL, EXCELLENT

— keen·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] cutting, edgy, ground, sharp—more at SHARP
[2] biting, bitter, cutting, penetrating, piercing, raw, sharp—more at CUTTING
[3] agog, anxious, ardent, athirst, avid, crazy, eager, enthusiastic, gung ho, hot, hungry, nuts, raring, solicitous, thirsty, voracious—more at EAGER
[4] alert, brainy, bright, brilliant, clever, intelligent, nimble, quick, quick-witted, sharp, smart—more at INTELLIGENT
[5] acute, delicate, perceptive, sensitive, sharp, strong—more at ACUTE

2keen noun
: a lamentation for the dead uttered in a loud wailing voice or in a wordless cry

Synonyms
groan, howl, lament, moan, plaint, wail—more at LAMENT

3keen verb
1 : to lament with a keen
2 : to make a sound suggestive of a keen

Synonyms
bay, howl, wail, yowl—more at HOWL

keen·ness noun
: the quality or state of being keen

Synonyms
appetite, ardor, avidity, eagerness, enthusiasm, excitement, hunger, impatience, thirst—more at EAGERNESS

1keep verb kept ; keep·ing
1 : to be faithful to esp. by appropriate conduct : FULFILL, OBSERVE <~ a promise> <~ a holiday>
2 : GUARD <~ us from harm>; also : to take care of <~ a neighbor's children>
3 : MAINTAIN <~ silence>
4 : to have in one's service or at one's disposal <~ a horse>
5 : to preserve a record in <~ a diary>
6 : to have in stock for sale
7 : to retain in one's possession <~ what you find>
8 : to carry on (as a business) : CONDUCT
9 : HOLD, DETAIN <~ him in jail>
10 : to refrain from revealing <~ a secret>
11 : to continue in good condition <meat will ~ in a freezer>
12 : to resist an impulse or desire : ABSTAIN, REFRAIN

Synonyms
[1] answer, comply, fill, fulfill, meet, redeem, satisfy—more at FULFILL
[1] celebrate, commemorate, observe; also bless, consecrate, sanctify, solemnize; honor, laud, praise; obey, respect, revere, reverence, venerate; remember
Antonyms
break, transgress, violate
[7] hang on, hold, reserve, retain, withhold; also conserve, preserve, save; enjoy, have, own, possess; conduct, control, detain, direct; bear, harbor
Antonyms
hand over, relinquish, surrender
usually keep from [12] abstain, forbear, forgo, refrain—more at FORBEAR

2keep noun
1 : FORTRESS
2 : the means or provisions by which one is kept

— for keeps

1 : with the provision that one keep what one has won <play marbles for keeps>
2 : PERMANENTLY

keep–away noun
: a game in which players try to keep an object from one or more other players

keep·er noun
: one that keeps; especially : one who cares for another or another's property

Synonyms
custodian, guard, guardian, lookout, picket, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watchman—more at GUARD
caretaker, custodian, guardian, janitor, warden, watchman—more at CUSTODIAN

keep·ing noun
1 : CONFORMITY <in ~ with good taste>
2 : the act of one that keeps : the care, possession, or observance of something

Synonyms
care, custody, guardianship, safekeeping, trust, ward—more at CUSTODY
control, hands, possession—more at POSSESSION

keeping room noun
: a common room used for multiple purposes

keep·sake noun
: something kept or given to be kept as a memento

Synonyms
memento, memorial, monument, remembrance, souvenir, token—more at MEMORIAL

keep up verb
1 : to persist or persevere in
2 : to keep in an existing state : MAINTAIN
3 : to keep informed
4 : to continue without interruption

Synonyms
[1, 4] abide, continue, endure, hold, last, persist, run on—more at CONTINUE
[2] conserve, maintain, preserve, save—more at MAINTAIN

keg noun
: a small cask or barrel

Synonyms
barrel, cask, hogshead, pipe, puncheon—more at CASK

keg·ger noun
: a party featuring one or more kegs of beer

keg·ler noun
: 1BOWLER

kelp noun
: any of various coarse brown seaweeds; also : a mass of these or their ashes often used as fertilizer

kel·vin noun
: a unit of temperature equal to 1/273.16 of the Kelvin scale temperature of the triple point of water and equal to the Celsius degree

Kelvin adjective
: relating to, conforming to, or being a temperature scale according to which absolute zero is 0 K, the equivalent of −273.15°C

ken noun
1 : range of vision : SIGHT
2 : range of understanding

ken·nel noun
: a shelter for a dog or cat; also : an establishment for the breeding or boarding of dogs or cats

— kennel verb

ke·no noun
: a game resembling bingo

ke·no·sis noun
: the relinquishment of divine attributes by Jesus Christ in becoming human

— ke·not·ic adjective

ken·te cloth noun
: colorfully patterned cloth traditionally woven by hand in Ghana

Ken·tucky bluegrass noun
: a valuable pasture and meadow grass of both Europe and America

Ken·yan noun
: a native or inhabitant of Kenya

— Kenyan adjective

Ke·ogh plan noun
[ORIGIN: Eugene James Keogh †1989 Am. politician]

: an individual retirement account for the self-employed

ke·pi noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a military cap with a round flat top and a visor

ker·a·tin noun
: any of various sulfur-containing proteins that make up hair and horny tissues

kerb noun, British
: CURB 3

ker·chief noun, plural kerchiefs also kerchieves
[ORIGIN: ME courchef, fr. AF coverchef, cuerchief, fr. coverir to cover + chef head]

1 : a square of cloth worn by women esp. as a head covering
2 : HANDKERCHIEF

Synonyms
babushka, bandanna—more at BANDANNA

kerf noun
: a slit or notch made by a saw or cutting torch

ker·nel noun
1 : the inner softer part of a seed, fruit stone, or nut
2 : a whole seed of a cereal <a ~ of corn>
3 : a central or essential part : CORE

ker·o·sene or ker·o·sine noun
: a flammable oil produced from petroleum and used for a fuel and as a solvent

kes·trel noun
: any of various small falcons that usu. hover in the air while searching for prey

ketch noun
: a large fore-and-aft rigged boat with two masts

ketch·up, catch·up noun
: a seasoned tomato puree

ket·tle noun
: a metallic vessel for boiling liquids

ket·tle·drum noun
: a brass, copper, or fiberglass drum with calfskin or plastic stretched across the top

1key noun
1 : a usu. metal instrument by which the bolt of a lock is turned; also : a device having the form or function of a key
2 : a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control
3 : EXPLANATION, SOLUTION
4 : one of the levers pressed by a finger in operating or playing an instrument
5 : a leading individual or principle
6 : a system of seven tones based on their relationship to a tonic; also : the tone or pitch of a voice
7 : a small switch for opening or closing an electric circuit <a telegraph ~>

2key verb
1 : SECURE, FASTEN
2 : to regulate the musical pitch of
3 : to bring into harmony or conformity
4 : to make nervous — usu. used with up

Synonyms
accommodate, conciliate, conform, coordinate, harmonize, reconcile—more at HARMONIZE

3key adjective
: marked by or indicative of significant worth or consequence <~ issues>

Synonyms
arch, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, foremost, grand, main, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primary, principal, sovereign, supreme—more at FOREMOST
critical, crucial, pivotal, vital—more at CRUCIAL

4key noun
: a low island or reef (as off the southern coast of Florida)

5key noun, slang
: a kilogram esp. of marijuana or heroin

key·board noun
1 : a row of keys (as on a piano)
2 : an assemblage of keys for operating a machine

key club noun
: a private club serving liquor and providing entertainment

key·hole noun
: a hole for receiving a key

1keynote noun
1 : the first and harmonically fundamental tone of a scale
2 : the central fact, idea, or mood

2keynote verb
1 : to set the keynote of
2 : to deliver the major address (as at a convention)

— key·not·er noun

key·punch noun
: a machine with a keyboard used to cut holes or notches in punch cards

— keypunch verb

— key·punch·er noun

key·stone noun
1 : the wedge-shaped piece at the crown of an arch that locks the other pieces in place
2 : something on which associated things depend for support

Synonyms
base, basis, bedrock, footing, foundation, ground, groundwork, underpinning—more at BASE

key·stroke noun
: an act or instance of depressing a key on a keyboard

key word noun
: a word that is a key; especially usually key·word : a significant word from a title or document used esp. as an indication of the content

kg abbreviation
kilogram

KGB abbreviation
[ORIGIN: Russ Komitet gosudarstvennoĭ bezopasnosti]

(Soviet) State Security Committee

kha·ki noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi & Urdu khākī dust-colored, fr. khāk dust, fr. Pers]

1 : a light yellowish brown color
2 : a khaki-colored cloth; also : a military uniform of this cloth

khan noun
: a Mongol leader; especially : a successor of Genghis Khan

khe·dive noun
: a ruler of Egypt from 1867 to 1914 governing as a viceroy of the sultan of Turkey

kHz abbreviation
kilohertz

KIA abbreviation
killed in action

kib·ble verb kib·bled; kib·bling
: to grind coarsely

— kibble noun

kib·butz noun, plural kib·but·zim
[ORIGIN: ModHeb qibbūṣ]

: a communal farm or settlement in Israel

ki·bitz·er noun
: one who looks on and usu. offers unwanted advice esp. at a card game

— kib·itz verb

Synonyms
busybody, interloper, intruder, meddler—more at BUSYBODY

ki·bosh noun
: something that serves as a check or stop <put the ~ on his plan>

1kick verb
1 : to strike out or hit with the foot; also : to score by kicking a ball
2 : to object strongly
3 : to recoil when fired

— kick·er noun

Synonyms
beef, bellyache, complain, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, moan, object, squawk, wail, whine—more at COMPLAIN

2kick noun
1 : a blow or thrust with the foot; especially : a propelling of a ball with the foot
2 : the recoil of a gun
3 : a feeling or expression of objection
4 : stimulating effect esp. of pleasure

Synonyms
[3] challenge, complaint, demur, expostulation, fuss, objection, protest, question, remonstrance—more at OBJECTION
[4] bang, exhilaration, thrill, titillation—more at THRILL

kick·back noun
1 : a sharp violent reaction
2 : a secret return of a part of a sum received

kick back verb
: to assume a relaxed position or attitude

kick·box·ing noun
: boxing in which boxers are permitted to kick with bare feet

— kick·box·er noun

kick in verb
1 : to give or supply in common with others : CONTRIBUTE
2 slang : DIE
3 : to begin operating or having an effect

Synonyms
chip in, contribute, pitch in—more at CONTRIBUTE

kick·off noun
1 : a kick that puts the ball in play (as in football)
2 : COMMENCEMENT

kick off verb
1 : to start or resume play with a placekick
2 : to begin proceedings
3 slang : DIE

kick over verb
: to begin or cause to begin to fire — used of an internal combustion engine

kick·shaw noun
[ORIGIN: modif. of F quelque chose something]

1 : DELICACY
2 : TRINKET

kick·stand noun
: a swiveling metal bar attached to a 2-wheeled vehicle for holding it up when not in use

kick–start verb
: JUMP-START

kicky adjective
: providing a kick or thrill : EXCITING

1kid noun
1 : a young goat
2 : the flesh, fur, or skin of a young goat; also : something made of kid
3 : a young person : CHILD, YOUNGSTER

Synonyms
child, cub, juvenile, youngster, youth—more at CHILD

2kid verb kid·ded; kid·ding
1 : to deceive as a joke : FOOL
2 : to make fun of : TEASE

— kid·der noun

— kid·ding·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] banter, fool, fun, jest, jive, joke, josh, quip, wisecrack—more at JOKE
[2] chaff, jive, josh, rally, razz, rib, ride, roast, tease—more at TEASE

kid·dish adjective
: marked by or suggestive of immaturity and lack of poise

Synonyms
adolescent, babyish, childish, immature, infantile, juvenile—more at CHILDISH

kid·do noun, plural kiddos
— used as a familiar form of address <you're okay, ~>
2 : CHILD, KID

kid·nap verb kid·napped also kid·naped ; kid·nap·ping also kid·nap·ing
: to hold or carry a person away by unlawful force or by fraud and against one's will

— kid·nap·per also kid·nap·er noun

kid·ney noun, plural kidneys
: either of a pair of organs lying near the backbone that excrete waste products of the body in the form of urine

kidney bean noun
1 : an edible seed of the common cultivated bean; especially : one that is large and dark red
2 : a plant bearing kidney beans

kid·skin noun
: the skin of a young goat used for leather

kiel·ba·sa noun, plural -basas also -ba·sy
[ORIGIN: Pol kiełbasa]

: a smoked sausage of Polish origin

1kill verb
1 : to deprive of life
2 : to put an end to <~ competition>; also : DEFEAT <~ a proposed amendment>
3 : USE UP <~ time>
4 : to mark for omission

— kill·er noun

Synonyms
destroy, dispatch, do in, fell, slay; also annihilate, blot out, butcher, decimate, massacre, slaughter, wipe out; cut down, finish, nip, snuff; assassinate, execute, murder, smite
Antonyms
animate

2kill noun
1 : an act of killing
2 : an animal or animals killed (as in a hunt); also : an aircraft, ship, or vehicle destroyed by military action

kill·deer noun, plural killdeers or killdeer
[ORIGIN: imit.]

: an American plover with a plaintive penetrating cry

killer app noun
: a component (as a computer application) that in itself makes something worth having or using

killer bee noun
: AFRICANIZED BEE

killer whale noun
: a small gregarious black and white flesh-eating whale with a white oval patch behind each eye

kill·ing noun
: a sudden notable gain or profit

killing field noun
: a scene of mass killing

kill·joy noun
: one who spoils the pleasures of others

kiln noun
[ORIGIN: ME kilne, fr. OE cyln, fr. L culina kitchen]

: a heated enclosure (as an oven) for processing a substance by burning, firing, or drying

— kiln verb

ki·lo noun, plural kilos
: KILOGRAM

ki·lo·byte noun
: 1024 bytes

kilo·cy·cle noun
: KILOHERTZ

ki·lo·gram noun
1 : the basic metric unit of mass that is nearly equal to the mass of 1000 cubic centimeters of water at its maximum density
2 : the weight of a kilogram mass under earth's gravity

ki·lo·hertz noun
: 1000 hertz

kilo·li·ter noun
: a metric unit of capacity equal to 1000 liters

ki·lo·me·ter noun
: a metric unit of length equal to 1000 meters

ki·lo·ton noun
1 : 1000 tons
2 : an explosive force equivalent to that of 1000 tons of TNT

ki·lo·volt noun
: 1000 volts

kilo·watt noun
: 1000 watts

kilowatt–hour noun
: a unit of energy equal to that expended by one kilowatt in one hour

kilt noun
: a knee-length pleated skirt usu. of tartan worn by men in Scotland

kil·ter noun
: proper condition <out of ~>

Synonyms
condition, fettle, form, order, repair, shape, trim

ki·mo·no noun, plural -nos
1 : a loose robe with wide sleeves traditionally worn with a wide sash as an outer garment by the Japanese
2 : a loose dressing gown or jacket

kin noun
1 : an individual's relatives
2 : a person connected with another by blood or marriage : KINSMAN

Synonyms
[1] blood, clan, family, folk, house, kindred, kinfolk, line, lineage, people, race, stock, tribe—more at FAMILY
[2] kinsman, relation, relative—more at RELATIVE

ki·na·ra noun
: a candelabra with seven candlesticks used during Kwanzaa

1kind noun
1 : essential quality or character
2 : a group united by common traits or interests; also : VARIETY
3 : goods or commodities as distinguished from money

Synonyms
breed, class, description, feather, ilk, like, manner, nature, order, sort, species, type, variety—more at SORT
bracket, category, class, division, family, grade, group, set—more at CLASS

2kind adjective
1 : of a sympathetic, forbearing, or pleasant nature
2 : arising from sympathy or forbearance <~ deeds>

Synonyms
[1] beneficent, benevolent, compassionate, good-hearted, humane, kindly, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warmhearted—more at HUMANE
[2] attentive, considerate, solicitous, thoughtful—more at THOUGHTFUL

kin·der·gar·ten noun
[ORIGIN: G, lit., children's garden]

: a school or class for children usu. from four to six years old

kin·der·gart·ner noun
1 : a kindergarten pupil
2 : a kindergarten teacher

kind·heart·ed adjective
: marked by a sympathetic nature

kin·dle verb kin·dled; kin·dling
1 : to set on fire : start burning
2 : to stir up : AROUSE
3 : ILLUMINATE, GLOW

Synonyms
burn, fire, ignite, inflame, light—more at BURN

kind·li·ness noun
1 : the quality or state of being kindly
2 : a kindly deed

Synonyms
amity, benevolence, cordiality, fellowship, friendliness, friendship, goodwill—more at GOODWILL
charity, commiseration, compassion, feeling, heart, humanity, kindness, mercy, pity, sympathy—more at HEART

kin·dling noun
: easily combustible material for starting a fire

1kindly adjective kind·li·er; -est
1 : of an agreeable or beneficial nature
2 : of a sympathetic or generous nature

Synonyms
beneficent, benevolent, compassionate, good-hearted, humane, kind, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warmhearted—more at HUMANE

2kindly adverb
1 : READILY <does not take ~ to criticism>
2 : SYMPATHETICALLY
3 : in a gracious manner : COURTEOUSLY

Synonyms
courteously, nicely, thoughtfully, well—more at WELL

kind·ness noun
1 : a kind deed
2 : the quality or state of being kind

Synonyms
[1] boon, courtesy, favor, grace, indulgence, mercy, service, turn—more at FAVOR
[2] charity, commiseration, compassion, feeling, heart, humanity, kindliness, mercy, pity, sympathy—more at HEART

kind of adverb
: to a moderate degree <it's kind of late to begin>

Synonyms
enough, fairly, moderately, pretty, quite, rather, so-so, somewhat, sort of—more at FAIRLY

1kindred noun
1 : a group of related individuals
2 : one's relatives

Synonyms
blood, clan, family, folk, house, kin, kinfolk, line, lineage, people, race, stock, tribe—more at FAMILY

2kindred adjective
: of a like nature or character

Synonyms
akin, related—more at RELATED

kine archaic plural of COW

kin·e·ma British variant of CINEMA

ki·ne·mat·ics noun
: a science that deals with motion apart from considerations of mass and force

— ki·ne·mat·ic or ki·ne·mat·i·cal adjective

kin·es·the·sia or kin·es·the·sis noun, plural -the·sias or -the·ses
: a sense that perceives bodily movement, position, and weight and is mediated by nervous receptors in tendons, muscles, and joints; also : sensory experience derived from this sense

— kin·es·thet·ic adjective

ki·net·ic adjective
: of or relating to the motion of material bodies and the forces and energy (kinetic energy) associated with them

ki·net·ics noun singular or plural
: a science that deals with the effects of forces upon the motions of material bodies or with changes in a physical or chemical system

kin·folk or kinfolks noun plural
: persons connected with each other by blood or affinity : RELATIVES

Synonyms
blood, clan, family, folk, house, kin, kindred, line, lineage, people, race, stock, tribe—more at FAMILY

king noun
1 : a male sovereign
2 : a chief among competitors <home-run ~>
3 : the principal piece in the game of chess
4 : a playing card bearing the figure of a king
5 : a checker that has been crowned

— king·less adjective

— king·ship noun

Synonyms
baron, czar, magnate, mogul, prince, tycoon—more at MAGNATE

king crab noun
1 : HORSESHOE CRAB
2 : a large crab of the No. Pacific caught commercially for food

king·dom noun
1 : a country whose head is a king or queen
2 : a realm or region in which something or someone is dominant <a cattle ~>
3 : one of the three primary divisions of lifeless material, plants, and animals into which natural objects are grouped; also : a biological category that ranks above the phylum

king·fish·er noun
: any of numerous usu. bright-colored crested birds that feed chiefly on fish

king·ly adjective
1 : of, relating to, or befitting a king
2 : of, relating to, suggestive of, or characteristic of a monarch or monarchy

Synonyms
monarchical, princely, queenly, regal, royal—more at MONARCHICAL

king·pin noun
1 : HEADPIN
2 : the leader in a group or undertaking

Synonyms
boss, captain, chief, foreman, head, headman, helmsman, leader, master, taskmaster—more at BOSS

Kings noun
: either of two books of Jewish and Christian Scripture

king–size or king–sized adjective
1 : longer than the regular or standard size
2 : unusually large
3 : having dimensions of about 76 by 80 inches (1.9 by 2.0 meters) <a ~ bed>; also : of a size that fits a king-size bed

kink noun
1 : a short tight twist or curl
2 : a mental peculiarity : QUIRK
3 : CRAMP <a ~ in the back>
4 : an imperfection likely to cause difficulties in operation

kinky adjective
: strikingly out of the ordinary

Synonyms
bizarre, curious, far-out, funny, odd, outlandish, outré, peculiar, quaint, queer, quirky, remarkable, screwy, strange, wacky, weird, wild—more at ODD

kin·ship noun
: the quality or state of being kin : RELATIONSHIP

Synonyms
association, bearing, connection, liaison, linkage, relation, relationship—more at CONNECTION

kins·man noun
: a person connected with another by blood or marriage : RELATIVE; especially : a male relative

Synonyms
kin, relation, relative—more at RELATIVE

kins·wom·an noun
: a female relative

ki·osk noun
1 : a small structure with one or more open sides
2 : a stand-alone device providing information and services on a computer screen

Ki·o·wa noun, plural Kiowa or Kiowas
: a member of an American Indian people of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

kip·per noun
: a fish (as a herring) preserved by salting and drying or smoking

— kipper verb

kirk noun, chiefly Scottish
: CHURCH

kir·tle noun
: a long gown or dress worn by women

kis·met noun, often cap
[ORIGIN: Turk, fr. Ar qisma portion, lot]

: FATE

1kiss verb
1 : to touch or caress with the lips as a mark of affection or greeting
2 : to touch gently or lightly

Synonyms
brush, graze, nick, shave, skim—more at BRUSH

2kiss noun
1 : a caress with the lips
2 : a gentle touch or contact
3 : a bite-size candy

kiss·er noun
1 : one that kisses
2 slang : MOUTH
3 slang : FACE

kit noun
1 : a set of articles for personal use; also : a set of tools or implements or of parts to be assembled
2 : a container (as a case) for a kit

kitch·en noun
1 : a room with cooking facilities
2 : the staff that prepares, cooks, and serves food

kitch·en·ette noun
: a small kitchen or an alcove containing cooking facilities

kitchen police noun
1 : KP
2 : the work of KPs

kitch·en·ware noun
: utensils and appliances for kitchen use

kite noun
1 : any of various long-winged hawks often with deeply forked tails
2 : a light frame covered with paper or cloth and designed to be flown in the air at the end of a long string

kith noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE cȳthth, fr. cūth known]

: familiar friends, neighbors, or relatives <~ and kin>

kitsch noun
[ORIGIN: G]

: something often of poor quality that appeals to popular or lowbrow taste

— kitschy adjective

kit·ten noun
: a young cat

kit·ten·ish adjective
: resembling or suggestive of a kitten; especially : coyly playful

Synonyms
coquettish, coy, demure—more at COY

1kitty noun, plural kitties
: a carnivorous mammal long domesticated as a pet and for catching rats and mice : CAT; especially : KITTEN

Synonyms
cat, feline, puss—more at CAT

2kitty noun, plural kitties
: a fund in a poker game made up of contributions from each pot; also : POOL

Synonyms
account, budget, deposit, fund, nest egg, pool—more at FUND

kit·ty–cor·ner also cat·ty–cor·ner or cat·er·cor·ner or kit·ty–cor·nered or cat·ty–cor·nered or cat·er·cornered adverb or adjective
: in a diagonal or oblique position

ki·wi noun
1 : any of a small genus of flightless New Zealand birds
2 : KIWIFRUIT

ki·wi·fruit noun
: a brownish hairy egg-shaped fruit of a subtropical vine that has sweet bright green flesh and small edible black seeds

KJV abbreviation
King James Version

KKK abbreviation
Ku Klux Klan

kl abbreviation
kiloliter

klatch or klatsch noun
[ORIGIN: G Klatsch gossip]

: a gathering marked by informal conversation

klep·toc·ra·cy noun, plural -cies
: government by those who seek chiefly status and personal gain at the expense of the governed

klep·to·ma·nia noun
: a persistent neurotic impulse to steal esp. without economic motive

— klep·to·ma·ni·ac noun

klieg light or kleig light noun
: a very bright lamp used in making motion pictures

klutz noun
[ORIGIN: Yiddish klots, lit., wooden beam]

: a clumsy person

— klutzy adjective

km abbreviation
kilometer

kn abbreviation
knot

knack noun
1 : a clever way of doing something
2 : natural aptitude

Synonyms
aptitude, endowment, faculty, flair, genius, gift, talent—more at TALENT

knap·sack noun
: a bag (as of canvas) strapped on the back and used esp. for carrying supplies

knave noun
1 : a tricky deceitful fellow : ROGUE
2 : JACK 6

Synonyms
beast, devil, evildoer, fiend, heavy, no-good, rapscallion, rascal, reprobate, rogue, scalawag, scamp, varlet, villain, wretch—more at VILLAIN

knav·ery noun
: the character or actions of a rascal; also : a roguish or mischievous act

Synonyms
devilishness, impishness, mischief, mischievousness, rascality, shenanigans, waggery, wickedness—more at MISCHIEF

knav·ish adjective
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a knave

Synonyms
devilish, impish, mischievous, rascally, roguish, sly, waggish, wicked—more at MISCHIEVOUS

knead verb
: to work and press into a mass with the hands; also : MASSAGE

— knead·er noun

knee noun
: the joint in the middle part of the leg

— kneed adjective

knee·cap noun
: a thick flat triangular movable bone forming the front of the knee

knee·hole noun
: a space (as under a desk) for the knees

knee–jerk adjective
: readily predictable <a ~ reaction>

kneel verb knelt or kneeled; kneel·ing
: to bend the knee : fall or rest on the knees

1knell verb
1 : to ring esp. for a death or disaster
2 : to summon, announce, or proclaim by a knell

Synonyms
chime, peal, ring, toll—more at RING

2knell noun
1 : a stroke of a bell esp. when tolled (as for a funeral)
2 : an indication of the end or failure of something

knew past of KNOW

knick·ers noun plural
: loose-fitting short pants gathered at the knee

knick·knack noun
: a small trivial article intended for ornament

Synonyms
bauble, curiosity, gewgaw, novelty, ornamental, trinket; also bric-a-brac, trumpery; trifle; figurine, objet d'art, ornament; souvenir

1knife noun, plural knives
1 : a cutting instrument consisting of a sharp blade fastened to a handle
2 : a sharp cutting tool in a machine

2knife verb knifed; knif·ing
: to stab, slash, or wound with a knife

1knight noun
1 : a mounted warrior of feudal times serving a king
2 : a man honored by a sovereign for merit and in Great Britain ranking below a baronet
3 : a man devoted to the service of a lady
4 : a member of an order or society
5 : a chess piece having an L-shaped move

— knight·ly adjective

2knight verb
: to make a knight of

knight·hood noun
1 : the rank, dignity, or profession of a knight
2 : CHIVALRY
3 : knights as a class or body

knish noun
[ORIGIN: Yiddish]

: a small round or square of dough stuffed with a filling (as of meat or fruit) and baked or fried

1knit verb knit or knit·ted; knit·ting
1 : to link firmly or closely
2 : WRINKLE <~ her brows>
3 : to form a fabric by interlacing yarn or thread in connected loops with needles
4 : to grow together

— knit·ter noun

2knit noun
1 : a basic knitting stitch
2 : a knitted garment or fabric

knit·wear noun
: knitted clothing

knob noun
1 : a rounded protuberance; also : a small rounded ornament or handle
2 : a rounded usu. isolated hill

— knobbed adjective

— knob·by adjective

1knock verb
1 : to strike with a sharp blow
2 : to collide with something : BUMP
3 : to make a pounding noise; especially : to have engine knock
4 : to find fault with
5 : to move about without a fixed course, aim, or goal

Synonyms
[2] bang, bash, bump, collide, crash, hit, impact, ram, slam, smash, strike, swipe, thud—more at HIT
[4] blame, censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, fault, pan, reprehend—more at CRITICIZE
[5] gad, gallivant, maunder, meander, mope, ramble, range, roam, rove, traipse, wander—more at WANDER

2knock noun
1 : a sharp blow
2 : a pounding noise; especially : one caused by abnormal ignition in an automobile engine
3 : a severe misfortune or hardship

Synonyms
adversity, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap—more at MISFORTUNE

knock·down noun
1 : the action of knocking down
2 : something (as a blow) that knocks down
3 : something that can be easily assembled or disassembled

knock down verb
1 : to strike to the ground with or as if with as sharp blow
2 : to take apart : DISASSEMBLE
3 : to receive as income or salary : EARN
4 : to make a reduction in

Synonyms
[1] bowl, down, drop, fell, floor, level
[2] disassemble, dismantle, strike, take down—more at DISASSEMBLE

knock·er noun
: one that knocks; especially : a device hinged to a door for use in knocking

knock–knee noun
: a condition in which the legs curve inward at the knees

— knock–kneed adjective

knock·off noun
: a copy or imitation of someone or something popular

knock off verb
1 : to stop doing something
2 : to do quickly, carelessly, or routinely
3 : to deduct from a price
4 : KILL
5 : ROB
6 : COPY, IMITATE

Synonyms
break, break off, cease, cut, desist, discontinue, drop, end, halt, layoff, leave off, quit, shut off, stop—more at STOP

knock·out noun
1 : a blow that fells and immobilizes an opponent (as in boxing)
2 : something sensationally striking or attractive
3 : the act of knocking out; also : the condition of being knocked out

Synonyms
[2] beauty, dream—more at BEAUTY
[2] beauty, crackerjack, dandy, jim-dandy, pip—more at JIM-DANDY
[3] blackout, faint, swoon—more at FAINT

knock out verb
1 : to defeat by a knockout
2 : to make unconscious or inoperative
3 : to tire out : EXHAUST

knock·wurst also knack·wurst noun
: a short thick heavily seasoned sausage

knoll noun
: a small round hill

1knot noun
1 : an interlacing (as of string) forming a lump or knob and often used for fastening or tying together
2 : something hard to solve : PROBLEM
3 : a bond of union; especially : the marriage bond
4 : a protuberant lump or swelling in tissue
5 : a rounded cross-grained area in lumber that is a section through the junction of a tree branch with the trunk; also : the woody tissue forming this junction in a tree
6 : a cluster of persons or things : GROUP
7 : an ornamental bow of ribbon
8 : one nautical mile per hour; also : one nautical mile

Synonyms
[2] case, matter, problem, trouble—more at PROBLEM
[3] bond, cement, ligature, link, tie—more at BOND
[4] bump, lump, nodule, swelling—more at BUMP

2knot verb knot·ted; knot·ting
1 : to tie in or with a knot
2 : to unite closely or intricately : ENTANGLE

Synonyms
entangle, interlace, intertwine, interweave, snarl, tangle—more at ENTANGLE

knot·hole noun
: a hole in a board or tree trunk where a knot has come out

knot·ty adjective
: marked by or full of knots; especially : so full of difficulties and complications as to be likely to defy solution

Synonyms
complex, complicated, convoluted, elaborate, intricate, involved, sophisticated—more at COMPLEX
catchy, delicate, difficult, problematic, spiny, thorny, ticklish, touchy, tough, tricky—more at TRICKY

knout noun
: a whip used for flogging

know verb knew ; known ; know·ing
1 : to perceive directly : have understanding or direct cognition of; also : to recognize the nature of
2 : to be acquainted or familiar with
3 : to be aware of the truth of
4 : to have a practical understanding of

— know·able adjective

— know·er noun

— in the know

: possessing confidential information

Synonyms
[1] endure, experience, feel, have, see, suffer, sustain, taste, undergo—more at EXPERIENCE
[4] comprehend, grasp, understand; also appreciate, apprehend, fathom, perceive; have, possess

know–how noun
: knowledge of how to do something smoothly and efficiently

Synonyms
experience, expertise, proficiency, savvy—more at EXPERIENCE

knowing adjective
1 : having or reflecting knowledge, intelligence, or information
2 : shrewdly and keenly alert
3 : DELIBERATE, INTENTIONAL

Synonyms
astute, canny, hardheaded, sharp, shrewd, smart—more at SHREWD

know·ing·ly adverb
: in a knowing manner; especially : with awareness, deliberateness, or intention

Synonyms
consciously, deliberately, intentionally, purposely, willfully—more at INTENTIONALLY

knowl·edge noun
1 : understanding gained by actual experience <a ~ of carpentry>
2 : range of information <to the best of my ~>
3 : clear perception of truth
4 : something learned and kept in the mind
5 : acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique

Synonyms
[4] evidence, intelligence, lore, lowdown, science, wisdom
[5] education, erudition, learning, scholarship, science—more at EDUCATION

knowl·edge·able adjective
: having or showing knowledge or intelligence

Synonyms
abreast, conversant, familiar, informed, up, up-to-date, versed—more at FAMILIAR
educated, erudite, learned, literate, scholarly, well-read—more at EDUCATED

knuck·le noun
: the rounded knob at a joint and esp. at a finger joint

knuckle down verb
: to apply oneself earnestly

knuckle under verb
: to yield under insistence or entreaty : SUBMIT, SURRENDER

Synonyms
bow, budge, capitulate, concede, give in, quit, submit, succumb, surrender, yield—more at YIELD

knurl noun
1 : KNOB
2 : one of a series of small ridges on a metal surface to aid in gripping

— knurled adjective

— knurly adjective

1KO noun
: KNOCKOUT

2KO verb KO'd; KO'·ing
: to knock out in boxing

ko·ala noun
: a gray furry Australian marsupial that has large hairy ears and feeds on eucalyptus leaves

K of C abbreviation
Knights of Columbus

kohl·ra·bi noun, plural -bies
[ORIGIN: G, fr. It cavolo rapa, lit., cabbage turnip]

: a cabbage that forms no head but has a swollen fleshy edible stem

koi noun, plural koi
[ORIGIN: Jp]

: a carp bred for large size and a variety of colors and often stocked in ornamental ponds

ko·lin·sky noun, plural -skies
: the fur of various Asian minks

Ko·mo·do dragon noun
[ORIGIN: Komodo Island, Indonesia]

: a carnivorous lizard of Indonesia that is the largest of all known lizards

kook noun
: one whose ideas or actions are eccentric, fantastic, or insane : SCREWBALL

Synonyms
character, crackpot, crank, eccentric, nut, oddball, screwball, weirdo—more at ECCENTRIC

kooky also kook·ie adjective kook·i·er; -est
: having the characteristics of a kook : CRAZY

— kook·i·ness noun

Synonyms
absurd, asinine, crazy, cuckoo, foolish, harebrained, insane, mad, nonsensical, nutty, sappy, screwball, senseless, silly, stupid—more at FOOLISH

Koo·te·nai or Ku·te·nai noun, plural -nai or -nais
: a member of an American Indian people of the Rocky Mountains in both the U.S. and Canada; also : their language

ko·ra noun
: a 21-stringed African musical instrument

Ko·ran noun
[ORIGIN: Ar qur'ān]

: a sacred book of Islam that contains revelations made to Muhammad by Allah

Ko·re·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Korea

— Korean adjective

ko·sher adjective
[ORIGIN: Yiddish, fr. Heb kāshēr fit, proper]

1 : ritually fit for use according to Jewish law
2 : selling or serving kosher food

kow·tow verb
[ORIGIN: Chin kòutóu, fr. kòu to knock + tóu head]

1 : to show obsequious deference
2 : to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of homage or deep respect

Synonyms
fawn, fuss, toady—more at FAWN

KP noun
1 : an enlisted man detailed to help the cooks in a military mess
2 : the work of KPs

kph abbreviation
kilometers per hour

Kr symbol
krypton

kraal noun
1 : a native village in southern Africa
2 : an enclosure for domestic animals in southern Africa

kraut noun
: SAUERKRAUT

Krem·lin noun
: the Russian government

Krem·lin·ol·o·gist noun
: a specialist in the policies and practices of the former Soviet government

Kru·ger·rand noun
: a 1-ounce gold coin of the Republic of South Africa

kryp·ton noun
: a gaseous chemical element used esp. in electric lamps

KS abbreviation
Kansas

kt abbreviation
1 karat
2 knight

ku·do noun, plural kudos
[ORIGIN: fr. kudos (taken as pl.)]

