Classes Voluntary Powers Volition in General
Volition in General
Nouns
will, volition, conation, velleity
will and pleasure, free will
freedom etc. Freedom
discretion
option etc. (choice) Choice
voluntariness
spontaneity, spontaneousness
originality. pleasure, wish, mind
desire
frame of mind etc. (inclination) Willingness
intention etc. Intention
predetermination etc. Predetermination
selfcontrol etc.
determination etc. (resolution) Resolution
force of will.
Verbs
will, list
see fit, think fit
determine etc. (resolve) Resolution
enjoin
settle etc. (choose) Choice
volunteer. have a will of one's own
do what one chooses etc. (freedom) Freedom
have it all.one's own way
have one's will, have one's own way. use one's discretion, exercise one's discretion
take upon oneself, take one's own course, take the law into one's own hands
do of one's own accord, do upon one's own authority
originate etc. (cause) [Constant antecedent] . Cause
Adverbs
voluntarily etc. adj.
at will, at pleasure
a discretion
ad libitum
as one thinks proper, as it seems good to
of one's own free will
out of one's won head
by choice etc. Choice
purposely etc. (intentionally) Intention
deliberately etc. Predetermination .
Nouns
involuntariness
instinct, blind impulse
inborn proclivity, innate proclivity
native tendency, natural tendency
natural impulse, predetermination. necessity, necessitation
obligation
compulsion etc. Compulsion
subjection etc. Subjection
stern necessity, hard necessity, dire necessity, imperious necessity, inexorable necessity, iron necessity, adverse necessity
fate
what must be. destiny, destination
fatality, fate, kismet, doom, foredoom, election, predestination
preordination, foreordination
lot fortune
fatalism
inevitableness etc. adj.
spell etc. Spell . star, stars
planet, planets
astral influence
sky, Fates, Parcae, Sisters three, book of fate
God's will, will of Heaven
wheel of Fortune, Ides of March, Hobson's choice. last shift, last resort
necessaries etc. (requirement) Requirement . necessarian, necessitarian
fatalist
automaton.
Verbs
lie under a necessity
befated, be doomed, be destined etc. , in for, under the necessity of
have no choice, have no alternative
be one's fate etc. n.. to be pushed to the wall to be driven into a to be pushed to the wall to be driven into a corner, to be unable to help. destine, doom, foredoom, devote
predestine, preordain
cast a spell etc. Sorcery
necessitate
compel etc. Compulsion .
Adjectives
necessary, needful etc. (requisite) Requirement . fated
destined etc. v.
elect
spellbound compulsory etc. (compel) Compulsion
uncontrollable, inevitable, unavoidable, irresistible, irrevocable, inexorable
avoidless, resistless. involuntary, instinctive, automatic, blind, mechanical
unconscious, unwitting, unthinking
unintentional etc. (undesigned) [Absence of purpose in the succession of events] Chance
impulsive etc. Impulse .
Adverbs
necessarily etc. adv.
of necessity, of course
needs must
perforce etc. Compulsion
will he nil he, willy nilly, willing or unwilling
by stress of
if need be.
Phrases
it cannot be helped
there is no help for, there is no helping it
it will be, it must be, it needs to be, it must be so, it will have its way
the die is cast
it is written
" one's days are numbered, one's fate is sealed
The moving finger writes and having writ moves on. The moving finger writes and having writ moves on. Nor all thy piety nor wit shall draw it back to cancel half a [Rubayyat of Omar Khayyam] .
Nouns
willingness, voluntariness etc. adj.
willing mind, heart. disposition, inclination, leaning, animus
frame of mind, humor, mood, vein
bent etc. (turn of mind) Affections
penchant etc. (desire) Desire
aptitude etc. Skill . docility, docibleness
persuasibleness, persuasibility
pliability etc. (softness) Softness . geniality, cordiality
goodwill
alacrity, readiness, earnestness, forwardness
eagerness etc. (desire) Desire . asset etc. Assent
compliance etc. Consent
pleasure etc. (will) Will
gratuitous service. labor of love
volunteer, volunteering.
Verbs
be willing etc. adj.
incline, lean to, mind, propend
had as lief
lend a willing ear, give a willing ear, turn a willing ear
have a half a mind to, have a great mind to
hold to, cling to
desire etc. Desire . see fit, think good, think proper
acquiesce etc. (assent) Assent
comply with etc. Consent . swallow the bait, nibble at the bait
gorge the hook
have no scruple of, make no scruple of
make no bones of
jump at, catch at
meet halfway
volunteer.
Adjectives
willing, minded, fain, disposed, inclined, favorable
favorably-minded, favorably inclined, favorably disposed
nothing loth
in the vein, in the mood, in the humor, in the mind. ready, forward, earnest, eager
bent upon etc. (desirous) Desire
predisposed, propense. docile
persuadable, persuasible
suasible, easily persuaded, facile, easy-going
tractable etc. (pliant) Softness
genial, gracious, cordial, cheering, hearty
content etc. (assenting) Assent . voluntary, gratuitous, spontaneous
unasked etc. (ask) etc. Request
unforced etc. (free) Freedom .
Adverbs
willingly etc. adj.
fain, freely, as lief, heart and soul
with pleasure, with all one's heart, with open arms
with good will, with right will
heart in hand, nothing loth, without reluctance, of one's own accord, graciously
by all means, by all manner of means
to one's heart's content
yes etc. (assent) Assent .
Nouns
unwillingness etc. adj.
indisposition, indisposedness
disinclination, aversation
nolleity, nolition
renitence, renitency
reluctance
indifference etc. Indifference
backwardness etc. adj.
slowness etc. Slowness
want of alacrity, want of readiness
indocility etc. (obstinacy) Obstinacy . scrupulousness, scrupulosity
qualms of conscience, twinge of conscience
delicacy, demur, scruple, qualm, shrinking, recoil
hesitation etc. (irresolution) Irresolution
fastidiousness etc. Fastidiousness . averseness etc. (dislike) Dislike
dissent etc. Dissent
refusal etc. Refusal .
Adjectives
unwilling
not in the vein, loth, loath, shy of, disinclined, indisposed, averse, reluctant, not content
adverse etc. (opposed) Opposition
laggard, backward, remiss, slack, slow to
indifferent etc. Indifference
scrupulous
squeamish etc. (fastidious) Fastidiousness
repugnant etc. (dislike) Dislike
restiff, restive
demurring etc. v.
unconsenting etc. (refusing) Refusal
involuntary etc. Necessity .
Adverbs
unwillingly etc. adj.
grudgingly, with a heavy heart
with a bad, with an ill grace
against one's wishes, against one's will, against the grain, sore against one's wishes, sore against one's will, sore against one's grain
in spite of one's teeth, in spite of oneself
perforce etc. Compulsion
under protest
no etc. Negation
not for the world, far be it from me.
Nouns
determination, will
iron will, unconquerable will
will of one's own, decision, resolution
backbone
clear grit, true grit, grit [U.S.]
sand, strength of mind, strength of will
resolve etc. (intent) Intention
firmness etc. (stability) Stability
energy, manliness, vigor
game, pluck
resoluteness etc. (courage) [Absence of fear.] Courage
zeal etc. Activity
aplomb
desperation
devotion, devotedness. mastery over self
self control, self command, self possession, self reliance, self government, self restraint, self conquest, self denial
moral courage, moral strength
perseverance etc. Resolution .Existence
tenacity
obstinacy etc. Obstinacy
bulldog
British lion.
Verbs
have determination etc. n.
know one's own mind
be resolved etc. adj.
make up one's mind, will, resolve, determine
decide etc. (judgment) Judgment [Conclusion.]
form a determination, come to a determination, come to a resolution, come to a resolve
conclude, fix, seal, determine once for all, bring to a crisis, drive matters to an extremity
take a decisive step etc. (choice) Choice
take upon oneself etc. (undertake) Undertaking . devote oneself to, give oneself up to
throw away the scabbard, kick down the ladder, nail one's colors to the mast, set one's back against the wall, set one's teeth, put one's foot down, take one's stand
stand firm etc. (stability) Stability
steel oneself
stand no nonsense, not listen to the voice of the charmer. buckle to
buckle oneself put one's shoulder to the buckle oneself put one's shoulder to the wheel, lay one's shoulder to the wheel, set one's shoulder to the wheel
put one's heart into
run the gauntlet, make a dash at, take the bull by the horns
rush in medias res, plunge in medias res
go in for
insist upon, make a point of
set one's heart upon, set one's mind upon. stick at nothing, stop at nothing
make short work of etc. (activity) Activity
not stick at trifles
go all lengths, go the limit [Slang] , go the whole hog
persist etc. (persevere) Resolution .Existence
go through fire and water, ride the tiger, ride in the whirlwind and direct the storm.
Adjectives
resolved etc. v.
determined
strong-willed, strong-minded
resolute etc. (brave) [Absence of fear.] Courage
self-possessed
decided, definitive, peremptory, tranchant
unhesitating, unflinching, unshrinking
firm, iron, gritty [U.S.] , indomitable, game to the backbone
inexorable, relentless, not to be shaken, not to be put down
inflexible etc. (hard) Hardness
obstinate etc. Obstinacy
steady etc. (persevering) Resolution .Existence . earnest, serious
set upon, bent upon, intent upon. steel against, proof against
Adverbs
resolutely etc. adj.
in earnest, in good earnest
seriously, joking apart, earnestly, heart and soul
on one's mettle
manfully, like a man, with a high hand
with a strong hand etc. (exertion) Exertion . at any rate, at any risk, at any hazard, at any price, at any cost, at any sacrifice
at all hazards, at all risks, at all events
cost what it may
a tort et a travers
once for all
neck or nothing
rain or shine.
