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amalgam NOUN = combination, mixture, compound, blend, union, composite, fusion, alloy, amalgamation, meld, admixtureamalgamate VERB = combine, unite, ally, compound, blend, incorporate, integrate, merge, fuse, mingle, alloy, coalesce, meld, commingle, intermix ◼ OPPOSITE: divideamalgamation NOUN = combination, union, joining, mixing, alliance, coalition, merger, mixture, compound, blend, integration, composite, fusion, mingling, alloy, amalgamating, incorporation, amalgam, meld, admixture, comminglingamass VERB = collect, gather, assemble, compile, accumulate, aggregate, pile up, garner, hoard, scrape together, rake up, heap upamateur NOUN = nonprofessional, outsider, layperson, layman or woman, dilettante, non-specialist, dabbleramateurish ADJECTIVE = unprofessional, amateur, crude, bungling, clumsy, inexpert, unaccomplished, unskilful ◼ OPPOSITE: professionalamaze VERB = astonish, surprise, shock, stun, alarm, stagger, startle, bewilder, astound, daze, confound, stupefy, flabbergast, bowl someone over (informal), boggle someone's mind, dumbfoundamazement NOUN = astonishment, surprise, wonder, shock, confusion, admiration, awe, marvel, bewilderment, wonderment, perplexity, stupefactionamazing ADJECTIVE = astonishing, striking, surprising, brilliant, stunning, impressive, overwhelming, staggering, sensational (informal), bewildering, breathtaking, astounding, eye-opening, wondrous (archaic, literary), mind-boggling, jaw-dropping, stupefyingambassador NOUN = representative, minister, agent, deputy, diplomat, envoy, consul, attaché, emissary, legate, plenipotentiaryambience NOUN = atmosphere, feel, setting, air, quality, character, spirit, surroundings, tone, mood, impression, flavour, temper, tenor, aura, complexion, vibes (slang), vibrations (slang), milieuambiguity NOUN = vagueness, doubt, puzzle, uncertainty, obscurity, enigma, equivocation, inconclusiveness, indefiniteness, dubiety, dubiousness, tergiversation, indeterminateness, equivocality, doubtfulness, equivocacyambiguous ADJECTIVE = unclear, puzzling, uncertain, obscure, vague, doubtful, dubious, enigmatic, indefinite, inconclusive, cryptic, indeterminate, equivocal, Delphic, oracular, enigmatical, clear as mud (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: clearambition NOUN 1 My ambition is to sail round the world. = goal, end, hope, design, dream, target, aim, wish, purpose, desire, intention, objective, intent, aspiration, Holy Grail (informal) 2 a mixture of ambition and ruthlessness = enterprise, longing, drive, fire, spirit, desire, passion, enthusiasm, warmth, striving, initiative, aspiration, yearning, devotion, zeal, verve, zest, fervour, eagerness, gusto, hankering, get-up-and-go (informal), ardour, keenness, avidity, fervencyambitious ADJECTIVE 1 He's a very ambitious lad. = enterprising, spirited, keen, active, daring, eager, intent, enthusiastic, hopeful, striving, vigorous, aspiring, energetic, adventurous, avid, zealous, intrepid, resourceful, purposeful, desirous ◼ OPPOSITE: unambitious 2 Their goal was extraordinarily ambitious. = demanding, trying, hard, taxing, difficult, challenging, tough, severe, impressive, exhausting, exacting, bold, elaborate, formidable, energetic, strenuous, pretentious, arduous, grandiose, industrious ◼ OPPOSITE: modestambivalence NOUN = indecision, doubt, opposition, conflict, uncertainty, contradiction, wavering, fluctuation, hesitancy, equivocation, vacillation, irresolutionambivalent ADJECTIVE = undecided, mixed, conflicting, opposed, uncertain, doubtful, unsure, contradictory, wavering, unresolved, fluctuating, hesitant, inconclusive, debatable, equivocal, vacillating, warring, irresolute ◼ OPPOSITE: definiteamble VERB = stroll, walk, wander, ramble, meander, saunter, dawdle, mosey (informal)ambush VERB Rebels ambushed 10 patrolmen. = trap, attack, surprise, deceive, dupe, ensnare, waylay, ambuscade, bushwhack (U.S.) ▸ NOUN A police officer has been hurt in an ambush. = trap, snare, attack, lure, waylaying, ambuscadeameliorate VERB = improve, better, benefit, reform, advance, promote, amend, elevate, raise, mend, mitigate, make better, assuage, meliorate

USAGE Ameliorate is sometimes confused with alleviate but the words are not synonymous. Ameliorate comes ultimately from the Latin for 'better', and means 'to improve'. The nouns it typically goes with are condition and situation. Alleviate means 'to lessen', and frequently occurs with poverty, suffering, pain, symptoms, and effects. Occasionally ameliorate is used with effects and poverty where the other verb may be more appropriate.

