DEMUR (VERB): raise objections or show reluctance.
Synonyms: object, protest, cavil, dissent
Antonyms: accept, agree
Usage: Because the DA decided to demur the low bond, it was set at a higher fee.
PURPORTEDLY (ADVERB) : As appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; allegedly.
Synonyms: allegedly, professedly, supposedly, seemingly, superficially
Antonyms: absolutely, authentically, certainly, earnestly, exactly
Usage: The woman found a letter purportedly signed by the Prime Minister.
HAPLESS (ADJECTIVE) : (especially of a person) unfortunate.
Synonyms: unfortunate, unlucky
Antonyms: fortunate, lucky
Example: When Jason lost his wife and job on the same day, he knew he was a hapless soul.
INTERDICT (NOUN) : an authoritative prohibition, in particular
Synonym: prohibition, ban, bar, veto, prescription
Antonym: corroborate, support
Usage: Because I failed most of my classes last term, my parents will probably interdict me from working this semester.
CONFLATE (VERB) : combine (two or more sets of information, texts, ideas, etc.) into one.
Synonyms: amalgamate, converge, unify, fuse.
Antonyms: divide, part, separate, rupture.
Usage: To conflate art and science, teachers must design activities that blend the two.
ADJUDICATION (NOUN) : a formal judgment on a disputed matter.
Synonyms: arbitration, decision, assessment, verdict.
Antonyms: incomprehension, indecision, enigma, amnesty.
Usage: Articles 5 and 6 both deal with the promptness with which an adjudication must proceed against criminal defendants.
ACUMEN (NOUN) : the ability to make good judgments and take quick decisions.
Synonyms: shrewdness, acuity, cleverness, smartness.
Antonyms: guilelessness, ingenuousness, artlessness, fatuity.
Usage: But generally I prefer policies that demonstrate a scintilla of common sense and financial acumen.
PERSUASION (NOUN) : a belief or set of beliefs, especially religious or political ones.
Synonyms: opinion, conviction, faith, view.
Antonyms: dissuasion, distrust, constraint, disbelief.
Usage: Political leaders and women of all political persuasions are expected to attend the commemorations.
PLAUDIT (NOUN) : an expression of praise or approval.
Synonyms: acclamation, commendation, encomiums, accolades.
Antonyms: condemnation, criticism, vilification, admonition.
Usage: The film smoothly rides on its success, earning the plaudit of being one of the highest-ever grossers in the Malayalam film industry.
FARE (VERB): perform in a specified way in a particular situation or over a particular period.
Synonyms: proceed, progress, manage, cope.
Antonyms: cease, regress, suppress, retard.
Usage: We’ll also give you an exclusive analysis of how each team fared over the weekend.
