1. CEREMONIOUS (ADJECTIVE): an excess of formality
Synonyms: ritual, formal
Antonyms: informal, unobserved
Example Sentence:
A friend’s manners should not be ceremonious.
2. CONFIDANT (NOUN): one who is entrusted with a secret
Synonyms: crony, familiar Antonyms: enemy, foe
Example Sentence:
She had chosen me for her confidant and I learned all about her quarrels with her brother.
3. CONTINUAL (ADJECTIVE): with occasional breaks
Synonyms: frequent, interminable Antonyms: completed, infrequent
Example Sentence:
My dog keeps up a continual barking at night.
4. BARBARITY (NOUN): cruelty
Synonyms: crudity, savagery Antonyms: kindness, niceness
Example Sentence:
Great conquerors have committed several acts of barbarity.
5. PITEOUS (ADJECTIVE): miserable
Synonyms: pathetic, dolorous Antonyms: cheerful, happy
Example Sentence:
Her piteous cry attracted a big crowd.
6. EFFICACIOUS (ADJECTIVE): sure to produce the desired effect
Synonyms: efficient, productive Antonyms: weak, useless
Example Sentence:
‘Anacin’ proves efficacious in all types of pain.
7. OBNOXIOUS (ADJECTIVE): offensive
Synonyms: repulsive, abhorrent Antonyms: agreeable, decent
Example Sentence:
The people at my table were so obnoxious, I had to leave.
8. CALLOUS (ADJECTIVE): Emotionally hardened
Synonyms: insensitive, unbending Antonyms: concerned, sensitive
Example Sentence:
In many cases, it is a gradual hardening process on both sides, the owner growing more and more cruel, as the servant more and more callous.
9. CANTANKEROUS (ADJECTIVE): Ill-tempered
Synonyms: quarrelsome, critical Antonyms: pleasant, peaceful
Example Sentence:
She made it more difficult for him by adopting a cantankerous tone.
10. SPLURGE (VERB): spend lavishly
Synonyms: binge, fling Antonyms: hoard, save
Example Sentence:
They splurged on a trip to Europe.