1 : AWARD, HONOR
2 : COMPLIMENT, PRAISE

ku·dos noun
: fame and renown resulting from achievement

kud·zu noun
[ORIGIN: Jp kuzu]

: a fast-growing weedy leguminous vine used for forage and erosion control

ku·lak noun
[ORIGIN: Russ, lit., fist]

1 : a wealthy peasant farmer in 19th century Russia
2 : a farmer characterized by Communists as too wealthy

kum·quat noun
: any of several small citrus fruits with sweet spongy rind and acid pulp

kung fu noun
: a Chinese art of self-defense resembling karate

kung pao adjective
: being stir-fried or deep-fried and served in a spicy hot sauce usu. with peanuts

kur·ta noun
: a long loose-fitting collarless shirt

ku·rus noun, plural kurus
: a Turkish piaster equal to 1/100 lira

Ku·waiti noun
: a native or inhabitant of Kuwait

— Kuwaiti adjective

kV abbreviation
kilovolt

kvell verb
: to be extraordinarily proud

kvetch verb
: to complain habitually

— kvetch noun

kW abbreviation
kilowatt

Kwan·zaa, Kwan·za noun
[ORIGIN: Swahili kwanza first]

: an African-American cultural festival held from December 26 to January 1

kwash·i·or·kor noun
: a disease of young children caused by deficient intake of protein

kWh abbreviation
kilowatt-hour

Ky or KY abbreviation
Kentucky

ky·bosh chiefly British variant of KIBOSH

L

1l noun, plural l's or ls often cap
: the 12th letter of the English alphabet

2l abbreviation, often cap
1 lake
2 large
3 left
4 [ORIGIN L libra] pound
5 line
6 liter

1La abbreviation
Louisiana

2La symbol
lanthanum

LA abbreviation
1 law agent
2 Los Angeles
3 Louisiana

lab noun
: LABORATORY

Lab noun
: LABRADOR RETRIEVER

1label noun
1 : a slip attached to something for identification or description
2 : a descriptive or identifying word or phrase
3 : BRAND 3

Synonyms
marker, tag, ticket; also caption, legend; brand, emblem, logo, mark, symbol; badge, decal, plaque, seal, stamp, sticker

2label verb -beled or -belled; -bel·ing or -bel·ling
1 : to affix a label to
2 : to describe or name with a label

Synonyms
[1] mark, tag, ticket; also caption, earmark, stamp; call, designate, identify, name, tab; brand, stigmatize
[2] baptize, call, christen, denominate, designate, dub, entitle, name, style, term, title—more at NAME

la·bi·al adjective
: of, relating to, or situated near the lips or labia

la·bia ma·jo·ra noun plural
: the outer fatty folds of the vulva

labia mi·no·ra noun plural
: the inner highly vascular folds of the vulva

la·bile adjective
1 : UNSTABLE
2 : ADAPTABLE

la·bi·um noun, plural la·bia
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L, lip]

: any of the folds at the margin of the vulva

1labor noun
1 : physical or mental effort; also : human activity that provides the goods or services in an economy
2 : the physical efforts of giving birth; also : the period of such labor
3 : an act or process requiring labor
4 : those who do manual labor or work for wages; also : labor unions or their officials

Synonyms
[1] effort, exertion, expenditure, pains, sweat, trouble, while, work—more at EFFORT
[2] childbirth, delivery—more at CHILDBIRTH
[3] drudgery, grind, slavery, sweat, toil, travail—more at TOIL

2labor verb
1 : to exert oneself physically or mentally esp. with painful or strenuous effort : WORK
2 : to move with great effort
3 : to be in the labor of giving birth
4 : to suffer from some disadvantage or distress <~ under a delusion>
5 : to treat or work out laboriously

Synonyms
drudge, endeavor, fag, grub, hustle, peg, plod, plug, slave, slog, strain, strive, struggle, sweat, toil, travail, work; also apply (oneself), attempt, buckle (down), hammer (away), pitch in; attack, drive; essay, try; exercise, exert, overexert, overwork; eke out, grind (out), put out, scratch; trudge, wade; employ, ply, use, utilize, wield
Antonyms
dabble, fiddle (around), fool (around), mess (around), putter (around)

lab·o·ra·to·ry noun, plural -ries
: a place equipped for making scientific experiments or tests

Labor Day noun
: the 1st Monday in September observed as a legal holiday in recognition of the working people

la·bored adjective
: not freely or easily done <~ breathing>

la·bor·er noun
: one that labors; specif : a person who does unskilled physical work for wages

la·bo·ri·ous adjective
1 : devoted to labor : INDUSTRIOUS
2 : requiring great effort

Synonyms
[1] active, assiduous, busy, diligent, engaged, industrious, occupied, sedulous, working—more at BUSY
[2] arduous, challenging, demanding, difficult, exacting, formidable, grueling, hard, onerous, rough, stiff, strenuous, tall, taxing, toilsome, tough—more at HARD

la·bo·ri·ous·ly adverb
: in a laborious manner

Synonyms
determinedly, diligently, hard, hardly, mightily, slavishly, strenuously, tirelessly—more at HARD

la·bor·sav·ing adjective
: designed to replace or decrease labor

Synonyms
automatic, robotic, self-acting; also mechanical, motorized; computerized; aiding, helping; easing, relieving

labor union noun
: an organization of workers formed to advance its members' interest in respect to wages and working conditions

la·bour chiefly British variant of LABOR

lab·ra·dor·ite noun
: an iridescent feldspar used in jewelry

Lab·ra·dor retriever noun
: any of a breed of strongly built retrievers having a short dense black, yellow, or chocolate coat

la·bur·num noun
: any of a genus of leguminous shrubs or trees with hanging clusters of yellow flowers

lab·y·rinth noun
: a place constructed of or filled with confusing intricate passageways : MAZE

lab·y·rin·thine adjective
: INTRICATE, INVOLVED

lac noun
: a resinous substance secreted by a scale insect and used chiefly in the form of shellac

1lace verb laced; lac·ing
1 : TIE
2 : to adorn with or as if with lace <countryside laced with small villages>
3 : to unite by twining one with another : INTERTWINE
4 : to hit repeatedly : BEAT
5 : to add something to impart zest or savor to

Synonyms
[2, 3] interlace, intersperse, intertwine, interweave, thread, weave, wreathe—more at THREAD

2lace noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF lace, laz, fr. L laqueus snare]

1 : a cord or string used for drawing together two edges
2 : an ornamental braid
3 : a fine openwork usu. figured fabric made of thread

— lacy adjective

Synonyms
[1] cable, cord, line, rope, string, wire—more at CORD
[2] braid, plait—more at BRAID

lac·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
: to tear roughly

lac·er·a·tion noun
: a torn and ragged wound

Synonyms
gash, rent, rip, slash, slit, tear—more at GASH

lace·wing noun
: any of various insects with delicate wing veins, long antennae, and often brilliant eyes

lach·ry·mal or lac·ri·mal adjective
1 usually lacrimal : of, relating to, or being glands that produce tears
2 : of, relating to, or marked by tears

lach·ry·mose adjective
1 : TEARFUL
2 : MOURNFUL

1lack verb
1 : to be wanting or missing
2 : to be deficient in

2lack noun
: the fact or state of being wanting or deficient

Synonyms
dearth, deficiency, deficit, failure, famine, inadequacy, insufficiency, paucity, poverty, scantiness, scarcity, shortage, want—more at DEFICIENCY
absence, need, want—more at NEED

lack·a·dai·si·cal adjective
: lacking life, spirit, or zest

— lack·a·dai·si·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
enervated, languid, languorous, limp, listless, spiritless—more at LISTLESS

lack·ey noun, plural lackeys
1 : someone who does tasks or errands for another : FOOTMAN, SERVANT
2 : TOADY

Synonyms
domestic, flunky, menial, retainer, servant, steward—more at SERVANT

lack·lus·ter adjective
: DULL

la·con·ic adjective
[ORIGIN: L laconicus Spartan, fr. Gk lakōnikos; fr. the Spartan reputation for terseness of speech]

: sparing of words : TERSE

Synonyms
brief, compact, compendious, concise, crisp, epigrammatic, pithy, succinct, summary, terse—more at CONCISE

la·con·i·cal·ly adverb
: in a laconic manner

Synonyms
compactly, concisely, crisply, shortly, succinctly, summarily, tersely—more at SHORTLY

lac·quer noun
: a clear or colored usu. glossy and quick-drying surface coating

— lacquer verb

lac·ri·ma·tion noun
: secretion of tears

la·crosse noun
[ORIGIN: CanF la crosse, lit., the crooked stick]

: a goal game in which players use a long-handled triangular-headed stick having a mesh pouch for catching, carrying, and throwing the ball

lac·tate verb lac·tat·ed; lac·tat·ing
: to secrete milk

— lac·ta·tion noun

lac·tic adjective
1 : of or relating to milk
2 : obtained from sour milk or whey

lactic acid noun
: a syrupy acid present in blood and muscle tissue and used esp. in food and medicine

lac·tose noun
: a sugar present in milk

la·cu·na noun, plural la·cu·nae also la·cu·nas
[ORIGIN: L, pool, pit, gap, fr. lacus lake]

: a blank space or missing part : GAP

lad noun
: a male person of any age between early boyhood and maturity : YOUTH; also : FELLOW

Synonyms
boy, nipper, shaver, stripling, youth—more at BOY
buck, chap, dude, fellow, gent, gentleman, guy, hombre, jack, joker, male, man—more at MAN

lad·der noun
1 : a structure for climbing that consists of two parallel sidepieces joined at intervals by crosspieces
2 : a series of usu. ascending steps or stages

Synonyms
graduation, scale—more at SCALE

lad·die noun
: a young lad

lad·en adjective
: LOADED, BURDENED

lad·ing noun
: the goods or merchandise conveyed in a ship, airplane, or vehicle : CARGO, FREIGHT

Synonyms
burden, cargo, draft, freight, haul, load, payload, weight—more at LOAD

1ladle noun
: a deep-bowled long-handled spoon used in taking up and conveying liquids

2ladle verb
: to take up and convey in or as if in a ladle

Synonyms
dip, scoop, spoon—more at DIP

la·dy noun, plural ladies
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE hlǣfdīge, fr. hlāf bread + -dīge (akin to dǣge kneader of bread)]

1 : a woman of property, rank, or authority; also : a woman of superior social position or of refinement
2 : WOMAN
3 : a female partner in a marriage : WIFE

Synonyms
[1] dame, gentlewoman, noblewoman—more at GENTLEWOMAN
[3] helpmate, wife—more at WIFE

lady beetle noun
: LADYBUG

la·dy·bird noun
: LADYBUG

la·dy·bug noun
: any of various small nearly hemispherical and usu. brightly colored beetles that feed mostly on other insects

la·dy·fin·ger noun
: a small finger-shaped sponge cake

lady–in–waiting noun, plural ladies–in–waiting
: a lady appointed to attend or wait on a queen or princess

la·dy·like adjective
: WELL-BRED

la·dy·ship noun
: the condition of being a lady : rank of lady

lady's slipper also lady slipper noun
: any of several No. American orchids with slipper-shaped flowers

1lag noun
1 : a slowing up or falling behind; also : the amount by which one lags
2 : INTERVAL

2lag verb lagged; lag·ging
1 : to fail to keep up : stay behind
2 : to slacken gradually

Synonyms
[1] crawl, creep, dally, dawdle, delay, dillydally, drag, linger, loiter, poke, tarry—more at DELAY
[2] decay, droop, fail, flag, go, languish, sag, waste, weaken, wilt—more at WEAKEN

la·ger noun
: a beer brewed by slow fermentation and matured under refrigeration

lag·gard adjective
: tending to lag

— laggard noun

— lag·gard·ly adjective

— lag·gard·ness noun

Synonyms
creeping, dilatory, languid, poky, slow, sluggish, tardy—more at SLOW

lag·gard·ly adverb
: in a laggard manner

Synonyms
slow, slowly, sluggishly, tardily—more at SLOW

la·gniappe noun
: something given free esp. with a purchase

Synonyms
bonus, dividend, extra, perquisite, tip—more at BONUS
bestowal, donation, freebie, gift, largesse, present—more at GIFT

la·goon noun
: a shallow sound, channel, or pond near or connected to a larger body of water

laid past and past participle of LAY

laid–back adjective
: having a relaxed style or character <~ music>

Synonyms
affable, breezy, easygoing, happy-go-lucky—more at EASYGOING

lain past participle of 1LIE

lair noun
1 : the resting or living place of a wild animal : DEN
2 : a refuge or place for hiding

Synonyms
[1] burrow, den, hole, lodge—more at DEN
[2] concealment, covert, den, hideout, nest—more at HIDEOUT

laird noun, chiefly Scottish
: a landed proprietor

lais·ser–faire chiefly British variant of LAISSEZ-FAIRE

lais·sez–faire noun
[ORIGIN: F laissez faire let do]

: a doctrine opposing governmental control of economic affairs beyond that necessary to maintain peace and property rights

la·ity noun
1 : the people of a religious faith as distinct from its clergy
2 : the mass of people as distinct from those of a particular field

lake noun
: an inland body of standing water of considerable size; also : a pool of liquid (as lava or pitch)

La·ko·ta noun, plural Lakota also Lakotas
: a member of a western division of the Dakota peoples; also : their language

1lam verb lammed; lam·ming
: to flee hastily

Synonyms
abscond, clear out, escape, flee, fly, get out, run away, run off—more at ESCAPE

2lam abbreviation
laminated

3lam noun
: sudden or hurried flight esp. from the law

Synonyms
escape, flight, getaway, slip—more at ESCAPE

Lam abbreviation
Lamentations

la·ma noun
: a Buddhist monk of Tibet or Mongolia

la·ma·sery noun, plural -ser·ies
: a monastery for lamas

1lamb noun
1 : a young sheep; also : its flesh used as food
2 : an innocent or gentle person

Synonyms
angel, dove, innocent, sheep; also fledging, greenhorn, ingenue; cherub, saint; mollycoddle, sissy, softy, weakling, wimp; dupe, pigeon, sap, sucker
Antonyms
wolf

2lamb verb
: to bring forth a lamb

lam·baste or lam·bast verb
1 : to assault violently : BEAT
2 : to attack verbally : EXCORIATE

Synonyms
abuse, assail, attack, belabor, blast, castigate, excoriate, jump, slam, vituperate—more at ATTACK
berate, chew out, rail, rate, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold, upbraid—more at SCOLD

lamb·da noun
: the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet — Λ or λ

lam·bent adjective
[ORIGIN: L lambens, prp. of lambere to lick]

1 : FLICKERING
2 : softly radiant <~ eyes>
3 : marked by lightness or brilliance <~ humor>

— lam·ben·cy noun

— lam·bent·ly adverb

Synonyms
beaming, bright, brilliant, effulgent, glowing, incandescent, lucent, lucid, luminous, lustrous, radiant, refulgent, shiny—more at BRIGHT

lamb·skin noun
: a lamb's skin or a small fine-grade sheepskin or the leather made from either

1lame adjective lam·er; lam·est
1 : having a body part and esp. a limb so disabled as to impair freedom of movement; also : marked by stiffness and soreness
2 : lacking substance : WEAK

— lame·ly adverb

— lame·ness noun

2lame verb lamed; lam·ing
: to make lame : CRIPPLE, DISABLE

Synonyms
cripple, disable, maim, mutilate—more at MAIM

la·mé noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a brocaded clothing fabric with tinsel filling threads (as of gold or silver)

lame·brain noun
: DOLT

lame duck noun
: an elected official continuing to hold office between an election and the inauguration of a successor

— lame–duck adjective

1lament verb
1 : to mourn aloud : WAIL
2 : to express sorrow or regret for

Synonyms
bemoan, bewail, deplore, grieve, mourn, wail; also complain (about), cry (for), groan (about), keen, moan, weep; regret, rue; deprecate, disapprove (of)
Antonyms
exult (in), glory (in), rejoice (in)
bemoan, deplore, regret, repent, rue—more at REGRET

2lament noun
1 : a crying out in grief : WAIL
2 : a slow, solemn, and mournful piece of music : DIRGE, ELEGY
3 : COMPLAINT

Synonyms
[1] groan, howl, keen, moan, plaint, wail; also grieving, mourning, weeping; regret; complaint, outcry, protest
Antonyms
exultation, rejoicing
[2] dirge, elegy, requiem, threnody; also taps

lam·en·ta·ble adjective
1 : that is to be regretted or lamented
2 : expressing grief

— lam·en·ta·bly adverb

Synonyms
[1] deplorable, distressful, grievous, heartbreaking, regrettable, unfortunate, woeful—more at REGRETTABLE
[2] anguished, dolorous, mournful, plaintive, sorrowful, sorry, woeful—more at SORROWFUL

lam·en·ta·tion noun
: an act or instance of lamenting

Lamentations noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

la·mia noun
: a female demon

lam·i·na noun, plural -nae or -nas
: a thin plate or scale

1laminate verb -nat·ed; -nat·ing
: to make by uniting layers of one or more materials

— lam·i·na·tion noun

2laminate noun
: a product manufactured by laminating

lamp noun
1 : a vessel with a wick for burning a flammable liquid (as oil) to produce light
2 : a device for producing light or heat

lamp·black noun
: black soot used esp. as a pigment

lamp·light·er noun
: one that lights a lamp

lam·poon noun
: SATIRE; especially : a harsh satire directed against an individual

— lampoon verb

lam·prey noun, plural lampreys
: any of a family of eel-shaped jawless fishes that have well-developed eyes and a large disk-shaped sucking mouth armed with horny teeth

LAN noun
: LOCAL AREA NETWORK

la·nai noun
[ORIGIN: Hawaiian lānai]

: PORCH, VERANDA

1lance noun
1 : a spear carried by mounted soldiers
2 : any of various sharp-pointed implements; especially : LANCET

Synonyms
pike, spear—more at SPEAR

2lance verb lanced; lanc·ing
: to pierce or open with a lance <~ a boil>

Synonyms
gore, harpoon, impale, pierce, puncture, skewer, spear, spike, stab, stick, transfix—more at IMPALE

lance corporal noun
: an enlisted man in the marine corps ranking above a private first class and below a corporal

lanc·er noun
: a cavalryman of a unit formerly armed with lances

lan·cet noun
: a sharp-pointed and usu. 2-edged surgical instrument

1land noun
1 : the solid part of the surface of the earth; also : a part of the earth's surface <fenced ~> <marshy ~>
2 : the people of a country : NATION
3 : REALM, DOMAIN

— land·less adjective

Synonyms
[1] belt, region, tract, zone—more at REGION
[1] dirt, dust, earth, ground, soil—more at EARTH
[2] commonwealth, country, nation, sovereignty, state—more at NATION

2land verb
1 : to set or put on shore from a ship : DISEMBARK; also : to touch at a place on shore
2 : to alight or cause to alight on a surface
3 : to bring to or arrive at a destination
4 : to catch and bring in <~ a fish>; also : GAIN, SECURE <~ a job>

Synonyms
[1] anchor, arrive, disembark, dock, ground, harbor, moor, reach, tie up
[2] alight, light, perch, roost, settle—more at ALIGHT
[3] arrive, come, show up, turn up—more at COME
[4] acquire, attain, capture, carry, draw, earn, gain, garner, get, make, obtain, procure, realize, secure, win—more at EARN

lan·dau noun
: a 4-wheeled carriage with a top divided into two sections that can be lowered, thrown back, or removed

land·ed adjective
: having an estate in land <~ gentry>

land·er noun
: a space vehicle designed to land on a celestial body

land·fall noun
: a sighting or making of land (as after a voyage); also : the land first sighted

land·fill noun
: a low-lying area on which refuse is buried between layers of earth

land·form noun
: a natural feature of a land surface

land·hold·er noun
: a holder or owner of land

— land·hold·ing adjective or noun

land·ing noun
1 : the action of one that lands
2 : a place for discharging or taking on passengers and cargo
3 : a level part of a staircase

Synonyms
dock, float, jetty, levee, pier, quay, wharf—more at DOCK

landing gear noun
: the part that supports the weight of an aircraft when it is on the ground

land·la·dy noun
: a woman who is a landlord

land·locked adjective
1 : enclosed or nearly enclosed by land <a ~ country>
2 : confined to fresh water by some barrier <~ salmon>

land·lord noun
1 : the owner of property leased or rented to another
2 : a person who rents lodgings : INNKEEPER

land·lub·ber noun
: one who knows little of the sea or seamanship

land·mark noun
1 : an object that marks a course or boundary or serves as a guide
2 : an event that marks a turning point
3 : a structure of unusual historical and usu. aesthetic interest

land·mass noun
: a large area of land

land mine noun
1 : a mine placed on or just below the surface of the ground and designed to be exploded by the weight of someone or something passing over it
2 : a trap for the unwary

land·own·er noun
: an owner of land

1landscape noun
1 : a picture of natural inland scenery
2 : a portion of land that can be seen in one glance

2landscape verb land·scaped; land·scap·ing
: to modify (a natural landscape) by grading, clearing, or decorative planting

land·slide noun
1 : the slipping down of a mass of rocks or earth on a steep slope; also : the mass of material that slides
2 : an overwhelming victory esp. in a political contest

lands·man noun
: a person who lives on land; especially : LANDLUBBER

land·ward adverb or adjective
: to or toward the land

lane noun
1 : a narrow passageway (as between fences)
2 : a relatively narrow way or track <traffic ~>

lang abbreviation
language

lan·guage noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF langage, fr. langue tongue, language, fr. L lingua]

1 : the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community
2 : form or style of verbal expression
3 : a system of signs and symbols and rules for using them that is used to carry information

Synonyms
[1] argot, cant, jargon, lingo, slang, terminology, vocabulary—more at TERMINOLOGY
[2] diction, phraseology, phrasing, wording—more at WORDING
[3] lingo, speech, tongue, vocabulary; also argot, cant, dialect, idiom, jargon, parlance, patois, patter, pidgin, slang, vernacular; colloquialism; terminology

lan·guid adjective
1 : drooping or flagging from or as if from exhaustion : WEAK
2 : sluggish in character or disposition : LISTLESS
3 : lacking force or quickness of movement : SLOW

— lan·guid·ly adverb

— lan·guid·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] delicate, effete, enervated, faint, feeble, frail, infirm, low, prostrate, slight, soft, tender, torpid, unsubstantial, wasted, weak, wimpy—more at WEAK
[2] enervated, lackadaisical, languorous, limp, listless, spiritless—more at LISTLESS
[3] creeping, dilatory, laggard, poky, slow, sluggish, tardy—more at SLOW

lan·guish verb
1 : to become languid
2 : to become dispirited : PINE
3 : to appeal for sympathy by assuming an expression of grief

Synonyms
decay, droop, fail, flag, go, lag, sag, waste, weaken, wilt—more at WEAKEN

lan·guor noun
1 : a languid feeling
2 : listless indolence or inertia

Synonyms
[1, 2] debility, delicacy, enfeeblement, faintness, feebleness, frailty, infirmity, lowness, weakness—more at WEAKNESS

lan·guor·ous adjective
: full of or characterized by languor

— lan·guor·ous·ly adverb

Synonyms
enervated, lackadaisical, languid, limp, listless, spiritless—more at LISTLESS

La Ni·ña noun
: an upwelling of unusually cold ocean water along the west coast of So. America that often follows an El Niño

lank adjective
1 : not well filled out
2 : hanging straight and limp

Synonyms
droopy, flaccid, floppy, limp, slack, yielding—more at LIMP

lanky adjective lank·i·er; -est
: ungracefully tall and thin

Synonyms
gangling, rangy, spindly; also angular, bony, gaunt, lank, rawboned, scrawny, skinny; lean, slender, slim, spare, thin; racy, reedy, spidery, stringy, twiggy, wiry

lan·o·lin noun
: the fatty coating of sheep's wool esp. when refined for use in ointments and cosmetics

lan·ta·na noun
: any of a genus of tropical shrubs related to the vervains with showy heads of small bright flowers

lan·tern noun
[ORIGIN: ME lanterne, fr. AF, fr. L lanterna, fr. Gk lamptēr, fr. lampein to shine]

1 : a usu. portable light with a protective covering
2 : the chamber in a lighthouse containing the light
3 : a projector for slides

lan·tha·num noun
: a soft malleable metallic chemical element

lan·yard noun
: a piece of rope for fastening something in ships; also : any of various cords

Lao·tian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Laos

— Laotian adjective

1lap noun
1 : a loose panel of a garment
2 : the clothing that lies on the knees, thighs, and lower part of the trunk when one sits; also : the front part of the lower trunk and thighs of a seated person
3 : an environment of nurture <the ~ of luxury>
4 : CHARGE, CONTROL <in the ~ of the gods>

2lap verb lapped; lap·ping
1 : FOLD
2 : to envelop entirely : WRAP
3 : to lay over or near so as to partly cover

Synonyms
[2] embrace, enclose, encompass, enfold, enshroud, envelop, invest, mantle, shroud, swathe, veil, wrap—more at ENFOLD
[3] overlap, overlay, overlie, overspread—more at OVERLAP

3lap noun
1 : the amount by which an object overlaps another; also : the part of an object that overlaps another
2 : an act or instance of going over a course (as a track or swimming pool)

Synonyms
leg, stage, step—more at LEG

4lap verb lapped; lap·ping
1 : to scoop up food or drink with the tip of the tongue; also : DEVOUR — usu. used with up
2 : to splash gently <lapping waves>

Synonyms
plash, slosh, splash, swash—more at SLOSH

5lap noun
1 : an act or instance of lapping
2 : a gentle splashing sound

lap·a·ros·co·py noun, plural -pies
1 : visual examination of the abdomen by means of an endoscope; also : surgery using laparoscopy

— lap·a·ro·scope noun

— lap·a·ro·scop·ic adjective

lap·dog noun
: a small dog that may be held in the lap

la·pel noun
: the fold of the front of a coat that is usu. a continuation of the collar

1lapidary noun, plural -dar·ies
: a person who cuts, polishes, or engraves precious stones

2lapidary adjective
1 : of, relating to, or suitable for engraved inscriptions
2 : of or relating to precious stones or the art of cutting them

lap·in noun
: rabbit fur usu. sheared and dyed

la·pis la·zu·li noun
: a usu. blue semiprecious stone often having sparkling bits of pyrite

lap·pet noun
: a fold or flap on a garment

1lapse noun
[ORIGIN: L lapsus, fr. labi to slip]

1 : a slight error
2 : a fall from a higher to a lower state
3 : the termination of a right or privilege through failure to meet requirements
4 : a gap in the continuity of something : INTERRUPTION
5 : APOSTASY
6 : a passage of time; also : INTERVAL

Synonyms
[1] blunder, error, fault, flub, fumble, goof, miscue, misstep, mistake, oversight, slip, stumble—more at ERROR
[2] reversal, reverse, setback—more at REVERSE

2lapse verb lapsed; laps·ing
1 : to commit apostasy
2 : to sink or slip gradually : SUBSIDE
3 : to go out of existence : CEASE

Synonyms
break off, break up, cease, close, conclude, die, discontinue, elapse, end, expire, finish, halt, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up—more at CEASE

lap·top adjective
: of a size that can be used conveniently on one's lap <a ~ computer>

— laptop noun

lap·wing noun
: an Old World crested plover

lar·board noun
: 5PORT

lar·ce·ny noun, plural -nies
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF larecin theft, fr. L latrocinium robbery, fr. latro mercenary soldier]

