The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

On the New SAT, all of the Reading Test questions are multiple choice and are based on reading passages that may be taken from literature, science, the social sciences, or a US founding document (or a text inspired by such a document). Many of the reading comprehension questions meant to assess a student’s understanding of those passages will require students to choose words that best describe the writer’s tone or point of view, words like the 200 words you see on this list. Learn them here so when you see them in an SAT answer choice, you’ll know what they mean!

Here are all of our word lists to help you prepare for the new SAT (debuting March of 2016): The Language of the Test, Multiple-Meaning Words, and Words to Capture Tone.
200 words 18143 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. acerbic
    sour or bitter in taste
    For the uninitiated, Hopkins rose to fame as a villainous contestant on The Apprentice UK, where she drew attention for her acerbic, insulting comments. Time (Mar 5, 2015)
  2. acrid
    strong and sharp, as a taste or smell
    But that was no moment for futile recrimination, and self-interest served to stay the acrid retort on the tip of his tongue. Douglas, Hudson
  3. admonish
    scold or reprimand; take to task
    In their opening remarks, they admonished the jury to consider only evidence presented in the trial. New York Times (Jul 8, 2015)
  4. advocate
    a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
    New resources, of course, have long been on the wish list of public education advocates. US News (Sep 8, 2015)
  5. affection
    a positive feeling of liking
    Far from disrespect, there is great affection for Petersen in the Boise State football complex and throughout the campus. New York Times (Sep 4, 2015)
  6. aggravated
    made more severe or intense especially in law
    Alonso aggravated his existing back condition Tuesday night, while Norris’ situation was the result of a collision with Beltre at the plate on Tuesday. Washington Times (Sep 3, 2015)
  7. agitated
    physically disturbed or set in motion
    When a flight attendant tried to calm Schneider, he became more agitated, swearing at the crew member, advancing on him and then pushing him. US News (Aug 7, 2015)
  8. ambitious
    having a strong desire for success or achievement
    This could be a legacy project for an ambitious local politician with his eyes on bigger things. Los Angeles Times (Sep 2, 2015)
  9. ambivalence
    mixed feelings or emotions
    Their different responses to the unfolding economic drama underscore the strong ambivalence Americans feel about the Greek crisis. Washington Post (Jul 16, 2015)
  10. amusement
    an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
    The most exciting aspect of this field is that we don’t know which robotic sport will ultimately drive the most attention and amusement. Time (Jul 28, 2015)
  11. anxiety
    a vague unpleasant emotion in anticipation of a misfortune
    She feels like she is no longer as sharp as her colleagues, causing significant anxiety and depression. US News (Sep 3, 2015)
  12. apathetic
    showing little or no emotion or animation
    No, it's just something to encourage people to step out and stand up for themselves and not be apathetic. BBC (Aug 5, 2015)
  13. appreciation
    understanding of the nature or meaning of something
    It takes only one class of art history to learn the basic tools of art interpretation and appreciation. Slate (Sep 1, 2015)
  14. apprehensive
    in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
    Even so, many people are apprehensive about exercise after experiencing a heart attack. Washington Post (Apr 27, 2015)
  15. artificial
    contrived by art rather than nature
    And what is true of the biological variety should also be true of its artificial counterpart. Scientific American (Sep 7, 2015)
  16. assertion
    a declaration that is made emphatically
    The former planned to definitively disprove Cook’s assertions, while the latter intended to defend the explorer’s honor. Time (Aug 31, 2015)
  17. astonishment
    the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
    The other patients died, but Silva’s tumors virtually vanished, to the astonishment of her doctors. Washington Post (Jun 13, 2015)
  18. audacious
    disposed to venture or take risks
    A maximum security prisoner is back behind bars in Australia after staging an audacious escape. BBC (Aug 18, 2015)
  19. averse
    strongly opposed
    So averse was she to weapons when her children were young that she wouldn’t let them play with water pistols. Economist (Jul 30, 2015)
  20. befuddled
    perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements
    He has often seemed befuddled and confused, along with wrong about just about everything. Salon (Jun 22, 2015)
  21. bellicose
    having or showing a ready disposition to fight
    Lewis is a magnetic and intimidating Henry VIII, accomplishing more with a harsh whisper than he does with a bellicose tantrum. Washington Post (Apr 3, 2015)
  22. bitter
    proceeding from or exhibiting great hostility or animosity
    A special session on a budget shortfall has so far been characterized by tensions and bitter divisions among legislators. Washington Times (Aug 5, 2015)
  23. bombastic
    ostentatiously lofty in style
    It’s also not quite so over-the-top and bombastic as Ghosts, though it’s a far cry from what anyone might describe as realistic. Forbes (Nov 3, 2014)
  24. brash
    offensively bold
    There’s a common perception of entrepreneurs as bold, brash, and exceedingly confident individuals. Forbes (Aug 6, 2015)
  25. brusque
    rudely abrupt or blunt in speech or manner
    He'd been called a bully, but his brusque manner was seen as the sidecar to his ability to get things done. Slate (Jan 14, 2014)
  26. callous
    emotionally hardened
    Like death, his father’s presence was cold and often callous, but it was real- brutally honest, inescapably dependable. Blood of Olympus
  27. candid
    openly straightforward and direct without secretiveness
