Vocabulary Flashcards - M Words

Cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics (The politician's Machiavellian tactics won him the election but lost him many friends.)

A powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river; a situation or state of confused movement or violent turmoil (The country was caught in a political maelstrom.)

Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person (Despite losing the game, she was magnanimous in defeat.)

Ineffective or bungling; clumsy (His maladroit handling of the situation only made things worse.)

A magical word or phrase uttered with the intention of bringing about evil or destruction; a curse (The witch muttered a malediction as the hero passed by.)

To exaggerate or feign illness in order to escape duty or work (He was accused of malingering to avoid his responsibilities.)

Many and various (The benefits of the new policy were manifold.)

Self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness (He became maudlin after a few drinks and started talking about his ex-girlfriend.)

An unorthodox or independent-minded person (The young entrepreneur was a maverick in the tech industry.)

Sentimental in a feeble or sickly way (The movie was criticized for its mawkish sentimentality.)

To follow a winding course; to wander at random (The river meandered through the valley.)

Not telling the truth; lying (The mendacious propaganda misled many people.)

(Of a person) subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind (His mercurial temperament made him difficult to work with.)

Deserving reward or praise (The employee was recognized for his meritorious service.)

A change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means (The caterpillar underwent a metamorphosis to become a butterfly.)

To make less severe, serious, or painful (The doctor prescribed medication to mitigate the patient's pain.)

A small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirable or valuable (He hasn't even a modicum of common sense.)

To appease the anger or anxiety of (someone) (The manager tried to mollify the upset customer with a refund.)

Sullen and ill-tempered (He became morose after hearing the bad news.)

Lacking interest or excitement; dull (She longed to escape the mundane routine of her daily life.)

More generous than is usual or necessary (The philanthropist's munificent donation helped build the new hospital wing.)

A countless or extremely great number (The garden was filled with a myriad of colorful flowers.)