Page 1 of 38

thousands of words, with “These daily updates were

no guarantee that the terms designed to help readers
you learn will be the ones keep abreast of the
https://gre.economist.com/ you see on test day. markets...”
gre-advice/gre-vocabulary/ Source: "China’s market
which-words-study/most- We have written mess" published in The
common-gre-vocabulary-list- previously on the benefits Economist
organized-difficulty
of game-ifying and
strategizing effectively Get our GRE newsletter
Printed on August 19 2019 around GRE vocabulary. Learn how the test is
To that end, we’ve scored, what the most
delineated a selection of common GRE vocabulary
GRE Advice GRE common vocabulary into words are and how to
Vocabulary three levels of difficulty, create a realistic study
so that you ascend in timeline
difficulty the more words
Which words to you learn. If you want to Abstain: verb, Restrain
study expand your selection, try oneself from doing or
following Economist GRE enjoying something
Tutor on Instagram or Synonyms: refrain, desist,
Most downloading our GRE
Daily Vocabulary app, for
hold back
“The decision
common a new word every day.  to abstain from such
techniques, just and wise
GRE Level One GRE though it was, came at a
cost.”
vocabulary: Vocabulary: Source: "Standard
Least Difficult operating procedure"
A list published in The
Economist
organized Aberration: noun, a
departure from what is
Abyss: noun, a deep or
by difficulty normal, usual, or expected
“The Fed will probably
seemingly bottomless
chasm
need convincing that the
Print Email Share on Synonyms: gorge, ravine,
latest labour-market report
Facebook Twitter void
was an aberrationbefore
“Whose dire warnings
tightening policy.”
For many GRE test-takers, about risks... seem most
Source: "When barometers
vocabulary-building believable? Which abyss
go wrong" published in
presents a special looks darker and deeper?”
The Economist
challenge. With so many Source: "The Brexit
words that might appear on referendum on June 23rd
Abreast: adjective, Up to
your individual iteration of will be all about David
date with the latest news,
the GRE, it can be hard to Cameron" published in
ideas, or information
fathom learning them all. The Economist
Synonyms: in touch with,
Full vocabulary lists span plugged into
 Page 2 of 38

Adept: adjective, Very Altruism: noun, the belief Apathy: noun, Lack of
skilled or proficient at in or practice of selfless interest, enthusiasm, or
something concern for the well-being concern
Synonyms: expert, of others Synonyms: indifference,
proficient, accomplished Synonyms: selflessness, passivity, ennui
“An abundance of clever compassion, goodwill “Perhaps most difficult
people—adept in English “Dr Decety is not the first will be overcoming the
law as much as in finance to wonder, in a scientific cynicism, and apathy, of
—draws in banks, fund way, about the connection the public.”
managers and so forth...” between religion Source: "As the North East
Source: "From folly to and altruism.” rejects a devolution deal,
fragmentation" published Source: "Matthew 22:39" the West Midlands
in The Economist published in The embraces one" published
Economist in The Economist
Agog: adjective, Very
eager or curious to hear or Ambivalent: adjective, Arbitrary: adjective, Based
see something having mixed feelings or on random choice or
Synonyms: excited, contradictory ideas about personal whim, rather than
impatient, in suspense something or someone any reason or system
“We are now agog to know Synonyms: equivocal, Synonyms: capricious,
when, on the basis of its uncertain, unsure random, chance
forecasts, the Bank will “The first was “The prevailing belief
push up interest rates...” a chronic lack of focus. among linguists had been
Source: "The perils of Right from the start Yahoo that the sounds used to
planning on the basis of was ambivalent about form those words were
economic forecasts" whether it should be a arbitrary.”
published in The media or a technology Source: "Distant
Economist company.” languages have similar
Source: "From dotcom sounds for common
Allure: noun, the quality of hero to zero" published in words" published in The
being powerfully and The Economist Economist
mysteriously attractive or
fascinating Annul: verb, Declare Arbiter: noun, a person
Synonyms: attraction, lure, invalid who settles a dispute or has
draw Synonyms: repeal, ultimate authority in a
“Yet it was the allure of reverse, rescind matter
the Model T for millions of “Last month’s election was Synonyms: authority,
consumers that finally a re-run of a vote in judge, controller
drove the horse off the October 2015, the results “The viewer is, ultimately,
road.” of which were annulled the arbiter of influence:
Source: "When oil is no after several candidates either partaking in the
longer in demand" alleged electoral objectification, or actively
published in The malpractice.” challenging the power
Economist Source: "Haiti’s probable dynamic.”
new president" published Source: "Learning artists'
in The Economist secrets from their studios"
 Page 3 of 38

published in The Blight: noun, a thing that Bolster: verb, Support or

Economist spoils or damages strengthen
something Synonyms: reinforce, prop
Artless: adjective, without Synonyms: affliction, up, boost
guile or deception scourge, bane “If the results are
Synonyms: candid, direct, “Yet the USFS predicts confirmed, they will
forthright that within a couple of bolster voters’ belief in the
“He is loveably artless and decades, because of system.”
embarrassingly awkward slowing growth and Source: "Could a recount
in his unstoppably cheerful climate-related blights, the overturn the election
attempts to win over the forests will become an result?" published in The
frosty members of the emissions source.” Economist
band...” Source: "Ravaged
Source: "Talking to woodlands" published in Bombastic: adjective,
Frank" published in The The Economist High-sounding but with
Economist little meaning; inflated
Blithe: adjective, showing Synonyms: pompous,
Audacious: adjective, a casual and cheerful blustering, turgid
showing a willingness to indifference considered to “Cynics may ascribe Mr.
take surprisingly bold risks be callous or improper Rubio’s mild tone to the
Synonyms: bold, daring, Synonyms: indifferent, diverse population of his
fearless unconcerned, blasé home state, and the fact
“It was as audacious as any “Mr. Cameron’s that bombastic Mr. Trump
heist and yet unlikely government was too posh, trails in the polls there.”
material for a Hollywood too cocky, too blithe about Source: "A bloody week
blockbuster.” globalization’s merits, too for America" published in
Source: "The Dhaka metropolitan. Too Notting The Economist
caper" published in The Hill. “
Economist Source: "Britain’s new Boycott: noun, a punitive
prime minister will regret ban that forbids relations
Austere: adjective, Having appointing Boris Johnson" with certain groups
an extremely plain and published in The Synonyms: veto, shunning,
simple style or appearance Economist rejection
Synonyms: unadorned, “Conversely some
subdued, stark Blowhard: noun, a person prominent black women
“Not all Western airports who blusters and boasts in have called for a boycott,
have austere arrival an unpleasant way seeing Mr. Parker’s past as
concourses à la Heathrow; Synonyms: boaster, a disqualifying stain.”
many have eateries and bragger, show-off Source: "Blood on the
bars...” “His name conjured up leaves" published in The
Source: "Airport arrivals: associations such as Economist
something to celebrate" ‘arrogant’ and
published in The ‘blowhard’ ...” Burlesque: noun, a variety
Economist Source: "The art of the show
demagogue" published in Synonyms: skit, farce,
The Economist striptease
 Page 4 of 38

“Madame JoJo’s, Synonyms: ending, finale “But shamelessly self-

a burlesque bar in “With distinct ballad, interested and probably
London’s Soho, had its opera and hard rock contrary to his real views
license revoked in 2014 sections—and a pensive on the EU though it is, the
after two bouncers intro and coda, for good mayor’s move is perhaps
brandished a baseball bat measure—the song was not entirely disingenuous.”
at a rowdy crowd.” not for listeners in a Source: "Boris Johnson is
Source: "Less than hurry.” wrong: in the 21st century,
ecstatic" published in The Source: "Bohemian sovereignty is always
Economist Rhapsody's long legacy" relative" published in The
published in The Economist
Cacophony: noun, a Economist
harsh, discordant mixture Docile: adjective, Ready to
of sounds Confound: verb, Prove (a accept control or
Synonyms: racket, noise, theory, expectation, or instruction; submissive
clamor prediction) wrong Synonyms: compliant,
“In 1957 New York’s Synonyms: contradict, obedient, pliant
subway contained a counter, go against “Docile with humans, they
haphazard mishmash of “Yet in another sense, the are fierce defenders of
fonts, both serif and sans, Fed has confounded territory and their young.”
and a typographic predictions—at least, those Source: "Breeding cows
designer, sick of the it made itself.” that can defend themselves
visual cacophony, Source: "The Federal against jaguars" published
submitted a brief to the Reserve prepares to raise in The Economist
New York City Transit interest rates again"
Authority...” published in The Doff: verb, Remove (an
Source: "Fonts and cities: Economist item of clothing)
a love story" published in Synonyms: lay hold of,
The Economist Deign: verb, Do something take hold of
that one considers to be “To don shoes,
Chronic: adjective, (Of a beneath one's dignity to doff them, or even to
problem) long lasting and Synonyms: come down throw them at somebody?”
difficult to eradicate from one's high horse Source: "Putting their best
Synonyms: constant, “If the Senate deigns to feet forward" published in
continuing, persistent consider and confirm a The Economist
“Pessimists think the nominee, do not expect
productivity problem changes overnight.” Dote: verb, be extremely
is chronic. Technological Source: "How the election and uncritically fond of
advances, they say, are will shape the Supreme Synonyms: adore, love
ever-less revolutionary...” Court" published in The dearly, be devoted to
Source: "Econundrum" Economist “Falling birth-rates
published in The allowed parents to dote on
Economist Disingenuous: adjective, fewer children, who were
not candid or sincere increasingly likely to go to
Coda: noun, a concluding Synonyms: dishonest, school.”
event, remark or section deceitful, duplicitous Source: "Love’s labour"
 Page 5 of 38

published in The ethos.’” Stadium will still be

Economist Source: "Growing Cotton standing...”
in Iowa" published in The Source: "Why baseball’s
Endow: verb, Provide with Economist best player should be sent
a quality, ability, or asset packing" published in The
Synonyms: equip, bless, Facetious: adjective, Economist
give Treating serious issues
“Good and inspiring with deliberately Falter: verb, Move
teachers, meanwhile, such inappropriate humor unsteadily or in a way that
as... J.K. Rowling’s Synonyms: flippant, glib, shows lack of confidence
Minerva McGonagall, are tongue-in-cheek Synonyms: stumble,
portrayed as endowed with “'More disturbing,' says fumble
supernatural gifts...” Mr. Hart, I didn't note that “His early steps were
Source: "Teaching the his column was facetious. faltering, and a frailer soul
teachers" published in The In tone, it was indeed, and might have been daunted
Economist I should have noted that.” by his mentors’ fate...”
Source: "The etymological Source: "Obituary: John
Ephemeral: adjective, fallacy" published in The Glenn died on December
Lasting for a very short Economist 8th" published in The
time Economist
Synonyms: fleeting, Faction: noun, a small,
passing, short-lived organized, dissenting Flail: verb, Flounder;
“One was Song Dong, just group within a larger one, struggle uselessly
19 and studying oil especially in politics Synonyms: thrash, thresh,
painting which he quickly Synonyms: contingent, squirm
abandoned. Now he is section, sector “This means that, a good
known for his “One particular accent, rhythm and
performances and separatist faction is now grammar notwithstanding,
his ephemeral—sometimes widely accepted to have the intermediate-to-
edible—installations.” been responsible for a advanced learner is likely
Source: "Robert string of small bombs to flail...”
Rauschenberg: Ripe for which detonated in Source: "The humble
reassessment" published in August...” linguist" published in The
The Economist Source: "The death of the Economist
Thai king throws the
Ethos: noun, the country into turmoil" Fluke: noun, Unlikely
characteristic spirit of a published in The chance occurrence,
culture, era, or community Economist especially a surprising
Synonyms: character, piece of luck
atmosphere, climate Fallow: adjective, Inactive Synonyms: coincidence,
“Mr. Cotton presented Synonyms: dormant, quiet, accident, a twist of fate
himself as a member of the slack “Was this a fluke? Mr.
generation moved by the “Their fickle attention Baker is not the first to
patriotic spirit... leaving might waver for a notice the anomaly.”
civilian careers to join the few fallow years of Source: "Risk and the
army and learn a ‘warrior rebuilding, but Angel
 Page 6 of 38