: the unlawful taking of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently : THEFT

— lar·ce·nous adjective

Synonyms
robbery, theft, thievery—more at THEFT

larch noun
: any of a genus of trees related to the pines that shed their needles in the fall

1lard verb
1 : to insert strips of usu. pork fat into (meat) before cooking; also : GREASE
2 obsolete : ENRICH

2lard noun
: a soft white fat obtained by rendering fatty tissue of the hog

lar·der noun
: a place where foods (as meat) are kept

lar·es and pe·na·tes . . . noun plural
1 : household gods
2 : personal or household effects

large adjective larg·er; larg·est
1 : having more than usual power, capacity, or scope
2 : exceeding most other things of like kind in quantity or size

— at large

1 : UNCONFINED
2 : as a whole

Synonyms
big, bumper, considerable, goodly, grand, great, handsome, hefty, sizable, substantial, voluminous; also astronomical, cavernous, colossal, enormous, gigantic, gross, heroic, huge, immense, jumbo, major, mammoth, massive, monolithic, monstrous, monumental, prodigious, staggering, stupendous, tremendous, vast; excessive, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, immoderate, inordinate; abundant, ample, appreciable, copious, plentiful; fat, thick; capacious, commodious, roomy, spacious
Antonyms
little, puny, small, undersized

large·ly adverb
: to a large extent : for the greatest part

Synonyms
altogether, basically, chiefly, generally, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, primarily, principally—more at CHIEFLY

large·ness noun
: the quality or state of being large

Synonyms
bigness, grandness, greatness; also enormity, grossness, healthiness, hugeness, immensity, magnitude, massiveness, vastness; extravagance, immoderacy; abundance, bountifulness, copiousness, liberality; adequacy, sufficiency
Antonyms
fineness, littleness, smallness

lar·gesse also lar·gess noun
1 : liberal giving
2 : a generous gift
3 : the quality or fact of being generous

Synonyms
[2] bestowal, donation, freebie, gift, lagniappe, present—more at GIFT
[3] bounty, generosity, liberality, philanthropy, unselfishness—more at LIBERALITY

1largo adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It, slow, broad, fr. L largus abundant]

: at a very slow tempo — used as a direction in music

2largo noun, plural largos
: a largo movement

lar·i·at noun
[ORIGIN: AmerSp la reata the lasso, fr. Sp la the + AmerSp reata lasso, fr. Sp reatar to tie again]

: a long rope used to catch or tether livestock : LASSO

1lark noun
: any of a family of small songbirds; especially : SKYLARK

2lark noun
: something done solely for fun or adventure

Synonyms
binge, fling, frolic, gambol, revel, rollick, romp—more at FLING

3lark verb
: to engage in harmless fun or mischief — often used with about

Synonyms
caper, cavort, disport, frisk, frolic, gambol, rollick, romp, sport—more at FROLIC

lark·spur noun
: DELPHINIUM; especially : any of the widely cultivated annual delphiniums

lar·va noun, plural lar·vae also larvas
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L, specter, mask]

: the wingless often wormlike form in which insects hatch from the egg; also : any young animal (as a tadpole) that is fundamentally unlike its parent

— lar·val adjective

lar·yn·gi·tis noun
: inflammation of the larynx

lar·ynx noun, plural la·ryn·ges or lar·ynx·es
: the upper part of the trachea containing the vocal cords

— la·ryn·ge·al adjective

la·sa·gna noun
[ORIGIN: It]

: boiled broad flat noodles baked with a sauce usu. of tomatoes, cheese, and meat

las·car noun
: an Indian sailor

las·civ·i·ous adjective
: sexually unchaste or licentious : LEWD

Synonyms
lewd, lustful, passionate, wanton—more at LUSTFUL

las·civ·i·ous·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lascivious

la·ser noun
[ORIGIN: light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation]

: a device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of light

laser disc noun
: OPTICAL DISK; especially : one containing a video recording

1lash verb
1 : to move violently or suddenly
2 : to thrash or beat violently : WHIP
3 : to attack verbally

Synonyms
flail, flog, hide, scourge, slash, switch, thrash, whale, whip

2lash noun
1 a : a stroke esp. with a whip
b : the flexible part of a whip; also : WHIP
2 : a stinging rebuke
3 : EYELASH

Synonyms
scourge, switch, whip—more at WHIP

3lash verb
: to bind with or as if with a line

lass noun
: a young woman : GIRL

Synonyms
doll, girl, maid, maiden, miss—more at GIRL

lass·ie noun
: a young woman : LASS

las·si·tude noun
1 : weakness or weariness of body or mind : FATIGUE
2 : LANGUOR

Synonyms
burnout, collapse, exhaustion, fatigue, prostration, tiredness, weariness—more at FATIGUE

las·so noun, plural lassos or lassoes
[ORIGIN: Sp lazo]

: a rope or long leather thong with a noose used for catching livestock

— lasso verb

1last verb
1 : to continue in existence or operation
2 : to remain fresh or unimpaired : ENDURE
3 : to manage to continue
4 : to be enough for the needs of

Synonyms
[1] abide, continue, endure, hold, keep up, persist, run on—more at CONTINUE
[1, 4] hold, hold out, keep up, prevail, survive—more at HOLD OUT

2last noun
: a foot-shaped form on which a shoe is shaped or repaired

3last verb
: to shape with a last

4last adverb
1 : at the end
2 : most recently
3 : in conclusion

5last adjective
1 : following all the rest : FINAL
2 : next before the present
3 : most up-to-date
4 : farthest from a specified quality, attitude, or likelihood <the ~ thing we want>
4 : CONCLUSIVE; also : SUPREME

— last·ly adverb

Synonyms
final, hindmost, latter, terminal, ultimate; also consequent, ensuing, eventual, following, succeeding; conclusive, crowning, decisive, definitive; farthest, furthest, remotest; lowermost, lowest, nethermost; endmost, extreme, outermost; penultimate
Antonyms
beginning, earliest, first, inaugural, initial, maiden, opening, original, primary, starting

6last noun
: something that is last

— at last

: FINALLY

last–ditch adjective
: made as a final effort esp. to avert disaster

last laugh noun
: an ultimate satisfaction or triumph despite previous doubt or criticism

Last Supper noun
: the supper eaten by Jesus and his disciples on the night of his betrayal

lat abbreviation
latitude

Lat abbreviation
Latin

1latch verb
: to catch or get hold

2latch noun
: a catch that holds a door or gate closed

3latch verb
: to make fast with a latch

latch·et noun
: a strap, thong, or lace for fastening a shoe or sandal

latch·key noun
: a key for opening a door latch esp. from the outside

latch·string noun
: a string on a latch that may be left hanging outside the door for raising the latch

1late adjective lat·er; lat·est
1 : coming or remaining after the due, usual, or proper time
2 : far advanced toward the close or end
3 : recently deceased
4 : made, appearing, or happening just previous to the present : RECENT
5 : being something or holding some position or relationship recently but not now

— late·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] behind, belated, delinquent, overdue, tardy; also delayed, detained, postponed; dilatory, laggard, slow, sluggish
Antonyms
early, premature
[3] breathless, dead, deceased, defunct, gone, lifeless—more at DEAD
[5] erstwhile, former, old, onetime, past, sometime, whilom—more at FORMER

2late adverb lat·er; lat·est
1 : after the usual or proper time; also : at or to an advanced point in time
2 : not long before the current time : RECENTLY

late·com·er noun
: one who arrives late

la·teen adjective
: relating to or being a triangular sail extended by a long spar slung to a low mast

late·ly adverb
: of late

Synonyms
freshly, just, late, new, newly, now, only, recently—more at NEWLY

la·ten·cy noun
: the quality or state of being latent

Synonyms
abeyance, doldrums, dormancy, quiescence, suspension—more at ABEYANCE

la·tent adjective
: present but not visible or active

Synonyms
dead, dormant, fallow, free, idle, inactive, inert, inoperative, off, vacant—more at INACTIVE

later adverb
: at some time subsequent to a given time

Synonyms
after, afterward, subsequently, thereafter—more at AFTER

1lateral adjective
: situated on, directed toward, or coming from the side

— lat·er·al·ly adverb

2lateral noun
1 : a branch from the main part
2 : a football pass thrown parallel to the line of scrimmage or away from the opponent's goal

la·tex noun, plural la·ti·ces or la·tex·es
1 : a milky juice produced by various plant cells (as of milkweeds, poppies, and the rubber tree)
2 : a water emulsion of a synthetic rubber or plastic used esp. in paint

lath noun, plural laths or lath
: a thin narrow strip of wood used esp. as a base for plaster; also : a building material in sheets used for the same purpose

— lath verb

lathe noun
: a machine in which a piece of material is held and turned while being shaped by a tool

1lather noun
1 : a foam or froth formed when a detergent is agitated in water; also : foam from profuse sweating (as by a horse)
2 : an agitated or overwrought state : DITHER

Synonyms
[1] foam, froth, head, spume—more at FOAM
[2] dither, fluster, fret, fuss, huff, pother, stew, tizzy, twitter—more at FRET

2lather verb
: to spread lather over; also : to form a lather

Lat·in noun
1 : the language of ancient Rome
2 : a member of any of the peoples whose languages derive from Latin

— Latin adjective

La·ti·na noun
: a woman or girl who is a native or inhabitant of Latin America; also : a woman or girl of Latin-American origin living in the U.S.

Latin American noun
: a native or inhabitant of any of the countries of No., Central, or So. America whose official language is Spanish or Portuguese

— Latin–American adjective

La·ti·no noun, plural -nos
: a native or inhabitant of Latin America; also : a person of Latin-American origin living in the U.S.

— Latino adjective

lat·i·tude noun
1 : angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured in degrees
2 : a region marked by its latitude
3 : freedom of action or choice

Synonyms
authorization, freedom, license, run—more at FREEDOM

lat·i·tu·di·nar·i·an noun
: a person who is liberal in religious belief and conduct

la·trine noun
: a room with conveniences for washing and usu. with one or more toilets : TOILET

lat·ter adjective
1 : more recent; also : FINAL
2 : of, relating to, or being the second of two things referred to

Synonyms
final, hindmost, last, terminal, ultimate—more at LAST

lat·ter–day adjective
1 : of present or recent times
2 : of a later or subsequent time

Latter–day Saint noun
: a member of a religious body founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 and accepting the Book of Mormon as divine revelation : MORMON

lat·ter·ly adverb
1 : LATER
2 : of late : RECENTLY

lat·tice noun
1 : a framework of crossed wood or metal strips; also : a window, door, or gate having a lattice
2 : a regular geometrical arrangement

lat·tice·work noun
: LATTICE; also : work made of lattices

Lat·vi·an noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Latvia
2 : the language of the Latvians

— Latvian adjective

1laud noun
: PRAISE, ACCLAIM

2laud verb
: to express a favorable judgment of : PRAISE

— laud·ably adverb

Synonyms
acclaim, applaud, cheer, crack up, hail, praise, salute, tout—more at ACCLAIM
bless, extol, glorify, magnify, praise—more at PRAISE

laud·able adjective
: worthy of praise

Synonyms
admirable, commendable, creditable, meritorious, praiseworthy—more at ADMIRABLE

lau·da·num noun
: a tincture of opium

lau·da·to·ry adjective
: of, relating to, or expressive of praise

1laugh verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE hliehhan]

: to show mirth, joy, or scorn with a smile and chuckle or explosive sound; also : to become amused or derisive

— laugh·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
usually laugh at deride, gibe, jeer, mock, ridicule, scout—more at RIDICULE

2laugh noun
1 : the act of laughing
2 : a cause for derision or merriment : JOKE; also : an expression of scorn or mockery : JEER
3 plural : SPORT 1

Synonyms
[1] cackle, chortle, laughter, snicker, titter; also crow, whoop; grin, simper, smile, smirk
[2] crack, gag, jeer, jest, joke, pleasantry, quip, sally, waggery, wisecrack, witticism—more at JOKE

laugh·able adjective
: of a kind to provoke laughter or sometimes derision : amusingly ridiculous

Synonyms
antic, comic, comical, droll, farcical, funny, hilarious, humorous, hysterical, ludicrous, ridiculous, riotous, risible, screaming, uproarious—more at FUNNY
absurd, comical, derisive, farcical, ludicrous, preposterous, ridiculous, risible, silly—more at RIDICULOUS

laughing gas noun
: NITROUS OXIDE

laugh·ing·stock noun
: an object of ridicule

Synonyms
butt, mark, mock, mockery, target; also chump, dupe, fall guy, fool, gull, monkey, pigeon, sap, sucker, victim

laugh·ter noun
: the action or sound of laughing

Synonyms
cackle, chortle, laugh, snicker, titter—more at LAUGH

1launch verb
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OF lancher, fr. LL lanceare to wield a lance]

1 : to throw forward : HURL; also : to send off <~ a rocket>
2 : to set afloat
3 : to set in operation : START

— launch·er noun

Synonyms
[1] cast, catapult, chuck, dash, fire, fling, heave, hurl, hurtle, peg, pelt, pitch, sling, throw, toss—more at THROW
[3] constitute, establish, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, pioneer, set up, start—more at FOUND
[3] begin, commence, embark, enter, get off, open, start, strike—more at BEGIN

2launch noun
: an act or instance of launching

Synonyms
beginning, birth, commencement, dawn, genesis, morning, onset, outset, start, threshold—more at BEGINNING

3launch noun
: a small open or half-decked motorboat

launch·pad noun
: a platform from which a rocket is launched

laun·der verb
1 : to wash or wash and iron clothing and household linens
2 : to transfer (as money of an illegal origin) through an outside party to conceal the true source

— laun·der·er noun

laun·dress noun
: a woman who is a laundry worker

laun·dry noun, plural laundries
[ORIGIN: fr. obs. launder launderer, fr. AF lavandere, fr. ML lavandarius, fr. L lavandus needing to be washed, fr. lavare to wash]

1 : a place where laundering is done
2 : clothes or linens that have been or are to be laundered

— laun·dry·man noun

lau·re·ate noun
: the recipient of honor for achievement in an art or science

— lau·re·ate·ship noun

lau·rel noun
1 : an evergreen tree or shrub of southern Europe that is related to the sassafras and cinnamon and has glossy aromatic leaves; especially : a small tree of southern Europe
2 : MOUNTAIN LAUREL
3 a : a crown of laurel
b : a recognition of achievement : HONOR — usu. used in pl.

Synonyms
usually laurels acclaim, accolade, credit, distinction, glory, homage, honor—more at GLORY

lav abbreviation
lavatory

la·va noun
[ORIGIN: It]

: melted rock coming from a volcano; also : such rock that has cooled and hardened

la·vage noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: WASHING; especially : the washing out (as of an organ) esp. for medicinal reasons

lav·a·to·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : a fixed washbowl with running water and drainpipe
2 : a room with conveniences for washing and usu. with one or more toilets : BATHROOM

Synonyms
bathroom, toilet—more at TOILET

lave verb laved; lav·ing
: to wash or flow along or against : WASH

Synonyms
lap, splash, wash—more at WASH

lav·en·der noun
1 : a Mediterranean mint or its dried leaves and flowers used to perfume clothing and bed linen
2 : a pale purple color

1lavish adjective
[ORIGIN: ME laves, lavage, prob. fr. MF lavasse, lavache downpour, fr. laver to wash]

1 : expending or bestowing profusely
2 : expended or produced in abundance
3 : marked by excess

Synonyms
[1] deluxe, luxuriant, luxurious, opulent, palatial, plush, sumptuous—more at LUXURIOUS
[2] copious, profuse, riotous—more at PROFUSE
[3] excessive, extravagant, extreme, immoderate, inordinate, overmuch—more at EXCESSIVE

2lavish verb
: to expend or give with profusion

Synonyms
heap, pour, rain, shower—more at RAIN
blow, dissipate, fritter, misspend, run through, spend, squander, throw away, waste—more at WASTE

lav·ish·ly adverb
: in a lavish manner

Synonyms
expensively, extravagantly, grandly, high, luxuriously, opulently, richly—more at HIGH

lav·ish·ness noun
: a lavish quality; also : a lavish manner or propensity

Synonyms
extravagance, prodigality, wastefulness—more at EXTRAVAGANCE

law noun
1 : a rule of conduct or action established by custom or laid down and enforced by a governing authority; also : the whole body of such rules
2 : the control brought about by enforcing rules
3 cap : the revelation of the divine will set forth in the Old Testament of Christian Scripture; also : the first part of the Jewish Scripture
4 : a rule or principle of construction or procedure
5 : the science that deals with laws and their interpretation and application
6 : the profession of a lawyer
7 : a rule or principle stating something that always works in the same way under the same conditions

Synonyms
act, enactment, ordinance, statute; also decree, directive, edict, fiat, ruling; bylaw, regulation, rule; amendment, bill, legislation; common law, martial law; prohibition, restriction; canon, encyclical

law·break·er noun
: one who violates the law

Synonyms
criminal, crook, culprit, felon, malefactor, offender—more at CRIMINAL

law·ful adjective
1 : permitted by law
2 : RIGHTFUL

— law·ful·ly adverb

law·giv·er noun
: one that makes laws : LEGISLATOR

law·less adjective
1 : having no laws
2 : not restrained or controlled by law : UNRULY, DISORDERLY <a ~ mob>

— law·less·ly adverb

— law·less·ness noun

Synonyms
anarchic, disorderly, unruly; also defiant, insubordinate, mutinous, rebellious, refractory, riotous; undisciplined; criminal, illegal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful
Antonyms
orderly

law·mak·er noun
: one that makes laws : LEGISLATOR

Synonyms
legislator, solon—more at LEGISLATOR

law·man noun
: a law enforcement official (as a sheriff or marshal)

1lawn noun
: ground (as around a house) covered with mowed grass

2lawn noun
: a fine sheer linen or cotton fabric

lawn bowling noun
: a bowling game played on a green with wooden balls which are rolled at a jack

law·ren·ci·um noun
: a short-lived radioactive element

law·suit noun
: a suit in law

Synonyms
action, proceeding, suit; also litigation; case, cause, complaint

law·yer noun
: one who conducts lawsuits for clients or advises as to legal rights and obligations in other matters

— law·yer·ly adjective

Synonyms
advocate, attorney, counsel; also pettifogger, shyster; district attorney, prosecutor; solicitor; jurist; lawmaker, lawgiver, legislator, solon

lax adjective
1 : not strict <~ discipline>
2 : not tense, firm, or rigid

— lax·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] careless, derelict, negligent, remiss, slack—more at NEGLIGENT
[1] easygoing, flexible, relaxed, unrestrained, unrestricted—more at EASYGOING
[2] insecure, loose, slack—more at LOOSE

lax·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being lax

Synonyms
delinquency, dereliction, laxness, neglect, negligence, omission, remissness, slackness—more at OMISSION

lax·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lax

Synonyms
carelessness, dereliction, heedlessness, negligence, remissness, slackness—more at NEGLIGENCE

1laxative adjective
: relieving constipation

2laxative noun
: a usu. mild laxative drug

1lay verb laid ; lay·ing
1 : to beat or strike down
2 : to put on or set down : PLACE
3 : to produce and deposit eggs
4 : SETTLE; also : ALLAY
5 : SPREAD
6 : to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity : PREPARE, CONTRIVE
7 : to stake on the outcome of an issue or the performance of a contestant : WAGER
8 : to impose esp. as a duty or burden
9 : to set in order or position
10 : to bring to a specified condition
11 : to put forward : SUBMIT

Synonyms
[2, 9] deposit, dispose, fix, place, position, put, set, set up, stick—more at PLACE
[6] contrive, fit, fix, get, prepare, ready—more at PREPARE
[7] bet, gamble, go, stake, wager—more at BET
[8] assess, charge, exact, fine, impose, levy, put—more at IMPOSE

2lay noun
: the way in which something lies or is laid in relation to something else

3lay past of 1LIE

4lay noun
1 : a simple narrative poem
2 : a short musical composition of words and music : SONG

Synonyms
air, melody, song, strain, tune, warble—more at MELODY

5lay adjective
1 : of or relating to the laity
2 : not of a particular profession; also : lacking extensive knowledge of a particular subject

lay·away noun
: a purchasing agreement by which a retailer agrees to hold merchandise secured by a deposit until the price is paid in full

lay away verb
: to put aside for future use or delivery

Synonyms
cache, hoard, lay up, put by, salt away, stash, stockpile, store—more at HOARD

lay down verb
: to institute (as a law) by enactment or agreement; also : to assert or command dogmatically

Synonyms
define, prescribe, specify—more at PRESCRIBE
enact, legislate, make, pass—more at ENACT

lay·er noun
1 : one that lays
2 : one thickness, course, or fold laid or lying over or under another

lay·ette noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF, dim. of laye box]

: an outfit of clothing and equipment for a newborn infant

lay·man noun
: a person who is a member of the laity

lay·off noun
1 : a period of inactivity
2 : the act of dismissing an employee usu. temporarily

Synonyms
discharge, dismissal; also closing, shutdown

lay off verb
: to desist from

Synonyms
usually lay off of discontinue, drop, give up, knock off, quit—more at QUIT

lay on verb
: to make an attack

lay·out noun
: the final arrangement, plan, or design of something

Synonyms
arrangement, composition, configuration, design, form, format, makeup, pattern—more at COMPOSITION

lay out verb
1 : to use up or pay out
2 : to plan in detail

Synonyms
[1] disburse, expend, give, pay, spend—more at SPEND
[2] arrange, blueprint, calculate, chart, design, frame, map, plan, project, scheme—more at PLAN

lay·over noun
: STOPOVER

lay·per·son noun
: a member of the laity

lay up verb
: to store up

Synonyms
cache, hoard, lay away, put by, salt away, stash, stockpile, store—more at HOARD

lay·wom·an noun
: a woman who is a member of the laity

la·zar noun
: LEPER

laze verb lazed; laz·ing
: to pass time in idleness or relaxation

la·zi·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lazy

Synonyms
idleness, indolence, inertia, sloth; also apathy, languor, lassitude, lethargy, listlessness, sluggishness; loafing
Antonyms
drive, industriousness, industry

la·zy adjective la·zi·er; -est
1 : disliking activity or exertion
2 : encouraging idleness
3 : SLUGGISH
4 : DROOPY, LAX
5 : not rigorous or strict

— la·zi·ly adverb

Synonyms
idle, indolent, shiftless, slothful; also apathetic, languorous, lethargic, listless, sluggish, torpid
Antonyms
industrious

la·zy·bones noun singular or plural
: a lazy individual

Synonyms
drone, idler, loafer, slouch, slug, sluggard; also bum, ne'er-do-well; dawdler, laggard, trifler; goldbrick, malingerer, shirker, slacker; lingerer, loiterer; procrastinator; quitter
Antonyms
doer, go-getter, hummer, hustler, rustler, self-starter

lazy Su·san noun
: a revolving tray used for serving food

lb abbreviation
[ORIGIN: L libra]

pound

lc abbreviation
lowercase

LC abbreviation
Library of Congress

1LCD noun
[ORIGIN: liquid crystal display]

: a display (as of the time in a digital watch) that consists of segments of a liquid crystal whose reflectivity varies with the voltage applied to them

2LCD abbreviation
least common denominator; lowest common denominator

LCDR abbreviation
lieutenant commander

LCM abbreviation
least common multiple; lowest common multiple

LCpl abbreviation
lance corporal

LCS abbreviation
League Championship Series

ld abbreviation
1 load
2 lord

LD abbreviation
learning disabled; learning disability

LDC abbreviation
less developed country

ldg abbreviation
1 landing
2 loading

LDL noun
[ORIGIN: low-density lipoprotein]

: a cholesterol-rich protein-poor lipoprotein of blood plasma correlated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis

L–do·pa noun
: an isomer of dopa used esp. in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

LDS abbreviation
Latter-day Saints

lea noun
: farmland having chiefly forage plants and esp. grasses : PASTURE

leach verb
: to pass a liquid (as water) through to carry off the soluble components; also : to dissolve out by such means <~ alkali from ashes>

1lead verb led ; lead·ing
1 : to guide on a way
2 : LIVE <~ a quiet life>
3 : to direct the operations, activity, or performance of <~ an orchestra>
4 : to go at the head of : be first <~ a parade>
5 : to begin play with; also : BEGIN, OPEN
6 : to tend toward a definite result <study ~ing to a degree>
7 : to lie, run, or open in a specified place or direction

Synonyms
[1] conduct, direct, guide, marshal, pilot, route, show, steer, usher; also precede; accompany, attend, chaperon, convoy, escort, see; control, manage
Antonyms
follow, trail
[3] boss, captain, command, dominate, head, spearhead; also control, direct, govern, handle, manage, oversee, regulate, superintend, supervise
[7] extend, go, head, lie, run—more at RUN

2lead noun
1 a : a position at the front
b : a margin by which one leads
2 : the privilege of leading in cards; also : the card or suit led
3 : EXAMPLE
4 : one that leads
5 : a principal role (as in a play); also : one who plays such a role
6 : something serving as an indication, tip, or clue
7 : an insulated electrical conductor

Synonyms
[1b] distance, length, remove, spread, stretch, way—more at DISTANCE
[6] clue, cue, hint, indication, inkling, intimation, suggestion, tip—more at HINT

3lead noun
1 : a heavy malleable bluish white chemical element
2 : an article made of lead; especially : a weight for sounding at sea
3 : a thin strip of metal used to separate lines of type in printing
4 : a thin stick of marking substance in or for a pencil

4lead verb
1 : to cover, line, or weight with lead
2 : to fix (glass) in position with lead
3 : to treat or mix with lead or a lead compound

lead·en adjective
1 a : made of lead
b : of the color of lead
2 a : SLUGGISH
b : lacking spirit or animation : DULL

Synonyms
[1b] gray, pewter, silver, silvery, slate, steely—more at GRAY
[2b] drab, dreary, dry, dull, flat, heavy, humdrum, monotonous, ponderous

lead off verb
: OPEN, BEGIN; especially : to bat first in an inning

— lead·off noun or adjective

lead on verb
: to entice or induce to adopt or continue in a course or belief esp. when unwise or mistaken

Synonyms
allure, beguile, decoy, entice, lure, seduce, tempt—more at LURE

lead·er noun
1 : something that leads; also : a conduit for leading fluid from one place to another
2 : a person who leads

— lead·er·less adjective

— lead·er·ship noun

Synonyms
[1] channel, conduit, duct, line, penstock, pipe, tube—more at PIPE
[2] boss, captain, chief, foreman, head, headman, helmsman, kingpin, master, taskmaster—more at BOSS

1leaf noun, plural leaves
1 : a usu. flat and green outgrowth of a plant stem that is a unit of foliage and functions esp. in photosynthesis; also : FOLIAGE
2 : something that is suggestive of a leaf

— leaf·less adjective

2leaf verb
1 : to produce leaves
2 : to turn the pages of a book

leaf·age noun
: all the leaves of one or more plants : FOLIAGE

Synonyms
flora, foliage, green, greenery, herbage, vegetation, verdure—more at GREENERY

leafed adjective
: LEAVED

leaf·hop·per noun
: any of a family of small leaping insects related to the cicadas that suck the juices of plants

leaf·let noun
1 : a division of a compound leaf
2 : a usu. folded printed sheet intended for free distribution : PAMPHLET, FOLDER

Synonyms
booklet, brochure, circular, folder, pamphlet—more at PAMPHLET

leaf mold noun
: a compost or layer composed chiefly of decayed leaves

leaf·stalk noun
: PETIOLE

leafy adjective leaf·i·er; -est
: furnished with or abounding in leaves

Synonyms
green, lush, luxuriant, verdant

1league noun
: a unit of distance equal to about three miles (five kilometers)

2league noun
1 : an association or alliance for a common purpose
2 : CLASS, CATEGORY

— leagu·er noun

Synonyms
association, brotherhood, club, college, congress, council, fellowship, fraternity, guild, institute, institution, order, organization, society—more at ASSOCIATION
alliance, bloc, coalition, combination, combine, confederacy, confederation, federation, union—more at CONFEDERACY

3league verb leagued; leagu·ing
: to form a league

Synonyms
ally, associate, band, club, confederate, conjoin, cooperate, federate, unite—more at ALLY

1leak verb
1 : to enter or escape through a leak
2 : to let a substance in or out through an opening
3 : to become or make known

Synonyms
usually leak out come out, get out, out, spread—more at GET OUT

2leak noun
1 : a crack or hole that accidentally admits a fluid or light or lets it escape; also : something that secretly or accidentally permits the admission or escape of something else
2 : LEAKAGE

— leaky adjective

leak·age noun
1 : the act of leaking
2 : the thing or amount that leaks

1lean verb
1 : to bend from a vertical position : INCLINE
2 : to cast one's weight to one side for support
3 : to rely for support
4 : to incline in opinion, taste, or desire

Synonyms
[1] angle, cant, cock, heel, incline, list, slant, slope, tilt, tip; also bank; bend, deviate, swerve, veer; decline, descend, recline, retreat
[3] count, depend, reckon, rely—more at DEPEND
[4] incline, run, tend, trend; also go, gravitate; indicate, point, suggest
usually lean toward [4] favor, like, prefer—more at PREFER

2lean adjective
1 : lacking or deficient in flesh and esp. in fat
2 : lacking richness or productiveness
3 : low in fuel content

— lean·ness noun

Synonyms
skinny, slender, slim, spare, thin—more at THIN

3lean noun
: the act or an instance of leaning

Synonyms
cant, diagonal, grade, inclination, incline, pitch, slant, slope, tilt, upgrade—more at SLANT

leaning noun
: a definite but not decisive attraction or tendency — often used in pl.

