Noun

noun

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Other / Move

Url audio

inertia - Resistance to change, effort, or progress in a situation, system, or organization.

The company’s inertia in adapting to new technology led to its downfall.

noun

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Bad / Dangerous

Url audio

tinderbox - A volatile or tense environment, emotionally or politically charged, likely to erupt in violence or conflict.

During the blackout, the police were concerned about looting, and the downtown felt like a tinderbox ready to explode.

noun

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Bad / Crazy

Url audio

megalomaniac - Someone who has an unnaturally strong wish for power and control.

The dictator showed signs of being a megalomaniac even as a child, the way he bossed everyone around in the schoolyard.

noun

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Good / Calm

audio

haven - A place of safety or refuge

Trying to get away from the bitter cold, the lone cabin seemed to be a perfect haven to Martha.

noun

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Other / Shape

Url audio

wrinkle - A small line or fold in something, especially fabric or skin; or a minor problem or unexpected difficulty.

There’s just one little wrinkle in our plan—we forgot to book the hotel we were planning to stay in.

noun

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Other / Light

Url audio

exposure - The condition of being exposed to something like weather, danger, or public view.

The journalist’s article led to the exposure of a major financial scandal.

noun

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Good / Successful

Url audio

pinnacle - The highest point or peak of something, usually representing the peak of success or achievement.

The concert at Madison Square Garden was the pinnacle of the band's tour, with the crowd cheering wildly.

noun

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Bad / Small

Url audio

tinge - A trace of some color

The yellow tinge of the setting sun contrasted with the purple sky.

noun

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Bad / War

audio

mayhem - Violent and chaotic disorder

After the National Guard shot the protesting students and fired tear gas in Kent State, it was mayhem as the students ran in all directions.

noun

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Bad / Old

Url audio

leftovers - Food that remains uneaten after a meal and is saved for later.

The mother packed the leftovers from dinner into containers for the kid's lunch the next day.

noun

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Bad / Strange

Url audio

ghetto - A part of a city, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group or marginalized community.

The Smith family lived in the inner-city ghetto, and tried to make the best of a hard life.

noun

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Good / Exciting

audio

crescendo - A gradual increase in loudness in a piece of music

Rock guitarists thrill stadium audiences by playing a crescendo until they can't hear anything else.