Nouns
perseverance
continuance etc. (inaction) Continuance in action
permanence etc. (absence of change) [Absence of change.] Permanence
firmness etc. (stability) Stability . constancy, steadiness
singleness of purpose, tenacity of purpose
persistence, plodding, patience
sedulity etc. (industry) Activity
pertinacy, pertinacity, pertinaciousness
iteration etc. Repetition
bottom, game, pluck, stamina, backbone, grit
indefatigability, indefatigableness
bulldog courage.
Verbs
persevere, persist
hold on, hold out
die in the last ditch, be in at the death
stick to, cling to, adhere to
stick to one's text, keep on
keep to one's course, keep to one's ground, maintain one's course, maintain one's ground
go all lengths, go through fire and water
bear up, keep up, hold up
plod
stick to work etc. (work) Exertion
continue etc. Continuance in action
follow up
die in harness, die at one's post.
Adjectives
persevering, constant
steady, steadfast
undeviating, unwavering, unfaltering, unswerving, unflinching, unsleeping, unflagging, undrooping
steady as time
unrelenting, unintermitting, unremitting
plodding
industrious etc. Activity
strenuous etc. Exertion
pertinacious
persisting, persistent. solid, sturdy, staunch, stanch, true to oneself
unchangeable etc. Stability
unconquerable etc. (strong) [Degree of power.] Strength
indomitable, game to the last, indefatigable, untiring, unwearied, never tiring.
Adverbs
through evil report and good report, through thick and thin, through fire and water
without fail, sink or swim, at any price
Phrases
never say die
give it the old college try
Nouns
irresolution, infirmity of purpose, indecision
indetermination, undetermination
unsettlement
uncertainty etc. Uncertainty
demur, suspense
hesitating etc. v., hesitation, hesitancy
vacillation
changeableness etc. Changeableness
fluctuation
alternation etc. (oscillation) [Reciprocating motion, motion to and fro.] Oscillation
caprice etc. Caprice . fickleness, levity
pliancy etc. (softness) Softness
weakness
timidity etc. Fear
cowardice etc. [Excess of fear.] Cowardice
half measures. waverer, ass between two bundles of hay
shuttlecock, butterfly
wimp
doughface [U.S.] .
Verbs
be irresolute etc. adj.
hang in suspense, keep in suspense
leave "ad referendum"
think twice about, pause
dawdle etc. (inactivity) Inactivity
remain neuter
dillydally, hesitate, boggle, hover, dacker, hum and haw, demur, not know one's own mind
debate, balance
dally with, coquet with
will and will not, chaser-balancer
go halfway, compromise, make a compromise
be thrown off one's balance, stagger like a drunken man
be afraid etc. Fear
let 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would'" [Macbeth]
falter, waver vacillate etc. Changeableness
change etc. [Difference at different times.] Change
retract etc. Tergiversation
fluctuate
pendulate
alternate etc. (oscillate) [Reciprocating motion, motion to and fro.] Oscillation
keep off and on, play fast and loose
blow hot and cold etc. (caprice) Caprice . shuffle, palter, blink
trim.
Adjectives
irresolute, infirm of purpose, double-minded, half-hearted
undecided, unresolved, undetermined
shilly-shally
fidgety, tremulous
hesitating etc. v.
off one's balance
at a loss etc. (uncertain) Uncertainty . vacillating etc. v.
unsteady etc. (changeable) Changeableness
unsteadfast, fickle, without ballast
capricious etc. Caprice
volatile, frothy
light, lightsome, light-minded
giddy
fast and loose. weak, feeble-minded, frail
timid, wimpish, wimpy etc. Fear
cowardly etc. [Excess of fear.] Cowardice
dough-faced [U.S.]
facile
pliant etc. (soft) Softness
unable to say 'no', easy-going revocable, reversible.
Int
how happy could I be with either! " [Gay] .
Nouns
obstinateness etc. adj.
obstinacy, tenacity
cussedness [U.S.]
perseverance etc. Resolution .Existence
immovability
old school
inflexibility etc. (hardness) Hardness
obduracy, obduration
dogged resolution
resolution etc. Resolution
ruling passion
blind side. self-will, contumacy, perversity
pervicacy, pervicacity
indocility. bigotry, intolerance, dogmatism
opiniatry, opiniativeness
fixed idea etc. (prejudgment) Misjudgment
fanaticism, zealotry, infatuation, monomania
opinionatedness opinionativeness. mule
opinionist, opinionatist, opiniator, opinator
stickler, dogmatist
bigot
zealot, enthusiast, fanatic.
Verbs
be obstinate etc. adj.
stickle, take no denial, fly in the face of facts
opinionate, be wedded to an opinion, hug a belief
have one's own way etc. (will) Will
persist etc. (persevere) Resolution .Existence
have the last word, insist on having the last word. die hard, fight against destiny, not yield an inch, stand out.
Adjectives
obstinate, tenacious, stubborn, obdurate, casehardened
inflexible etc. (hard) Hardness
balky
immovable, unshakable, not to be moved
inert etc. Physical Inertness
unchangeable etc. Stability
inexorable etc. (determined) Resolution
mulish, obstinate as a mule, pig-headed. dogged
sullen, sulky
unmoved, uninfluenced unaffected. willful, self-willed, perverse
resty, restive, restiff
pervicacious, wayward, refractory, unruly
heady, headstrong
contumacious
crossgrained. arbitrary, dogmatic, positive, bigoted
prejudiced etc. Misjudgment
creed-bound
prepossessed, infatuated
stiff-backed, stiff necked, stiff hearted
hard-mouthed, hidebound
unyielding
impervious, impracticable, inpersuasible
unpersuadable
intractable, untractable
incorrigible, deaf to advice, impervious to reason
crotchety etc. Caprice .
Nouns
change of mind, change of intention, change of purpose
afterthought. tergiversation, recantation
palinode, palinody
renunciation
abjuration, abjurement
defection etc. (relinquishment) Relinquishment
going over etc. v.
apostasy
retraction, retractation
withdrawal
disavowal etc. (negation) Negation
revocation, revokement
reversal
repentance etc. Penitence
vacillation etc. Irresolution
backsliding
turn tippet
rat, apostate, renegade
convert, pervert
proselyte, deserter
backslider
blackleg, crawfish [U.S.] , scab [Slang] , mugwump [U.S.] , recidivist. time server, time pleaser
timist, Vicar of Bray, trimmer, ambidexter
weathercock etc. (changeable) Changeableness
Janus.
Verbs
change one's mind, change one's intention, change one's purpose, change one's note
abjure, renounce
withdraw from etc. (relinquish) Relinquishment
waver, vacillate
wheel round, turn round, veer round
turn a pirouette
go over from one side to another, pass from one side to another, change from one side to another, skip from one side to another
go to the rightabout
box the compass, shift one's ground, go upon another tack. apostatize, change sides, go over, rat
recant, retract
revoke
rescind etc. (abrogate) Abrogation
recall
forswear, unsay
come over, come round to an opinion
crawfish [U.S.] , crawl [U.S.] . draw in one's horns, eat one's words
eat the leek, swallow the leek
swerve, flinch, back out of, retrace one's steps, think better of it
come back return to one's first love
turn over a new leaf etc. (repent) Penitence . trim, shuffle, play fast and loose, blow hot and cold, coquet, be on the fence, straddle, bold with the hare but run with the hounds
wait to see how the cat jumps, wait to see how the wind blows.
Adjectives
changeful etc. Changeableness
irresolute etc. Irresolution
ductile, slippery as an eel, trimming, ambidextrous, timeserving
coquetting etc. v.. revocatory, reactionary.
Phrases
a change came o'er the spirit of my dream" [Byron] .
Nouns
caprice, fancy, humor
whim, whimsy, whimsey, whimwham
crotchet, capriccio, quirk, freak, maggot, fad, vagary, prank, fit, flimflam, escapade, wild-goose chase
capriciousness etc. adj.
kink.
Verbs
be capricious etc. adj.
have a maggot in the brain
take it into one's head, strain at a gnat and swallow a camel
blow hot and cold
play fast and loose, play fantastic tricks
Adjectives
capricious
erratic, eccentric, fitful, hysterical
full of whims etc. n.
maggoty
inconsistent, fanciful, fantastic, whimsical, crotchety, kinky [U.S.] , particular, humorsome, freakish, skittish, wanton, wayward
contrary
captious
arbitrary
unconformable etc. Unconformity
penny wise and pound foolish
fickle etc. (irresolute) Irresolution
frivolous, sleeveless, giddy, volatile.
Adverbs
by fits and starts, without rhyme or reason.
Nouns
choice, option
discretion etc. (volition) Will
preoption
alternative
dilemma
adoption, cooptation
novation
decision etc. (judgment) Judgment [Conclusion.] . election
political election (politics) Authority .Existence . selection, excerption, gleaning, eclecticism
excerpta, gleanings, cuttings, scissors and paste
pick etc. (best) Perfection . preference, prelation, opinion poll, survey
predilection etc. (desire) Desire .