Synonyms
bent, devices, disposition, genius, inclination, partiality, penchant, predilection, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn
current, drift, run, tendency, tide, trend, wind—more at TREND

leant chiefly British past of LEAN

lean–to noun, plural lean–tos
: a wing or extension of a building having a roof of only one slope; also : a rough shed or shelter with a similar roof

1leap verb leapt or leaped; leap·ing
: to spring free from a surface or over an obstacle : JUMP

Synonyms
bound, hop, jump, spring, vault—more at JUMP

2leap noun
: an act of leaping : JUMP

leap·frog noun
: a game in which a player bends down and is vaulted over by another

— leapfrog verb

leap year noun
: a year containing 366 days with February 29 as the extra day

learn verb learned ; learn·ing
1 a : to gain knowledge, understanding, or skill by study or experience
b : to commit to memory : MEMORIZE
2 : to find out : ASCERTAIN

— learn·er noun

Synonyms
[1a] get, master, pick up; also apprehend, comprehend, grasp, know, understand; absorb, assimilate, digest, imbibe; ascertain, descry, detect, determine, dig up, discover, discern, examine, find out, hear, hit (on or upon), run down, scare up, search (for), see, tumble (to), track (down), unearth; major (in), study; memorize
Antonyms
unlearn
[2] ascertain, catch on, descry, detect, determine, dig, discover, find, find out, get, hit, hunt, locate, realize, run down, scout, track—more at FIND

learn·ed adjective
: characterized by or associated with learning : ERUDITE

— learn·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
educated, erudite, knowledgeable, literate, scholarly, well-read—more at EDUCATED

learn·ing noun
: knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study : ERUDITION

Synonyms
education, erudition, knowledge, scholarship, science—more at EDUCATION

learning disability noun
: any of various conditions (as dyslexia) that interfere with a person's ability to learn and so result in impaired functioning (as in language)

— learning disabled adjective

learnt chiefly British past and past participle of LEARN

1lease noun
: a contract transferring real estate for a term of years or at will usu. for a specified rent

2lease verb leased; leas·ing
[ORIGIN: AF lesser, lescher to leave, hand over, lease, fr. L laxare to loosen, fr. laxus slack]

1 : to grant by lease
2 : to hold under a lease

Synonyms
engage, hire, let, rent—more at HIRE

lease·hold noun
1 : a tenure by lease
2 : land held by lease

— lease·hold·er noun

leash noun
[ORIGIN: ME lees, leshe, fr. AF *lesche, lesse prob. fr. lesser to leave, let go]

: a line for leading or restraining an animal

— leash verb

1least adjective
1 : lowest in importance or position
2 : smallest in size or degree
3 : SLIGHTEST

Synonyms
minimal, minimum—more at MINIMAL

2least noun
: one that is least

3least adverb
: in the smallest or lowest degree

least common denominator noun
: the least common multiple of two or more denominators

least common multiple noun
: the smallest common multiple of two or more numbers

least·wise adverb
: at least

leath·er noun
: animal skin dressed for use

— leath·ern adjective

— leath·ery adjective

leath·er·back noun
: the largest existing sea turtle with a flexible leathery carapace

leath·er·neck noun
: MARINE

1leave verb left ; leav·ing
1 : to allow or cause to remain behind
2 : to have as a remainder
3 : to give or leave by will : BEQUEATH
4 : to let stay without interference
5 : to go away : depart from
6 : to give up esp. with the intent of never again claiming a right or interest in

Synonyms
[1] abandon, desert, forsake, quit; also discard, ditch, fling, jettison, junk, scrap, shed, shuck (off), throw away, throw out; deliver, give up, hand over, relinquish, surrender, yield; sacrifice; distance
Antonyms
reclaim
[3] commend, commit, consign, delegate, deliver, entrust, give, hand over, pass, transfer, transmit, trust, turn over, vest—more at GIVE
[6] quit, resign, retire, step down—more at QUIT

2leave noun
1 : permission to do something; also : authorized absence from duty
2 : DEPARTURE

Synonyms
break, recess, vacation—more at VACATION
allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, license, permission, sanction, sufferance—more at PERMISSION

3leave verb leaved; leav·ing
: LEAF

leaved adjective
: having leaves

1leaven noun
1 : a substance (as yeast) used to produce fermentation (as in dough)
2 : something that modifies or lightens

2leaven verb
: to raise (dough) with a leaven; also : to permeate with a modifying or vivifying element

leav·en·ing noun
: LEAVEN

leave off verb
: to cause to cease; also : to cease activity or operation

Synonyms
break, break off, cease, cut, desist, discontinue, drop, end, halt, knock off, layoff, quit, shut off, stop—more at STOP

leaves plural of LEAF

leave–tak·ing noun
: the act or an instance of departing : FAREWELL

Synonyms
departure, exit, farewell, parting—more at DEPARTURE

leav·ings noun plural
: a usu. small part, member, or trace remaining : REMNANT, RESIDUE

Synonyms
balance, leftovers, odds and ends, remainder, remains, remnant, residue, rest—more at REMAINDER

Leb·a·nese noun
: a native or inhabitant of Lebanon

— Lebanese adjective

lech·ery noun
: inordinate indulgence in sexual activity

— lech·er noun

— lech·er·ous adjective

— lech·er·ous·ly adverb

— lech·er·ous·ness noun

lec·i·thin noun
: any of several waxy phosphorus-containing substances that are common in animals and plants, form colloidal solutions in water, and have emulsifying and wetting properties

lect abbreviation
lecture; lecturer

lec·tern noun
: a stand to support a book for a standing reader

lec·tor noun
: one whose chief duty is to read the lessons in a church service

1lecture noun
1 : a discourse given before an audience esp. for instruction
2 : REPRIMAND

— lec·tur·er noun

— lec·ture·ship noun

2lecture verb lec·tured; lec·tur·ing
1 : to deliver a lecture or a course of lectures
2 : to reprove formally

Synonyms
[1] declaim, descant, discourse, harangue, orate, speak, talk—more at TALK
[2] rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold

led past and past participle of LEAD

LED noun
[ORIGIN: light-emitting diode]

: a semiconductor diode that emits light when a voltage is applied to it and is used esp. for electronic displays

le·der·ho·sen noun plural
: leather shorts often with suspenders worn esp. in Bavaria

ledge noun
[ORIGIN: ME legge bar of a gate]

1 : a shelflike projection from a top or an edge
2 : REEF

led·ger noun
: a book containing accounts to which debits and credits are transferred in final form

lee noun
1 : a protecting shelter
2 : the side (as of a ship) that is sheltered from the wind

— lee adjective

leech noun
1 : any of various bloodsucking segmented usu. freshwater worms that are related to the earthworms and have a sucker at each end
2 : a hanger-on who seeks gain

Synonyms
hanger-on, parasite, sponge; also dependent; deadbeat, idler; flunky, henchman, lackey, satellite, stooge, sycophant, toady, yes-man; cheapskate, miser, niggard, piker, skinflint, tightwad

leek noun
: an onionlike herb grown for its mildly pungent leaves and stalk

leer noun
: a suggestive, knowing, or malicious look

— leer verb

leery adjective
: disposed to suspect : SUSPICIOUS

Synonyms
distrustful, incredulous, mistrustful, skeptical, suspicious—more at SKEPTICAL

lees noun plural
: the sediment of a liquor (as wine) during fermentation and aging : DREGS

Synonyms
dregs, grounds, sediment

1leeward noun
: the lee side

2leeward adjective
: situated away from the wind

lee·way noun
1 : lateral movement of a ship when under way
2 : an allowable margin of freedom or variation

1left adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE, weak; fr. the left hand's being the weaker in most individuals]

1 : of, relating to, or being the side of the body in which the heart is mostly located; also : located nearer to this side than to the right
2 often cap : of, adhering to, or constituted by the political left

— left adverb

2left noun
1 : the left hand; also : the side or part that is on or toward the left side
2 often cap : those professing political views marked by desire to reform the established order and usu. to give greater freedom to the common people

3left past and past participle of LEAVE

left–hand adjective
1 : situated on the left
2 : LEFT-HANDED

left–hand·ed adjective
1 : using the left hand habitually or more easily than the right
2 : designed for or done with the left hand
3 : not sincere : INSINCERE, BACKHANDED <a ~ compliment>
4 : COUNTERCLOCKWISE

— left–handed adverb

Synonyms
artificial, double-dealing, feigned, hypocritical, insincere, mealy, mealymouthed, two-faced, unctuous—more at INSINCERE

left·ism noun
1 : the principles and views of the Left
2 : advocacy of the doctrines of the Left

— left·ist noun or adjective

left·over noun
: something that remains unused or unconsumed; especially : leftover food served at a later meal — usu. used in pl.

Synonyms
end, fag end, remainder, remnant, scrap—more at SCRAP
usually leftovers balance, leavings, odds and ends, remainder, remains, remnant, residue, rest—more at REMAINDER

lefty noun, plural left·ies
1 : a left-handed person
2 : an advocate of leftism

1leg noun
1 : a limb of an animal used esp. for supporting the body and in walking; also : the part of the vertebrate leg between knee and foot
2 : something resembling or analogous to an animal leg <table ~>
3 : the part of an article of clothing that covers the leg
4 : a portion of a trip
5 plural : long-term appeal or interest

— leg·ged adjective

— leg·less adjective

Synonyms
lap, stage, step; also layover, stopover

2leg verb legged; leg·ging
: to use the legs in walking or esp. in running

Synonyms usually leg it
foot, pad, step, traipse, tread, walk—more at WALK

3leg abbreviation
1 legal
2 legislative; legislature

leg·a·cy noun, plural -cies
: INHERITANCE; also : something that has come from a predecessor or the past

le·gal adjective
1 : of or relating to law or lawyers
2 a : conforming to or permitted by law or established rules : LAWFUL
b : STATUTORY
3 : enforced in courts of law

— le·gal·i·ty noun

— le·gal·ize verb

— le·gal·ly adverb

Synonyms
clean, fair, sportsmanlike
allowable, good, innocent, justifiable, permissible, proper, regulation, right
Antonyms
illegal, illegitimate, illicit, unlawful, wrongful

le·gal·ese noun
: the specialized language of the legal profession

le·gal·ism noun
1 : strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code
2 : a legal term

— le·gal·is·tic adjective

leg·ate noun
: an official representative

Synonyms
ambassador, delegate, emissary, envoy, minister, representative—more at AMBASSADOR

leg·a·tee noun
: a person to whom a legacy is bequeathed

le·ga·tion noun
1 : a diplomatic mission headed by a minister
2 : the official residence and office of a minister in a foreign country

le·ga·to adverb or adjective
[ORIGIN: It, lit., tied]

: in a smooth and connected manner (as of music)

leg·end noun
[ORIGIN: ME legende, fr. MF & ML; MF legende, fr. ML legenda, fr. L legere to read]

1 a : a story coming down from the past; especially : one popularly accepted as historical though not verifiable
b : a body of popular stories
2 : an inscription on an object; also : CAPTION
3 : an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart

Synonyms
folklore, lore, myth, mythology, tradition—more at FOLKLORE

leg·end·ary adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a legend
2 : FAMOUS

— leg·en·dari·ly adverb

Synonyms
fabled, fabulous, mythical—more at MYTHICAL

leg·er·de·main noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. MF leger de main light of hand]

1 : SLEIGHT OF HAND
2 a : skill and dexterity in conjuring tricks
b : adroitness in deception

leg·ging or leg·gin noun
: a covering for the leg; also : TIGHTS

leg·gy adjective leg·gi·er; -est
1 : having unusually long legs
2 : having long and attractive legs
3 : SPINDLY — used of a plant

leg·horn noun
1 : a fine plaited straw; also : a hat made of this straw
2 : any of a Mediterranean breed of small hardy chickens

leg·i·ble adjective
: capable of being read : CLEAR

— leg·i·bil·i·ty noun

— leg·i·bly adverb

1legion noun
1 : a unit of the Roman army comprising 3000 to 6000 soldiers
2 : a very large number : MULTITUDE
3 : an association of ex-servicemen
4 : a large military force

Synonyms
[2] army, crowd, crush, drove, flock, horde, host, mob, multitude, press, swarm, throng—more at CROWD
[4] army, battalion, host—more at ARMY

2legion adjective
: MANY, NUMEROUS

le·gion·ary noun
: LEGIONNAIRE

le·gion·naire noun
: a member of a legion

Synonyms
fighter, man-at-arms, regular, serviceman, soldier, warrior—more at SOLDIER

Legionnaires' disease also Legionnaire's disease noun
: a lobar pneumonia caused by a bacterium

legis abbreviation
legislation; legislative; legislature

leg·is·late verb -lat·ed; -lat·ing
: to make or enact laws; also : to bring about by legislation

Synonyms
enact, lay down, make, pass—more at ENACT

leg·is·la·tion noun
1 : the action of legislating
2 : laws made by a legislative body

leg·is·la·tive adjective
1 : having the power of legislating
2 : of or relating to a legislature or legislation

leg·is·la·tor noun
: one that makes laws esp. for a political unit; especially : a member of a legislative body

Synonyms
lawmaker, solon; also assemblyman, assemblywoman; congressman, congresswoman; senator

leg·is·la·ture noun
: an organized body of persons having the authority to make laws

le·git adjective, slang
: LEGITIMATE

1legitimate adjective
1 : lawfully begotten
2 : GENUINE
3 : LAWFUL
4 : conforming to recognized principles or accepted rules or standards

— le·git·i·ma·cy noun

— le·git·i·mate·ly adverb

2legitimate verb -mat·ed; -mat·ing
: to make legitimate

le·git·i·mise British variant of LEGITIMIZE

le·git·i·mize verb -mized; -miz·ing
: LEGITIMATE

leg·man noun
1 : a reporter assigned usu. to gather information
2 : an assistant who gathers information and runs errands

le·gume noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : any of a large family of plants having fruits that are dry pods and split when ripe and including important food and forage plants (as beans and clover); also : the part (as seeds or pods) of a legume used as food
2 : the pod of a legume

— le·gu·mi·nous adjective

1lei noun
: a wreath or necklace usu. of flowers

lei·sure noun
1 : freedom provided by the cessation of activities; also : time free from work or duties
2 : EASE; also : CONVENIENCE

Synonyms
ease, relaxation, repose, rest—more at REST

1leisurely adjective
: characterized by slowness

2leisurely adverb
: without haste

leit·mo·tif also leit·mo·tiv noun
[ORIGIN: G Leitmotiv, fr. leiten to lead + Motiv motive]

: a dominant recurring theme

lem·ming noun
[ORIGIN: Norw]

: any of various short-tailed rodents found mostly in northern regions and noted for recurrent mass migrations

lem·on noun
1 : an acid yellow usu. nearly oblong citrus fruit; also : a citrus tree that bears lemons
2 : something (as an automobile) unsatisfactory or defective

— lem·ony adjective

Synonyms
bummer, dud, failure, fizzle, flop, loser, turkey, washout—more at FAILURE

lem·on·ade noun
: a beverage of lemon juice, sugar, and water

lemon curd noun
: a custard made with lemon juice, butter, sugar, and eggs

lem·on·grass noun
: a tropical Asian grass grown for its lemon-scented foliage used as a seasoning

le·mur noun
: any of various arboreal primates largely of Madagascar that have large eyes, very soft woolly fur, and a long furry tail

Len·a·pe noun, plural Lenape or Lenapes
: DELAWARE

lend verb lent ; lend·ing
1 : to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned
2 : AFFORD, FURNISH
3 : ACCOMMODATE

— lend·er noun

lend–lease noun
: the transfer of goods and services to an ally to aid in a common cause with payment made by a return of the items or their use in the cause or by a similar transfer of other goods and services

length noun
1 a : the longer or longest dimension of an object
b : a measured distance
2 : duration or extent in time or space
3 : the length of something taken as a unit of measure
4 : a single piece of a series of pieces that may be joined together <a ~ of pipe>

— at length

1 : in full
2 : FINALLY

Synonyms
distance, lead, remove, spread, stretch, way—more at DISTANCE

length·en verb
: to make or become longer

Synonyms
draw out, elongate, extend, prolong, protract, stretch—more at EXTEND

length·wise adverb
: in the direction of the length

— lengthwise adjective

lengthy adjective length·i·er; -est
1 : protracted excessively
2 : drawn out in length esp. of time : EXTENDED, LONG

Synonyms
extended, far, great, long—more at LONG

le·ni·en·cy noun
: the quality or state of being lenient; also : a lenient disposition or practice

Synonyms
charity, clemency, mercy, quarter—more at MERCY

le·nient adjective
: of mild and tolerant disposition or effect

— le·ni·ent·ly adverb

len·i·tive adjective
: alleviating pain or harshness

len·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being lenient : LENIENCY

lens noun
[ORIGIN: L lent-, lens lentil; so called fr. the shape of a convex lens]

1 : a curved piece of glass or plastic used singly or combined in an optical instrument for forming an image; also : a device for focusing radiation other than light
2 : a transparent body in the eye that focuses light rays on receptors at the back of the eye

Lent noun
: a 40-day period of penitence and fasting observed from Ash Wednesday to Easter by many churches

— Lent·en adjective

len·til noun
: a Eurasian annual legume grown for its flat edible seeds and for fodder; also : its seed

Leo noun
[ORIGIN: L, lit., lion]

1 : a zodiacal constellation between Cancer and Virgo usu. pictured as a lion
2 : the 5th sign of the zodiac in astrology; also : one born under this sign

le·o·nine adjective
: of, relating to, or resembling a lion

leop·ard noun
: a large usu. tawny and black-spotted cat of southern Asia and Africa

le·o·tard noun
: a close-fitting garment worn esp. by dancers and for exercise

lep·er noun
1 : a person affected with leprosy
2 : OUTCAST

lep·re·chaun noun
: a mischievous elf of Irish folklore

Synonyms
brownie, dwarf, elf, fairy, fay, gnome, hobgoblin, pixie, puck, troll—more at FAIRY

lep·ro·sy noun
: a chronic bacterial disease marked esp. if not treated by slow-growing swellings with deformity and loss of sensation of affected parts

— lep·rous adjective

lep·tin noun
: a hormone that is produced by fat-containing cells and plays a role in body weight regulation

les·bi·an noun
[ORIGIN: fr. the reputed homosexual group associated with the poet Sappho of Lesbos]

: a woman who is a homosexual

— lesbian adjective

— les·bi·an·ism noun

lèse ma·jes·té or lese maj·es·ty noun
[ORIGIN: MF lese majesté, fr. L laesa majestas, lit., injured majesty]

: an offense violating the dignity of a sovereign

le·sion noun
: an abnormal structural change in the body due to injury or disease; especially : one clearly marked off from healthy tissue around it

1less adjective, comparative of 1LITTLE
1 : FEWER <~ than six>
2 : of lower rank, degree, or importance
3 : SMALLER; also : more limited in quantity

Synonyms
inferior, junior, lesser, lower, minor, subordinate, under—more at LESSER

2less adverb, comparative of 2LITTLE
: to a lesser extent or degree

3less noun, plural less
1 : a smaller portion
2 : something of less importance

4less preposition
: diminished by : MINUS

-less adjective suffix
1 : destitute of : not having <childless>
2 : unable to be acted on or to act (in a specified way) <dauntless>

les·see noun
: a tenant under a lease

less·en verb
: to make or become less

Synonyms
abate, de-escalate, decline, decrease, die, diminish, dwindle, ebb, fall, let up, lower, moderate, recede, reduce, relent, shrink, subside, taper, wane—more at DECREASE

less·er adjective, comparative of 1LITTLE
: of less size, quality, or significance

Synonyms
inferior, junior, less, lower, minor, subordinate, under; also little, mean, small; minute, petty; jerkwater, second-rate; secondary, subsidiary
Antonyms
major, more, primary, prime, senior, superior

les·son noun
1 : a passage from sacred writings read in a service of worship
2 : a reading or exercise to be studied by a pupil; also : something learned
3 : a period of instruction
4 : an instructive example

les·sor noun
: one who conveys property by a lease

lest conjunction
: for fear that

1let noun
[ORIGIN: ME lette, fr. letten to delay, hinder, fr. OE lettan]

1 : something that impedes : HINDRANCE, OBSTACLE
2 : a shot or point in racket games that does not count

2let verb let; let·ting
[ORIGIN: ME leten, fr. OE lǣtan]

1 : to cause to : MAKE <~ it be known>
2 : to offer or grant for rent or lease; also : to assign esp. after bids
3 : to give opportunity or permission to : ALLOW, PERMIT <~ me go>

Synonyms
allow, enable, permit, suffer—more at ALLOW

-let noun suffix
1 : small one <booklet>
2 : article worn on <wristlet>

let·down noun
1 : the state or emotion of being disappointed
2 : a slackening of effort

Synonyms
disappointment, dismay, dissatisfaction, frustration—more at DISAPPOINTMENT

let down verb
: to fail to meet the expectation or hope of; also : to cause disappointment

Synonyms
cheat, disappoint, dissatisfy, fail—more at DISAPPOINT

le·thal adjective
: of, relating to, or causing death : DEADLY, FATAL

— le·thal·ly adverb

Synonyms
baleful, deadly, deathly, fatal, fell, mortal, murderous, pestilent, vital—more at DEADLY

le·thar·gic adjective
: of, relating to, or characterized by lethargy

Synonyms
dull, inactive, inert, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, torpid—more at INACTIVE

leth·ar·gy noun
1 : abnormal drowsiness
2 : the quality or state of being lazy or indifferent

let on verb
1 : REVEAL 1
2 : PRETEND

1letter noun
1 : a symbol that stands for a speech sound and constitutes a unit of an alphabet
2 : a written or printed communication
3 plural : LITERATURE; also : LEARNING
4 : the literal meaning <the ~ of the law>
5 : a single piece of type

Synonyms
dispatch, memorandum, missive, note; also airmail, card, electronic mail, e-mail, junk mail, mail, postal card, postcard; communication, report; encyclical

2letter verb
: to mark with letters : INSCRIBE

— let·ter·er noun

letter bomb noun
: an explosive device concealed in an envelope and mailed to the intended victim

let·ter·boxed adjective
: being a video recording formatted to display a frame size proportional to a standard theater screen

letter carrier noun
: an individual who delivers mail

Synonyms
mailman, postman—more at POSTMAN

let·ter·head noun
: stationery with a printed or engraved heading; also : the heading itself

let·ter–per·fect adjective
: correct to the smallest detail

Synonyms
absolute, faultless, flawless, ideal, impeccable, perfect, unblemished—more at PERFECT

let·ter·press noun
: printing done directly by impressing the paper on an inked raised surface

letters of marque
: a license granted to a private person by a government to fit out an armed ship to capture enemy shipping

letters patent noun plural
: a written grant from a government to a person in a form readily open for inspection by all

let·tuce noun
[ORIGIN: ME letuse, fr. AF, prob. fr. pl. of letue lettuce plant, fr. L lactuca, fr. lac milk; fr. its milky juice]

: a garden composite plant with crisp leaves used esp. in salads

let·up noun
: a lessening of effort

let up verb
: to diminish or slow down; also : to come to a stop

Synonyms
cease, end, halt, quit, stop
abate, decrease, die, diminish, dwindle, ebb, fall, lessen, subside, taper, wane—more at DECREASE

leu·kae·mia chiefly British variant of LEUKEMIA

leu·ke·mia noun
: a malignant disease characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood-forming tissues

— leu·ke·mic adjective or noun

leu·ko·cyte noun
: WHITE BLOOD CELL

Lev or Levit abbreviation
Leviticus

1levee noun
[ORIGIN: F lever act of arising]

: a reception held by or for a person of distinction

2levee noun
: an embankment to prevent or confine flooding; also : a river landing place

Synonyms
dam, dike, embankment—more at DAM
dock, landing, pier—more at DOCK

1level noun
1 : a device for establishing a horizontal line or plane
2 : horizontal condition
3 : a horizontal position, line, or surface often taken as an index of altitude; also : a flat area of ground
4 : height, position, rank, or size in a scale

Synonyms
degree, footing, place, position, rank, situation, standing, station, status—more at RANK

2level verb -eled or -elled; -el·ing or -el·ling
1 : to make flat or level; also : to come to a level
2 : to direct to or toward a specified object or goal : AIM
3 to bring to a common level or plane : EQUALIZE
4 : RAZE
5 : to knock down

— lev·el·er noun

Synonyms
[1] even, plane, smooth—more at EVEN
[3] balance, equalize, equate, even—more at EQUALIZE
[5] bowl, down, drop, fell, floor, knock

3level adjective
1 : having a flat even surface
2 : HORIZONTAL
3 : of the same height or rank; also : UNIFORM
4 : steady and cool in judgment

— lev·el·ly adverb

— lev·el·ness noun

Synonyms
even, flat, flush, plane, smooth; also exact, uniform; aligned, regular, true; horizontal, tabular; plumb, straight, vertical
Antonyms
bumpy, coarse, lumpy, rough, uneven

lev·el·head·ed adjective
: having sound judgment : SENSIBLE

Synonyms
good, hard, informed, just, logical, rational, reasonable, reasoned, sensible, sober, solid, valid, well-founded—more at GOOD

le·ver noun
1 : a bar used for prying or dislodging something; also : a means for achieving one's purpose
2 : a rigid piece turning about an axis and used for transmitting and changing force and motion

le·ver·age noun
: the action or mechanical effect of a lever

le·vi·a·than noun
1 : a large sea animal
2 : something large or formidable

Synonyms
behemoth, blockbuster, colossus, giant, jumbo, mammoth, monster, titan, whale, whopper—more at GIANT

lev·i·tate verb -tat·ed; -tat·ing
: to rise or cause to rise in the air in seeming defiance of gravitation

— lev·i·ta·tion noun

Le·vit·i·cus noun
: a book of Jewish and Christian Scripture

lev·i·ty noun
: lack of seriousness

Synonyms
facetiousness, flightiness, flippancy, frivolity, lightness—more at FRIVOLITY

levo·do·pa noun
: L-DOPA

1levy noun, plural lev·ies
1 : the imposition or collection of an assessment; also : an amount levied
2 : the enlistment or conscription of men for military service; also : troops raised by levy

Synonyms
assessment, duty, impost, tax—more at TAX

2levy verb lev·ied; levy·ing
1 : to impose or collect by legal authority
2 : to enlist for military service
3 : WAGE <~ war>
4 : to seize property

Synonyms
assess, charge, exact, fine, impose, lay, put—more at IMPOSE

lewd adjective
[ORIGIN: ME lewed vulgar, fr. OE lǣwede lay, ignorant]

1 : sexually unchaste
2 : abhorrent to morality or virtue : OBSCENE, VULGAR

— lewd·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] lascivious, lustful, passionate, wanton—more at LUSTFUL
[2] bawdy, coarse, crude, indecent, lascivious, obscene, pornographic, ribald, smutty, unprintable, vulgar, wanton—more at OBSCENE

lewd·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lewd

Synonyms
bawdiness, coarseness, grossness, indecency, nastiness, obscenity, ribaldry, smut, vulgarity—more at OBSCENITY

lex·i·cog·ra·phy noun
1 : the editing or making of a dictionary
2 : the principles and practices of dictionary making

— lex·i·cog·ra·pher noun

— lex·i·co·graph·i·cal or lex·i·co·graph·ic adjective

lex·i·con noun, plural lex·i·ca or lexicons
1 : DICTIONARY
2 : the vocabulary of a language, speaker, or subject

lg abbreviation
1 large
2 long

LH abbreviation
1 left hand
2 lower half

li abbreviation
link

Li symbol
lithium

LI abbreviation
Long Island

li·a·bil·i·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being liable
2 plural : DEBTS
3 : one that acts as a disadvantage : DISADVANTAGE

Synonyms
[1] blame, fault, responsibility—more at RESPONSIBILITY
[3] disadvantage, drawback, handicap, minus, penalty, strike—more at DISADVANTAGE

li·a·ble adjective
1 : legally obligated : RESPONSIBLE
2 : LIKELY, APT <~ to fall>
3 : exposed or subject to something usu. adverse : SUSCEPTIBLE

Synonyms
[1] accountable, answerable, responsible—more at RESPONSIBLE
[3] exposed, open, sensitive, subject, susceptible, vulnerable; also likely, prone; uncovered, undefended, unguarded, unprotected
Antonyms
invulnerable, unexposed

li·ai·son noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a close bond or connection
2 : an illicit sexual relationship
3 : communication for mutual understanding (as between parts of an armed force); also : one that carries on a liaison

Synonyms
affiliation, alliance, association, collaboration, confederation, connection, cooperation, hookup, partnership, relation, relationship, union—more at ASSOCIATION

li·ar noun
: a person who lies

Synonyms
fibber, prevaricator; also libeler, slanderer; perjurer, gossip; charlatan, cheat, cheater, confidence man, counterfeiter, cozener, deceiver, dissembler, double-dealer, fraud, hustler, mountebank, pretender

1lib noun
: LIBERATION

2lib abbreviation
1 liberal
2 librarian; library

li·ba·tion noun
1 : an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a god); also : the liquid poured
2 : a drinkable liquid : DRINK

Synonyms
beverage, drink, quencher—more at DRINK

1libel noun
[ORIGIN: ME, written declaration, fr. AF, fr. L libellus, dim. of liber book]

1 : a spoken or written statement or a representation that gives an unjustly unfavorable impression of a person or thing
2 : the action or crime of publishing a libel

Synonyms
defamation, slander, vilification—more at SLANDER

2libel verb -beled or -belled; -bel·ing or -bel·ling
: to make or publish a libel

— li·bel·er noun

— li·bel·ist noun

Synonyms
blacken, defame, malign, slander, smear, traduce, vilify—more at SLANDER

li·bel·ous or li·bel·lous adjective
: constituting or including a libel

Synonyms
defamatory, scandalous, slanderous; also erroneous, false, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, invalid, off, unsound, untrue, wrong; derogatory, disparaging, uncomplimentary, unfavorable; invidious, objectionable; maligning, traducing, vilifying; hateful, malevolent, malicious, spiteful

1liberal adjective
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L liberalis suitable for a freeman, generous, fr. liber free]

1 : of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts
2 : given or provided in a generous and openhanded way : GENEROUS, BOUNTIFUL; also : generous or more than adequate in size, scope, or capacity
3 : not literal
4 a : not narrow in opinion or judgment : TOLERANT
b : not orthodox
5 : not conservative

— lib·er·al·ize verb

Synonyms
[2] abundant, ample, comfortable, generous, plentiful—more at PLENTIFUL
[2] bountiful, charitable, free, generous, munificent, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing—more at GENEROUS
[4b] broad-minded, nonorthodox, nontraditional, open-minded, progressive, radical, unconventional, unorthodox; also advanced, contemporary, modern; forbearing, indulgent, lenient, permissive, tolerant; extreme; impartial, objective, unbiased
Antonyms
conservative, conventional, old-fashioned, orthodox, traditional

2liberal noun
: a person who holds liberal views

liberal arts noun plural
: the studies (as language, philosophy, history, literature, or abstract science) in a college or university intended to provide chiefly general knowledge and to develop the general intellectual capacities

lib·er·al·ism noun
: liberal principles and theories

lib·er·al·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being liberal; also : an instance of this

Synonyms
bounty, generosity, largesse, philanthropy, unselfishness; also beneficence, charity; kindness; gift, gratuity, lagniappe; tribute; extravagance, improvidence, lavishness, prodigality, wastefulness; spendthrift; dissipating, squandering
Antonyms
cheapness, closeness, meanness, miserliness, parsimony, pinching, stinginess, tightness

lib·er·al·ly adverb
: in a liberal manner

Synonyms
bountifully, generously, handsomely, well—more at WELL

lib·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to free from bondage or restraint; also : to raise to equal rights and status
2 : to free (as a gas) from combination

— lib·er·a·tor noun

Synonyms
discharge, emancipate, enfranchise, free, loose, loosen, manumit, release, spring, unbind, unchain, unfetter—more at FREE

lib·er·at·ed adjective
: freed from or opposed to traditional social and sexual attitudes or roles <a ~ marriage>

lib·er·a·tion noun
: the act of liberating : the state of being liberated

Synonyms
emancipation, enfranchisement, manumission; also deliverance, redemption, salvation; autonomy, freedom, independence, liberty, self-government, sovereignty
Antonyms
enslavement

Li·be·ri·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Liberia

— Liberian adjective

lib·er·tar·i·an noun
1 : an advocate of the doctrine of free will
2 : one who upholds the principles of unrestricted liberty

lib·er·tine noun
: a person who leads a dissolute life

Synonyms
decadent, degenerate, pervert, profligate—more at DEGENERATE

lib·er·ty noun, plural -ties
1 : the quality or state of being free : FREEDOM
2 : an action going beyond normal limits; especially : FAMILIARITY
3 : a short leave from naval duty

Synonyms
autonomy, freedom, independence, self-government, sovereignty—more at FREEDOM

li·bid·i·nous adjective
1 : LASCIVIOUS
2 : LIBIDINAL

li·bi·do noun, plural -dos
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. L, desire, lust]

1 : psychic energy derived from basic biological urges
2 : sexual drive

— li·bid·i·nal adjective

Li·bra noun
[ORIGIN: L, lit., scales]

1 : a zodiacal constellation between Virgo and Scorpio usu. pictured as a balance scale
2 : the 7th sign of the zodiac in astrology; also : one born under this sign

li·brar·i·an noun
: a specialist in the management of a library

li·brary noun, plural -brar·ies
1 : a place in which books and related materials are kept for use but not for sale
2 : a collection of books

li·bret·to noun, plural -tos or -ti
[ORIGIN: It, dim. of libro book, fr. L liber]

: the text esp. of an opera

— li·bret·tist noun

Lib·y·an noun
: a native or inhabitant of Libya

— Libyan adjective

lice plural of LOUSE

1license or li·cence noun
1 : permission to act
2 : a permission granted by authority to engage in an activity
3 : a document, plate, or tag providing proof of a license
4 : freedom used irresponsibly

