Abject adjective Wretched, miserable; degrading, humiliating Mean-spirited Synonyms: disheartening, debasing, hopeless, helpless; vile, shameless, ignoble, craven; utter, sheer, downright, Only an abject coward would stand idly by as a defenseless person was mugged.

Aesthetic Adj. Pertaining to a sense of beauty Synonyms: artistic, creative, gorgeous, inventive artisticcreativegorgeousinventive Example: Though the picture did not have much aesthetic appeal, it had considerable commercial value.

Ambience Noun The surrounding or pervading atmosphere; the tone and spirit of an environment Synonyms: surroundings, milieu, setting Example: The ambience of the restaurant was very romantic.

Apprehend Verb To arrest of take into custody. Synonyms: seize, capture, nab Example: I was relieved when the burglar who robbed our home was apprehended.

Atrocity Noun A savagely cruel, brutal, or inhuman deed; a monstrosity. Synonyms: enormity, outrage Example: The crimes committed against prisoners of war are an atrocity.

Baffle Verb – To puzzle completely. – To prevent from achieving a goal Synonyms: perplex, mystify, bewilder, confound Example: Despite some small clues, the police were baffled in their attempt to solve the murder.

Boisterous. Adjective Noisy & Rowdy. Synonyms: loud, vociferous, clamorous Example: It is only natural to expect small children to be a bit boisterous

Cajole Verb To persuade or obtain by flattery or deceit Synonyms: wheedle, coax, beguile, induce Example: Like most people, I enjoy flattery, but I can’t be cajoled into doing something that I know in my heart is foolish.

Chagrin Noun and verb – N. Irritation, embarrassment, or humiliation caused by disappointment or frustration – V. To cause such a feeling Synonyms: vexation, annoyance, mortification Example: (n) I didn’t want to go to the party, but I felt a sense of chagrin when I realized that I wouldn’t be invited. (v) Since Marsha prides herself on her skill as a politician, her failure to win election to the student council chagrined her deeply

Collaborate Verb To work together on some kind of joint project. Synonyms: cooperate, team up, join forces Example: To select a new superintendent, school officials will collaborate with community members, faculty, and students to determine the needs of the school.

Aloof Adverb At a distance, especially in feeling or interest; apart Synonyms: detached, distant Example: The new student stood aloof from his classmates since he didn’t really know anyone.

Avert Verb To turn away or aside; to ward off or prevent. Synonyms: avoid, turn away Example: The guilty child averted his eyes as his mother questioned him about the broken plate.

Writhe Verb To twist or bend out of shape or position; to twist about as in pain Synonyms: thrash, wriggle Example: The soccer player writhed in pain after breaking his ankle during the game.

Belligerent Adjective Warlike; given to waging war. Synonym: argumentative Example: The student’s belligerent attitude often landed him in the discipline office.

Monotonous Adjective Lacking in variety; having very little inflection; limited to a narrow pitch range. Synonyms: boring, dull Example: The students fell asleep as the teacher’s monotonous voice filled the classroom.

Discontent Noun A restless desire or craving for something one does not have; dissatisfaction. Synonyms: displeasure, uneasiness Example: The child’s discontent over his birthday gift became evident when he started to cry.

Haunches Noun The hip; a hind quarter of an animal Example: The rabbit in the field sat back on his haunches as he nibbled the blade of grass.

Solemn Adjective Grave, sober, or serious, in the face, speech, tone, or mood Synonyms: serious, unsmiling Example: The solemn relatives were crying over the grave during the funeral.