1. antithesis ( an TI thuh sis) : a direct opposite, a contrast Activity: Write a sentence using antithesis. Synonym: different Antonym: duplicate; same Sentence: Lord Valdemort is the antithesis of Harry Potter.

Activity: Write 3 synonyms for ascend. 2. ascend ( uh SEND) : to move upward, to rise from a lower station antonym: to descend; to go down Sentence: After hours of studying, the student ascended to the top 10% of the sophomore class.

3. austere ( : strict, stern; unadorned, ascetic 3. austere (aw STEER) : strict, stern; unadorned, ascetic Activity: ► Write 2 antonyms for austere ► Write 1 sentence properly using the word austere. Synonym: severe Sentence: Ms. Brauneis’ austere expectations helped her students prepare for their junior year.

4. autonomous ( : independent, self- contained 4. autonomous (aw TON uh muhs) : independent, self- containedActivity: Use antithesis, ascend, and autonomous in a sentence together. antonym: dependent Sentence: The autonomous college student paid for his books for class through hard work instead of with money from his parents.

5. banal ( : common, ordinary, lacking freshness, hackneyed 5. banal (BANE ul,) : common, ordinary, lacking freshness, hackneyed Activity: Use the word banal in a sentence to explain something you think is common/ordinary. Synonyms: inane, insipid, jejune, vapid Antonyms: fresh, unique, extraordinary Sentence: The banal house was given last place in the neighborhood’s Halloween decorating contest.

6. 6. benign (buh NINE) : not causing harm, of gentle disposition, beneficial Synonym: innocent; safe Antonym: malignant, harmful Sentence: The minister was loved because of his benign attitude toward all types of people. Activity: Create your own sentence using benign and autonomous.

7. 7. capricious (kuh PRISH us) : changing suddenly, fickle Synonyms: inconstant, mercurial, unstable Antonym: stable Sentence: Her capricious moods are difficult to anticipate. Activity: Write 3 sentences explaining how someone you know is capricious.

8. 8. dawdle (DOD ul) : to waste time, to spend time idly, to move in a lackadaisical manner Sentence: Since we have a deadline, do not dawdle over your work. Activity: find 2 antonyms and 2 synonyms

9. d 9. defamation (def uh MAY shun) : act of harming or ruining another's reputation Antonym: adulation Sentence: The defamation of another's character is a horrible thing. Activity: find 2 synonyms and write a sentence using defamation and capricious.

10. ( 10. esoteric (es uh TER ik) : understood only by a small group or a select few Sentence: The English teachers were having an esoteric discussion about the correct usage of Oxford commas. Activity: find 3 synonyms and 3 antonyms for esoteric

11. exacerbate ( : to aggravate, to irritate, to vex 11. exacerbate (ig ZAS ur bate) : to aggravate, to irritate, to vex Activity: Write a sentence using exacerbate. Synonym: bitter Antonyms: to ameliorate; to soothe Sentence: The teacher was exacerbated by the student’s lack of effort in their work.

12. extol ( : to praise, to glorify 12. extol (ik STOLE) : to praise, to glorify Activity: Write 3 synonyms and 3 antonyms for extol. Sentence: The teacher would always extol the students who did their best.

13. fastidious ( : reflecting a meticulous or demanding attitude, critical to an extreme 13. fastidious (fa STID ee us) : reflecting a meticulous or demanding attitude, critical to an extreme New Cat Food! Activity: Write a short paragraph where you use the word fastidious accurately. Your paragraph must be 8-10 sentences long. Synonym: finicky Antonym: not picky Sentence: He considered her fastidious because she was offended by insignificant mistakes or errors.

14. furtive ( : secret in an underhanded way, stealthy 14. furtive (FUR tiv) : secret in an underhanded way, stealthy Activity: Use furtive and fastidious in a complete sentence. ***Bonus*** Can you make it a metaphor or simile? Synonym: covert, stealthy, underhanded Antonym: bold

15. gregarious ( : sociable and outgoing 15. gregarious (greh GAR ee us) : sociable and outgoing Activity: Explain, in detail, the most gregarious you have ever been. Your answer must be 8-10 sentences and in paragraph format. Synonym: extroverted Antonym: shy; reserved; introverted Sentence: He became much more gregarious after he developed an interest in football.

16. hypocrite ( 16. hypocrite (HIP uh krit) : one who is insincere or deceitful Antonym: sincere person Sentence: Saying one thing and then doing the other is the mark of a hypocrite. Activity: list 2 synonyms for hypocrite

17. innate ( 17. innate (eh NATE) : existing from birth, inborn Synonym: natural, built-in Antonym: learned Sentence: Wolverine’s inability to die is an innate quality that he holds. Activity: Write 3 sentences describing an innate ability/quality that you have.

18. lethargic ( 18. lethargic (luh THAR jik) : sluggish, languid Synonym: stuporous, torpid Antonym: energetic Activity: Use lethargic and hypocrite in a sentence. Sentence: Malfoy was lethargic after too many glasses of pumpkin juice.

19. melancholy ( 19. melancholy (MEL un kol ee) : depression of spirits Synonym: sadness Antonym: happiness Sentence: Harry Potter fell into a state of melancholy after Cedric Diggory died. Activity: Write a sentence using melancholy and austere.

20. opaque ( 20. opaque (oh PAKE) : not allowing the passage of light, not transparent; hard to understand Sentence: The opaque tights hid the girl’s scars. Activity: Write 2 synonyms and 2 antonyms for opaque

21. Prolific (pro LIF ik) Definition: abundantly fruitful, marked by great productivity Synonym: fertile Antonym: barren; unfruitful Sentence: His prolific career resulted in an abundant supply of money. Activity: Write your own sentence using this word.

22. reprove (reh PROOV) Definition: to scold or to rebuke for a misdeed usually with kindly intent Synonym: admonish, rebuke, reproach Antonym: to approve; to applaud Sentence: The Doctor reproved the patient for not taking better care of himself. Activity: Think of a time when you have been reproved by a friend. How did you respond? How do people normally respond to constructive criticism?

23. symmetry (SIM eh tree) Definition: balanced proportions Antonym: lack of balance Sentence: The symmetry of the gardens of Versailles creates a beautiful and balanced atmosphere. Activity: Write a synonym for this word.

24. tranquil (TRANG kwul) (TRANG kwul) Definition: peaceful, calm Synonym: placid, serene Antonym: Agitated Activity: Write your own sentence for this word.

25. venerate (VEN uh rate) Definition: to honor, to revere Synonym: adore, worship Sentence: The King was venerated by his subjects, as they always bowed in praise of him. Activity: Write an Antonym for this word.