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cat NOUN = feline, pussy (informal), moggy (slang), puss (informal), ballarat (Austral. informal), tabby ◼ RELATED WORDS: adjective feline; name of male tom; name of female queen; name of young kittencataclysm NOUN = disaster, collapse, catastrophe, upheaval, debacle, devastation, calamitycataclysmic ADJECTIVE = disastrous, devastating, catastrophic, calamitouscatalogue or (U.S.) catalog NOUN One of the authors of the catalogue is the Professor of Art History. = list, record, schedule, index, register, directory, inventory, gazetteer ▸ VERB The Royal Greenwich Observatory was founded to observe and catalogue the stars. = list, file, index, register, classify, inventory, tabulate, alphabetizecatapult NOUN They were hit twice by missiles fired from a catapult. = sling, slingshot (U.S.), trebuchet, ballista ▸ VERB He was catapulted into the side of the van. = shoot, pitch, plunge, toss, hurl, propel, hurtle, heavecataract NOUN 1 problems involving lens opacity or cataracts = opacity (of the eye) 2 There was an impressive cataract at the end of the glen. = waterfall, falls, rapids, cascade, torrent, deluge, downpour, Niagaracatastrophe NOUN = disaster, tragedy, calamity, meltdown (informal), cataclysm, trouble, trial, blow, failure, reverse, misfortune, devastation, adversity, mishap, affliction, whammy (informal), bummer (slang), mischance, fiascocatastrophic ADJECTIVE = disastrous, devastating, tragic, calamitous, cataclysmiccatch VERB 1 Police say they are confident of catching the killer. = capture, arrest, trap, seize, nail (informal), nab (informal), snare, lift (slang), apprehend, ensnare, entrap, feel your collar (slang) ◼ OPPOSITE: free 2 The locals were encouraged to catch and kill the birds. = trap, capture, snare, entangle, ensnare, entrap 3 I jumped up to catch the ball and fell over. = seize, get, grab, snatch 4 He knelt beside her and caught her hand in both of his. = grab, take, grip, seize, grasp, clutch, lay hold of ◼ OPPOSITE: release 5 He caught a youth breaking into his car. = discover, surprise, find out, expose, detect, catch in the act, take unawares 6 The more stress you are under, the more likely you are to catch a cold. = contract, get, develop, suffer from, incur, succumb to, go down with ◼ OPPOSITE: escape ▸ NOUN 1 Always fit windows with safety locks or catches. = fastener, hook, clip, bolt, latch, clasp, hasp, hook and eye, snib (Scot.), sneck (dialect, chiefly Scot. & Northern English) 2 (informal) It sounds too good to be true – what's the catch? = drawback, trick, trap, disadvantage, hitch, snag, stumbling block, fly in the ointment ◼ OPPOSITE: advantage ● catch on 1 (informal) He tried to explain it to me, but it took me a while to catch on. = understand, see, find out, grasp, see through, comprehend, twig (Brit. informal), get the picture, see the light of day 2 The idea has been around for ages without catching on. = become popular, take off, become trendy, come into fashioncatchcry NOUN = catch phrase, slogan, saying, quotation, mottocatching ADJECTIVE = infectious, contagious, transferable, communicable, infective, transmittable ◼ OPPOSITE: non-infectiouscatch phrase NOUN = slogan, saying, quotation, motto, catchword, catchcry (Austral.)catchy ADJECTIVE = memorable, haunting, unforgettable, captivatingcategorical ADJECTIVE = absolute, direct, express, positive, explicit, unconditional, emphatic, downright, unequivocal, unqualified, unambiguous, unreserved ◼ OPPOSITE: vaguecategory NOUN = class, grouping, heading, head, order, sort, list, department, type, division, section, rank, grade, classification, genrecater VERB ● cater for something or someone 1 Thirty restaurants and hotels catered for the event. = provide for, supply, provision, purvey, victual 2 We have to cater for the demands of the marketplace. = take into account, consider, bear in mind, make allowance for, have regard for ● cater to something or someone His parents spoil him and cater to his every whim. = indulge, spoil, minister to, pamper, gratify, pander to, coddle, mollycoddlecatharsis NOUN = release, cleansing, purging, purificationcatholic ADJECTIVE = wide, general, liberal, global, varied, comprehensive, universal, world-wide, tolerant, eclectic, all-inclusive, ecumenical, all-embracing, broad-minded, unbigoted, unsectarian, multicultural, multiculti (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: limitedcattle PLURAL NOUN = cows, stock, beasts, livestock, bovines ◼ RELATED WORDS: adjective bovine; noun drove, herdcaucus NOUN = group, division, section, camp, sector, lobby, bloc, contingent, pressure group, junta, public-interest group (U.S. & Canad.)cause NOUN 1 The article lists the major causes of panic attacks. = origin, source, agency, spring, agent, maker, producer, root, beginning, creator, genesis, originator, prime mover, mainspring ◼ OPPOSITE: result 2 There is obvious cause for concern. = reason, call, need, grounds, basis, incentive, motive, motivation, justification, inducement 3 His comments have done nothing to help the cause of peace. = aim, movement, purpose, principle, object, ideal, enterprise, end ▸ VERB I don't want to cause any trouble. = produce, begin, create, effect, lead to, occasion (formal), result in, generate, provoke, compel, motivate, induce, bring about, give rise