1. Mockery – teasing and contemptuous language
Synonyms: ridicule, derision, sneering, contempt, scorn, scoffing, sarcasm
Antonyms: honesty, openness, flattery, praise, respect
Usage: Her unusual fashion sense makes her a topic of mockery at school.
2. Erroneous – wrong; incorrect.
Synonyms: inaccurate, imprecise, invalid, untrue, fallacious, askew
Antonyms: accurate, correct, genuine
Usage: Employers sometimes make erroneous assumptions
3. Denigrate – to assault someone’s character or reputation
Synonyms: besmirch, defame, impugn, slander, asperse, disparage, calumniate
Antonyms: approve, commend, compliment
Usage: You should not denigrate other people unless you want individuals to attack your reputation in retaliation
4. Recalcitrant – stubborn, uncooperative attitude.
Synonyms: fractious, obstinate, rebellious, wayward, contumacious, defiant
Antonyms: agreeable, compliant, manageable
Usage: Over time, the hopeless soldiers became recalcitrant and refused to follow orders.
5. Invective – insulting, abusive, or highly critical language.
Synonyms: denunciation, diatribe, epithet, blasphemy, castigation, berating
Antonyms: compliment, exculpation, flattery
Usage: The newspaper’s invective of the novel really made the author angry.
6. Volley – utter or discharge in quick succession.
Synonyms: burst, crossfire, battery, bombardment, cannonade, enfilade
Usage: The dog was volleying joyful barks
7. Affront – An action or remark that causes outrage or offence.
Synonyms: indignity, provocation, aspersion, abuse, brickbat
Antonyms: respect, happiness
Usage: He took his son’s desertion as a personal affront
8. Onus – something that is one’s duty or responsibility.
Synonyms: burden, liability, obligation, culpability, mantle, encumbrance
Antonyms: advantage, benefit
Usage: It is the onus of the applicant to completely fill out the application materials.
9. Gratuitous – done without good reason; uncalled for.
Synonyms: spontaneous, chargeless, complimentary, voluntary
Antonyms: costly, deserved, expensive
Usage: He’s always looking for gratuitous attention from his classmates by pulling all sorts of reckless stunts.
10. Holler – give a loud shout or cry.
Synonyms: bawl, shriek, scream, whoop, thunder, bellow, vociferate
Antonyms: whisper
Usage: The audience responded with whoops and hollers.