ISAAL SPELLING BEE REVIEWER- DIFFICULT WORDS

1. Connoisseur  Definition: A meeting at an agreed time and

place, often secretive.
 Definition: An expert judge in matters of taste,
especially in the arts or food.  Sentence: The spies arranged a rendezvous at a
quiet café in the city.
 Sentence: He was a connoisseur of fine wines,
able to distinguish the year of harvest with ease. 10. Colloquial

2. Bourgeoisie  Definition: Used in ordinary or familiar

conversation; not formal or literary.
 Definition: The middle class, typically with
reference to its materialistic values or  Sentence: His essay was full of colloquial
conventional attitudes. expressions that made it relatable.

 Sentence: The novel criticized the opulent 11. Onomatopoeia

lifestyles of the bourgeoisie during the
 Definition: The formation of a word from a
revolution.
sound associated with what is named.
3. Entrepreneur
 Sentence: Words like “buzz” and “sizzle” are
 Definition: A person who organizes and examples of onomatopoeia.
operates a business, taking on greater financial
12. Plethora
risks.
 Definition: A large or excessive amount of
 Sentence: As an entrepreneur, she invested all
something.
her savings in her tech startup.
 Sentence: There was a plethora of books on the
4. Chauffeur
subject in the library.
 Definition: A person employed to drive a private
13. Repertoire
or hired car.
 Definition: A stock of plays, dances, or pieces
 Sentence: The family hired a chauffeur to take
that a company or performer knows and can
them around the city.
perform.
5. Cacophony
 Sentence: The pianist added three new sonatas
 Definition: A harsh, discordant mixture of to her repertoire.
sounds.
14. Zeitgeist
 Sentence: The classroom turned into a
 Definition: The defining spirit or mood of a
cacophony of laughter and chatter.
particular period of history.
6. Debonair
 Sentence: The movie perfectly captured the
 Definition: Confident, stylish, and charming zeitgeist of the 1960s.
(typically used for men).
15. Ephemeral
 Sentence: He was known for his debonair
 Definition: Lasting for a very short time.
appearance and smooth demeanor.
 Sentence: The beauty of the cherry blossoms is
7. Panache
ephemeral, lasting only a few weeks.
 Definition: Flamboyant confidence of style or
16. Echelon
manner.
 Definition: A level or rank in an organization or
 Sentence: The magician performed each trick
society.
with incredible panache.
 Sentence: He quickly rose through the
8. Aficionado
corporate echelon to become CEO.
 Definition: A person who is very knowledgeable
17. Surveillance
and enthusiastic about an activity or subject.
 Definition: Close observation, especially of a
 Sentence: She is a true aficionado of classical
suspected spy or criminal.
music.
 Sentence: The suspects were under surveillance
9. Rendezvous
for months.

18. Effervescent
  Definition: Bubbly, fizzy, or full of energy.  Definition: Persistence in doing something
despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
 Sentence: Her effervescent personality made
her the life of the party.  Sentence: His perseverance through the
challenges led to the project’s success.
19. Portmanteau
28. Chicanery
 Definition: A word blending the sounds and
meanings of two others (e.g., “brunch” from  Definition: The use of trickery to achieve a
“breakfast” and “lunch”). political, financial, or legal purpose.

 Sentence: The word “smog” is a portmanteau of  Sentence: The politician's chicanery eventually
“smoke” and “fog.” led to his downfall.

20. Savoir-faire 29. Indubitably

 Definition: The ability to act or speak  Definition: Without a doubt; undoubtedly.

