antics
(n. pl.) ridiculous and
unpredictable behavior or actions
synonyms: pranks, shenanigans
The antics of the chimpanzees amused the crowds at the zoo.
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avowed
(adj.) declared openly and without shame, acknowledged
synonyms ­ admitted, sworn
antonyms ­ unacknowledged, undisclosed
The governor was an avowed supporter of the plan to aid public libraries throughout the state.
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banter
(v.) to exchange playful remarks, tease (n.) talk that is playful and teasing
synonyms ­ joking, raillery
antonym ­ serious talk
There is nothing my friends and I enjoy more than to banter good­naturedly for hours.
Casual banter helps to pass the time during a long journey.
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bountiful
(adj.) giving freely, generous; plentiful, abundantly
synonyms ­ liberal, abundant, copious
antonyms ­ scarce, scanty, in short supply
On Thanksgiving Day, people all over America celebrate the bountiful gifts of nature.
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congested
(adj.) overcrowded, filled or occupied to excess
synonyms ­ jammed, packed, choked
antonyms ­ uncluttered, unimpeded
The doctor grew very concerned with the patient's lungs became congested with fluid.
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detriment
(n.) harm or loss; injury, damage; a disadvantage; a cause of harm, injury, loss, or damage
synonyms ­ hindrance, liability
antonyms ­ advantage, help, plus
The home team survived a six­game losing streak with almost no detriment to its standing in the league.
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durable
(adj.) durable, not easily worn out or destroyed; lasting for a long time
(n.) consumer goods used repeatedly over a series of years
synonyms ­ long­lasting, enduring
antonyms ­ fragile, perishable, fleeting
Denim is a very durable kind of fabric.
Most people own household durables such as furniture and appliances.
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enterprising
(adj.) energetic, willing and able to start something new; showing boldness and imagination
synonyms ­ vigorous, ambitious, aggressive, audacious
antonyms ­ lazy, indolent, timid, diffident
An enterprising young person may turn a hobby into a way of earning money for college.
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frugal
(adj.) economical, avoiding waste and luxury; scanty, poor, meager
synonyms ­ thrifty, skimpy
antonyms ­ wasteful, improvident, lavish, extravagant
At home, we usually prepare frugal but nourishing and delicious meals.
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gingerly
(adj., adv.) with extreme care or caution
synonyms ­ cautiously, warily, circumspectly
antonyms ­ firmly, confidently, aggressively
Pedestrians made their way gingerly along the slippery, snow­covered streets.
Difficult and demanding customers should be handled in a gingerly and courteous manner.
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glut
(v.) to provide more than is needed or wanted; to feed or fill to the point of overstuffing; (n.) an oversupply
synonyms ­ (v.) flood, inundate; (n.) surplus, plethora
antonyms ­ (n.) shortage, scarcity, dearth, paucity
Hollywood studios glut theatres with big­budget actions movies during the summer season.
When there is a glut of gasoline on the market, prices at the pump may drop dramatically.
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incognito
(adj., adv.) in a disguised state, under an assumed name or identity; (n.) the state of being disguised; a person in disguise
antonym ­ undisguised
Just before the battle of Agincourt,Shakespeare's King Henry V prowls through the camp incognito.
In a way, makeup artists are practitioners of the fine art of incognito.
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invalidate
(v.) to make valueless, take away all force or effect
synonyms ­ cancel, annul, disapprove, discredit
antonyms ­ support, confirm, back up, legalize
Lawyers will try to invalidate the contract.
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legendary
(adj.) described in well­known stories; existing in old stories (legends) rather than in real life
synonyms ­ mythical, fabulous, famous, celebrated
Alex was one of the legendary Greek heroes who fought before the walls of Troy.
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maim
(v.) to cripple, disable, injure, mar, disfigure, mutilate
Each year, falls maim thousands of people, some of them for life.
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minimize
(v.) to make as small as possible, make the least of; to make smaller than before
synonyms ­ belittle, downplay, underrate
antonyms ­ magnify, enlarge, exaggerate
Whenever you are in a car, you should wear your seatbelt to minimize the risk of injury in an accident.
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oblique
(adj.) slanting or slopping; not straight forward or direct
synonyms ­ diagonal, indirect
antonyms ­ direct, straight to the point
The boxer's oblique blow left his opponent unscathed.
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veer
(v.) to change direction or course suddenly; to turn aside, shift, swerve
The huge storm finally veered out to sea, leaving much destruction in its wake.
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venerate
(v.) to regard with reverence, look up to with great respect synonyms ­ worship, revere, idolize
antonyms ­ despise, detest, ridicule, deride
In a number of religions, it is customary for people to
venerate saints and martyrs to the faith.
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wanton
(adj.) reckless; heartless, unjustifiable, loose in morals;
(n.) a spoiled, pampered person; one with low morals
Angelica Rugrats
synonyms ­ rash, malicious, spiteful, unprovoked
antonyms ­ justified, morally strict, responsible
The gas chamber at Auschwitz are a grim testimony to the wanton cruelty of the Nazis.
The main character in the popular miniseries was a charming but heartless wanton.
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