    It's odd to hear such a candid admission from the chief of a company whose trade has always been exaggeration and excess. The Verge (Sep 5, 2015)
  28. candor
    the quality of being honest and straightforward
    Her candor and exquisite simplicity framed the rest of my trip and helped me better understand the land I was living in. The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates
  29. caustic
    harsh or corrosive in tone
    Saint-Saëns was on speaking terms with practically all of them, even if his prickly temperament and caustic wit tended to discourage close friendships. New York Times (Jul 20, 2012)
  30. cavalier
    showing a lack of concern or seriousness
    “The prime minister is cavalier in his disregard of international law and agreements when it comes to the proliferation of nuclear weapons,” she told reporters. Washington Times (Sep 3, 2014)
  31. choleric
    characterized by anger
    He returned more choleric than before, calling those he met rebels and traitors, in his mad fury. Drake, Samuel Adams
  32. churlish
    having a bad disposition; surly
    Of course, it’s churlish to speak sourly of a guiltless, newborn child. Time (Jul 24, 2013)
  33. coarse
    lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
    Ferrell and Hart are two stars with clearly, cleverly designed personalities, but whose films are often lazy and coarse in execution. Time (Mar 25, 2015)
  34. complacent
    contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
    He said his state was prepared for future hurricanes: “Our levies are stronger than they’ve ever been before, but we must not become complacent.” New York Times (Aug 30, 2015)
  35. concern
    an anxious feeling
    As parental concern mounts, tech companies are eager to prove that they have the best interests of students at heart. US News (Sep 8, 2015)
  36. conciliatory
    making or willing to make concessions
    In theory a more conciliatory leader might offer some hope for compromise and peace. Economist (Sep 3, 2015)
  37. condescending
    characteristic of those who treat others with arrogance
    "The owner is rude, condescending, arrogant, and way too full of himself. Not a good representation of the people of southern Utah." Los Angeles Times (Jun 11, 2015)
  38. conducive
    tending to bring about; being partly responsible for
    The spacious halls brought again the school feeling, however the atmosphere was not conducive to study but one of uneasiness. Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High
  39. console
    give moral or emotional strength to
    Even surrounded by family and friend to console you, the world feels empty. New York Times (Jun 26, 2015)
  40. contemplative
    deeply or seriously thoughtful
    Some people become more contemplative as they age and take the time to reflect on the life they have lived. US News (Jun 26, 2015)
  41. contentious
    showing an inclination to disagree
    At this moment, the respectful, cordial tenor of the meeting took a noticeably different and more contentious tone. The New Yorker (Aug 27, 2015)
  42. contradictory
    not able to be true at the same time
    It seems contradictory to say Watson played the match of her life in defeat, but she did. The Guardian (Jul 4, 2015)
  43. creative
    having the ability or power to invent or make something
    Star Wars was a breakout success for many well-discussed reasons, but one powerful factor was how it easily lent itself to creative backyard play. The Guardian (Sep 3, 2015)
  44. critical
    of a serious examination and judgment of something
    Yet someone who’s tired or distracted will likely be less critical, and will simply accept what you say as true. Time (Sep 2, 2015)
  45. crude
    conspicuously and tastelessly indecent
    His male supporters regard his crude sexism not as juvenile behavior but as a transgressive political statement. Slate (Aug 13, 2015)
  46. curious
    eager to investigate and learn or learn more
    My squid dream got me curious: Can cephalopods—a group that includes squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish—dream? National Geographic (Sep 5, 2015)
  47. curt
    brief and to the point
    There was no explanation given in the curt, two-paragraph news release that the Dodgers sent out to announce the bizarre move. Los Angeles Times (Aug 17, 2015)
  48. cynical
    believing the worst of human nature and motives
    While we know children are impressionable, they are also discerning and optimistic, often noting the best in people rather than taking a more cynical view. US News (Jul 27, 2015)
  49. deference
    courteous regard for people's feelings
    "I have waited in deference while others expressed their feelings, beliefs, confusions and even conclusions - absent the full story." Reuters (Jun 15, 2015)
  50. dejected
    affected or marked by low spirits
    He has rarely looked so dejected, so beaten, so incapable of the rousing return for which many golfing fans long. The Guardian (Jun 18, 2015)
  51. demure
    shy or modest, often in a playful or provocative way
    Yes, it was see-through - and there was latex! - but it was oddly demure, covered up, with just a hint of suggestion. New York Times (Nov 21, 2012)
  52. derisive
    expressing contempt or ridicule
    In the darkness, the players spent Saturday morning as punching bags for the coaches’ derisive comments. Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream
  53. despair
    a state in which all hope is lost or absent
    If we truly stopped to think about what each such death meant for victims and their families we would surely become overwhelmed by despair. The Guardian (Aug 24, 2015)
  54. despondent
    without or almost without hope
    Tiger's despondent press conferences will persist, and the press will hang on his words to see if there's even a glimmer of hope. Golf Digest (Oct 16, 2013)
  55. didactic
    instructive, especially excessively
    The Newsroom is a didactic show, by which I mean, when it presents an argument, it hints pretty clearly which side it believes is right. Time (Dec 7, 2014)
  56. diffident
    showing modest reserve
    His manner is diffident and reserved, but the music-making is intense, full of character and rendered on the highest technical level.
