POWER VOCABULARRY BUILDER
TOP 100 TOEFL Vocabulary Words
ABASH
(verb)
DEFINITION
To make someone feel embarrassed, ashamed, or uncomfortable
SYNONYMS
Confound, discomfit, shame, embarrass
ANTONYMS
Embolden, reassure
USAGE EXAMPLES
Carol was abashed at her children’s rowdy behavior. (embarrassed, ashamed)
“I really shouldn’t have done that,” John said abashedly. (in an ashamed manner)
ABOMINATION
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. something horrible or shameful; 2. intense dislike coupled with disgust; 3. an action that is vicious or vile
SYNONYMS
Anathema, horror, atrocity, antipathy, revulsion, aversion, repugnance, disgust, loathing
ANTONYMS
Enjoyment, delight, adoration
USAGE EXAMPLES
Randolph had always regarded Roger’s habit of lying with abomination. (aversion, disgust)
The mistreatment of children at the daycare center was an abomination. (horror, atrocity)
ADAPTION
(noun)
DEFINITION
1. the process of adapting or adjusting to something; 2. the change resulting from adjusting to the environment or new circumstances; 3. the modification of something into a new form for a specific purpose
SYNONYMS
Modification, adjustment, acclimation, conformation, alteration, change, variation, re-working
ANTONYMS
Constancy
USAGE EXAMPLES
The movie was an adaptation of a best-selling novel. (re-working, modification)
Many European countries have found the adaptation from their previous currency to the EURO difficult. (change, adjustment)
ADHERE
(verb)
DEFINITION
1. to follow a rule or instructions; 2. to keep to an agreement; 3. to hold firmly to a belief, idea, or opinion; 4. to stick to the surface or an object
SYNONYMS
Comply, obey, conform, heed, stick, cling to, attach, support
ANTONYMS
Loosen, separate
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USAGE EXAMPLES
We are being more stringent in making sure people adhere to coding standards and product check-off lists before we ship products. (conform, stick)
John forced himself to adhere to a strict diet in order to lose weight, but for most people, this type of weight loss is tough to maintain, because adherence to strict diet guidelines can be very difficult. (stick, comply)
ABORN
(verb)
DEFINITION
To enhance or make more attractive with decoration or ornament
SYNONYMS
Decorate, beautify, embellish, ornament, garnish
ANTONYMS
Simplify
USAGE EXAMPLES
The beautiful, white horses were adorned with sparkling silver plumes. (decorated, beautified)
Such extravagant adornment is really not suitable for everyday wear. (ornamentation)
ADVENT
(noun)
DEFINITION
The beginning or coming of something hoped for or of significance
SYNONYMS
Dawning, onset, arrival
ANTONYMS
End, continuance
USAGE EXAMPLES
The advent of spring meant the deer would have a plentiful food supply once again. (arrival, onset)
With the advent of industrial machinery, many tasks which had previously been performed by humans could now be automated. (arrival)
ALLEVIATE
(verb)
DEFINITION
1. to relieve or lessen; 2. to make easier
SYNONYMS
Mitigate, assuage, allay, lessen, lighten, relieve, ease
ANTONYMS
Aggravate, intensify, increase, augment
USAGE EXAMPLES
The medication instantly alleviated the patient’s pain. (relieved, lightened)
Jon’s weekly phone calls were able to alleviate some of his mother’s worry while he was stationed overseas. (assuage, ease)
ALLOT
(verb)
DEFINITION
1. to give out in small portions; 2. to allow to have
SYNONYMS
Allocate, apportion, dispense, distribute, dole out, give out
ANTONYMS
Withhold, keep, retain
USAGE EXAMPLES
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