1. The most important; 2. Before all else

SYNONYMS

first, highest, leading, chief, principle, best, prominent, predominant

ANTONYMS

last, behind, unimportant

USAGE EXAMPLES

First and foremost, we will try to have fun, but our secondary goal is winning. (most important, most prominently) Professor Jackson was the university's foremost expert in the field of biology. (prominent, best)

garnish

(noun, verb)

DEFINITION

(n.) 1. a decoration; (v.) 1. to decorate or add something to food to enhance its appearance or taste; 2. to take a debtor's wages on legal orders

SYNONYMS

(n.) decoration, adornment, embellishment, enhancer, ornament, (v.) decorate, enhance, adorn, beautify

ANTONYMS

USAGE EXAMPLES

Food served at diners often comes with a garnish of parsley. (decoration) She likes to garnish her food with edible flowers. (decorate, adorn)

germinate

(verb)

DEFINITION

1. To start growing from a seed; 2. To create and begin the process of development

SYNONYMS

grow, sprout, root, plant, develop, evolve, create

ANTONYMS

die

USAGE EXAMPLES

Once the new CEO's ideas began to germinate, the company quickly turned around. (take root, develop) The idea germinated in my mind this morning and became a full blown epiphany by lunch. (developed, sprouted, grew)

gesticulate

(verb)

DEFINITION

to gesture or explain something using the hands, typically while speaking

SYNONYMS

gesture, signal, sign, motion, pantomime

ANTONYMS

be still

USAGE EXAMPLES

As a conference speaker, he often gesticulates while he speaks in order to increase enthusiasm and keep his audience's attention. (gestures) Because she was excited about the trip, she gesticulated wildly while telling us every detail with great animation. (gestured, motioned)

gravitas

(noun)

DEFINITION

seriousness in behavior, demeanor, and attitude

SYNONYMS

seriousness, formality, solemnity, gravity

ANTONYMS

lightheartedness, levity

USAGE EXAMPLES

The CEO was known for his gravitas and very few people joked with him at the office. (seriousness, professionalism) Companies in the 21st century are more casual and have less office gravitas. (formality)

harness

(verb)

DEFINITION

1. to control and direct something for a purpose; 2. to keep something in check; 3. to put a harness (straps) on an animal

SYNONYMS

tame, control, reign in, subdue, suppress, restrain, yoke, hitch

ANTONYMS

USAGE EXAMPLES

You've got to find a way to harness your temper, because you can't go flying off the handle in meetings the way you have been. (control, suppress) We harnessed our joint resources to create a truly innovative product. (reigned in)

haste

(noun)

DEFINITION

1. great speed, especially in times of urgency; 2. excessive speed, leading to careless errors

SYNONYMS

hurry, hustle, speed, rush

ANTONYMS

leisure

USAGE EXAMPLES

I sent the proposal to him in haste and forgot to spell-check it before it went out. (great speed) Despite packing with haste, I still didn't get ready in time. (great speed)

helm

(noun, verb)

DEFINITION

(n.) a position of control and leadership; (v.) to be in charge or in control of something

SYNONYMS

(n.) front, lead, controller, commander, captain, chairman, master, guide, instructor, (v.) control, guide, lead, steer, commandeer

ANTONYMS

(n.) follower, lackey, (v.) follow

USAGE EXAMPLES

The new executive will take the helm next week. (position of leader) He did a lot to foster the company's success while at the helm. (front, position of leader)

impart

(verb)

DEFINITION

1. to communicate something to someone; 2. to give something a particular quality, feeling, or taste.

SYNONYMS

communicate, disclose, divulge, convey, pass on, transmit, give, confer

ANTONYMS

take

USAGE EXAMPLES

I don't think I can impart much wisdom on this subject. (share, communicate) If you could, please impart on the team some of what you learned at the conference. (share, communicate, pass on)

incentive

(noun)

DEFINITION

something that encourages action

SYNONYMS

inducement, enticement, instigation, stimulus, motivation, impetus, encouragement, inspiration

ANTONYMS

USAGE EXAMPLES

The promise of a promotion and raise gave her the incentive she needed to bring in more sales. (stimulus, motive) Newly single, he suddenly had incentive to begin a self-improvement program. (motive, inspiration)

incipient

(adjective)