amenable ADJECTIVE = receptive, open, susceptible, responsive, agreeable, compliant, tractable, acquiescent, persuadable, able to be influenced ◼ OPPOSITE: stubbornamend VERB The committee put forward proposals to amend the penal system. = change, improve, reform, fix, correct, repair, edit, alter, enhance, update, revise, modify, remedy, rewrite, mend, rectify, tweak (informal), ameliorate, redrawamendment NOUN 1 an amendment to the defence bill = addition, change, adjustment, attachment, adaptation, revision, modification, alteration, remodelling, reformation, clarification, adjunct, addendum 2 We are making a few amendments to the document. = change, improvement, repair, edit, remedy, correction, revision, modification, alteration, mending, enhancement, reform, betterment, rectification, amelioration, emendationamends PLURAL NOUN I want to make amends for my earlier mistake. = compensation, apology, restoration, redress, reparation, indemnity, restitution, atonement, recompense, expiation, requitalamenity NOUN 1 The hotel amenities include a health club and banqueting rooms. = facility, service, advantage, comfort, convenience 2 a man of little amenity = refinement, politeness, affability, amiability, courtesy, mildness, pleasantness, suavity, agreeableness, complaisance ◼ OPPOSITE: rudenessAmerican ADJECTIVE the American ambassador at the UN = Yankee or Yank, U.S. ▸ NOUN The 1990 Nobel Prize for medicine was won by two Americans. = Yankee or Yank, Yankee Doodleamiable ADJECTIVE = pleasant, kind, kindly, pleasing, friendly, attractive, engaging, charming, obliging, delightful, cheerful, benign, winning, agreeable, good-humoured, lovable, sociable, genial, affable, congenial, winsome, good-natured, sweet-tempered, likable or likeable ◼ OPPOSITE: unfriendlyamicable ADJECTIVE = friendly, kindly, brotherly, civil, neighbourly, peaceful, polite, harmonious, good-humoured, amiable, courteous, cordial, sociable, fraternal, peaceable ◼ OPPOSITE: unfriendlyamid or amidst PREPOSITION 1 She cancelled a foreign trip amid growing concerns of a domestic crisis. = during, among, at a time of, in an atmosphere of 2 a tiny bungalow amid clusters of trees = in the middle of, among, surrounded by, amongst, in the midst of, in the thick ofamiss ADJECTIVE Their instincts warned them something was amiss. = wrong, mistaken, confused, false, inappropriate, rotten, incorrect, faulty, inaccurate, unsuitable, improper, defective, out of order, awry, erroneous, untoward, fallacious ◼ OPPOSITE: right ● take something amiss He took it amiss when I asked to speak to someone else. = take as an insult, take wrongly, take as offensive, take out of turnammunition NOUN = munitions, rounds, shot, shells, powder, explosives, cartridges, armaments, materiel, shot and shellamnesty NOUN = general pardon, mercy, pardoning, immunity, forgiveness, reprieve, oblivion, remission, clemency, dispensation, absolution, condonationamok or amuck ADVERB ● run amok = go wild, turn violent, go berserk, lose control, go into a frenzyamong or amongst PREPOSITION 1 They walked among the crowds in the large town square. = in the midst of, with, together with, in the middle of, amid, surrounded by, amidst, in the thick of 2 Among the speakers was the new Indian ambassador. = in the group of, one of, part of, included in, in the company of, in the class of, in the number of 3 Most of the furniture was distributed among friends. = between, to 4 The directors have been arguing amongst themselves. = with one another, mutually, by all of, by the whole of, by the joint action ofamoral ADJECTIVE = unethical, nonmoral, unvirtuous

USAGE Amoral is sometimes confused with immoral. The a- at the beginning of the word means 'without' or 'lacking', so the word is properly used of people who have no moral code, or about places or situations where moral considerations do not apply: the film was violent and amoral. In contrast immoral should be used to talk about the breaking of moral rules, as in: I think that cheating is immoral.

amorous ADJECTIVE = loving, in love, tender, passionate, fond, erotic, affectionate, ardent, impassioned, doting, enamoured, lustful, attached, lovesick, amatory ◼ OPPOSITE: coldamorphous ADJECTIVE = shapeless, vague, irregular, nondescript, indeterminate, unstructured, nebulous, formless, inchoate, characterless, unformed, unshaped, unshapen ◼ OPPOSITE: definiteamount NOUN 1 I still do a certain amount of work for them. = quantity, lot, measure, size, supply, mass, volume, capacity, extent, bulk, number, magnitude, expanse 2 If you always pay the full amount, this won't affect you. = total, whole, mass, addition, sum, lot, extent, aggregate, entirety, totality, sum total ● amount to something 1 The banks have what amounts to a monopoly. = add up to, mean, total, equal, constitute, comprise, aggregate, purport, be equivalent to 2 My music teacher said I'd never amount to anything. = come to, become, grow to, develop into, advance to, progress to, mature into

USAGE Although it is common to use a plural noun after amount of, for example in the amount of people and the amount of goods, this should be avoided. Preferred alternatives would be to use quantity, as in the quantity of people, or number, as in the number of goods.

