adjective

13 of 60

Bad / Hostile

contentious - Likely to cause disagreement or argument

When the parents invited the whole clan for Thanksgiving, they asked everyone to try to get along, and to avoid discussing contentious topics.

noun

14 of 60

Good / Exciting

Url

gala - A formal social event or celebration, often involving entertainment, food, and dancing.

The city's annual gala attracts celebrities, socialites, and philanthropists from all over the country.

verb

15 of 60

Bad / Small

Url

downsize - To reduce the size, amount, or extent of something.

Bill saved money by moving into a smaller apartment, and tried to downsize his lifestyle and live more simply.

noun

16 of 60

Bad / War

Url

booty - Not showing or feeling interest or concern about something.

When the pirates discovered the valuable booty in the lower rooms of the ship, they divided it among themseles and returned home.

noun

17 of 60

Bad / Bad

travesty - A false, absurd, or distorted representation of something

In our court system, a travesty of justice typically occurs when the little guy goes against powerful interests and loses.

adjective

18 of 60

Other / Other

rife - (especially of something undesirable or harmful) of common occurrence; widespread

The country wanted to attract English-speaking tourists, but their English signs were rife with errors.

verb

19 of 60

Good / Friendly

Url

commiserate - To feel or express sympathy towards someone.

Bill's friends commiserated with him when he lost the election, but it took several months for him to recover emotionally.

verb

See noun

20 of 60

Good / Flexible

flex - Bend (a limb or joint)

Dylan flexed his muscles after his workout to see the progress he had made.

verb

21 of 60

Bad / Hostile

Url

chastise - To scold or criticize someone severely for doing something wrong.

He was chastised by his coach for not following the game plan.

noun

22 of 60

Good / Exciting

pizzazz - An attractive combination of vitality and glamour

As the most acclaimed actress alive, Meryl Streep's pizzazz is key to her enduring popularity.

noun

23 of 60

Bad / Aggressive

shrew - A woman who is argumentative, nagging, and ill tempered.

Barry liked Martha a lot, but he decided not to marry her when he realized what an aggressive shrew she was.

adjective

24 of 60

Good / Big

Url

profuse - Produced or existing in large amounts; abundant or overflowing; lavish or excessive, done in great quantity.

She gave a profuse apology for being late, repeating it several times to show her regret.