Synonyms: caustic, acerb, pungent, tart, mordant, acrid; (noun) asperity.
Antonyms: suave, affable,
ACUMEN: Keenness of mind or insight - showing exceptional business acumen.
Synonyms: perspicacity, discernment, perception.
Antonym: obtuseness.
ADMONISH (noun: ADMONITION): To warn or find fault gently - admonishing the unruly child. Synonyms: chide, caution, reprimand, reprehend, reproach.
ADVERSARY: (adj.: ADVERSE): An opponent - his adversary in a bitter debate.
Synonym: antagonist.
Antonyms: cohort, confederate, ally, accomplice.
ADVERSITY: Misfortune - calm in the face of adversity.
Synonyms: affliction, mischance, reverses.
AESTHETIC: Pertaining to the beautiful - interested in aesthetic values rather than in purely practical affairs.
AFFABLE: Sociable, courteous, and agreeable in manner a much admired, affable gentleman. Synonyms: civil, complaisant, benign, gracious, genial, urbane, cordial.
Antonyms: curt, brusque, rude, boorish, surly.
AFFLUENT: Prosperous, flourishing; copious - a large bequest from an affluent grandfather. Synonyms: opulent, profuse.
Antonyms: destitute, impecunious.
AGGRESSIVE (noun: AGGRESSION. an unprovoked attack): self-assertive; attacking, offensive - annoyed people by his aggressive attitude.
Synonyms: bumptious, officious, obtrusive.
Antonyms: meek, humble, retiring, diffident.
Antonyms: apathy, nonchalance, sluggishness, lethargy, phlegmatism.
ALIENATE: To estrange - alterated by his gruff manner.
ALLAY: To calm; to lessen in severity - at ease now that his fears have been allayed.
Synonyms: appease, alleviate, pacify, assuage, abate, mitigate, propitiate, mollify, placate.
Antonyms: intensify, aggravate.
ALLUDE (noun: ALLUSION): To refer to indirectly - alluded quite subtly to his friend's misfortune.
Synonyms: insinuate, intimate, imply.
Antonyms: refer, cite.
