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verb

See noun

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Bad / War

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ambush - To suddenly attack someone after hiding and waiting for them:

The brigade walked quietly to the hidden spot on the hill, patiently until the enemy walked in the valley below, so that they could ambush the unsuspecting enemy, who were taken by surprise.

noun

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Other / Up+Down

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avalanche - A mass of snow, ice, and/or rocks that fall rapidly down a mountainside.

The sudden and unexpected avalanche meant that the hikers would have to find an alternate path to the top of the mountain.

verb

3 of 117

Bad / Attack

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aggravate - To intensify the seriousness or severity of something.

Scratching the rash will only aggravate it.

adjective

4 of 117

Good / Successful

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ambitious - Having a strong desire to succeed or achieve something, and showing determination and eagerness to reach goals.

The team set an ambitious target to double sales within a year.

verb

5 of 117

Good / Big

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augment - To improve or enhance the value, quality, or amount of something.

The teacher used real-world examples and many charts and pictures to augment the lesson to help the class understand the subject.

noun

6 of 117

Bad / Mistake

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aberration - A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected.

The principal let Johnny go without any punishment, because his outburst had been an aberration from his usual good behavior.

adjective

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Good / Flexible

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agile - Able to move quickly and easily, and be well coordinated.

Bill was always the most agile boy in his high school, but it took hard work and focus to reach the tryouts for the Olympic gymnastic team.

adjective

8 of 117

Bad / Strange

Url audio

absurd - (of an idea or suggestion) wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate

When Edwin Hubble in 1929 suggested that some of the little dots of light in the sky were other galaxies, many people though the idea was absurd, but he was proven to be correct.

adjective

9 of 117

Bad / Aggressive

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adamant - Firm and unshakable in attitude or belief, even when questioned by others.

Despite everyone's advice, she stayed adamant in her choice to travel alone.

adjective

10 of 117

Bad / Stupid

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asinine - Lacking good judgment or sense.

That was an asinine decision—why would you jump into the pool with your phone?

adjective

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Bad / Confused

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arbitrary - Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system

She felt that when the judges chose her competitor as winner of the debate, that the decision was totally arbitrary, and didn't recognize how well she had really done.

noun

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Bad / Strange

Url audio

antics - Funny, silly, or strange behavior

When Fran was depressed, her husband Eddie would engage in unusual antics - such as telling corny jokes or dressing like a clown - to cheer her up.