putter -
To do things in a relaxed way, without rushing
When Ed retired, he loved to putter in his basement workshop, building toys for his grandchildren.
verb
74 of 690
Other /
Inward
audio
gloat -
To enjoy thinking about one's own success that came about at the expense of another's misfortune
"You can gloat about your victory now", Johnny shouted at the other football captain, "but next year I assure you we'll beat you badly".
verb
75 of 690
Bad /
Nervous
Url
audio
gnaw -
To cause continual distress or discomfort, often in a mental or emotional sense.
Doubts about her decision started to gnaw at her, making it hard to focus.
verb
76 of 690
Bad /
Unfriendly
audio
scoff -
To speak to someone or about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way
The mayor scoffed at the ridiculous question from the reporter.
verb
77 of 690
Other /
Slow
audio
sway -
To move or cause to move slowly or rhythmically backward and forward or from side to side
Danny felt at ease in the hammock as he gently swayed back and forth.
verb
78 of 690
Bad /
Attack
audio
lambaste -
To criticize someone or something harshly
Before he was fired for his poor performance, Frank was lambasted by his boss in front of his coworkers.
verb
79 of 690
Bad /
Powerless
Url
audio
kowtow -
To act in an excessively submissive or obedient manner, often to gain favor; to bow or kneel as a sign of deep respect or submission.
In ancient China, people would kowtow before the emperor as a sign of respect.
verb
80 of 690
Good /
Love
Url
audio
nurture -
To care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something.
Parents should nurture their children’s creativity and confidence.
verb
81 of 690
Other /
Squeeze
audio
crunch -
To crush (a hard or brittle foodstuff) with the teeth, making a loud but muffled grinding sound
Chips of any kind, whether potato or tortilla, will always involve people crunching them.
verb
82 of 690
Bad /
Aggressive
audio
nab -
To catch someone doing something wrong or illegal
The police nabbed the person who tried to blow up the World Trade Center 1993, when he went to the car rental to get back his deposit for the van he had blown up.
verb
83 of 690
Good /
New
Url
audio
purify -
To refine or clarify something to make it more genuine, perfect, or pure
The chef used a special technique to purify the broth and improve its flavor
verb
84 of 690
Other /
Surprise
audio
startle -
To cause a person or animal to feel sudden shock or alarm
The speeding car startled Victor, and he had just enough time to jump out of the way.