amour NOUN = love affair, relationship, affair, romance, intrigue, liaison, affaire de coeur (French)ample ADJECTIVE 1 The design gave ample space for a good-sized kitchen. = plenty of, great, rich, liberal, broad, generous, lavish, spacious, abounding, abundant, plentiful, expansive, copious, roomy, unrestricted, voluminous, capacious, profuse, commodious, plenteous ◼ OPPOSITE: insufficient 2 He was asleep with his arms crossed on his ample stomach. = large, great, big, full, wide, broad, extensive, generous, abundant, voluminous, bountifulamplification NOUN 1 a voice that needed no amplification = increase, boosting, stretching, strengthening, expansion, extension, widening, raising, heightening, deepening, lengthening, enlargement, intensification, magnification, dilation, augmentation 2 They demanded amplification of the imprecise statement. = explanation, development, expansion, supplementing, fleshing out, elaboration, rounding out, augmentation, expatiationamplify VERB 1 The music was amplified with microphones. = expand, raise, extend, boost, stretch, strengthen, increase, widen, intensify, heighten, deepen, enlarge, lengthen, magnify, augment, dilate ◼ OPPOSITE: reduce 2 Intelligent guesswork must be used to amplify the facts. = go into detail, develop, explain, expand, supplement, elaborate, augment, flesh out, round out, enlarge on, expatiate ◼ OPPOSITE: simplifyamplitude NOUN 1 The operatic amplitude of her voice suits the occasion. = extent, reach, range, size, mass, sweep, dimension, bulk, scope, width, magnitude, compass, greatness, breadth, expanse, vastness, spaciousness, bigness, largeness, hugeness, capaciousness 2 The character comes to imply an amplitude of meanings. = fullness, abundance, richness, plethora, profusion, completeness, plenitude, copiousness, amplenessamply ADVERB = fully, well, greatly, completely, richly, liberally, thoroughly, substantially, lavishly, extensively, generously, abundantly, profusely, copiously, plentifully, unstintingly, bountifully, without stinting, plenteously, capaciously ◼ OPPOSITE: insufficientlyamputate VERB = cut off, remove, separate, sever, curtail, truncate, lop offamuck see amokamuse VERB 1 The thought seemed to amuse her. = entertain, please, delight, charm, cheer, tickle, gratify, beguile, enliven, regale, gladden ◼ OPPOSITE: bore 2 Put a selection of toys in his cot to amuse him if he wakes early. = occupy, interest, involve, engage, entertain, absorb, divert, engrossamusement NOUN 1 He watched with amusement to see the child so absorbed. = enjoyment, delight, entertainment, cheer, laughter, mirth, hilarity, merriment, gladdening, beguilement, regalement ◼ OPPOSITE: boredom 2 It's unacceptable to keep animals confined for our amusement. = diversion, interest, sport, pleasing, fun, pleasure, recreation, entertainment, gratification 3 People had very few amusements to choose from in those days. = pastime, game, sport, joke, entertainment, hobby, recreation, distraction, diversion, lark, prankamusing ADJECTIVE = funny, humorous, gratifying, laughable, farcical, comical, droll, interesting, pleasing, charming, cheering, entertaining, comic, pleasant, lively, diverting, delightful, enjoyable, cheerful, witty, merry, gladdening, facetious, jocular, rib-tickling, waggish ◼ OPPOSITE: boringanaemic ADJECTIVE 1 Losing a lot of blood makes you tired and anaemic. = pale, weak, dull, frail, feeble, wan, sickly, bloodless, colourless, infirm, pallid, ashen, characterless, enervated, like death warmed up (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: rosy 2 We will see some economic recovery, but it will be very anaemic. = weak, feebleanaesthetic NOUN The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic. = painkiller, narcotic, sedative, opiate, anodyne, analgesic, soporific, stupefacient, stupefactive ▸ ADJECTIVE They are rendered unconscious by anaesthetic darts. = pain-killing, dulling, numbing, narcotic, sedative, opiate, deadening, anodyne, analgesic, soporific, sleep-inducing, stupefacient, stupefactiveanalogous ADJECTIVE = similar, like, related, equivalent, parallel, resembling, alike, corresponding, comparable, akin, homologous ◼ OPPOSITE: different

USAGE The correct word to use after analogous is to, not with, for example: swimming has no event that is analogous to the 100 metres in athletics (not analogous with the 100 metres in athletics).