to, precipitate, incite, engender ◼ OPPOSITE: preventcaustic ADJECTIVE 1 This substance is caustic; use gloves when handling it. = burning, corrosive, corroding, astringent, vitriolic, acrid 2 He was well known for his abrasive wit and caustic comments. = sarcastic, biting, keen, cutting, severe, stinging, scathing, acrimonious, pungent, vitriolic, trenchant, mordant ◼ OPPOSITE: kindcaution NOUN 1 Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution in icy weather. = care, discretion, heed, prudence, vigilance, alertness, forethought, circumspection, watchfulness, belt and braces, carefulness, heedfulness ◼ OPPOSITE: carelessness 2 The others got off with a caution but I was fined. = reprimand, warning, injunction, admonition ▸ VERB 1 He cautioned against having unrealistic expectations. = warn, urge, advise, alert, tip off, forewarn, put you on your guard 2 The two men were cautioned but the police say they will not be charged. = reprimand, warn, admonish, give an injunction tocautious ADJECTIVE = careful, guarded, alert, wary, discreet, tentative, prudent, vigilant, watchful, judicious, circumspect, cagey (informal), on your toes, chary, belt-and-braces, keeping a weather eye on ◼ OPPOSITE: carelesscautiously ADVERB = carefully, alertly, discreetly, tentatively, warily, prudently, judiciously, guardedly, circumspectly, watchfully, vigilantly, cagily (informal), mindfullycavalcade NOUN = parade, train, procession, march-pastcavalier ADJECTIVE = offhand, lordly, arrogant, lofty, curt, condescending, haughty, scornful, disdainful, insolent, superciliouscavalry NOUN = horsemen, horse, mounted troops ◼ OPPOSITE: infantrymencave NOUN = hollow, cavern, grotto, den, cavitycaveat NOUN = warning, caution, admonition, qualification, proviso, reservation, conditioncavern NOUN = cave, hollow, grotto, underground chambercavernous ADJECTIVE = vast, wide, huge, enormous, extensive, immense, spacious, expansive, capacious, commodiouscavity NOUN = hollow, hole, gap, pit, dent, cratercavort VERB = frolic, sport, romp, caper, prance, frisk, gambolcease VERB 1 Almost miraculously, the noise ceased. = stop, end, finish, be over, come to an end, peter out, die away ◼ OPPOSITE: start 2 A small number of firms have ceased trading. = discontinue, end, stop, fail, finish, give up, conclude, suspend, halt, terminate, break off, refrain, leave off, give over (informal), bring to an end, desist, belay (Nautical) ◼ OPPOSITE: beginceaseless ADJECTIVE = continual, constant, endless, continuous, eternal, perennial, perpetual, never-ending, interminable, incessant, everlasting, unending, unremitting, nonstop, untiring ◼ OPPOSITE: occasionalcede VERB = surrender, grant, transfer, abandon, yield, concede, hand over, relinquish, renounce, make over, abdicatecelebrate VERB 1 I was in a mood to celebrate. = rejoice, party, enjoy yourself, carouse, live it up (informal), whoop it up (informal), make merry, paint the town red (informal), go on a spree, put the flags out, roister, kill the fatted calf 2 Tom celebrated his birthday two days ago. = commemorate, honour, observe, toast, drink to, keep 3 Pope John Paul celebrated mass today in a city in central Poland. = perform, observe, preside over, officiate at, solemnize 4 a festival to celebrate the life and work of this great composer = praise, honour, commend (informal), glorify, publicize, exalt, laud (literary), extol, eulogizecelebrated ADJECTIVE = renowned, popular, famous, outstanding, distinguished, well-known, prominent, glorious, acclaimed, notable, eminent, revered, famed, illustrious, pre-eminent, lionized ◼ OPPOSITE: unknowncelebration NOUN 1 There was a celebration in our house that night. = party, festival, gala, jubilee, festivity, rave (Brit. slang), beano (Brit. slang), revelry, red-letter day, rave-up (Brit. slang), merrymaking, carousal, -fest (in combination), hooley or hoolie (chiefly Irish & N.Z.) 2 This was not a memorial service but a celebration of his life. = commemoration, honouring, remembrance 3 the celebration of Mass in Latin = performance, observance, solemnizationcelebrity NOUN 1 At the age of twelve, he was already a celebrity. = personality, name, star, superstar, big name, dignitary, luminary, bigwig (informal), celeb (informal), face (informal), big shot (informal), personage, megastar (informal), V.I.P. ◼ OPPOSITE: nobody 2 She has finally achieved celebrity after 25 years as a performer. = fame, reputation, honour, glory, popularity, distinction, prestige, prominence, stardom, renown, pre-eminence, repute, éclat, notability ◼ OPPOSITE: obscuritycelestial ADJECTIVE 1 the clusters of celestial bodies in the ever-expanding universe = astronomical, planetary, stellar, astral, extraterrestrial 2 gods and other celestial beings = heavenly, spiritual, divine, eternal, sublime, immortal, supernatural, astral, ethereal, angelic, godlike, seraphiccelibacy NOUN = chastity, purity, virginity, continence, singlenesscelibate ADJECTIVE = chaste, single, unmarried, pure, virgin, continentcell NOUN 1 They took her back to the cell, and just left her there. = room, chamber, lock-up, compartment, cavity, cubicle, dungeon, stall 2 a spy cell of about three people = unit, group, section, core, nucleus, caucus, coteriecement NOUN 1 The stone work has all been pointed with cement. = mortar, plaster, paste 2 Stick the pieces on with tile