Advanced Vocabulary Words

Shaped into parallel ridges and grooves; used to strengthen materials like cardboard or metal.

The universe seen as a well-ordered system; all of space and everything in it.

To cancel or reverse an order or decision.

A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government, often carried out by a small grou...

To yearn jealously for something that belongs to another.

Showing a shy or modest reserve, often playfully or evasively.

Difficult to read or understand; also, irritable or peevish in manner.

A steep, rugged cliff or rock face.

A painful, involuntary muscle contraction, often from overuse or fatigue.

A bent arm or handle for exerting force or changing motion; also, a whimsical or eccentric person.

Irritable, easily annoyed, or in a bad mood.

A large, strong wooden or plastic box used for storage or shipping.

A neckband, especially of lace or cloth resembling a wide tie, worn in the 17th and 18th centuries.

A strong or urgent desire for something, especially food or a habit-forming substance.

Too ready to believe things; gullible.

A system of religious or personal beliefs, or a set of principles.

To recoil or shrink back, often due to embarrassment or discomfort; can also refer to the feeling it...

To speak in a hoarse, frog-like voice; also, slang for dying.

A method of creating fabric from yarn using a hooked needle.

A dishonest or unscrupulous person; also, to bend something into a curve.

Simultaneous firing from two or more directions; also, being caught in a conflict between opposing p...

To crush something with a loud, grinding sound, or a situation requiring tough decisions.

A vigorous campaign for a cause, or historically, a medieval military expedition by Christians to th...

A young animal, especially of a lion, bear, or fox.

A small, partitioned-off space in an office used for individual work.

To hold someone closely in a loving or affectionate way.

The folded or finished edge at the wrist of a sleeve, or a restraint for the wrist.

A style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular country, region, or estab...

To select from a group, often removing those considered inferior or unwanted; also used to mean kill...

A religious or social group with unorthodox beliefs, often centered around a charismatic leader.

A structure, such as a pipe or short tunnel, that allows water to flow under a road or railroad.

Strong desire to have money or possessions; greed.

A person who is bad-tempered, irritable, and often complains; a grumpy individual.

A style of handwriting with connected letters that flow together for speed and fluidity.

Stubbornly difficult or annoying; often used informally to describe a mischievous disposition.

Distrustful of human sincerity or integrity; believing people are motivated by self-interest.

A general attitude of doubt or disbelief in the sincerity or goodness of human motives and actions.

A person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration.

A type of coniferous tree often found in wetlands or Mediterranean regions, known for its durability...

To take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way without deep commitment.

Delicately small, pretty, and graceful, often used to describe appearance or manners.

A raised platform in a hall or room, typically for speakers or important guests at an event.

A man who is very particular about his appearance and clothes; also used informally to mean excellen...

Unpleasantly damp, moldy, or humid.

Neat, trim, and stylish in appearance, typically used of men.

Marked with irregular spots or patches of color or light.

A person who enjoys taking risky or dangerous actions, often for excitement or show.

A mild expletive used to express annoyance or surprise; also means to repair a hole in fabric.

To smear or coat something thickly and carelessly with a substance.

Dauntless describes someone who is brave and unable to be discouraged by danger or difficulty.

To dawdle means to waste time or move slowly without purpose.

A deadlock is a situation where no progress can be made because of disagreement or equal opposition.

Deadpan describes an expressionless manner, especially when delivering something humorous.

A debacle is a sudden and complete failure; a disastrous collapse.

To debase means to reduce in quality or value, or to make something unworthy or lower in status.

To debauch means to lead someone into immoral or excessive behavior, especially involving indulgence...

Debauchery refers to excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, especially drinking, drugs, or sex.

To weaken or enfeeble someone, often to the point of reducing their strength or vitality.

Surreally charming, confident, and stylish in appearance or manner, typically used to describe men.

To question someone systematically in order to obtain useful information, especially after a mission...