Advanced Vocabulary

Not sincere; pretending to know less about something than you really do

It was disingenuous of him to act surprised when he knew about the plan all along.

To use ambiguous language to avoid telling the truth

When asked about his plans, he continued to equivocate instead of giving a direct answer.

Unable to be avoided or escaped; inevitable

Death is an ineluctable part of life that everyone must face.

Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects

The insidious disease spread slowly without obvious symptoms at first.

To persuade someone to do something by using charm or flattery

She managed to inveigle her way into the exclusive party with her charm.

Looking or sounding very sad and mournful

The lugubrious music at the funeral made everyone feel even more sorrowful.

Telling lies; dishonest

The mendacious witness gave false testimony during the trial.

To make something unclear or confusing on purpose

The politician tried to obfuscate the issue with complicated explanations.

Noisy, difficult to control, and refusing to obey

The obstreperous children ignored their teacher's requests to sit quietly.

Done without care or interest as a duty or routine

He gave a perfunctory apology that clearly showed he wasn't really sorry.

Having a very harmful effect, especially in a gradual way

Smoking has a pernicious effect on your health over many years.

Having sharp judgment and understanding; able to see situations clearly

The perspicacious detective quickly solved the mystery that puzzled everyone else.

Showing a lack of courage; cowardly

His pusillanimous response to the crisis disappointed his supporters.

Of or belonging to each day; ordinary or commonplace

She grew tired of her quotidian routine and decided to travel abroad.

Stubbornly refusing to obey authority or follow rules

The recalcitrant student refused to follow the dress code despite multiple warnings.

Acting as if you are morally better than others in an annoying way

Her sanctimonious attitude made others uncomfortable when she criticized their choices.

Tending to cause drowsiness or sleep

The professor's soporific lecture made half the students fall asleep.

A person who acts in a flattering way to win favor from powerful people

The sycophant always agreed with the boss, hoping to get a promotion.

Eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant

The truculent customer shouted at the store manager about the return policy.

Bitter and abusive in speech or writing

The vituperative review completely destroyed the restaurant's reputation.