Verbs
offers one's choice, set before
hold out the alternative, present the alternative, offer the alternative
put to the vote. use option, use discretion, exercise option, exercise discretion, one's option
adopt, take up, embrace, espouse
choose, elect, opt for
take one's choice, make one's choice
make choice of, fix upon. vote, poll, hold up one's hand
divide. settle
decide etc. (adjudge) Judgment [Conclusion.]
list etc. (will) Will
make up one's mind etc. (resolve) Resolution . select
pick and choose
pick out, single out
cull, glean, winnow
sift the chaff from the wheat, separate the chaff from the wheat, winnow the chaff from the wheat
pick up, pitch upon
pick one's way
indulge one's fancy. set apart, mark out for
mark etc. Indication . prefer
have rather, have as lief
fancy etc. (desire) Desire
be persuaded etc. Motive . take a decided step, take a decisive step
commit oneself to a course
pass the Rubicon, cross the Rubicon
cast in one's lot with
take for better or for worse.
Adverbs
optionally etc. adj.
at pleasure etc. (will) Will
either the one or the other
or at the option of
whether or not
once and for all
for one's money. by choice, by preference
in preference
rather, before.
Verbs
be neutral etc. adj.
have no choice, have no election
waive, not vote
abstain from voting, refrain from voting
leave undecided
make a virtue of necessity" [Two Gentlemen] .
Adjectives
neutral, neuter
indifferent, uninterested
undecided etc. (irresolute) Irresolution .
Phrases
who cares, ? what difference does it make
? There's not a dime's worth of difference between There's not a dime's worth of difference between them" [George Wallace] .
Nouns
rejection, repudiation, exclusion
refusal etc. Refusal
declination
Verbs
reject
set aside, lay aside
give up
decline etc. (refuse) Refusal
exclude, except
pluck, spin
cast. repudiate, scout, set at naught
fling to the winds, fling to the dogs, fling overboard, fling away, cast to the winds, cast to the dogs, cast overboard, cast away, throw to the winds, throw to the dogs, throw overboard, throw away, toss to the winds, toss to the dogs, toss overboard, toss away
send to the right about
disclaim etc. (deny) Negation
discard etc. (eject) [Motion out of, actively] Ejection(have done with) Disuse .
Adjectives
rejected etc. v.
reject, rejectaneous, rejectious
not chosen etc. Choice , to be thought of, out of the question
Adverbs
neither, neither the one nor the other
no etc. Negation .
Nouns
predestination, preordination, premeditation, predeliberation, predetermination
foregone conclusion
resolve, propendency
intention etc. Intention
project etc. Plan
fate, foredoom, necessity.
Verbs
predestine, preordain, predetermine, premeditate, resolve, concert
resolve beforehand, predesignate.
Adjectives
prepense, premeditated etc. v., predesignated, predesigned
advised, studied, designed, calculated
aforethought
intended etc. Intention
foregone. well-laid, well-devised, well-weighed
maturely considered
cunning.
Adverbs
advisedly etc. adj.
with premeditation, deliberately, all things considered, with eyes open, in cold blood
intentionally etc. Intention .
Nouns
impulse, sudden thought
impromptu, improvisation
inspiration, flash, spurt. improvisatore
creature of impulse.
Verbs
flash on the mind. say what comes uppermost
improvise, extemporize.
Adjectives
extemporaneous, impulsive, indeliberate
snap
improvised, improvisate, improvisatory
unpremeditated, unmeditated
improvise
unprompted, unguided
natural, unguarded
spontaneous etc. (voluntary) Will
instinctive etc. Necessity .
Adverbs
extempore, extemporaneously
offhand, impromptu
improviso
on the spur of the moment, on the spur of the occasion.
Nouns
habit, habitude
assuetude, assuefaction, wont
run, way. common state of things, general state of things, natural state of things, ordinary state of things, ordinary course of things, ordinary run of things
matter of course
beaten path, beaten track, beaten ground. prescription, custom, use, usage, immemorial usage, practice
prevalence, observance
conventionalism, conventionality
mode, fashion, vogue
etiquette etc. (gentility) Fashion
order of the day, cry
conformity etc. Conformity
consuetude, dustoor. one's old way, old school
standing order, precedent, routine
red-tape, red-tapism
pipe clay
rut
bad habit, confirmed habit, inveterate habit, intrinsic habit etc.
addiction, trick. training etc. (education) Teaching
seasoning, second nature, acclimatization
knack etc.
Verbs
be wont etc. adj. . fall into a rut, fall into a custom etc. (conform to) Conformity
tread the beaten track, follow the beaten track, tread the beaten path, follow the beaten
move in a rut, run on in a groove, go round like a horse in a mill, go on in the old jog trot way. habituate, inure, harden, season, caseharden
accustom, familiarize
naturalize, acclimatize
keep one's hand in
train etc. (educate) Teaching . get into the way, get into the knack of
learn etc. Learning
cling to, adhere to
repeat etc. Repetition
acquire a habit, contract a habit, fall into a habit, acquire a trick, contract a trick, fall into a trick
addict oneself to, take to, get into. be habitual etc. adj.
prevail
come into use, become a habit, take root
gain upon one, grow upon one.
Adjectives
habitual
accustomary
prescriptive, accustomed etc. v.
of daily occurrence, of everyday occurrence
consuetudinary
wonted, usual, general, ordinary, common, frequent, everyday, household, garden variety, jog, trot
well-trodden, well-known
familiar, vernacular, trite, commonplace, conventional, regular, set, stock, established, stereotyped
prevailing, prevalent
current, received, acknowledged, recognized, accredited
of course, admitted, understood. conformable. etc. Conformity
according to use, according to custom, according to routine
in vogue, in fashion, in, with it
fashionable etc. (genteel) Fashion . wont
used to, given to, addicted to, attuned to, habituated etc. v.
in the habit of
habitue
at home in etc. (skillful) Skill
seasoned
imbued with
devoted to, wedded to. hackneyed, fixed, rooted, deep-rooted, ingrafted, permanent, inveterate, besetting
naturalized
ingrained etc. (intrinsic) Intrinsicality .
Adverbs
habitually etc. adj.
always etc. (uniformly) Uniformity . as usual, as is one's wont, as things go, as the world goes, as the sparks fly upwards
more suo
ex more. as a rule, for the most part
usually, generally, typically etc. adj.
most often, most frequently.
Phrases
How use doth breed a habit in a man! " [Two Gentlemen]
Nouns
desuetude, disusage
obsolescence, disuse etc. Disuse
want of habit, want of practice
inusitation
newness to
new brooms. infraction of usage etc. (unconformity) Unconformity
nonprevalence
a custom more honored in the breach than the a custom more honored in the breach than the observance" [Hamlet] .
Verbs
be unaccustomed etc. adj.
leave off a habit, cast off a habit, break off a habit, wean oneself of a habit, violate a habit, break through a habit, infringe a habit, leave off a custom, cast off a custom, break off a custom, wean oneself of a custom, violate a custom, break through a custom, infringe a custom, leave off a usage, cast off a usage, break off a usage, wean oneself of a usage, violate a usage, break through a usage, infringe a usage
disuse etc. Disuse
wear off.
Adjectives
unaccustomed, unused, unwonted, unseasoned, uninured, unhabituated, untrained
new
green etc. (unskilled) Unskillfulness
unhackneyed. unusual etc. (unconformable) Unconformity
nonobservant
disused etc. Disuse .
Nouns
motive, springs of action, wellsprings of action. reason, ground, call, principle
by end, by purpose
mainspring, keystone
the why and the wherefore
pro and con, reason why
secret motive
intention etc. Intention . inducement, consideration
attraction
loadstone
magnet, magnetism, magnetic force
allectation, allective
temptation, enticement, agacerie, allurement, witchery
bewitchment, bewitchery
charm
spell etc. Spell
fascination, blandishment, cajolery
seduction, seducement
honeyed words, voice of the tempter, song of the Sirens forbidden fruit, golden apple. persuasibility, persuasibleness
attractability
impressibility, susceptibility
softness
persuasiveness, attractiveness
tantalization. influence, prompting, dictate, instance
impulse, impulsion
incitement, incitation
press, instigation
provocation etc. (excitation of feeling) Excitation
inspiration
persuasion, suasion
encouragement, advocacy
exhortation
advice etc. Advice
solicitation etc. (request) Request
lobbyism
pull [Slang] . incentive, stimulus, spur, fillip, whip, goad, ankus, rowel, provocative, whet, dram. bribe, lure
decoy, decoy duck
bait, trail of a red herring
bribery and corruption
sop, sop for Cerberus. prompter, tempter
seducer, seductor
instigator, firebrand, incendiary
Siren, Circe
agent provocateur
lobbyist.