appropriately in social situations.
 Sentence: The evidence was indubitably in favor
 Sentence: His savoir-faire helped him navigate of the defendant.
difficult business negotiations.
30. Flabbergasted
21. Schadenfreude
 Definition: Overwhelmed with astonishment;
 Definition: Pleasure derived from another surprised.
person’s misfortune.
 Sentence: She was flabbergasted when she won
 Sentence: She felt a pang of schadenfreude the lottery.
when her competitor lost the race.
31. Discombobulate
22. Liaison
 Definition: To confuse or disconcert; upset.
 Definition: Communication or cooperation that
 Sentence: The sudden change of plans seemed
facilitates a close working relationship between
to discombobulate everyone involved.
people or organizations.
32. Paraphernalia
 Sentence: He acted as the liaison between the
two departments.  Definition: Equipment or items associated with
a particular activity.
23. Silhouette
 Sentence: The artist had all her paraphernalia
 Definition: A dark outline or shape of someone
arranged neatly in the studio.
or something against a lighter background.
33. Labyrinthine
 Sentence: The silhouette of the mountain was
striking against the sunset.  Definition: Irregular and twisting; intricate and
confusing.
24. Facetious
 Sentence: The labyrinthine corridors of the
 Definition: Treating serious issues with
castle were easy to get lost in.
deliberately inappropriate humor.
34. Aesthetics
 Sentence: His facetious remark about the
meeting lightened the tense mood.  Definition: A set of principles concerned with
the nature and appreciation of beauty.
25. Quintessential
 Sentence: The minimalist aesthetics of the room
 Definition: Representing the most perfect or
made it look spacious.
typical example of a quality or class.
35. Irrefragable
 Sentence: She was the quintessential example
of a dedicated teacher.  Definition: Impossible to refute or argue
against; undeniable.
26. Elucidate
 Sentence: The scientist presented irrefragable
 Definition: To make something clear; explain.
evidence supporting her hypothesis.
 Sentence: The professor used diagrams to
36. Obfuscate
elucidate the complex theory.

27. Perseverance
  Definition: To render obscure, unclear, or  Definition: Wicked or criminal.
unintelligible.
 Sentence: The villain's nefarious plot was foiled
 Sentence: The technical jargon only served to by the heroes.
obfuscate the instructions further.
46. Pulchritude
37. Hyperbole
 Definition: Beauty (usually used to describe
 Definition: Exaggerated statements or claims physical attractiveness).
not meant to be taken literally.
 Sentence: The actress was admired for her
 Sentence: Saying the movie was “the best in the pulchritude and grace.
universe” is an example of hyperbole.
47. Obsequious
38. Phantasmagoria
 Definition: Obedient or attentive to an excessive
 Definition: A sequence of real or imaginary degree.
images like those seen in a dream.
 Sentence: The assistant’s obsequious behavior
 Sentence: The story unfolds in a surreal annoyed his colleagues.
phantasmagoria of light and shadow.
48. Antediluvian
39. Embroilment
 Definition: Extremely old-fashioned or
 Definition: The state of being deeply involved in outdated; literally “before the flood” (referring
a difficult or complicated situation. to biblical times).

 Sentence: His embroilment in the scandal  Sentence:

tarnished his reputation.
 His antediluvian views on technology surprised
40. Incorrigible the younger team members.

 Definition: Not able to be corrected, improved, 49. Sesquipedalian

or reformed.
 Definition: Characterized by long words; long-
 Sentence: His incorrigible habit of being late winded.
frustrated his colleagues.
 Sentence: The professor’s sesquipedalian
41. Perspicacious lecture left many students confused.

 Definition: Having a ready insight into and 50. Ebullient

understanding of things; perceptive.
 Definition: Cheerful and full of energy.
 Sentence: The lawyer's perspicacious
 Sentence: Her ebullient personality made her a
observations helped win the case.
favorite among her peers.
42. Compendium

 Definition: A collection of concise but detailed

ANOTHER DIFFICULT WORDS
information about a particular subject.
1. Acquiescence
 Sentence: She published a compendium of
classic fairy tales.  Meaning: Passive acceptance or submission.
43. Ubiquitous  Sentence: Her acquiescence to the decision
surprised everyone at the meeting.
 Definition: Present, appearing, or found
everywhere. 2. Acquittal
 Sentence: Smartphones have become  Meaning: A legal judgment that a person is not
ubiquitous in modern society. guilty of a crime.
44. Omniscient  Sentence: The jury's acquittal brought relief to
the defendant.
 Definition: Knowing everything.
3. Ambidextrous
 Sentence: The narrator in the novel assumes an
omniscient point of view.  Meaning: Able to use both hands equally well.
45. Nefarious  Sentence: He is ambidextrous and can write
with either hand effortlessly.
4. Amphibious  Sentence: Their clandestine meetings aroused
suspicion.
 Meaning: Able to live both on land and in water.
14. Commiserate
 Sentence: Frogs are amphibious creatures.
 Meaning: To express sympathy for someone’s
5. Anachronistic
misfortune.
 Meaning: Belonging to a different time period
 Sentence: She called her friend to commiserate
than the present; outdated.
after hearing about the accident.
 Sentence: His views on gender roles seem
15. Condescension
anachronistic in today’s world.
 Meaning: A patronizing attitude or behavior.
6. Anemone
 Sentence: Her tone of condescension annoyed
 Meaning: A type of flower or a sea creature
her colleagues.
with colorful tentacles.
16. Conflagration
 Sentence: The vibrant sea anemone swayed in
the ocean currents.  Meaning: A large destructive fire.

