1. Firm, definite, steadfast, tenacious
resolute
( adj. ) – strongly determined
Examples:
She was resolute to pass the test because she studied very hard.
LeBron James was very resolute because he wanted to be like Michael Jordan.
Chris Paul is resolute when scored 61 points.
Kobe Bryant was resolute because he wanted to win the championship.
Synonyms:
Firm, definite, steadfast, tenacious
Antonyms:
Irresolute, indecisive, weak

2. Reply angrily, snap, rebuttal
retort
(verb) – to reply sharply
Examples:
After the rude comment the man offered a retort.
After he was negated by the critics, he made a retort.
Synonyms:
Reply angrily, snap, rebuttal
Antonyms:
Reticent, shy, reserved

3. Admire, respect, worship
revere
( verb ) – to regard with awe
Examples:
The star struck fan was in revere when she saw Hannah Montana.
Synonyms:
Admire, respect, worship
Antonyms:
Despise, hate

4. Authorize, permit, endorse, convince
sanction
(verb) – to give permission
(noun) – a coercive measure designed to make a person or persons comply
Examples:
The construction workers had to get a sanction to work on the city pipes. (verb)
His sanctions toward his friend got them both in trouble. (noun)
Synonyms:
Authorize, permit, endorse, convince
Antonyms:
Veto, go against, rejection

5. sect (noun) – a subgroup of a religion; faction Examples:
Christianity has various sects, such as Baptist and Catholic.
Synonyms:
cult, division
Antonyms:

6. Guard, lookout, sentry, protector
sentinel
(noun) – a guard or a watchman
Examples:
Officer Wheeler is the sentinel for Sprayberry High School.
Synonyms:
Guard, lookout, sentry, protector
Antonyms:
Enemy

7. Cynical, dubious, disbelieving, doubting, unconfident
skeptical
(adj.) – showing doubt and disbelief
Examples:
The team was skeptical about winning because their opponents were 10-0.
Synonyms:
Cynical, dubious, disbelieving, doubting, unconfident
Antonyms:
Convinced, converted, persuaded

8. Insult, smear, defame, destroy Compliment, praise, flattery
slander
(noun) – untruthful spoken attack on someone’s reputation
Examples:
People have started to slander Britney Spears by calling her a lesbian.
People slander each other in order to make them look bad.
Synonyms:
Insult, smear, defame, destroy
Antonyms:
Compliment, praise, flattery

9. Seriousness, somberness, solemnity, calm
sobriety
(noun) – being quiet or serious
Examples:
The new student’s sobriety concerned his parents because he did not know anyone at school.
The new boy’s sobriety concerned his peers and they befriended him.
Synonyms:
Seriousness, somberness, solemnity, calm
Antonyms:
Flippancy, disrespect, levity

10. Conjecture, theory, assumption, thinking
speculation
(noun) – the act of thinking about or pondering something
Examples:
The speculation on his face showed the teacher that he did not know the answer.
The expression of speculation on her face showed the police that she was guilty.
Synonyms:
Conjecture, theory, assumption, thinking
Antonyms:
Fact, detail