    —Washington Post (Mar 30, 2015)
  57. dire
    fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless
    The library’s executive team testified before Congress in the spring about the dire need for more storage space for its ­ever-increasing collections. Washington Post (Sep 3, 2015)
  58. disdain
    lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
    But that didn't stop the haters, who seized the new forum to rally their disdain. Los Angeles Times (Sep 2, 2015)
  59. disgruntled
    in a state of sulky dissatisfaction
    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released thousands of complaints Thursday from disgruntled customers of banks, credit card companies and other providers of financial services. Los Angeles Times (Jun 25, 2015)
  60. disgust
    strong feelings of dislike
    He rolled his eyes and walked away in disgust. US News (Aug 28, 2015)
  61. dismay
    the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
    “I can’t help but cry … because I thought people would defend me and say something. Some people just shook their heads in dismay.” Washington Times (Jun 1, 2015)
  62. disparagement
    a communication that belittles somebody or something
    The opera is no masterpiece, but disparagement of the score as uninspired has never seemed justified on the rare occasions we hear it. The Guardian (Jun 4, 2013)
  63. domination
    power to defeat
    Of course football has its celebrated chess-like aspects, but the game’s primal appeal is in the physical domination of some men by some other men. Slate (May 18, 2015)
  64. dubious
    fraught with uncertainty or doubt
    Some of the claims are dubious, though startling if true. Forbes (May 20, 2015)
  65. eager
    having or showing keen interest or intense desire
    The good news for veterans is that, because of their service, most Americans are eager to help them succeed in their job searches and careers. US News (Sep 1, 2015)
  66. earnest
    characterized by a firm, sincere belief in one's opinions
    [He] seemed overly slow and overly earnest, like a man explaining the government to toddlers. Washington Post (Jun 24, 2015)
  67. ecstatic
    feeling great rapture or delight
    In photographs taken just after the baby was born, she cuddles the infant, looking ecstatic and proud. Los Angeles Times (Mar 6, 2015)
  68. effusive
    uttered with unrestrained enthusiasm
    It’s being called both a “comedy smash” and “really funny,” among other effusive compliments. Salon (Jul 20, 2015)
  69. elated
    exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits
    She ended the class elated and high-fived Victoria: “I built a website! Slate (Aug 31, 2015)
  70. elegiac
    resembling or characteristic of a lament for the dead
    It’s an elegiac message of farewell—whether to a romantic partner who is leaving or do life itself is subject to the listener’s interpretation. Los Angeles Times (Jun 29, 2015)
  71. empathetic
    showing ready comprehension of others' states
    “I can feel your pain without going through it myself,” says the empathetic person. The Guardian (Jun 17, 2015)
  72. emphasize
    stress or single out as important
    "It is important to emphasize that this study is insufficient to draw any firm conclusions regarding cause and effect," he added. US News (Sep 1, 2015)
  73. engaging
    attracting or delighting
    It is seductive, engaging, and lit, despite the odds, by a vitality that is in itself a form of hope. Slate (Sep 9, 2015)
  74. enthusiastic
    having or showing great excitement and interest
    As enthusiastic as he was to climb in the Himalaya, Chin didn't know the first thing about launching an international expedition. National Geographic (Aug 10, 2015)
  75. exuberant
    joyously unrestrained
    He had been his father’s exuberant companion, who had, Emerson wrote, “touched with his lively curiosity every trivial fact & circumstance in the household.” The New Yorker (Sep 7, 2015)
  76. facetious
    cleverly amusing in tone
    "We have a very facetious Liverpool sense of humour, laughing at things which are stupid," says Wells. The Guardian (Jul 21, 2012)
  77. fanciful
    indulging in or influenced by the imagination
    Despite first being proposed more than a century ago, the idea of a space elevator has always appeared fanciful. Reuters (Sep 3, 2015)
  78. fatuous
    devoid of intelligence
    "This is a fatuous show with nothing fresh to say about popular culture and our fixation with fame," his one-star write-up continued. BBC (Dec 12, 2012)
  79. fervent
    characterized by intense emotion
    Mr. Elwes said it has attained such a large and fervent following thanks largely to pre-Internet word-of-mouth raves and home video rentals. Washington Times (Jun 21, 2015)
  80. fleeting
    lasting for a markedly brief time
    Much work goes into the ceremonies, market officials said, though they only last a fleeting few minutes. Wall Street Journal (Sep 3, 2015)
  81. flippant
    showing an inappropriate lack of seriousness
    “Any reprimand has to be taken seriously, so I don’t want to come across as flippant about it,” he said. Washington Post