cement. = sealant, glue, gum, adhesive, binder ▸ VERB Most artificial joints are cemented into place. = stick, join, bond, attach, seal, glue, plaster, gum, weld, soldercemetery NOUN = graveyard, churchyard, burial ground, necropolis, God's acrecensor VERB = expurgate, cut, blue-pencil, bowdlerizecensorship NOUN = expurgation, blue pencil, purgation, bowdlerization or bowdlerisation, sanitization or sanitisationcensure VERB I would not presume to censure him for his views. = criticize, blame, abuse, condemn, carpet (informal), denounce, put down, slate (informal), rebuke, reprimand, reproach, scold, berate, castigate, chide, tear into (informal), diss (slang), blast, read the riot act, reprove, upbraid, slap on the wrist, damn, lambast(e), bawl out (informal), excoriate, rap over the knuckles, chew out (U.S. & Canad. informal), tear (someone) off a strip (Brit. informal), give (someone) a rocket (Brit. & N.Z. informal), reprehend ◼ OPPOSITE: applaud ▸ NOUN It is a controversial policy which has attracted international censure. = disapproval, criticism, blame, condemnation, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, dressing down (informal), stick (slang), stricture, reproof, castigation, obloquy, remonstrance ◼ OPPOSITE: approvalcentral ADJECTIVE 1 She had a house in central London. = inner, middle, mid, interior ◼ OPPOSITE: outer 2 a central part of government policy = main, central, chief, key, essential, primary, principal, fundamental, focal ◼ OPPOSITE: minorcentralize VERB = unify, concentrate, incorporate, compact, streamline, converge, condense, amalgamate, rationalizecentre NOUN A large wooden table dominates the centre of the room. = middle, heart, focus, core, nucleus, hub, pivot, kernel, crux, bull's-eye, midpoint ◼ OPPOSITE: edge ● centre on something or someone Our efforts centre on helping patients to overcome illness · All his thoughts are centred on himself. = focus, concentrate, cluster, revolve, convergecentrepiece NOUN = focus, highlight, hub, starceremonial ADJECTIVE He represented the nation on ceremonial occasions. = formal, public, official, ritual, stately, solemn, liturgical, courtly, ritualistic ◼ OPPOSITE: informal ▸ NOUN It is difficult to imagine a more impressive ceremonial. = ritual, ceremony, rite, formality, solemnityceremony NOUN 1 The flag was blessed in a ceremony in the local cathedral. = ritual, service, rite, observance, commemoration, solemnities 2 He was crowned with great ceremony. = formality, ceremonial, propriety, decorum, formal courtesycertain ADJECTIVE 1 She's absolutely certain she's going to make it as a singer. = sure, convinced, positive, confident, satisfied, assured, free from doubt ◼ OPPOSITE: unsure 2 They say he's certain to get a nomination for best supporting actor. = bound, sure, fated, destined ◼ OPPOSITE: unlikely 3 They intervened to save him from certain death. = inevitable, unavoidable, inescapable, inexorable, ineluctable 4 One thing is certain – they have the utmost respect for each other. = known, true, positive, plain, ascertained, unmistakable, conclusive, undoubted, unequivocal, undeniable, irrefutable, unquestionable, incontrovertible, indubitable, nailed-on (slang) ◼ OPPOSITE: doubtful 5 He has to pay a certain sum in child support every month. = fixed, decided, established, settled, definite ◼ OPPOSITE: indefinite 6 A certain person has been looking for you. = particular, special, individual, specificcertainly ADVERB = definitely, surely, truly, absolutely, undoubtedly, positively, decidedly, without doubt, unquestionably, undeniably, without question, unequivocally, indisputably, assuredly, indubitably, doubtlessly, come hell or high water, irrefutablycertainty NOUN 1 I have said with absolute certainty that there will be no change of policy. = confidence, trust, faith, conviction, assurance, certitude, sureness, positiveness ◼ OPPOSITE: doubt 2 There is too little certainty about the outcome yet. = inevitability ◼ OPPOSITE: uncertainty 3 A general election became a certainty three weeks ago. = fact, truth, reality, sure thing (informal), surety, bankercertificate NOUN = document, licence, warrant, voucher, diploma, testimonial, authorization, credential(s)certify VERB = confirm, show, declare, guarantee, witness, assure, endorse, testify, notify, verify, ascertain, validate, attest, corroborate, avow, authenticate, vouch for, avercessation NOUN = ceasing, ending, break, halt, halting, pause, suspension, interruption, respite, standstill, stoppage, termination, let-up (informal), remission, abeyance, discontinuance, staychafe VERB 1 The shorts were chafing my thighs. = rub, scratch, scrape, rasp, abrade 2 He chafed at having to take orders from someone else. = be annoyed, rage, fume, be angry, fret, be offended, be irritated, be incensed, be impatient, be exasperated, be inflamed, be ruffled, be vexed, be narked (Brit. & Austral. & N.Z. slang)chaff NOUN = husks, remains, refuse, waste, hulls, rubbish, trash (chiefly U.S. & Canad.), dregschagrin NOUN Much to his chagrin, she didn't remember him at all. = annoyance, embarrassment, humiliation, dissatisfaction, disquiet, displeasure, mortification, discomfiture, vexation, discomposure ▸ VERB He was chagrined at missing such an easy goal. = annoy, embarrass, humiliate, disquiet, vex, displease, mortify, discomfit, dissatisfy, discomposechain NOUN 1 The dogs were growling and pulling at their chains. = tether, coupling, link, bond, shackle, fetter, manacle 2 a horrific chain of events = series, set, train, string, sequence, succession, progression, concatenation ▸ VERB We were kept in a cell, chained to the wall. = bind, confine, restrain, handcuff, shackle, tether, fetter, manaclechairman or chairwoman or chairperson NOUN 1 I had done business with the company's chairwoman. = director, president, chief, executive, chairperson, chair 2 The chairman declared the meeting open. = master or mistress of ceremonies, spokesperson, chair, speaker, MC

