verb

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Good / Smart

Url

scrutinize - To look at something in great detail, often to understand it better or to detect any flaws or issues.

The detective carefully scrutinized the evidence he had gathered, trying to find a clue that might help him figure out who committted the crime.

verb

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Other / Squeeze

scrub - Rub (someone or something) hard so as to clean them, typically with a brush and water.

Scrubbing your tub with cleaning solution on a regular basis will keep it clean.

verb

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Bad / Disorganized

Url

scatter - To disperse or spread things in different directions, often in an uncontrolled or random way.

She scattered the papers on her desk, and searched through them for the address she had written down and misplaced.

noun

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Good / Calm

Url

sanctuary - A location where one can find protection, safety, or peace, often from danger or persecution.

The hotel on the mountain was considered a sanctuary, where people could find peace in a busy world.

verb

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Other / Fast

scoot - To leave somewhere quickly

After robbing the bank, George had to scoot before the cops caught up to him.

adjective

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Bad / Hostile

scathing - Witheringly scornful; severely critical

After receiving poor service and undercooked food, the critic wrote a scathing review of the restaurant.

verb

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Bad / Small

scrimp - To be thrifty or parsimonious; to economize

Though Beverly and her husband didn't have large incomes, they scrimped and saved enough to send their children to college.

verb

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Bad / Attack

scorch - To burn the surface of something with flame or heat

Nancy couldn't walk barefoot outside because the summer heat had scorched the pavement.

noun

See verb

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Bad / Dislike

scorn - The feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt

Sheriff Otto gave his deputy a look of scorn when he asked a silly question.

verb

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Other / Squeeze

scrunch - To make something small to fit into a small space

Barry was alone in the house when he heard the robber enter, and Barry quickly scrunched under the desk in the office and remained as quiet as he could so that the robber wouldn't notice him.

noun

See verb

35 of 60

Bad / Powerless

Url

scapegoat - A person or group who is unfairly blamed for the problems, mistakes, or wrongdoings of others.

The employee was made the scapegoat for the project's failure, even though the entire team had contributed to the problems.

adjective

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Bad / Stupid

scatterbrained - Disorganized and lacking in concentration.

Kathy liked having deep conversations with people, and felt that spending time with scatterbrained people who talked about nothing important was a waste of time.