  82. foreboding
    a feeling of evil to come
    But something else bothered him - a cold sense of foreboding, as if he hadn’t heard the worst news yet. Blood of Olympus
  83. forlorn
    marked by or showing hopelessness
    The image of forlorn bears on small rafts of ice has become a symbol of the dangers of climate change. New York Times (Sep 22, 2014)
  84. frank
    characterized by directness in manner or speech
    She suggests that its appeal lies in its frank treatment of topics usually left undiscussed. New York Times (Jun 19, 2015)
  85. genuine
    not fake or counterfeit
    A finance ministry official said both genuine and forged passports were in the packets intercepted in the post. BBC (Sep 4, 2015)
  86. grave
    causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm
    In an open letter, the coalition says Twitter's ban "holds grave consequences for free expression and transparency around the world." The Verge (Sep 4, 2015)
  87. gregarious
    temperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of others
    Aren’t entrepreneurs supposed to be gregarious and commanding—verbally adept and able to inspire employees, clients and investors with the sheer force of their personality? Wall Street Journal (Aug 24, 2015)
  88. haughty
    having or showing arrogant superiority
    What we can do is hopefully have a detached perspective, without being pompous and haughty. BBC (May 29, 2013)
  89. heroic
    having qualities appropriate for brave figures
    He said it was heroic of the officer to put himself in danger to protect the children, who were unhurt. Washington Times (Aug 27, 2015)
  90. histrionic
    overly dramatic or emotional
    The mildness of Dellavedova’s provocations only makes the histrionic local reaction to them – the impassioned denunciations, the drippingly earnest think pieces – all the more hilarious. The Guardian (Jun 1, 2015)
  91. hollow
    devoid of significance or point
    Speaking about political dialogue, Assad said any initiative that is not based on fighting “terrorism” will be “hollow” and “meaningless.” Washington Times (Jul 26, 2015)
  92. hopeful
    having or manifesting optimism
    "A socially inclusive Singapore that is prosperous because it is innovative, and where people always feel hopeful about making progress in their lives." US News (Sep 8, 2015)
  93. hostile
    characterized by enmity or ill will
    There are four months left for the neighbors to patch things up, but for now the mood is hostile. Reuters (Sep 3, 2015)
  94. idealistic
    motivated by noble or moral beliefs rather than practicality
    Today’s foreign-policy thinkers must also test their idealistic notions of American possibility on a geo­political landscape littered with the wreckage of ideals past. New York Times (Sep 1, 2015)
  95. imposing
    befitting an important, distinguished, or powerful person
    Porter is imposing enough physically — he is stocky and more than 6-foot tall — but he can be soft-spoken. Washington Post (Sep 3, 2015)
  96. imprudent
    not sensible, responsible, or wise
    Clearly that was unwise, and to bail out management and investors, let alone reward them for imprudent decisions, is not proper. Forbes (Apr 7, 2015)
  97. incisive
    demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
    But anyone who relishes elegant and incisive writing and speech will be glad that Vidal was fated to explain, rather than practise, politics. The Guardian (Aug 1, 2012)
  98. incredulous
    not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
    In the case of Guzmán, many Mexicans are particularly incredulous as this was his second escape from a supposedly high-security prison. The Guardian (Aug 7, 2015)
  99. indignant
    angered at something unjust or wrong
    I seethed with envy, indignant that they enjoyed the honest freedom I had denied myself. The Guardian (May 17, 2014)
  100. inflammatory
    inciting action or rebellion
    But as representatives of the National Socialist Front show up to offer support, the town is plastered with neo-Nazi flags, swastikas and other inflammatory material. New York Times (Sep 8, 2015)
  101. inquisitive
    given to questioning
    He was very inquisitive — he kept asking and I kept answering. Washington Post (May 7, 2015)
  102. insincere
    lacking the quality of being open and truthful
    Of course, if used poorly, the suggested questions can come across like bad pickup lines, rehearsed and insincere. New York Times (Oct 15, 2014)
  103. insolent
    marked by casual disrespect
    “You are insolent. I suppose that is only to be expected of a wildling. We must find you a husband who can teach you courtesy.” A Dance with Dragons
  104. inspiring
    stimulating or exalting to the spirit
    But it was exciting, and inspiring, to live in a country where people had fought and won the fight for democracy and openness. US News (Aug 31, 2015)
  105. intense
    possessing a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