7. Anglophile  Sentence: The conflagration destroyed most of

the forest.
 Meaning: A person who is fond of English
culture. 17. Cryptography

 Sentence: As an Anglophile, she loves British  Meaning: The art of writing or solving codes.
literature and tea.
 Sentence: He studied cryptography to enhance
8. Apothecary security in communications.

 Meaning: A person who prepares and sells 18. Dodecahedron

medicines; an old term for pharmacist.
 Meaning: A 3D shape with 12 flat faces.
 Sentence: The town apothecary was known for
 Sentence: The mathematical model resembled a
his herbal remedies.
dodecahedron.
9. Archaeologist
19. Euphemism
 Meaning: A person who studies ancient cultures
 Meaning: A mild or indirect word used instead
through artifacts.
of a harsh one.
 Sentence: The archaeologist uncovered artifacts
 Sentence: "Passed away" is a euphemism for
from a lost civilization.
"died."
10. Auspicious
20. Evanescent
 Meaning: Favorable or conducive to success.
 Meaning: Quickly fading or disappearing.
 Sentence: The clear skies made for an
 Sentence: The evanescent beauty of the sunset
auspicious start to the event.
left us speechless.
11. Belligerent
21. Fluctuation
 Meaning: Hostile and aggressive.
 Meaning: A variation or change in a level or
 Sentence: His belligerent attitude caused amount.
unnecessary tension in the room.
 Sentence: The temperature fluctuation affected
12. Circumference the plants.

 Meaning: The outer boundary of a circle. 22. Garrulous

 Sentence: We calculated the circumference of  Meaning: Excessively talkative, especially on

the wheel for the project. trivial matters.

13. Clandestine  Sentence: His garrulous nature made meetings

last twice as long.
 Meaning: Done secretly or kept hidden.
23. Genuflect
  Meaning: To kneel or bend as a sign of 33. Nonchalant
reverence.
 Meaning: Feeling or appearing casually calm
 Sentence: The priest asked the congregation to and relaxed.
genuflect during the prayer.
 Sentence: She gave a nonchalant shrug despite
24. Hallucinogen the tense situation.

 Meaning: A substance that causes 34. Obfuscation

hallucinations.
 Meaning: The act of making something unclear
 Sentence: The scientist researched the effects of or obscure.
hallucinogens on the brain.
 Sentence: The lawyer’s use of jargon was seen
25. Heterogeneous as deliberate obfuscation.

 Meaning: Diverse in content or composition. 35. Obsolescence

 Sentence: The group was composed of a  Meaning: The process of becoming outdated or
heterogeneous mix of talents. no longer used.

26. Incontrovertible  Sentence: The rapid obsolescence of technology

creates environmental concerns.
 Meaning: Undeniable; unable to be disputed.
36. Palindrome
 Sentence: The evidence presented in court was
incontrovertible.  Meaning: A word, phrase, or sequence that
reads the same backward as forward.
27. Indelible
 Sentence: “Racecar” is a common example of a
 Meaning: Not able to be erased or forgotten.
palindrome.
 Sentence: The trip left an indelible impression
37. Pantheon
on her.
 Meaning: A group of illustrious people in a
28. Juxtaposition
particular field.
 Meaning: Placing two things side by side for
 Sentence: Shakespeare belongs in the pantheon
comparison.
of great writers.
 Sentence: The juxtaposition of old and new
38. Paradoxical
architecture was striking.
 Meaning: Seemingly contradictory but true.
29. Lexicographer
 Sentence: The statement "less is more" is
 Meaning: A person who compiles dictionaries.
paradoxical.
 Sentence: The lexicographer spent years
39. Perspicuity
collecting words for her dictionary.
 Meaning: Clarity and ease of understanding.
30. Magnanimous
 Sentence: Her perspicuity in explaining difficult
 Meaning: Generous or forgiving, especially
topics impressed her students.
toward a rival.
40. Profligate
 Sentence: Despite the insult, she remained
magnanimous in her response.  Meaning: Recklessly extravagant or wasteful.