stockmarket" published in you" published in The Grovel: verb, Act in an

The Economist Economist obsequious manner in
order to obtain someone's
Forage: verb, (of a person Garner: verb, Gather or forgiveness or favor
or animal) search widely collect (something, Synonyms: be servile, suck
for food or provisions especially information or up, flatter
Synonyms: hunt, scavenge, approval) “She writes...in the
grub Synonyms: accumulate, knowledge that some of
“And you must be ready to amass, assemble these lovers will snoop into
abandon tired orthodoxies “Labs that garnered more her diary to see what she's
of the left and right pay-offs were more likely written. ('Does she get a
and forage for good ideas to pass on their methods to kick out of my groveling in
across the political other, newer labs...” the last two years?)”
spectrum.” Source: "Incentive malus" Source: "When she was
Source: "The next published in The good" published in The
supermodel" published in Economist Economist
The Economist
Gist: noun, the substance Harangue: noun, a lengthy
Fortuitous: adjective, or essence of a speech or and aggressive speech
Happening by a lucky text Synonyms: tirade, diatribe,
chance Synonyms: quintessence, rant
Synonyms: fortunate, main idea “State-run China Central
advantageous, opportune “Machine translation, too, Television (CCTV) has
“Thanks to these sensible has gone from terrible to broadcast harsh criticisms
policies, and usable for getting of some multinationals,
the fortuitous tailwind of the gist of a text...” including an
higher productivity Source: "Finding a voice" absurd harangue over
growth, the economy published in The Starbucks’ prices...”
boomed and prosperity Economist Source: "A harder road
was shared.” ahead" published in The
Source: "Can she fix it?" Gossamer: adjective, Used Economist
published in The to refer to something very
Economist light, thin, and Impetuous: adjective,
insubstantial or delicate Acting or done quickly and
Fringe: noun, the Synonyms: gauzy, without thought or care
unconventional, extreme, gossamery, fine Synonyms: impulsive,
or marginal wing of a “Like a saintly relic, rash, hasty
group or sphere of activity the gossamer threads that “The report holds many
Synonyms: peripheral, tie the two halves offer the lessons, including for this
radical, unorthodox promise of miraculous newspaper, which
“Fringe beliefs reinforced healing by evoking the supported the invasion of
in these ways can establish vulnerability of the Iraq: about the danger
themselves and persist suffering body.” of impetuous decision-
long after outsiders deem Source: "Die and do" making...”
them debunked...” published in The Source: "The dangerous
Source: "Yes, I’d lie to Economist
 Page 7 of 38

chill of Chilcot" published “It was a stultifying response, calling the

in The Economist procession of patriotic downing a 'stab in the
songs... insipid skits and back'...”
Indictment: noun, a formal bald propaganda.” Source: "Turkey’s
charge or accusation of a Source: "Core values" downing of a Russian jet
serious crime published in The was a confrontation
Synonyms: arraignment, Economist waiting to happen"
citation published in The
“A criminal indictment Lax: adjective, Not Economist
would, in all likelihood, sufficiently strict, severe,
force the prime minister to or careful Loll: verb, Sit, lie, or stand
resign.” Synonyms: slack, slipshod, in a lazy, relaxed way
Source: "A new scandal negligent Synonyms: lounge, sprawl,
rocks Israel’s prime “Mario Draghi has faced drape oneself
minister" published in The attacks from critics in “The pair loll on a green
Economist Germany (for being hillside at Murnau south of
too lax) and Greece (for Munich where Münter had
Inert: adjective, Lacking being too tight).” bought a house.”
vigor Source: "Rethinking Source: "Eye music"
Synonyms: idle, inactive, central bank published in The
underactive independence" published Economist
“America’s founders, he in The Economist
argued, put their faith in Lurid: adjective, Presented
reasoned discussion among Listless: adjective, (Of a in vividly shocking or
citizens and believed that person or their manner) sensational terms
the 'greatest menace to lacking energy or Synonyms: melodramatic,
freedom is an inert people.' enthusiasm exaggerated,
“ Synonyms: lethargic, overdramatized
Source: "Citizen Brandeis" enervated, lackadaisical “Their absence from the
published in The “Ukraine is brimming with public eye, especially in a
Economist weapons and thousands of Western country with an
militiamen, angry with a abundant supply of good
Ingrate: noun, an corrupt hospitals, tends to spark
ungrateful person and listless government lurid rumours of illness
“Greater liberty... over the they feel has hijacked the and even death.”
past generation is abused revolution.” Source: "Malawi’s
by ingrates who think it Source: "Mr. Saakashvili president disappears"
funny to depict their goes to Odessa" published published in The
leaders pantless...” in The Economist Economist
Source: "Run!" published
in The Economist Livid: adjective, furiously Mar: verb, Impair the
angry quality or appearance of
Insipid: adjective, Lacking Synonyms: infuriated, Synonyms: spoil, ruin,
vigour or interest irate, fuming damage
Synonyms: boring, vapid, “A livid Vladimir Putin “These oversights mar an
dull minced no words in his otherwise engaging and
 Page 8 of 38

interesting account, but Source: "Letting go, published in The

perhaps it is natural that a slowly" published in The Economist
history of space should Economist
have a few gaping holes.” Oblique: adjective, Not
Source: "The uncanny Modest: adjective, not explicit or direct in
physics of empty space" excessively large, addressing a point
published in The elaborate, or expensive Synonyms: indirect,
Economist Synonyms: ordinary, inexplicit, roundabout
simple, plain “'Fire at Sea' has been
Mince: verb, Use polite or “They can be seen in praised for offering
moderate expressions to the modest dress, office an oblique, poetic
indicate disapproval decor and eating habits of alternative to a more
“President Barack Obama Angela Merkel, the conventional campaigning
didn’t mince his words in a daughter of a Lutheran documentary...”
tweet on June 21st, the day pastor...” Source: "The odd, award-
after the Senate failed to Source: "How Martin winning migration movie
pass four proposals...” Luther has shaped 'Fire at Sea'" published in
Source: "Senators fail the Germany for half a The Economist
American people (again)" millennium" published in
published in The The Economist Opaque: adjective, Not
Economist able to be seen through;
Morose: adjective, Sullen not transparent
Minion: noun, a follower and ill-tempered Synonyms: cloudy,
or underling of a powerful Synonyms: sullen, sulky, obscure
person gloomy “But Mr. Kim is
Synonyms: henchman, “Mr. Macron’s can-do so opaque and so little is
yes-man, lackey political energy stands out known about how
“Its minions have set up in morose France, home to decisions come about in
thousands of social-media 10% unemployment and the capital, Pyongyang,
“bots” and other spamming growth last year of just that deterring North Korea
weapons to drown out 1.1%.” is fraught with difficulty.”
other content.” Source: "Beardless youth" Source: "A nuclear
Source: "Yes, I’d lie to published in The nightmare" published in
you" published in The Economist The Economist
Economist
Muse: noun, a person or Overwrought: adjective,
Mirth: noun, Amusement, personified force who is (of a piece of writing or a
especially as expressed in the source of inspiration work of art) too elaborate
laughter for a creative artist or complicated in design or
Synonyms: merriment, Synonyms: inspiration, construction
high spirits influence, stimulus Synonyms: overblown,
“A further proposal, to cut “Mr. Blackwell’s mother contrived, exaggerated
the salaries of senior public was Fleming’s mistress, “She made prodigious
managers by 25%, has muse and supposedly the strides as a writer and
caused both anger model for Pussy Galore.” learned to temper
and mirth.” Source: "Island story" her overwrought outpourin
 Page 9 of 38

gs.” Platitude: noun, A remark project.”

Source: "Charlotte or statement, especially Source: "Opinion is
Brontë’s classroom one with a moral content, divided on China’s
fantasy" published in The that has been used too massive infrastructure
Economist often to be interesting or projects" published in The
thoughtful Economist
Pertain: verb, be Synonyms: cliché, truism,
appropriate, related, or commonplace Prodigal: noun, a person
applicable “For most of her end-of- who leaves home and
Synonyms: concern, relate term grilling by the liaison behaves recklessly, but
to, be related to committee... she wore an later makes a repentant
“Religious exceptions to aquiline scowl, quibbling return
the law, such as those with the questions and, “As the 73-year-old Mr.
pertaining to animal when pushed, cleaving to Obiang becomes frailer,
welfare, should ideally be evasive platitudes...” his sons, including the
ended...” Source: "Assessing the prodigal Teodorín, have
Source: "Like other old first six months of Theresa begun jockeying to
institutions, England’s May" published in The succeed him.”
state religion uses artful Economist Source: "Palace in the
adaptation" published in jungle" published in The
The Economist Plethora: noun, a large or Economist
excessive amount
Pine: verb, Miss and long Synonyms: excess, Prophetic: adjective,
for the return of overabundance, surplus Accurately describing or
“Few DJs pine for the days “Podcasts were facing predicting what will
of ones-and-twos; the fierce competition for happen in the future
possibilities of modern audiences’ attention from Synonyms: predictive,
technology are too a plethora of other new visionary
alluring.” digital-native products “As the depleted council
Source: "Now that anyone including Facebook, began, Metropolitan
can be a DJ, is the art YouTube and Twitter.” Kallistos Ware... said he
form dead?" published in Source: "2016: the year still hoped it could avoid
The Economist the podcast came of age" being mired in
published in The Orthodoxy’s internal woes
Placate: verb, Make Economist and 'speak in a
(someone) less angry or firm, prophetic voice' to
hostile Posit: verb, Put forward as humanity.”
Synonyms: appease, fact or as a basis for Source: "The autumn of
pacify, mollify argument the patriarchs" published
“The government has tried Synonyms: postulate, in The Economist
to placate voters without propound, submit
abandoning its policies.” “Mr. Ansar and his co- Purist: noun, a person who
Source: "It’s cold outside" authors assume this margin insists on absolute
published in The is 40%: they posit a ratio adherence to traditional
Economist of expected benefits to rules or structures
costs of 1.4 for every Synonyms: pedant,
 Page 10 of 38

dogmatist, perfectionist introversion, restraint particular circumstance,

“From this purist point of “Mr. Harding is more quality, or person
view, there is only one comfortable with facts; Synonyms: shame,
Christian church worthy of with classic disgrace, dishonour
the name....” English reticence, he “A stigma against adults
Source: "Eastern buries his family’s having fun, strong in the
Christian leaders face responses in footnotes and aftermath of the Second
ultra-conservative summaries.” World War, has faded.”
grumbles as they prepare Source: "Vantage point" Source: "Toymakers
for a summit" published in published in The bounce back in the land of
The Economist Economist adult nappies" published
in The Economist
Pyre: noun, a heap of Rue: verb, Bitterly regret
combustible material, (something one has done Strut: verb, Walk with a
especially one for burning or allowed to happen) stiff, erect, and apparently
a corpse as part of a Synonyms: deplore, arrogant or conceited gait
funeral ceremony lament, bemoan Synonyms: swagger,
“Yet Ms McInerney takes “Meanwhile, Mr. prance, parade
the story deeper, skillfully Showalter will now have a “Dogs strut their stuff on
setting a funeral pyre 'for long six months to rue his its pavements tricked out
that Ireland'...” slavery to the save rule in tutus, hoodies, boots,
Source: "Irish charm" before his club plays overalls and trousers.”
published in The another game.” Source: "Furry
Economist Source: "Progressive fashionable" published in
managers are finding The Economist
Quack: noun, a person who sweet relief by unshackling
dishonestly claims to have their closers" published in Sublime: adjective, of very
special knowledge in some The Economist great excellence or beauty
field Synonyms: awe-inspiring,
Synonyms: swindler, Ruminate: verb, Think awesome, majestic
charlatan, fraud deeply about something “Yet life in the ocean can
“That can cause Synonyms: contemplate, still
malnutrition and eating consider, mull over mount sublime spectacles.”
disorders—and supports a “Alfred Sauvy, the French Source: "If the ocean was
vast, quack-ridden diet thinker... was prone to transparent" published in
industry.” worry that the first world The Economist
Source: "Declare war on would become 'a society of
misleading metaphors" old people, living in old Surly: adjective, Bad-
published in The houses, ruminating about tempered and unfriendly
Economist old ideas.'” Synonyms: ill-natured,
Source: "Age invaders" grumpy, glum
Reticence: noun, the published in The “Here, poverty and
quality of not revealing Economist economic decline has led
one’s thoughts or feelings to the surly separation of a
readily Stigma: noun, a mark of left-behind, resentful white
Synonyms: reserve, disgrace associated with a working class and a
 Page 11 of 38

