1. Recalcitrant – stubborn, uncooperative attitude.
Synonyms: fractious, obstinate, rebellious, wayward, contrary, contumacious
Antonyms: agreeable, compliant, manageable
Usage: Because of its two recalcitrant members, the committee got very little work done.
2. Aberrant – straying from the normal or right way
Synonyms: abnormal, deviant, weird, atypical, bizarre
Antonyms: normal, regular, usual, same
Usage: When the astronomer looked into the telescope, he was shocked by the sight of a star moving in an aberrant path.
3. Abysmal – extremely bad
Synonyms: boundless, complete, deep, endless, extreme, illimitable
Antonyms: infinite
Usage: Jimmy cannot go to the party because of his abysmal behavior.
4. Imminent – about to happen.
Synonyms: forthcoming, impending, inevitable, likely, looming, expectant
Antonyms: avoidable, distant, escapable
Usage: Despite what the scientist said, the volcano eruption is not imminent so do not be concerned!
5. Jejune – unsophisticated
Synonyms: arid, banal, barren, bland, childish, innocuous, insipid
Antonyms: amazing, entertaining
Usage: Some have called his conducting inspiring; others dismiss it as jejune.
6. Wreak – cause a lot of damage or harm
Synonyms: bring about, inflict, unleash, wreck, execute
Antonyms: neglect
Usage: Terrorists love to wreak damage wherever they can.
7. Tumultuous – making an uproar or loud, confused noise.
Synonyms: boisterous, fierce, hectic, raucous, riotous, stormy, turbulent
Antonyms: calm, gentle, mild
Usage: Security found it difficult to control the tumultuous mob during the parade.
8. Spurt – an unexpected short surge of activity, development or effort
Synonyms: commotion, eruption, explosion, outburst, spate
Antonyms: peace, continuity
Usage: With a spurt of energy, Lionel was able to cross over the finish line.
9. Enviable – very desirable
Synonyms: advantageous, fortunate, excellent, privileged, covetable
Antonyms: bad, disadvantageous
Usage: Most of the real estate agents are jealous of Peter’s enviable sales record.
10. Travesty – a false or distorted representation of something, usually of something serious
Synonyms: distortion, exaggeration, farce, mockery, perversion, satire,
Antonyms: seriousness, solemnity
Usage: Allowing students to cheat on tests is a travesty of education.