adulterate

1. adulterate to make impure by adding lesser substances; to corrupt Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: The authorities were concerned that the drugs might have been adulterated intentionally. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word; include a gerund.

2. animosity harsh feelings, enmity, resentment, hatred Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: I have a lot of animosity for him, since he attempted to steal my girlfriend. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include an infinitive.

3. apocryphal of doubtful origin or authenticity, not genuine Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: The jury saw through the apocryphal tears of the witness. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a past participle.

4. avarice greed for wealth Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Avarice and gluttony are two vices that can destroy lives. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include the word animosity in your sentence, too!

5. coalesce to merge, to fuse, to join, or to unite Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: If the party can coalesce diverse groups into a unified force, it might win the election. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a simile.

6. collaborate to work together Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Sometimes singers who have never worked together will collaborate to make a new album. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a metaphor.

7. cryptic mysterious, secret Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: I did not understand his cryptic message. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include some vivid imagery to create a mysterious mood.

8. desultory random, aimless, jumping from one thing to another Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: The man’s desultory attempts at finding employment wasted his time. Activity: Write an original complex sentence (1 independent clause + 1 dependent clause) using the word.

9. dissipation wasteful spending, squandering; decadent use of resources Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Even though he earned a million dollars, I expect quick dissipation of his fortune. Activity: Write an original compound (2 independent clauses) sentence using the word.

10. edifying Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Visiting the cathedral was an edifying experience. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include the word cryptic in your sentence, too. instructing and improving spiritually or morally

11. equivocate to attempt to lie, to mislead, or to hide the truth Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Tell the truth and do not attempt to equivocate. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include some vivid imagery.

12. espousing adopting or embracing a cause, marrying, giving one’s loyalty Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: The politician seems to be espousing the issue of decreased taxation in order to gain support. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a metaphor.

13. hedonist one who seeks pleasure as the sole aim in life Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: The world is full of hedonists who seek nothing but their own pleasures. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a present participle.

14. indefatigable tireless, incapable of being fatigued Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: The indefatigable army moved ahead steadily over the many days without rest. Activity: What root word gives you a clue to the meaning of the word indefatigable?

15. interminable having or seeming to have no end, wearisomely protracted Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Although the reading assignment was only ten pages, it seemed interminable to the bored student. Activity: What root word gives you a clue to the meaning of interminable?

16. naïve unsophisticated, inexperienced Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Many naïve young women go to Hollywood believing they will become movie stars. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a metaphor.

17. parody humorous or ridiculous imitation Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Many skits on Saturday Night Live are parodies of current events. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include vivid imagery.

18. peripheral on the edge, not important Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Let’s discuss the main topic now and leave the peripheral issues for later. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include the word desultory in your sentence, too.

19. portent A sign or forewarning Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: The stock market crash was a portent of the coming of a depression. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a gerund.

20. prodigious extraordinary in bulk, quantity, or degree; great in size, enormous Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentences: His prodigious appetite allowed him to eat the entire turkey. Albert Einstein’s prodigious intellect completely changed the world’s understanding of physics and quantum theory. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include an infinitive.

21. profane showing contempt toward sacred things Write the part(s) of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentences: Extremists profaned the holy temple by painting graffiti on its doors. Profane language will not be tolerated on the tennis court. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a present participle.

22. respite (pronunciation: RES-pit) a rest, a delay, a period of relief Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: I enjoy a quiet lunch that serves as a respite from my tense job of being an air traffic controller Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a metaphor.

23. sordid disgusting, filthy, foul Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: The sordid details of the brutal axe murder sickened the jurors. Activity: Write an original sentence using the word, and include a past participle.

24. surfeited fed or supplied to excess Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: I was surfeited after having eaten so much food at the banquet. Activity: Write a compound sentence using the word.

25. TRIFLING not significant; frivolous Write the part of speech, one synonym, and one antonym. Sample Sentence: Some think that watching MTV is a trifling experience. Activity: Write an original compound-complex sentence using the word, and include a metaphor.