Alphabetic S

noun

1 of 490

Bad / Dishonest

audio

shenanigans - Secret or dishonest activity or maneuvering

Because of Wall Street's shenanigans, the American economy collapsed in 2008.

verb

See noun

2 of 490

Other / Sound

audio

squeal - Make a long, high-pitched cry or noise

Pigs are known for squealing in the same way that dogs are known for barking.

verb

3 of 490

Other / Sound

audio

shush - To tell or signal (someone) to be silent

Annoyed by their loud conversation, Chuck shushed the couple behind him so he could enjoy the movie in peace.

adjective

4 of 490

Good / Beautiful

audio

spiffy - Smart in appearance; fashionable

Reed looked very spiffy in his finely tailored and expensive Italian suit.

noun

5 of 490

Good / Flexible

Url audio

spectrum - A wide range or variety of related ideas, qualities, or activities; or a range of colors seen in a rainbow or produced when light is split by a prism.

The festival attracted people from across the spectrum of musical tastes.

verb

See noun

6 of 490

Other / Wet

Url audio

spurt - To flow out suddenly and forcefully, often in a stream.

Water spurted from the pipe when it broke.

noun

7 of 490

Good / Calm

Url audio

sanctuary - A location where one can find protection, safety, or peace, often from danger or persecution.

The hotel on the mountain was considered a sanctuary, where people could find peace in a busy world.

verb

8 of 490

Bad / Aggressive

Url audio

stonewall - To delay or block a request or process by being evasive and refusing to cooperate.

The government was accused of stonewalling the investigation into the scandal, making it difficult to find witnesses and evidence.

adjective

9 of 490

Bad / Unfriendly

Url audio

standoffish - Unfriendly or distant in behavior, often seeming cold or aloof.

People often think he's standoffish, but he's just shy around new people.

adjective

10 of 490

Good / Big

audio

spectacular - Beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way

The spectacular fireworks lit up the night sky in various colors.

verb

11 of 490

Bad / Hostile

audio

shun - To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject (someone or something) through antipathy or caution

When David tried to join in the conversation at the club, they ignored him, and he suspected that he was being shunned because he had a different religion than they did.

verb

12 of 490

Other / Light

audio

shimmer - To shine in such a way that the light seems to glow and shake slightly

The soft light of the sun shimmered upon the empty field.