Muslim minority.” doubt.” Source: "Britain’s newly

Source: "Integration Source: "Why Ukraine’s interventionist economic
nation" published in The Eurovision song contest is consensus is a question,
Economist in crisis" published in The not an answer" published
Economist in The Economist
Syncopation: noun, A
displacement of the beat or Temperate: adjective, Torrid: adjective, Full of
accents in (music or a Relating to or denoting a difficulty or tribulation
rhythm) so that strong region or climate “The pound, after a
beats become weak and characterized by mild few torrid days of trading
vice versa temperatures immediately after the vote,
“She dances an assortment Synonyms: mild, clement, has stabilized.”
of lissom steps, pleasant Source: "How Britain’s
marvelously shedding “It can remain temperate in post-referendum economy
shoes and socks as the such a close orbit only is faring" published in The
Beethoven famously shifts because Proxima is a red Economist
from solemnity dwarf, and thus much
to syncopation.” cooler than the sun. “ Transgression: noun, an act
Source: "Her final steps" Source: "Proximate goals" that goes against a law,
published in The published in The rule, or code of conduct
Economist Economist Synonyms: offense, crime,
sin
Taunt: noun, A remark Terse: adjective, Sparing in “We can forgive most
made in order to anger, the use of words kinds of transgression—
wound, or provoke Synonyms: curt, brusque, anger, adultery, avarice—
someone abrupt but we cannot forgive
Synonyms: jeer, gibe, “In a terse phone-call on absurdity.”
sneer Thursday night, President Source: "Can we forgive
“But in the past two years Barack Obama paused Anthony Weiner?"
taunts have turned into only briefly to congratulate published in The
deadly attacks.” Mr. Netanyahu on his Economist
Source: "Murder for victory...”
profit" published in The Source: "Picking up the Treacherous: adjective,
Economist pieces" published in The Guilty of or involving
Economist betrayal or deception
Tawdry: adjective, Showy Synonyms: traitorous,
but cheap and of poor Tome: noun, a book, disloyal, perfidious
quality especially a large, heavy, “It sang of domineering
Synonyms: gaudy, flashy, scholarly one men, treacherous women
garish Synonyms: volume, work, and the manly solace of
“A team of 21 organisers opus tequila.”
resigned from the National “It is a tome to which most Source: "Mexico’s mirror"
Public Broadcasting recent arguments about published in The
Company of Ukraine regulation and economic Economist
(NPBCU), throwing the reform are merely
festival of tawdry pop into annotations.”
 Page 12 of 38

Vapid: adjective, offering between solid and liquid Synonyms: drift, float,
nothing that is stimulating Synonyms: gummy, glue- glide
or challenging; bland like, gluey “The acrid scent of smoke
Synonyms: insipid, “Not all barrels of oil are wafts from his clothes.”
uninspired, uninteresting alike. Crudes can Source: "Despite tough
“Mr. Silver delighted in be viscous like tar or so talk, Indonesia’s
savaging commentators 'light' they float on water.” government is struggling
who relied on vapid clichés Source: "Crude measure" to stem deforestation"
like 'momentum shifts' and published in The published in The
'game-changers.'” Economist Economist
Source: "Pushback"
published in The Volatile: adjective, Liable Wanton: adjective, (of a
Economist to change rapidly and cruel or violent action)
unpredictably, especially deliberate and unprovoked
Vestige: noun, a trace of for the worse Synonyms: malicious,
something that is Synonyms: tense, strained, malevolent, spiteful
disappearing or no longer turbulent “Over the decades these
exists “The period from the Muslim non-people,
Synonyms: remnant, 1940s to the 1970s, when without legal or any other
remainder, fragment governments took primary sort of protection, have
“He said this would responsibility for keeping been the victims of wanton
remove a economies out of slumps, discrimination and
'lingering vestige of the was more volatile and violence…”
cold war.' “ inflationary...” Source: "Myanmar’s
Source: "Politics this Source: "The desperation shame" published in The
week" published in The of independents" published Economist
Economist in The Economist
Whitewash: verb,
Vilify: verb, Speak or Waffle: noun, Lengthy but Deliberately attempt to
write about in an abusively trivial or useless talk or conceal unpleasant facts
disparaging manner writing about (a person or
Synonyms: disparage, Synonyms: prattle, hot air, organization)
denigrate, defame drivel Synonyms: cover up,
“Its publications and “Most voters say they sweep under the carpet
social-media accounts, know little about the “Indeed, in trying
however, have vilified candidates or their policies, to whitewash the past, the
Turkey ever since the some of which are pure government may stir up
country decided last year waffle.” prejudice instead.”
to open its airbases to Source: "No walk in the Source: "The politics of
coalition jets...” Park" published in The memory" published in The
Source: "Soft target" Economist Economist
published in The
Economist Waft: verb, Pass or cause Whittle: verb, Reduce
to pass easily or gently something in size, amount,
Viscous: adjective, having through or as if through the or extent by a gradual
a thick, sticky consistency air series of steps
 Page 13 of 38

Synonyms: erode, wear Wry: adjective, Using or absorb the migrants who
away, diminish expressing dry, especially are now sailing or trudging
“Democrats had spent a mocking, humor towards its heart.”
nervous September Synonyms: Source: "A non-European
watching that ironic, sardonic, satirical pope is hailed as the
lead whittle away after “Catherine Merridale is greatest European"
Mrs. Clinton’s bout of one of the foremost foreign published in The
pneumonia...” historians of Russia, Economist
Source: "Hillary Clinton’s combining wry insights
polling compared with with deep sympathy for the Abate: verb, become less
Barack Obama’s" human beings...” intense or widespread
published in The Source: "Missed Synonyms: subside, die
Economist connection" published in away, die down
The Economist “A broad cash crunch and
Winsome: adjective, broken supply chains
Attractive or appealing in Zeal: noun, Great energy threaten a sharp economic
appearance or character or enthusiasm in pursuit of slowdown—albeit one that
Synonyms: engaging, a cause or an objective will abate...”
charming, winning Synonyms: passion, Source: "The dire
“By the time Mr. Pattinson zealousness, fervor consequences of India’s
came along as “But it was his zeal in demonetization initiative"
the winsome vampire in amassing land by published in The
“Twilight”, the teenage borrowing heavily that Economist
rebels were starting the gave him his edge—and
movie already dead.” ultimately brought him Accession: verb, the action
Source: "James Dean, down.” or process of formally
death-cult idol" published Source: "A gambler on joining an association or
in The Economist shale" published in The institution
Economist Synonyms: joining,
Wizened: adjective, signing up, enrollment
Shriveled or wrinkled with
age
Level Two GRE “China had expected to
win the status of a market
Synonyms: lined, creased, Vocabulary: economy in December, 15
withered
“His son, himself
Medium years after its accession to
the World Trade
a wizened old man, Difficulty Organization...”
is nonplussed by the news; Source: "An obsession
he looks like an eccentric, Abasement: noun, the with stable growth leads to
or maybe the village action or fact of abasing or vulnerabilities in China"
drunk...” being abased; humiliation published in The
Source: "The meandering, or degradation Economist
sure-footed genius of Synonyms: belittlement,
"Thithi" published in The disgrace Acerbic: adjective,
Economist “But of course, Europe (Especially of a comment
needs more than humility or style of speaking) sharp
or self-abasement if it is to and forthright
 Page 14 of 38

Synonyms: sardonic, Barack Obama’s Source: "Crazy diamonds"

biting, caustic presidency" published in published in The
“Mr. Zhang presented a The Economist Economist
friendly face in Hong
Kong, prompting the Big Apostle: noun, a vigorous Arson: noun, the criminal
Lychee, an acerbic local and pioneering advocate or act of deliberately setting
blog, to note: 'Few sights supporter of a particular fire to property
are more painful to behold cause Synonyms: incendiarism,
than a senior Chinese Synonyms: proponent, pyromania
Communist Party official promoter, propagandist “The political landscape
attempting to be nice...'” “On the website of already feels as ready to
Source: "Rocking boats, this apostle of anti- burn as any... drought-
shaking mountains" Americanism, there is an stricken forest, so that
published in The article rejoicing in the fact throwing inflammatory
Economist that the United States need statements around would
no longer be treated as an be as wicked as any act of
Acolyte: noun, a person enemy... “ arson.”
assisting the celebrant in a Source: "Russian anti- Source: "A bloody week
religious service or liberals love Donald for America" published in
procession Trump but it may not be The Economist
Synonyms: assistant, entirely mutual" published
helper, follower in The Economist Ascribe: verb, Attribute
“Critics refer to a ‘cult’ of something to (a cause)
‘acolytes’ around a ‘Great Apprise: verb, Inform or Synonyms: attribute to,
Leader’, unwilling to tell (someone) assign to, blame on
challenge him or engage Synonyms: notify, let “He had spent years
seriously with the work of know, advise training to be a
non-Chomskyan scholars.” “If not exactly legitimate, neurosurgeon; his doctor
Source: "Noam Chomsky" secret information is often first ascribed his sharp
published in The useful in apprising pains and dwindling frame
Economist countries of the intentions to the demands of
of others.” residency.”
Acumen: noun, the ability Source: "What are the Source: "As he lay dying"
to make good judgments spies for?" published in published in The
and quick decisions, The Economist Economist
typically in a particular
domain Armada: noun, a fleet of Barrage: noun, A
Synonyms: astuteness, warships concentrated outpouring,
awareness, acuity Synonyms: flotilla, as of questions or blows
“Literary critics admire his squadron, navy Synonyms: abundance,
summer reading selections, “This month he also mass, profusion
musicians his playlists, unveiled plans to send “Whatever the outcome of
scientists and tech an armada of tiny individual claims,
entrepreneurs his acumen spaceships, powered by the barrage of litigation
and curiosity.” laser beams and equipped will probably prompt firms
Source: "A reflection on with all sorts of sensors...” to adjust their online
 Page 15 of 38