Synonyms
[1] authorization, freedom, latitude, run—more at FREEDOM
[2] allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, leave, permission, sanction, sufferance—more at PERMISSION

2license verb
: to issue a license to

Synonyms
accredit, authorize, certify, commission, empower, enable, invest, qualify—more at AUTHORIZE

licensed practical nurse noun
: a specially trained person who is licensed (as by a state) to provide routine care for the sick

li·cens·ee noun
: a licensed person

li·cen·ti·ate noun
: one licensed to practice a profession

li·cen·tious adjective
: lacking legal or moral restraints; also : disregarding sexual restraints : LEWD, LASCIVIOUS

— li·cen·tious·ly adverb

li·cen·tious·ness noun
: the quality or state of being licentious

Synonyms
corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, iniquity, sin, vice—more at VICE

lichee variant of LITCHI

li·chen noun
: any of various complex plantlike organisms made up of an alga and a fungus growing as a unit on a solid surface

— li·chen·ous adjective

lic·it adjective
: LAWFUL

1lick verb
1 : to draw the tongue over; also : to flicker over like a tongue
2 : to beat soundly : THRASH; also : DEFEAT

2lick noun
1 : a stroke of the tongue
2 : a small amount
3 : a hasty careless effort
4 : a sharp hit : BLOW
5 : a natural deposit of salt that animals lick

Synonyms
bit, dab, little, particle, shred, touch, trace—more at PARTICLE

lick·e·ty–split adverb
: at great speed

lick·spit·tle noun
: a fawning subordinate : TOADY

lic·o·rice noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF licoris, fr. LL liquiritia, alter. of L glycyrrhiza, fr. Gk glykyrrhiza, fr. glykys sweet + rhiza root]

1 : the dried root of a European leguminous plant; also : an extract from it used esp. as a flavoring and in medicine
2 : a candy flavored with licorice
3 : a plant yielding licorice

lid noun
1 : a movable cover
2 : EYELID
3 : something that confines or suppresses

— lid·ded adjective

Synonyms
cap, cover, top—more at COVER

li·do noun, plural lidos
: a fashionable beach resort

1lie verb lay ; lain ; ly·ing
1 : to be in, stay at rest in, or assume a horizontal position; also : to be in a helpless or defenseless state
2 : to have direction : EXTEND
3 : to occupy a certain relative position
4 : to have an effect esp. through mere presence

Synonyms
[2] extend, go, head, lead, run—more at RUN
[3] be, sit, stand

2lie noun
: the position in which something lies

3lie verb lied; ly·ing
: to tell a lie

Synonyms
fabricate, fib, prevaricate; also forswear, perjure; equivocate, fudge, palter; beguile, cozen, deceive, delude, dupe, fool, gull, hoax, hoodwink, kid, snow, take in, trick; defame, libel, slander, traduce; falsify, misrepresent, misstate; distort, garble; dissemble, dissimulate; misguide, misinform, mislead

4lie noun
: an untrue statement made with intent to deceive

Synonyms
fabrication, fairy tale, falsehood, falsity, fib, mendacity, prevarication, story, tale, untruth, whopper; also distortion, exaggeration, half-truth; ambiguity, equivocation; defamation, libel, slander; perjury; bluff, pose, pretense; humbug, jive, nonsense; fallacy, misconception, myth; misinformation, misrepresentation, misstatement; deceit, deceitfulness, dishonesty, duplicity
Antonyms
truth

lied noun, plural lie·der
[ORIGIN: G]

: a German song esp. of the 19th century

lie detector noun
: a polygraph for detecting physiological evidence of the tension that accompanies lying

lief adverb
: GLADLY, WILLINGLY

1liege adjective
: LOYAL, FAITHFUL

2liege noun
1 : VASSAL
2 : a feudal superior

lien noun
: a legal claim on the property of another for the satisfaction of a debt or duty

lieu noun, archaic
: PLACE, STEAD
— in lieu of

: in the place of

lieut abbreviation
lieutenant

lieu·ten·ant noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF lieu tenant, fr. liu, lieu place + tenant holding, fr. tenir to hold, fr. L tenēre]

1 : a representative of another in the performance of duty
2 : FIRST LIEUTENANT; also : SECOND LIEUTENANT
3 : a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a lieutenant commander

— lieu·ten·an·cy noun

lieutenant colonel noun
: a commissioned officer (as in the army) ranking next below a colonel

lieutenant commander noun
: a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a commander

lieutenant general noun
: a commissioned officer (as in the army) ranking next below a general

lieutenant governor noun
: a deputy or subordinate governor

lieutenant junior grade noun, plural lieutenants junior grade
: a commissioned officer in the navy ranking next below a lieutenant

life noun, plural lives
1 : the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body or inanimate matter; also : a state of an organism characterized esp. by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
2 : the physical and mental experiences of an individual
3 : a written history of a person's life : BIOGRAPHY
4 : a specific phase or period <adult ~>
5 : the period from birth to death; also : a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a person's life
6 : a way of living
7 : a vital or living being; specif : PERSON
8 : a lively or brisk quality in a person or a person's actions
9 : living beings <forest ~>
10 : animate activity <signs of ~>
11 : one providing interest and vigor <~ of the party>

Synonyms
[4] date, duration, lifetime, run, standing, time—more at DURATION
[6] civilization, culture, lifestyle, society—more at CIVILIZATION
[8] dash, drive, energy, ginger, go, hardihood, pep, sap, snap, vigor, vim, vitality, zing, zip—more at VIGOR

life·blood noun
: a basic source of strength and vitality

life·boat noun
: a sturdy boat designed for use in saving lives at sea

life·guard noun
: a usu. expert swimmer employed to safeguard bathers

life·less adjective
: having no life

Synonyms
breathless, dead, deceased, defunct, gone, late—more at DEAD

life·like adjective
: accurately representing or imitating real life

Synonyms
natural, near, realistic—more at NATURAL

life·line noun
1 : a line to which persons may cling for safety
2 : something considered vital for survival

life·long adjective
: continuing through life

life preserver noun
: a buoyant device designed to save a person from drowning

lif·er noun
1 : a person sentenced to life imprisonment
2 : a person who makes a career in the armed forces

life raft noun
: a raft for use by people forced into the water

life·sav·ing noun
: the skill or practice of saving or protecting lives esp. of drowning persons

— life·sav·er noun

life science noun
: a branch of science (as biology, medicine, and sometimes anthropology or sociology) that deals with living organisms and life processes — usu. used in pl.

— life scientist noun

life span noun
: the duration of existence of an individual

life·style noun
: a way of living

Synonyms
civilization, culture, life, society—more at CIVILIZATION

life·time noun
: the duration of an individual's existence

Synonyms
date, duration, life, run, standing, time—more at DURATION

life·work noun
: the entire or principal work of one's lifetime; also : a work extending over a lifetime

life·world noun
: the total of an individual's physical surroundings and everyday experiences

LIFO abbreviation
last in, first out

1lift verb
1 : to raise from a lower to a higher position : ELEVATE; also : RISE, ASCEND
2 : to put an end to : STOP
3 : to pay off <~ a mortgage>

— lift·er noun

Synonyms
boost, crane, elevate, heave, heft, heighten, hike, hoist, jack, pick up, raise, up, uphold—more at RAISE
arise, ascend, climb, mount, rise, soar, up—more at ASCEND

2lift noun
1 : LOAD
2 : the action or an instance of lifting
3 : the act of assisting or the help supplied; also : a ride along one's way
4 : RISE, ADVANCE
5 chiefly British : ELEVATOR
6 : an elevation of the spirits
7 : the upward force that is developed by a moving airfoil and that opposes the pull of gravity

Synonyms
aid, assist, assistance, backing, boost, help, support—more at HELP

lift·off noun
: a vertical takeoff (as by a rocket)

lift truck noun
: a small truck for lifting and transporting loads

lig·a·ment noun
: a band of tough fibrous tissue that holds bones together or supports an organ in place

li·gate verb li·gat·ed; li·gat·ing
: to tie with a ligature

— li·ga·tion noun

lig·a·ture noun
1 : something that binds or ties; also : a thread used in surgery esp. for tying blood vessels
2 : a printed or written character consisting of two or more letters or characters (as æ) united

Synonyms
bond, cement, knot, link, tie—more at BOND

1light noun
1 : something that makes vision possible : electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye; also : the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual sense organs
2 : DAYLIGHT
3 : a source of light (as a candle)
4 : ENLIGHTENMENT; also : TRUTH
5 : public knowledge <facts brought to ~>
6 : a particular aspect presented to view <saw the matter in a different ~>
7 : WINDOW
8 plural : STANDARDS <according to his ~s>
9 : a noteworthy person in a particular place or field : CELEBRITY
10 : LIGHTHOUSE, BEACON; also : TRAFFIC LIGHT
11 : a flame for lighting something

Synonyms
[1] blaze, flare, fluorescence, glare, gleam, glow, illumination, incandescence, luminescence, radiance, shine; also flash, glimmer, glint, glitter, scintillation, shimmer, sparkle, twinkle; daylight, moonlight, sunlight; afterglow, aureole, aurora, beam, ray, shaft, streak, stream; glisten, gloss, luster, polish, reflection, sheen
[3] flare
[9] celebrity, figure, luminary, notable, personage, personality, somebody, standout, star, superstar, VIP—more at CELEBRITY

2light adjective
1 : having light : BRIGHT
2 : not dark, intense, or swarthy in color or coloring : PALE <~ blue>

Synonyms
ablaze, alight, bright—more at BRIGHT

3light verb lit or light·ed; light·ing
1 : to make or become light
2 : to cause to burn : BURN
3 : to conduct with a light
4 : to supply or brighten with light : ILLUMINATE

Synonyms
[2] burn, fire, ignite, inflame, kindle—more at BURN
[4] illuminate—more at ILLUMINATE

4light adjective
1 : not heavy
2 : not serious <~ reading>
3 : not abundant : SCANTY <~ rain>
4 : easily disturbed <a ~ sleeper>
5 a : exerting a minimum of force or pressure : GENTLE <a ~ blow>
b : requiring minimal effort or energy
6 : easily endurable <a ~ cold>; also : requiring little effort <~ exercise>
7 : capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
8 : FRIVOLOUS
9 : DIZZY
10 : made with lower calorie content or less of some ingredient than usual <~ salad dressing>
11 : producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer <~ industry>

Synonyms
[1] airy, ethereal, feathery, fluffy, weightless; also bantam, diminutive, little, minute, small, smallish, puny, tiny, undersized, wee; flimsy, fragile, insubstantial; petite, slender, slight, slim, thin
Antonyms
heavy, hefty, leaden, overweight, ponderous, weighty
[5b] easy, effortless, facile, fluent, fluid, painless, ready, simple, smooth, snap, soft—more at EASY
[6] balmy, benign, bland, delicate, gentle, mellow, mild, soft, soothing, tender—more at GENTLE
[7] agile, graceful, lissome, lithe, nimble, spry—more at GRACEFUL

5light adverb
1 : LIGHTLY
2 : with little baggage <travel ~>

6light verb lit or light·ed; light·ing
1 : to descend from or as if from the air and come to rest : SETTLE, ALIGHT
2 : to fall unexpectedly
3 : HAPPEN

Synonyms
alight, land, perch, roost, settle—more at ALIGHT

light bulb noun
1 : a lamp in which an electrically heated filament emits light
2 : FLUORESCENT LAMP

light–emitting diode noun
: LED

1lighten verb
1 : to make light or clear : ILLUMINATE
2 : to give out flashes of lightning

2lighten verb
1 : to relieve of a burden
2 : GLADDEN
3 : to become lighter

lighten up verb
: to take things less seriously

1lighter noun
: a barge used esp. in loading or unloading ships

2lighter noun
: one that lights; especially : a device for lighting

light·face noun
: a type having light thin lines

— light·faced adjective

light–head·ed adjective
1 : feeling confused or dizzy
2 : lacking maturity or seriousness

Synonyms
[1] dizzy, giddy—more at DIZZY
[2] flighty, frivolous, giddy, goofy, harebrained, scatterbrained, silly—more at GIDDY

light·heart·ed adjective
: free from worry

— light·heart·ed·ly adverb

Synonyms
carefree, careless, cavalier, easygoing, gay, happy-go-lucky, insouciant, unconcerned

light·heart·ed·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lighthearted

Synonyms
abandon, abandonment, ease, naturalness, spontaneity, unrestraint—more at ABANDON

light·house noun
: a structure with a powerful light for guiding sailors

light·ly adverb
: in a light manner

Synonyms
easily, effortlessly, fluently, freely, handily, painlessly, readily, smoothly—more at EASILY

light meter noun
: a usu. hand-held device for indicating correct photographic exposure

1lightness noun
: the quality or state of being illuminated

Synonyms
brilliance, dazzle, effulgence, illumination, lucidity, luminosity, radiance, refulgence, splendor—more at BRILLIANCE

2lightness noun
1 : lack of seriousness and stability of character often accompanied by casual heedlessness
2 : the quality or state of being light esp. in weight

Synonyms
facetiousness, flightiness, flippancy, frivolity, levity—more at FRIVOLITY

1lightning noun
: the flashing of light produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity; also : the discharge itself

2lightning adjective
: extremely fast

Synonyms
breakneck, breathless, brisk, dizzy, fast, fleet, hasty, nippy, quick, rapid, rattling, snappy, speedy, swift—more at FAST

lightning bug noun
: FIREFLY

lightning rod noun
: a grounded metallic rod set up on a structure to protect it from lightning

light out verb
: to leave in a hurry

light·proof adjective
: impenetrable by light

lights noun plural
: the lungs esp. of a slaughtered animal

light·ship noun
: a ship with a powerful light moored at a place dangerous to navigation

light show noun
: a kaleidoscopic display (as of colored lights)

light·some adjective
1 : free from care
2 : NIMBLE

Synonyms
blithe, bright, buoyant, cheerful, cheery, chipper, gay, sunny, upbeat—more at CHEERFUL

1lightweight noun
1 : one of less than average weight; especially : a boxer weighing not over 135 pounds
2 : one of little consequence or ability

2lightweight adjective
1 : INCONSEQUENTIAL
2 : of less than average weight

light–year noun
1 : an astronomical unit of distance equal to the distance that light travels in one year in a vacuum or about 5.88 trillion miles (9.46 trillion kilometers)
2 : an extremely large measure of comparison <saw it ~s ago>

lig·nin noun
: a substance related to cellulose that occurs in the woody cell walls of plants and in the cementing material between them

lig·nite noun
: brownish black soft coal

1like verb liked; lik·ing
1 : to feel attraction toward or take pleasure in : ENJOY <~s baseball>
2 : to wish to have : WANT
3 : to feel inclined : CHOOSE <does as she ~s>

— lik·able or like·able adjective

Synonyms
[1] favor, lean, prefer—more at PREFER
[1] adore, delight, dig, enjoy, fancy, groove, love, relish, revel—more at ENJOY
[2, 3] choose, want, will, wish

2like noun
: favorable regard : PREFERENCE

Synonyms
appetite, fancy, favor, fondness, liking, love, partiality, preference, relish, shine, taste, use—more at LIKING

3like adjective
: the same or nearly the same (as in appearance, character, or quantity) : SIMILAR

Synonyms
akin, alike, analogous, comparable, correspondent, parallel, similar, such—more at ALIKE

4like preposition
1 : similar or similarly to <it's ~ when we were kids>
2 : typical of
3 : comparable to
4 : as though there would be <looks ~ rain>
5 : such as <a subject ~ physics>

5like noun
1 a : one that is similar
b : a group having common traits
2 : one that is similar to another

— and the like

: ET CETERA

Synonyms
[1b] breed, class, description, feather, ilk, kind, manner, nature, order, sort, species, type—more at SORT
[2] coordinate, counterpart, equal, equivalent, fellow, match, parallel, peer, rival—more at EQUAL

6like conjunction
: in the same way that

-like adjective combining form
: resembling or characteristic of <ladylike> <lifelike>

like·li·hood noun
: PROBABILITY

1likely adjective like·li·er; -est
1 : very probable
2 : offering reasonable grounds for being believed : BELIEVABLE
3 : likely to succeed or to yield good results : PROMISING <a ~ place to fish>

Synonyms
[1] apt, bound, probable; also conceivable, earthly, imaginable, possible, potential; certain, doubtless, inescapable, inevitable, necessary, sure, unavoidable
Antonyms
doubtful, dubious, improbable, questionable, unlikely
[2] believable, credible, plausible, probable—more at BELIEVABLE
[3] auspicious, bright, encouraging, fair, golden, heartening, hopeful, promising, propitious, rosy, upbeat—more at HOPEFUL

2likely adverb
: in all probability

Synonyms
doubtless, presumably, probably—more at PROBABLY

lik·en verb
: to represent as similar : COMPARE

Synonyms
bracket, compare, equate—more at COMPARE

like·ness noun
1 : a pictorial representation (as a painting) of a person usu. showing the face; also : one that resembles or corresponds to another
2 : SEMBLANCE
3 : the quality or state of being like : RESEMBLANCE

Synonyms
[1] illustration, image, picture—more at PICTURE
[3] community, correspondence, parallelism, resemblance, similarity, similitude—more at SIMILARITY

like·wise adverb
1 : in the same manner
2 : in addition : ALSO

Synonyms
[1] alike, also, correspondingly, similarly, so—more at ALSO
[2] additionally, again, also, besides, further, furthermore, more, moreover, then, too, withal, yet

lik·ing noun
: favorable regard; also : TASTE

Synonyms
appetite, fancy, favor, fondness, like, love, partiality, preference, relish, shine, taste, use; also craving, desire, longing, thirst, yen; enthusiasm, interest, passion; bias, prejudice; bent, inclination, leaning, propensity, tendency; weakness
Antonyms
aversion, dislike, disfavor, distaste, hatred, loathing

li·lac noun
[ORIGIN: obs. F (now lilas), fr. Ar līlak, fr. Pers nīlak bluish, fr. nīl blue, fr. Skt nīla dark blue]

1 : a shrub related to the olive that produces large clusters of fragrant grayish pink, purple, or white flowers
2 : a moderate purple color

lil·li·pu·tian adjective, often cap
1 : SMALL, MINIATURE
2 : PETTY

lilt noun
1 : a cheerful lively song or tune
2 : a rhythmical swing or flow

lily noun, plural lil·ies
: any of a genus of tall bulbous herbs with leafy stems and usu. funnel-shaped flowers; also : any of various related plants

lily of the valley
: a low perennial herb related to the lilies that produces a raceme of fragrant nodding bell-shaped white flowers

li·ma bean noun
: a bushy or tall-growing bean widely cultivated for its flat edible usu. pale green or whitish seeds; also : the seed

limb noun
1 : one of the projecting paired appendages (as legs, arms, or wings) used by an animal esp. in moving or grasping
2 : a large branch of a tree : BOUGH

— limb·less adjective

1limber adjective
1 : capable of being shaped : FLEXIBLE, SUPPLE
2 : LITHE, NIMBLE

Synonyms
flexible, lissome, lithe, pliable, supple, willowy—more at WILLOWY

2limber verb
: to make or become limber

lim·bic adjective
: of, relating to, or being a group of structures of the brain (limbic system) concerned esp. with emotion and motivation

1limbo noun, plural limbos
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. ML, abl. of limbus limbo, fr. L, border]

1 often cap : an abode of souls barred from heaven through no fault of their own
2 : a place or state of confinement, oblivion, or uncertainty

2limbo noun, plural limbos
: an acrobatic dance or contest that involves passing under a horizontal pole

Lim·burg·er noun
: a pungent semisoft surface-ripened cheese

1lime noun
: a caustic powdery white solid that consists of calcium and oxygen, is obtained from limestone or shells, and is used in making cement and in fertilizer

— lime verb

— limy adjective

2lime noun
: a small yellowish green citrus fruit with juicy acid pulp

lime·ade noun
: a beverage of lime juice, sugar, and water

lime·light noun
1 : a device in which flame is directed against a cylinder of lime formerly used in the theater to cast a strong white light on the stage
2 : the center of public attention

lim·er·ick noun
: a light or humorous poem of 5 lines

lime·stone noun
: a rock that is formed by accumulation of organic remains (as shells), is used in building, and yields lime when burned

1limit noun
1 : something that restrains or confines; also : the utmost extent
2 : BOUNDARY; also, pl : BOUNDS
3 : a prescribed maximum or minimum

— lim·it·less·ness noun

Synonyms
bound, boundary, ceiling, confines, end, extent, limitation, line, termination; also extremity, fag end; border, brim, edge, margin, rim, verge; outside; bar, barrier, fence, hedge, restraint, stop, wall

2limit verb
1 a : to set limits to
b : to confine within set limits
2 : to reduce in quantity or extent

Synonyms
[1a] bound, circumscribe, define, delimit, demarcate, mark, terminate; also control, determine, govern; delineate, describe
[1b] check, circumscribe, confine, control, curb, inhibit, restrain, restrict; also bar, block, hinder, impede, obstruct; constrict, contract, lessen, narrow, pinch, squeeze, tighten; quell, repress, suppress; number; modify, qualify
Antonyms
exceed

lim·i·ta·tion noun
1 : an act or instance of limiting
2 : something that limits

Synonyms
check, condition, constraint, curb, fetter, restraint, restriction—more at RESTRICTION

lim·it·ed adjective
1 : confined within limits
2 : offering faster service esp. by making fewer stops

Synonyms
definite, determinate, finite, measured, narrow, restricted; also modified, qualified; detailed, exact, precise, specific; confined, constricted, modest, moderate; minute, puny, small, tiny; fixed, determined, settled
Antonyms
boundless, endless, illimitable, immeasurable, indefinite, infinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, undefined, unlimited, unmeasured

lim·it·less adjective
: having no limits

Synonyms
boundless, endless, illimitable, immeasurable, indefinite, infinite, measureless, unbounded, unfathomable, unlimited—more at INFINITE

limn verb limned; limn·ing
1 : DRAW; also : PAINT
2 : DELINEATE
3 : DESCRIBE

limo noun, plural limos
: LIMOUSINE

li·mo·nite noun
: a ferric oxide that is a major ore of iron

— li·mo·nit·ic adjective

lim·ou·sine noun
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : a large luxurious often chauffeur-driven sedan
2 : a large vehicle for transporting passengers to and from an airport

1limp verb
: to walk lamely; also : to proceed with difficulty

Synonyms
flounder, lumber, plod, stumble—more at FLOUNDER

2limp noun
: a limping movement or gait

3limp adjective
1 : having no defined shape; also : not stiff or rigid
2 : lacking in strength or firmness

— limp·ly adverb

— limp·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] droopy, flaccid, floppy, lank, slack, yielding; also flabby, mushy, semisoft, soft; delicate, flimsy, insubstantial, elastic, flexible, lax, loose, pliant, relaxed, resilient, springy, supple
Antonyms
inflexible, resilient, rigid, stiff, sturdy, tense; firm, hard, indurated, solid, sound, strong
[2] enervated, lackadaisical, languid, languorous, listless, spiritless, weary—more at LISTLESS

lim·pet noun
: any of numerous gastropod sea mollusks with a conical shell that clings to rocks or timbers

lim·pid adjective
: marked by transparency : CLEAR

Synonyms
clear, liquid, lucent, pellucid, transparent—more at CLEAR

lin abbreviation
1 lineal
2 linear

lin·age noun
: the number of lines of written or printed matter

linch·pin noun
: a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle)

lin·den noun
: any of a genus of trees with large heart-shaped leaves and clustered yellowish flowers rich in nectar

1line noun
1 : a length of cord or cord-like material : ROPE, WIRE; also : a length of material used in measuring and leveling
2 : pipes for conveying a fluid <a gas ~>
3 : a horizontal row of written or printed characters; also : VERSE
4 : NOTE
5 : the words making up a part in a drama — usu. used in pl.
6 a : something distinct, long, and narrow
b : the course or direction of something in motion : ROUTE
7 : a state of agreement
8 : a course of conduct, action, or thought; also : a field of activity or interest : OCCUPATION
9 : something that bounds, restrains, or confines : LIMIT
10 : an arrangement of persons or objects of one kind in an orderly series <waiting in ~>
11 : a transportation system
12 : the football players who are stationed on the line of scrimmage
13 : a long narrow mark; also : EQUATOR
14 : a geometric element that is the path of a moving point
15 : CONTOUR
16 : a general plan
17 : an indication based on insight or investigation
18 : a group of persons of common ancestry

Synonyms
[1] cable, cord, lace, rope, string, wire—more at CORD
[2] channel, conduit, duct, leader, penstock, pipe, tube—more at PIPE
[6b] course, path, route, track, way—more at PATH
[8] area, arena, discipline, domain, field, province, realm, specialty, sphere—more at FIELD
[8] course, policy, procedure, program—more at COURSE
[8] calling, employment, occupation, profession, trade, vocation, work—more at OCCUPATION
[10] column, cue, file, queue, range, string, train; also echelon, rank, row, tier; progression, sequence, succession; array
[18] ancestry, birth, blood, bloodline, breeding, descent, extraction, family tree, genealogy, lineage, origin, parentage, pedigree, stock, strain—more at ANCESTRY

2line verb lined; lin·ing
1 : to mark with a line
2 : to place or form a line along
3 : ALIGN

3line verb lined; lin·ing
: to cover the inner surface of

lin·eage noun
: lineal descent from a common progenitor; also : FAMILY

Synonyms
blood, clan, family, folk, house, kin, kindred, kinfolk, line, people, race, stock, tribe—more at FAMILY
ancestry, birth, bloodline, breeding, descent, extraction, family tree, genealogy, origin, parentage—more at ANCESTRY

lin·eal adjective
1 : LINEAR
2 : consisting of or being in a direct line of ancestry; also : HEREDITARY

lin·ea·ment noun
: an outline, feature, or contour of a body and esp. of a face — usu. used in pl.

lin·ear adjective
1 : of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and esp. a straight line : STRAIGHT
2 : composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation <~ script>
3 : being long and uniformly narrow

line·back·er noun
: a defensive football player who lines up just behind the line of scrimmage

line drive noun
: a batted baseball hit in a flatter path than a fly ball

line·man noun
1 : a person who sets up or repairs communication or power lines
2 : a player in the line in football

lin·en noun
1 : cloth made of flax; also : thread or yarn spun from flax
2 : clothing or household articles made of linen cloth or similar fabric

line of scrimmage
: an imaginary line in football parallel to the goal lines and tangent to the nose of the ball laid on the ground before a play

1liner noun
: a ship or airplane of a regular transportation line

2liner noun
: one that lines or is used as a lining

— lin·er·less adjective

line score noun
: a score of a baseball game giving the runs, hits, and errors made by each team

lines·man noun
1 : LINEMAN 1
2 : an official who assists a referee

line·up noun
1 : a list of players taking part in a game (as of baseball)
2 : a line of persons arranged esp. for identification by police

ling noun
: any of various fishes related to the cod

-ling noun suffix
1 : one associated with <nestling>
2 : young, small, or minor one <duckling>

lin·ger verb
: to be slow in parting or in quitting something : TARRY; also : to be slow to act

— lin·ger·er noun

Synonyms
crawl, creep, dally, dawdle, delay, dillydally, drag, lag, loiter, poke, tarry—more at DELAY

lin·ge·rie noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. MF, fr. linge linen, fr. L lineus made of linen, fr. linum flax, linen]

: women's intimate apparel

lin·go noun, plural lingoes
: a usu. strange or incomprehensible language

Synonyms
argot, cant, jargon, language, slang, terminology, vocabulary—more at TERMINOLOGY

lin·gua fran·ca noun, plural lingua francas or lin·guae fran·cae
[ORIGIN: It]

1 often cap : a common language consisting of Italian mixed with French, Spanish, Greek, and Arabic that was formerly spoken in Mediterranean ports
2 : a common or commercial tongue among speakers of different languages

lin·gual adjective
: of, relating to, or produced by the tongue

lin·gui·ca noun
: a spicy Portuguese sausage

lin·guist noun
1 : a person skilled in languages
2 : a person who specializes in linguistics

lin·guis·tics noun
: the study of human speech including the units, nature, structure, and modification of language

— lin·guis·tic adjective

lin·i·ment noun
: a liquid preparation rubbed on the skin esp. to relieve pain

lin·ing noun
: material used to line esp. an inner surface

1link noun
1 : a connecting structure; especially : a single ring of a chain
2 : a connecting element or factor : BOND, TIE

Synonyms
bond, cement, knot, ligature, tie—more at BOND

2link verb
: to couple or connect by or as if by a link; also : to become connected by or as if by a link — often used with up

— link·er noun

Synonyms
chain, compound, connect, couple, hitch, hook, join, yoke—more at CONNECT
associate, connect, correlate, identify, relate—more at ASSOCIATE
usually link up coalesce, combine, conjoin, marry, unify, unite—more at UNITE

link·age noun
1 : the manner or style of being united
2 : the quality or state of being linked
3 : a system of links

Synonyms
association, bearing, connection, kinship, liaison, relation, relationship—more at CONNECTION

linking verb noun
: a word or expression (as a form of be, become, feel, or seem) that links a subject with its predicate

links noun plural
: a golf course

link·up noun
1 : MEETING
2 : something that serves as a linking device or factor

lin·net noun
: an Old World finch

li·no·leum noun
[ORIGIN: L linum flax + oleum oil]

: a floor covering with a canvas back and a surface of hardened linseed oil and a filler

lin·seed noun
: the seeds of flax yielding a yellowish oil (linseed oil) used esp. in paints and linoleum

lin·sey–wool·sey noun
: a coarse sturdy fabric of wool and linen or cotton

lint noun
1 : linen made into a soft fleecy substance
2 : fine ravels and short fibers of yarn or fabric
3 : the fibers that surround cotton seeds and form the cotton staple

Synonyms
down, floss, fluff, fur, fuzz, nap, pile—more at FUZZ

lin·tel noun
: a horizontal piece across the top of an opening (as of a door) that carries the weight of the structure above it

linz·er torte noun, often cap L
: a baked buttery torte made with chopped almonds, sugar, and spices and filled with jam or preserves

li·on noun, plural lions
: a large heavily-built cat of Africa and southern Asia with a shaggy mane in the male

li·on·ess noun
: a female lion

li·on·heart·ed adjective
: having or characterized by courage : BRAVE

Synonyms
brave, courageous, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted, heroic, intrepid, manful, stalwart, stout, undaunted, valiant, valorous—more at BRAVE

li·on·ise British variant of LIONIZE

li·on·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to treat as an object of great interest or importance

— li·on·i·za·tion noun

lion's den noun
: a place or state of extreme disadvantage, antagonism, or hostility

lip noun
1 : either of the two fleshy folds that surround the mouth; also : the margin of the human lip
2 : a part or projection suggesting a lip
3 : the edge of a hollow vessel or cavity

— lipped adjective

lip·id noun
: any of various substances (as fats and waxes) that with proteins and carbohydrates make up the principal structural parts of living cells

lip–lock noun
: a long amorous kiss

li·po·pro·tein noun
: a protein that is a complex of protein and lipid

li·po·suc·tion noun
: surgical removal of local fat deposits (as in the thighs) esp. for cosmetic purposes

lip·read·ing noun
: the interpreting of a speaker's words by watching lip and facial movements without hearing the voice

lip service noun
: an avowal of allegiance that is not matched by action

lip·stick noun
: a waxy solid colored cosmetic in stick form for the lips

— lip·sticked adjective

liq abbreviation
1 liquid
2 liquor

liq·ue·fy also liq·ui·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
: to make or become liquid

— liq·ue·fi·er noun

Synonyms
deliquesce, flux, fuse, melt, run, thaw; also found, gutter, smelt, try; dissolve, render; soften, thin
Antonyms
harden, set, solidify

li·queur noun
[ORIGIN: F]

: a distilled alcoholic liquor flavored with aromatic substances and usu. sweetened

