136. ANTAGONISTIC
136. ANTAGONISTIC
hostile
adj. <an-tag-uh-NIS-tik>
John has always been excessively antagonistic towards
everyone, not just those who cross him.
Bad Blood
contempt (18), disdain (19), scorn (61), antagonistic (136),
animosity (357), abhor (403), rancor (410), acrimony (467)
Word Alert: An antagonist is a person who is antagonistic.
137. ALIENATE
v.
<AY-lee-uh-nayt>
137. ALIENATE
to make unfriendly or hostile
The mayor alienated her biggest supporters when she suddenly
switched political parties.
Synonyms: estrange (390)
138. REITERATE
v.
138. REITERATE
to repeat
<ree-lT-uh-rayt>
You must study. I reiterate: you must study.
139. PRISTINE
adj. <PRIS-teen>
139. PRISTINE
unspoiled, completely pure
His fear of germs made Roger obsessively keep his bathroom in
pristine condition.
140. EMPIRICAL
adj. <em-PIR-i-kuhl>
140. EMPIRICAL
based on observation or experiment
A scientist should base his conclusions on empirical evidence,
not on gut feelings.
141. EMINENT
141. EMINENT
outstanding, distinguished*;
standing out, noticeable
adj. <EM-uh-nuhnt>
A-List teachers are emerging as eminent experts in the field of
test preparation.
142. S E R E N E
142. SERENE
calm
adj. <suh-REEN>
While sailing slowly down the stream, 1 felt like I was in a serene
dream.
Chill
serene (142), tranquil (158), placid (164), composed (454),
equanimity (476)
Word Alert: Serenity is the state of being serene.
143. HAIL
143. HAIL
to greet or welcome*;
to praise
v. (rhymes with "mail")
Everyone in the village hailed the king as he passed by.
144. INCREDULOUS
144. INCREDULOUS
disbelieving
adj. <in-KRE-juh-luhs>
The incredulous detective refused to believe John's incredible
story.
Synonyms: skeptical (3)
Word Alert: Don't confuse this word with incredible.
Word Alert: Credulous means tending to believe anything.
145. C O N F O U N D
v. <kon-FOUND>
145. CONFOUND
to confuse
The inscription on the ancient tomb was written in a strange
language that confounded even the experts.
Synonyms: obfuscate (193)
146. A P P R E H E N S I VE
146. APPREHENSIVE
fearful
adj. <ap-ri-HEN-siv>
John was so apprehensive before his blind date with Becky that
he peed his pants.
147. ENUMERAT E
v.
<i-NOO-muh-rayt>
147. ENUMERATE
to specify individually, to count
My boss enumerated each and every task he expected me to
complete.
148. PREVALENT
148. PREVALENT
widespread
adj. <PREH-va-lent>
Smoking is unfortunately prevalent among teenagers.
149. OBLIVIOUS
149. OBLIVIOUS
forgetful;
unaware*
adj. <uh-BLIV-ee-uhs>
Chapman was oblivious to the dangers of hiking and got a severe
poison ivy rash as a result.
Word Alert: Oblivion is the state of being completely forgotten.
150. GRANDIOSE
adj. <gran-dee-OHS>
150. GRANDIOSE
incredibly large;
falsely exaggerating one's worth*
Bob has grandiose dreams of being king.
Cocky
elitist (47), pretentious (52), condescend (117), grandiose (150),
bombastic (155), patronize (356), pompous (452), haughty (463)