terms.” waterfront.” wing attitudes in Germany

Source: "Ticking all the Source: "Leaving for the found
boxes" published in The city" published in The that xenophobia, chauvinis
Economist Economist m, anti-Semitism and
authoritarian longings were
Bevy: noun, a large group Canonical: adjective, (Of declining.”
of people or things of a an artist or work) Source: "Radikale Rechte"
particular kind belonging to the literary or published in The
Synonyms: group, crowd, artistic canon Economist
cluster Synonyms: established,
“Of the bevy of bullet authoritative Circumspect: adjective,
points in Mr. Obama’s new “The medium now mostly Wary and unwilling to take
package of executive consists of recycling the risks
actions, the most same canonical works by Synonyms: cautious, wary,
consequential is his European men from careful
decision to require centuries past.” “'This is an area where we
significantly expanded Source: "Can classical need to be extraordinarily
background checks.” music be cool?" published careful and circumspect',
Source: "Obama's new in The Economist he said. 'We’re literally
push for tougher gun talking about life and
controls" published in The Capricious: adjective, death.'”
Economist given to sudden and Source: "How assisted
unaccountable changes of suicide is gradually
Boor: noun, an unrefined, mood or behavior becoming lawful in
ill-mannered person Synonyms: fickle, America" published in The
Synonyms: lout, oaf, inconstant, changeable Economist
ruffian “But there is a body of
“End a sentence in a academic work that Coalesce: verb, Come
preposition, and there are supports the idea that together and form one
still people who will think elections often misfire. For mass or whole
you a boor.” one thing, voters can Synonyms: merge, unite,
Source: "Do you make be capricious.” fuse
Scandinavian mistakes?" Source: "X marks the “As they radiate away, the
published in The knot" published in The waves tend to coalesce to
Economist Economist form two main shock
waves.”
Bucolic: adjective, Chauvinism: noun, Source: "How supersonic
Relating to the pleasant Excessive or prejudiced jets may become less
aspects of the countryside loyalty or support for one’s noisy" published in The
and country life own cause, group, or Economist
Synonyms: rustic, rural, gender
pastoral Synonyms: jingoism, Coffer: noun, the funds or
“General Electric... is now excessive patriotism, financial reserves of a
swapping its bucolic site sectarianism group or institution
for a collection of “As recently as 2014, a Synonyms: resources,
warehouses on the Boston biannual survey of right- money, finances
 Page 16 of 38

“This scheme drains public trifecta: lax regulation, incessantly with fans and

coffers and is horribly potent marketing and celebrities...”
corrupt.” millions Source: "The last liberals"
Source: "State of denial" of credulousconsumers published in The
published in The keen to pin their hopes of a Economist
Economist healthier life on a pill.”
Source: "Miracle healers" Diatribe: noun, a forceful
Condone: verb, Accept and published in The and bitter verbal attack
allow (behavior that is Economist against someone or
considered morally wrong something
or offensive) Demur: verb, Raise doubts Synonyms:
Synonyms: disregard, let or objections or show tirade, harangue, onslaught
pass, excuse reluctance “CNN and other outlets
“Rashad Ali... argues that Synonyms: object, take were wrong to turn one
deradicalisation can be exception, take issue disgruntled passenger’s
worse than useless if “Mr. Sasse demurs. He Facebook diatribe into
practitioners, while does not want less fighting headline news. “
condemning between the left and right. Source: "One can of
IS, condone other He wants more worms, please. Unopened"
violence.” “meaningful fighting” published in The
Source: "A disarming about issues of substance.” Economist
approach" published in Source: "Ben Heard"
The Economist published in The Dictum: noun, a short
Economist statement that expresses a
Contrite: adjective, Feeling general truth or principle
or expressing remorse or Depravity: noun, Moral Synonyms: saying, maxim,
penitence corruption; wickedness axiom
Synonyms: regretful, sorry, Synonyms: vice, “Sometimes the old
apologetic perversion, deviance army dictum 'Don’t
“As the election results “He condemned the volunteer for anything'
were coming in, 'anarchical plutocracy' he must be broken.”
a contrite Mr. Turnbull lived in, scorning Source: "Lights, camera,
took 'full responsibility' for the depravity of modern action men" published in
the government’s poor society and its politics.” The Economist
performance.” Source: "The discomfort of
Source: "The churn down words" published in The Diffuse: verb, Spread out
under" published in The Economist over a large area
Economist Synonyms: scattered,
Deride: verb, Express dispersed, not concentrated
Credulous: adjective, contempt for; ridicule “The political economy of
having or showing too Synonyms: mock, jeer at, trade is treacherous: its
great a readiness to believe scoff at benefits, though
things “Mr. Trudeau’s domestic substantial, are diffuse...”
Synonyms: gullible, naive critics—so far a minority Source: "The consensus
“Supplements boast a —deride him as 'Prime crumbles" published in
unique Minister Selfie' for posing The Economist
 Page 17 of 38

Dilate: verb, Make or provokes dry amusement statuette, figure

become wider, larger, or Synonyms: funny, “The tradition of lighting
more open humorous, amusing bonfires and burning
Synonyms: enlarge, “Karo Akpokiere, from effigies of Guy Fawkes
expand Nigeria, will present a began shortly after the
“By being able to increase series of droll paintings foiled plot, and
heartbeat, while dilating inspired by the fast- schoolchildren still learn
blood vessels, theobromine moving pop culture that the ghoulish rhyme
can help reduce high blood has emerged in Lagos...” 'Remember, remember the
pressure.” Source: "New on the fifth of November.'”
Source: "Confection of the Rialto" published in The Source: "In Cuba, app
gods" published in The Economist stores pay rent" published
Economist in The Economist
Echelon: noun, a level or
Discordant: adjective, rank in an organization, a Elucidate: verb, Make
Disagreeing or profession, or society (something) clear
incongruous Synonyms: level, rank, Synonyms: explain, make
Synonyms: divergent, grade plain, illuminate
opposing, clashing “The social shock of the “One was from almost 600
“It represents an opening arrival of online education people who had
of musical trade routes will be substantially completed... a
between two greater if it devours the questionnaire intended
often discordant sides of top echelon of public to elucidatethe different
the world.” universities.” tendencies of people to
Source: "Omar Source: "The disruption to engage in sexual
Souleyman, not a debaser come" published in The relationships without a
but an Arab conduit to the Economist deep emotional
West" published in The commitment.”
Economist Eddy: verb, (of water, air, Source: "Cads and dads"
or smoke) move in a published in The
Divest: verb, Rid oneself circular way Economist
of something that one no Synonyms: swirl, whirl,
longer wants or requires, spiral Endemic: adjective, (Of a
such as a business interest “Above all, Hokusai was a disease or condition)
or investment master of line and pattern, regularly found among
“So far the protesters have inscribing his forms within particular people or in a
managed to persuade 220 contours that eddy and certain area
cities and institutions spill like the currents of a Synonyms: local, regional
to divest some of their mountain stream.” “One of the mysteries of
holdings...” Source: "Riding the crest" epidemiology is why Asia
Source: "Fight the power" published in The does not suffer from
published in The Economist yellow fever. The disease
Economist is endemic in Africa, the
Effigy: noun, a sculpture continent where it
Droll: adjective, Curious or or model of a person evolved.”
unusual in a way that Synonyms: statue, Source: "A preventable
 Page 18 of 38

tragedy" published in The published in The Source: "A dish called

Economist Economist hope" published in The
Economist
Epistemology: noun, the Esoteric: adjective,
theory of knowledge, Intended for or likely to be Façade: noun, the face of a
especially with regard to understood by only a small building
its methods, validity, and number of people with a Synonyms: front, frontage,
scope specialized knowledge or exterior
“The only way to know for interest “Its grey stone façade and
sure is to run the Synonyms: abstruse, arched doorways convey a
experiment (Mr. Lind's obscure, arcane feeling of prosperity, a
exotic epistemologynotwit “The subjects at hand often splash of high finance in
hstanding).” sound esoteric, if not silly, this small county town in
Source: "Michael Lind's but the questions may eastern China...”
bad argument against prove more than merely Source: "Big but brittle"
anything" published in The academic.” published in The
Economist Source: "Sneaking with the Economist
fishes" published in The
Epithet: noun, an adjective Economist Fetid: adjective, smelling
or descriptive phrase extremely unpleasant
expressing a quality Exemplar: noun, a person Synonyms: stinking,
characteristic of the person or thing serving as a smelly, foul-smelling
or thing; a term of abuse typical example or “The fetid smog that
Synonyms: name, label, excellent model settled on Beijing in
smear Synonyms: epitome, January 2013 could join
“Preposterous’ and perfect example the ranks of these game-
‘absurd’ were among the ‘At times 'Utopia' seems changing environmental
milder epithets that could less an exemplar of disruptions.”
be overheard in the idealism, and more of a Source: "The East is grey"
multilingual din.” satire on it.” published in The
Source: "Snafus and Source: "500 years on, are Economist
successes at the Olympics" we living in Thomas
published in The More’s Utopia?" Florid: adjective, using
Economist published in The unusual words or
Economist complicated rhetorical
Errant: adjective, Erring or constructions
straying from the proper Extol: verb, Praise Synonyms:
course or standards enthusiastically extravagant, grandiloquent
Synonyms: offending, Synonyms: go wild about, “A victorious Governor
guilty, culpable wax lyrical about Jerry Brown, his voice
“He could admit the error “This is likely to become a gruffer, his pate sparer and
and fire the errant media circus, with patient his metaphors
speechwriter.” advocates likely to attend more florid than during his
Source: "Melania Trump’s and extol the benefits of first stint in office...”
excruciating blunder" the treatments they Source: "Brownian
received.”
 Page 19 of 38

motion" published in The published in The Source: "Pandering and

Economist Economist other sins" published in
The Economist
Flout: verb, Openly Frenetic: adjective, Fast
disregard and energetic in a rather Gambit: noun, a device,
Synonyms: defy, refuse to wild and uncontrolled way action, or opening remark,
obey, go against Synonyms: frantic, wild, typically one entailing a
“It relies on its members, frenzied degree of risk, that is
and on institutions... to “Frenetic multi-tasking— calculated to gain an
shame and discourage surfing the web while advantage
people who flout important watching TV while Synonyms: plan, scheme,
political norms.” listening to music—is a strategy
Source: "How strong are formula for distraction, “What began as
the institutions of liberal rather than good a gambit to hold together
societies?" published in management.” his divided Tory party is
The Economist Source: "Here comes turning into an alarmingly
SuperBoss" published in close contest.”
Foible: noun, a minor The Economist Source: "The real danger
weakness or eccentricity in of Brexit" published in The
someone’s character Gall: noun, Bold, impudent Economist
Synonyms: idiosyncrasy, behavior
eccentricity, peculiarity Synonyms: insolence, Goad: verb, Provoke or
“The elder Bongo had a nerve, audacity annoy (someone) so as to
gift for politics as outsized With enough gall and stimulate some action or
as his personality (among entrepreneurial spirit, it reaction
other foibles, he liked to suggests, anyone can end Synonyms: spur, prod, egg
show off his pet tiger to up driving a Porsche and on
guests).” living in a marble-floored “Her words were meant
Source: "Trying to get past luxury apartment. to goad officials into
oil" published in The Source: "War games" action, not (presumably) to
Economist published in The describe how she saw the
Economist coming four years of her
Forestall: verb, Prevent or term.”
obstruct (an anticipated Galvanize: verb, Shock or Source: "A series of
event or action) by taking excite (someone), typically unfortunate events"
action ahead of time into taking action published in The
Synonyms: pre-empt, get Synonyms: jolt, impel Economist
in before, get ahead of “'The decay of American
“To forestall a social crisis, politics,' Mr. Fukuyama Gossamer: adjective, Used
he mused, governments writes, 'will probably to refer to something very
should consider a tax on continue until some light, thin, and
robots; if automation slows external shock comes insubstantial or delicate
as a result, so much the along to catalyze a true Synonyms: gauzy,
better.” reform coalition gossamery, fine
Source: "Why taxing and galvanize it into “Like a saintly relic,
robots is not a good idea" action.'” the gossamer threads that
 Page 20 of 38

