- Instead of saying that someone is “picky” or “demanding,” call them “fastidious.”
- If someone is always confident, they possess lots of aplomb.
- “Axiomatic” is a fancy way of saying “obvious.”
The words we use can have a huge impact on our lives. Our word choices can undermine our success or indicate higher levels of stress, but they can also help us reach our goals and impress people like potential employers.
It may have been a while since you’ve practiced SAT words, but expanding your vocabulary opens up new possibilities for expressing yourself at any stage of life.
Don’t be pusillanimous – use one of these 21 words next time you want to sound smart. The definitions and synonyms come from Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com, respectively.
Solipsistic
Definition: extremely preoccupied with and indulgent of one's feelings, desires, etc.
Sounds smarter than: self-absorbed, narcissistic
Obfuscate
Definition: to make obscure or unclear
Sounds smarter than: confuse, complicate
Perfunctory
Definition: lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm
Sounds smarter than: lazy, careless
Equanimity
Definition: mental or emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or strain
Sounds smarter than: chill, calm
Fastidious
Definition: excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please
Sounds smarter than: picky, demanding
Parsimonious
Definition: unwilling to spend money or use resources
Sounds smarter than: cheap, stingy
Aplomb
Definition: imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance
Sounds smarter than: confidence, tact
Axiomatic
Definition: self-evident, requiring no proof
Sounds smarter than: obvious
Ennui
Definition: a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest
Sounds smarter than: boredom
Lurid
Definition: glaringly vivid or sensational
Sounds smarter than: shocking
Malaise
Definition: a vague or unfocused feeling of mental uneasiness, lethargy, or discomfort
Sounds smarter than: depression, despair
Diatribe
Definition: a bitter, sharply abusive denunciation or criticism
Sounds smarter than: attack
Pusillanimous
Definition: lacking courage or resolution
Sounds smarter than: cowardly, timid
Bloviate
Definition: to speak pompously
Sounds smarter than: brag, lecture
Rococo
Definition: ornate or florid in speech, literary style, etc.
Sounds smarter than: flamboyant
Pervicacious
Definition: extremely willful; obstinate
Sounds smarter than: stubborn
Cloying
Definition: causing or tending to cause disgust or aversion through excess
Sounds smarter than: sappy, cheesy
Sycophant
Definition: a self-seeking, servile flatterer
Sounds smarter than: suck-up, brownnoser
Malinger
Definition: to pretend illness, especially in order to shirk one's duty, avoid work, etc.
Sounds smarter than: taking a "sick day"
Maudlin
Definition: tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental
Sounds smarter than: weepy
Neophyte
Definition: beginner or novice
Sounds smarter than: newbie, amature