    “If you don’t want a session that is too competitive you can choose one that is less intense. The Guardian (Sep 7, 2015)
  106. intentional
    done or made with purpose and will
    The police said they did not yet know if the shooting was accidental or intentional. New York Times (Aug 24, 2015)
  107. irate
    feeling or showing extreme anger
    Horns honked, and an irate motorist yelled, “Get out of the street so people can get to work!” The New Yorker (Aug 10, 2015)
  108. irreverent
    showing lack of due respect or veneration
    She continues with a irreverent speech that blends slightly off-color jokes with sincere praise and gratitude. Time (Jan 26, 2015)
  109. jealous
    suspicious or fearful of being displaced by a rival
    When they travel, rich 20-somethings are drawn toward gregarious pleasures that can be shared on social media to make their friends jealous. Economist (Aug 27, 2015)
  110. jejune
    lacking interest or significance or impact
    But in their translation into the bald language of reality—the jejune prose of fact—our dreams have a way of losing their finer essence. Broughton, Rhoda
  111. jovial
    full of or showing high-spirited merriment
    "We're not pushing a hardcore agenda. The events tend to be very friendly and jovial, but safety is our No. 1 concern." Los Angeles Times (Aug 20, 2015)
  112. judgmental
    relating to an assessment of a person, situation, or event
    Thus began one of West’s familiar monologues on the fashion industry’s judgmental nature — its bullying and mean-girl tendencies and refusal to recognize his brilliance. Washington Post (Jun 2, 2015)
  113. laudatory
    full of or giving praise
    And yes, as we've read in laudatory profiles and seen in TV spots, the rookie is smart, studious, humble, and looks fantastic in denim. Slate (Oct 16, 2012)
  114. lyrical
    expressing deep emotion
    Supreme Court rulings are typically dry legalistic documents, but Friday’s decision recognizing gay marriage nationwide was more lyrical than most. Time (Jun 26, 2015)
  115. malicious
    having the nature of threatening evil
    China’s Internet police issued warnings against those who sought to point fingers or spread malicious rumors online. Washington Post (Jun 3, 2015)
  116. melancholic
    characterized by or causing or expressing sadness
    As a child she was a shy, melancholic loner riddled with very early-onset teenage angst. The Guardian (Aug 2, 2014)
  117. mercurial
    liable to sudden unpredictable change
    But though his aesthetic has been mercurial, his theme has arguably stayed the same. New York Times (Feb 4, 2015)
  118. methodical
    characterized by orderliness
    But the decision we came around to was that it was editorially important to show how methodical, planned and deliberate this was. Washington Times (Aug 27, 2015)
  119. mocking
    expressing contempt or ridicule
    Others found ways of mocking it, calling it - not so politely - a waste of time. Washington Times (Mar 30, 2015)
  120. momentous
    of very great significance
    The Supreme Court is on the verge of a momentous decision that could legalize gay marriage across the country. US News (Jun 23, 2015)
  121. mordant
    harshly ironic or sinister
    The amiable Brian takes refuge in mordant humor: “Bad luck. Good luck. It’s all chance,” he says, then adding darkly, “Rotten sort of lottery, life.” New York Times (May 1, 2015)
  122. morose
    showing a brooding ill humor
    Eeyore, the morose donkey in Winnie-the-Pooh, at one point complains: ‘A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.’ Salon (May 23, 2015)
  123. motivated
    strongly driven to succeed or achieve something
    To feel motivated to clean something, you’ve first got to notice, and care, that it’s dirty. The Guardian (Sep 4, 2015)
  124. negative
    characterized by denial or opposition or resistance
    Often disruptive behaviors involve major negative interactions, like screaming at a nurse or harshly insulting a colleague. Time (Aug 21, 2015)
  125. negligent
    characterized by undue lack of attention or concern
    "Leaving a child unattended in a car or a house is negligent conduct," Judge Mary Catherine Cuff wrote. US News (Aug 20, 2015)
  126. neutral
    having no personal preference
    If I have strong views, I’m probably not going to be a good editor: it’s hard for me to write in a neutral way.” The Guardian (Sep 6, 2015)
  127. novel
    original and of a kind not seen before
    Finally, highly-math-anxious parents may become flustered when their children’s teachers use novel strategies that parents themselves never learned. Time (Sep 9, 2015)
  128. objective
    undistorted by emotion or personal bias
    It is important as a scientist, irrespective of belief, to be as objective as possible and steer clear of overtly political, advocacy, or activist stances. Forbes (Aug 3, 2015)
  129. obsequious
    attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
    Their representative assemblies passed obsequious resolutions expressing loyalty and gratitude to the King, and the people; and erected his statue in a public place. Stark, James H.