tie the two halves offer the Source: "Apps and of sexism.”
promise of miraculous downsides" published in Source: "A proper
healing by evoking the The Economist reckoning" published in
vulnerability of the The Economist
suffering body.” Hapless: adjective,
Source: "Die and do" (Especially of a person) Immutable: adjective,
published in The unfortunate Unchanging over time or
Economist Synonyms: unlucky, unable to be changed
luckless, out of luck Synonyms: permanent, set,
Gouge: verb, Overcharge; “By the 1970s, many fans steadfast
swindle argued that the spectacle “After all, whom
“They do not want of hapless pitchers feebly institutions choose to
monopolists trying to fend off blazing celebrate and how they
to gouge consumers and fastballs was turning their depict the past are choices
stifle innovation, yet they at-bats into a mockery of to be debated,
often struggle to determine the game.” not immutable facts.”
the extent to which such Source: "Is it ever a good Source: "The colliding of
things are happening.” idea to let a hurler hit?" the American mind"
Source: "It’s complicated" published in The published in The
published in The Economist Economist
Economist
Homage: noun, Special Impasse: noun, a situation
Grandiloquent: adjective, honour or respect shown in which no progress is
Pompous or extravagant in publicly possible, especially
language, style, or manner Synonyms: tribute, because of disagreement
Synonyms: acknowledgement, Synonyms: deadlock, dead
pompous, bombastic, admiration end, stalemate
magniloquent “Over the past year, “The Catalan impasse is
“The authors give it a numerous young directors part of a wider Spanish
rather grandiloquent name: have been paying gridlock. Elections on
the desire 'to force destiny, gushing homage to the December 20th splintered
to create serendipity.'” movies which enchanted the political landscape.”
Source: "In praise of them in their youth.” Source: "The chore of the
misfits" published in The Source: "The dangerous Spanish succession"
Economist chill of Chilcot" published published in The
in The Economist Economist
Grouse: verb, complain
pettily; grumble Imbue: verb, Inspire or Inculcate: verb, Instill (an
Synonyms: moan, groan, permeate with a feeling or attitude, idea, or habit) by
protest quality persistent instruction
“Some Synonyms: saturate, fill, Synonyms: imbue, infuse,
economists grouse about suffuse inspire
such rules, which can “Some feminists argue, “The tests and ceremonies
interfere with the smooth moreover, that the very were to start inculcating a
functioning of competitive framework of economics is sense of common values
labour markets...” imbued with subtler forms that had previously been
 Page 21 of 38

lacking.” neurons" published in The published in The

Source: "Integration Economist Economist
nation" published in The
Economist Itinerant: adjective, Leery: adjective, Cautious
Traveling from place to or wary due to realistic
Indolence: noun, place suspicions
Avoidance of activity or Synonyms: peripatetic, Synonyms:
exertion wandering, roving careful, circumspect, on
Synonyms: laziness, “Her first America-set film one's guard
idleness, slothfulness is a freewheeling road “The past two decades
“The indolence of a society movie in which an 18- have left working-class
brought up to expect that year-old escapes a voters in many
oil riches will be lavished dysfunctional family by countries leery of
upon them is another large joining a group globalisation.”
hurdle.” of itinerant young misfits.” Source: "Trade in the
Source: "Saudi Arabia’s Source: "Noblesse oblige balance" published in The
post-oil future" published at Cannes" published in Economist
in The Economist The Economist
Limpid: adjective,
Inquest: noun, a judicial Laconic: adjective, (of a (especially of writing or
inquiry to ascertain the person, speech, or style of music) clear and accessible
facts relating to an writing) using very few or melodious
incident, such as a death words Synonyms: lucid, plain,
Synonyms: enquiry, Synonyms: brief, understandable
investigation, inquisition concise, terse “Unlike many writers of
“A jury at a “After decades in Spanish, he preferred
second inquest ruled that obscurity, he has been short, simple sentences,
they were unlawfully resurrected as an important and they gave his writing
killed.” literary figure, praised for a limpid intensity.”
Source: "The significance his laconic style and Source: "Poet of a magical
of the Hillsborough eyewitness testimony...” Latin American world"
inquests" published in The Source: "Darkness before published in The
Economist dawn" published in The Economist
Economist
Irascible: adjective, having Loquacious: adjective,
or showing a tendency to Largesse: noun, Generosity Tending to talk a great deal
be easily angered in bestowing money or Synonyms: talkative,
Synonyms: irritable, quick- gifts upon others voluble, communicative
tempered, short-tempered Synonyms: liberality, “Edwina, Williams’
“He survived, but some of munificence, bounty mother, was judgmental,
his contemporaries thought “All else equal, frigid and pious, but also
that the accident changed such largesse should as loquacious as her
his personality from indeed give the economy husband was laconic.”
pleasant to irascible.” some temporary vim.” Source: "Making Tenn out
Source: "From neurosis to Source: "King of debt" of Tom" published in The
Economist
 Page 22 of 38

Lucid: adjective, Showing themselves in a “Mr. Macron’s can-do

ability to think clearly seething milieu of particles political energy stands out
Synonyms: rational, sane, careening around a in morose France, home to
in one's right mind stretchy space-time, 10% unemployment and
“But his style is lucid and readers are reminded they growth last year of just
his judgments scrupulously are 'an integral part of the 1.1%.”
fair.” world which we Source: "Beardless youth"
Source: "A near-run perceive...'” published in The
thing" published in The Source: "The universe, Economist
Economist writ small" published in
The Economist Nascent: adjective, just
Malign: adjective, evil in coming into existence and
nature or effect Mire: verb, involve beginning to display signs
Synonyms: harmful, bad, someone or something in of future potential
malevolent (a difficult situation) Synonyms: emerging,
“Other, darker Synonyms: entangle, beginning, dawning
interpretations of tangle up, embroil “Weakening the legislature
what malign force the “Ms Park is hopelessly in a nascent democracy
monster may represent mired in an ever-deepening will not fix corruption by
once again abound...” influence-peddling itself.”
Source: "A well-loved scandal.” Source: "Why politicians
monster takes Japan’s box Source: "Why Park Geun- are granted immunity from
office by storm once hye should resign" prosecution" published in
again" published in The published in The The Economist
Economist Economist
Natty: adjective, (of a
Maudlin: adjective, Self- Modish: adjective, person or an article of
pityingly or tearfully Conforming to or clothing) smart and
sentimental following what is currently fashionable
Synonyms: emotional, popular and fashionable Synonyms: stylish, dapper,
tearful, lachrymose Synonyms: modern, debonair
“Alas, he never really trendy, in “The British Museum, the
fixed his state’s finances, “With these modish safety National Gallery and the
and voters at home have demonstrations becoming Wallace Collection have
tired of the norm, the question is all flirted
his maudlintheatrics...” what, exactly, do they with nattycontinental
Source: "Chris Christie accomplish?” leaders...”
and Carly Fiorina drop Source: "Why airline Source: "Two new museum
out" published in The safety videos are getting heads herald a
Economist catchier" published in The generational shift in
Economist advocates for the arts in
Milieu: noun, a person’s Britain" published in The
social environment Morose: adjective, Sullen Economist
Synonyms: sphere, and ill-tempered
background, backdrop Synonyms: sullen, sulky, Nexus: noun, a connection
“Armed with a view of gloomy or series of connections
 Page 23 of 38

linking two or more things Nakamoto" published in Paragon: noun, a person or

Synonyms: union, link The Economist thing regarded as a perfect
“Some chapters read like a example of a particular
thriller, because they offer Opine: verb, Hold and quality
a microscopic look at the state as one’s opinion Synonyms: model,
unwholesome nexus betwe Synonyms: suggest, say, epitome, exemplar
en Germany’s media, declare “Despite the reasons to see
politics and judiciary.” “The voters may opine on it as a paragon of
Source: "An the overarching principle modernity, Odebrecht has
unwholesome nexus" but the voters cannot get long been accused of
published in The involved in the minutiae of winning business in an old-
Economist policy implementation.” fashioned and less
Source: "A recipe for admirable way.”
Nonplussed: adjective, (Of Parliamentary chaos?" Source: "Principles and
a person) surprised and published in The values" published in The
confused so much that they Economist Economist
are unsure how to react
Synonyms: baffled, Pallid: adjective, (of a Parry: verb, Answer (a
confounded person's face) pale, question or accusation)
“And as usual, internet typically because of poor evasively
commenters health Synonyms: evade,
seemed nonplussed by Synonyms: white, pasty, sidestep, avoid
what seemed to be a wan “In the course of his
venerable institution (i.e., “Its protagonists (played business career, the
Oxford) validating teenage by the suitably pallid and president-elect has shown
slang.” slender Tom Hiddleston a remarkable ability to
Source: "How dictionary- and Tilda Swinton) are dodge and parry and
makers decide which named Adam and Eve.” reverse himself on
words to include" Source: "Nonfatal everything...”
published in The attraction" published in Source: "How the Supreme
Economist The Economist Court will change under
President Trump"
Normative: adjective, Panache: noun, published in The
Establishing, relating to, or Flamboyant confidence of Economist
deriving from a standard or style or manner
norm Synonyms: self-assurance, Penchant: noun, A strong
“...Japanese philosopher style, flair or habitual liking for
and merchant, Tominaga “Second, a quick mind: he something or tendency to
Nakamoto, who was highly wrote with speed do something
critical of and panache, after strolling Synonyms: fondness,
the normative thought of round leisurely with a big inclination, preference
his time and favoured free cigar beforehand.” “Mr. Gorsuch also shares
trade.” Source: "The Fab One" Mr. Scalia’s literary
Source: "Craig Wright published in The talents: he is an elegant
reveals himself as Satoshi Economist writer with a penchant for
playful eruditio.”
 Page 24 of 38

