College Level Vocabulary: Fill in the Blanks

Vocabulary List

• Ambiguous: having multiple meanings or interpretations; unclear or open to multiple understandings
• Cacophony: a harsh, discordant sound; a mixture of loud, unpleasant noises
• Debilitate: to weaken or enfeeble someone or something; to drain of strength or energy
• Enervate: to deprive of energy or vitality; to make someone or something feel weak or powerless
• Felicitous: (1) suitable or fitting; (2) expressing or feeling great joy or celebration
• Garrulous: talkative or loquacious; fond of talking a lot
• Harangue: (n.) a long, passionate speech; (v.) to deliver a long, passionate speech
• Ineffable: (1) too great or extreme to be expressed in words; (2) incapable of being expressed or described
• Verbose: using too many words; wordy or long-winded
• Kowtow: to show respect or obedience by kneeling or bowing low
• Languid: feeling or showing a lack of energy or enthusiasm; weak or faint
• Malleable: (1) capable of being shaped or molded; (2) easily influenced or manipulated
• Nonchalant: feeling or showing a lack of concern or interest; casually indifferent
• Ingratiate: to gain favor or approval by flattering or trying to please
• Pernicious: having a harmful or destructive effect; deadly or poisonous
• Quell: to suppress or overcome a feeling or a problem; to calm or pacify
• Reticent: reserved or uncommunicative; unwilling to speak or share thoughts
• Sagacious: having keen discernment or good judgment; wise or perceptive
• Trepidation: a feeling of fear or anxiety; a sense of uncertainty or apprehension
• Ubiquitous: existing or being everywhere at the same time; widespread or universal
• Avid: having a strong enthusiasm or interest; eager or passionate
• Ephemeral: lasting for a very short time; transitory or fleeting
• Sycophant: a person who tries to win favor by flattering or trying to please
• Quixotic: extravagantly chivalrous or romantic in a way that is considered unrealistic or impractical
• Callous: showing no emotion or sympathy; hardened or unfeeling
• Mellifluous: having a smooth and sweet sound; pleasant or musical
• Panacea: a solution or remedy for all problems or difficulties; a cure-all
• Conflate: to combine or unite two or more things into one; to merge or blend
• Prolific: producing a large amount of something; fertile or productive
• Esoteric: intended for or understood by a select group; mysterious or obscure
• Iconoclast: a person who attacks or challenges traditional or established ideas or institutions
• Eloquent: fluent or persuasive in speech; having a compelling or impressive way of speaking
• Serene: peaceful or calm; untroubled or tranquil
• Impetuous: acting or done on impulse; impulsive or rash
• Epiphany: a moment of sudden understanding or realization; a revelation or insight
• Pervasive: existing or spreading throughout something; widespread or universal
• Voracious: having a strong desire or appetite for something; greedy or insatiable
• Sardonic: mocking or scornful; bitter or caustic
• Disparate: fundamentally different or distinct; unequal or mismatched
• Evanescent: lasting for a very short time; transitory or fleeting
• Jovial: good-humored or cheerful; friendly or convivial
• Melancholic: feeling or showing a sense of sadness or gloom; melancholy or sorrowful
• Whimsical: playful or fanciful; quirky or unpredictable
• Authoritative: having power or control; commanding or influential
• Optimistic: expecting or hoping for the best; confident or hopeful
• Cynical: distrustful or skeptical of people or things; having a negative or pessimistic view
• Sarcastic: mocking or scornful; bitter or caustic
• Incredulous: disbelieving or doubtful; skeptical or uncertain
• Formal: following established rules or customs; official or dignified
• Colloquial: informal or conversational; used in everyday speech
• Nostalgic: feeling or expressing a sense of longing or wistfulness for the past
• Playful: lighthearted or humorous; fun-loving or mischievous
• Contemplative: thoughtful or reflective; meditative or introspective
• Condemnatory: expressing strong disapproval or criticism; judgmental or censorious
• Resolute: firm or determined; unwavering or unshakable
• Derisive: mocking or scornful; humiliating or contemptuous
• Reverent: showing respect or admiration; solemn or devout
• Urgent: requiring immediate attention or action; pressing or critical
• Wistful: feeling or expressing a sense of melancholy or longing; yearning or nostalgic
• Pedantic: excessively concerned with minor details or rules; finicky or meticulous
• Romantic: idealistic or sentimental; emotional or affectionate
• Witty: clever or amusing; quick-witted or humorous
• Acrimonious: bitter or caustic; quarrelsome or contentious
• Acerbic: sour or bitter; harsh or pungent
• Poignant: evoking a strong emotional response; touching or moving
• Confident: feeling or showing self-assurance; secure or assured
• Conversational: informal or casual; spoken or used in everyday conversation
• Ironic: contradictory or unexpected; humorous or amusing
• Ambivalent: having mixed or conflicting feelings; uncertain or indecisive
• Informative: providing useful or interesting information; educational or enlightening
• Reassuring: making someone feel more confident or calm; comforting or soothing
• Lighthearted: cheerful or carefree; humorous or playful
• Reflective: thoughtful or contemplative; introspective or self-aware
• Eloquent: fluent or persuasive in speech; having a compelling or impressive way of speaking
• Introspective: examining or analyzing one's own thoughts or feelings; self-aware or reflective
• Caustic: capable of burning or corroding; harsh or bitter
• Clinical: objective or detached; unemotional or impersonal
• Earnest: serious or sincere; genuine or heartfelt
• Objective: unbiased or impartial; based on facts or evidence
• Insolent: rude or impertinent; disrespectful or impudent
• Benevolent: showing kindness or generosity; charitable or philanthropic
• Capricious: unpredictable or prone to sudden changes; whimsical or fanciful
• Ephemeral: lasting for a very short time; transitory or fleeting
• Fortuitous: happening by chance or luck; unexpected or fortunate
• Inevitable: unavoidable or certain; destined or predetermined
• Kudos: praise or credit for an achievement; recognition or honor
• Meticulous: precise or demanding; thorough or scrupulous
• Nefarious: wicked or criminal; evil or malevolent
• Obfuscate: to make something unclear or difficult to understand; to confuse or obscure
• Querulous: complaining or whining; peevish or irritable
• Ubiquitous: existing or being everywhere at the same time; widespread or universal
• Voracious: having a strong desire or appetite for something; greedy or insatiable
• Hapless: unfortunate or unlucky; miserable or pitiful
• Gregarious: sociable or outgoing; friendly or convivial
• Facetious: humorous or playful; witty or lighthearted
• Esoteric: intended for or understood by a select group; mysterious or obscure
• Zenith: the highest or most superior point; the peak or apex
• Alacrity: a feeling of excitement or enthusiasm; a sense of eagerness or speed
• Ambiguous: having multiple meanings or interpretations; unclear or open to multiple understandings
• Surreptitious: secretive or stealthy; hidden or concealed