1. SMIRCH (VERB): corrupt
Synonyms: degrade, pollute
Antonyms: beautify, clean
Example Sentence:
His anger with his wife and anxiety that his name should not be smirched now seemed not merely trivial but even amusing.
2. TRADUCE (VERB): violate
Synonyms: defame, slander Antonyms: praise, exalt
Example Sentence:
Newspaper editors should remain objective and not traduce people no matter how disreputable they may be.
3. DERISORY (ADJECTIVE): arrogant, insolent
Synonyms: audacious, bold Antonyms: humble, respectful
Example Sentence:
The slightest glance of amused and derisory intelligence passed between them as the sportsman plunged into the game.
4. OUST (VERB): expel, get rid of
Synonyms: depose, evict Antonyms: offer, retain
Example Sentence:
The leader of the party has been ousted by his own party at their annual convention.
5. GRAVELY (ADVERB): very much; desperately
Synonyms: deeply, seriously Antonyms: lightly, calmly
Example Sentence:
She listened gravely, conceiving the infinity as a narrow dwelling where a voice droned and ceased not.
6. QUACKERY (NOUN): charlatanism
Synonyms: imposture, deception Antonyms: reality, frankness
Example Sentence:
The meanest and most contemptible kind of cheating is quackery.
7. ACQUAINTED (ADJECTIVE): aware
Synonyms: conversant, informed Antonyms: ignorant, unaware
Example Sentence:
It is the face of a poet, and of a man acquainted with sorrow.
8. SUCCOR (NOUN): assistance
Synonyms: help, relief Antonyms: stop, blockage
Example Sentence:
The refugee family was obviously in need of succor and a safe haven, but the unsympathetic judge ruled that they be deported.
9. MEGALOMANIA (NOUN): self-centeredness
Synonyms: arrogance, pride Antonyms: humility, selflessness
Example Sentence:
The singer’s megalomania has turned her into an arrogant woman who is disliked by everyone who truly knows her.
10. DEROGATORY (ADJECTIVE): offensive, uncomplimentary
Synonyms: sarcastic, slanderous Antonyms: appreciative, flattering
Example Sentence:
Once you finish insulting me with derogatory words, we can have a peaceful conversation.
