Word of the Day

Definition: (adjective) Invulnerable to fear or intimidation. Synonyms: audacious, dauntless, fearless, brave, hardy. Usage: The intrepid climber, undeterred by the knowledge that none had yet survived an attempt to summit this peak, eagerly set out from base camp. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) So extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period. Synonyms: antiquated, archaic. Usage: My grandfather's antediluvian ideas about relationships and marriage are frequently at odds with my views.

Definition: (noun) Strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base; righteous anger. Synonyms: outrage. Usage: I could hardly contain my indignation at his disparaging comments. Discuss

Definition: (noun) The trait of spending extravagantly. Synonyms: prodigality, extravagance. Usage: They fell on hard times but did not curb their spending, and this profligacy soon brought them to the brink of bankruptcy. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) In opposition to a civil authority or government. Synonyms: insurgent, subversive. Usage: In an attempt to discourage rebellion, the dictator announced that anyone found in possession of seditious literature would be executed.

Definition: (adjective) Defiantly aggressive. Synonyms: belligerent, combative, pugnacious, bellicose, obstreperous. Usage: Bitter and truculent when excited, I spoke as I felt, without reserve or softening. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in lawsuits. Synonyms: combative, disputatious, litigious. Usage: The captain felt like he was constantly mediating disputes between his contentious crew members. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Characterized by sedate dignity and often a strait-laced sense of propriety. Synonyms: serious, sober, quiet, calm, grave, steady, composed, solemn. Usage: I instinctively stood up a little straighter when the staid duke entered the parlor.

Definition: (noun) A small, moderate, or token amount. Synonyms: little, bit, drop, touch, inch, scrap, dash, grain, particle, fragment, atom, pinch, ounce, shred, crumb, tinge, mite, tad, speck, iota. Usage: Her modicum of strength had been exhausted, and she was unable even to move from her position.

Definition: (noun) Speech or writing designed to obscure, mislead, or impress; bunk. Synonyms: idle words, jazz, nothingness, wind. Usage: Snookered by a lot of malarkey about drilling costs, a Texas jury … added $3 billion of punitive damages. Discuss