Source: "Donald Trump divided on China’s after he left the country

taps Neil Gorsuch for the massive infrastructure and who in 2011 was
Supreme Court" published projects" published in The elected prime minister as
in The Economist Economist his proxy.”
Source: "The death of the
Pithy: adjective, (of Presage: verb, be a sign or Thai king throws the
language or style) terse and warning of (an imminent country into turmoil: Chris
vigorously expressive event, typically an Christie and Carly Fiorina
Synonyms: concise, brief, unwelcome one) drop out" published in The
compact Synonyms: point to, mean, Economist
“Academics are not known signify
for brevity in writing. And “Stock markets are set to Prudish: adjective, having
physics does not lend itself open down today, and the a tendency to be easily
to pithy introductions.” election could presage a shocked by matters
Source: "The universe, longer slump if investors relating to sex or nudity
writ small" published in feel that the uncertainty Synonyms: puritanical,
The Economist generated... will harm prim, goody-goody
growth and corporate “Several Pacific nations
Plethora: noun, a large or profits.” ban cross-dressing (another
excessive amount Source: "The economic hand-me-down
Synonyms: excess, consequences of Donald from prudish Victorians).”
overabundance, surplus Trump" published in The Source: "Knife-edge lives"
“Podcasts were facing Economist published in The
fierce competition for Economist
audiences’ attention from Prolific: adjective, (of an
a plethora of other new artist, author, or composer) Qualm: noun, an uneasy
digital-native products producing many works feeling of doubt, worry, or
including Facebook, Synonyms: productive, fear
YouTube and Twitter.” creative, inventive Synonyms: misgiving,
Source: "2016: the year “It is true that few artists doubt, reservation
the podcast came of age" have been so prolific. On “Qualms about the force’s
published in The average, he released a quality extend beyond their
Economist studio album every year...” handling of
Source: "Everything demonstrators.”
Posit: verb, Put forward as flowed through Prince" Source: "The force is with
fact or as a basis for published in The who?" published in The
argument Economist Economist
Synonyms: postulate,
propound, submit Proxy: noun, a person Quell: verb, Suppress (a
“Mr. Ansar and his co- authorized to act on behalf feeling, especially an
authors assume this margin of another unpleasant one)
is 40%: they posit a ratio Synonyms: representative, Synonyms: calm, soothe,
of expected benefits to substitute, stand-in pacify
costs of 1.4 for every “...Mr. Thaksin’s sister “So the correct response is
project.” Yingluck, who took over to...plump up the capital
Source: "Opinion is his political movement cushions of its vulnerable
 Page 25 of 38

banks with enough public Synonyms: uncooperative, “Ms Jefferson, it must be

money to quell fears of a intractable said, is a master of the
systemic crisis.” “In a move that may test arched-eyebrow, sardonic 
Source: "The Italian job" the mettle quip.”
published in The of recalcitrant Senate Source: "A world apart"
Economist Republicans, Barack published in The
Obama nominated Merrick Economist
Quibble: verb, Argue or Garland, a widely
raise objections about a respected and politically Savant: noun, a learned
trivial matter moderate judge...” person, especially a
Synonyms: object to, Source: "Barack Obama distinguished scientist
criticize, nitpick nominates Merrick Synonyms: intellectual,
“One can quibble with Garland to fill Antonin scholar, sage
some of the detail; perhaps Scalia’s seat" published in “The more a society treats
the labour market The Economist its businesspeople as hero
participation rate can rise savants based on their
again, particularly if baby Recant: verb, Say that one professional successes,
boomers find they don't no longer holds an opinion elevating them to positions
have enough money with or belief of political power.”
which to retire.” Synonyms: renounce, Source: "Let them die"
Source: "Nevsky’s disavow, retract published in The
prospects: China, fat tails “Analysts who predict Economist
and  opaque  markets" turmoil are warned to shut
published in The up or recant.” Soliloquy: noun, an act of
Economist Source: "The muzzle speaking one’s thoughts
grows tighter" published aloud when by oneself,
Quotidian: adjective, in The Economist especially by a character in
Ordinary or everyday, a play
especially when mundane Salient: adjective, Most Synonyms: monologue,
Synonyms: day-to-day, noticeable or important speech
average, daily Synonyms: conspicuous, “Patrick Stewart, for
“They are seers, and noticeable, obvious instance, reworked
mystics unfettered by “The reason for that Hamlet’s soliloquy as an
the quotidian, connecting emphasis may in part be ode to the letter B ('B or
with the divine and because of not a B, that is the
reporting back.” the salient threat of question').”
Source: "The figure of the terrorism…” Source: "Big Bird, big
mad artistic genius is Source: "The Democrats’ brain" published in The
compelling, but unhelpful" orchestral finale" Economist
published in The published in The
Economist Economist Stigma: noun, a mark of
disgrace associated with a
Recalcitrant: adjective, Sardonic: adjective, grimly particular circumstance,
having an obstinately mocking or cynical quality, or person
uncooperative attitude Synonyms: satirical, Synonyms: shame,
toward authority sarcastic, ironic disgrace, dishonour
 Page 26 of 38

“A stigma against adults mandate, court order on the home, touting

having fun, strong in the “Subpoenas issued by a products such as coffee
aftermath of the Second federal grand jury earlier pots that turn on when the
World War, has faded.” this year demanded that the alarm clock rings...”
Source: "Toymakers Port Authority hand over Source: "Where the smart
bounce back in the land of Mr. Samson’s personal is" published in The
adult nappies" published travel records...” Economist
in The Economist Source: "The chairman’s
flight" published in The Urbane: adjective, (Of a
Stipulate: verb, Demand or Economist person, especially a man)
specify (a requirement), courteous and refined in
typically as part of a Syntax: noun, the manner
bargain or agreement arrangement of words and Synonyms: suave,
Synonyms: set down, set phrases to create well- sophisticated, debonair
out, lay down formed sentences in a “Beneath
“In trade negotiations, size language its urbane surface all Mr.
matters. Larger economies “The three decided to Hough’s music is, in one
can stipulate terms that suit record their reactions to way or another, a crusade.”
them.” Belinda’s not-particularly- Source: "He’s the piano
Source: "Britain’s erotic escapades and the man" published in The
excruciating embrace of author’s Economist
Donald Trump shows how idiosyncratic syntax.”
little independence it has Source: "2016: the year Verbose: adjective, Using
gained from Brexit" the podcast came of age" or expressed in more
published in The published in The words than are needed
Economist Economist Synonyms: wordy,
loquacious, long-winded
Stratum: noun, a thin layer Tenet: noun, a principle or “But in recent years they
within any structure belief have become
Synonyms: level, Synonyms: doctrine, particularly verbose,
class, echelon precept, creed bombarding consumers
“But exalting Western “In the Warren and Burger with any small detail that
aviation security to a courts of the 1960s, 1970s might enhance the brand.”
higher stratum than that and 1980s, religious Source: "It’s the real
found in Africa is a accommodation was a thing" published in The
delusion.” liberal tenet.” Economist
Source: "The troubling Source: "Left, right"
case of the bomb on a published in The Whet: verb, Excite or
flight from Mogadishu" Economist stimulate (someone's
published in The desire, interest, or appetite)
Economist Tout: verb, Attempt to sell Synonyms: arouse, rouse,
(something), typically by trigger
Subpoena: noun, A writ pestering people in an “But sham democracy
ordering a person to attend aggressive manner often whets people’s
a court Synonyms: endorse, urge appetite for the real thing.”
Synonyms: summons, “Providers have focused Source: "The road less
 Page 27 of 38

travelled" published in The spent milling around... at impetus, spark

Economist the G20 summit this week, “Europe, which is where
with nothing to show for it the global refugee regime
Level 3 GRE but an anodyne/2016-11- began 65 years ago... will
27">anodyne communiqué have to be the catalyst for
Vocabulary: , must be depressing change.”
Most Difficult enough.” Source: "Looking for a
Source: "Agreeing to home" published in The
agree" published in The Economist
Abeyance: noun, a state of
Economist
temporary disuse or
Catharsis: noun, the
suspension
Bilk: verb, Obtain or process of releasing and
Synonyms: suspense,
withhold money from providing relief from
remission, reserve
(someone) by deceit or strong or repressed
“With the euro crisis
without justification emotions
in abeyance, high oil prices
Synonyms: swindle, Synonyms: emotional
have become the latest
defraud, deceive release, relief
source of worry for the
“Partly because they are “...Robin Hanbury-
world economy.”
not paid properly, Tenison, another British
Source: "The new
they bilk the system and explorer, who is president
grease?" published in The
get away with it, thanks to of Survival International,
Economist
political contacts.” calls 'the gosh factor'—that
Source: "A tale of two rush of amazement
Abjure: verb, Solemnly
villages" published in The and catharsis when a
renounce (a belief, cause,
Economist pinnacle is reached or a
or claim)
mad exploit in some jungle
Synonyms: relinquish,
Canard: noun, an or desert achieved...”
reject, disavow
unfounded rumor or story Source: "A new age of
“Since 1986 he has been
Synonyms: piece of gossip, discovery" published in
asking candidates for
whisper The Economist
public office to sign his
“In March 2014
Taxpayer Protection
Newsweek... identified a Cloture: noun, (in a
Pledge, in which
man living in California... legislative assembly) a
they abjure tax increases of
as the real Satoshi, but this procedure for ending a
any sort forever.”
turned out to be an debate and taking a vote
Source: "It’s not over for
embarrassing canard.” “'If you do not have the
Grover" published in The
Source: "Craig Steven support of 60 Senators to
Economist
Wright claims to be invoke cloture and end a
Satoshi Nakamoto. Is he?" filibuster... you cannot pass
anodyne/2016-11-
published in The such a deeming resolution
27">Anodyne: adjective,
Economist in the Senate.'”
not likely to cause offence
Source: "Why the Senate
or disagreement and
Catalyst: noun, a person or hasn't passed a budget"
somewhat dull
thing that precipitates an published in The
Synonyms: bland,
event Economist
inoffensive, innocuous
Synonyms: stimulus,
“The prospect of a day
 Page 28 of 38

Compendium: noun, a shared interests or tastes published in The

collection of concise but Synonyms: clique, circle, Economist
detailed information about inner circle
a particular subject “He rules through a Diurnal: adjective, (Of
Synonyms: compilation, tight coterie of loyal aides, animals) active in the
anthology many of whom worked daytime
“He relies on a with him in his previous Synonyms: daily, everyday
crowdsourced compendiu job as governor of the state “People walk on two legs
m of fishermen’s tales.” of Mexico...” like most avian species.
Source: "Wiki-fishing" Source: "The unspeakable They are also
published in The and the inexplicable" largely diurnal and rely
Economist published in The upon sight as their primary
Economist sense.”
Conscript: Source: "Fairy creatures"
verb, Enlist (someone) Daguerreotype: noun, A published in The
compulsorily photograph taken by an Economist
Synonyms: draft, recruit, early photographic process
call up employing an iodine- dross/2017-03-31">Dross:
“Most Jewish Israelis are sensitized silvered plate noun, something regarded
conscripted into the and mercury vapor as worthless
military; about 100,000 “Indeed, the earliest Synonyms: rubbish, junk,
new recruits, fresh out of applications of multimedia debris
secondary school, are for remembrance were the “Some of its best
drafted each year...” post-mortem properties could be sold
Source: "Tales from daguerreotypes used by quickly, but
Silicon wadi" published in grieving Victorians as the dross/2017-03-
The Economist mementos of their dear 31">dross might take years
departed.” to offload.”
Cosset: verb, Care for and Source: "Difference Source: "How Donald
protect in an overindulgent Engine: Facebook for the Trump should handle
way dead" published in The conflicts of interest"
Synonyms: indulge, pander Economist published in The
to Economist
“With a big haul, Dilettante: noun, a person
Scotland’s politicians who cultivates an area of Dyspeptic: adjective, Of or
could perhaps afford interest without real having indigestion or
to cosset oil firms. Without commitment or knowledge consequent irritability or
one, the young nation Synonyms: dabbler, depression
might have to milk them potterer, tinkerer Synonyms: bad-tempered,
harder than ever.” “This is not the work of short-tempered, irritable
Source: "Running on a dilettante, but a strong “Pity V.S. Naipaul: every
fumes" published in The follow-up to her acclaimed couple of years or so
Economist short stories that came out the dyspeptic writer makes
in 2007.” a pronouncement so
Coterie: noun, a small Source: "Magical realism" extreme that it sounds like
group of people with a plea for attention…”
 Page 29 of 38

