1. Demean – cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for (someone or something).
Synonyms: mortifying, abject, lowering, ignominious, undignified, inglorious
Antonyms: ennobling
Usage: The students tried to demean the poor girl by making fun of her used clothes on social media.
2. Leeway – the amount of freedom to move or act that is available.
Synonyms: indulgence, laxity, margin, latitude, headway, scope
Antonyms: constraint, restriction
Usage: The government had greater leeway to introduce reforms
3. Vest – confer or bestow (power, authority, property, etc.) on someone.
Synonyms: , empower, bestow, endow
Antonyms: refuse, dislodge
Usage: Executive power is vested in the President
4. Lacuna – an unfilled space; a gap.
Synonyms: interval, depression, gap, hiatus, interim
Antonyms: closure, continuation, misfortune
Usage: The journal has filled a lacuna in Middle Eastern studies
5. Thwart – to hinder or stop something from happening
Synonyms: circumvent, counter, curb, defeat, foil, frustrate, impede
Antonyms: abet, assist, encourage, facilitate
Usage: If you want to thwart future health problems, it’s not too late.
6. Adage – a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth.
Synonyms: maxim, axiom, aphorism, dictum, precept
Usage: Among other things, Ben is famous for developing an adage to go with each of his philosophical ideals.
7. Adulation – excessive admiration or praise.
Synonyms: commendation, flattery, veneration, exaltation, glory
Antonyms: abuse, criticism
Usage: He found it difficult to cope with the adulation of the fans.
8. Gruff – rough and low in pitch.
Synonyms: harsh, guttural, throaty, husky, croaking, rasping
Antonyms: soft, mellow
Usage: She spoke with a gruff, masculine voice
9. Accede – agree to a demand, request, or treaty.
Synonyms: acquiesce, assent, comply, concede, concur, endorse
Antonyms: disapprove, impede, obstruct
Usage: The authorities did not accede to the strikers’ demands
10. Assuage – make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense
Synonyms: relieve, ease, alleviate, soothe, mitigate
Antonyms: aggravate
Usage: But nothing could assuage our growing thirst and hunger.