Word of the Day

Definition: (noun) A reduction in amount or size. Synonyms: diminution, decrease. Usage: Having just declared bankruptcy, Lester admitted that his grand plans for renovating his kitchen needed a drastic step-down. Discuss

Definition: (noun) A cry of sorrow and grief. Synonyms: wail, plaint. Usage: It was pitiful to see him press his throat with his fat hand to keep from bursting into sobs and lamentations. Discuss

Definition: (noun) A remark or expression characterized by cleverness in perception and choice of words. Synonyms: quip, sally, pun, one-liner, riposte, pleasantry, repartee, epigram, bon mot. Usage: They received his witticism with a piercing shriek of laughter. Discuss

Definition: (noun) A period of 10 years. Synonyms: decade. Usage: The past decennium has seen many technological advances, but I sometimes wonder if humanity would have been better off without them. Discuss

Definition: (noun) Someone who travels about selling his wares (as on the streets or at carnivals). Synonyms: hawker, packman, pitchman. Usage: He used to tramp the countryside so far and so long that his father would say he feared his son was born to be nothing better than a wandering peddler. Discuss

Definition: (verb) Speed up the progress of; facilitate. Synonyms: hasten. Usage: I will do all I can to expedite the processing of your paperwork, but it could still take over a week for your application to be approved. Discuss

Definition: (adjective) Suited to or suggestive of a grave or burial. Synonyms: sepulchral. Usage: The bed and chamber were so funereal and gloomy, you might have fancied, not only that Lady Crawley died in the room, but that her ghost inhabited it. Discuss

Definition: (noun) The art of writing and producing plays. Synonyms: dramatics, theater. Usage: I know that you plan to become a novelist, but your dialogue is so sharp and witty that you may want to consider dramaturgy. Discuss

Definition: (noun) An armed thief who is (usually) a member of a band. Synonyms: bandit. Usage: You looked more like a brigand than an honest man, with your beard six inches, and your hair a foot long. Discuss

Definition: (verb) Release from military service or remove from the active list of military service. Synonyms: demobilize. Usage: My leg injury was so severe that my superior officer was forced to inactivate me. Discuss