DEFINITION

in the beginning of development or formation

SYNONYMS

nascent, initial, beginning, inchoate, budding

ANTONYMS

developed, finished

USAGE EXAMPLES

His ideas were still incipient and vague; he needed to develop them more thoroughly. (initial, inchoate) With the economy showing incipient signs of recovery, consumers are regaining their confidence in the stock market. (initial, beginning)

induce

(verb)

DEFINITION

1. to cause or produce; 2. to influence or persuade; 3. to reason and make a statement based on observation and fact

SYNONYMS

persuade, influence, move, impel, cause, produce, stimulate, incite

ANTONYMS

repress, hinder, prevent

USAGE EXAMPLES

If you weren't already planning to enter the contest, the prize money is sure to induce you. (persuade) He is a true hero; whenever he sees injustice, he is induced to action. (impelled, moved)

inordinate

(adjective)

DEFINITION

more than what is considered a normal amount

SYNONYMS

excessive, immoderate, extreme, disproportionate, outrageous, superfluous

ANTONYMS

insufficient, meager, moderate, reasonable

USAGE EXAMPLES

Because she was excited about the prom, she spent an inordinate amount of time picking out a dress. (excessive) The flight was delayed, so we spent an inordinate amount of time at airport gift shops. (outrageous)

intricate

(adjective)

DEFINITION

1. highly involved or complex; 2. made up of many different parts

SYNONYMS

complex, involved, tricky, convoluted, complicated, elaborate, entangled

ANTONYMS

easy, simple

USAGE EXAMPLES

The plan was so intricate, I was sure there was an easier way to complete the project. (complex, convoluted, involved) We can't let him go because he is the only person who understands all the intricacies of the project. (complexities, difficulties)

irate

(adjective)

DEFINITION

very angry

SYNONYMS

angry, enraged, mad, furious, fuming, heated, annoyed

ANTONYMS

calm, kind, pleased

USAGE EXAMPLES

Her boss became irate when she cost the company its biggest client. (furious) His irate neighbors yelled at him for throwing such a loud party. (angry, fuming)

loath

(adjective)

DEFINITION

unwilling, averse, or reluctant to do something

SYNONYMS

unwilling, disinclined, averse, hesitant, reluctant

ANTONYMS

willing, inclined

USAGE EXAMPLES

He is loath to admit it, but he is not happy at his current job. (unwilling, reluctant) One of the problems that people have with the President is that he is loath to admit when he has made a mistake. (unwilling, averse)

machiavellian

(adjective)

DEFINITION

using clever trickery, immoral methods, and expediency to achieve a desired goal, especially in politics

SYNONYMS

cunning, sly, tricky, crafty, shrewd, unscrupulous

ANTONYMS

trustworthy, honest, sincere

USAGE EXAMPLES

The VP of Marketing, known for his Machiavellian maneuvers, has long been plotting his scheme to oust the company CEO. (cunning, crafty) The Governor's well-crafted speech was a Machiavellian attempt at diminishing his poor reputation among the public. (shrewd)

magnitude

(noun)

DEFINITION

1. large extent, size, or quantity; 2. the significance, importance, or quality of something

SYNONYMS

scope, dimension, extent, size, significance, importance

ANTONYMS

insignificance

USAGE EXAMPLES

Despite repeated warnings by others, they did not realize the magnitude of the problem until it was too late. (significance, extent) It will be difficult to estimate the magnitude of the discovery without further experimentation. (importance, significance)

malicious

(adjective)

DEFINITION

1. wishing to hurt others; 2. committing an act that will hurt others

SYNONYMS

hateful, spiteful, mean, wicked, depraved

ANTONYMS

benevolent, kind, caring

USAGE EXAMPLES

His malicious slandering of his co-worker was unprofessional and unseemly. (hurtful, meaning to cause harm) I don't think it was an accident; I think it was a malicious act intended to hurt him. (hurtful, meaning to cause harm)

malignant

(adjective)

DEFINITION

1. evil; 2. life-threatening

SYNONYMS

evil, hateful, spiteful, wicked, nasty, injurious, harmful

ANTONYMS

benign, kind, caring

USAGE EXAMPLES

The biopsy showed that the tumor was not malignant and was indeed benign. (life-threatening, injurious) The dictator was an evil and malignant leader. (evil, wicked)

mediate

(verb, adjective)

DEFINITION

(v.) 1. to be in a middle position between two others; 2. to attempt to resolve a dispute by acting as a middle man and working with all parties; (adj.) 1. being in the middle; 2. to be neither at the beginning, nor at the end

