Unit 12 Sadlier: Level D

autocratic

adj. absolute in power or authority

Synonyms: domineering, dictatorial, tyrannical, bossy

Antonyms: democratic, egalitarian, lenient, permissive, indulgent

blasphemy

n. an act, utterance, or writing showing contempt for something sacred

concerted

planned or performed in cooperation with others

intolerable

unbearable

irreverent

disrespectful

laborious

(adj.) not easy, requiring hard work; hardworking

maltreat

(v.) to abuse, use roughly or crudely

ponder

(v.) to consider carefully, reflect on

subversive

(adj.) intended to undermine or overthrow; (n.) one who advocates or attempts to undermine a political system

synthetic

(adj.) made or put together by people; (n.) something artificial

appreciable

sufficient to be noticed or measured

blanch

(v.) to remove the color from; to make or turn pale; to parboil

brawny

(adj.) strong, muscular

Synonyms: broad-shouldered, strapping, burly

Antonyms: slight, frail, puny

contend

(v.) to fight, struggle; to compete; to argue

humane

(adj.) kind, merciful

Synonyms: sympathetic, compassionate, kindhearted

Antonyms: cruel, merciless, unfeeling, brutal, heartless

illustrious

(adj.) very famous, distinguished

lithe

(adj.) bending easily, limber

temperate

(adj.) mild, moderate

Synonyms: composed, balanced, mellow, fair

Antonyms: immoderate, extreme, excessive, harsh

venomous

(adj.) poisonous; spiteful, mean

wily

adj. sly, shrewd, cunning