amnesty Many political prisoners were freed under the amnesty granted by the new regime.

amnesty (n.) a general pardon for an offense against a government; in general, any act of forgiveness or absolution

axiomatic zOne should not accept the idea that a camera never lies as an axiomatic truth.

axiomatic z(adj.) self-evident, expressing a universally accepted principle or rule z synonym: taken for granted z antonyms: questionable, dubious, controversial

caveat The well known Latin phrase “caveat emptor” means “Let the buyer beware.”

caveat (n.) a warning or caution to prevent misunderstanding or discourage behavior synonyms: admonition, words to the wise

equitable He did more work, so a sixty-forty split of the profits seemed an equitable arrangement

equitable (adj.) fair, just, embodying principles of justice synonyms: right, reasonable, evenhanded antonyms: unjust, unfair, one-sided, disproportionate

filch If you filch pennies from the cash drawer, you are unlikely, after a white to be satisfied with only pennies.

filch (v.) to steal, especially in a sneaky way and in pretty amounts synonyms: pilfer, purloin, swipe

flout She chose to ignore my advice, not because she wanted to flout my beliefs, but because she had strong opinions of her own

flout (v.) to mock, treat with contempt synonyms: scoff at, sneer at, snicker at, scorn antonyms: obey, honor, revere, uphold

fractious It seems as if we even the smoothest- running organizations contain one or two fractious elements

fractious (adj.) tending to be troublesome; unruly, quarrelsome, contrary; unpredictable synonyms: refractory, recalcitrant, peevish antonyms: docile, tractable, cooperative

precept Many of the religions follow the precept that it is important to treat others as you, yourself, would like to be treated.

precept (n.) a rule of conduct or action synonyms: principle, maxim

salutary The cute new puppy had a salutary effect on her health.

salutary (adj.) beneficial, helpful; healthful, wholesome synonyms: salubrious, curative antonyms: detrimental, deleterious, pernicious

scathing Sometimes a carefully reasoned discussion does more to change people’s minds than a scathing attack.

scathing (adj.) bitterly severe, withering, causing a great harm. synonyms: searing, harsh, ferocious, savage antonyms: bland, mild

soporific He claimed that the musical, despite, its energy, was soporific and that he had slept through the entire second act. Shakespeare’s Juliet drinks a soporific so as to appear to be dead - a trick she is so soon to regret.

soporific (adj.) tending to cause sleep, relating to sleepiness synonyms: irritable, testy, waspish antonyms: even-tempered, placid, serene, amiable