verb

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Bad / Dirty

tarnish - To cause a metal to lose its shine, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture

The spoons were in varying conditions, some of them tarnished until they turned black.

noun

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Bad / Angry

tirade - A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation

After his team lost the championship game, the coach launched into a tirade against his players, listing all the things they had done wrong in the game.

noun

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Bad / Unhappy

sourpuss - A bad-tempered or habitually sullen person

Even though he was just a cat, Henry's downturned expression made him look like a sourpuss.

adjective

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Bad / Confused

mystified - Being very puzzled and confused

Edwin Hubble was mystified why the light analysis of certain stars showed a 'red shift', until he realized that they were entire galaxies moving away from us at tremendous speeds.

verb

See noun

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Good / Busy

swarm - (of insects) move in or form a swarm

The thousands of locusts swarmed until they blocked out most of the sky.

adjective

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Bad / Small

petty - Of little importance; trivial

The voters were angry over politicians fighting over petty matters instead of the big issues facing the country.

adjective

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Other / Shape

fuzzy - Having a frizzy, fluffy, or frayed texture or appearance

After too much use, a tennis ball will develop a fuzzy texture and not be suitable for play anymore.

noun

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Good / Exciting

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.

adjective

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Good / Brave

plucky - Having or showing determined courage in the face of difficulties

Mary's plucky personality made her determined to compete in the race despite being confined to a wheelchair.

noun

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Bad / Boring

drudgery - Hard, menial, or dull work

Jack couldn't wait until 5:00 so that he could escape the drudgery of the office.

verb

See noun

23 of 60

Other / Up+Down

fling - Throw or hurl forcefully

The pitcher would have to fling the baseball fast enough for the batter to miss it.

adjective

24 of 60

Bad / Weak

decrepit - (of a person) elderly and infirm

Maryanne was viewed as decrepit due to her age-related physical ailments, but she was as feisty and sharp as people half her age.