noun

1 of 60

Good / Happy

nirvana - (in Buddhism) a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth; it represents the final goal of Buddhism

As the Buddha meditated under the banyan tree, a serene glow seemed to appear around him when he finally achieved nirvana.

adjective

2 of 60

Bad / Small

niggling - Bothersome or persistent especially in a petty or tiresome way

As Nick was leaving the plane, he had a niggling feeling that he was forgetting something in the seat pocket, but he was in too much of a hurry to go back.

adjective

3 of 60

Bad / Confused

Url

nebulous - Unclear, vague, or ill-defined — lacking definite form or limits.

His explanation was so nebulous that no one really understood what he meant.

noun

4 of 60

Other / Surprise

Url

mystery - Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain, a person or thing that arouses curiosity or wonder because it is unknown or puzzling.

The cause of the strange noise in the attic remains a mystery.

adjective

5 of 60

Bad / Dangerous

noxious - Poisonous or very harmful.

The subculture that Eddie was a member of was a noxious blend of drugs, music, and anarchy.

noun

6 of 60

Bad / Small

niche - A small part of a larger whole that is particularly appropriate for the situation

Sam couldn't master all of physics, but he knew enough about his particular niche that made him respected among his colleagues in that area.

adjective

7 of 60

Bad / Confused

mystified - Being very puzzled and confused

Edwin Hubble was mystified why the light analysis of certain stars showed a 'red shift', until he realized that they were entire galaxies moving away from us at tremendous speeds.

noun

8 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.

noun

9 of 60

Bad / Bad

Url

no-no - Something that is not allowed or is strongly discouraged.

Wearing jeans to a formal wedding is a big no-no.

verb

See noun

10 of 60

Other / Other

nip - Pinch, squeeze, or bite sharply

Puppies tend to nip their owners' hands when they are young.

noun

See verb

11 of 60

Good / Friendly

nod - An act of nodding the head

A nod is a universally understood gesture to indicate agreement or approval.

noun

12 of 60

Bad / Stupid

ninny - A foolish person

It didn't matter that Roland was wearing a nice suit; his ridiculous red wig and fake glasses seemed to indicate to others that he was just a fooling ninny.who didn't have to be taken seriously.