analogy NOUN = similarity, relation, comparison, parallel, correspondence, resemblance, correlation, likeness, equivalence, homology, similitudeanalyse VERB 1 This book teaches you to analyse causes of stress in your life. = examine, test, study, research, judge, estimate, survey, investigate, interpret, evaluate, inspect, work over 2 We haven't had time to analyse those samples yet. = break down, consider, study, separate, divide, resolve, dissolve, dissect, think through, assay, anatomizeanalysis NOUN 1 We did an analysis of the way they have spent money in the past. = study, reasoning, opinion, judgment, interpretation, evaluation, estimation, dissection 2 They collect blood samples for analysis at the laboratory. = examination, test, division, inquiry, investigation, resolution, interpretation, breakdown, scanning, separation, evaluation, scrutiny, sifting, anatomy, dissolution, dissection, assay, perusal, anatomizationanalytic or analytical ADJECTIVE = rational, questioning, testing, detailed, searching, organized, exact, precise, logical, systematic, inquiring, diagnostic, investigative, dissecting, explanatory, discrete, inquisitive, interpretive, studious, interpretative, expositoryanarchic ADJECTIVE = lawless, rioting, confused, disordered, revolutionary, chaotic, rebellious, riotous, disorganized, misruled, ungoverned, misgoverned ◼ OPPOSITE: law-abidinganarchist NOUN = revolutionary, rebel, terrorist, insurgent, nihilistanarchy NOUN = lawlessness, revolution, riot, disorder, confusion, chaos, rebellion, misrule, disorganization, misgovernment ◼ OPPOSITE: orderanathema NOUN = abomination, bête noire, enemy, pariah, bane, bugbearanatomy NOUN 1 He had worked extensively on the anatomy of living animals. = structure, build, make-up, frame, framework, composition 2 a troubling essay on the anatomy of nationhood = examination, study, division, inquiry, investigation, analysis, dismemberment, dissectionancestor NOUN = forefather, predecessor, precursor, forerunner, forebear, antecedent, progenitor, tupuna or tipuna (N.Z.) ◼ OPPOSITE: descendantancestral ADJECTIVE = inherited, hereditary, patriarchal, antecedent, forefatherly, genealogical, lineal, ancestorialancestry NOUN = origin, house, family, line, race, stock, blood, ancestors, descent, pedigree, extraction, lineage, forebears, antecedents, parentage, forefathers, genealogy, derivation, progenitorsanchor NOUN We lost our anchor, which caused the boat to drift. = mooring, hook (Nautical), bower (Nautical), kedge, drogue, sheet anchor ▸ VERB 1 The ship was anchored by the pier. = moor, harbour, dock, tie up, kedge 2 We anchored off the beach. = dock, moor, harbour, drop anchor, kedge, cast anchor, drop the hook, let go the anchor, lay anchor, come to anchor 3 The driver's seatbelt was not properly anchored in the car. = secure, tie, fix, bind, chain, attach, bolt, fasten, affixanchorage NOUN = berth, haven, port, harbour, dock, quay, dockage, moorage, harbourageancient ADJECTIVE 1 They believed ancient Greece and Rome were vital sources of learning. = classical, old, former, past, bygone, primordial, primeval, olden 2 ancient rites = very old, early, aged, antique, obsolete, archaic, age-old, bygone, antiquated, hoary, olden, superannuated, antediluvian, timeworn, old as the hills 3 = old-fashioned, dated, outdated, obsolete, out of date, unfashionable, outmoded, passé ◼ OPPOSITE: up-to-dateancillary ADJECTIVE = supplementary, supporting, extra, additional, secondary, subsidiary, accessory, subordinate, auxiliary, contributory ◼ OPPOSITE: majorand CONJUNCTION 1 When he returned, she and her sister had already gone. = also, including, along with, together with, in addition to, as well as 2 These airlines fly to isolated places. And business travellers use them. = moreover, plus, furthermore

USAGE The forms try and do something and wait and do something should only be used in informal or spoken English. In more formal writing, use try to and wait to, for example: we must try to prevent this happening (not try and prevent).

android NOUN = robot, automaton, humanoid, cyborg, mechanical man or woman, bionic man or womananecdote NOUN = story, tale, sketch, short story, yarn (informal), reminiscence, urban myth, urban legendanew ADVERB = again, once again, once more, over again, from the beginning, from scratch, another time, afreshangel NOUN 1 a choir of angels = divine messenger, spirit, cherub, archangel, seraph, spiritual being, guardian spirit 2 Thank you. You're an angel. = dear, ideal, beauty, saint, treasure, darling, dream, jewel, gem, paragonangelic ADJECTIVE 1 an angelic little face = pure, beautiful, lovely, innocent, entrancing, virtuous, saintly, adorable, beatific 2 angelic choirs = heavenly, celestial, ethereal, cherubic, seraphic ◼ OPPOSITE: demonicanger NOUN He cried with anger and frustration. = rage, passion, outrage, temper, fury, resentment, irritation, wrath, indignation, annoyance, agitation, ire, antagonism, displeasure, exasperation, irritability, spleen, pique, ill temper, vehemence, vexation, high dudgeon, ill humour, choler ◼ OPPOSITE: calmness ▸ VERB The decision to allow more construction angered the residents. = enrage, provoke, outrage, annoy, offend, excite, irritate, infuriate, hassle (informal), aggravate (informal), incense, fret, gall, madden, exasperate, nettle, vex, affront, displease, rile, pique, get on someone's nerves (informal), antagonize, get someone's back up, put someone's back up, nark (Brit. & Austral. & N.Z. slang), make someone's blood boil, get in someone's hair (informal), get someone's dander up (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: sootheangle NOUN 1 The boat was leaning at a 30-degree angle. = gradient, bank, slope, incline, inclination 2 brackets to adjust the steering wheel's angle = intersection, point, edge, corner, knee, bend, elbow, crook, crotch, nook, cusp 3 He was considering the idea from all angles. = point of view, position, approach, direction, aspect, perspective, outlook, viewpoint, slant, standpoint, take (informal), sideangler NOUN = fisherman or woman, fisher, piscator or piscatrixangry ADJECTIVE = furious, cross, heated, mad (informal), raging, provoked, outraged, annoyed, passionate, irritated, raving, hacked (off) (U.S. slang), choked, infuriated, hot, incensed, enraged, ranting, exasperated, irritable, resentful, nettled, snappy, indignant, irate, tumultuous, displeased, uptight (informal), riled, up in arms, incandescent, ill-tempered, irascible, antagonized, waspish, piqued, hot under the collar (informal), on the warpath, hopping mad (informal), foaming at the mouth, choleric, splenetic, wrathful, at daggers drawn, in high dudgeon, as black as thunder, ireful, tooshie (Austral. slang), off the air (Austral. slang), aerated ◼ OPPOSITE: calm

USAGE Some people feel it is more correct to talk about being angry with someone than being angry at them. In British English, angry with is still more common than angry at, but angry at is used more commonly in American English.