Source: "A bend in the revolt against squashed bombast" published in The
logic" published in The legroom" published in The Economist
Economist Economist
Expiate: verb, Atone for
Ebullient: adjective, Ersatz: adjective, (Of a (guilt or sin)
Cheerful and full of energy product) used as a Synonyms: make amends
Synonyms: exuberant, substitute, typically an for, make up for
buoyant, joyful inferior one, for something “So, among the countless
“And in Elon Musk, else humiliations endured by a
its ebullient boss, it has a Synonyms: artificial, defeated nation, this was a
figurehead whose substitute, imitation petty one, now forgotten. It
relentless promotion has “As any computer scientist will be expiated on May
quickly established Tesla will tell you, creating 26th...”
as a luxury brand...” an ersatz version of Source: "Rebuilding
Source: "On a charge" something in software is bridges" published in The
published in The inevitably less precise and Economist
Economist more computationally
costly than simply making Extant: adjective, still in
Edify: verb, Instruct or use of the thing itself.” existence; surviving
improve (someone) Source: "You’ve got a Synonyms: living, still
morally or intellectually nerve" published in The existing, remaining
Synonyms: educate, Economist “The earliest extant
instruct, enlighten painting dates to 1825 and
“Shows that revolve Erstwhile: adjective, shows him with vivid eyes
around women are so few former and thin, sculpted lips.”
and far between. The ones Synonyms: old, past, one- Source: "Bosom buddies"
that exist are expected not time published in The
only to entertain but to “The stake of the Co- Economist
represent and edify us operative Group,
too.” its erstwhile owner, was Fracas: noun, a noisy
Source: "Great reduced to just 20%.” disturbance or quarrel
expectations" published in Source: "The Co-op Bank Synonyms: scuffle, brawl,
The Economist puts itself up for sale" affray
published in The “By the time the
Egress: noun, the action of Economist broadcaster took the video
going out of or leaving a off its website a day later,
place Euphony: noun, the quality it had caused a
Synonyms: departure, exit, of being pleasing to the ear diplomatic fracas between
withdrawal Synonyms: melodiousness, Turkey and Germany.”
“The government must musicality Source: "There once was a
'protect passenger safety “'Good news—clarity's a- prickly sultan" published
by mandating minimum coming!' extol choristers in The Economist
seat pitch standards to from the Hot Air Ensemble
preclude ingress/egress and in jouncing Frieze: noun, a broad
health issues.'” Harlemesque euphony...” horizontal band of sculpted
Source: "A passenger Source: "Blasting the or painted decoration,
 Page 30 of 38

especially on a wall near Gainsay: verb, Speak dominance, dominion

the ceiling against or oppose “Yet if the hegemony of
“A frieze on the wall of (someone) the dollar is unstable, its
America's Supreme Court Synonyms: be against, would-be successors are
shows some of the great object to, be hostile to unsuitable.”
law-givers of history, “She was too young to Source: "Dominant and
including the Roman know better, let dangerous" published in
emperor Justinian, Moses alone gainsay her wicked The Economist
and Muhammad.” uncle.”
Source: "Shalt or shalt Source: "Royally Hermetic: adjective,
not" published in The embarrassed" published in Insulated or protected from
Economist The Economist outside influences
Synonyms: airtight, sealed
Fusillade: noun, a series of Gerontocracy: noun, a “More worryingly, there
shots fired or missiles state, society, or group was a hermetic logic to
thrown all at the same time governed by old people them which, with the
or in quick succession “But Muhammad bin passions they aroused,
Synonyms: salvo, volley, Salman is not merely a made it possible to see
bombardment young face in how they could beguile
“But thanks to poor a gerontocracy; he is a and thrill many more.”
communication, many saw dynamic and apparently Source: "How a nation
it as China’s purposeful one.” went mad" published in
first fusillade in a global Source: "The challenged The Economist
currency war. “ kingdom" published in The
Source: "Taking a tumble" Economist Heterodox: adjective, not
published in The conforming with accepted
Economist Halcyon: adjective, or orthodox standards or
Denoting a period of time beliefs
Gaffe: noun, an in the past that was Synonyms: unorthodox,
unintentional act or remark idyllically happy and heretical, dissenting
causing embarrassment to peaceful “Among those
its originator Synonyms: happy, golden, discriminated against for
Synonyms: blunder, idyllic holding heterodox religiou
mistake, error “In their halcyon days the s views, the Bahai
“Personally he is likeable. mainstream parties used to community continues
But he is also gaffe- share most of the vote particularly to suffer.”
prone and the progenitor of between them.” Source: "Human rights in
a series of undiplomatic Source: "The churn down Iran are still atrocious"
comments...” under" published in The published in The
Source: "Britain’s new Economist Economist
prime minister will regret
appointing Boris Johnson" Hegemony: noun, Homogeneous: adjective,
published in The Leadership or dominance, of the same kind; alike
Economist especially by one group Synonyms: uniform,
over others identical, unvaried
Synonyms: leadership, “It also has proportionately
 Page 31 of 38

more immigrants than purpose cent of their national

almost anywhere else. Synonyms: dishonorable, income, have a chance of
Next to London, famously unworthy, base recovering...”
cosmopolitan cities like “Moreover, by controlling Source: "Victory in the
Paris and Berlin are the body he controlled the East" published in The
actually equally unruly mind, Economist
rather homogeneous.” keeping it pure from
Source: "Britain’s 'ignoble strife'.” Knell: noun, the sound of a
unparalleled diversity is Source: "Raising the bell, especially when rung
here to stay" published in temple" published in The solemnly for a death or
The Economist Economist funeral
Synonyms: toll, ringing,
Iconoclast: noun, a person Impugn: verb, Dispute the chime
who attacks cherished truth, validity, or honesty “The change in policy is a
beliefs or institutions of (a statement or motive) blow to the prison
Synonyms: critic, skeptic, Synonyms: call into industry, but it hardly
dissenter question, challenge sounds a death knell for its
“He has overtaken Manuel “Impugning Mr. Abe’s business model.”
Valls, the centre-left prime motives is too cynical. His Source: "America is
minister, as the left’s most commitment to economic phasing out the federal use
outspoken iconoclast, and revival was no doubt of private prisons"
shown up the Socialist left sincere...” published in The
as die-hard conservatives.” Source: "Three-piece Economist
Source: "How France’s dream suit" published in
economy minister is trying The Economist Lachrymose: adjective,
to change the country" Inducing tears; sad
published in The Incise: verb, Mark or Synonyms: sad, tearful,
Economist decorate (an object or weepy
surface) with a cut or a “This morning the world is
Idyll: noun, an extremely series of cut not talking about a dubious
happy, peaceful, or Synonyms: engrave, etch, song by the host,
picturesque episode or carve a lachrymose speech or
scene “This 12th-century incense even an appalling outfit.”
Synonyms: perfect time, burner is incised with Source: "Normal for
ideal time, honeymoon calligraphy that identifies Hollywood" published in
“That might just persuade its maker and first owner.” The Economist
them to forgive the Source: "Centuries of
scriptwriters for the glory" published in The Lacuna: noun, an unfilled
unwelcome disruption to Economist space or interval; a gap
their rural idyll.” Synonyms: interval, gap
Source: "Violence in the Incubus: noun, a cause of “This insane lacuna in the
shires" published in The distress or anxiety justice system reflects
Economist “The Japanese people, extreme systemic prejudice
freed of the incubus of a by drivers against cyclists,
Ignoble: adjective, not war industry which by and would be easy enough
honorable in character or 1938 was absorbing 61 per to fix.”
 Page 32 of 38

Source: "The American Lugubrious: adjective, published in The

right-of-way" published in Looking or sounding sad Economist
The Economist and dismal
Synonyms: mournful, Malaproprism: noun, the
Lambaste: verb, Criticize gloomy, sad mistaken use of a word in
(someone or something) “The lugubrious strains of place of a similar-sounding
harshly 'Heaven Knows I’m one, often with
Synonyms: castigate, Miserable unintentionally amusing
chastise, condemn Now' waft across a sunny effect
“Yet the president was beach in Acapulco.” Synonyms: misuse,
lambasted for his Source: "Girlfriend in a solecism, blunder
otherworldly conga" published in The “And so on down the list
complacency.” Economist of supposed malapropisms.
Source: "Learning to live 'You can observe a lot by
with it" published in The Maelstrom: noun, a watching,' means plenty...”
Economist situation or state of Source: "Yogi Berra,
confused movement or linguistic savant"
Larceny: noun, Theft of violent turmoil published in The
personal property Synonyms: turbulence, Economist
Synonyms: stealing, tumult, turmoil
robbery, pilfering “The execution of its Misanthropy: noun, a
“But there are still no leaders, as much as the dislike of humankind
checks and balances on its Easter Rising itself, Synonyms: cynicism,
exercise, as the larceny of triggered a maelstrom of hatred of mankind
governors illustrates.” events: a surge of anti- “[Labour] did not fall into
Source: "With an British rage...” the traps of the old left:
unfriendly neighbour, Source: "A terrible confusing individualism
Mexico needs to problem is born" for misanthropy...”
strengthen itself" published in The Source: "The land that
published in The Economist Labour forgot" published
Economist in The Economist
Magnate: noun, a wealthy
Libertine: adjective, a and influential Monolithic: adjective,
person who rejects businessman or large, powerful, and
accepted opinions in businesswoman intractably indivisible and
matters of religion Synonyms: industrialist, uniform
Synonyms: freethinker, tycoon, mogul Synonyms: inflexible,
hedonist, profligate “Several of America’s rigid, unbending
“There are aunts for every great industrialists built “Four things have made
worldview, empires in Pittsburgh, Europe a harsher
from libertine to puritan including Andrew environment for the centre
and from reactionary to Carnegie, a steel magnate. left: its own success,
radical.” “ structural change in the
Source: "Whatever should Source: "From zero to economy, a reduced fear of
I do?" published in The seventy (billion)" political extremes and the
Economist decline of monolithic class
 Page 33 of 38

groups.” Source: "Celtic phoenix" are biased and should be

Source: "Rose thou art published in The ignored...”
sick" published in The Economist Source: "State of denial"
Economist published in The
Neophyte: noun, a person Economist
Munificent: adjective, who is new to a subject,
Larger or more generous skill, or belief Occlude: verb, Stop, close
than is usual or necessary Synonyms: beginner, up, or obstruct
Synonyms: bountiful, learner, novice Synonyms: block, cover,
lavish, handsome “Mr. Gioia also delves into shut in
“Anyone with a few musical theory, in a way “Mars will be as far away
million dollars to spare can that will help both jazz as 370m kilometres in
join in. The initial awards neophytes and experts 2013, and occluded for two
for physics, for example, understand what they are weeks by the sun to
were followed by listening to.” boot...”
equally munificent prizes Source: "Steps to heaven" Source: "Interplanetary
in life sciences and published in The broadband" published in
mathematics.” Economist The Economist
Source: "The
Breakthrough prizes" Noisome: adjective, having Paean: noun, a song of
published in The an extremely offensive praise or triumph
Economist smell Synonyms: song of praise,
Synonyms: irritating, hymn, alleluia
Myopic: adjective, disagreeable, unpleasant “'It is the right that has
nearsighted “Last July the Internal inherited the ambitious
Synonyms: short-sighted, Security Ministry placed a modernist urge to destroy
insular, small-minded follow-on order for Skunk, and innovate in the name
“They are also myopic, worth $45,000. So far the of a universal project,'
judging politicians’ noisome substance has not Tony Judt, a British
economic management on been used abroad...” historian, lamented in 'Ill
the basis of only the very Source: "A whiff from Fares the Land', a paean to
recent past.” hell" published in The social democracy he
Source: "X marks the Economist dictated on his death bed.”
knot" published in The Source: "Rose thou art
Economist Nostrum: noun, a pet sick" published in The
scheme or favorite remedy, Economist
Nadir: noun, the lowest especially one for bringing
point in the fortunes of a about some social or Panoply: noun, a complete
person or organization political reform or or impressive collection of
Synonyms: the all-time improvement things
low, zero Synonyms: cure, Synonyms: array, range,
“Between its pre-crisis prescription, answer collection
peak in late 2007 and “It became “'The panoply of
its nadir at the end of 2009, a nostrum among rank- restrictions results in
the economy contracted by and-file Republicans that greater
11.2%” mainstream opinion polls disenfranchisement,' the
 Page 34 of 38