1liquid adjective
1 : flowing freely like water
2 : neither solid nor gaseous
3 : shining and clear <large ~ eyes>
4 : smooth and musical in tone; also : smooth and unconstrained in movement
5 : consisting of or capable of ready conversion into cash <~ assets>

— li·quid·i·ty noun

Synonyms
[1] fluent, fluid, runny—more at FLUID
[3] clear, limpid, lucent, pellucid, transparent—more at CLEAR

2liquid noun
: a liquid substance

liq·ui·date verb -dat·ed; -dat·ing
1 : to settle the accounts and distribute the assets of (as a business)
2 : to pay off <~ a debt>
3 : to get rid of; especially : to get rid of by force or violence and esp. by killing

— liq·ui·da·tion noun

Synonyms
[2] clear, discharge, foot, pay, pay off, quit, recompense, settle, spring, stand—more at PAY
[3] annihilate, blot out, demolish, eradicate, exterminate, obliterate, root, rub out, snuff, stamp, wipe out—more at ANNIHILATE
[3] dispatch, do in, execute, murder, slay—more at MURDER

liquid crystal noun
: an organic liquid that resembles a crystal in having ordered molecular arrays

liquid crystal display noun
: LCD

liquid measure noun
: a unit or series of units for measuring liquid capacity

li·quor noun
[ORIGIN: ME licour, fr. AF, fr. L liquor, fr. liquēre to be fluid]

1 : a liquid substance
2 : a distilled alcoholic beverage

Synonyms
alcohol, booze, drink, intoxicant, moonshine, spirits—more at ALCOHOL

li·quo·rice chiefly British variant of LICORICE

li·ra noun
: a basic monetary unit of Malta and Turkey and former monetary unit of Italy

lisle noun
: a smooth tightly twisted thread usu. made of long-staple cotton

lisp verb
: to pronounce s and z imperfectly esp. by turning them into th and ; also : to speak childishly

— lisp noun

— lisp·er noun

lis·some also lis·som adjective
1 : easily flexed
2 : LITHE 2
3 : quick and light in motion : NIMBLE

— lis·some·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] flexible, limber, lithe, pliable, supple, willowy—more at WILLOWY
[3] agile, graceful, light, lithe, nimble, spry—more at GRACEFUL

1list verb, archaic
: PLEASE; also : WISH

2list verb, archaic
: LISTEN

3list noun
1 : a simple series of words or numerals; also : an official roster
2 : a written record containing regular entries of items or details : CATALOG, CHECKLIST

Synonyms
catalog, checklist, listing, menu, register, registry, roll, roster, schedule, table; also agenda, bibliography, compilation, directory, docket, glossary, index, inventory, manifest, payroll; calendar, chronology, timetable

4list verb
: to make a list of; also : to include on a list

— list·ee noun

Synonyms
enumerate, inventory, itemize, numerate; also count, mark, number; check (off), tick (off)
catalog, enroll, enter, index, inscribe, put down, record, register, schedule, slate; also book, file, note; classify, compile, tabulate; reschedule

5list verb
: to tilt to one side; also : to cause to list

Synonyms
angle, cant, cock, heel, incline, lean, slant, slope, tilt, tip—more at LEAN

6list noun
: a leaning to one side : TILT

7list noun
: a band or strip of material

lis·ten verb
1 : to pay attention in order to hear
2 : give consideration : HEED

— lis·ten·er noun

Synonyms
[1] attend, hark, hear, heed, mind
Antonyms
ignore, tune out
[2] follow, heed, mind, note, observe, regard, watch—more at HEED

lis·ten·er·ship noun
: the audience for a radio program or recording

list·ing noun
1 : an act or instance of making or including in a list
2 : something that is listed
3 : a simple series of words or numerals (as the names of persons or objects)

Synonyms
catalog, checklist, list, menu, register, registry, roll, roster, schedule, table—more at LIST

list·less adjective
: characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit : SPIRITLESS, LANGUID

— list·less·ly adverb

Synonyms
enervated, lackadaisical, languid, languorous, limp, spiritless; also indolent, lazy, slothful; lethargic, logy, sleepy, sluggish, torpid; exhausted, tired, weary; feeble, frail, weak; apathetic, impassive, phlegmatic, stolid; careless, heedless, thoughtless, unwary; inactive, inert
Antonyms
ambitious, animated, energetic, enterprising, motivated

list·less·ness noun
: the quality or state of being listless

Synonyms
boredom, doldrums, ennui, restlessness, tedium, tiredness, weariness—more at BOREDOM

list price noun
: the price of an item as published in a catalog, price list, or advertisement before being discounted

lists noun plural
: an arena for combat (as jousting)

1lit past and past participle of LIGHT

2lit abbreviation
1 liter
2 literal; literally
3 literary
4 literature

lit·a·ny noun, plural -nies
[ORIGIN: ME letanie, fr. AF & LL; AF, fr. LL litania, fr. LGk litaneia, fr. Gk, entreaty, fr. litanos suppliant]

1 : a prayer consisting of a series of supplications and responses said alternately by a leader and a group
2 : a lengthy recitation <a ~ of complaints>

li·tchi variant of LYCHEE

lite adjective
1 : 4LIGHT 10
2 lacking in substance or seriousness

li·ter noun
: the basic metric unit of volume measure

lit·er·al adjective
1 : adhering to fact or to the ordinary or usual meaning (as of a word)
2 : UNADORNED; also : PROSAIC
3 : VERBATIM

Synonyms
documentary, factual, hard, historical, matter-of-fact, nonfictional, objective, true—more at FACTUAL

lit·er·al·ism noun
1 : adherence to the explicit substance (as of an idea)
2 : fidelity to observable fact

— lit·er·al·ist noun

— lit·er·al·is·tic adjective

lit·er·al·ly adverb
1 : ACTUALLY <was ~ insane>
2 : VIRTUALLY <~ poured out new ideas>

lit·er·ary adjective
1 a : of or relating to literature
b : having a formal style characteristic of the language of literature
2 : WELL-READ

Synonyms
bookish, erudite, learned—more at BOOKISH

lit·er·ate adjective
1 : having an education : EDUCATED; also : able to read and write
2 : LITERARY; also : POLISHED, LUCID

— lit·er·a·cy noun

— literate noun

Synonyms
educated, erudite, knowledgeable, learned, scholarly, well-read—more at EDUCATED

li·te·ra·ti noun plural
1 : the educated class
2 : persons interested in literature or the arts

lit·er·a·ture noun
1 : the production of written works having excellence of form or expression and dealing with ideas of permanent interest
2 : the written works produced in a particular language, country, or age

lithe adjective
1 : easily bent or flexed : SUPPLE
2 a : characterized by effortless grace
b : athletically slim

Synonyms
[1] flexible, limber, lissome, pliable, supple, willowy—more at WILLOWY
[2a] agile, graceful, light, lissome, nimble, spry—more at GRACEFUL

lithe·some adjective
: quick and light in motion : LISSOME

lith·i·um noun
: a light silver-white metallic chemical element

li·thog·ra·phy noun
: the process of printing from a plane surface (as a smooth stone or metal plate) on which the image to be printed is ink-receptive and the blank area ink-repellent

— lith·o·graph verb

— lithograph noun

— li·thog·ra·pher noun

— lith·o·graph·ic adjective

— lith·o·graph·i·cal·ly adverb

li·thol·o·gy noun, plural -gies
: the study of rocks

— lith·o·log·ic or lith·o·log·i·cal adjective

lith·o·sphere noun
: the outer part of the solid earth

Lith·u·a·nian noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of Lithuania
2 : the language of the Lithuanians

— Lithuanian adjective

lit·i·gant noun
: a party to a lawsuit

— litigant adjective

lit·i·gate verb -gat·ed; -gat·ing
: to carry on a legal contest by judicial process; also : to contest at law

— lit·i·ga·tion noun

li·ti·gious adjective
1 : CONTENTIOUS
2 : prone to engage in lawsuits
3 : of or relating to litigation

— li·ti·gious·ly adverb

— li·ti·gious·ness noun

lit·mus noun
: a coloring matter from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline

litmus test noun
: a test in which a single factor (as an attitude) is decisive

Litt D or Lit D abbreviation
[ORIGIN: ML litterarum doctor]

: doctor of letters; doctor of literature

1litter noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF litere, fr. lit bed, fr. L lectus]

1 : a covered and curtained couch with shafts that is used to carry a single passenger; also : a device (as a stretcher) for carrying a sick or injured person
2 : material used as bedding for animals; also : material used to absorb the urine and feces of animals
3 : the offspring of an animal at one birth
4 : trash, wastepaper, or garbage lying scattered about : RUBBISH; also : an untidy accumulation of objects

Synonyms
chaff, deadwood, dust, garbage, junk, refuse, riffraff, rubbish, scrap, trash, waste—more at GARBAGE
assortment, clutter, jumble, medley, mélange, miscellany, motley, muddle, variety, welter—more at MISCELLANY

2litter verb
1 : to give birth to young
2 : to strew or mark with scattered objects

lit·ter·bug noun
: one who litters a public area

1little adjective lit·tler or less or less·er ; lit·tlest or least
1 a : not big
b : YOUNG
2 : not important
3 : illiberal in views or disposition : PETTY 3
4 : not much
5 : short in duration

— lit·tle·ness noun

Synonyms
[1a] dwarf, dwarfish, fine, pocket, pygmy, slight, small, undersized—more at SMALL
[2] frivolous, inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, minute, negligible, slight, small, trifling, trivial, unimportant—more at UNIMPORTANT
[3] insular, narrow, parochial, petty, provincial, sectarian, small—more at NARROW
[5] brief, short, short-lived—more at SHORT

2little adverb less ; least
1 : in only a small quantity or degree : SLIGHTLY; also : not at all
2 : in few instances : INFREQUENTLY

Synonyms
infrequently, rarely, seldom—more at SELDOM

3little noun
1 : a small amount or quantity
2 : a short time or distance

Little Dipper noun
: the seven bright stars of Ursa Minor arranged in a form resembling a dipper

little finger noun
: PINKIE

little theater noun
: a small theater for low-cost dramatic productions designed for a limited audience

lit·to·ral adjective
: of, relating to, or growing on or near a shore esp. of the sea

— littoral noun

lit·ur·gy noun, plural -gies
: a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship

— li·tur·gi·cal adjective

— li·tur·gi·cal·ly adverb

— lit·ur·gist noun

liv·able also live·able adjective
1 : suitable for living in or with
2 : ENDURABLE

— liv·a·bil·i·ty noun

1live verb lived; liv·ing
1 : to be or continue alive
2 : SUBSIST
3 : to occupy a home : RESIDE
4 : to conduct one's life
5 : to remain in human memory or record

Synonyms
[1] be, breathe, exist, subsist—more at BE
[3] abide, dwell, reside; also lodge, settle, stay; frequent, hang out (at), haunt; inhabit, occupy; people, populate; lease, rent, sublet, tenant

2live adjective
1 : having life
2 : BURNING, GLOWING <a ~ cigar>
3 : connected to electric power <a ~ wire>
4 : charged with explosive but not yet exploded <a ~ bomb>
5 : of continuing interest <a ~ issue>
6 : of or involving the actual presence of real people <~ audience>; also : broadcast directly at the time of production <a ~ radio program>
7 : being in play <a ~ ball>

Synonyms
alive, animate, living—more at ALIVE

lived–in adjective
: of or suggesting long-term human habitation or use

live down verb
: to live so as to wipe out the memory or effects of

live in verb
: to live in one's place of employment — used of a servant

— live–in adjective

live·li·hood noun
: means of support or subsistence

live·li·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lively

Synonyms
animation, briskness, exuberance, lustiness, robustness, sprightliness, vibrancy, vitality—more at VITALITY

live·long adjective
[ORIGIN: ME lef long, fr. lef dear + long long]

: WHOLE, ENTIRE <the ~ day>

live·ly adjective live·li·er; -est
1 : briskly alert and energetic : ANIMATED <~ debate>
2 : KEEN, VIVID <~ interest>
3 : showing activity or vigor <a ~ manner>
4 : quick to rebound <a ~ ball>
5 : full of life

— live·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] active, animate, animated, brisk, energetic, frisky, peppy, perky, pert, spirited, sprightly, springy, vital, vivacious; also dapper, dashing; agog, alert, awake, up, wide-awake; agile, nimble, spry; bright, buoyant, cheerful, chipper, effervescent, upbeat; eager, enthusiastic, keen; frolicsome, impish, playful; bubbly, exuberant, high-spirited; high-strung, nervous, skittish
Antonyms
inactive, inanimate, languid, languorous, limp, listless, spiritless
[5] alive, animated, astir, busy, vibrant—more at ALIVE

liv·en verb
: to give life, action, or spirit to : ENLIVEN — often used with up; also : to become lively

Synonyms
usually liven up animate, brace, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz, pep, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify—more at ANIMATE

live oak noun
: any of several American evergreen oaks; especially : one of the southeastern U.S. that is often planted as a shade tree

1liver noun
1 : a large glandular organ of vertebrates that secretes bile and is a center of metabolic activity
2 : the liver of an animal (as a calf or chicken) eaten as food

2liver noun
: one that lives esp. in a specified way <a fast ~>

liv·er·ish adjective
1 : resembling liver esp. in color
2 : BILIOUS
3 : PEEVISH

— liv·er·ish·ness adjective

liv·er·wort noun
: any of a class of flowerless plants resembling the related mosses

liv·er·wurst noun
[ORIGIN: part trans. of G Leberwurst, fr. Leber liver + Wurst sausage]

: a sausage consisting chiefly of liver

liv·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : a servant's uniform; also : distinctive dress
2 : the feeding, care, and stabling of horses for pay; also : an establishment (as a stable or business) keeping horses or vehicles for hire

— liv·er·ied adjective

liv·ery·man noun
: the keeper of a livery

lives plural of LIFE

live·stock noun
: farm animals kept for use and profit

live wire noun
: an alert, active, or aggressive person

Synonyms
go-getter, hustler, powerhouse, self-starter—more at GO-GETTER

liv·id adjective
[ORIGIN: F livide, fr. L lividus, fr. livēre to be blue]

1 : discolored by bruising
2 : deadly pale : ASHEN, PALLID
3 : REDDISH
4 : ENRAGED

— li·vid·ity noun

Synonyms
ashen, cadaverous, lurid, pale, pasty, peaked—more at PALE

1living adjective
1 : having life or existence
2 : NATURAL
3 : full of life and vigor; also : VIVID
4 : marked by present operation, transaction, movement, or use

Synonyms
[1] alive, animate, existent, extant, live—more at EXTANT
[4] active, alive, functional, on, operational, operative, running, working—more at ACTIVE

2living noun
1 : the condition of being alive
2 : LIVELIHOOD
3 : manner of life

living room noun
: a room in a residence used for the common social activities of the occupants

living wage noun
: a wage sufficient to provide an acceptable standard of living

living will noun
: a document requesting that the signer not be kept alive by artificial means unless there is a reasonable expectation of recovery

livre noun
: the pound of Lebanon

liz·ard noun
: any of a group of 4-legged reptiles with long tapering tails

Lk abbreviation
Luke

ll abbreviation
lines

lla·ma noun
[ORIGIN: Sp, fr. Quechua]

: any of a genus of wild or domesticated So. American mammals related to the camels but smaller and without a hump

lla·no noun, plural llanos
: an open grassy plain esp. of Latin America

LLD abbreviation
[ORIGIN: NL legum doctor]

doctor of laws

LNG abbreviation
liquefied natural gas

1load noun
1 a : PACK
b : whatever is put in a ship or vehicle or airplane for conveyance : CARGO
2 : a mass of weight supported by something
3 : something that burdens the mind or spirits
4 : a large quantity — usu. used in pl.
5 : a standard, expected, or authorized burden

Synonyms
[1b] burden, cargo, draft, freight, haul, lading, payload, weight; also carload; ballast, deadweight; overload, surcharge; bale, pack, package, parcel, shipment; body, bulk, mass
usually loads [4] abundance, heap, lot, mass, mountain, much, pile, plenty, profusion, quantity

2load verb
1 a : to put a load in or on; also : to receive a load
b : to fill with a load
2 : to encumber with an obligation or something heavy or disheartening
3 : to increase the weight of by adding something
4 : to supply abundantly
5 : to put a charge in (as a firearm)

Synonyms
[1a] burden, encumber, lumber, saddle, weight; also clog, clutter, fill, heap; press, weigh; strain, tax; overburden, overload, overtax, surcharge; handicap; afflict, oppress
Antonyms
disencumber, unburden, unload
[1b] charge, cram, fill, heap, jam, jam-pack, pack, stuff—more at FILL

load·ed adjective
1 slang : HIGH 12
2 : having a large amount of money
3 : equipped with an abundance of options

Synonyms
affluent, flush, moneyed, opulent, rich, wealthy, well-heeled, well-to-do—more at RICH

load·stone variant of LODESTONE

1loaf noun, plural loaves
: a shaped or molded mass esp. of bread

2loaf verb
: to spend time in idleness : LOUNGE

Synonyms
dally, dawdle, dillydally, hang around, hang out, idle, loll, lounge—more at IDLE

loaf·er noun
1 : one that loafs
2 : a low step-in shoe

Synonyms
drone, idler, lazybones, slouch, slug, sluggard—more at LAZYBONES

loam noun
: SOIL; especially : a loose soil of mixed clay, sand, and silt

— loamy adjective

1loan noun
1 : money lent at interest; also : something lent for the borrower's temporary use
2 : the grant of temporary use

2loan verb
: LEND

loan shark noun
: a person who lends money at excessive rates of interest

— loan·shark·ing noun

loan·word noun
: a word taken from another language and at least partly naturalized

loath also loathe adjective
: RELUCTANT

loathe verb loathed; loath·ing
: to dislike greatly

Synonyms
abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate—more at HATE

loath·ing noun
: extreme disgust

Synonyms
aversion, disgust, distaste, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion—more at DISGUST
abhorrence, abomination, execration, hate, hatred—more at HATE

loath·some adjective
: exciting loathing : REPULSIVE

lob verb lobbed; lob·bing
: to throw, hit, or propel something in a high arc

— lob noun

1lobby noun, plural lobbies
1 : a corridor used esp. as a passageway or waiting room
2 : a group of persons engaged in lobbying

Synonyms
entry, foyer, hall, vestibule—more at HALL

2lobby verb lob·bied; lob·by·ing
: to try to influence public officials and esp. legislators

— lob·by·ist noun

lobe noun
: a curved or rounded part esp. of a bodily organ

— lo·bar adjective

— lobed adjective

lo·be·lia noun
: any of a genus of plants often grown for their clusters of showy flowers

lo·bot·o·my noun, plural -mies
: surgical severance of certain nerve fibers in the brain performed esp. formerly to relieve some mental disorders

lob·ster noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE loppestre, fr. loppe spider]

: any of a family of edible marine crustaceans with two large pincerlike claws and four other pairs of legs; also : SPINY LOBSTER

1local adjective
1 : of, relating to, or occupying a particular place
2 : serving a particular limited district; also : making all stops <a ~ train>
3 : affecting a small part of the body <~ infection>

— lo·cal·ly adverb

2local noun
: one that is local; especially : a local or particular branch, lodge, or chapter of an organization (as a labor union)

Synonyms
affiliate, branch, chapter—more at CHAPTER

local area network noun
: a network of personal computers in a small area (as an office)

lo·cale noun
: a place that is the setting for a particular event

Synonyms
location, place, point, position, site, spot—more at PLACE

lo·cal·i·ty noun, plural -ties
: a particular spot, situation, or location

lo·cal·ise British variant of LOCALIZE

lo·cal·ize verb -ized; -iz·ing
: to fix in or confine to a definite place or locality

— lo·cal·i·za·tion noun

lo·cate verb lo·cat·ed; lo·cat·ing
1 : STATION, SETTLE
2 : to determine the site of
3 : to find or fix the place of in a sequence

Synonyms
ascertain, descry, detect, determine, dig, discover, find, find out, get, hit, hunt, learn, run down, scout, track—more at FIND

lo·ca·tion noun
1 : a position or site occupied or available for occupancy or marked by some distinguishing feature : PLACE
2 : the process of locating
3 : a place outside a studio where a motion picture is filmed

Synonyms
locale, place, point, position, site, spot—more at PLACE

loc cit abbreviation
[ORIGIN: L loco citato]

in the place cited

loch noun, Scottish
: LAKE; also : a bay or arm of the sea esp. when nearly landlocked

1lock noun
: a tuft, strand, or ringlet of hair; also : a cohering bunch (as of wool or flax)

2lock noun
1 : a fastening in which a bolt is operated
2 : the mechanism of a firearm by which the charge is exploded
3 : an enclosure (as in a canal) used in raising or lowering boats from level to level
4 : AIR LOCK
5 : a wrestling hold

3lock verb
1 : to fasten the lock of; also : to make fast with a lock
2 : to confine or exclude by means of a lock — often used with in or up
3 : INTERLOCK
4 : to make or become motionless by the interlocking of parts

Synonyms
commit, confine, immure, imprison, jail—more at IMPRISON

lock·er noun
1 : a drawer, cupboard, or compartment for individual storage use
2 : an insulated compartment for storing frozen food

Synonyms
box, caddy, case, casket, chest, trunk—more at CHEST
buffet, cabinet, closet, cupboard, hutch, sideboard—more at CABINET

lock·et noun
: a small usu. metal case for a memento worn suspended from a chain or necklace

lock·jaw noun
: a symptom of tetanus marked by spasms of the jaw muscles and inability to open the jaws; also : TETANUS

lock·nut noun
1 : a nut screwed tight on another to prevent it from slacking back
2 : a nut designed to lock itself when screwed tight

lock·out noun
: the suspension of work by an employer during a labor dispute in order to make employees accept the terms being offered

lock·smith noun
: one who makes or repairs locks

lock·step noun
: a mode of marching in step by a body of men moving in a very close single file

lock·up noun
: JAIL; especially : a local jail where persons are detained prior to court hearing

lo·co adjective
[ORIGIN: Sp]
slang
: mentally disordered : CRAZY, FRENZIED

Synonyms
balmy, crazy, cuckoo, deranged, frenzied, insane, lunatic, mad, maniacal, nutty, screwy, unsound, wacky—more at INSANE

lo·co·mo·tion noun
1 : the act or power of moving from place to place
2 : TRAVEL

1locomotive adjective
: of or relating to locomotion or a locomotive

2locomotive noun
: a self-propelled vehicle used to move railroad cars

lo·co·mo·tor adjective
: of or relating to locomotion or organs used in locomotion

lo·co·weed noun
: any of several leguminous plants of western No. America that are poisonous to livestock

lo·cus noun, plural lo·ci
[ORIGIN: L]

1 : the place where something is situated or occurs : LOCALITY
2 : the set of all points whose location is determined by stated conditions

lo·cust noun
1 : a usu. destructive migratory grasshopper
2 : CICADA
3 : any of various leguminous trees; also : the wood of a locust

lo·cu·tion noun
: a particular form of expression; also : PHRASEOLOGY

Synonyms
fashion, manner, mode, phraseology, style, tone, vein—more at STYLE

lode noun
: an ore deposit

lode·stone noun
1 : an iron-containing rock with magnetic properties
2 : something that strongly attracts

Synonyms
attraction, draw, magnet—more at MAGNET

1lodge verb lodged; lodg·ing
1 : to provide quarters for; also : to settle in a place
2 : CONTAIN
3 : to come to a rest and remain
4 : to deposit for safekeeping
5 : to vest (as authority) in an agent
6 : FILE <~ a complaint>

Synonyms
ensconce, install, perch, roost, settle—more at ENSCONCE
accommodate, billet, domicile, harbor, house, put up, quarter, roof, shelter, take in—more at HOUSE

2lodge noun
1 : a house set apart for residence in a special season or by an employee on an estate; also : INN
2 : a den or lair esp. of gregarious animals
3 : the meeting place of a branch of a fraternal organization; also : the members of such a branch

Synonyms
[1] cabin, camp, chalet, cottage—more at COTTAGE
[1] hospice, hotel, inn, public house, tavern—more at HOTEL
[2] burrow, den, hole, lair—more at DEN

lodg·er noun
: a person who occupies a rented room in another's house

Synonyms
boarder, renter, roomer, tenant—more at TENANT

lodg·ing noun
1 : a place to live : DWELLING
2 : a room or suite of rooms in another's house rented as a dwelling place — usu. used in pl.

Synonyms
flat, suite

lodg·ment or lodge·ment noun
1 : a lodging place
2 : the act or manner of lodging
3 : DEPOSIT

loess noun
: a usu. yellowish brown loamy deposit believed to be chiefly deposited by the wind

lo–fi noun
: audio production of rough or unpolished sound quality

— lo–fi adjective

1loft noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. OE, air, sky, fr. ON lopt]

1 : ATTIC
2 : GALLERY <organ ~>
3 : an upper floor (as in a warehouse or barn) esp. when not partitioned
4 : the thickness of a fabric or insulated material (as of a sleeping bag)

2loft verb
: to strike or throw (a ball) so that it rises high in the air

loft·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lofty

Synonyms
arrogance, haughtiness, pretense, pretension, pretentiousness, self-importance, superiority—more at ARROGANCE

lofty adjective loft·i·er; -est
1 : elevated in character and spirit : NOBLE; also : SUPERIOR
2 : extremely proud; also : haughty and overbearingly arrogant
3 : rising to a great height : HIGH, TALL

— loft·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] chivalrous, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lordly, magnanimous, noble, sublime—more at NOBLE
[1] eloquent, formal, high-flown, majestic, stately, superior, towering
[2] arrogant, haughty, highfalutin, imperious, peremptory, pompous, presumptuous, pretentious, supercilious

1log noun
1 : a bulky piece of a cut or fallen tree
2 : an apparatus for measuring a ship's speed
3 : the daily record of a ship's progress; also : a regularly kept record of performance or events

2log verb logged; log·ging
1 : to cut (trees) for lumber; also : to clear (land) of trees in lumbering
2 : to enter in a log; broadly : to make a note or record of
3 : to sail a ship or fly an airplane for (an indicated distance or period of time)
4 : to have (an indicated record) to one's credit : ACHIEVE

— log·ger noun

Synonyms
jot, mark, note, put down, record, register, set down—more at RECORD

3log noun
: LOGARITHM

lo·gan·ber·ry noun
: a red-fruited upright-growing dewberry; also : its berry

log·a·rithm noun
: the exponent that indicates the power to which a base is raised to produce a given number <the ~ of 100 to base 10 is 2 since 10^2 = 100>

— log·a·rith·mic adjective

loge noun
1 : a small compartment; also : a box in a theater
2 : a small partitioned area; also : the forward section of a theater mezzanine

log·ger·head noun
: a large sea turtle of subtropical and temperate waters

— at loggerheads

: in a state of quarrelsome disagreement

log·gia noun, plural loggias
: a roofed open gallery

log·ic noun
1 : a science that deals with the rules and tests of sound thinking and proof by reasoning
2 : sound reasoning
3 : the arrangement of circuit elements for arithmetical computation in a computer

— log·i·cal·ly adverb

— lo·gi·cian noun

Synonyms
reason, reasoning, sense; also cogency, coherence, rationality, thought; analysis; deduction, induction

log·i·cal adjective
: of, relating to, involving, or being in accordance with logic

Synonyms
analytic, coherent, good, rational, reasonable, sensible, sober, sound, valid; also sane; thoughtful; scientific
Antonyms
incoherent, illogical, invalid, irrational, unreasonable, unsound

lo·gis·tics noun singular or plural
: the procurement, maintenance, and transportation of matériel, facilities, and personnel

— lo·gis·tic or lo·gis·ti·cal adjective

log·jam noun
1 : a deadlocked jumble of logs in a watercourse
2 : DEADLOCK

logo noun, plural log·os
: an identifying symbol (as for advertising)

Synonyms
emblem, hallmark, symbol, trademark—more at EMBLEM

logo·type noun
: LOGO

log·roll·ing noun
: the trading of votes by legislators to secure favorable action on projects of individual interest

lo·gy also log·gy adjective lo·gi·er; -est
: deficient in vitality : SLUGGISH

loin noun
[ORIGIN: ME loyne, fr. AF loigne, fr. VL *lumbea, fr. L lumbus]

1 : the part of the body on each side of the spinal column and between the hip and the lower ribs; also : a cut of meat from this part of an animal
2 plural : the pubic region; also : the organs of reproduction

loin·cloth noun
: a cloth worn about the loins often as the sole article of clothing in warm climates

loi·ter verb
1 : to delay an activity with idle stops and pauses : LINGER
2 : to hang around idly

— loi·ter·er noun

Synonyms
crawl, creep, dally, dawdle, delay, dillydally, drag, lag, linger, poke, tarry—more at DELAY

loll verb
1 : to hang loosely or laxly : DROOP, DANGLE
2 : to act or move in a lax, lazy, or indolent manner : LOUNGE

Synonyms
[1] dangle, droop, flag, hang, sag, wilt—more at DROOP
[2] bask, lounge, relax, repose, rest—more at REST

lol·la·pa·loo·za noun
: something extraordinarily impressive or outstanding

lol·li·pop or lol·ly·pop noun
: a lump of hard candy on a stick

lol·ly·gag verb -gagged; -gag·ging
: DAWDLE

Lond abbreviation
London

lone adjective
1 : having no company : SOLITARY <a ~ sentinel>
2 : alone in a class or category : SOLE, ONLY <the ~ theater in town>
3 : ISOLATED <a ~ tree>

Synonyms
[1, 2] alone, only, singular, sole, solitary, special, unique—more at ONLY

lone·ly adjective lone·li·er; -est
1 : being without company
2 : UNFREQUENTED <a ~ spot>
3 : sad from being alone : LONESOME

— lone·li·ness noun

Synonyms
alone, lone, lonesome, solitary, unaccompanied—more at ALONE

lon·er noun
: one that avoids others; also : one who pursues an independent course of thought or action

Synonyms
bohemian, deviant, individualist, maverick, nonconformist—more at NONCONFORMIST

lone·some adjective
1 : sad from lack of companionship
2 a : REMOTE
b : having no company : SOLITARY

— lone·some·ly adverb

— lone·some·ness noun

Synonyms
desolate, forlorn, lonely; also friendless; abandoned, deserted, forgotten, forsaken, neglected; alone, lone, solitary; only, sole

1long adjective lon·ger ; lon·gest
1 : extending for a considerable distance; also : having greater height than usual : ELONGATED
2 : having a specified length
3 : extending over a considerable time; also : TEDIOUS
4 : containing many items in a series
5 : being a syllable or speech sound of relatively great duration
6 : extending far into the future
7 : well furnished with something — used with on

Synonyms
[1] extended, lengthy; also extensive, far-reaching, outstretched; oblong, rectangular; big, considerable, hefty, hulking, jumbo, large, oversize, sizable, substantial, super
Antonyms
brief, short
[3] extended, far, great, lengthy, marathon; also endless, everlasting, interminable, persistent; overlong, prolonged, protracted; permanent
Antonyms
brief, short, short-lived, short-term

2long adverb
: for or during a long time

3long noun
: a long period of time

4long verb longed; long·ing
: to feel a strong desire or wish

Synonyms
usually long for ache, covet, crave, desire, die, hanker, hunger, lust, pant, pine, repine, thirst, want, wish, yearn—more at DESIRE

5long abbreviation
longitude

long·boat noun
: a large boat usu. carried by a merchant sailing ship

long·bow noun
: a wooden bow drawn by hand and used esp. by medieval English archers

lon·gev·i·ty noun
[ORIGIN: LL longaevitas, fr. L longaevus long-lived, fr. longus long + aevum age]

: a long duration of individual life; also : length of life

long·hair noun
1 : a lover of classical music
2 : HIPPIE
3 : a domestic cat having long outer fur

— long·haired or long·hair adjective

long·hand noun
: writing done by hand : HANDWRITING; also : cursive writing

long·horn noun
: any of the cattle with long horns formerly common in the southwestern U.S.