angst NOUN = anxiety, worry, distress, torment, unease, apprehension, agitation, malaise, perturbation, vexation, fretfulness, disquietude, inquietude (formal) ◼ OPPOSITE: peace of mindanguish NOUN = suffering, pain, torture, distress, grief, misery, agony, torment, sorrow, woe, heartache, heartbreak, pang, throeanguished ADJECTIVE = suffering, wounded, tortured, distressed, tormented, afflicted, agonized, grief-stricken, wretched, brokenheartedangular ADJECTIVE = skinny, spare, lean, gaunt, bony, lanky, scrawny, lank, rangy, rawboned, macilent (rare)animal NOUN 1 I was attacked by wild animals. = creature, beast, brute 2 Desperation can turn people into absolute animals. = brute, devil, monster, savage, beast, villain, barbarian, swine (informal), wild person ▸ ADJECTIVE the animal side of human nature = physical, gross, fleshly, bodily, sensual, carnal, brutish, bestial, animalistic ◼ RELATED WORD: prefix zoo-animate ADJECTIVE the study of animate and inanimate aspects of the natural world = living, live, moving, alive, breathing, alive and kicking ▸ VERB There was little about the game to animate the crowd. = enliven, encourage, excite, urge, inspire, stir, spark, move, fire, spur, stimulate, revive, activate, rouse, prod, quicken, incite, instigate, kick-start (informal), impel, energize, kindle, embolden, liven up, breathe life into, invigorate, gladden, gee up, vitalize, vivify, inspirit ◼ OPPOSITE: inhibitanimated ADJECTIVE = lively, spirited, quick, excited, active, vital, dynamic, enthusiastic, passionate, vivid, vigorous, energetic, vibrant, brisk, buoyant, ardent, airy, fervent, zealous, elated, ebullient, sparky, sprightly, vivacious, gay (old-fashioned), alive and kicking, full of beans (informal), zestful ◼ OPPOSITE: listlessanimation NOUN = liveliness, life, action, activity, energy, spirit, passion, enthusiasm, excitement, pep, sparkle, vitality, vigour, zeal, verve, zest, fervour, high spirits, dynamism, buoyancy, elation, exhilaration, gaiety, ardour (old-fashioned), vibrancy, brio, zing (informal), vivacity, ebullience, briskness, airiness, sprightliness, pizzazz or pizazz (informal)animosity NOUN = hostility, hate, hatred, resentment, bitterness, malice, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, acrimony, rancour, bad blood, ill will, animus, malevolence, virulence, malignity ◼ OPPOSITE: friendlinessanimus NOUN = ill will, hate, hostility, hatred, resentment, bitterness, malice, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, enmity, acrimony, rancour, bad blood, malevolence, virulence, malignityannals PLURAL NOUN = records, history, accounts, registers, journals, memorials, archives, chroniclesannex VERB 1 Rome annexed the Nabatean kingdom in 106 AD. = seize, take over, appropriate, acquire, occupy, conquer, expropriate (formal), arrogate 2 A gate goes through to the annexed garden. = join, unite, add, connect, attach, tack, adjoin, fasten, affix, append (formal), subjoin ◼ OPPOSITE: detachannexation NOUN = seizure, takeover, occupation, conquest, appropriation, annexing, expropriation (formal), arrogationannexe NOUN 1 They are planning to set up a museum in an annexe to the theatre. = extension, wing, ell, supplementary building 2 The annexe lists and discusses eight titles. = appendix, addition, supplement, attachment, adjunct, addendum, affixmentannihilate VERB = destroy, abolish, wipe out, erase, eradicate, extinguish, obliterate, liquidate, root out, exterminate, nullify, extirpate (archaic), wipe from the face of the earth, kennet (Austral. slang), jeff (Austral. slang)annihilation NOUN = destruction, wiping out, abolition, extinction, extinguishing, liquidation, rooting out, extermination, eradication, erasure, obliteration, nullification, extirpation (formal)anniversary NOUN = jubilee, remembrance, commemorationannotate VERB = make notes on, explain, note, illustrate, comment on, interpret, gloss, footnote, commentate, elucidate, make observations onannotation NOUN = note, comment, explanation, observation, interpretation, illustration, commentary, gloss, footnote, exegesis, explication, elucidationannounce VERB 1 The couple were planning to announce their engagement. = make known, tell, report, reveal, publish, declare, advertise, broadcast, disclose, post, tweet, intimate, proclaim, trumpet, make public, publicize, divulge, promulgate, propound, shout from the rooftops (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: keep secret 2 The doorbell of the shop announced the arrival of a customer. = be a sign of, signal, herald, warn of, signify, augur, harbinger, presage, foretell, portend, betokenannouncement NOUN 1 There has been no formal announcement by either government. = statement, communication, broadcast, explanation, publication, declaration, advertisement, testimony, disclosure, bulletin, communiqué, proclamation, utterance, intimation, promulgation, divulgence 2 the announcement of their engagement = declaration, report, reporting, publication, revelation, disclosure, proclamation, intimation, promulgation, divulgenceannouncer NOUN = presenter, newscaster, reporter, commentator, broadcaster, newsreader, master or mistress of ceremonies, anchorman or woman or person, anchorannoy VERB = irritate, trouble, bore, anger, harry, bother, disturb, provoke, get (informal), bug (informal), needle (informal), plague, tease, harass, hassle (informal), aggravate (informal), badger, gall, madden, ruffle, exasperate, nettle, molest, pester, vex, displease, irk, bedevil, rile, peeve, get under your skin (informal), get on your nerves (informal), nark (Brit. & Austral. & N.Z. slang), get