ruling read, 'than any of hostility to adoration “The Russians have

the law’s provisions through pellucid, responded with
individually.'” charismatic truthtelling is a predictable pique—just as
Source: "North Carolina venerable Hollywood many refused to condemn
voter ID law is struck trope...” the violence of their
down as racially Source: "Fiction about football hooligans...”
discriminatory" published stories" published in The Source: "Russia’s track-
in The Economist Economist and-field team has been
barred from the Olympics
Pastiche: noun, an artistic Phalanx: noun, a body of for doping" published in
work consisting of a troops or police officers The Economist
medley of pieces taken standing or moving in
from various sources close formation Polemic: noun, a strong
Synonyms: mixture, blend, “A collection of giant slabs verbal or written attack on
medley surrounded by thick iron someone or something
“Both enjoyed producing railings, protected by Synonyms: diatribe, invect
small articles and a phalanx of armed ive
pastiches, she for the guards...” “Marion Nestle's
college magazine, he for Source: "Open for heavyweight polemic again
avant-garde business" published in The st Coca-Cola and PepsiCo
publications...” Economist comes at an odd moment
Source: "The finger of for the industry.”
fame" published in The Philistine: noun, A person Source: "Popped"
Economist who is hostile or published in The
indifferent to culture and Economist
Paucity: noun, the presence the arts
of something only in small Synonyms: oaf, anti- Précis: noun, a summary or
or insufficient quantities or intellectual, boor abstract of a text or speech
amounts “By choosing such an Synonyms: synopsis,
Synonyms: scarcity, unimpeachably serious and summation
sparseness, dearth artistic project as its first “His latest book, 'Intuition
“Yet the paucity of film production, the Pumps and Other Tools for
businesses is not due to a company has made anyone Thinking', is a précis of
shortage of opportunities who grumbles seem like those 50 years, distilled
to make money.” a philistine.” into 77 readable and
Source: "Opportunities Source: "Netflix's first mostly bite-sized
galore" published in The theatrical release deserves chapters.”
Economist to be watched at the Source: "Pump-primer"
cinema" published in The published in The
Pellucid: adjective, Lucid Economist Economist
in style or meaning; easily
understood Pique: noun, a feeling of Prosaic: adjective,
Synonyms: irritation or resentment Commonplace; unromantic
comprehensible, resulting from a slight Synonyms: ordinary,
understandable Synonyms: annoyance, everyday
“Turning a crowd from displeasure, indignation “However, while it is
 Page 35 of 38

large-scale evacuations at 1950s.” European Union.”

times of crisis that grab Source: "Exposed" Source: "The emerald
attention, the biggest risks published in The shines again" published in
that business travellers Economist The Economist
face are more prosaic.”
Source: "Risky business" Quiescence: noun, a state Redress: noun, remedy or
published in The or period of inactivity or compensation for a wrong
Economist dormancy or grievance
Synonyms: inactivity, Synonyms: reparation,
Puerile: adjective, inertia, latency restitution, recompense
childishly silly and trivial “Horrible conditions do “There must be redress by
Synonyms: immature, not guarantee revolts, and an independent tribunal for
babyish, infantile moderately bad conditions those who have been
“Meanwhile, out of puerile do not necessarily thwart mistreated.”
spite, Mr. Trump launched them. The question is what Source: "The solace of the
an assault on his to make of the law" published in The
disapproving party relative quiescence of Economist
leadership...” America’s poor.”
Source: "Donald Trump’s Source: "Why aren’t the Repast: noun, a meal
disastrous fortnight" poor storming the Synonyms: feast, banquet
published in The barricades?" published in “Lunchtime, it is held,
Economist The Economist would be the optimal time
to invade France. Little can
Pundit: noun, an expert in Quixotic: adjective, distract a Frenchman from
a particular subject or field exceedingly idealistic; his sacred noonday repast.”
who is frequently called on unrealistic and impractical Source: "Point me at the
to give opinions about it to Synonyms: unrealistic, SKY" published in The
the public impractical, romantic Economist
Synonyms: authority, “In one chapter... the
adviser director probes some of the Ribald: adjective,
“And yet the prevailing quixotic visionaries driving Referring to sexual matters
view among pundits is that the digital revolution in an amusingly rude or
Russia is indeed back in forward.” irreverent way
Asia.” Source: "Werner Herzog Synonyms: bawdy,
Source: "Russia’s pivot to marvels at the internet" indecent, risqué
Asia" published in The published in The “When challenged... about
Economist Economist human rights in Chechnya,
he replied with a ribald
Querulous: adjective, Raconteur: noun, a person offer to arrange for the
Complaining in a petulant who tells anecdotes in a questioner's Islamic
or whining manner skillful and amusing way circumcision.”
Synonyms: pettish, touchy, Synonyms: storyteller, Source: "Russia has
testy spinner of yarns always had
“Their querulous, hostile “The latest continental an ambivalent relationshi
or annoyed faces recur in raconteur eager to spin p with Islam" published in
her work from the late Ireland’s tale is the The Economist
 Page 36 of 38

Rococo: adjective, Semantic: adjective, Supine: adjective, Failing

Characterized by an Relating to meaning in to act as a result of moral
elaborately ornamental late language or logic weakness or indolence
baroque style of decoration Synonyms: lingual, Synonyms: weak, spineless
‘The building, which once semasiological “Last year Shinzo Abe, the
served as the local town “Semantic parsing also prime minister, brought in
hall, boasts rococo wall ensued over whether the a corporate-governance
carvings, a statue of Pallas modifier 'meaningful' is code which...requires
Athena...” significantly (or hitherto supine institutiona
Source: "How foundations meaningfully) different l investors to keep a close
linked to Hungary’s from 'significant.'” eye on firms they invest
central bank used $1 Source: "The Supreme in.”
billion" published in The Court considers what Source: "Coming clean?"
Economist states owe to disabled published in The
students" published in The Economist
Sanguine: adjective, Economist
Optimistic or positive, Synoptic: adjective,
especially in an apparently Sobriquet: noun, a person’s Taking or involving a
bad or difficult situation nickname comprehensive mental
Synonyms: hopeful, Synonyms: appellation, view
buoyant, assured moniker Synonyms: concise,
“Some fear a future of “This provoked succinct, compressed
mass unemployment. widespread debate about “They were mind-
Others are sanguine that the role of intellectual expandingly right in
people will have time to property and earned him their synoptic vision, if
adapt.” the sobriquet 'Champion of frequently inexact and
Source: "Retraining low- Patents.'” sometimes mistaken in
skilled workers" published Source: "Land of hope and their specifics.”
in The Economist glory" published in The Source: "The see-through
Economist sea" published in The
Scintilla: noun, a tiny trace Economist
or spark of a specified Soporific: adjective,
quality or feeling Tending to induce Toady: verb, Act in an
Synonyms: particle, iota, drowsiness or sleep obsequious way
smidgen Synonyms: sleep-inducing, Synonyms: be servile
“After a scintilla of regret somnolent, sedative towards, grovel to
over lost youth, to turn 50 “In the soporific heat you “Britain’s Conservative
should be to enter the would be forgiven for government is accused of
prime of life, with a thinking that time had sacrificing the steel
plenitude of projects and forgotten the New Jersey- industry to toady up to
achievements.” sized nation.” China.”
Source: "Time for a (long Source: "The Source: "The 15-year
overdue) change" superpowers’ playground" hitch" published in The
published in The published in The Economist
Economist Economist
 Page 37 of 38

Truculent: adjective, Eager Umbrage: noun, Offense or destructive

or quick to argue or fight annoyance ‘A more likely catastrophe,
Synonyms: defiant, Synonyms: insult, affront Mr. Rawles believes,
aggressive “Petro Poroshenko, would be a
“Mr. Boehner, having Ukraine’s president, pandemic virulent enough
abandoned his long battle takes umbrage at charges to cause the breakdown of
with his that reforms are lagging.” the national sewerage
party’s truculent right- Source: "Commitment system as well as the grid.”
wingers and announced his anxiety" published in The Source: "The last big
resignation in September, Economist frontier" published in The
wanted to ‘clear the barn’ Economist
for his successor.” Upbraid: verb, Find fault
Source: "Cleaning the with (someone) Vitiate: verb, Destroy or
barn" published in The Synonyms: scold, impair the legal validity of
Economist reprimand, rebuke Synonyms: put an end to,
“In the past its neighbours do away with, scrap
Turgid: adjective, (of isolated and upbraided ‘The firm admitted that it
language or style) Austria for its flirtations vitiated its stated standards
tediously pompous with nationalist for evaluating securities in
or bombastic extremism...” an area where those
Synonyms: overblown, Source: "Why Austria’s standards put in question
inflated, grandiose presidential election its ability to win business.”
“It promotes a cult of matters" published in The Source: "Regulatory
personality around Mr. Economist settlements raise questions
Baghdadi. It churns about America’s financial
out turgid propaganda Verdant: adjective, (of markets" published in The
about repaired bridges and countryside) green with Economist
newly opened schools.” grass or other rich
Source: "Fighting near vegetation Vitriol: noun, Cruel and
and far" published in The Synonyms: leafy, grassy, bitter criticism
Economist lush Synonyms: venom,
“The Holey Artisan nastiness
Tyro: noun, a beginner or Bakery... overlooking a “Given the vitriol that has
novice placid lake in Dhaka, was a followed the film since its
Synonyms: foodie’s labour of love in inception, it does well
learner, neophyte, a verdant corner of the simply not to be a colossal
newcomer chaotic capital.” misstep.”
“When he was a Source: "The new Source: "Ghostbusters:
young tyro in Silicon terrorism in Bangladesh" funny and (almost)
Valley, his libertarian published in The feminist" published in The
vision inspired many of his Economist Economist
business decisions.”
Source: "The evolution of Virulent: adjective, Vociferous: adjective,
Mr. Thiel" published in extremely severe or (Especially of a person or
The Economist harmful in its effects speech) vehement or
Synonyms: toxic, deadly, clamorous
 Page 38 of 38

Synonyms: blatant, Xenophobia: noun, Intense

clamorous, noisy or irrational dislike or fear
“Ten weeks of ever- of people from other
more vociferous argument, countries
claims and counterclaims “Denk will not win more
stretch between now and than a few seats in next
June 23rd, when the vote year’s general election, but
will take place.” it is posing a crucial
Source: "Britain’s EU question: at a time of
referendum campaigns are rising xenophobia, can
officially launched today" Europe’s minorities rely on
published in The the broad centre-left
Economist parties for which they
usually vote?”
Welter: noun, a large Source: "The politics of
number of items in no alienation" published in
order; a confused mass The Economist
Synonyms: confusion,
jumble, tangle Yoke: noun, a wooden
“At the same time they are crosspiece that is fastened
subjected to a welter of over the necks of two
conflicting pressures— animals and attached to the
acting as spin-doctors and plow or cart that they are
bean-counters as well as to pull
corporate strategists and Synonyms: bond, tie,
auditors.” subjection
Source: "The imperial “The existential
CFO" published in The consequences of throwing
Economist off the yoke of religion is
debated in many
Winnow: verb, blow a countries.”
current of air through Source: "Getting into
(grain) in order to remove Valhalla" published in The
the chaff Economist
Synonyms: sift out, filter
out
“Many lawmakers from
both parties join Mr.
Obama in wishing
to winnow America’s
overstuffed prisons.”
Source: "How Barack
Obama has reformed
America’s prisons"
published in The
Economist