Vocabulary Unit 7

acme (n): the highest point Example: The perfect game is the acme of any pitcher’s career in baseball. Synonym: peak, top Antonym: low point, bottom

doctrine (n): a belief, principle, or teaching Example: The Nazis wanted their doctrines to be communicated in their propaganda. Synonym: theory

jaunty (adj): lively, easy, and carefree in manner. Example: I believe that childhood should be a jaunty time in everyone’s life. Synonym: lighthearted Antonym: glum, downcast

juncture (n): a joining together; the point at which two things are joined; any important time Example: At this most critical juncture in my career, I decided to apply for the promotion. Synonym: union, seam

parry (v) (n): (v) to ward off; (n) a defensive movement in fencing and other sports Example: If a celebrity cannot parry negative images, then their career may not last long. Synonym: prevent

Ravage (v)(n): (v) to destroy; (n) destruction Example: The hurricane had ravaged the town and all of the homes within miles and miles. Synonym: wreak Antonym: spare

tawdry (adj): showy and flashy but lacking in good taste Example: The outfit that Lady Gaga wore in her concert was so tawdry, but did not surprise anyone in the crowd. Synonym: loud, vulgar Antonym: tasteful

turncoat (n): a person who switches to an opposing side or party Example: The plot of the story revolved around the gangster’s relentless determination to learn the identity of the turncoat. Synonym: traitor Antonym: diehard

Wallow (v) (n): (v) to roll about in a lazy, clumsy, or helpless way; (n) a wet, muddy, or dusty area used by animals as a sort of bath Example: After spending all of her paycheck at Bloomingdales, she was too tired do anything but wallow on the couch. Synonym: bask in Antonym:

waver (v): to show lack of firmness or decision Example: The judges had wavered on their decision but in the end the American Idol was their best choice. Synonym: hesitate Antonym: be resolute