  130. obstinate
    refusing to change one's mind or ways; difficult to convince
    An obstinate captive raven nearly brought photographer Vince Musi to tears last week when the bird refused to stand still for a picture. National Geographic (Aug 8, 2015)
  131. ominous
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
    Ominous foreshadowings at the film’s beginning hint how that story ends, but the derring-do along the way is something to see. New York Times (May 28, 2015)
  132. opposition
    being against something that you disapprove or disagree with
    Growing up, she played football with brothers and cousins and rushed to join the team, despite opposition from relatives. The Guardian (Sep 9, 2015)
  133. optimistic
    hopeful that the best will happen in the future
    Physicists are optimistic the mystery will be sorted out soon with more data. Scientific American (Sep 9, 2015)
  134. outspoken
    given to expressing yourself freely or insistently
    Still, it's the outspoken, go-for-broke honesty that has helped him with audiences. Los Angeles Times (Aug 29, 2015)
  135. passive
    lacking in energy or will
    To see it otherwise, he said, “implies that the media are passive observers rather than active participants who can do something about it.” New York Times (Aug 16, 2015)
  136. patronizing
    characteristic of those who treat others with arrogance
    The term "tolerance" itself is problematic for its patronizing implications, for the "tolerant" one is always the one in the dominant position. New York Times (Jan 24, 2015)
  137. pedantic
    marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning
    They speak in an over-precise way with much pedantic insistence on letters not generally sounded, especially Hs. The Guardian (Jul 17, 2013)
  138. perceptive
    having the ability to understand
    Perry is extremely socially perceptive, a quality that has helped him connect with people from many different backgrounds. Slate (Jun 5, 2015)
  139. pernicious
    exceedingly harmful
    So, while there is pressure on young men and women to look like models there is another equally pernicious trend emerging - the normalisation of obesity. BBC (May 30, 2015)
  140. persuasive
    intended or having the power to induce action or belief
    While the judge’s ruling is not binding on other states, it’s forceful and it might be persuasive from one judge to another.  MSNBC (Jul 1, 2015)
  141. pervasive
    spreading or spread throughout
    What I resist most is the insistent, pervasive, inescapable message that we all must be happy. The Guardian (Aug 19, 2015)
  142. pessimistic
    expecting the worst possible outcome
    “But lawyers are trained to always look for the worst-case scenario. They benefit more from being pessimistic, and that takes a toll.” New York Times (May 12, 2015)
  143. petulant
    easily irritated or annoyed
    Nick Saban, the Alabama coach, stamped out of one news conference last week like a petulant child, all because reporters dared to do their jobs. New York Times (Sep 15, 2013)
  144. placid
    not easily irritated
    She clasped her hands in her lap and her face was placid, the worries from a few moments ago having transformed to a deep calm. New York Times (Jul 9, 2015)
  145. poignant
    keenly distressing to the mind or feelings
    But a series of poignant, heart-wrenching tweets from Parker’s boyfriend laid bare the tragic human consequences of the horrific episode. Salon (Aug 26, 2015)
  146. positive
    characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance
    Moviegoers had an overwhelmingly positive response toward the film, giving it an average A grade, according to audience polling firm CinemaScore. Los Angeles Times (Aug 30, 2015)
  147. profound
    showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth
    For the Hawaiians, who invented the sport, surfing was no mere pastime but a profound expression of their religion and culture. Wall Street Journal (Aug 13, 2015)
  148. provocative
    serving or tending to excite or stimulate
    She’s not afraid to push buttons and be the provocative journalist she should be.” The Guardian (Aug 8, 2015)
  149. puerile
    displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity
    Such puerile charges remind me rather of the tricks of children than actions of men. Fowler, Charles H.
