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10 matching synonym questions
Etymology: [extricate (Latin), "to disentangle"; from ex, "out" + tricae, "vexations"]
to disentangle; to free from complexities, difficulties, or embarrassment
With great leaping about, the fish managed to extricate itself from the net.
Synonyms: disengage, release, free
Antonyms: enmesh, involve
Etymology: [faisible (Old French), "capable of being done"; from facere (Latin), "to do"]
1. capable of being carried out
Although his plan sounded feasible, it proved impossible to execute when put to the test.
2. capable of being controlled or dealt with
Having a large crowd was not considered feasible, since only two guards were on duty.
Synonyms: possible, accomplishable, manageable
Antonyms: infeasible, impracticable, unworkable
NOTE: feasible — capable of being carried out
possible — not contrary to the nature of things
practicable — capable of being used (as a tool, or a method)
practical — pertaining to that which exists in practice and action (as practical politics, opposed to political theory), or capable of being put to good use (as a suggestion)
Etymology: (noun and verb) [ad, (Latin), "to" + frons, frontis, "forehead"; that is, to strike against the forehead]
1. (noun) a deliberate insult; an offensive act
The Prime Minister was unmoved by the affront from the leader of the opposition.
2. (verb) to offend; to insult
I was not affronted when she told me frankly that I needed to lose weight.
Synonyms: (nouns) insolence, impertinence, indignity; (verbs) insult, abuse, offend, outrage
Antonyms: (nouns) respect, reverence, homage; (verbs) compliment, indulge, humor
Etymology: [ad (Latin), "to" + fligere, flictus, "to strike"]
something which causes a person great physical or emotional suffering
If some persons died, and others did not die, death would be a terrible affliction. — Jean de la Bruyere
Synonyms: sorrow, calamity, suffering, misery
Antonyms: pleasure
NOTE: An affliction is usually a sustained grief. The words pang, throes, and twinge describe sudden, intense pain: a twinge of remorse, a sudden pang in the heart, the throes of a toothache.
Etymology: [re (Latin), "back" + cumbens, lying down"]
in a reclining position
The doctor told his patient not to read while recumbent.
Synonyms: leaning, reclining, prone (lying face down), supine (lying on the back)
Antonyms: standing, erect
Etymology: [mordant (French), "biting"; from mordere (Latin), "to bite"]
caustic, sarcastic
Jonathan Swift wrote many masterpieces of mordant wit.
Synonyms: biting, acrid, pungent, cutting
Antonyms: dulcet, bland, mild, tame
Etymology: [prédilection (French); from prae (Latin), "before" + diligere, dilectus, "love," "choose"]
preference; favorable opinion of a person or thing arrived at beforehand
John studied law at college, but he soon exhibited a marked predilection for the study of mathematics.
Synonyms: partiality, prepossession
Antonyms: dislike, antipathy, aversion, distaste (for), prejudice
Etymology: [devotus (Latin), "devoted to"]
reverently attentive to religious duties and actions
Mary has been a devout Christian all her life.
Synonyms: sincere, devoted, observing, faithful
Antonyms: irreligious, impious, insincere, infidel, unfaithful, irreverent
Etymology: [Adjective form of alackaday, an old exclamation expressing regret]
weary; without energy or desire to act
My mom complained that I did my chores in a lackadaisical manner.
Synonyms: languid, languishing, listless, lethargic
Antonyms: sedulous, energetic, animated, mettlesome, zealous
Etymology: [ex (Latin), "out" + tempus, temporis, "time"]
to utter or to do (something) without preparation or previous study
He reads his prepared speech well, but he is more eloquent when he extemporizes.
Synonyms: improvise, ad lib, impromptu
Antonyms: premeditate, plan, prepare