1. 1. Abrasive (adj.): causing irritation, harsh; grinding or wearing down; (n) a substance used to smooth or polish Synonyms: (adj.) chafing, grating, rasping, erosive Antonyms: (adj.) smooth, polished, satiny, oily, unctuous

2. 2. Acclimate (v): to adapt to a new climate, environment, or situation Synonyms: accustom, learn the ropes

3. 3. Chagrin (n): irritation or humiliation caused by disappointment or frustration; (v) to cause such a feeling Synonyms: (n) vexation, mortification; (v) abash, mortify Antonyms: (n) jubilation, exultation, triumph; (v) exult, delight

4. 4. Complacent (adj.): self-satisfied; overly content Synonyms: smug, pleased with oneself Antonyms: discontented, chagrined

5. 5. Concur (v): to express agreement, approve Synonyms: agree, assent, ratify, sanction Antonyms: disagree, differ, part company

6. 6. Defamation (n): slander or libel Synonyms: vilification, calumny, mudslinging Antonyms :salute, tribute, testimonial, praise

7. 7. Explicate (v): to make plain or clear, explain; to interpret Synonyms: clarify, elucidate, untangle, spell out Antonyms: confuse, bewilder, obscure, obfuscate

8. 8. Fracas (n): a nosy quarrel or brawl Synonyms: row, altercation, rhubarb, brouhaha Antonyms: agreement, accord, unanimity, harmony

9. 9. Grotesque (adj.): unnatural, distorted; bizarre Synonyms: fantastic, outlandish, ugly, deformed Antonyms: appealing, attractive, comely

10. 10. Pandemonium (n): a wild uproar, din, or commotion Synonyms: chaos, tumult, bedlam, three-ring circus Antonyms: order, calm, tranquility, peace, repose

11. 11. Raucous (adj.): disagreeably harsh-sounding; disorderly Synonyms: boisterous, clamorous, strident Antonyms: placid, tranquil, peaceful, serene, pastoral

12. 12. Receptive (adj.): open and responsive to ideas or suggestions Synonyms: open-minded, tolerant, amenable Antonyms: narrow-minded, intolerant, hidebound

13. 13. Renounce (v): to give up or resign something Synonyms: repudiate, disown, abdicate, abjure Antonyms: retain, secure, affirm, assent, aver

14. 14. Repress (v): to hold back; to put down or check by force Synonyms: subdue, curb, stifle, constrain, bottle up Antonyms: liberate, set loose, provoke, excite

15. 15. Reticent (adj.): not inclined to speak; reserved; reluctant Synonyms: taciturn, closemouthed, tight- lipped Antonyms: talkative, garrulous, voluble, long- winded

16. 16. Savory (adj.): tasty, appetizing; pungent or salty, not sweet; inoffensive, respectable Synonyms: delectable, flavorful, aromatic, piquant Antonyms: distasteful, unpalatable, malodorous, bland

17. 17. Somnolent (adj.): sleepy, drowsy; inducing sleep Synonyms: groggy, soporific Antonyms: alert, lively, wide-awake, stimulating

18. 18. Vehement (adj.): intense, forceful, powerful Synonyms: emphatic, fierce, vigorous, impassioned Antonyms: apathetic, lukewarm, subdued, muted

19. 19. Voluble (adj.): characterized by a ready flow of words; glib, fluent Synonyms: loquacious, garrulous, long- winded, prolix Antonyms: uncommunicative, reticent, taciturn, terse

20. 20. Zealous (adj.): eager, earnest, devoted Synonyms: ardent, fervent, devout, dogged, gung ho Antonyms: reluctant, unwilling, averse, tepid