atrophy
(n.) the wasting away of a body organ or tissue; any progressive decline or failure
(v.) to waste away
syn: degeneration, deterioration, wither
ant: growth, mature
bastion
(n.) a fortified place, stronghold
syn: citadel, rampart, parapet
concord
(n.) a state of agreement, harmony, unanimity; a treaty, pact, covenant
ant: disagreement, strife, discord
consummate
(adj.) complete or perfect in the highest degree
(v.) to bring to a state of completion or perfection
syn: masterful; clinch, conclude
ant: launch, initiate, begin, kick off
disarray
(n.) disorder, confusion
(v.) to throw into disorder
syn: disorganization; dishevel, mess up
ant: organization, order, tidiness
exigency
(n.) urgency, pressure; urgent demand, pressing need; an emergency
syn: requirement, crisis
flotsam
(n.) floating debris; homeless, impoverished people
syn: floating wreckage
frenetic
(adj.) frenzied, highly agitated
syn: frantic, overwrought
ant: calm, controlled, relaxed, leisurely
glean
(v.) to gather bit by bit; to gather small quantities of grain left in a field by the reapers
syn: cull, pick up
grouse
(n.) a type of game bird; a complaint
(v.) to complain, grumble
syn: kvetch, bellyache
incarcerate
(v.) in imprison, confine, jail
syn: intern
ant: liberate, free
incumbent
(adj.) obligatory, required
(n.) one who holds a specific office at the time spoken of
syn: mandatory, necessary
ant: optional, unnecessary
jocular
(adj.) humorous, jesting, jolly, joking
syn: waggish, facetious, droll
ant: solemn, grave, earnest, grim
ludicrous
(adj.) ridiculous, laughable, absurd
syn: risible, preposterous
ant: heartrending, poignant, pathetic
mordant
(adj.) biting or caustic in thought, manner, or style; sharply or bitterly harsh
syn: acrimonious, acidulous, sardonic, scathing
ant: bland, mild, gentle, soothing
nettle
(n.) a prickly or stinging plant
(v.) to arouse displeasure, impatience, or anger; to vex or irritate severely
syn: peeve, annoy, incense, gall
ant: please, delight, soothe, pacify
pecuniary
(adj.) consisting of or measured in money; of or related to money
syn: monetary
pusillanimous
(adj.) contemptibly cowardly or mean-spirited
syn: lily-livered
ant: stouthearted, courageous
recumbent
(adj.) in a reclining position, lying down, in the posture of one sleeping or resting
syn: prone, supine, inactive
ant: erect, energetic, dynamic
stratagem
(n.) a scheme to outwit or deceive an opponent or to gain an end
syn: trick, ploy, subterfuge