chalk up VERB 1 The team chalked up one win after another. = score, win, gain, achieve, accumulate, attain 2 I just chalked his odd behaviour up to midlife crisis. = record, mark, enter, credit, register, log, tallychallenge NOUN 1 I like a challenge, and they don't come much bigger than this. = dare, provocation, summons to contest, wero (N.Z.) 2 In December, she saw off the first challenge to her leadership. = test, trial, opposition, confrontation, defiance, ultimatum, face-off (slang) ▸ VERB 1 The move was immediately challenged by the opposition. = dispute, question, tackle, confront, defy, object to, disagree with, take issue with, impugn (formal), throw down (U.S. slang) 2 He left a note at the crime scene, challenging detectives to catch him. = dare, invite, provoke, defy, summon, call out, throw down the gauntlet 3 a task that would challenge his courage = test, try, tax 4 The men opened fire after they were challenged by the guard. = question, interrogate, accostchamber NOUN 1 We are going to be in the council chamber when he speaks. = hall, room 2 the main political chamber of the Slovenian parliament = council, assembly, legislature, legislative body 3 We shall dine together in my chamber. = room, bedroom, enclosure, cubicle 4 The incinerator works by focusing the sun's rays onto a cylindrical glass chamber. = compartment, hollow, cavitychampion NOUN 1 Kasparov became a world chess champion. = winner, hero, victor, conqueror, title holder, warrior 2 He received acclaim as a champion of the oppressed. = defender, guardian, patron, backer, protector, upholder, vindicator ▸ VERB He passionately championed the poor. = support, back, defend, promote, advocate, fight for, uphold, espouse, stick up for (informal)chance NOUN 1 This partnership has a good chance of success. = probability, odds, possibility, prospect, liability, likelihood ◼ OPPOSITE: certainty 2 All eligible people will get a chance to vote. = opportunity, opening, occasion, time, scope, window 3 I met him quite by chance. = accident, fortune, luck, fate, destiny, coincidence, misfortune, providence ◼ OPPOSITE: design 4 I certainly think it's worth taking a chance. = risk, speculation, gamble, hazard ▸ ADJECTIVE He describes their chance meeting as intense. = accidental, random, casual, incidental, unforeseen, unintentional, fortuitous, inadvertent, serendipitous, unforeseeable, unlooked-for ◼ OPPOSITE: planned ▸ VERB 1 A man I chanced to meet proved to be a most unusual character. = happen 2 No sniper would chance a shot from amongst that crowd. = risk, try, stake, venture, gamble, hazard, wager ◼ RELATED WORD: adjective fortuitouschange NOUN 1 They are going to have to make some drastic changes. = alteration, innovation, transformation, modification, mutation, metamorphosis, permutation, transmutation, difference, revolution, transition 2 It makes a nice change to see you in a good mood for once. = variety, break (informal), departure, variation, novelty, diversion (Brit.), whole new ball game (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: monotony 3 He stuffed a bag with a few changes of clothing. = exchange, trade, conversion, swap, substitution, interchange ▸ VERB 1 They should change the law to make it illegal to own replica weapons. = alter, reform, transform, adjust, moderate, revise, modify, remodel, reorganize, restyle, convert ◼ OPPOSITE: keep 2 We are trying to detect and understand how the climate changes. = shift, vary, transform, alter, modify, diversify, fluctuate, mutate, metamorphose, transmute ◼ OPPOSITE: stay 3 Can we change it for another if it doesn't work properly? = exchange, trade, replace, substitute, swap, interchangechangeable ADJECTIVE = variable, shifting, mobile, uncertain, volatile, unsettled, unpredictable, versatile, unstable, irregular, erratic, wavering, uneven, unreliable, fickle, temperamental, whimsical, mercurial, capricious, unsteady, protean, vacillating, fitful, mutable, inconstant ◼ OPPOSITE: constantchannel NOUN 1 We'll be lodging a complaint through the official channels. = means, way, course, approach, medium, route, path, avenue 2 Oil spilled into the channel following a collision between a tanker and a trawler. = strait, sound, route, passage, canal, waterway, main 3 Keep the drainage channel clear. = duct, chamber, artery, groove, gutter, furrow, conduit ▸ VERB Stefan is channelling all his energies into his novel. = direct, guide, conduct, transmit, conveychant NOUN We were listening to a sublime Gregorian chant. = song, carol, chorus, melody, psalm ▸ VERB Flowers were strewn on the ground as monks chanted and prayed. = sing, chorus, recite, intone, carolchaos NOUN = disorder, confusion, mayhem, havoc (informal), anarchy, lawlessness, pandemonium, entropy, bedlam, tumult, disorganization ◼ OPPOSITE: orderlinesschaotic ADJECTIVE = disordered, confused, uncontrolled, anarchic, tumultuous, lawless, riotous, topsy-turvy, disorganized, purposelesschap NOUN = fellow (old-fashioned), man, person, individual, type, sort, customer (informal), character, guy (informal), bloke (Brit. informal), cove (slang), dude (informal), boykie (S. African informal)chapter NOUN 1 I took the title of this chapter from one of my favorite songs. = section, part, stage, division, episode, topic, segment, instalment 2 It was one of the most dramatic chapters of recent British politics. = period, time, stage, phasechar VERB = scorch, sear, singecharacter NOUN 1 There is a side to his character which you haven't seen yet. = personality, nature, make-up, cast, constitution, bent, attributes, temper, temperament, complexion, disposition, individuality, marked traits 2 Moscow's reforms were socialist in character. = nature, kind, quality, constitution, calibre 3 What an unpleasant character he is! = person, sort, individual, type, guy (informal), fellow (old-fashioned) 4 He's begun a series of attacks on my character. = reputation, honour, integrity, good name, rectitude 5 He plays the film's central character. = role, part, persona 6 He'll be sadly missed. He was a real character. = eccentric, card (informal), original, nut (slang), flake (slang, chiefly U.S.), oddity, oddball (informal), odd bod (informal), queer fish (Brit. informal) 7 Chinese characters inscribed on a plaque = symbol, mark, sign, letter, figure, type, device, logo, emblem, rune, cipher, hieroglyphcharacteristic NOUN Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing. = feature, mark, quality, property, attribute, faculty, trait, quirk, peculiarity, idiosyncrasy ▸ ADJECTIVE Windmills are a characteristic feature of the landscape. = typical, special, individual, specific, representative, distinguishing, distinctive, peculiar, singular, idiosyncratic, symptomatic ◼ OPPOSITE: rarecharacterize VERB = distinguish, mark, identify, brand, inform, stamp, typifycharade NOUN = pretence, farce, parody, pantomime, fakecharge VERB 1 They have all the evidence required to charge him. = accuse, indict, impeach, incriminate, arraign ◼ OPPOSITE: acquit 2 Our general ordered us to charge the enemy. = attack, assault, assail ◼ OPPOSITE: retreat 3 He charged into the room. = rush, storm, stampede 4 a performance that was charged with energy = fill, load, instil, suffuse, lade ▸ NOUN 1 We can arrange this for a small charge. = price, rate, cost, amount, payment, expense, toll, expenditure, outlay, damage (informal) 2 They appeared at court to deny charges of murder. = accusation, allegation, indictment, imputation ◼ OPPOSITE: acquittal 3 I have been given charge of this class. = care, trust, responsibility, custody, safekeeping 4 I did not consider it any part of my charge to come up with marketing ideas. = duty, office, concern, responsibility, remit 5 The coach tried to get his charges motivated. = ward, pupil, protégé, dependant 6 He led the cavalry charge from the front. = attack, rush, assault, onset, onslaught, stampede, sortie ◼ OPPOSITE: retreatcharisma NOUN = charm, appeal, personality, attraction, lure, allure, magnetism, force of personality, mojo (slang)charismatic ADJECTIVE = charming, appealing, attractive, influential, magnetic, enticing, alluringcharitable ADJECTIVE 1 He made large donations to numerous charitable organizations. = benevolent, liberal, generous, lavish, philanthropic, bountiful, beneficent ◼ OPPOSITE: mean 2 Some people take a less charitable view of his behaviour. = kind, understanding, forgiving, sympathetic, favourable, tolerant, indulgent, lenient, considerate, magnanimous, broad-minded ◼ OPPOSITE: unkindcharity NOUN 1 The National Trust is a registered charity. = charitable organization, fund, movement, trust, endowment 2 My mum was very proud. She wouldn't accept charity. = donations, help, relief, gift, contributions, assistance, hand-out, philanthropy, alms-giving, benefaction, largesse or largess, koha (N.Z.) ◼ OPPOSITE: meanness 3 He had no sense of right and wrong, no charity, no humanity. = kindness, love, pity, humanity, affection, goodness, goodwill, compassion, generosity, indulgence, bounty, altruism, benevolence, fellow feeling, bountifulness, tenderheartedness, aroha (N.Z.) ◼ OPPOSITE: ill willcharlatan NOUN = fraud (informal), cheat, fake, sham, pretender, quack, conman or woman (informal), con artist (informal), impostor, fraudster, swindler, mountebank, grifter (slang, chiefly U.S. & Canad.), phoney or phony (informal), rorter (Austral. slang), rogue tradercharm NOUN 1 He was a man of great distinction and charm. = attraction, appeal, fascination, allure, magnetism, desirability, allurement ◼ OPPOSITE: repulsiveness 2 She wore a silver bracelet hung with charms. = trinket 3 He carried a rabbit's foot as a good luck charm. = talisman, amulet, lucky piece, good-luck piece, fetish 4 They cross their fingers and spit over their shoulders as a charm against the evil eye. = spell, magic, enchantment, sorcery, makutu (N.Z.) ▸ VERB 1 My sister charms everyone she meets. = attract, win, please, delight, fascinate, absorb, entrance, win over, enchant, captivate, beguile, allure, bewitch, ravish, mesmerize, enrapture, enamour ◼ OPPOSITE: repel 2 I'm sure you'll be able to charm him into taking you. = persuade, seduce, coax, beguile, cajole, sweet-talk (informal)charming ADJECTIVE = attractive, pleasing, appealing, engaging, lovely, winning, pleasant, fetching (informal), delightful, cute, irresistible, seductive, captivating, eye-catching, bewitching, delectable, winsome, likable or likeable ◼ OPPOSITE: unpleasantchart NOUN The chart below shows the results of our survey. = table, diagram, blueprint, graph, tabulation, plan, map ▸ VERB 1 These seas have been well charted. = plot, map out, delineate, sketch, draft, graph, tabulate 2 Bulletin boards charted each executive's progress. = monitor, follow, record, note, document, register, trace, outline, log, graph, tabulatecharter NOUN 1 In Britain, city status is granted by royal charter. = document, right, contract, bond, permit, licence, concession, privilege, franchise, deed, prerogative, indenture 2 The Prime Minister also attacked the social charter. = constitution, laws, rules, code ▸ VERB 1 He chartered a jet to fly her home. = hire, commission, employ, rent, lease 2 The council is chartered to promote the understanding of British culture throughout the world. = authorize, permit, sanction, entitle, license, empower, give authoritychase VERB 1 She chased the thief for 100 yards. = pursue, follow, track, hunt, run after, course 2 Some farmers chase you off their land quite aggressively. = drive away, drive, expel, hound, send away, send packing, put to flight 3 They chased down the stairs into the alley. = rush, run, race, shoot, fly, speed, dash, sprint, bolt, dart, hotfoot ▸ NOUN He was arrested after a car chase. = pursuit, race, hunt, huntingchasm NOUN 1 The chasm was deep and its sides almost vertical. = gulf, opening, crack, gap, rent, hollow, void, gorge, crater, cavity, abyss, ravine, cleft, fissure, crevasse 2 the chasm that separates the rich from the poor = gap, division, gulf, split, breach, rift, alienation, hiatuschassis NOUN = frame, framework, fuselage, bodywork, substructurechaste ADJECTIVE 1 chaste thoughts = pure, moral, decent, innocent, immaculate, wholesome, virtuous, virginal, unsullied, uncontaminated, undefiled, incorrupt, celibate ◼ OPPOSITE: promiscuous 2 Beyond them she could see the dim, chaste interior of the room. = simple, quiet, elegant, modest, refined, restrained, austere, unaffected, decorouschasten VERB = subdue, discipline, cow, curb, humble, soften, humiliate, tame, afflict, repress, put in your placechastise VERB = scold, blame, correct, discipline, lecture, carpet (informal), nag, censure, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, berate, tick off (informal), castigate, chide, tell off (informal), find fault with, remonstrate with, bring (someone) to book, take (someone) to task, reprove, upbraid, bawl out (informal), give (someone) a talking-to (informal), haul (someone) over the coals (informal), chew (someone) out (U.S. & Canad. informal), give (someone) a dressing-down, give (someone) a rocket (Brit. & N.Z. informal), give (someone) a row ◼ OPPOSITE: praisechastity NOUN = purity, virtue, innocence, modesty, virginity, celibacy, continence, maidenhood ◼ OPPOSITE: promiscuitychat VERB I was just chatting to him the other day. = talk, gossip, jaw (slang), natter, blather, schmooze (slang), blether (Scot.), shoot the breeze (U.S. slang), chew the rag or fat (slang) ▸ NOUN She asked me into her office for a chat. = talk, tête-à-tête, conversation, gossip, heart-to-heart, natter, blather, schmooze (slang), blether (Scot.), chinwag (Brit. informal), confab (informal), craic (Irish informal), korero (N.Z.)chatter VERB Everyone was chattering away in different languages. = prattle, chat, rabbit on (Brit. informal), babble, gab (informal), natter, tattle, jabber, blather, schmooze (slang), blether (Scot.), run off at the mouth (U.S. slang), prate, gossip ▸ NOUN She kept up a steady stream of chatter the whole time. = prattle, chat, rabbit (Brit. informal), gossip, babble, twaddle, gab (informal), natter, tattle, jabber, blather, blether (Scot.)chatty ADJECTIVE = talkative, informal, effusive, garrulous, gabby (informal), gossipy, newsy (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: quietcheap ADJECTIVE 1 Smoke detectors are cheap and easy to put up. = inexpensive, sale, economy, reduced, keen, reasonable, bargain, low-priced, low-cost, cut-price, economical, cheapo (informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: expensive 2 Don't resort to cheap copies; save up for the real thing. = inferior, poor, worthless, second-rate, shoddy, tawdry, tatty (Brit.), trashy, substandard, low-rent (informal), two-bit (slang), crappy (slang), two a penny, rubbishy, dime-a-dozen (informal), tinhorn (U.S. slang), bodger or bodgie (Austral. slang) ◼ OPPOSITE: good 3 That was a cheap trick to play on anyone. = despicable, mean, low, base, vulgar, sordid, contemptible, scurvy (old-fashioned), scungy (Austral. & N.Z.) ◼ OPPOSITE: decentcheapen VERB = degrade, lower, discredit, devalue, demean, belittle, depreciate, debase, derogatecheat VERB 1 He cheated people out of their life savings. = deceive, skin (slang), trick, fool, take in (informal), con (informal), stiff (slang), sting (informal), mislead, rip off (slang), fleece, hoax, defraud, dupe, beguile, gull (archaic), do (informal), swindle, stitch