SYNONYMS

(v.) intercede, arbitrate, interfere, moderate, negotiate, resolve, interpose

ANTONYMS

(v.) contend, fight, dispute, judge

USAGE EXAMPLES

An independent committee will help mediate the labor dispute. (arbitrate, resolve, negotiate) Jill was sent in to mediate the negotiations and make sure that both sides were happy with the outcome. (arbitrate, moderate)

mitigate

(verb)

DEFINITION

1. to make something less harsh, severe, or violent; 2. to make an offense or crime less serious or more excusable

SYNONYMS

relieve, lessen, assuage, ease, excuse, soften, extenuate

ANTONYMS

intensify, aggravate, augment

USAGE EXAMPLES

The physician group paid more for insurance to mitigate their malpractice liability. (lessen, ease) The company required all employees to sign a policy form on sexual harassment in order to mitigate its liability in future harassment cases. (assuage, lessen)

novel

(adjective)

DEFINITION

new and original

SYNONYMS

new, original, innovative, unprecedented, unusual

ANTONYMS

old, outdated, antiquated, obsolete

USAGE EXAMPLES

His novel ideas helped turn the company in a new, more successful direction. (new, original) He came up with a novel solution that was the first of its kind. (new, unprecedented)

onus

(noun)

DEFINITION

1. burden, duty, or responsibility; 2. the blame for something; 3. burden of proof

SYNONYMS

burden, responsibility, load, obligation, duty, blame, stigma

ANTONYMS

acclaim, commendation

USAGE EXAMPLES

When the economy is in a recession, many believe the onus is on the President and Congress to pull the country out of it. (burden, obligation) He'll always bear the onus of having made bad investment decisions and losing most of the family's retirement savings. (blame, responsibility)

opportune

(adjective)

DEFINITION

suitable for a purpose or occurring at the right time

SYNONYMS

appropriate, fitting, apt, auspicious, fortuitous, timely, fortunate

ANTONYMS

inopportune

USAGE EXAMPLES

The family dinner was an opportune time for the young couple to announce their engagement. (appropriate) Our morning meeting will provide an opportune time to discuss our strategic plan. (convenient, apt)

opulent

(adjective)

DEFINITION

1. a lavish display of wealth or affluence; 2. abundant and plentiful

SYNONYMS

wealthy, lavish, expensive, luxurious, abundant, plentiful, lavish, bountiful

ANTONYMS

modest, meager

USAGE EXAMPLES

He lived an opulent lifestyle that was truly worthy of the show "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." (lavish, luxurious) It was an opulent hotel with fine antique furniture, expensive paintings, and lavish decor throughout. (rich, expensive)

overt

(adjective)

DEFINITION

open to view, not hidden

SYNONYMS

open, apparent, obvious, unconcealed, clear, evident, manifest, palpable

ANTONYMS

hidden, concealed, covert

USAGE EXAMPLES

Although he didn't criticize me overtly, I could tell that he wasn't happy with my job performance. (obviously, openly) In an overt show of support, the President met publicly with the candidate he hoped would succeed him. (unconcealed, clear)

placid

(adjective)

DEFINITION

1. completely free of interruption and disturbance--calm; 2. easily satisfied

SYNONYMS

serene, calm, peaceful, tranquil, imperturbable, even-tempered, composed, halcyon

ANTONYMS

frenzied, turbulent, rough, excited, disturbed

USAGE EXAMPLES

The placid sea and the approaching storm clouds appeared to be the calm before the storm. (calm) Her placid manner often made people think she never got angry. (even-tempered)

preclude

(verb)

DEFINITION

to prevent something from happening, especially by action

SYNONYMS

inhibit, cease, discontinue, restrain, impede, interrupt, prevent, prohibit, ban

ANTONYMS

allow, permit

USAGE EXAMPLES

Her warning will not preclude him from making the trip. (prevent) At the meeting, the executives discussed ways to preclude unnecessary lawsuits. (prevent)

preface

(noun, verb)

DEFINITION

(n.) an introduction at the beginning of a book; (v.) to begin with a preface or introduction before presenting your main point

SYNONYMS

(n.) introduction, foreword, prologue, (v.) introduce, begin, open

ANTONYMS

(n.) epilogue, postscript, addendum, closing, conclusion, (v.) close, conclude

USAGE EXAMPLES

I love his books because they are immediately engaging, right from the preface. (introduction, prologue) The world hopes that talks in the Middle East will be a preface to peace. (introduction, beginning, prologue)

pretext

(noun)