  150. quarrelsome
    given to arguing
    He’s quarrelsome on Twitter, always ready to tussle with any old nobody who’s talking trash. Washington Post (Apr 8, 2015)
  151. quizzical
    perplexed
    Perhaps it is because patients fear the quizzical look and follow-up question: “You’re eating what?” Washington Post (May 14, 2012)
  152. rancorous
    showing deep-seated resentment
    The brothers had a rancorous split and have essentially not talked since. New York Times (Sep 5, 2013)
  153. receptive
    open to arguments, ideas, or change
    Sometimes she seems receptive to advice, but more often she just has an answer for everything and gets really defensive. Washington Post (Sep 9, 2015)
  154. reckless
    marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
    It came after a night of drinking and reckless stunt driving at a construction site in which he and a passenger could have been killed. New York Times (Sep 2, 2015)
  155. rejection
    the state of being turned down
    When he talked of the pain of rejection, the heartbreak of grief, he knew exactly what he was talking about, both personally and politically. The Guardian (Aug 17, 2015)
  156. reluctant
    not eager
    Montgomery officials are proceeding slowly in addressing the problem sidewalks, reluctant to move forward until they have more laboratory findings. Washington Post (Aug 30, 2015)
  157. reservation
    an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something
    In a statement, Booker voiced deep reservations but concluded: “It is better to support a deeply flawed deal, for the alternative is worse. Time (Sep 3, 2015)
  158. resignation
    the act of giving up, as a claim or office or possession
    They are so overwhelmed by juggling demands that many have moved from frustration and anxiety to resignation and despair, which is worse. New York Times (Jul 31, 2015)
  159. reverent
    feeling or showing profound respect or veneration
    And while typically you speak in a reverent voice in respect for the dead, tonight, feel free to speak up and ask questions. Washington Times (Sep 6, 2015)
  160. rigid
    incapable of or resistant to bending
    When you’re too rigid or strict or hard on yourself, willpower becomes white-knuckling, and there’s nothing fun or inspiring about that. Wall Street Journal (Sep 4, 2015)
  161. sanguine
    confidently optimistic and cheerful
    As the sanguine reaction from investors indicates, amid the gloom there may be some reason to be optimistic. BusinessWeek (May 2, 2014)
  162. sardonic
    disdainfully or ironically humorous
    Humor must lie beneath the surface, ready to materialize in the form of a sardonic quip, or a quick dose of withering wit. Los Angeles Times (May 28, 2015)
  163. saturnine
    bitter or scornful
    He was, in short, what is called a deep designing villain, and the saturnine and sinister expression of his countenance at once proclaimed this. Various
  164. scandalous
    giving offense to moral sensibilities
    The spy agency had a scandalous reputation in the years before South Korea embraced democracy in the 1980s, and was involved in abductions and killings. BBC (Jul 19, 2015)
  165. scornful
    expressing extreme contempt
    A deep, scornful hatred, like black syrup pumping thick through my heart. Salon (May 24, 2012)
  166. seductive
    tending to entice into a desired action or state
    He finds pleasure in thinking itself, surrendering to the seductive pull of creative association. New York Times (Aug 12, 2015)
  167. seemingly
    from appearances alone
    All around us, seemingly happy celebrity couples are calling it quits, prompting many people to declare that “love is dead.” Time (Sep 8, 2015)
  168. serious
    of great consequence
    But there is one area students can accidentally get into some serious trouble: their finances. US News (Sep 9, 2015)
  169. severe
    very harsh or strict, especially when dealing with others
    Before sentencing Holmes, Samour tried to reassure victims who were upset at the lack of a death penalty that Holmes' punishment would still be severe. US News (Aug 27, 2015)
  170. sincere
    open and genuine; not deceitful
    It is real and sincere, a reflection of the authentic desires and feelings of the People. Salon (Jun 14, 2015)
  171. sinister
    wicked, evil, or dishonorable
    More sinister are the nameless, faceless critics lurking on social media and comments sections, giving voice to a society’s most hateful impulses. The Guardian (Jul 12, 2015)
  172. skeptical
    marked by or given to doubt
    OpenDaylight’s success comes as a shock to those of us that were initially skeptical of its legitimacy and relevance. Forbes (Aug 2, 2015)
  173. smug
    marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction
    Perhaps they would have pulled it off, had it not been for the smug, self-satisfied expressions on their faces as they pretended to be offended. Salon (Jun 23, 2015)
  174. solemn
    dignified and somber in manner or character
    One step at a time, in solemn synchrony, the casket team carried the coffin up the grassy hill on Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery. Washington Post (Aug 25, 2015)
  175. somber
    serious and gloomy in character
    The commemoration of this event provides a somber occasion to take stock of losses. National Geographic (Aug 7, 2015)
  176. solidarity
    a union of interests or purposes among members of a group
    Elsewhere in the Hungarian capital, thousands marched in solidarity with the migrants, and demanded the government do more to help them. BBC (Sep 2, 2015)
