1. Consternation – a feeling of worry, shock, or fear – often happens when something unexpected happens
Synonyms: dismay, perturbation, anxiety, disquiet, discomposure, trepidation
Antonyms: satisfaction
Usage: The horrific nightmare filled the woman with consternation.
2. Scathing – extremely severe or harsh
Synonyms: devastating, withering, blistering, searing, scorching, fierce
Antonyms: mild, gentle, complimentary
Usage: The scathing criticism did not inspire the student to improve his writing skills.
3. Scamper – to move quickly with light steps
Synonyms: scurry, scuttle, dart, sprint, hurry, hasten
Antonyms: stroll, walk
Usage: After eating his lunch, the boy couldn’t wait to scamper outside to play.
4. Mendacity – lack of honesty
Synonyms: august, distinguished, acclaimed, celebrated, revered
Antonyms: honesty, sincerity
Usage: Because she was known for her mendacity, she was the first suspect the police interviewed.
5. Invigorate – give strength or energy to.
Synonyms: revitalize, revive, vivify, brace, rejuvenate, enliven
Antonyms: tire, tiring
Usage: Hopefully the energy drink will invigorate me so I can work all night on my paper.
6. Persecute – subject (someone) to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race or political or religious beliefs.
Synonyms: oppress, abuse, victimize, ill-treat, mistreat, maltreat, tyrannize
Antonyms: comfort, soothe
Usage: His followers were persecuted by the authorities
7. Absquatulate – leave abruptly
Synonyms: abscond, decamp, disappear
Usage: Before the thief could absquatulate with the diamonds, he was surrounded by police officers.
8. Captivating – attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm.
Synonyms: enthral, enchant, bewitch, fascinate, beguile, entrance, enrapture
Antonyms: repel, bore, repellent, boring
Usage: He was captivated by her beauty
9. Loathe – to hate very much
Synonyms: detest, abhor, despise, abominate, execrate
Antonyms: cherish, admire, love, adore
Usage: I loathe having to sit in the waiting room for hours.
10. Pensive – engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought
Synonyms: thoughtful, reflective, contemplative, introspective, meditative
Antonyms: thoughtless, carefree, shallow, ignorant
Usage: After losing his job, he became more pensive than ever.