up your nose (informal), give someone grief (Brit. & S. African), make your blood boil, rub someone up the wrong way (informal), get your goat (slang), get in your hair (informal), get on your wick (Brit. slang), get your dander up (informal), get your back up, incommode (formal), put your back up, hack you off (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: sootheannoyance NOUN 1 To her annoyance the stranger did not go away. = irritation, trouble, anger, bother, grief (informal), harassment, disturbance, hassle (informal), nuisance, provocation, displeasure, exasperation, aggravation (informal), vexation, pique, bedevilment 2 Snoring can be more than an annoyance. = nuisance, bother, pain (informal), bind (informal), bore, drag (informal), plague, tease, pest, gall, pain in the neck (informal)annoyed ADJECTIVE = irritated, bothered, harassed, hassled (informal), aggravated (informal), maddened, ruffled, exasperated, nettled, vexed, miffed (informal), displeased, irked, riled, harried, peeved (informal), piqued, browned off (informal)annoying ADJECTIVE = irritating, boring, disturbing, provoking, teasing, harassing, aggravating (informal), troublesome, galling, maddening, exasperating, displeasing, bedevilling, peeving (informal), irksome, bothersome, vexatious ◼ OPPOSITE: delightfulannual ADJECTIVE 1 the annual conference of the trade union movement = once a year, yearly 2 annual costs, £1,600 = yearlong, yearlyannually ADVERB 1 Companies report to their shareholders annually. = once a year, yearly, each year, every year, per year, by the year, every twelve months, per annum, year after year 2 They hire 300 staff annually. = per year, yearly, each year, every year, by the year, per annumannul VERB = invalidate, reverse, cancel, abolish, void, repeal, recall, revoke, retract, negate, rescind, nullify, obviate, abrogate, countermand, declare or render null and void ◼ OPPOSITE: restoreanodyne ADJECTIVE Their quarterly meetings were anodyne affairs. = bland, dull, boring, insipid, unexciting, uninspiring, uninteresting, mind-numbing (informal) ▸ NOUN Leisure is a kind of anodyne. = painkiller, narcotic, palliative, analgesic, pain relieveranoint VERB 1 He anointed my forehead with oil. = smear, oil, rub, grease, spread over, daub, embrocate 2 The Pope has anointed him as Archbishop. = consecrate, bless, sanctify, hallow, anele (archaic)anomalous ADJECTIVE = unusual, odd, rare, bizarre, exceptional, peculiar, eccentric, abnormal, irregular, inconsistent, off-the-wall (slang), incongruous, deviating, oddball (informal), atypical, aberrant, outré ◼ OPPOSITE: normalanomaly NOUN = irregularity, departure, exception, abnormality, rarity, inconsistency, deviation, eccentricity, oddity, aberration, peculiarity, incongruityanon ADVERB = soon, presently, shortly, promptly, before long, forthwith, betimes (archaic), erelong (archaic, poetic), in a couple of shakes (informal)anonymity NOUN 1 Both mother and daughter have requested anonymity. = namelessness, innominateness 2 the anonymity of the rented room = unremarkability or unremarkableness, characterlessness, unsingularityanonymous ADJECTIVE 1 You can remain anonymous if you wish. = unnamed, unknown, unidentified, nameless, unacknowledged, incognito, unauthenticated, innominate ◼ OPPOSITE: identified 2 I heard that an anonymous note was actually being circulated. = unsigned, uncredited, unattributed, unattested ◼ OPPOSITE: signed 3 It's nice to stay in a home rather than an anonymous holiday flat. = nondescript, impersonal, faceless, colourless, undistinguished, unexceptional, characterlessanswer VERB 1 He paused before answering. = reply, explain, respond, resolve, acknowledge, react, return, retort, rejoin, refute ◼ OPPOSITE: ask 2 We must ensure we answer real needs. = satisfy, meet, serve, fit, fill, suit, solve, fulfil, suffice, measure up to ▸ NOUN 1 Without waiting for an answer, he turned and went in. = reply, response, reaction, resolution, explanation, plea, comeback, retort, report, return, defence, acknowledgement, riposte, counterattack, refutation, rejoinder ◼ OPPOSITE: question 2 Simply marking an answer wrong will not help the student. = solution, resolution, explanation 3 They argue that prison is not the answer for minor offences. = remedy, solution, vindication ● answer to someone He answers to a boss he has met once in 18 months. = be responsible to, obey, work under, be ruled by, be managed by, be subordinate to, be accountable to, be answerable toanswerable ADJECTIVE = responsible for or to, to blame for, liable for or to, accountable for or to, chargeable for, subject toanswer back VERB = be impertinent, argue, dispute, disagree, retort, contradict, rebut, talk back, be cheekyantagonism NOUN = hostility, competition, opposition, conflict, rivalry, contention, friction, discord, antipathy, dissension ◼ OPPOSITE: friendshipantagonist NOUN = opponent, rival, opposer, enemy, competitor, contender, foe (formal, literary), adversaryantagonistic ADJECTIVE = hostile, opposed, resistant, at odds, incompatible, set against, averse, unfriendly, at variance, inimical, antipathetic, ill-disposed

USAGE A useful synonym for antagonistic, for example in public opinion is antagonistic to nuclear energy, is averse. However, this alternative should be used with care as a very common error is to confuse it with adverse. Averse is usually followed by to and is meant to convey a strong dislike or hostility towards something, normally expressed by a person or people. Adverse is wrong in this context and should be used in relation to conditions or results: adverse road conditions.