Verbs
induce, move
draw, draw on
bring in its train, give an impulse etc. n.
to
inspire
put up to, prompt, call up
attract, beckon. stimulate etc. (excite) Excitation
spirit up, inspirit
rouse, arouse
animate, incite, foment, provoke, instigate, set on, actuate
act upon, work upon, operate upon
encourage
pat on the back, pat on the shoulder, clap on the back, clap on the shoulder. influence, weigh with, bias, sway, incline, dispose, predispose, turn the scale, inoculate
lead by the nose
have influence with, have influence over, have influence upon, exercise influence with, exercise influence over, exercise influence upon
go round, come round one
turn the head, magnetize
lobby. persuade
prevail with, prevail upon
overcome, carry
bring round to one's senses, bring to one's senses
draw over, win over, gain over, come over, talk over
procure, enlist, engage
invite, court. tempt, seduce, overpersuade, entice, allure, captivate, fascinate, bewitch, carry away, charm, conciliate, wheedle, coax, lure
inveigle
tantalize
cajole etc. (deceive) Deception . tamper with, bribe, suborn, grease the palm, bait with a silver hook, gild the pill, make things pleasant, put a sop into the pan, throw a sop to, bait the hook. enforce, force
impel etc. (push) Impulse
propel etc. [Motion given to an object situated in front.] Propulsion
whip, lash, goad, spur, prick, urge
egg on, hound, hurry on
drag etc. [Motion given to an object situated behind.] Traction
exhort
advise etc. Advice
call upon etc.
press etc. (request) Request
advocate. set an example, set the fashion
keep in countenance. be persuaded etc.
yield to temptation, come round
concede etc. (consent) Consent
obey a call
follow advice, follow the bent, follow the dictates of
act on principle.
Adjectives
impulsive, motive
suasive, suasory, persuasive, persuasory, hortative, hortatory
protreptical
inviting, tempting, c. v.
suasive, suasory
seductive, attractive
fascinating etc. (pleasing) [Capability of giving pleasure; cause or source of pleasure.] Pleasurableness
provocative etc. (exciting) Excitation . induced etc. v.
disposed
persuadable etc. (docile) Willingness
spellbound
instinct with, smitten with, infatuated
inspired etc. v.
by.
Adverbs
because, therefore etc. (cause) [Assignment of cause] Attribution
from this motive, from that motive
for this reason, for that reason
for
by reason of, for the sake of, count of
out of, from, as, forasmuch as. for all the world
on principle.
Phrases
temptation hath a music for all ears" [Willis]
to beguile many and be beguiled by one" [Othello] .
Verbs
dissuade, dehort, cry out against, remonstrate, expostulate, warn, contraindicate. disincline, indispose, shake, stagger
dispirit
discourage, dishearten
deter
repress, hold back, keep back etc. (restrain) Restraint
render averse etc. Unwillingness
repel
turn aside etc. (deviation) Deviation
wean from
act as a drag etc. (hinder) Hindrance
throw cold water on, damp, cool, chill, blunt, calm, quiet, quench
deprecate etc. [Negative request.] Deprecation
disabuse (correction) Information .Existence .
Adjectives
dissuading etc. v.
dissuasive
dehortatory, expostulatory
monitive, monitory. dissuaded etc. v.
admonitory
uninduced etc. (induce) etc. Motive
unpersuadable etc. (obstinate) Obstinacy
averse etc. (unwilling) Unwillingness
repugnant etc. (dislike) Dislike . repressed.
Nouns
pretext, pretense, pretension, plea
allegation, advocation
ostensible motive, ostensible ground, ostensible reason, phony reason
excuse etc. (vindication) Vindication
subterfuge
color
gloss, guise, cover. loop hole, starting hole
how to creep out of, salvo, come off
way of escape. handle, peg to hang on
stalking-horse, cue. pretense etc. (untruth) Untruth
put off, dust thrown in the eyes
blind
moonshine
mere pretext, shallow pretext
lame excuse, lame apology
tub to a whale
false plea, sour grapes
makeshift, shift, white lie
special pleading etc. (sophistry) Intuition. Sophistry [The absence of reasoning.] [False or vicious reasoning; show of reason.]
soft sawder etc. (flattery) Flattery .
Verbs
pretend, plead, allege
shelter oneself under the plea of
excuse etc. (vindicate) Vindication
lend a color to
furnish a handle etc. n.
make a pretext of, make a handle of
use as a plea etc. n.
take one's stand upon, make capital out of, pretend etc. (lie) Falsehood .
Adverbs
ostensibly
under color
under the plea, under the pretense of, under the guise of.
Nouns
good, benefit, advantage
improvement etc. Improvement
greatest good, supreme good
interest, service, behoof, behalf
weal
main chance, common weal
consummation devoutly to be wished
" gain, boot
profit, harvest. boon etc. (gift) Giving
good turn
blessing
world of good
nuts, prize, windfall, godsend, waif, treasure-trove. good fortune etc. (prosperity) Prosperity
happiness etc. Pleasure . [Source of good] goodness etc. [Capability of producing good. Good qualities.] Goodness
utility etc. Utility
remedy etc. Remedy
pleasure giving etc. [Capability of giving pleasure; cause or source of pleasure.] Pleasurableness
Adverbs
well, aright, satisfactorily, favorably
all for the best
to one's advantage etc. n.
in one's favor, in one's interest etc. n..
Nouns
evil, ill, harm, hurt., mischief, nuisance
machinations of the devil, Pandora's box, ills that flesh is heir to. blow, buffet, stroke, scratch, bruise, wound, gash, mutilation
mortal blow, wound
damage, loss etc. (deterioration) Deterioration . disadvantage, prejudice, drawback. disaster, accident, casualty
mishap etc. (misfortune) Adversity
bad job, devil to pay
calamity, bale, catastrophe, tragedy
ruin etc. (destruction) [Nonproduction.] Destruction
adversity etc. Adversity . mental suffering etc. Pain . demon etc. Demon . (Evil spirit) bane, c. Bane (cause of evil) . badness, c. [Capability of producing evil. Bad qualities.] Badness(Production of Evil)
painfulness, c. [Capability of giving pain; cause or source of pain] Painfulness
evil doer, c. [Maleficent being] Evil doer
bad turn, ill turn
disservice, spoliation etc. Stealing
grievance, crying evil.
Adverbs
wrong, ill, to one's cost
Phrases
moving accidents by flood and field" [Othello] .
Nouns
will, volition, conation, velleity
will and pleasure, free will
freedom etc. Freedom
discretion
option etc. (choice) Choice
voluntariness
spontaneity, spontaneousness
originality. pleasure, wish, mind
desire
frame of mind etc. (inclination) Willingness
intention etc. Intention
predetermination etc. Predetermination
selfcontrol etc.
determination etc. (resolution) Resolution
force of will.
Verbs
will, list
see fit, think fit
determine etc. (resolve) Resolution
enjoin
settle etc. (choose) Choice
volunteer. have a will of one's own
do what one chooses etc. (freedom) Freedom
have it all.one's own way
have one's will, have one's own way. use one's discretion, exercise one's discretion
take upon oneself, take one's own course, take the law into one's own hands
do of one's own accord, do upon one's own authority
originate etc. (cause) [Constant antecedent] . Cause
Adverbs
voluntarily etc. adj.
at will, at pleasure
a discretion
ad libitum
as one thinks proper, as it seems good to
of one's own free will
out of one's won head
by choice etc. Choice
purposely etc. (intentionally) Intention
deliberately etc. Predetermination .
Nouns
involuntariness
instinct, blind impulse
inborn proclivity, innate proclivity
native tendency, natural tendency
natural impulse, predetermination. necessity, necessitation
obligation
compulsion etc. Compulsion
subjection etc. Subjection
stern necessity, hard necessity, dire necessity, imperious necessity, inexorable necessity, iron necessity, adverse necessity
fate
what must be. destiny, destination
fatality, fate, kismet, doom, foredoom, election, predestination
preordination, foreordination
lot fortune
fatalism
inevitableness etc. adj.
spell etc. Spell . star, stars
planet, planets
astral influence
sky, Fates, Parcae, Sisters three, book of fate
God's will, will of Heaven
wheel of Fortune, Ides of March, Hobson's choice. last shift, last resort
necessaries etc. (requirement) Requirement . necessarian, necessitarian
fatalist
automaton.
Verbs
lie under a necessity
befated, be doomed, be destined etc. , in for, under the necessity of
have no choice, have no alternative
be one's fate etc. n.. to be pushed to the wall to be driven into a to be pushed to the wall to be driven into a corner, to be unable to help. destine, doom, foredoom, devote
predestine, preordain
cast a spell etc. Sorcery
necessitate
compel etc. Compulsion .
Adjectives
necessary, needful etc. (requisite) Requirement . fated
destined etc. v.
elect
spellbound compulsory etc. (compel) Compulsion
uncontrollable, inevitable, unavoidable, irresistible, irrevocable, inexorable
avoidless, resistless. involuntary, instinctive, automatic, blind, mechanical
unconscious, unwitting, unthinking
unintentional etc. (undesigned) [Absence of purpose in the succession of events] Chance
impulsive etc. Impulse .
Adverbs
necessarily etc. adv.
of necessity, of course
needs must
perforce etc. Compulsion
will he nil he, willy nilly, willing or unwilling
by stress of
if need be.
Phrases
it cannot be helped
there is no help for, there is no helping it
it will be, it must be, it needs to be, it must be so, it will have its way
the die is cast
it is written
" one's days are numbered, one's fate is sealed
The moving finger writes and having writ moves on. The moving finger writes and having writ moves on. Nor all thy piety nor wit shall draw it back to cancel half a [Rubayyat of Omar Khayyam] .
Nouns
willingness, voluntariness etc. adj.
willing mind, heart. disposition, inclination, leaning, animus
frame of mind, humor, mood, vein
bent etc. (turn of mind) Affections
penchant etc. (desire) Desire
aptitude etc. Skill . docility, docibleness
persuasibleness, persuasibility
pliability etc. (softness) Softness . geniality, cordiality
goodwill
alacrity, readiness, earnestness, forwardness
eagerness etc. (desire) Desire . asset etc. Assent
compliance etc. Consent
pleasure etc. (will) Will
gratuitous service. labor of love
volunteer, volunteering.
