adroit
(adj.) skillful, expert in the use of the hands or mind
Many rodeo performers are __________ at twirling a rope while on horseback.
amicable
(adj.) peaceable, friendly
Sometimes mediation by a neutral individual can lead to an __________ settlement of a dispute.
averse
(adj.) having a deep-seated distaste; opposed, unwilling
You are not likely to become a marathon runner if you are _________ to strenuous exercise.
belligerent
(adj.) given to fighting, warlike; combative, aggressive; (noun) one at war, one engaged in war
I did not expect such a __________ answer to my request for directions.
After each __________ signed the peace treaty, the war was declared officially over.
benevolent
(adj.) kindly, charitable
The newcomers had nothing but __________ feelings toward all their neighbors.
cursory
(adj.) hasty, not thorough
The mayor gave a final __________ glance at the text of her speech before mounting the podium.
duplicity
(noun) treachery, deceitfulness
We found it difficult to believe that our good friend could be capable of such __________.
extol
(verb) to praise extravagantly
Many inspiring stories and plays have been written that __________ the heroic deeds of Joan of Arc.
feasible
(adj.) possible, able to be done
Our city needs to develop a __________ plan of action for dealing with storms and other emergencies.
grimace
(noun) a wry face, facial distortion; (verb) to make a wry face
The __________ of the refugee in the photograph reveals the pain of homelessness.
Most people __________ at the mere sound of the dentist's drill.
holocaust
(noun) a large-scale destruction, especially by fire; a vast slaughter; a burnt offering
Journalists at the time were eager to interview survivors of the Chicago __________.
impervious
(adj.) not affected or hurt by; admitting of no passage or entrance
It is best to store flour in a container with a plastic cover that is __________ to moisture.
impetus
(noun) a moving force, impulse, stimulus
The coming of winter gave a new __________ to the appeals for food and clothing for needy families.
jeopardy
(noun) danger
Experienced mountaineers know that a single mistake can put an entire expedition in serious __________.
meticulous
(adj.) extremely careful; particular about details
If you have a full-time job outside the home, you may find it exceedingly difficult to be a __________ housekeeper.
nostalgia
(noun) a longing for something past; homesickness
Looking at old scrapbooks and reading old letters can bring on a vague sense of __________ for days gone by and friends no longer near.
quintessence
(noun) the purest essence or form of something; the most typical example
Risking one's own life to save the lives of others is considered the __________ of selfless valor.
retrogress
(verb) to move backward; to return to an earlier condition
In the novel, the survivors of a nuclear explosion __________ into a state of barbarism and anarchy.
scrutinize
(verb) to examine closely
Lawyers are paid to __________ legal papers and explain the fine print to their clients.
tepid
(adj.) lukewarm; unenthusiastic, marked by an absence of interest
A cup of __________ tea will not warm you up on a chilly morning.