31. Monochromatic  Sentence: His profligate spending habits left him

in debt.
 Meaning: Consisting of only one color.
41. Quintessential
 Sentence: The painting’s monochromatic theme
gave it a modern feel.  Meaning: Representing the most perfect
example.
32. Multifarious
 Sentence: The Eiffel Tower is the quintessential
 Meaning: Having many parts or aspects.
symbol of Paris.
 Sentence: His multifarious interests included
42. Reciprocity
science, art, and music.
  Meaning: A mutual exchange of privileges or
benefits.

 Sentence: Reciprocity in international trade

1. Absquatulate
agreements helps promote cooperation.
 Meaning: To leave abruptly or run away.
43. Redundant
 Sentence: The thief managed to absquatulate
 Meaning: No longer needed or useful;
with the stolen jewels before the police arrived.
superfluous.
2. Aggrandize
 Sentence: His explanation was redundant
because everyone already understood.  Meaning: To increase in power, influence, or
reputation.
44. Reprehensible
 Sentence: The leader sought to aggrandize his
 Meaning: Deserving condemnation; morally
position through strategic alliances.
wrong.
3. Altruistic
 Sentence: The soldier’s reprehensible actions
were heavily criticized.  Meaning: Showing a selfless concern for the
well-being of others.
45. Sardonic
 Sentence: Her altruistic nature inspired her to
 Meaning: Grimly mocking or cynical.
volunteer at the shelter every weekend.
 Sentence: His sardonic wit often offended those
4. Antediluvian
around him.
 Meaning: Extremely old-fashioned or
46. Soliloquy
antiquated.
 Meaning: A speech given by a character alone
 Sentence: His ideas about education are almost
on stage to reveal inner thoughts.
antediluvian in today’s modern world.
 Sentence: Hamlet's soliloquy "To be or not to
5. Apropos
be" is a famous example.
 Meaning: Appropriate in the circumstances;
47. Surreptitious
relevant.
 Meaning: Kept secret, especially because it
 Sentence: Her comment about budgeting was
would not be approved of.
apropos of the ongoing discussion about
 Sentence: Their surreptitious meetings were finances.
eventually discovered.
6. Asphyxiation
48. Tempestuous
 Meaning: A condition caused by insufficient
 Meaning: Characterized by strong or conflicting intake of oxygen.
emotions; stormy.
 Sentence: The room was so crowded and stuffy
 Sentence: Their tempestuous relationship was that people feared asphyxiation.
filled with highs and lows.
7. Astronomical
49. Transcendental
 Meaning: Extremely large; relating to
 Meaning: Beyond ordinary experience; spiritual astronomy.
or metaphysical.
 Sentence: The cost of the project was
 Sentence: The book explores the transcendental astronomical, but it promised great benefits.
nature of love.
8. Bibliophile
50. Vernacular
 Meaning: A person who loves or collects books.
 Meaning: The language spoken by ordinary
 Sentence: As a dedicated bibliophile, she spent
people in a specific region.
her weekends exploring secondhand
 Sentence: The novel was written in the bookstores.
vernacular to appeal to a broader audience.
9. Bourgeois
  Meaning: Relating to the middle class, typically  Meaning: A division between two contrasting
referencing materialistic values. things.

 Sentence: His bourgeois upbringing influenced  Sentence: The play explores the dichotomy
his taste for luxury items. between wealth and poverty.

10. Brobdingnagian 19. Effervescent

 Meaning: Gigantic in size.  Meaning: Bubbly or enthusiastic.

 Sentence: The Brobdingnagian statue  Sentence: Her effervescent personality made

dominated the town square. her the life of the party.

11. Capricious 20. Ephemeral

 Meaning: Given to sudden and unaccountable  Meaning: Lasting for a very short time.
changes of mood or behavior.
 Sentence: The joy of the snow was ephemeral
 Sentence: His capricious decisions made him as it quickly melted.
difficult to work with.
21. Etymology
12. Circumlocution
 Meaning: The study of the origin of words and
 Meaning: The use of many words when fewer how they’ve changed over time.
would do, typically to be evasive.
 Sentence: His passion for etymology led him to
 Sentence: The politician’s circumlocution become a linguist.
frustrated the audience looking for direct
22. Flabbergasted
answers.
 Meaning: Extremely surprised or shocked.
13. Colloquial
 Sentence: She was flabbergasted when she won
 Meaning: Used in ordinary or informal
the lottery.
conversation.
23. Flummoxed
 Sentence: His speech was peppered with
colloquial expressions that amused the  Meaning: Confused or bewildered.
audience.
 Sentence: The complex math problem
14. Conscientious flummoxed even the brightest students.
 Meaning: Wishing to do one’s work or duty well 24. Grandiloquent
and thoroughly.
 Meaning: Pompous or extravagant in speech.
 Sentence: She is a conscientious student who
always submits her assignments on time.  Sentence: His grandiloquent mannerisms
seemed pretentious to his listeners.
15. Convalescence
25. Hedonistic
 Meaning: Time spent recovering from an illness
or medical treatment.  Meaning: Devoted to the pursuit of pleasure.

