Buffer -
A person or thing that reduces shock or impact.
When Fred skidded off the road on his motorcycle, his helmet was a thankful buffer that prevented a head injury.
audio
182 of654 Bad /
Unhappy
noun
gloom -
An emotional or physical state of darkness and depression
The depressed family lived in a dark house, and the gloom of the house matched the gloom of their moods.
audio
183 of654 Bad /
Dishonest
noun
façade -
A deceptive outward appearance.
Bill realized too late that behind the salesman's facade of integrity was a crook that wanted to steal his money.
audio
184 of654 Good /
Exciting
noun
Picture
Craze -
A widespread and short-lived enthusiasm or fad for something.
The new mobile phone game became a global craze overnight.
audio
185 of654 Bad /
Strange
noun
ilk -
Referring to a certain type of people, usually in a negative sense
The police chief said to the young men causing trouble in the downtown area, “Leave now, and I don’t want to see you or your ilk in this area any time soon.”
audio
186 of654 Bad /
Dishonest
noun
huckster -
A person who sells things of questionable value
Martha opened the door to the huckster who tried to sell her land in Florida.
audio
187 of654 Bad /
Bad
noun
stigma -
A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person
In "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne must deal with the stigma of having an out-of-wedlock child in a Puritan setting.
audio
188 of654 Good /
Exciting
noun
hoopla -
Excitement surrounding an event or situation, especially when considered to be unnecessary fuss
Even though iPhone models rarely change much every year, the hoopla surrounding them always leads to long lines of customers.
audio
189 of654 Bad /
Angry
noun
tirade -
A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation
After his team lost the championship game, the coach launched into a tirade against his players, listing all the things they had done wrong in the game.
audio
190 of654 Good /
Exciting
noun
crescendo -
A gradual increase in loudness in a piece of music
Rock guitarists thrill stadium audiences by playing a crescendo until they can't hear anything else.
audio
191 of654 Other /
Light
noun
glimmer -
A weak, faint, or unsteady light
Six hours after the house collapsed on Peter, his first glimmer of hope occurred when he heard the rescue workers calling his name.
audio
192 of654 Good /
Friendly
noun
camaraderie -
Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
Sam liked his fraternity because of the feeling of camaraderie he felt with all his friends there.
