Definition: (noun) A broad, flat-topped elevation with one or more clifflike sides, common in the southwest United States.
Synonyms: table.
Usage: They scaled forest-clad heights until they emerged on a naked mesa.
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Category: Word of the Day
embodiment
Definition: (noun) A new personification of a familiar idea.
Synonyms: avatar, incarnation.
Usage: The State is the visible embodiment of justice under the conditions of human society.
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dusky
suppliant
Definition: (noun) One praying humbly for something.
Synonyms: petitioner, requester, supplicant.
Usage: “Oh, God!” prayed the kneeling suppliant, “protect my husband, guard my son, and take my wretched life instead!”
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interpenetrate
Definition: (verb) Spread or diffuse through.
Synonyms: imbue, permeate, pervade, diffuse, riddle, penetrate.
Usage: Crossing his arms on his chest, as if to control this new sensation of delight, he drank in delicious draughts of that mysterious air which interpenetrates at night the loftiest forests.
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smug
Definition: (adjective) Exhibiting or feeling great or offensive satisfaction with oneself or with one’s situation; self-righteously complacent.
Synonyms: self-satisfied.
Usage: On his face was the smug look of a toad breakfasting on fat marsh flies.
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callous
Definition: (adjective) Emotionally hardened; unfeeling.
Synonyms: indurate, pachydermatous.
Usage: He was a callous man and cared not for the suffering of others.
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imitative
Definition: (adjective) (Of words) Formed in imitation of a natural sound.
Synonyms: echoic, onomatopoeic.
Usage: Onomatopoeic words like “buzz” and “murmur” are imitative of the noises they describe.
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gullible
Definition: (adjective) Easily deceived or duped.
Synonyms: fleeceable, green.
Usage: Maddie was a gullible young girl, and we easily convinced her that our homely history teacher was actually a runaway princess in disguise.
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