1. GRINCH (NOUN): spoilsport
Synonyms: complainer, whiner
Antonyms: praiser, optimist
Example Sentence:
This movie is so offensive even the grinch would be grossed out.
2. ARDOR (NOUN): enthusiasm
Synonyms: eagerness, passion Antonyms: indifference, apathy
Example Sentence:
I wish that the ardor for information on our jobs initiative would be as strong as it is on this other subject.
3. SALLOW (ADJECTIVE): pale, unhealthy
Synonyms: dull, muddy Antonyms: bright, clean
Example Sentence:
This John is sickly and sallow, his body lacking plasticity.
4. DERELICTION (NOUN): abandonment
Synonyms: desertion, desolation Antonyms: stay, assistance
Example Sentence:
Around this time, he was reprimanded, unfairly, on two counts of dereliction of duty.
5. GRAVE (ADJECTIVE): serious; gloomy
Synonyms: dignified, dull Antonyms: excited, lively
Example Sentence:
Yet this, in the end, is a book from which one emerges sad, grave, disenchanted, at
least if we agree to take it seriously.
6. FOIBLE (NOUN): A minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character
Synonyms: peculiarity, eccentricity Antonyms: normality, strength
Example Sentence:
Because I only smoke when I am nervous, I do not consider my smoking habit to be a foible.
7. STAID (ADJECTIVE): sedate, respectable
Synonyms: decorous, dignified Antonyms: excited, frivolous
Example Sentence:
My staid professor was not impressed when I told a joke about my missing assignment.
8. CHAGRIN (NOUN): annoyance or distress
Synonyms: displeasure, embarrassment Antonyms: comfort, happiness
Example Sentence:
After finishing third in the race, I swallowed my chagrin and congratulated the winner.
9. PROPEL (VERB): drive or push something forwards
Synonyms: impel, catapult Antonyms: discourage, repress
Example Sentence:
Labourers pushed vertical winches to propel elevators that carried animal cages up to the arena.
10. GALVANIZE (VERB): Shock or excite (someone) into taking action.
Synonyms: motivate, provoke Antonyms: dissuade, comfort
Example Sentence:
It was one of those books that galvanize a whole generation.