DEFINITION

a made up excuse used to hide the truth

SYNONYMS

excuse, alibi, mask, cover

ANTONYMS

USAGE EXAMPLES

I called her on the pretext that I lost our homework assignment, but really I just wanted an excuse to talk to her. (cover, excuse) He went over to visit her on the pretext that he just happened to be in the neighborhood, but everyone knows he has a crush on her. (alibi, excuse)

profusion

(noun)

DEFINITION

1. a lavish or extravagant amount; 2. large quantity of something

SYNONYMS

abundance, extravagance, lavishness, excess, bounty, plenty, wealth

ANTONYMS

sparseness, lack, shortage

USAGE EXAMPLES

This spring the flowers bloomed in greater profusion than in past years. (abundance) Relieved and happy, she offered profuse thanks to the man who saved her life. (lavish, overflowing, excessive, effusive)

prognosis

(noun)

DEFINITION

1. a medical opinion as to the likely outcome of a disease or the chances of getting better; 2. prediction of future outcomes

SYNONYMS

prediction, cast, forecast, foretelling, prevision

ANTONYMS

USAGE EXAMPLES

Well, the economic prognosis is looking good, according to leading economists. (prediction, judgment, forecast) The doctor's prognosis is that Dad will recover from the surgery and be back to normal within a couple weeks. (prediction, assessment)

pseudo

(adjective)

DEFINITION

not authentic--false, untrue, not real, pretend

SYNONYMS

false, fake, phony, bogus, mock, pretend

ANTONYMS

authentic, real, true, genuine

USAGE EXAMPLES

Many of today's celebrities are pseudo activists who don't put much time or money behind their "causes." (mock, fake) It's funny to listen to the pseudo intellectuals who hang out at the cafe and pontificate about politics and philosophy. (fake, phony)

rash

(adjective, noun)

DEFINITION

(adj.) thoughtless or rushed action without consideration of consequences; (n.) a series of occurrences, usually unexpected and unpleasant

SYNONYMS

(adj.) thoughtless, hasty, impetuous, reckless, ill-considered, imprudent, careless, brash, impulsive, (n.) outbreak

ANTONYMS

(adj.) cautious, thoughtful, responsible

USAGE EXAMPLES

I regretted taking such rash action once I came to my senses. (thoughtless, hasty, imprudent) Even though we thought his decision to quit his job was rather rash, we still felt sorry for him when he had trouble finding another position. (ill-considered, imprudent)

remit

(verb)

DEFINITION

1. to send or dispatch a payment; 2. to cancel or hold back from enforcing something; 3. to reduce the intensity of something (for instance, pain); 4. to restore something; 5. to refer a case to another court (in law); 6. to restore something to its original condition

SYNONYMS

pay, repay, reimburse, send, dispatch, reduce, restore, postpone, defer, refer, revoke, nullify, invalidate

ANTONYMS

intensify, increase, persist, continue

USAGE EXAMPLES

In order to avoid any interest charges, please remit your payment by the end of the week. (send, dispatch, pay) She remitted the fines because the payment came earlier than expected. (reduced)

reticent

(adjective)

DEFINITION

1. unwilling or disinclined to talk; 2. reluctant to draw attention to oneself; 3. cool and formal in manner--reserved

SYNONYMS

silent, hesitant, shy, reserved, restrained, taciturn, reluctant

ANTONYMS

frank, unreserved

USAGE EXAMPLES

I thought he was unusually reticent when we were discussing the missing office supplies. (silent, reserved) Most people are reticent about opening up to a new boss. (shy, hesitant)

revere

(verb)

DEFINITION

to treat or regard somebody with admiration and deep respect

SYNONYMS

admire, esteem, regard, respect, venerate

ANTONYMS

disrespect, disdain, contemn

USAGE EXAMPLES

I revere doctors who donate their time and resources to help those who cannot afford medical care. (admire, respect) The once-revered CEO lost the respect of his employees when he admitted to embezzling funds for his own profit. (admired, respected)

simulate

(verb)

DEFINITION

1. to reproduce or create a model of something; 2. to mimic looks or behavior; 3. to pretend

SYNONYMS

imitate, copy, model, represent, duplicate, mimic, re-create, pretend, fake, feign

ANTONYMS

USAGE EXAMPLES

The pilot simulated a maneuver he had learned in flight school the week before. (imitated, re-created) There are several flight simulator games that simulate the experience of flying. (mimic, re-create)

solemn

(adjective)