long hundredweight noun, British
: a unit of weight equal to 112 pounds

long·ing noun
: a strong desire esp. for something unattainable

— long·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
appetite, craving, desire, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, lust, passion, thirst, urge, yearning, yen—more at DESIRE

lon·gi·tude noun
: angular distance expressed usu. in degrees east or west from the prime meridian through Greenwich, England

lon·gi·tu·di·nal adjective
1 : extending lengthwise
2 : of or relating to length

— lon·gi·tu·di·nal·ly adverb

long–range adjective
1 : relating to or fit for long distances
2 : involving a long period of time

long·shore·man noun
: a laborer at a wharf who loads and unloads cargo

long–suf·fer·ing adjective
: patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship

Synonyms
forbearing, patient, stoic, tolerant, uncomplaining—more at PATIENT

long–term adjective
1 : extending over or involving a long period of time
2 : constituting a financial obligation based on a term usu. of more than 10 years <~ bonds>

long·time adjective
: of long duration <~ friends>

long ton noun
: a British unit of weight equal to 20 long hundredweight

lon·gueur noun, plural longueurs
[ORIGIN: F, lit., length]

: a dull tedious portion (as of a book)

long–wind·ed adjective
: tediously long in speaking or writing

Synonyms
circuitous, diffuse, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy—more at WORDY

loo·fah noun
: a sponge consisting of the fibrous skeleton of a gourd

1look verb
1 : to exercise the power of vision : SEE
2 : EXPECT
3 : to have an appearance that befits <~s the part>
4 : to have the appearance or likelihood of being : SEEM <~s thin>
5 : to direct one's attention : HEED
6 : to have a specified direction : POINT, FACE
7 : to show a tendency
8 : to express by the eyes or facial expression

— look after

: to take care of

— look for

: EXPECT

Synonyms
[4] act, appear, make, seem, sound—more at SEEM
usually look toward [6] face, front, point—more at FACE
[8] air, express, give, sound, state, vent, voice—more at EXPRESS

2look noun
1 : the action of looking : GLANCE
2 : the expression of the countenance; also : physical appearance — usu. used in pl.
3 : the state or form in which something appears : ASPECT

Synonyms
[1] cast, eye, gander, glance, glimpse, peek, peep, regard, sight, view; also gape, gaze, glare, leer, ogle, stare; squint
[2] cast, countenance, expression, face, visage; also frown, grimace, mouth, scowl; air, appearance, aspect, bearing, demeanor, manner, mien
usually looks [2] attractiveness, beauty, comeliness, handsomeness, loveliness, prettiness—more at BEAUTY
[3] appearance, aspect, mien, presence—more at APPEARANCE

look down verb
: to regard with contempt — used with on or upon

looking glass noun
: MIRROR

look into verb
: to investigate, study, or analyze

Synonyms
usually look into delve, dig, explore, go, inquire, investigate, probe, research—more at EXPLORE

look·out noun
1 : a person assigned to watch (as on a ship)
2 : a careful watch
3 : a view from a particular place : VIEW
4 : a matter of concern
5 : an elevated place or structure affording a wide view for observation

Synonyms
[1] custodian, guard, guardian, keeper, picket, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watchman—more at GUARD
[2] alertness, attentiveness, surveillance, vigilance, watch
[3] outlook, panorama, prospect, view, vista—more at VIEW

look up verb
1 : IMPROVE <business is looking up>
2 : to search for in or as if in a reference work
3 : to seek out esp. for a brief visit

1loom noun
: a frame or machine for weaving together threads or yarns into cloth

2loom verb
1 : to come into sight in an unnaturally large, indistinct, or distorted form
2 : to appear in an impressively exaggerated form
3 : to take shape as an impending occurrence

loon noun
: any of several web-footed black-and-white fish-eating diving birds

loo·ny also loo·ney adjective loo·ni·er; -est
: disordered in mind : CRAZY, FOOLISH

loony bin noun
: a psychiatric hospital

1loop noun
1 a : a fold or doubling of a line through which another line or hook can be passed
b : a loop-shaped figure or course <a ~ in a river>
2 : a circular airplane maneuver executed in the vertical plane
3 : a continuously repeated segment of film, music, or sound

2loop verb
: to make a loop in, on, or about

Synonyms
circle, circumnavigate, coil, compass, encircle, girdle, orbit, ring, round—more at ENCIRCLE

loop·er noun
: any of numerous rather small hairless moth caterpillars that move with a looping motion

loop·hole noun
1 : a small opening in a wall through which firearms may be discharged
2 : a means of escape; especially : an ambiguity or omission that allows one to evade the intent of a law or contract

1loose adjective loos·er; loos·est
1 : not rigidly fastened
2 : free from restraint or obligation
3 : not dense or compact in structure
4 : not chaste : LEWD
5 : not tightly drawn or stretched : SLACK
6 : not precise or exact

— loose·ly adverb

— loose·ness noun

Synonyms
[1, 5] insecure, lax, relaxed, slack; also detached, free, unattached, unbound, undone, unfastened, untied; baggy; nonrestrictive
Antonyms
taut, tense, tight
[2] footloose, free, unbound, unconfined, unrestrained—more at FREE
[6] imprecise, inaccurate, inexact—more at INEXACT

2loose verb loosed; loos·ing
1 : to let loose : RELEASE; also : to free from restraint
2 : UNTIE
3 : DETACH
4 : to let fly : DISCHARGE
5 : RELAX, SLACKEN

Synonyms
[1] discharge, emancipate, enfranchise, free, liberate, loosen, manumit, release, spring, unbind, unchain, unfetter—more at FREE
[4] blast, discharge, fire, shoot—more at SHOOT

3loose adverb
: LOOSELY

loos·en verb
1 : to release from restraint : FREE
2 : to make or become loose
3 : to relax the severity of

Synonyms
[1] free, loose, release, uncork, unleash, unlock, unloosen—more at RELEASE
[2] ease, relax, slack, slacken—more at SLACKEN

loosen up verb
: to become less tense

1loot noun
[ORIGIN: Hindi & Urdu lūṭ; akin to Skt lunṭati he plunders]

: goods taken in war or by robbery : PLUNDER

— loot·er noun

Synonyms
booty, plunder, spoil, swag; also prize; catch, haul, take; windfall

2loot verb
: to plunder or sack in war

Synonyms
despoil, maraud, pillage, plunder, ransack, sack, strip—more at RANSACK

1lop verb lopped; lop·ping
1 : to cut branches or twigs from
2 : to eliminate as unnecessary or undesirable — usu. used with off

Synonyms
usually lop off bob, clip, crop, curtail, cut, cut back, dock, nip, prune, shave, shear, trim—more at CLIP

2lop verb lopped; lop·ping
: to hang downward; also : to flop or sway loosely

1lope noun
: an easy bounding gait

2lope verb
: to move or ride at a lope

lop·sid·ed adjective
1 : leaning to one side
2 : not symmetrical

— lop·sid·ed·ly adverb

— lop·sid·ed·ness noun

Synonyms
askew, awry, cockeyed, crooked, listing, oblique, slantwise, uneven—more at AWRY

lo·qua·cious adjective
: excessively talkative

— lo·quac·i·ty noun

Synonyms
chatty, conversational, gabby, garrulous, talkative—more at TALKATIVE

1lord noun
[ORIGIN: ME loverd, lord, fr. OE hlāford, fr. hlāf loaf + weard keeper]

1 : one having power and authority over others; especially : a person from whom a feudal fee or estate is held
2 : a man of rank or high position; especially : a British nobleman
3 plural cap : the upper house of the British parliament
4 : a person of great power in some field
5 cap : GOD 1

2lord verb
: to act like a lord; especially : to put on airs — usu. used with it

lord chancellor noun, plural lords chancellor
: a British officer of state who presides over the House of Lords, serves as head of the British judiciary, and is usu. a leading member of the cabinet

lord·ly adjective lord·li·er; -est
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a lord : DIGNIFIED; also : possessing or arising from a sense of high moral character
2 : exhibiting the pride and assurance associated with one of the highest birth or rank : HAUGHTY

Synonyms
[1] chivalrous, dignified, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, magnanimous, noble, sublime—more at NOBLE
[2] disdainful, haughty, highfalutin, lofty, prideful, proud, superior—more at PROUD

lord·ship noun
1 : the rank or dignity of a lord — used as a title
2 : the authority or territory of a lord

Lord's Supper noun
: COMMUNION

lore noun
1 : something that has been learned : KNOWLEDGE; especially : traditional knowledge or belief
2 : a particular body of knowledge or tradition

Synonyms
[1] knowledge, science, wisdom—more at KNOWLEDGE
[2] folklore, legend, myth, mythology, tradition—more at FOLKLORE

lor·gnette noun
[ORIGIN: F, fr. lorgner to take a sidelong look at, fr. MF, fr. lorgne squinting]

: a pair of eyeglasses or opera glasses with a handle

lorn adjective
: miserable and forlorn as if deserted : DESOLATE

lor·ry noun, plural lorries chiefly British
: MOTORTRUCK

lose verb lost ; los·ing
1 : DESTROY
2 : to miss from a customary place : MISLAY
3 : to suffer deprivation of
4 : to fail to use : WASTE
5 : to fail to win or obtain <~ the game>
6 : to fail to keep or maintain <~ his balance>
7 : to wander from <~ her way>
8 : to get rid of

Synonyms
cast, discard, ditch, dump, fling, jettison, junk, reject, scrap, shed, shuck, slough, throw away, throw out, unload—more at DISCARD

los·er noun
1 : a person or thing that loses esp. consistently
2 a : a person who is incompetent or unable to succeed
b : something doomed to fail or disappoint

Synonyms
bummer, bust, catastrophe, debacle, dud, failure, fiasco, fizzle, flop, lemon, turkey, washout—more at FAILURE

loss noun
1 : the state or fact of being destroyed : RUIN
2 : the harm resulting from losing
3 : something that is lost
4 plural : killed, wounded, or captured soldiers
5 : failure to win
6 : an amount by which the cost exceeds the selling price
7 : decrease in amount or degree
8 : the act of losing possession

Synonyms
[1] annihilation, demolition, desolation, destruction, devastation, havoc, obliteration, ruin, wastage, wreckage—more at DESTRUCTION
[3] casualty, fatality, victim—more at CASUALTY
[5] defeat, rout, shellacking—more at DEFEAT
[7] abatement, decline, decrease, decrement, diminution, drop, fall, reduction, shrinkage—more at DECREASE

loss leader noun
: an article sold at a loss in order to draw customers

lost adjective
1 : not used, won, or claimed
2 : no longer possessed or known
3 : ruined or destroyed physically or morally
4 : DENIED; also : HARDENED
5 : unable to find the way; also : HELPLESS
6 : ABSORBED, RAPT
7 : not appreciated or understood <his jokes were ~ on me>

Synonyms
gone, missing; also absent, castaway; irrecoverable, irretrievable; forgotten, unknown
Antonyms
owned, possessed, retained

lot noun
1 : an object used in deciding something by chance; also : the use of lots to decide something
2 a : SHARE, PORTION
b : one's way of life or worldly fate : FORTUNE
3 : a plot of land
4 : a group of individuals
5 : a considerable quantity

Synonyms
[2b] circumstance, destiny, doom, fate, fortune, portion—more at FATE
[3] parcel, plat, plot, property, tract; also patch; frontage; lease; development; real estate
[4] array, batch, body, bunch, cluster, crop, group, huddle, knot, parcel, party
[5] abundance, heap, loads, much, pile, plenty, profusion, quantity, wad, wealth; also embarrassment, excess, overabundance, overage, overkill, overmuch, oversupply, superabundance, superfluity, surfeit, surplus; deluge, flood, overflow
Antonyms
bit, hint, little, pinch, smidgen, speck, spot, touch, trace

loth variant of LOATH

lo·tion noun
: a liquid preparation for cosmetic and external medicinal use

lot·tery noun, plural -ter·ies
1 : a drawing of lots in which prizes are given to the winning names or numbers
2 : a matter determined by chance

lo·tus noun
1 : a fruit held in Greek legend to cause dreamy contentment and forgetfulness
2 : any of various water lilies represented esp. in ancient Egyptian and Hindu art
3 : any of several leguminous forage plants

loud adjective
1 : marked by intensity or volume of sound
2 : CLAMOROUS, NOISY
3 : obtrusive or offensive in color or pattern <a ~ suit>

— loud adverb

— loud·ly adverb

— loud·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] booming, clamorous, deafening, earsplitting, piercing, resounding, ringing, roaring, sonorous, stentorian, thunderous; also brazen, discordant, noisy, obstreperous, raucous, vociferous; grating, harsh, shrill, strident
Antonyms
gentle, low, soft
[3] flamboyant, flashy, garish, gaudy, glitzy, ostentatious, swank, tawdry—more at GAUDY

loud·mouthed adjective
: given to loud offensive talk

loud·speak·er noun
: a device that changes electrical signals into sound

1lounge verb lounged; loung·ing
: to act or move lazily or listlessly

Synonyms
bask, loll, relax, repose, rest—more at REST
dally, dawdle, dillydally, hang around, hang out, idle, loaf, loll—more at IDLE

2lounge noun
1 : a room with comfortable furniture; also : a room (as in a theater) with lounging, smoking, and toilet facilities
2 : a long couch

lour, loury variant of LOWER, LOWERY

louse noun, plural lice
1 : any of various small wingless usu. flattened insects parasitic on warm-blooded animals
2 : a plant pest (as an aphid)
3 plural lous·es : a contemptible person

Synonyms
beast, boor, churl, clown, creep, cretin, cur, heel, jerk, joker, lout, skunk, slob, snake—more at JERK

lousy adjective lous·i·er; -est
1 : infested with lice
2 : miserably poor or inferior
3 : amply supplied <~ with money>
4 : totally repulsive

— lous·i·ly adverb

— lous·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[2] atrocious, awful, bad, deficient, inferior, off, poor, punk, rotten, substandard, terrible, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, wanting, wretched, wrong—more at BAD
[4] contemptible, despicable, nasty, pitiful, scabby, scurvy, sorry, wretched—more at CONTEMPTIBLE

lout noun
: a stupid awkward fellow

— lout·ish·ly adverb

Synonyms
clod, hulk, lubber, lug, oaf—more at OAF

lout·ish adjective
: resembling or befitting a lout

Synonyms
boorish, churlish, clownish, uncouth—more at CLOWNISH

lou·ver or lou·vre noun
1 : an opening having parallel slanted slats to allow flow of air but to exclude rain or sun or to provide privacy; also : a slat in such an opening
2 : a device with movable slats for controlling the flow of air or light

lov·able adjective
: having qualities that attract affection

Synonyms
adorable, darling, dear, endearing, precious, sweet, winning; also beloved, cherished, treasured; attractive, beautiful, desirable, lovely; captivating, charming, fascinating; admirable, likable, reputable, respectable; affable, agreeable, cheerful, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, kind, pleasant; delightful, pleasing
Antonyms
abhorrent, abominable, detestable, hateful, odious, unlovable

1love noun
1 : strong affection
2 : warm attachment <~ of the sea>
3 : attraction based on sexual desire
4 : a beloved person
5 : unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for others
6 : a score of zero in tennis

— love·less adjective

Synonyms
[1] appetite, fancy, favor, fondness, like, liking, partiality, preference, relish, shine, taste, use—more at LIKING
[2] affection, attachment, devotion, fondness, passion; also appetite, favor, like, liking, partiality, preference, taste; craving, crush, desire, infatuation, longing, lust, yearning; ardor, eagerness, enthusiasm, fervor, zeal; esteem, regard, respect; adoration, idolatry, worship; allegiance, fealty, fidelity, loyalty
Antonyms
abomination, hate, hatred, loathing, rancor
[4] beloved, darling, dear, flame, honey, sweet, sweetheart—more at SWEETHEART

2love verb loved; lov·ing
1 : to value highly : CHERISH
2 : to feel a lover's passion, devotion, or tenderness for
3 : to touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner : CARESS
4 : to like or desire actively <~s to play bridge>

Synonyms
[1] appreciate, cherish, prize, treasure, value; also adore, delight (in), dig, enjoy, fancy, groove (on), like, relish, revel (in); admire, esteem, respect, venerate; dote (on), idolize, worship
[2] adore, cherish, worship; also idealize, idolize; revere, reverence, venerate; delight (in), dote (on)
Antonyms
abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe
[3] caress, fondle, pat, pet, stroke—more at FONDLE
[4] adore, delight, dig, enjoy, fancy, groove, like, relish, revel—more at ENJOY

love·bird noun
: any of various small usu. gray or green parrots that seem to show caring behavior for their mates

loved adjective
: held dear

Synonyms
beloved, darling, dear, favorite, pet, precious, special, sweet

love·li·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lovely

Synonyms
attractiveness, beauty, comeliness, handsomeness, looks, prettiness—more at BEAUTY

love·lorn adjective
: deprived of love or of a lover

love·ly adjective love·li·er; -est
: delightful for beauty, harmony, or grace : BEAUTIFUL

— love·li·ly adverb

— lovely adverb

Synonyms
attractive, beautiful, fair, gorgeous, handsome, knockout, pretty, ravishing, stunning—more at BEAUTIFUL

love·mak·ing noun
1 : COURTSHIP
2 : sexual activity; especially : COPULATION

lov·er noun
: a person in love; also : an ardent follower, supporter, or enthusiast (as of a religion, art form, or sport)

Synonyms
addict, aficionado, buff, bug, devotee, enthusiast, fan, fanatic, fancier, fiend, freak, maniac, nut—more at FAN

love·sick adjective
1 : YEARNING
2 : expressing a lover's longing

— love·sick·ness noun

lov·ing adjective
1 : having affection or warm regard : AFFECTIONATE
2 : PAINSTAKING

— lov·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
affectionate, devoted, fond, tender, tenderhearted; also caring, compassionate, considerate, cordial, doting, forgiving, friendly, kind, warmhearted; ardent, fervent, impassioned, passionate, warm; amatory, amorous, erotic; enamored, infatuated, lovesick; mushy, romantic, sentimental; brotherly, fatherly, motherly, sisterly
Antonyms
unloving

1low verb
: MOO

2low noun
: MOO

3low adjective low·er ; low·est
1 : not high or tall <~ wall>; also : DÉCOLLETÉ
2 : situated or passing below the normal level or surface <~ ground>; also : marking a nadir
3 : not loud <~ voice>
4 : being near the equator
5 a : humble in status
b : lacking in cultural advancement
c : lacking in dignity
6 : lacking strength, health, or vitality : WEAK; also : DEPRESSED
7 : STRICKEN, PROSTRATE
8 : less than usual in number, amount, or value; also : of lesser degree than average
9 : falling short of a standard
10 : UNFAVORABLE

— low adverb

Synonyms
[3] dull, quiet, soft—more at SOFT
[5a] common, humble, ignoble, inferior, lowly, mean, plebeian, vulgar—more at IGNOBLE
[5b] crude, primitive, rude, rudimentary—more at PRIMITIVE
[5b] coarse, common, crass, crude, gross, ill-bred, rough, rude, tasteless, uncouth, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar—more at COARSE
[5c] base, contemptible, despicable, detestable, dirty, dishonorable, ignoble, mean, snide, sordid, vile, wretched—more at IGNOBLE
[6] blue, dejected, depressed, down, downcast, glum, melancholy, sad, sorrowful, sorry, unhappy, woeful, wretched—more at SAD
[6] faint, feeble, frail, infirm, unsubstantial, weak—more at WEAK
[8] cheap, cut-rate, reasonable—more at CHEAP

4low noun
1 : something that is low
2 : a region of low barometric pressure
3 : the arrangement of gears in an automobile transmission that gives the slowest speed and greatest power

low·ball verb
: to give a deceptively low price, cost estimate, or offer to

low beam noun
: a vehicle headlight beam with short-range focus

low blow noun
: an unprincipled attack

low·brow adjective
: having little taste or intellectual interest

— lowbrow noun

low–density lipoprotein noun
: LDL

low·down noun
: pertinent and esp. guarded information

Synonyms
dope, scoop, tip—more at DOPE

low–down adjective
1 : MEAN, CONTEMPTIBLE
2 : deeply emotional

low–end adjective
: of, relating to, or being the lowest-priced merchandise in a manufacturer's line

1lower verb
1 : to look sullen : FROWN
2 : to become dark, gloomy, and threatening

Synonyms
frown, glare, gloom, glower, scowl—more at FROWN

2lower adjective
1 : relatively low (as in rank)
2 : situated beneath the earth's surface
3 : constituting the popular and more representative branch of a bicameral legislative body
4 : less advanced in the scale of evolutionary development

Synonyms
inferior, junior, less, lesser, minor, subordinate, under—more at LESSER

3lower verb
1 : to move down : DROP; also : DIMINISH
2 : to let descend by its own weight; also : to reduce the height of
3 : to reduce or decline in value, number, or amount
4 : to bring down in quality or character : DEGRADE; also : HUMBLE

Synonyms
[1] decline, descend, diminish, dip, drop, fall, plummet, plunge, sink, tumble—more at DROP
[3] abate, de-escalate, decrease, diminish, downsize, dwindle, lessen, reduce
[4] abase, debase, degrade, demean, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, shame, smirch, take down—more at HUMBLE

low·er·case adjective
: being a letter that belongs to or conforms to the series a, b, c, etc., rather than A, B, C, etc.

— lowercase noun

lower class noun
: a social class occupying a position below the middle class and having the lowest status in a society

— lower–class adjective

low·er·most adjective
: LOWEST

low·ery adjective
: GLOOMY, LOWERING

lowest common denominator noun
1 : LEAST COMMON DENOMINATOR
2 : something designed to appeal to a lowbrow audience; also : such an audience

lowest common multiple noun
: LEAST COMMON MULTIPLE

low–key also low–keyed adjective
: of low intensity : RESTRAINED

low·land noun
: low and usu. level country

low–lev·el adjective
1 : being of low importance or rank
2 : being or relating to nuclear waste of low concentration

low·life noun, plural low·lifes also low·lives
: a person of low social status or moral character

low·li·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lowly

Synonyms
humbleness, humility, meekness, modesty—more at HUMILITY

low·ly adjective low·li·er; -est
1 : humble in manner or spirit : MEEK
2 : ranking low in some hierarchy

Synonyms
[1] demure, humble, meek, modest, retiring, unassuming, unpretentious—more at HUMBLE
[2] common, humble, ignoble, inferior, low, mean, plebeian, vulgar—more at IGNOBLE

low·ness noun
: the quality or state of being low

Synonyms
debility, delicacy, enfeeblement, faintness, feebleness, frailty, infirmity, languor, weakness—more at WEAKNESS
coarseness, grossness, indelicacy, rudeness, vulgarity—more at VULGARITY

low–rise adjective
1 : having few stories and not equipped with elevators <a ~ building>
2 : of, relating to, or characterized by low-rise buildings

low–slung adjective
: relatively low to the ground or floor <a ~ building> <~ pants>

low–tech adjective
: technologically simple or unsophisticated

1lox noun
: liquid oxygen

2lox noun, plural lox or lox·es
: salmon cured in brine and sometimes smoked

loy·al adjective
[ORIGIN: MF, fr. OF leial, leel, fr. L legalis legal]

1 : faithful in allegiance to one's government
2 : faithful esp. to a cause or ideal : CONSTANT

— loy·al·ly adverb

Synonyms
constant, devoted, faithful, fast, good, pious, staunch, steadfast, steady, true, true-blue—more at FAITHFUL

loy·al·ist noun
: one who is or remains loyal to a political party, government, or sovereign

loy·al·ty noun
: the quality or state or an instance of being loyal

Synonyms
allegiance, constancy, dedication, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, fidelity, steadfastness—more at FIDELITY

loz·enge noun
1 : a diamond-shaped figure
2 : a small flat often medicated candy

LP abbreviation
low pressure

LPG abbreviation
liquefied petroleum gas

LPGA abbreviation
Ladies Professional Golf Association

LPN noun
: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

Lr symbol
Lawrencium

LSD noun
[ORIGIN: G Lysergsäure-Diäthylamid lysergic acid diethylamide]

: an illicit and highly potent hallucinogenic drug derived from ergot or produced synthetically

lt abbreviation
light

Lt abbreviation
lieutenant

LT abbreviation
long ton

LTC or Lt Col abbreviation
lieutenant colonel

Lt Comdr abbreviation
lieutenant commander

ltd abbreviation
limited

LTG or Lt Gen abbreviation
lieutenant general

LTJG abbreviation
lieutenant, junior grade

ltr abbreviation
letter

Lu symbol
lutetium

lu·au noun
: a Hawaiian feast

lub abbreviation
lubricant; lubricating

lub·ber noun
1 : a big clumsy fellow : LOUT
2 : an unskilled seaman

Synonyms
clod, hulk, lout, lug, oaf—more at OAF

lub·ber·ly adjective
: resembling or having the characteristics of a lubber

Synonyms
awkward, clumsy, gawky, graceless, heavy-handed, lumpish, ungainly, unhandy—more at CLUMSY

lube noun
: LUBRICANT; also : an application of a lubricant

lu·bri·cant noun
: a material capable of reducing friction when applied between moving parts

lu·bri·cate verb -cat·ed; -cat·ing
: to apply a lubricant to

— lu·bri·ca·tion noun

— lu·bri·ca·tor noun

Synonyms
grease, oil, slick, wax

lu·bri·cious or lu·bri·cous adjective
1 : SMOOTH, SLIPPERY
2 : LECHEROUS; also : SALACIOUS

— lu·bric·i·ty noun

lu·cent adjective
1 : glowing with light : LUMINOUS
2 : marked by clarity or translucence : CLEAR

— lu·cent·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] beaming, bright, brilliant, effulgent, glowing, incandescent, lambent, lucid, luminous, lustrous, radiant, refulgent, shiny—more at BRIGHT
[2] clear, limpid, liquid, pellucid, transparent—more at CLEAR

lu·cerne noun, chiefly British
: ALFALFA

lu·cid adjective
1 : suffused with light : SHINING
2 : mentally sound
3 : easily understood

— lu·cid·ly adverb

Synonyms
[2] balanced, clearheaded, normal, right, sane, stable—more at SANE
[3] apparent, broad, clear, clear-cut, distinct, evident, manifest, obvious, palpable, patent, perspicuous, plain, transparent, unambiguous, unequivocal, unmistakable—more at CLEAR

lu·cid·i·ty noun
: clearness of thought or style

Synonyms
clarity, explicitness, perspicuity, simplicity—more at SIMPLICITY

lu·cid·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lucid esp. in thought or style

Lu·ci·fer noun
[ORIGIN: ME, the morning star, a fallen rebel archangel, the Devil, fr. OE, fr. L, the morning star, fr. lucifer light-bearing]

: DEVIL, SATAN

1luck noun
1 : a force that brings good fortune or adversity : CHANCE
2 : good fortune

Synonyms
[1] accident, chance, circumstance, hazard—more at CHANCE
[2] chance, fortune; also break, fluke, godsend, hit, serendipity, strike, windfall; opportunity; coup, stroke
Antonyms
mischance, misfortune

2luck verb
1 : to prosper or succeed esp. through chance or good fortune — usu. used with out
2 : to come upon something desirable by chance — usu. used with out, on, onto, or into

luck·i·ly adverb
1 : in a lucky manner
2 : FORTUNATELY 2

luck·less adjective
: being without luck

Synonyms
hapless, ill-fated, ill-starred, unfortunate, unhappy, unlucky—more at UNLUCKY

lucky adjective luck·i·er; -est
1 : favored by luck : FORTUNATE
2 : happening by chance : FORTUITOUS
3 : seeming to bring good luck

— luck·i·ness noun

Synonyms
[1] blessed, fortunate, happy
Antonyms
hapless, ill-fated, ill-starred, luckless, unfortunate, unlucky
[2] fluky, fortuitous, fortunate, happy, providential—more at FORTUNATE

lu·cra·tive adjective
: producing wealth : PROFITABLE

— lu·cra·tive·ly adverb

— lu·cra·tive·ness noun

Synonyms
fat, gainful, profitable, remunerative—more at PROFITABLE

lu·cre noun
[ORIGIN: ME, fr. AF, fr. L lucrum]

: monetary gain : PROFIT; also : MONEY

Synonyms
earnings, gain, net, payoff, proceeds, profit, return—more at PROFIT
cash, currency, dough, money, pelf, tender—more at MONEY

lu·cu·bra·tion noun
: laborious study : MEDITATION

Ludd·ite noun
[ORIGIN: perh. fr. Ned Ludd, 18th cent. Eng. workman who destroyed a knitting frame]

: one who is opposed to technological change

lu·di·crous adjective
: amusing or laughable through obvious absurdity, incongruity, exaggeration, or eccentricity : RIDICULOUS; also : meriting derisive laughter or scorn as absurdly inept, false, or foolish

— lu·di·crous·ly adverb

— lu·di·crous·ness noun

Synonyms
antic, comic, droll, funny, hilarious, humorous, hysterical, laughable, riotous, screaming, uproarious—more at FUNNY
absurd, comical, derisive, farcical, laughable, preposterous, ridiculous, risible, silly—more at RIDICULOUS

luff verb
: to turn the head of a ship toward the wind

1lug verb lugged; lug·ging
1 : to draw slowly or heavily : DRAG, PULL
2 : to carry laboriously

Synonyms
[1] drag, draw, hale, haul, pull, tow, tug—more at PULL
[2] bear, carry, cart, convey, ferry, haul, pack, tote, transport—more at CARRY

2lug noun
1 : a projecting piece (as for fastening, support, or traction)
2 : a nut securing a wheel on an automobile
3 : a big clumsy fellow

Synonyms
clod, hulk, lout, lubber, oaf—more at OAF

lug·gage noun
: containers (as suitcases) for carrying personal belongings : BAGGAGE

lu·gu·bri·ous adjective
: mournful often to an exaggerated degree

— lu·gu·bri·ous·ly adverb

— lu·gu·bri·ous·ness noun

Synonyms
dolorous, funeral, mournful, plaintive, regretful, rueful, sorrowful, weeping, woeful—more at MOURNFUL

Luke noun
: a book of the New Testament of Christian Scripture

luke·warm adjective
1 : moderately warm : TEPID
2 : not enthusiastic

— luke·warm·ly adverb

1lull verb
1 : SOOTHE, CALM
2 : to cause to relax vigilance

2lull noun
1 : a temporary calm (as during a storm)
2 : a temporary drop in activity

Synonyms
break, breath, breather, interruption, pause—more at PAUSE

lul·la·by noun, plural -bies
: a song to lull children to sleep

lum·ba·go noun
: acute or chronic pain in the lower back

lum·bar adjective
: of, relating to, or constituting the loins or the vertebrae between the thoracic vertebrae and sacrum <~ region>

1lumber verb
1 : to move heavily or clumsily
2 : to make a low heavy rolling sound

Synonyms
[1] clump, flounder, lump, plod, scuff, scuffle, shamble, shuffle, stamp, stomp, stumble, tramp, tromp; also drag, flop, haul; labor; careen, lurch, stagger, sway, teeter, totter, waddle, weave, wobble
Antonyms
breeze, coast, glide, slide, waltz, whisk
[2] growl, grumble, roll, rumble—more at RUMBLE

2lumber noun
1 : surplus or disused articles that are stored away
2 : timber or logs esp. when dressed for use

3lumber verb
1 : to cut logs; also : to saw logs into lumber
2 : to clutter with or as if with lumber

— lum·ber·man noun

Synonyms
burden, encumber, load, saddle, weight—more at LOAD

lum·ber·jack noun
: LOGGER

lum·ber·yard noun
: a place where lumber is kept for sale

lu·mi·nary noun, plural -nar·ies
1 : a very famous person
2 : a source of light; especially : a celestial body

