1. 1. Abate Definition: to reduce in intensity or amount to reduce in intensity or amount After the rain abated, we were able to run out to the car. Activity: Write two synonyms for this word.

2. 2.Antecedent Definition: preceding a cause The argument between the two men was antecedent to the fight which followed. Activity: write a sentence using this word.

3. 3. Arid Definition: very dry Casey was upset because her armpits were the opposite of arid. Activity: Write a sentence using this word.

4. 4. Baneful Definition: a source of harm or destruction; harmful, destructive Her baneful influence in his life was the reason he started smoking. Her baneful influence in his life was the reason he started smoking. Activity: What is baneful for you? Use the word in a sentence.

5. 5. Beleaguer Definition: To harass or annoy The little boy was beleaguered by the flirty girls. Activity: Write a sentence using this word.

6. 6. Contempt Definition: scorn, extreme dislike or disdain The men had contempt for the woman who had cheated on them. Activity: Write 1 antonym for contempt.

7. 7. Cynical Definition: given to faultfinding, sneering, sarcasm; exhibiting mocking disbelief Some people are so cynical about love and happiness they complain their life away. Activity: Write 1 antonym for cynical.

8. 8.Dexterous Definition: Skillful and active with the hands Gavin Degraw is a dexterous musician who plays piano and guitar with great skill. Activity: Write a sentence using this word.

9. 9. Dour Definition: sullen, stern, harsh The police officer had a dour personality because of horrible things he encountered on the job. Activity: List one Antonym and one synonym for this word.

10. 10.Exalt Definition: to glorify, to praise, to raise in rank The teacher exalted the student for an excellent rough draft. Activity: Use this word in a sentence.

11. 11. Felicitous Definition: happy or delightful Her marriage was a felicitous occasion. Activity: Write one synonym for this word.

12. 12. Impeccable Definition: free from fault or blame Her decorations demonstrated she had impeccable taste. Activity: Write one synonym for this word.

13. imperturbable Definition: Marked by extreme calm, assurance and steadiness I was imperturbable lying by the serene lake this weekend. Activity: List 1 antonym for this word

14. malleable Definition: capable of being shaped, influenced, or altered The little kid played with the malleable play dough. Activity: Think of something malleable, and use it in a sentence

15. mortify Definition: to humiliate, to wound pride, to experience shame She was mortified because her date stood her up. Activity: Think of a time when you were mortified? What happened?

16. Obdurate Definition: extremely stubborn, unable to accept advice He was obdurate in his refusal to realize his cocaine problems. Activity: Write one synonym

17. platitude Definition: trite, obvious remark, banal statement Sometimes a simple, well- meaning platitude, like "Life is what you make of it," will backfire when you are talking to someone who wants real answers. Activity: Write one platitude.

18. Profligate Definition: a wasteful person, extremely wasteful The profligate politician wasted money on pointless programs that did not help the city. Activity: Use this word in a sentence.

19. pugnacious Definition: looking for a fight, combative, belligerent His pugnacious attitude made his classmates fear him. Activity: Write a synonym for this word.

20. savory Definition: appetizing My mother is known for her savory treats. Activity: Use this word in a sentence.

21. spurn Definition: to reject or refuse with hostility She spurned his advances because she thought he was an idiot. Activity: Write 1 antonym.

22. supercilious Definition: haughty, vain, arrogant She was a supercilious woman who considered herself better looking than everyone else. Activity: Use this word in a sentence.

23. trite Definition: overused, commonplace His platitudes were trite and annoying. Activity: Give an example of a trite statement.

24. vociferous Definition: Definition: boisterous loud-mouthed, noisy The vociferous girl would not stop being loud and obnoxious. Activity: Activity: Write 1 synonym for this word.

25. vulgarity Definition: something offensive to good taste and refinement His crude jokes and obscenities were just the beginning to his vulgarity. Activity: Use this word in a school appropriate sentence.