  177. stability
    the quality or attribute of being firm and steadfast
    Seeking stability in an unsteady economy, investors had begun parking their money in Washington real estate. Washington Post (Sep 4, 2015)
  178. substantiate
    establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
    Photographic, video and eyewitness accounts have been assembled to substantiate the allegations, officials said. Los Angeles Times (Aug 6, 2015)
  179. supercilious
    having or showing arrogant superiority
    Except for their accents, these people are identical to a certain class of spoiled, supercilious New Yorkers who exude a smug sense of entitlement. New York Times (Jun 26, 2014)
  180. superficial
    of, affecting, or being on or near the surface
    Alongside the superficial changes, more fundamental shifts are under way as rebel leaders seek to eliminate European influences and align their region with Russia. The Guardian (Aug 16, 2015)
  181. superior
    of high quality or performance
    Rugby league people insist, in all seriousness, that rugby league is the greatest game of all, that it’s superior to all other games. The Guardian (Sep 6, 2015)
  182. surly
    unfriendly and inclined toward anger or irritation
    Managers who were perceived as kind and caring, and who could inspire and coach employees would do better than bosses who were mean and surly. Forbes (Jun 22, 2015)
  183. sympathetic
    expressing compassion or friendly fellow feelings
    Government officials and others have called for compassion and tolerance, and the overwhelming reaction to the migrants has been sympathetic. New York Times (Aug 13, 2015)
  184. tactful
    having a sense of what is considerate in dealing with others
    Other of my friends seem to pity me, although they are usually tactful enough to not say it out loud. Salon (Mar 17, 2013)
  185. tentative
    hesitant or lacking confidence; unsettled in mind or opinion
    Apologizing often makes you seem tentative and unsure — and that’s definitely not a plus in the workplace. Time (Aug 3, 2015)
  186. timid
    showing fear and lack of courage
    Where the U.S. could have been aggressive in its pursuit of additional bi- and multi-lateral trade agreements, it has been timid. US News (Jun 10, 2015)
  187. traditional
    consisting of or derived from a practice of long standing
    Classicists insist the only syrup to use is Fox’s U-bet, chocolate being the most traditional flavor, though vanilla and strawberry are certainly not unheard of. Wall Street Journal (Sep 3, 2015)
  188. unanticipated
    not expected
    “It’s unpredictable, unanticipated, and it’s simply an unfortunate accident when it happens.” New York Times (Jun 20, 2015)
  189. unctuous
    unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating
    When singing about searing indignities, that unctuous and unbothered voice of his makes it sound as if he’s just buttering up his adversary. New York Times (Jun 13, 2011)
  190. undermine
    weaken or impair, especially gradually
    Bypassing the system of checks and balances would only cause chaos and undermine the legitimacy of the state. Wall Street Journal (Sep 8, 2015)
  191. unprecedented
    novel; having no earlier occurrence
    In an unprecedented show of military might Beijing has promised never-before-seen firepower on display. BBC (Sep 1, 2015)
  192. urgency
    an earnest and insistent necessity
    While the process can often take up to a year or more, the outbreak created a sense of urgency that could speed things up. Washington Times (Sep 8, 2015)
  193. vehement
    marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions
    Folks tend to be either hardcore cloud “fans” or vehement cloud “detractors”, and often there is not much middle ground between them. Forbes (Jul 17, 2015)
  194. vexed
    troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
    These are questions that for years have vexed the courts, which have struggled to define the difference between permissible and illegal computer use. Washington Times (Sep 9, 2015)
  195. vibrant
    vigorous and animated
    We know these cities, at their best, can all be inviting, vibrant, and dynamic destinations. Time (Aug 31, 2015)
  196. vituperative
    marked by harshly abusive criticism
    If you read the online versions of newspaper columns you can click over to the reader comments, which are often critical, vituperative and insulting. Seattle Times (Feb 7, 2015)
  197. vivacious
    vigorous and animated
    "Patients today are unyielding in their desire to continue to be active and maintain a physically vivacious life," Grossman said. US News (Sep 2, 2015)
  198. wistful
    showing pensive sadness
    At age 40, most men can take a wistful look back and think of a few things they wish they had done in their youth. Washington Times (Aug 7, 2015)
  199. witty
    demonstrating striking cleverness and humor
    The whole evening was a strange yet fluid mix of witty comments and funny anecdotes with thoughtful reflection about literature and poignant personal disclosures. Newsweek (Feb 28, 2015)
  200. zealous
    marked by active interest and enthusiasm
    A zealous prosecutor, Elizabeth Scheibel, went on a crusade, bringing criminal charges against six teenagers that held them directly responsible for causing...death. Slate (Apr 10, 2014)
Created on Tue Sep 08 10:59:41 EDT 2015 (updated Tue Dec 15 12:57:22 EST 2015)

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