 Sentence: After the surgery, his convalescence  Sentence: His hedonistic lifestyle eventually led
lasted nearly two months. to financial troubles.

16. Corpulent 26. Hyperbole

 Meaning: Fat or obese.  Meaning: Exaggerated statements not meant to

be taken literally.
 Sentence: The corpulent man struggled to climb
the stairs.  Sentence: Saying, “I have a million things to do
today,” is a hyperbole.
17. Deciduous
27. Ignominious
 Meaning: Shedding leaves annually.
 Meaning: Deserving or causing public disgrace.
 Sentence: The deciduous trees looked barren in
the winter.  Sentence: His ignominious defeat in the election
shocked everyone.
18. Dichotomy
28. Impetuous
  Meaning: Acting quickly without thought or  Sentence: The mayor was impeached for
care. malfeasance in office.

 Sentence: His impetuous decision to quit his job 38. Mellifluous

left him unemployed.
 Meaning: Sweet-sounding or harmonious.
29. Ineffable
 Sentence: Her mellifluous voice captivated the
 Meaning: Too great or extreme to be expressed audience.
in words.
39. Misconstrue
 Sentence: The beauty of the sunrise was
 Meaning: To interpret something wrongly.
ineffable.
 Sentence: Don’t misconstrue my silence as
30. Insidious
agreement.
 Meaning: Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way,
40. Nomenclature
but with harmful effects.
 Meaning: A system of names used in a specific
 Sentence: The insidious disease spread through
field.
the town unnoticed.
 Sentence: The scientific nomenclature for plants
31. Iridescent
can be quite complicated.
 Meaning: Showing luminous colors that seem to
change when viewed from different angles.
41. Onomatopoeia
 Sentence: The soap bubble shimmered with
iridescent hues.  Meaning: A word that imitates the sound it
represents.
32. Jeopardize
 Sentence: “Buzz” and “clang” are examples of
 Meaning: To put at risk or in danger.
onomatopoeia.
 Sentence: His reckless driving jeopardized
42. Perfunctory
everyone’s safety.
 Meaning: Carried out with minimum effort or
33. Kaleidoscope
care.
 Meaning: A tube with colorful patterns visible
 Sentence: He gave a perfunctory nod before
when rotated; a shifting pattern.
leaving the room.
 Sentence: The marketplace was a kaleidoscope
43. Precipitous
of vibrant colors and sounds.
 Meaning: Steep or sudden.
34. Labyrinthine
 Sentence: The hikers avoided the precipitous
 Meaning: Complicated and intricate, like a
edge of the cliff.
labyrinth.
44. Propinquity
 Sentence: The labyrinthine corridors of the
mansion confused the visitors.  Meaning: Nearness in space or relationship.
35. Languorous  Sentence: The propinquity of the grocery store
made shopping convenient.
 Meaning: Lacking energy; sluggish.
45. Quagmire
 Sentence: The heat made everyone feel
languorous and tired.  Meaning: A difficult or complex situation; a
swamp.
36. Loquacious
 Sentence: He found himself in a financial
 Meaning: Talkative.
quagmire after losing his job.
 Sentence: The loquacious guest monopolized
46. Quintuplets
the dinner conversation.
 Meaning: Five offspring born at the same time
37. Malfeasance
from one pregnancy.
 Meaning: Wrongdoing, especially by a public
 Sentence: The birth of quintuplets was a rare
official.
medical event in the town.
47. Resplendent

 Meaning: Shining brightly or brilliantly.

 Sentence: The bride looked resplendent in her

gown adorned with jewels.

48. Sesquipedalian

 Meaning: Characterized by long words; long-

winded.

 Sentence: His sesquipedalian writing style made

the article difficult to read.

49. Solipsism

 Meaning: The philosophical idea that only one’s

mind is sure to exist.

 Sentence: His belief in solipsism made him

skeptical of external reality.

50. Zephyr

 Meaning: A soft, gentle breeze.

 Sentence: The zephyr rustled the leaves on a

warm summer evening.