adjective

1 of 60

Bad / Dangerous

Url

thorny - Causing distress, difficulty, or trouble.

The negotiating teams were up all night trying to resolve some final thorny issues that had to be resolved.

noun

2 of 60

Bad / Dishonest

Url

nepotism - When those with power or influence favor relatives, friends, or associates, such as by giving them jobs or ruling in their favor.

The public was disappointed by the nepotism of the newly elected mayor, when they saw that his whole government was filled with incompetent friends and relatives.

adjective

3 of 60

Bad / Disorganized

Url

verbose - Containing excessive or unnecessary language

The essay was too verbose and needed to be edited and shortened for clarity.

verb

4 of 60

Bad / Hostile

Url

intimidate - To frighten or threaten someone, often to make them do something.

The bully tried to intimidate the younger students into giving him their lunch money.

adjective

5 of 60

Good / Busy

tumultuous - Making a loud, confused noise; uproarious

The president was drowned out by the tumultuous sounds of the protestors.

adjective

6 of 60

Bad / Small

scanty - Small or insufficient in quantity or amount

The detective persisted in his investigation even though he only had scanty information about what had happened at the crime.

noun

7 of 60

Bad / Dishonest

gimmick - A trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or business

Sales promotions like "buy one, get one free" are a common marketing gimmick.

adjective

8 of 60

Good / Strong

Url

formidable - Inspiring fear or respect as a result being impressively powerful, intense, or capable.

Though he had big investors for his AI startup, he knew he had to overcome formidable competition against dozens of competing companies.

verb

9 of 60

Good / Friendly

Url

broach - To introduce or begin a new subject or issue.

He didn’t know how to broach the topic of moving away from his parents.

adjective

10 of 60

Bad / Attack

insidious - Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects

The effects of climate change are so insidious that they're not noticeable until polar bears have less ice to live on.

verb

11 of 60

Bad / Hurt

mutilate - To damage something severely

The grizzly bear not only killed Alan's dog, but mutilated its body beyond recognition.

adjective

12 of 60

Good / Flexible

Url

limber - Being able to bend and move one's body easily and smoothly.

Eddie got to the marathon a half hour early to give himself time to limber up and prepare for the big race.