Verbs
be willing etc. adj.
incline, lean to, mind, propend
had as lief
lend a willing ear, give a willing ear, turn a willing ear
have a half a mind to, have a great mind to
hold to, cling to
desire etc. Desire . see fit, think good, think proper
acquiesce etc. (assent) Assent
comply with etc. Consent . swallow the bait, nibble at the bait
gorge the hook
have no scruple of, make no scruple of
make no bones of
jump at, catch at
meet halfway
volunteer.
Adjectives
willing, minded, fain, disposed, inclined, favorable
favorably-minded, favorably inclined, favorably disposed
nothing loth
in the vein, in the mood, in the humor, in the mind. ready, forward, earnest, eager
bent upon etc. (desirous) Desire
predisposed, propense. docile
persuadable, persuasible
suasible, easily persuaded, facile, easy-going
tractable etc. (pliant) Softness
genial, gracious, cordial, cheering, hearty
content etc. (assenting) Assent . voluntary, gratuitous, spontaneous
unasked etc. (ask) etc. Request
unforced etc. (free) Freedom .
Adverbs
willingly etc. adj.
fain, freely, as lief, heart and soul
with pleasure, with all one's heart, with open arms
with good will, with right will
heart in hand, nothing loth, without reluctance, of one's own accord, graciously
by all means, by all manner of means
to one's heart's content
yes etc. (assent) Assent .
Nouns
unwillingness etc. adj.
indisposition, indisposedness
disinclination, aversation
nolleity, nolition
renitence, renitency
reluctance
indifference etc. Indifference
backwardness etc. adj.
slowness etc. Slowness
want of alacrity, want of readiness
indocility etc. (obstinacy) Obstinacy . scrupulousness, scrupulosity
qualms of conscience, twinge of conscience
delicacy, demur, scruple, qualm, shrinking, recoil
hesitation etc. (irresolution) Irresolution
fastidiousness etc. Fastidiousness . averseness etc. (dislike) Dislike
dissent etc. Dissent
refusal etc. Refusal .
Adjectives
unwilling
not in the vein, loth, loath, shy of, disinclined, indisposed, averse, reluctant, not content
adverse etc. (opposed) Opposition
laggard, backward, remiss, slack, slow to
indifferent etc. Indifference
scrupulous
squeamish etc. (fastidious) Fastidiousness
repugnant etc. (dislike) Dislike
restiff, restive
demurring etc. v.
unconsenting etc. (refusing) Refusal
involuntary etc. Necessity .
Adverbs
unwillingly etc. adj.
grudgingly, with a heavy heart
with a bad, with an ill grace
against one's wishes, against one's will, against the grain, sore against one's wishes, sore against one's will, sore against one's grain
in spite of one's teeth, in spite of oneself
perforce etc. Compulsion
under protest
no etc. Negation
not for the world, far be it from me.
Nouns
determination, will
iron will, unconquerable will
will of one's own, decision, resolution
backbone
clear grit, true grit, grit [U.S.]
sand, strength of mind, strength of will
resolve etc. (intent) Intention
firmness etc. (stability) Stability
energy, manliness, vigor
game, pluck
resoluteness etc. (courage) [Absence of fear.] Courage
zeal etc. Activity
aplomb
desperation
devotion, devotedness. mastery over self
self control, self command, self possession, self reliance, self government, self restraint, self conquest, self denial
moral courage, moral strength
perseverance etc. Resolution .Existence
tenacity
obstinacy etc. Obstinacy
bulldog
British lion.
Verbs
have determination etc. n.
know one's own mind
be resolved etc. adj.
make up one's mind, will, resolve, determine
decide etc. (judgment) Judgment [Conclusion.]
form a determination, come to a determination, come to a resolution, come to a resolve
conclude, fix, seal, determine once for all, bring to a crisis, drive matters to an extremity
take a decisive step etc. (choice) Choice
take upon oneself etc. (undertake) Undertaking . devote oneself to, give oneself up to
throw away the scabbard, kick down the ladder, nail one's colors to the mast, set one's back against the wall, set one's teeth, put one's foot down, take one's stand
stand firm etc. (stability) Stability
steel oneself
stand no nonsense, not listen to the voice of the charmer. buckle to
buckle oneself put one's shoulder to the buckle oneself put one's shoulder to the wheel, lay one's shoulder to the wheel, set one's shoulder to the wheel
put one's heart into
run the gauntlet, make a dash at, take the bull by the horns
rush in medias res, plunge in medias res
go in for
insist upon, make a point of
set one's heart upon, set one's mind upon. stick at nothing, stop at nothing
make short work of etc. (activity) Activity
not stick at trifles
go all lengths, go the limit [Slang] , go the whole hog
persist etc. (persevere) Resolution .Existence
go through fire and water, ride the tiger, ride in the whirlwind and direct the storm.
Adjectives
resolved etc. v.
determined
strong-willed, strong-minded
resolute etc. (brave) [Absence of fear.] Courage
self-possessed
decided, definitive, peremptory, tranchant
unhesitating, unflinching, unshrinking
firm, iron, gritty [U.S.] , indomitable, game to the backbone
inexorable, relentless, not to be shaken, not to be put down
inflexible etc. (hard) Hardness
obstinate etc. Obstinacy
steady etc. (persevering) Resolution .Existence . earnest, serious
set upon, bent upon, intent upon. steel against, proof against
Adverbs
resolutely etc. adj.
in earnest, in good earnest
seriously, joking apart, earnestly, heart and soul
on one's mettle
manfully, like a man, with a high hand
with a strong hand etc. (exertion) Exertion . at any rate, at any risk, at any hazard, at any price, at any cost, at any sacrifice
at all hazards, at all risks, at all events
cost what it may
a tort et a travers
once for all
neck or nothing
rain or shine.
Nouns
perseverance
continuance etc. (inaction) Continuance in action
permanence etc. (absence of change) [Absence of change.] Permanence
firmness etc. (stability) Stability . constancy, steadiness
singleness of purpose, tenacity of purpose
persistence, plodding, patience
sedulity etc. (industry) Activity
pertinacy, pertinacity, pertinaciousness
iteration etc. Repetition
bottom, game, pluck, stamina, backbone, grit
indefatigability, indefatigableness
bulldog courage.
Verbs
persevere, persist
hold on, hold out
die in the last ditch, be in at the death
stick to, cling to, adhere to
stick to one's text, keep on
keep to one's course, keep to one's ground, maintain one's course, maintain one's ground
go all lengths, go through fire and water
bear up, keep up, hold up
plod
stick to work etc. (work) Exertion
continue etc. Continuance in action
follow up
die in harness, die at one's post.
Adjectives
persevering, constant
steady, steadfast
undeviating, unwavering, unfaltering, unswerving, unflinching, unsleeping, unflagging, undrooping
steady as time
unrelenting, unintermitting, unremitting
plodding
industrious etc. Activity
strenuous etc. Exertion
pertinacious
persisting, persistent. solid, sturdy, staunch, stanch, true to oneself
unchangeable etc. Stability
unconquerable etc. (strong) [Degree of power.] Strength
indomitable, game to the last, indefatigable, untiring, unwearied, never tiring.
Adverbs
through evil report and good report, through thick and thin, through fire and water
without fail, sink or swim, at any price
Phrases
never say die
give it the old college try
Nouns
irresolution, infirmity of purpose, indecision
indetermination, undetermination
unsettlement
uncertainty etc. Uncertainty
demur, suspense
hesitating etc. v., hesitation, hesitancy
vacillation
changeableness etc. Changeableness
fluctuation
alternation etc. (oscillation) [Reciprocating motion, motion to and fro.] Oscillation
caprice etc. Caprice . fickleness, levity
pliancy etc. (softness) Softness
weakness
timidity etc. Fear
cowardice etc. [Excess of fear.] Cowardice
half measures. waverer, ass between two bundles of hay
shuttlecock, butterfly
wimp
doughface [U.S.] .
Verbs
be irresolute etc. adj.
hang in suspense, keep in suspense
leave "ad referendum"
think twice about, pause
dawdle etc. (inactivity) Inactivity
remain neuter
dillydally, hesitate, boggle, hover, dacker, hum and haw, demur, not know one's own mind
debate, balance
dally with, coquet with
will and will not, chaser-balancer
go halfway, compromise, make a compromise
be thrown off one's balance, stagger like a drunken man
be afraid etc. Fear
let 'I dare not' wait upon 'I would'" [Macbeth]
falter, waver vacillate etc. Changeableness
change etc. [Difference at different times.] Change
retract etc. Tergiversation
fluctuate
pendulate
alternate etc. (oscillate) [Reciprocating motion, motion to and fro.] Oscillation
keep off and on, play fast and loose
blow hot and cold etc. (caprice) Caprice . shuffle, palter, blink
trim.
Adjectives
irresolute, infirm of purpose, double-minded, half-hearted
undecided, unresolved, undetermined
shilly-shally
fidgety, tremulous
hesitating etc. v.
off one's balance
at a loss etc. (uncertain) Uncertainty . vacillating etc. v.
unsteady etc. (changeable) Changeableness
unsteadfast, fickle, without ballast
capricious etc. Caprice
volatile, frothy
light, lightsome, light-minded
giddy
fast and loose. weak, feeble-minded, frail
timid, wimpish, wimpy etc. Fear
cowardly etc. [Excess of fear.] Cowardice
dough-faced [U.S.]
facile
pliant etc. (soft) Softness
unable to say 'no', easy-going revocable, reversible.
