(adj.) – hardly noticeable Examples: The students didn’t understand the teacher’s subtle allusion to disciplinary consequences. Synonyms : slight, faint, fine, understated Antonyms : Obvious, clear subtle

(adj.) – sad, sulky Examples: The sullen speech depressed everyone. Synonyms : Depressed, dour, morose, grim Antonyms : Cheerful, happy, gay sullen

(adj.) – near the surface, slight Examples: You haven’t worked hard enough this semester. You’ve been rather superficial. The child got a superficial scratch. It’s only on the outside layer of the skin. Synonyms : Shallow, apparent, outward, exterior Antonyms : Deep, interior superficial

(adj.) – ability to bend easily Examples: The girl’s suppleness makes her a great gymnast. Synonyms : Flexible, malleable, elasticity, agility Antonyms : Inflexibility, stiff, rigid suppleness

(verb) – to cheat out of money or property Examples: The CEO swindled money from the company. Madoff is in prison because he swindled a lot of investors. Synonyms : Rip off, deceive, double- cross, trick Antonyms : Honesty, integrity, loyalty swindle

(noun) – the combining of separate parts to form a whole Examples: The students had to write a synthesis of everything they learnt this semester. Synonyms : Mixture, fusion, blend, combination Antonyms : Separation, division synthesis