DEFINITION

1. marked by gravity, dignity, and earnest sincerity; 2. characterized by ceremony or formality; 3. inspiring awe or reverence

SYNONYMS

heavy, intense, earnest, serious, grave, sober, somber, awe-inspiring, imposing, venerable, dignified, ceremonial, sedate, staid, sacred

ANTONYMS

relaxed, bright, cheerful, informal, frivolous, rejoicing

USAGE EXAMPLES

The fallen soldiers were honored in a solemn ceremony. (serious, heavy, somber) After he lost a significant amount of money in Las Vegas, Bob made a solemn promise to his wife never to gamble again. (serious, earnest)

spawn

(verb, noun)

DEFINITION

(v.) to give birth or to cause something new to grow; (n.) 1. eggs of fish or amphibians, usually produced in large quantities; 2. offspring, especially when numerous

SYNONYMS

(v.) generate, produce, initiate, (n.) eggs, seed, offspring

ANTONYMS

(v.) kill, destroy, exterminate, eradicate

USAGE EXAMPLES

Male seahorses are very unique in that they keep their spawn in a special pouch in their abdomens. (eggs) Fewer government regulation coupled with increased freedoms should spawn new start-up companies throughout India. (create, initiate, give birth to)

staunch

(adjective)

DEFINITION

steadfast in loyalty or principle

SYNONYMS

firm, constant, stable, dependable, faithful, resolute

ANTONYMS

shaky, unsteady

USAGE EXAMPLES

The actor is a staunch supporter of environmental protection programs. (firm) My wife has always been a staunch Democrat, so she surprised me when she voted for a Republican. (faithful, resolute)

sycophant

(noun)

DEFINITION

a person who overly flatters someone in authority for personal gain

SYNONYMS

bootlicker, brown-noser, flatterer, lackey, lap-dog, yes-man

ANTONYMS

authority, boss

USAGE EXAMPLES

He was a sycophant who constantly complimented the boss and brought him donuts every morning. (bootlicker, brown-noser, doormat) The boss expected his employees to act like sycophants by answering his every beck-and-call. (slaves, lap-dogs, yes-men)

tantamount

(adjective)

DEFINITION

equivalent to a particular thing in effect, outcome, or value--the same as

SYNONYMS

equal, equivalent, identical, parallel, synonymous

ANTONYMS

opposite, unlike

USAGE EXAMPLES

The way the executives pulled money from the company to pay for their bonuses was tantamount to stealing, in the employees' minds. (equivalent) Many felt the questionable accounting practices of the company were tantamount to corporate fraud. (equal)

tenable

(adjective)

DEFINITION

reasonable and rational, especially when factual evidence supports a claim

SYNONYMS

reasonable, believable, credible, justifiable, plausible, rational

ANTONYMS

unbelievable, unreasonable, irrational

USAGE EXAMPLES

Her statement that gas-guzzling cars do not affect the environment is not very tenable. (reasonable, rational, believable) Most of Albert Einstein's theories have proven tenable over time. (plausible, believable, rational)

tenor

(noun)

DEFINITION

1. the direction in which something is consistently moving; 2. the general sense or meaning of something written or spoken; 3. the exact meaning or wording of a legal document; 4. the highest natural voice of an adult male or a singer with this voice

SYNONYMS

course, progression, movement, pattern, direction, meaning, significance, sense, tone

ANTONYMS

USAGE EXAMPLES

What was the tenor of the President's speech? Is he moving away from the issue or pressing forward. (direction, pattern, character) All of a sudden the tenor of the meeting changed and a contentious argument ensued. (usual pattern, character)

tumultuous

(adjective)

DEFINITION

1. full of noise, confusion, and disorder; 2. characterized by change and uncertainty

SYNONYMS

clamorous, riotous, turbulent, uproarious, disorderly, troubled, disruptive, wild

ANTONYMS

restrained, calm, peaceful

USAGE EXAMPLES

The opposing demonstrators became tumultuous when leaders began screaming at one another. (riotous, disorderly) The sixties were a time of tumultuous social upheaval. (turbulent)

vet

(verb)

DEFINITION

examine something or someone carefully to make certain that they are acceptable or suitable

SYNONYMS

scrutinize, examine, inspect

ANTONYMS

USAGE EXAMPLES

The bank thoroughly vets all loan applicants before issuing a loan. (examines, investigates) The anchorman neglected to vet his sources and ended up running a bogus story that tarnished the image of the entire network. (inspect, scrutinize)