Int
how happy could I be with either! " [Gay] .
Nouns
obstinateness etc. adj.
obstinacy, tenacity
cussedness [U.S.]
perseverance etc. Resolution .Existence
immovability
old school
inflexibility etc. (hardness) Hardness
obduracy, obduration
dogged resolution
resolution etc. Resolution
ruling passion
blind side. self-will, contumacy, perversity
pervicacy, pervicacity
indocility. bigotry, intolerance, dogmatism
opiniatry, opiniativeness
fixed idea etc. (prejudgment) Misjudgment
fanaticism, zealotry, infatuation, monomania
opinionatedness opinionativeness. mule
opinionist, opinionatist, opiniator, opinator
stickler, dogmatist
bigot
zealot, enthusiast, fanatic.
Verbs
be obstinate etc. adj.
stickle, take no denial, fly in the face of facts
opinionate, be wedded to an opinion, hug a belief
have one's own way etc. (will) Will
persist etc. (persevere) Resolution .Existence
have the last word, insist on having the last word. die hard, fight against destiny, not yield an inch, stand out.
Adjectives
obstinate, tenacious, stubborn, obdurate, casehardened
inflexible etc. (hard) Hardness
balky
immovable, unshakable, not to be moved
inert etc. Physical Inertness
unchangeable etc. Stability
inexorable etc. (determined) Resolution
mulish, obstinate as a mule, pig-headed. dogged
sullen, sulky
unmoved, uninfluenced unaffected. willful, self-willed, perverse
resty, restive, restiff
pervicacious, wayward, refractory, unruly
heady, headstrong
contumacious
crossgrained. arbitrary, dogmatic, positive, bigoted
prejudiced etc. Misjudgment
creed-bound
prepossessed, infatuated
stiff-backed, stiff necked, stiff hearted
hard-mouthed, hidebound
unyielding
impervious, impracticable, inpersuasible
unpersuadable
intractable, untractable
incorrigible, deaf to advice, impervious to reason
crotchety etc. Caprice .
Nouns
change of mind, change of intention, change of purpose
afterthought. tergiversation, recantation
palinode, palinody
renunciation
abjuration, abjurement
defection etc. (relinquishment) Relinquishment
going over etc. v.
apostasy
retraction, retractation
withdrawal
disavowal etc. (negation) Negation
revocation, revokement
reversal
repentance etc. Penitence
vacillation etc. Irresolution
backsliding
turn tippet
rat, apostate, renegade
convert, pervert
proselyte, deserter
backslider
blackleg, crawfish [U.S.] , scab [Slang] , mugwump [U.S.] , recidivist. time server, time pleaser
timist, Vicar of Bray, trimmer, ambidexter
weathercock etc. (changeable) Changeableness
Janus.
Verbs
change one's mind, change one's intention, change one's purpose, change one's note
abjure, renounce
withdraw from etc. (relinquish) Relinquishment
waver, vacillate
wheel round, turn round, veer round
turn a pirouette
go over from one side to another, pass from one side to another, change from one side to another, skip from one side to another
go to the rightabout
box the compass, shift one's ground, go upon another tack. apostatize, change sides, go over, rat
recant, retract
revoke
rescind etc. (abrogate) Abrogation
recall
forswear, unsay
come over, come round to an opinion
crawfish [U.S.] , crawl [U.S.] . draw in one's horns, eat one's words
eat the leek, swallow the leek
swerve, flinch, back out of, retrace one's steps, think better of it
come back return to one's first love
turn over a new leaf etc. (repent) Penitence . trim, shuffle, play fast and loose, blow hot and cold, coquet, be on the fence, straddle, bold with the hare but run with the hounds
wait to see how the cat jumps, wait to see how the wind blows.
Adjectives
changeful etc. Changeableness
irresolute etc. Irresolution
ductile, slippery as an eel, trimming, ambidextrous, timeserving
coquetting etc. v.. revocatory, reactionary.
Phrases
a change came o'er the spirit of my dream" [Byron] .
Nouns
caprice, fancy, humor
whim, whimsy, whimsey, whimwham
crotchet, capriccio, quirk, freak, maggot, fad, vagary, prank, fit, flimflam, escapade, wild-goose chase
capriciousness etc. adj.
kink.
Verbs
be capricious etc. adj.
have a maggot in the brain
take it into one's head, strain at a gnat and swallow a camel
blow hot and cold
play fast and loose, play fantastic tricks
Adjectives
capricious
erratic, eccentric, fitful, hysterical
full of whims etc. n.
maggoty
inconsistent, fanciful, fantastic, whimsical, crotchety, kinky [U.S.] , particular, humorsome, freakish, skittish, wanton, wayward
contrary
captious
arbitrary
unconformable etc. Unconformity
penny wise and pound foolish
fickle etc. (irresolute) Irresolution
frivolous, sleeveless, giddy, volatile.
Adverbs
by fits and starts, without rhyme or reason.
Nouns
choice, option
discretion etc. (volition) Will
preoption
alternative
dilemma
adoption, cooptation
novation
decision etc. (judgment) Judgment [Conclusion.] . election
political election (politics) Authority .Existence . selection, excerption, gleaning, eclecticism
excerpta, gleanings, cuttings, scissors and paste
pick etc. (best) Perfection . preference, prelation, opinion poll, survey
predilection etc. (desire) Desire .
Verbs
offers one's choice, set before
hold out the alternative, present the alternative, offer the alternative
put to the vote. use option, use discretion, exercise option, exercise discretion, one's option
adopt, take up, embrace, espouse
choose, elect, opt for
take one's choice, make one's choice
make choice of, fix upon. vote, poll, hold up one's hand
divide. settle
decide etc. (adjudge) Judgment [Conclusion.]
list etc. (will) Will
make up one's mind etc. (resolve) Resolution . select
pick and choose
pick out, single out
cull, glean, winnow
sift the chaff from the wheat, separate the chaff from the wheat, winnow the chaff from the wheat
pick up, pitch upon
pick one's way
indulge one's fancy. set apart, mark out for
mark etc. Indication . prefer
have rather, have as lief
fancy etc. (desire) Desire
be persuaded etc. Motive . take a decided step, take a decisive step
commit oneself to a course
pass the Rubicon, cross the Rubicon
cast in one's lot with
take for better or for worse.
Adverbs
optionally etc. adj.
at pleasure etc. (will) Will
either the one or the other
or at the option of
whether or not
once and for all
for one's money. by choice, by preference
in preference
rather, before.
Verbs
be neutral etc. adj.
have no choice, have no election
waive, not vote
abstain from voting, refrain from voting
leave undecided
make a virtue of necessity" [Two Gentlemen] .
Adjectives
neutral, neuter
indifferent, uninterested
undecided etc. (irresolute) Irresolution .
Phrases
who cares, ? what difference does it make
? There's not a dime's worth of difference between There's not a dime's worth of difference between them" [George Wallace] .
Nouns
rejection, repudiation, exclusion
refusal etc. Refusal
declination
Verbs
reject
set aside, lay aside
give up
decline etc. (refuse) Refusal
exclude, except
pluck, spin
cast. repudiate, scout, set at naught
fling to the winds, fling to the dogs, fling overboard, fling away, cast to the winds, cast to the dogs, cast overboard, cast away, throw to the winds, throw to the dogs, throw overboard, throw away, toss to the winds, toss to the dogs, toss overboard, toss away
send to the right about
disclaim etc. (deny) Negation
discard etc. (eject) [Motion out of, actively] Ejection(have done with) Disuse .
Adjectives
rejected etc. v.
reject, rejectaneous, rejectious
not chosen etc. Choice , to be thought of, out of the question
Adverbs
neither, neither the one nor the other
no etc. Negation .
Nouns
predestination, preordination, premeditation, predeliberation, predetermination
foregone conclusion
resolve, propendency
intention etc. Intention
project etc. Plan
fate, foredoom, necessity.
Verbs
predestine, preordain, predetermine, premeditate, resolve, concert
resolve beforehand, predesignate.
Adjectives
prepense, premeditated etc. v., predesignated, predesigned
advised, studied, designed, calculated
aforethought
intended etc. Intention
foregone. well-laid, well-devised, well-weighed
maturely considered
cunning.
Adverbs
advisedly etc. adj.
with premeditation, deliberately, all things considered, with eyes open, in cold blood
intentionally etc. Intention .
Nouns
impulse, sudden thought
impromptu, improvisation
inspiration, flash, spurt. improvisatore
creature of impulse.
Verbs
flash on the mind. say what comes uppermost
improvise, extemporize.
Adjectives
extemporaneous, impulsive, indeliberate
snap
improvised, improvisate, improvisatory
unpremeditated, unmeditated
improvise
unprompted, unguided
natural, unguarded
spontaneous etc. (voluntary) Will
instinctive etc. Necessity .
Adverbs
extempore, extemporaneously
offhand, impromptu
improviso
on the spur of the moment, on the spur of the occasion.
