1. PERSECUTE (VERB): wrong, torment
Synonyms: expel, harass
Antonyms: delight, comfort
Example Sentence:
We are also keenly aware of the fact that states routinely use a wide range of charges to persecute the press.
2. SCALLOP (VERB): crumple, ruffle
Synonyms: crimp, rustle Antonyms: flatten, untwist
Example Sentence:
And then he began to crush and scallop the paper, and to tear it into a thousand shreds.
3. GASCONADE (VERB): boast
Synonyms: aggrandize, brag Antonyms: conceal, be sad
Example Sentence:
My gasconade delighted the old lady and she gave me a heap of sweetmeats to recover her place in my good graces.
4. RABBET (NOUN): incision
Synonyms: wound, pierce Antonyms: closure, solid
Example Sentence:
Cut them to fit the mortises in the posts, also rabbet the back rails for the backing.
5. SWELLHEADEDNESS (NOUN): self-centeredness
Synonyms: arrogance, egocentricity Antonyms: humility, altruism
Example Sentence:
“There is no swellheadedness about Mr. Issa whatsoever, which I have found to be unusual,” she says.
6. IAMBIC (ADJECTIVE): with rhythm and beauty; related to poetic composition
Synonyms: dramatic, dactylic Antonyms: prosaic
Example Sentence:
The lovers speak entirely in iambic pentameter, which works much better than it should.
7. RINKY-DINK (ADJECTIVE): inferior, low in quality
Synonyms: bad, poor Antonyms: costly, precious
Example Sentence:
We had always looked down on sol breeders as a so-called ‘ rinky-dink race’.
8. ABASH (VERB): embarrass
Synonyms: disconcert, rattle Antonyms: soothe, ease
Example Sentence:
I warn him, in a tone which ought to abash him, but doesn’t in the least.
9. CRUCIFY (VERB): execute; torture near to death
Synonyms: torment, excruciate Antonyms: exalt, praise
Example Sentence:
At the last minute, it was generously decided not to crucify the victims after their deaths.
10. DEMURE (ADJECTIVE): reserved, affected
Synonyms: modest, proper Antonyms: bold, shameless
Example Sentence:
She had long, wavy blonde hair and wore a demure black suit.