Vocabulary Flashcards - W Words

To decrease in size, extent, or degree; to diminish in strength or intensity (As the night wore on, their enthusiasm began to wane.)

(Of a cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked (The vandals were punished for their wanton destruction of property.)

To justify or necessitate (a certain course of action); to guarantee (The severity of the crime warranted a lengthy prison sentence.)

Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems (She was wary of strangers offering help.)

To increase gradually in size, number, strength, or intensity (Her interest in the subject continued to wax as she learned more.)

A large number of items in no order; a confused mass (The desk was covered in a welter of papers and books.)

To employ endearments or flattery to persuade someone to do something or give one something (She tried to wheedle her way into the exclusive party.)

To sharpen the blade of (a tool or weapon); to excite or stimulate (The appetizer served to whet their appetites for the main course.)

Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way (The whimsical design of the house made it look like something out of a fairy tale.)

Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully (The wily fox managed to escape the trap.)

Attractive or appealing in appearance or character (Her winsome smile charmed everyone she met.)

Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing (She looked at the old photographs with a wistful expression.)

To become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of failing vitality (The wizen old man had a face full of deep lines.)