Synonyms
celebrity, figure, light, notable, personage, personality, somebody, standout, star, superstar, VIP—more at CELEBRITY

lu·mi·nes·cence noun
: the low-temperature emission of light (as by a chemical or physiological process); also : such light

— lu·mi·nes·cent adjective

Synonyms
blaze, flare, fluorescence, glare, gleam, glow, illumination, incandescence, light, radiance, shine—more at LIGHT

lu·mi·nous adjective
1 : emitting light; also : LIGHTED
2 : CLEAR, INTELLIGIBLE
3 : ILLUSTRIOUS

— lu·mi·nance noun

— lu·mi·nous·ly adverb

Synonyms
beaming, bright, brilliant, effulgent, glowing, incandescent, lambent, lucent, lucid, lustrous, radiant, refulgent, shiny—more at BRIGHT

lu·mi·nos·i·ty noun
: the quality or state of being luminous

Synonyms
brilliance, dazzle, effulgence, illumination, lightness, lucidity, radiance, refulgence, splendor—more at BRILLIANCE

lum·mox noun
: a clumsy person

1lump noun
1 : a piece or mass of indefinite size and shape
2 : AGGREGATE, TOTALITY
3 : a usu. abnormal swelling

Synonyms
[1] blob, chunk, clod, clump, glob, gob, hunk, nub, wad; also bead, drop, globule; block, body, bulk; particle, piece, portion; bit, chip, crumb, morsel, scrap
[3] excrescence, growth, neoplasm, tumor—more at GROWTH
[3] bump, knot, nodule, swelling—more at BUMP

2lump verb
1 : to heap together in a lump
2 : to form into lumps
3 : to move noisily and clumsily

Synonyms
accumulate, amass, assemble, collect, concentrate, garner, gather, group, pick up, round up, scrape—more at GATHER

3lump adjective
: not divided into parts <a ~ sum>

lump·ec·to·my noun, plural -mies
: excision of a breast tumor

lump·ish adjective
: lacking ease or grace (as of movement or expression)

Synonyms
awkward, clumsy, gawky, graceless, heavy-handed, lubberly, ungainly, unhandy—more at CLUMSY

lumpy adjective
: filled or covered with lumps

Synonyms
broken, bumpy, coarse, irregular, jagged, pebbly, ragged, rough, rugged, uneven—more at UNEVEN

lu·na·cy noun, plural -cies
1 : a deranged state of the mind : INSANITY
2 : extreme folly; also : a foolish act

Synonyms
[1] aberration, dementia, derangement, insanity, madness, mania—more at INSANITY
[2] absurdity, asininity, fatuity, folly, foolery, foolishness, idiocy, imbecility, inanity, insanity, stupidity—more at FOLLY

lu·nar adjective
: of or relating to the moon

lu·nate adjective
: shaped like a crescent

1lunatic adjective
[ORIGIN: ME lunatik, fr. AF & LL; AF lunatik, fr. LL lunaticus, fr. L luna moon; fr. the belief that lunacy fluctuated with the phases of the moon]

1 a : affected with lunacy : INSANE
b : used for insane persons
2 : extremely foolish

Synonyms
absurd, crazy, foolish, harebrained, insane, mad, nonsensical, nutty, senseless, silly, stupid

2lunatic noun
: a person affected with lunacy; also : one capable of crazy actions or extravagances

Synonyms
maniac, nut, psychotic; also madman, madwoman; deviant; paranoid, schizophrenic; character, crackpot, crank, eccentric, kook, oddball, screwball; case, patient

1lunch noun
1 : a light meal usu. eaten in the middle of the day
2 : the food prepared for a lunch

2lunch verb
: to eat lunch

lun·cheon noun
: a usu. formal lunch

lun·cheon·ette noun
: a small restaurant serving light lunches

lunch·room noun
1 : LUNCHEONETTE
2 : a room (as in a school) where lunches are sold and eaten or lunches brought from home may be eaten

lu·nette noun
: something shaped like a crescent

lung noun
1 : one of the usu. paired baglike breathing organs in the chest of an air-breathing vertebrate
2 : a mechanical device to promote breathing and make it easier

— lunged adjective

lunge noun
1 : a sudden thrust or pass (as with a sword)
2 : a sudden forward stride or leap

— lunge verb

lu·pine noun
: any of a genus of leguminous plants with long upright clusters of pealike flowers

lu·pus noun
[ORIGIN: ML, fr. L, wolf]

: any of several diseases characterized by skin lesions; especially : SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

1lurch noun
: a sudden swaying or tipping movement

2lurch verb
: to roll or tip abruptly; also : to move with a lurch

Synonyms
careen, pitch, rock, roll, seesaw, sway, toss, wobble—more at ROCK
careen, dodder, reel, stagger, teeter, totter—more at STAGGER

1lure noun
1 : an inducement to pleasure or gain : ENTICEMENT; also : APPEAL
2 : an artificial bait for catching fish

Synonyms
appeal, attraction, bait, call, decoy, enticement, incentive, inducement, persuasion, seduction, snare, spur, temptation, trap

2lure verb lured; lur·ing
: to draw on with a promise of pleasure or gain

Synonyms
allure, beguile, decoy, entice, lead on, seduce, tempt; also persuade, inveigle, rope (in), snow; catch, ensnare, entrap, snare; captivate, charm, enchant

lu·rid adjective
1 : wan and ghostly pale in appearance
2 : shining with the red glow of fire seen through smoke or cloud
3 a : causing horror or revulsion : GRUESOME
b : SENSATIONAL

— lu·rid·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] ashen, cadaverous, livid, pale, pasty, peaked—more at PALE
[3a] appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, grisly, gruesome, hideous, horrible, horrid, macabre, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, terrible—more at HORRIBLE

lurk verb
1 : to move furtively : SNEAK
2 : to lie concealed

Synonyms
pussyfoot, skulk, slide, slink, slip, snake, sneak, steal—more at SNEAK

lus·cious adjective
1 : having a pleasingly sweet taste or smell
2 : sensually appealing

— lus·cious·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] agreeable, ambrosial, appetizing, delectable, delicious, delightful, enjoyable, flavorful, palatable, savory, scrumptious, tasty, toothsome, yummy—more at DELICIOUS
[2] carnal, fleshly, sensual, sensuous, voluptuous—more at SENSUAL

lus·cious·ness noun
: the quality or state of being luscious

Synonyms
savor, tastiness

1lush adjective
: having or covered with abundant growth <~ pastures>

Synonyms
green, leafy, luxuriant, verdant; also fat, fecund, fertile, fruitful, productive, rich; dense, tangled
Antonyms
barren, leafless

2lush noun
: an habitual heavy drinker

1lust noun
1 : usu. intense or unbridled sexual desire : LASCIVIOUSNESS
2 : an intense longing

Synonyms
appetite, craving, desire, drive, hankering, hunger, itch, longing, passion, thirst, urge, yearning, yen—more at DESIRE

2lust verb
: to have an intense desire or need

Synonyms
usually lust for or lust after ache, covet, crave, desire, die, hanker, hunger, long, pant, pine, repine, thirst, want, wish, yearn—more at DESIRE

lus·ter or lus·tre noun
1 : a shine or sheen esp. from reflected light
2 : BRIGHTNESS, GLITTER
3 : GLORY, SPLENDOR

Synonyms
gloss, polish, sheen, shine—more at SHINE

lus·ter·less adjective
: lacking luster

Synonyms
dim, dull, flat

lust·ful adjective
: excited by lust

Synonyms
lascivious, lewd, passionate, wanton; also prurient; dissipated, dissolute, libertine; corrupt, debauched, depraved, immoral, indecent

lust·i·ness noun
: the quality or state of being lusty

Synonyms
animation, briskness, exuberance, liveliness, robustness, sprightliness, vibrancy, vitality—more at VITALITY

lus·tral adjective
: serving or intended to purify

lus·trous adjective
: reflecting light evenly and efficiently without glitter or sparkle

Synonyms
beaming, bright, brilliant, effulgent, glowing, incandescent, lambent, lucent, lucid, luminous, radiant, refulgent, shiny—more at BRIGHT
glossy, polished, satiny, sleek—more at GLOSSY

lusty adjective lust·i·er; -est
1 : full of vitality : ROBUST
2 : full of energy or activity

— lust·i·ly adverb

Synonyms
[1] dynamic, energetic, flush, peppy, robust, strenuous, vigorous, vital—more at VIGOROUS
[2] firm, forceful, hearty, robust, solid, stout, strong, sturdy, vigorous

lute noun
: a stringed musical instrument with a large pear-shaped body and a fretted fingerboard

— lu·te·nist or lu·ta·nist noun

lu·te·tium also lu·te·cium noun
: a metallic chemical element

Lu·ther·an noun
: a member of a Protestant denomination adhering to the doctrines of Martin Luther

— Lu·ther·an·ism noun

lux·u·ri·ant adjective
1 : yielding or growing abundantly : LUSH, PRODUCTIVE
2 : abundantly rich and varied; also : FLORID
3 : characterized by luxury

— lux·u·ri·ance noun

— lux·u·ri·ant·ly adverb

Synonyms
green, leafy, lush, verdant
fat, fecund, fertile, fruitful, productive, prolific, rich—more at FERTILE

lux·u·ri·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to grow profusely
2 : REVEL

lux·u·ri·ous adjective
: of, relating to, or marked by luxury

Synonyms
deluxe, lavish, luxuriant, opulent, palatial, plush, sumptuous; also costly, expensive; rich; extravagant, grandiose, ostentatious, pretentious, showy; awesome, awful, beautiful, gorgeous, grand, imposing, impressive, magnificent, majestic, splendid, stately; comfortable, cozy, homey, snug
Antonyms
ascetic, austere, humble

lux·u·ri·ous·ly adverb
: in a luxurious manner

Synonyms
expensively, extravagantly, grandly, high, lavishly, opulently, richly—more at HIGH

lux·u·ry noun, plural -ries
1 : great ease and comfort
2 : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary

Synonyms
amenity, comfort, extra, frill, indulgence, superfluity; also extravagance; dainty, delicacy, treat; accessory, option
Antonyms
basic, essential, fundamental, necessity, requirement

lv abbreviation
leave

LWV abbreviation
League of Women Voters

1-ly adjective suffix
1 : like in appearance, manner, or nature <queenly>
2 : characterized by regular recurrence in (specified) units of time : every <hourly>

2-ly adverb suffix
1 : in a (specified) manner <slowly>
2 : from a (specified) point of view <grammatically>

ly·ce·um noun
1 : a hall for public lectures
2 : an association providing public lectures, concerts, and entertainments

ly·chee or li·tchi noun
[ORIGIN: Ch(Beijing) lìzhī]

1 : an oval fruit with a hard scaly outer covering, a small hard seed, and edible flesh
2 : an Asian tree bearing lychees

lye noun
: a corrosive alkaline substance used esp. in making soap

ly·ing adjective
: marked by or containing falsehoods : UNTRUTHFUL

Synonyms
dishonest, mendacious, untruthful—more at DISHONEST

ly·ing–in noun, plural lyings–in or lying–ins
: the state during and consequent to childbirth : CONFINEMENT

Lyme disease noun
[ORIGIN: Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first reported]

: an acute inflammatory disease that is caused by a spirochete transmitted by ticks, is characterized usu. by chills and fever, and if left untreated may result in joint pain, arthritis, and cardiac and neurological disorders

lymph noun
: a usu. clear fluid consisting chiefly of blood plasma and white blood cells, circulating in thin-walled tubes (lymphatic vessels), and bathing the body tissues

— lym·phat·ic adjective

lymph·ade·nop·a·thy noun, plural -thies
: abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes

lymph node noun
: any of the rounded masses of lymphoid tissue surrounded by a capsule

lym·pho·cyte noun
: any of the white blood cells arising from lymphoid tissue that are typically found in lymph and blood and that include the cellular mediators (as a B cell or a T cell) of immunity

— lym·pho·cyt·ic adjective

lym·phoid adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being tissue (as of the lymph nodes) containing lymphocytes
2 : of, relating to, or resembling lymph

lym·pho·ma noun, plural -mas or -ma·ta
: a usu. malignant tumor of lymphoid tissue

lynch verb
: to put to death by mob action without legal sanction or due process of law

— lynch·er noun

lynx noun, plural lynx or lynx·es
: any of several wildcats with a short tail, long legs, and usu. tufted ears

lyre noun
: a stringed musical instrument of the harp class having a U-shaped frame and used by the ancient Greeks

1lyric noun
1 : a lyric poem
2 : the words of a popular song — often used in pl.

Synonyms
poem, song, verse—more at POEM

2lyric adjective
1 : suitable for singing : MELODIC
2 : expressing direct and usu. intense personal emotion

Synonyms
[1] euphonious, mellifluous, mellow, melodic, melodious, musical; also dulcet, golden, sweet
[2] poetic—more at POETIC

lyr·i·cal adjective
: LYRIC

ly·ser·gic acid di·eth·yl·am·ide … noun
: LSD

LZ abbreviation
landing zone

M

1m noun, plural m's or ms often cap
: the 13th letter of the English alphabet

2m abbreviation, often cap
1 Mach
2 male
3 married
4 masculine
5 medium
6 [ORIGIN L meridies] noon
7 meter
8 mile
9 [ORIGIN L mille] thousand
10 minute
11 month
12 moon

ma noun
: a female parent : MOTHER

MA abbreviation
1 [ORIGIN ML magister artium] master of arts
2 Massachusetts
3 mental age

ma'am “” noun
: MADAM

Mac abbreviation
Machabees

Mac or Macc abbreviation
Maccabees

ma·ca·bre adjective
[ORIGIN: F]

1 : having death as a subject
2 : dwelling on the gruesome
3 : tending to produce horror in a beholder

Synonyms
appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, grisly, gruesome, hideous, horrible, horrid, lurid, monstrous, nightmarish, shocking, terrible—more at HORRIBLE

mac·ad·am noun
[ORIGIN: John L. McAdam †1836 Brit. engineer]

: a roadway or pavement of small closely packed broken stone

— mac·ad·am·ize verb

mac·a·da·mia nut noun
: a hard-shelled richly-flavored nut of any of several Australian trees

ma·caque noun
: any of a genus of short-tailed chiefly Asian monkeys; especially : RHESUS MONKEY

mac·a·ro·ni noun
1 : pasta made chiefly of wheat flour and shaped in the form of slender tubes
2 plural -nis or -nies : FOP, DANDY

mac·a·roon noun
: a small cookie made chiefly of egg whites, sugar, and ground almonds or coconut

ma·caw noun
: any of numerous parrots of Central and So. America

Mac·ca·bees noun
: either of two books of Scripture in the Roman Catholic canon and the Protestant Apocrypha

1mace noun
: a spice made from the fibrous coating of the nutmeg

2mace noun
1 : a heavy often spiked club used as a weapon esp. in the Middle Ages
2 : an ornamental staff carried as a symbol of authority

Mac·e·do·nian noun
: a native or inhabitant of Macedonia

— Macedonian adjective

mac·er·ate verb -at·ed; -at·ing
1 : to cause to waste away
2 : to soften by steeping or soaking so as to separate the parts

— mac·er·a·tion noun

Mac·Guf·fin or Mc·Guf·fin noun
: an object, event, or character whose main purpose is to advance the plot of a motion picture

mach abbreviation
machine; machinery; machinist

Mach noun
: a speed expressed by a Mach number

Mach·a·bees noun
: MACCABEES

ma·chete noun
: a large heavy knife used for cutting sugarcane and underbrush and as a weapon

Ma·chi·a·vel·lian adjective
[ORIGIN: Niccolò Machiavelli, †1527 Ital. political philosopher]

: characterized by cunning, duplicity, and bad faith

— Ma·chi·a·vel·lian·ism noun

Synonyms
cutthroat, immoral, unconscionable, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous—more at UNPRINCIPLED

mach·i·nate verb
: to plan or plot esp. to do harm

Synonyms
conspire, contrive, intrigue, plot, scheme—more at PLOT
contrive, finagle, finesse, frame, maneuver, mastermind, negotiate, wangle

mach·i·na·tion noun
: an act of planning esp. to do harm; especially : PLOT

Synonyms
conspiracy, design, intrigue, plot, scheme—more at PLOT

1machine noun
1 : an automotive vehicle not operated on rails; especially : AUTOMOBILE
2 : a combination of mechanical parts that transmit forces, motion, and energy one to another
3 : an instrument (as a lever) for transmitting or modifying force or motion
4 : an electrical, electronic, or mechanical device for performing a task <a sewing ~>
5 : a highly organized political group under the leadership of a boss or small clique

Synonyms
automobile, car, motor vehicle—more at CAR

2machine verb ma·chined; ma·chin·ing
: to shape or finish by machine-operated tools

— ma·chin·able adjective

machine gun noun
: an automatic gun capable of rapid continuous firing

— machine–gun verb

— machine gunner noun

machine language noun
: the set of symbolic instruction codes used to represent operations and data in a machine (as a computer)

machine–readable adjective
: directly usable by a computer

ma·chin·ery noun, plural -er·ies
1 : MACHINES; also : the working parts of a machine
2 : the means by which something is done

Synonyms
agency, agent, instrument, instrumentality, means, medium, organ, vehicle—more at AGENT

ma·chin·ist noun
: a person who makes or works on machines

ma·chis·mo noun
: a strong or exaggerated pride in one's masculinity

Mach number noun
: a number representing the ratio of the speed of a body (as an aircraft) to the speed of sound in the surrounding atmosphere

ma·cho adjective
[ORIGIN: Sp, lit., male, fr. L masculus]

: characterized by machismo

mack·er·el noun, plural mackerel or mackerels
: a No. Atlantic food fish greenish above and silvery below

mack·i·naw noun
: a short heavy plaid coat

mack·in·tosh also mac·in·tosh noun
1 chiefly British : RAINCOAT
2 : a lightweight waterproof fabric

mac·ra·mé also mac·ra·me noun
[ORIGIN: ultim. fr. Ar miqrama coverlet]

: a coarse lace or fringe made by knotting threads or cords in a geometrical pattern

1macro adjective
: very large; also : involving large quantities or being on a large scale

2macro noun, plural macros
: a single computer instruction that stands for a sequence of operations

mac·ro·bi·ot·ic adjective
: relating to or being a very restricted diet (as one containing chiefly whole cereals or grains)

mac·ro·cosm noun
: the great world : UNIVERSE

Synonyms
cosmos, creation, nature, universe, world—more at UNIVERSE

ma·cron noun
: a mark ¯ placed over a vowel (as in mk) to show that the vowel is long

mac·ro·scop·ic adjective
: visible to the naked eye

— mac·ro·scop·i·cal·ly adverb

mac·u·la noun, plural -lae also -las
: an anatomical spot distinguishable from surrounding tissues

— mac·u·lar adjective

mad adjective mad·der; mad·dest
1 : disordered in mind : INSANE
2 : being rash and foolish
3 : carried away by intense anger : FURIOUS, ENRAGED <~ at myself> <~ about the delay>
4 : carried away by enthusiasm or desire <~ about horses> <~ for the boy next door>
5 : RABID
6 : marked by wild gaiety and merriment
7 : intensely excited : FRANTIC
8 : marked by intense and often chaotic activity : WILD

Synonyms
[1, 2] balmy, crazy, cuckoo, daft, foolish, harebrained, insane, lunatic, nonsensical, nutty, screwball, senseless, silly, stupid, wacky—more at FOOLISH
[3] angry, boiling, enraged, furious, irate, rabid, sore, wrathful—more at ANGRY
usually mad about [4] crazy, nuts
[7, 8] delirious, feverish, fierce, frantic, frenetic, frenzied, furious, rabid, violent, wild—more at FURIOUS

Mad·a·gas·can noun
: a native or inhabitant of Madagascar

mad·am noun
1 plural mes·dames — used as a form of polite address to a woman
2 plural madams : the female head of a house of prostitution

ma·dame noun, plural mes·dames
: MISTRESS — used as a title equivalent to Mrs. for a married woman not of English-speaking nationality

mad·cap adjective
: marked by capriciousness, recklessness, or foolishness

— madcap noun

Synonyms
brash, foolhardy, overbold, overconfident, reckless—more at FOOLHARDY

mad cow disease
: a fatal disease of the brain of cattle affecting the nervous system and probably caused by infected tissue in food

mad·den verb
: to make mad

Synonyms
craze, derange, unhinge—more at CRAZE
anger, antagonize, enrage, incense, inflame, infuriate, outrage, rankle, rile, roil—more at ANGER

mad·den·ing adjective
: tending to infuriate or irritate

— mad·den·ing·ly adverb

Synonyms
aggravating, annoying, galling, irritating; also grating, inflaming, provocative, provoking; bothersome, troublesome; enraging, incensing, infuriating; distressing, upsetting; offensive, outrageous

mad·der noun
: a Eurasian herb with yellow flowers and fleshy red roots; also : its root or a dye prepared from it

made past and past participle of MAKE

Ma·dei·ra noun
: an amber-colored dessert wine

ma·de·moi·selle noun, plural ma·de·moi·selles or mes·de·moi·selles
: an unmarried girl or woman — used as a title for an unmarried woman not of English-speaking nationality

made–to–measure adjective
: CUSTOM-MADE

made–up adjective
1 : fancifully conceived or falsely devised
2 : marked by the use of makeup

Synonyms
chimerical, fabulous, fanciful, fantastic, fictitious, imaginary, mythical, phantom, pretend, unreal—more at IMAGINARY

mad·house noun
1 : a place for the detention and care of the insane
2 : a place of great uproar

Synonyms
bedlam, circus, hell; also commotion, havoc, pandemonium, racket, ruckus, tumult, turmoil; clamor, clatter, din, hubbub, noise; chaos, confusion, disarrangement, disarray, disorder, maelstrom, mess, muss

mad·ly adverb
1 : in a mad manner
2 : to an extreme or excessive degree

Synonyms
amok, berserk, frantically, harum-scarum, hectically, helter-skelter, pell-mell, wild, wildly—more at HELTER-SKELTER

mad·man noun
: LUNATIC

mad·ness noun
: the quality or state of being mad

Synonyms
aberration, dementia, derangement, insanity, lunacy, mania—more at INSANITY
absurdity, asininity, craziness, folly, foolishness, inanity, silliness, zaniness

Ma·don·na noun
: a representation (as a picture or statue) of the Virgin Mary

ma·dras noun
[ORIGIN: Madras, India]

: a fine usu. cotton fabric with various designs (as plaid)

ma·dras·sa or ma·dra·sa noun
: a Muslim school, college, or university that is often part of a mosque

mad·ri·gal noun
[ORIGIN: It madrigale]

1 : a short lyrical poem in a strict poetic form
2 : an elaborate part-song esp. of the 16th and 17th centuries

mad·wom·an noun
: a woman who is insane

mael·strom noun
1 : a violent whirlpool
2 : TUMULT

mae·stro noun, plural maestros or mae·stri
[ORIGIN: It]

1 : a master in an art
2 : an eminent composer, conductor, or teacher of music

Synonyms
ace, adept, artist, authority, crackerjack, expert, master, scholar, shark, virtuoso, whiz, wizard—more at EXPERT

Ma·fia noun
[ORIGIN: It]

: a secret criminal society of Sicily or Italy; also : a similar organization elsewhere

ma·fi·o·so noun, plural -si
: a member of the Mafia

1mag noun
: MAGAZINE

2mag abbreviation
1 magnetism
2 magneto
3 magnitude

mag·a·zine noun
[ORIGIN: MF, fr. Old Occitan, fr. Ar makhāzin, pl. of makhzan storehouse]

1 : a storehouse esp. for military supplies
2 : a place for keeping gunpowder in a fort or ship
3 : a publication usu. containing stories, articles, or poems and issued periodically
4 : a container in a gun for holding cartridges; also : a chamber (as on a camera) for film

Synonyms
depository, depot, repository, storage, storehouse, warehouse—more at STOREHOUSE
armory, arsenal, depot, dump—more at ARMORY

ma·gen·ta noun
: a deep purplish red color

mag·got noun
: the legless wormlike larva of a dipteran fly

— mag·goty adjective

ma·gi noun plural, often cap
: the three wise men from the East who paid homage to the infant Jesus

1magic noun
1 : the use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces
2 a : an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural force
b : something that seems to cast a spell
3 : the art of producing illusions by sleight of hand

Synonyms
[2a] bewitchment, enchantment, necromancy, sorcery, witchcraft, wizardry; also abracadabra, amulet, charm, fetish, mascot, phylactery, talisman; curse, hex, incantation, jinx, spell; augury, divining, forecasting, foreknowing, foreseeing, foretelling, fortune-telling, predicting, presaging, prognosticating, prophesying, soothsaying; hoodoo, occultism, spiritualism; augur, omen; exorcism; alchemy
[2b] allure, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charisma, charm, enchantment, fascination, glamour, magnetism—more at CHARM

2magic adjective
1 : of or relating to magic
2 : having unusually distinctive qualities resembling the supernatural

Synonyms
magical, mystic, occult, weird—more at MYSTIC

mag·i·cal adjective
1 : of or relating to magic
2 : resembling magic; also : giving a feeling of enchantment

— mag·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
miraculous, phenomenal, superhuman, supernatural, uncanny, unearthly—more at SUPERNATURAL

ma·gi·cian noun
: a person skilled in magic

Synonyms
conjurer, enchanter, necromancer, sorcerer, voodoo, witch, wizard; also enchantress, hag, hex, sorceress, warlock; medicine man; fortune-teller, prognosticator, prophesier, prophet, soothsayer; medium; exorcist

mag·is·te·ri·al adjective
1 : AUTHORITATIVE
2 : of or relating to a magistrate or a magistrate's office or duties

ma·gis·tral adjective
: AUTHORITATIVE

mag·is·trate noun
: an official entrusted with administration of the laws

— mag·is·tra·cy noun

Synonyms
bench, court, judge, justice—more at JUDGE

mag·lev noun
1 : the use of magnetic fields to float an object above a solid surface
2 : a train using maglev technology

mag·ma noun
: molten rock material within the earth

— mag·mat·ic adjective

mag·nan·i·mous adjective
1 : showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit
2 : showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind

— mag·na·nim·i·ty noun

— mag·nan·i·mous·ness noun

Synonyms
chivalrous, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, lordly, noble, sublime—more at NOBLE

mag·nan·i·mous·ly adverb
: in a magnanimous manner

Synonyms
gallantly, grandly, greatly, heroically, honorably, nobly—more at GREATLY

mag·nate noun
: a person of rank, influence, or distinction

Synonyms
baron, czar, king, mogul, prince, tycoon; also big shot, bigwig, figure, nabob, notable, personage, VIP; celebrity, personality, star; plutocrat

mag·ne·sia noun
[ORIGIN: NL, fr. magnes carneus, a white earth, lit., flesh magnet]

: a light white oxide of magnesium used as a laxative

mag·ne·sium noun
: a silver-white light malleable metallic chemical element

mag·net noun
1 : LODESTONE
2 : a body that is able to attract iron
3 : something that attracts

Synonyms
attraction, draw, lodestone; also capital, cynosure, mecca; allure, bait, enticement, fascination, lure, temptation; appeal, call; incentive, inducement, persuasion, spur

mag·net·ic adjective
1 : having an unusual ability to attract <a ~ leader>
2 : of or relating to a magnet or magnetism
3 : magnetized or capable of being magnetized

— mag·net·i·cal·ly adverb

Synonyms
alluring, attractive, captivating, charming, elfin, engaging, fascinating, fetching, glamorous, seductive—more at FASCINATING

magnetic disk noun
: DISK 3

magnetic levitation noun
: MAGLEV 1

magnetic north noun
: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle

magnetic resonance imaging noun
: a noninvasive diagnostic technique that produces computerized images of internal body tissues based on electromagnetically induced activity of atoms within the body

magnetic tape noun
: a ribbon coated with a magnetic material on which information (as sound) may be stored

mag·ne·tise British variant of MAGNETIZE

mag·ne·tism noun
1 : the power (as of a magnet) to attract iron
2 : the science that deals with magnetic phenomena
3 : an ability to attract or charm

Synonyms
allure, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charisma, charm, enchantment, fascination, glamour, magic—more at CHARM

mag·ne·tite noun
: a black mineral that is an important iron ore

mag·ne·tize verb -tized; -tiz·ing
1 : to induce magnetic properties in
2 : to attract like a magnet : CHARM

— mag·ne·tiz·able adjective

— mag·ne·ti·za·tion noun

— mag·ne·tiz·er noun

mag·ne·to noun, plural -tos
: a generator used to produce sparks in an internal combustion engine

mag·ne·tom·e·ter noun
: an instrument for measuring the strength of a magnetic field

mag·ne·to·sphere noun
: a region around a celestial object (as the earth) in which charged particles are trapped by its magnetic field

— mag·ne·to·spher·ic adjective

mag·ni·fi·ca·tion noun
1 : the act of magnifying
2 : the amount by which an optical lens or instrument magnifies

Synonyms
caricature, elaboration, embellishment, exaggeration, hyperbole, overstatement, padding—more at EXAGGERATION

mag·nif·i·cence noun
1 : the quality or state of being magnificent
2 : splendor of surroundings

Synonyms
augustness, brilliance, glory, grandeur, grandness, majesty, nobility, nobleness, resplendence, splendor, stateliness; also marvelousness, wondrousness; lavishness, luxuriance, luxury, opulence; grandiosity, ostentation, pretentiousness; flashiness, gaudiness, ornateness, showiness; remarkableness

mag·nif·i·cent adjective
1 : characterized by grandeur or beauty : SPLENDID
2 : EXALTED, NOBLE

— mag·nif·i·cent·ly adverb

Synonyms
august, baronial, gallant, glorious, grand, grandiose, heroic, imposing, majestic, monumental, noble, proud, regal, royal, splendid, stately—more at GRAND

mag·nif·i·co noun, plural -coes or -cos
1 : a nobleman of Venice
2 : a person of high position

mag·ni·fy verb -fied; -fy·ing
1 a : to praise highly : EXTOL, LAUD
b : to cause to be held in greater esteem
2 a : to increase in significance : INTENSIFY
b : to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth : EXAGGERATE
3 : to enlarge in fact or in appearance <a microscope magnifies an object>

— mag·ni·fi·er noun

Synonyms
[1b] aggrandize, dignify, ennoble, exalt, glorify—more at EXALT
[2a] amplify, beef, boost, consolidate, deepen, enhance, heighten, intensify, redouble, step up, strengthen—more at INTENSIFY
[2b] color, elaborate, embellish, embroider, exaggerate, pad, stretch—more at EMBROIDER

mag·nil·o·quent adjective
: characterized by an exalted and often bombastic style or manner

— mag·nil·o·quence noun

mag·ni·tude noun
1 : greatness of size or extent
2 : spatial quality : SIZE
3 : QUANTITY
4 : a number representing the brightness of a celestial body
5 : the importance, quality, or caliber of something
6 : a number representing the intensity of an earthquake

Synonyms
[1] enormity, hugeness, immensity, massiveness, vastness—more at IMMENSITY
[2] dimension, extent, measure, measurement, proportion, size—more at SIZE
[5] consequence, import, moment, significance, weight

mag·no·lia noun
: any of a genus of usu. spring-flowering shrubs and trees with large often fragrant flowers

mag·num opus noun
[ORIGIN: L]

: the greatest achievement of an artist or writer

mag·pie noun
1 : any of various long-tailed often black-and-white birds related to the jays
2 : a person who chatters noisily

Synonyms
chatterbox, jabberer, talker—more at CHATTERBOX

Mag·yar noun
: a member of the dominant people of Hungary

— Magyar adjective

ma·ha·ra·ja or ma·ha·ra·jah noun
: a Hindu prince ranking above a raja

ma·ha·ra·ni or ma·ha·ra·nee noun
1 : the wife of a maharaja
2 : a Hindu princess ranking above a rani

ma·ha·ri·shi noun
: a Hindu teacher of mystical knowledge

ma·hat·ma