Nouns
habit, habitude
assuetude, assuefaction, wont
run, way. common state of things, general state of things, natural state of things, ordinary state of things, ordinary course of things, ordinary run of things
matter of course
beaten path, beaten track, beaten ground. prescription, custom, use, usage, immemorial usage, practice
prevalence, observance
conventionalism, conventionality
mode, fashion, vogue
etiquette etc. (gentility) Fashion
order of the day, cry
conformity etc. Conformity
consuetude, dustoor. one's old way, old school
standing order, precedent, routine
red-tape, red-tapism
pipe clay
rut
bad habit, confirmed habit, inveterate habit, intrinsic habit etc.
addiction, trick. training etc. (education) Teaching
seasoning, second nature, acclimatization
knack etc.
Verbs
be wont etc. adj. . fall into a rut, fall into a custom etc. (conform to) Conformity
tread the beaten track, follow the beaten track, tread the beaten path, follow the beaten
move in a rut, run on in a groove, go round like a horse in a mill, go on in the old jog trot way. habituate, inure, harden, season, caseharden
accustom, familiarize
naturalize, acclimatize
keep one's hand in
train etc. (educate) Teaching . get into the way, get into the knack of
learn etc. Learning
cling to, adhere to
repeat etc. Repetition
acquire a habit, contract a habit, fall into a habit, acquire a trick, contract a trick, fall into a trick
addict oneself to, take to, get into. be habitual etc. adj.
prevail
come into use, become a habit, take root
gain upon one, grow upon one.
Adjectives
habitual
accustomary
prescriptive, accustomed etc. v.
of daily occurrence, of everyday occurrence
consuetudinary
wonted, usual, general, ordinary, common, frequent, everyday, household, garden variety, jog, trot
well-trodden, well-known
familiar, vernacular, trite, commonplace, conventional, regular, set, stock, established, stereotyped
prevailing, prevalent
current, received, acknowledged, recognized, accredited
of course, admitted, understood. conformable. etc. Conformity
according to use, according to custom, according to routine
in vogue, in fashion, in, with it
fashionable etc. (genteel) Fashion . wont
used to, given to, addicted to, attuned to, habituated etc. v.
in the habit of
habitue
at home in etc. (skillful) Skill
seasoned
imbued with
devoted to, wedded to. hackneyed, fixed, rooted, deep-rooted, ingrafted, permanent, inveterate, besetting
naturalized
ingrained etc. (intrinsic) Intrinsicality .
Adverbs
habitually etc. adj.
always etc. (uniformly) Uniformity . as usual, as is one's wont, as things go, as the world goes, as the sparks fly upwards
more suo
ex more. as a rule, for the most part
usually, generally, typically etc. adj.
most often, most frequently.
Phrases
How use doth breed a habit in a man! " [Two Gentlemen]
Nouns
desuetude, disusage
obsolescence, disuse etc. Disuse
want of habit, want of practice
inusitation
newness to
new brooms. infraction of usage etc. (unconformity) Unconformity
nonprevalence
a custom more honored in the breach than the a custom more honored in the breach than the observance" [Hamlet] .
Verbs
be unaccustomed etc. adj.
leave off a habit, cast off a habit, break off a habit, wean oneself of a habit, violate a habit, break through a habit, infringe a habit, leave off a custom, cast off a custom, break off a custom, wean oneself of a custom, violate a custom, break through a custom, infringe a custom, leave off a usage, cast off a usage, break off a usage, wean oneself of a usage, violate a usage, break through a usage, infringe a usage
disuse etc. Disuse
wear off.
Adjectives
unaccustomed, unused, unwonted, unseasoned, uninured, unhabituated, untrained
new
green etc. (unskilled) Unskillfulness
unhackneyed. unusual etc. (unconformable) Unconformity
nonobservant
disused etc. Disuse .
Nouns
motive, springs of action, wellsprings of action. reason, ground, call, principle
by end, by purpose
mainspring, keystone
the why and the wherefore
pro and con, reason why
secret motive
intention etc. Intention . inducement, consideration
attraction
loadstone
magnet, magnetism, magnetic force
allectation, allective
temptation, enticement, agacerie, allurement, witchery
bewitchment, bewitchery
charm
spell etc. Spell
fascination, blandishment, cajolery
seduction, seducement
honeyed words, voice of the tempter, song of the Sirens forbidden fruit, golden apple. persuasibility, persuasibleness
attractability
impressibility, susceptibility
softness
persuasiveness, attractiveness
tantalization. influence, prompting, dictate, instance
impulse, impulsion
incitement, incitation
press, instigation
provocation etc. (excitation of feeling) Excitation
inspiration
persuasion, suasion
encouragement, advocacy
exhortation
advice etc. Advice
solicitation etc. (request) Request
lobbyism
pull [Slang] . incentive, stimulus, spur, fillip, whip, goad, ankus, rowel, provocative, whet, dram. bribe, lure
decoy, decoy duck
bait, trail of a red herring
bribery and corruption
sop, sop for Cerberus. prompter, tempter
seducer, seductor
instigator, firebrand, incendiary
Siren, Circe
agent provocateur
lobbyist.
Verbs
induce, move
draw, draw on
bring in its train, give an impulse etc. n.
to
inspire
put up to, prompt, call up
attract, beckon. stimulate etc. (excite) Excitation
spirit up, inspirit
rouse, arouse
animate, incite, foment, provoke, instigate, set on, actuate
act upon, work upon, operate upon
encourage
pat on the back, pat on the shoulder, clap on the back, clap on the shoulder. influence, weigh with, bias, sway, incline, dispose, predispose, turn the scale, inoculate
lead by the nose
have influence with, have influence over, have influence upon, exercise influence with, exercise influence over, exercise influence upon
go round, come round one
turn the head, magnetize
lobby. persuade
prevail with, prevail upon
overcome, carry
bring round to one's senses, bring to one's senses
draw over, win over, gain over, come over, talk over
procure, enlist, engage
invite, court. tempt, seduce, overpersuade, entice, allure, captivate, fascinate, bewitch, carry away, charm, conciliate, wheedle, coax, lure
inveigle
tantalize
cajole etc. (deceive) Deception . tamper with, bribe, suborn, grease the palm, bait with a silver hook, gild the pill, make things pleasant, put a sop into the pan, throw a sop to, bait the hook. enforce, force
impel etc. (push) Impulse
propel etc. [Motion given to an object situated in front.] Propulsion
whip, lash, goad, spur, prick, urge
egg on, hound, hurry on
drag etc. [Motion given to an object situated behind.] Traction
exhort
advise etc. Advice
call upon etc.
press etc. (request) Request
advocate. set an example, set the fashion
keep in countenance. be persuaded etc.
yield to temptation, come round
concede etc. (consent) Consent
obey a call
follow advice, follow the bent, follow the dictates of
act on principle.
Adjectives
impulsive, motive
suasive, suasory, persuasive, persuasory, hortative, hortatory
protreptical
inviting, tempting, c. v.
suasive, suasory
seductive, attractive
fascinating etc. (pleasing) [Capability of giving pleasure; cause or source of pleasure.] Pleasurableness
provocative etc. (exciting) Excitation . induced etc. v.
disposed
persuadable etc. (docile) Willingness
spellbound
instinct with, smitten with, infatuated
inspired etc. v.
by.
Adverbs
because, therefore etc. (cause) [Assignment of cause] Attribution
from this motive, from that motive
for this reason, for that reason
for
by reason of, for the sake of, count of
out of, from, as, forasmuch as. for all the world
on principle.
Phrases
temptation hath a music for all ears" [Willis]
to beguile many and be beguiled by one" [Othello] .
Verbs
dissuade, dehort, cry out against, remonstrate, expostulate, warn, contraindicate. disincline, indispose, shake, stagger
dispirit
discourage, dishearten
deter
repress, hold back, keep back etc. (restrain) Restraint
render averse etc. Unwillingness
repel
turn aside etc. (deviation) Deviation
wean from
act as a drag etc. (hinder) Hindrance
throw cold water on, damp, cool, chill, blunt, calm, quiet, quench
deprecate etc. [Negative request.] Deprecation
disabuse (correction) Information .Existence .
Adjectives
dissuading etc. v.
dissuasive
dehortatory, expostulatory
monitive, monitory. dissuaded etc. v.
admonitory
uninduced etc. (induce) etc. Motive
unpersuadable etc. (obstinate) Obstinacy
averse etc. (unwilling) Unwillingness
repugnant etc. (dislike) Dislike . repressed.
Nouns
pretext, pretense, pretension, plea
allegation, advocation
ostensible motive, ostensible ground, ostensible reason, phony reason
excuse etc. (vindication) Vindication
subterfuge
color
gloss, guise, cover. loop hole, starting hole
how to creep out of, salvo, come off
way of escape. handle, peg to hang on
stalking-horse, cue. pretense etc. (untruth) Untruth
put off, dust thrown in the eyes
blind
moonshine
mere pretext, shallow pretext
lame excuse, lame apology
tub to a whale
false plea, sour grapes
makeshift, shift, white lie
special pleading etc. (sophistry) Intuition. Sophistry [The absence of reasoning.] [False or vicious reasoning; show of reason.]
soft sawder etc. (flattery) Flattery .
Verbs
pretend, plead, allege
shelter oneself under the plea of
excuse etc. (vindicate) Vindication
lend a color to
furnish a handle etc. n.
make a pretext of, make a handle of
use as a plea etc. n.
take one's stand upon, make capital out of, pretend etc. (lie) Falsehood .
