25

FLAK (NOUN): strong criticism.

Synonyms: censure, disapproval
Antonym: approval

Example: You must be strong enough
to take the flak if things go wrong.

Pronunciation - /flak/

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3

EXORBITANT (Adj): exceeding proper limits;
extravagant ; excessive or unduly high.
Synonyms: excessive, sky-high
Antonym: reasonable
Example : Some hotels charge exorbitant rates
for phone calls.
Pronunciation- /ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt/

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38

ABDICATE (VERB): 1.) Fail to fulfil or undertake
a responsibility or duty.
2.)renounce one's throne.

Synonyms: turn down, spurn
Antonyms: accept, take on

Example: The government was accused
of abdicating its responsibility.

Pronunciation – /ˈabdɪkeɪt/

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39

STARK (Adj): severe in appearance

Synonyms: sharp, crisp

Antonym: fuzzy

Example: The ridge formed a stark
silhouette against the sky.

Pronunciation – /stɑːk/

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34

SKULLDUGGERY (NOUN): tricky behaviour

Synonyms: chicanery, crafty
Antonyms: probity, modesty

Example: He always knew about his
brother’s skullduggery towards others.

Pronunciation - /skʌlˈdʌɡ(ə)ri/

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23

RESILIENT (Adj): 1.)Being able to withstand or
recover quickly from difficult conditions.
2.) Being able to recoil or spring back into
shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed.

Synonyms: tough, hardy 
Antonym: vulnerable 

Example: Babies are generally far more
resilient than new parents realize.

Pronunciation – /rɪˈzɪlɪənt/

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12

UPBEAT (Adj): 1)Having a positive,
lively , or perky tone , attitude , etc.
2)Having a fast pace , tempo , or beat.

Synonyms: cheerful, cheery
Antonyms: pessimistic, downbeat

Examples: 1)He was upbeat about the
company's future.
2)The notes are easy, but it's an upbeat
tune and should be played fairly quickly.

Pronunciation - /ˈʌpbiːt/

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5

MANOEUVRE (NOUN): operation

Synonyms : exercise, activity
Antonyms : inactivity

Example : Snowboarders performed daring manoeuvres on precipitous slopes.
Pronunciation - /məˈnuːvə/

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1

Savant [sa·vant] n.  - A person of learning;
wise or scholarly.
Pronunciation- /ˈsav(ə)nt/

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21

GROUNDBREAKING (Adj): innovative 

Synonyms: pioneering, advanced 
Antonym: conservative 

Example: Groundbreaking research has been
done to look into fertility problems.

Pronunciation - /ˈɡraʊn(d)breɪkɪŋ/

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