antagonize VERB = annoy, anger, insult, offend, irritate, alienate, hassle (informal), aggravate (informal), gall, repel, estrange, get under your skin (informal), get on your nerves (informal), nark (Brit. & Austral. & N.Z. slang), get up your nose (informal), be on your back (slang), rub (someone) up the wrong way (informal), disaffect, get in your hair (informal), get on your wick (Brit. slang), hack you off (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: pacifyantecedent ADJECTIVE They were allowed to take account of antecedent legislation. = preceding, earlier, former, previous, prior, preliminary, foregoing, anterior, precursory ◼ OPPOSITE: subsequentanterior ADJECTIVE 1 the left anterior descending artery = front, forward, fore, frontward 2 memories of our anterior existences = earlier, former, previous, prior, preceding, introductory, foregoing, antecedentanthem NOUN = song of praise, carol, chant, hymn, psalm, paean, chorale, canticleanthology NOUN = collection, choice, selection, treasury, digest, compilation, garland, compendium, miscellany, analectsanticipate VERB 1 We could not have anticipated the result of our campaigning. = expect, predict, forecast, prepare for, look for, hope for, envisage, foresee, bank on, apprehend, foretell, think likely, count upon 2 We are all eagerly anticipating the next match. = await, look forward to, count the hours untilanticipation NOUN = expectancy, hope, expectation, apprehension, foresight, premonition, preconception, foretaste, prescience, forethought, presentimentanticlimax NOUN = disappointment, letdown, comedown (informal), bathos ◼ OPPOSITE: climaxantics PLURAL NOUN = clowning, tricks, stunts, mischief, larks, capers, pranks, frolics, escapades, foolishness, silliness, playfulness, skylarking, horseplay, buffoonery, tomfoolery, monkey tricksantidote NOUN = remedy, cure, preventive, corrective, neutralizer, nostrum, countermeasure, antitoxin, antivenin, counteragentantipathy NOUN = hostility, opposition, disgust, dislike, hatred, loathing, distaste, animosity, aversion, antagonism, enmity, rancour, bad blood, incompatibility, ill will, animus, repulsion, abhorrence, repugnance, odium (formal), contrariety ◼ OPPOSITE: affinityantiquated ADJECTIVE = obsolete, old, aged, ancient, antique, old-fashioned, elderly, dated, past it (informal), out-of-date, archaic, outmoded, passé, old hat, hoary, superannuated, antediluvian, outworn, cobwebby, old as the hills ◼ OPPOSITE: up-to-dateantique NOUN a genuine antique = period piece, relic, bygone, heirloom, collector's item, museum piece, object of virtu ▸ ADJECTIVE 1 antique silver jewellery = vintage, classic, antiquarian, olden 2 Their aim is to break taboos and change antique laws. = old-fashioned, old, aged, ancient, remote, elderly, primitive, outdated, obsolete, archaic, bygone, primordial, primeval, immemorial, superannuatedantiquity NOUN 1 famous monuments of classical antiquity = distant past, ancient times, time immemorial, olden days 2 a town of great antiquity = old age, age, oldness, ancientness, elderlinessantiseptic ADJECTIVE These herbs have strong antiseptic qualities. = hygienic, clean, pure, sterile, sanitary, uncontaminated, unpolluted, germ-free, aseptic ◼ OPPOSITE: unhygienic ▸ NOUN She bathed the cut with antiseptic. = disinfectant, purifier, bactericide, germicideantisocial ADJECTIVE 1 a group of ill-treated citizens who will become aggressive and antisocial = unsociable, reserved, retiring, withdrawn, alienated, unfriendly, uncommunicative, misanthropic, asocial ◼ OPPOSITE: sociable 2 a neighbourhood blighted by vandalism and antisocial behaviour = disruptive, disorderly, hostile, menacing, rebellious, belligerent, antagonistic, uncooperativeantithesis NOUN 1 She is the antithesis of the typical artist. = opposite, contrast, reverse, contrary, converse, inverse, antipode 2 the antithesis between instinct and reason = contrast, opposition, contradiction, reversal, inversion, contrariety, contrapositionanxiety NOUN = uneasiness, concern, care, worry, doubt, tension, alarm, distress, suspicion, angst, unease, apprehension, misgiving, suspense, nervousness, disquiet, trepidation (formal), foreboding, restlessness, solicitude, perturbation, watchfulness, fretfulness, disquietude, apprehensiveness, dubiety ◼ OPPOSITE: confidenceanxious ADJECTIVE 1 I am anxious that there should be no delay. = eager, keen, intent, yearning, impatient, itching, ardent, avid, expectant, desirous ◼ OPPOSITE: reluctant 2 She admitted she was still anxious about the situation. = uneasy, concerned, worried, troubled, upset, careful, wired (slang), nervous, disturbed, distressed, uncomfortable, tense, fearful, unsettled, restless, agitated, taut, disquieted, apprehensive, edgy, watchful, jittery (informal), perturbed, on edge, ill at ease, twitchy (informal), solicitous, overwrought, fretful, on tenterhooks, in suspense, hot and bothered, unquiet (chiefly literary), like a fish out of water, antsy (informal), angsty, on pins and needles, discomposed ◼ OPPOSITE: confidentapace ADVERB = quickly, rapidly, swiftly, speedily, without delay, at full speed, expeditiously, posthaste, with dispatchapart ADVERB 1 He took the clock apart to see what was wrong with it. = to pieces, to bits, asunder (literary), into parts 2 They live 25 miles apart. = away from each other, distant from each other 3 He saw her standing some distance apart. = aside, away, alone, independently, separately, singly, excluded, isolated, cut off, to one side, to yourself, by itself, aloof, to itself, by yourself, out on a limb ● apart from The room was empty apart from one man seated beside the fire. = except for, excepting, other than, excluding, besides, not including, aside from, but, save, bar, not countingapartment NOUN 1 She has her own apartment and her own car. = flat, room, suite, compartment, penthouse, duplex (U.S. & Canad.), crib, bachelor apartment (Canad.) 2 the private apartments of the Prince of Wales at St James's Palace = rooms, quarters, chambers, accommodation, living quartersapathetic ADJECTIVE = uninterested, passive, indifferent, sluggish, unmoved, stoic, stoical, unconcerned, listless, cold, cool, impassive, unresponsive, phlegmatic, unfeeling, unemotional, torpid, emotionless, insensible ◼ OPPOSITE: interestedapathy NOUN = lack of interest, indifference, inertia, coolness, passivity, coldness, stoicism, nonchalance, torpor, phlegm, sluggishness, listlessness, unconcern, insensibility, unresponsiveness, impassivity, passiveness, impassibility, unfeelingness, emotionlessness, uninterestedness ◼ OPPOSITE: interestape VERB = imitate, copy, mirror, echo, mock, parrot, mimic, parody, caricature, affect, counterfeitaperture NOUN = opening, space, hole, crack, gap, rent, passage, breach, slot, vent, rift, slit, cleft, eye, chink, fissure, orifice, perforation, eyelet, intersticeapex NOUN 1 At the apex of the party was the central committee. = culmination, top, crown, height, climax, highest point, zenith, apogee, acme ◼ OPPOSITE: depths 2 She led me up a gloomy corridor to the apex of the pyramid. = highest point, point, top, tip, summit, peak, crest, pinnacle, vertex ◼ OPPOSITE: lowest pointaphorism NOUN = saying, maxim, gnome, adage, proverb, dictum, precept, axiom, apothegm, sawaphrodisiac NOUN Asparagus is reputed to be an aphrodisiac. = love potion, philtre ▸ ADJECTIVE plants with aphrodisiac qualities = erotic or erotical, exciting, stimulating, arousing, venerealapiece ADVERB = each, individually, separately, for each, to each, respectively, from each, severally ◼ OPPOSITE: all togetheraplenty ADJECTIVE There were problems aplenty, and it was an uncomfortable evening. = in plenty, to spare, galore, in abundance, in quantity, in profusion, à gogo (informal) ▸ ADVERB Wickets continued to fall aplenty. = plentifully, in abundance, abundantly, in quantity, in plenty, copiously, plenteouslyaplomb NOUN = self-possession, confidence, stability, self-confidence, composure, poise, coolness, calmness, equanimity, balance, self-assurance, sang-froid, level-headedness ◼ OPPOSITE: self-consciousnessapocalypse NOUN = destruction, holocaust, havoc, devastation, carnage, conflagration, cataclysmapocryphal ADJECTIVE = dubious, legendary, doubtful, questionable, mythical, spurious, fictitious, unsubstantiated, equivocal, unverified, unauthenticated, uncanonical ◼ OPPOSITE: factualapogee NOUN = highest point, top, tip, crown, summit, height, peak, climax, crest, pinnacle, culmination, zenith, apex, acme, vertexapologetic ADJECTIVE = regretful, sorry, rueful, contrite, remorseful, penitentapologize VERB = say sorry, express regret, ask forgiveness, make an apology, beg pardon, say you are sorryapology NOUN We received a letter of apology. = regret, explanation, excuse, confession, extenuation ● an apology for something or someone What an apology for a leader! = mockery of, excuse for, imitation of, caricature of, travesty of, poor substitute forapostle NOUN 1 the twelve apostles = evangelist, herald, missionary, preacher, messenger, proselytizer 2 They present themselves as apostles of free trade. = supporter, champion, advocate, pioneer, proponent, propagandist, propagatorapotheosis NOUN = deification, elevation, exaltation, glorification, idealization, idolization