up (slang), victimize, bamboozle (informal), hoodwink, double-cross (informal), diddle (informal), take for a ride (informal), bilk, pull a fast one on (informal), screw (informal), finagle (informal), scam (slang) 2 He cheated death when he was rescued from the blazing cottage. = foil, check, defeat, prevent, frustrate, deprive, baffle, thwart ▸ NOUN He's nothing but a rotten cheat. = deceiver, sharper, cheater, shark, charlatan, trickster, conman or woman (informal), con artist (informal), impostor, fraudster, double-crosser (informal), swindler, grifter (slang, chiefly U.S. & Canad.), rorter (Austral. slang), chiseller (informal), rogue tradercheck VERB 1 (often with out) Check the accuracy of every detail in your CV. = examine, test, study, look at, research, note, confirm, investigate, monitor, probe, tick, vet, inspect, look over, verify, work over, scrutinize, make sure of, inquire into, take a dekko at (Brit. slang, old-fashioned), parse (computer code) ◼ OPPOSITE: overlook 2 Today's meeting must focus on checking the spread of violence. = stop, control, limit, arrest, delay, halt, curb, bar, restrain, inhibit, rein, thwart, hinder, repress, obstruct, retard, impede, bridle, stem the flow of, nip in the bud, put a spoke in someone's wheel ◼ OPPOSITE: further ▸ NOUN 1 He is being constantly monitored with regular checks on his blood pressure. = examination, test, research, investigation, inspection, scrutiny, once-over (informal) 2 There is a check on the number of people allowed in the venue. = control, limitation, restraint, constraint, rein, obstacle, curb, obstruction, stoppage, inhibition, impediment, hindrance, dampercheek NOUN = impudence, face (informal), front, nerve (informal), sauce (informal), gall (informal), disrespect, audacity, neck (informal), lip (slang), temerity, chutzpah (U.S. & Canad. informal), insolence, impertinence, effrontery, brass neck (Brit. informal), brazenness, sassiness (informal)cheeky ADJECTIVE = impudent, rude, forward, fresh (informal), insulting, saucy, audacious, sassy (informal), pert, disrespectful, impertinent, insolent, lippy (slang) ◼ OPPOSITE: respectfulcheer VERB 1 Cheering crowds lined the route. = applaud, hail, acclaim, clap, hurrah ◼ OPPOSITE: boo 2 The people around him were cheered by his presence. = hearten, encourage, warm, comfort, elevate, animate, console, uplift, brighten, exhilarate, solace, enliven, cheer up, buoy up, gladden, elate, inspirit ◼ OPPOSITE: dishearten ▸ NOUN 1 The colonel was rewarded by a resounding cheer from his men. = applause, ovation 2 This news did not bring them much cheer. = cheerfulness, comfort, joy, optimism, animation, glee, solace, buoyancy, mirth, gaiety (old-fashioned), merriment, liveliness, gladness, hopefulness, merry-making ● cheer someone up She chatted away brightly, trying to cheer him up. = comfort, encourage, brighten, hearten, enliven, gladden, gee up, jolly along (informal) ● cheer up Cheer up, things could be a lot worse. = take heart, rally, perk up, buck up (informal)cheerful ADJECTIVE 1 They are both very cheerful in spite of their circumstances. = happy, bright, contented, glad, optimistic, bucked (informal), enthusiastic, sparkling, gay (old-fashioned), sunny, perky, jolly, animated, merry, upbeat (informal), buoyant, hearty, cheery, joyful, jovial, genial, jaunty, chirpy (informal), sprightly, blithe, light-hearted ◼ OPPOSITE: sad 2 The room is bright and cheerful. = pleasant, bright, sunny, gay, enlivening ◼ OPPOSITE: gloomycheerfulness NOUN = happiness, good humour, exuberance, high spirits, buoyancy, gaiety (old-fashioned), good cheer, gladness, geniality, light-heartedness, jauntiness, joyousnesscheery ADJECTIVE = cheerful, happy, pleasant, lively, sunny, upbeat (informal), good-humoured, carefree, breezy, genial, chirpy (informal), jovial, full of beans (informal)chemical NOUN = compound, drug, substance, synthetic substance, potionchemist NOUN = pharmacist, apothecary (obsolete), pharmacologist, dispensercherish VERB 1 I will cherish the memory of that visit for many years to come. = cling to, prize, treasure, hold dear, cleave to ◼ OPPOSITE: despise 2 He genuinely loved and cherished his children. = care for, love, support, comfort, look after, shelter, treasure, nurture, cosset, hold dear ◼ OPPOSITE: neglect 3 She cherished an ambition to be an actor. = harbour, nurse, sustain, foster, entertainchest NOUN 1 I crossed my arms over my chest. = breast, front 2 At the very bottom of the chest were some carving tools. = box, case, trunk, crate, coffer, ark (dialect), casket, strongbox ◼ RELATED WORD: adjective pectoralchew VERB Be careful to eat slowly and chew your food well. = munch, bite, grind, champ, crunch, gnaw, chomp, masticate ● chew something over You might want to sit back and chew things over for a while. = consider, weigh up, ponder, mull (over), meditate on, reflect upon, muse on, ruminate, deliberate uponchewy ADJECTIVE = tough, fibrous, leathery, as tough as old bootschic ADJECTIVE = stylish, smart, elegant, fashionable, trendy (Brit. informal), up-to-date, modish, à la mode, voguish (informal), schmick (Austral. informal) ◼ OPPOSITE: unfashionablechide VERB = scold, blame, lecture, carpet (informal), put down, criticize, slate (informal, chiefly Brit.), censure, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, berate, tick off (informal), admonish, tear into (informal), blast, tell off (informal), find fault, diss (slang), read the riot act, reprove, upbraid, slap on the wrist, lambast(e), bawl out (informal), rap over the knuckles, chew out (U.S. & Canad. informal), tear (someone) off a strip (Brit. informal), give (someone) a rocket (Brit. & N.Z. informal), reprehend, give (someone) a row (Scot. informal)chief NOUN The new leader is the deputy chief of the territory's defence force. = head, leader, director, manager, lord, boss (informal), captain, master, governor, commander, principal, superior, ruler, superintendent, chieftain, ringleader, ariki (N.Z.), sherang (Austral. & N.Z.) ◼ OPPOSITE: subordinate ▸ ADJECTIVE Financial stress is acknowledged as a chief reason for divorce. = primary, highest, leading, main, prime, capital, central, key, essential, premier, supreme, most important, outstanding, principal, prevailing, cardinal, paramount, big-time (informal), foremost, major league (informal), predominant, uppermost, pre-eminent, especial ◼ OPPOSITE: minorchiefly ADVERB 1 We are chiefly concerned with the welfare of the children. = especially, essentially, principally, primarily, above all 2 a committee composed of leaders of the rival factions = mainly, largely, usually, mostly, in general, on the whole, predominantly, in the mainchild NOUN 1 This film is not suitable for children. = youngster, baby, kid (informal), minor, infant, babe, juvenile, toddler, tot, wean (Scot.), little one, brat, bairn (Scot. & Northern English), suckling, nipper (informal), chit, babe in arms, sprog (slang), munchkin (informal, chiefly U.S.), rug rat (slang), nursling, littlie (Austral. informal), ankle-biter (Austral. & U.S. slang), tacker (Austral. slang) 2 How many children do you have? = offspring, issue, descendant, progeny ◼ RELATED WORDS: adjective filial; prefix paedo-childbirth NOUN = child-bearing, labour, delivery, lying-in, confinement, parturition ◼ RELATED WORD: adjective natal, obstetricchildhood NOUN = youth, minority, infancy, schooldays, immaturity, boyhood or girlhoodchildish ADJECTIVE 1 One of his most appealing qualities is his childish enthusiasm. = youthful, young, boyish or girlish 2 I've never seen such selfish and childish behaviour. = immature, silly, juvenile, foolish, trifling, frivolous, infantile, puerile ◼ OPPOSITE: maturechildlike ADJECTIVE = innocent, trusting, simple, naive, credulous, artless, ingenuous, guileless, unfeigned, trustfulchill VERB 1 Chill the fruit salad until serving time. = cool, refrigerate, freeze 2 There was a coldness in her voice which chilled him. = dishearten, depress, discourage, dismay, dampen, deject ▸ NOUN 1 September is here, bringing with it a chill in the mornings. = coldness, bite, nip, sharpness, coolness, rawness, crispness, frigidity 2 He smiled an odd smile that sent a chill through me. = shiver, frisson, goose pimples, goose flesh ▸ ADJECTIVE A chill wind was blowing. = chilly, biting, sharp, freezing, raw, bleak, wintry, frigid, parky (Brit. informal)chilly ADJECTIVE 1 It was a chilly afternoon. = cool, fresh, sharp, crisp, penetrating, brisk, breezy, draughty, nippy, parky (Brit. informal), blowy ◼ OPPOSITE: warm 2 I was slightly afraid of his chilly, distant politeness. = unfriendly, hostile, unsympathetic, frigid, unresponsive, unwelcoming, cold as ice ◼ OPPOSITE: friendlychime VERB The station clock chimed three o'clock. = ring ▸ NOUN the chime of the station clock = sound, boom, toll, jingle, dong, tinkle, clang, pealchimera NOUN = illusion, dream, fantasy, delusion, spectre, snare, hallucination, figment, ignis fatuus, will-o'-the-wispchina1 NOUN I collect blue and white china. = pottery, ceramics, ware, porcelain, crockery, tableware, servicechina2 NOUN How are you, my old china? = friend, pal (informal), mate (informal), buddy (informal), companion, best friend, intimate, cock (Brit. informal), close friend, comrade, chum (informal), crony, main man (slang, chiefly U.S.), soul mate, homeboy (slang, chiefly U.S.), cobber (Austral. & N.Z. old-fashioned, informal), bosom friend, boon companion, E hoa (N.Z.)Chinese ADJECTIVE ◼ RELATED WORD: prefix Sino-chink NOUN = opening, crack, gap, rift, aperture, cleft, crevice, fissure, crannychip NOUN 1 His eyes gleamed like chips of blue glass. = fragment, scrap, shaving, flake, paring, wafer, sliver, shard 2 The washbasin had a small chip in it. = scratch, nick, flaw, notch, dent 3 He gambled all his chips on one number. = counter, disc, token ▸ VERB 1 She chipped her tooth. = nick, damage, gash 2 a sculptor chipping at a block of marble = chisel, whittle ● chip in 1 We'll all chip in for the petrol and food. = contribute, pay, donate, subscribe, go Dutch (informal) 2 He chipped in, 'That's right,' before she could answer. = interpose, put in, interrupt, interject, butt in, put your oar inchirp VERB = chirrup, pipe, peep, warble, twitter, cheep, tweetchirpy ADJECTIVE = cheerful, happy, bright, enthusiastic, lively, sparkling, sunny, jolly, animated, buoyant, radiant, jaunty, sprightly, in high spirits, blithe, full of beans (informal), light-heartedchivalry NOUN 1 He always treated women with old-fashioned chivalry. = courtesy, politeness, gallantry, courtliness, gentlemanliness 2 Our story is set in England, in the age of chivalry. = knight-errantry, knighthood, gallantry, courtliness