These words are sophisticated, often used in analytical or descriptive contexts, and reflect the elevated vocabulary typical of high-quality journalism. I’ve included brief definitions and examples to illustrate their use.
1. Aberration – A departure from what is normal or expected.
Example: The recent economic downturn was not an aberration but part of a broader trend.
2. Acumen – Keen insight or judgment, especially in a specific field.
Example: Her business acumen led to the company’s rapid expansion.
3. Ambivalent – Having mixed or conflicting feelings about something.
Example: Voters remain ambivalent about the new policy’s long-term effects.
4. Anomaly – Something that deviates from the norm or expectation.
Example: The warm winter was an anomaly in the region’s climate patterns.
5. Apathy – Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Example: Political apathy among young voters could sway the election.
6. Bellicose – Demonstrating aggression or a willingness to fight.
Example: The leader’s bellicose rhetoric raised fears of conflict.
7. Cacophony – A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds or voices.
Example: The cacophony of opinions on social media drowned out reasoned debate.
8. Capricious – Impulsive or unpredictable behavior.
Example: The market’s capricious fluctuations baffled investors.
9. Catalyst – Something that accelerates a change or event.
Example: The protests were a catalyst for sweeping reforms.
10. Cognizant – Aware or well-informed about something.
Example: Policymakers must remain cognizant of the economic risks.
11. Conundrum – A confusing or difficult problem.
Example: Balancing growth and sustainability remains a global conundrum.
12. Corroborate – To confirm or support with evidence.
Example: New data corroborated the scientist’s climate predictions.
13. Demagogue – A leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires or prejudices.
Example: Critics labeled the politician a demagogue for his divisive speeches.
14. Disparate – Distinct or dissimilar in kind.
Example: The coalition united disparate groups with a common goal.
15. Egregious – Outstandingly bad or shocking.
Example: The company’s egregious labor violations sparked outrage.
16. Ephemeral – Lasting for a short time.
Example: Social media trends are often ephemeral, fading within days.
17. Exacerbate – To make a situation worse.
Example: Tariffs could exacerbate tensions in global trade.
18. Fastidious – Very attentive to detail or accuracy.
Example: The editor’s fastidious approach ensured error-free articles.
19. Galvanize – To shock or inspire into action.
Example: The tragedy galvanized public support for new safety laws.
20. Hegemony – Dominance, especially by one state or group over others.
Example: The nation’s cultural hegemony shaped global entertainment trends.
21. Intransigent – Unwilling to compromise or change one’s position.
Example: The intransigent negotiators stalled the peace talks.
22. Nebulous – Vague or ill-defined.
Example: The candidate’s nebulous promises failed to convince voters.
23. Paradox – A statement or situation that seems contradictory but may be true.
Example: The paradox of automation is that it creates both jobs and unemployment.
24. Pragmatic – Practical and focused on results rather than theory.
Example: Her pragmatic approach resolved the budget crisis efficiently.
25. Zealous – Passionately devoted or enthusiastic.
Example: The zealous activist rallied thousands to the cause.