Adverbs
ostensibly
under color
under the plea, under the pretense of, under the guise of.
Nouns
good, benefit, advantage
improvement etc. Improvement
greatest good, supreme good
interest, service, behoof, behalf
weal
main chance, common weal
consummation devoutly to be wished
" gain, boot
profit, harvest. boon etc. (gift) Giving
good turn
blessing
world of good
nuts, prize, windfall, godsend, waif, treasure-trove. good fortune etc. (prosperity) Prosperity
happiness etc. Pleasure . [Source of good] goodness etc. [Capability of producing good. Good qualities.] Goodness
utility etc. Utility
remedy etc. Remedy
pleasure giving etc. [Capability of giving pleasure; cause or source of pleasure.] Pleasurableness
Adverbs
well, aright, satisfactorily, favorably
all for the best
to one's advantage etc. n.
in one's favor, in one's interest etc. n..
Nouns
evil, ill, harm, hurt., mischief, nuisance
machinations of the devil, Pandora's box, ills that flesh is heir to. blow, buffet, stroke, scratch, bruise, wound, gash, mutilation
mortal blow, wound
damage, loss etc. (deterioration) Deterioration . disadvantage, prejudice, drawback. disaster, accident, casualty
mishap etc. (misfortune) Adversity
bad job, devil to pay
calamity, bale, catastrophe, tragedy
ruin etc. (destruction) [Nonproduction.] Destruction
adversity etc. Adversity . mental suffering etc. Pain . demon etc. Demon . (Evil spirit) bane, c. Bane (cause of evil) . badness, c. [Capability of producing evil. Bad qualities.] Badness(Production of Evil)
painfulness, c. [Capability of giving pain; cause or source of pain] Painfulness
evil doer, c. [Maleficent being] Evil doer
bad turn, ill turn
disservice, spoliation etc. Stealing
grievance, crying evil.
Adverbs
wrong, ill, to one's cost
Phrases
moving accidents by flood and field" [Othello] .
Nouns
authority
influence, patronage, power, preponderance, credit, prestige, prerogative, jurisdiction
right etc. (title) Dueness
direction etc. Direction
government etc. Authority .Existence . divine right, dynastic rights, authoritativeness
absoluteness, absolutism
despotism
mastership, masterdom
dictation, control. hold, grasp
grip, gripe
reach
iron sway etc. (severity) Severity
fangs, clutches, talons
rod of empire etc. (scepter) [Insignia of authority.] Scepter[Vicarious authority] commission etc. [Vicarious authority.] Commission
deputy etc. Deputy
permission etc. Permission .
Verbs
authorize etc. (permit) Permission
warrant etc. (right) Dueness
dictate etc. (order) Command . be at the head of etc. adj.
hold office, be in office, fill an office
hold master, occupy master, a post master, be master etc. Master . have the upper hand, get the upper hand, have the whip, get the whip
gain a hold upon, preponderate, dominate, rule the roost
boss [U.S.]
override, overrule, overawe
lord it over, hold in hand, keep under, make a puppet of, lead by the nose, turn round one's little finger, bend to one's will, hold one's own, wear the breeches
have the ball at one's feet, have it all one's own way, have the game in one's own hand, have on the hip, have under one's thumb
be master of the situation
take the lead, play first fiddle, set the fashion
give the law to
carry with a high hand
lay down the law
ride in the whirlwind and direct the storm" [Addison]
rule with a rod of iron etc. (severity) Severity .
Adjectives
at the head, dominant, paramount, supreme, predominant, preponderant, in the ascendant, influential
arbitrary
compulsory etc. Compulsion
stringent. at one's command
in one's power, in one's grasp
under control.
Adverbs
in the name of, by the authority of, in virtue of
under the auspices of, in the hands of. at one's pleasure
by a dash if the pen, by a stroke of the pen
from the chair.
Phrases
the gray mare the better horse
every inch a king" [Lear] . Property
Nouns
government, legal authority, soveriegn, sovereign authority
authority etc. Authority
master etc. Master
direction etc. Direction . [nations] national government, nation, state, country, nation-state, dominion, republic, empire, union, democratic republic
kingdom, principality. [subdivisions of nations] state government [Lat.] , state
shire [Brit.]
province [Can.]
county [Ire.]
canton [Switz.]
territory [Austral.]
duchy, archduchy, archdukedom
woiwodshaft
commonwealth
region etc. [Definite space.] Region
property etc. Property . [smaller subdivisions] county, parish city, domain, tract, mofussil, commune
wappentake, hundred, riding, lathe, garth, soke, tithing
ward, precinct, bailiwick. command, empire, sway, rule
dominion, domination
sovereignty, supremacy, suzerainty
lordship, headship
chiefdom
seigniory, seigniority. rule, sway, command, control, administer
govern etc. (direct) Direction
lead, preside over, reign, possess the throne, be seated on the throne, occupy the throne
sway the scepter, wield the scepter
wear the crown. state, realm, body politic
cabinet etc. (council) Council
seat of government, seat of authority
headquarters. [Acquisition of authority] accession
installation etc. [Vicarious authority.] Commission
politics etc. Authority .Existence . reign, regime, dynasty
directorship, dictatorship
protectorate, protectorship
caliphate, pashalic, electorate
presidency, presidentship
administration
proconsul, consulship
prefecture
seneschalship
magistrature, magistracy. monarchy
kinghood, kingship
royalty, regality
aristarchy, aristocracy
oligarchy, democracy, theocracy, demagogy
commonwealth
dominion
heteronomy
republic, republicanism
socialism
collectivism
mob law, mobocracy, ochlocracy
vox populi
bureaucracy
beadledom, bumbledom
stratocracy
military power, military government, junta
feodality, feudal system, feudalism. thearchy, theocracy, dinarchy
duarchy, triarchy, heterarchy
duumvirate
triumvirate
autocracy, autonomy
limited monarchy
constitutional government, constitutional monarchy
home rule
representative government
monocracy, pantisocracy. gynarchy, gynocracy, gynaeocracy
petticoat government. [government functions] legislature, judiciary, administration. [Government agencies and institutions] office of the president, office of the prime minister, cabinet
senate, house of representatives, parliament
council etc. Council
courts, supreme court
[U.S. national government departments] , state, interior, labor, health and human services, defense, education, agriculture, justice, commerce, treasury
Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI
Central Intelligence Agency, CIA
National Institutes of Health, NIH
Postal Service, Post Office
Federal Aviation Administration, FAA. [national government officials] president, vice president, cabinet member, prime minister, minister
senator, representatative, speaker of the house
department head, section head, section chief
federal judge, justice, justice of the supreme court, chief justice
treasurer, secretary of the treasury
director of the FBI. [state government officials] governor, state cabinet member
state senator, assemblyman, assemblywoman.
Verbs
govern, rule, have authority, hold authority, possess authority, exercise authority, exert authority, wield authority etc. n.
reign, be sovereign. [acquire authority] ascend the throne, mount the throne
take the reins, take the reins into one's hand
assume authority etc. n., assume the reins of government
take command, assume command. [contend for authority] politics etc. Authority .Existence . be governed by, be in the power of, be a subject of, be a citizen of.
Adjectives
regal, sovereign, governing
royal, royalist
monarchical, kingly
imperial, imperiatorial
princely
feudal
aristocratic, autocratic
oligarchic etc. n.
republican, dynastic. ruling etc. v.
regnant, gubernatorial
imperious
authoritative, executive, administrative, clothed with authority, official, departmental, ex officio, imperative, peremptory, overruling, absolute
hegemonic, hegemonical
authorized etc. (due) Dueness . [pertaining to property owned by government] government, public
national, federal
his majesty's [Brit.] , her majesty's
state, county, city, c. N..
Phrases
a dog's obeyed in office" [Lear]
the demigod Authority [Lat.Tran] [Measure for Measure]
the right divine of kings to govern wrong" [Pope]
uneasy lies the head that wears a crown" [Henry IV] .
Nouns
politics
political science
candidacy, campaign, campaigning, electioneering
partisanship, ideology, factionalism. election, poll, ballot, vote, referendum, recall, initiative, voice, suffrage, plumper, cumulative vote, plebiscite, vox populi
electioneering
voting etc. v.
elective franchise
straight ticket [U.S.]
opinion poll, popularity poll. issue
opinion, stand, position
program, platform
party line. [ideologies] democracy, republicanism
communism, statism, state socialism
socialism
conservatism, toryism
liberalism, whigism
theocracy
constitutional monarchy. [political parties] party etc. Party
[U.S: Political parties list] , Democratic Party, Republican Party, Socialist Party
Communist Party
[U.S. defunct parties: list] , Federalist Party, Bull Moose Party, Abolitionist Party
[Germany: list] , Christian Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party
National Socialist Worker's Party
[Germany, , Nazi Party
[Great Britain:list] , Liberal Party, Labor Party, Conservative Party. ticket, slate. [person active in politics] politician activist
[specific politicians: list] , candidate, aspirant, hopeful, office-seeker, front-runner, dark horse, long shot, shoo-in
supporter, backer, political worker, campaign worker
lobbyist, contributor
party hack, ward heeler
regional candidate, favorite son
running mate, stalking horse
perpetual candidate, political animal. political contribution, campaign contribution
political action committee, PAC. political district, electoral division, electoral district, bailiwick. electorate, constituents. get-out-the-vote campaign, political education. negative campaigning, dirty politics, smear campaign. [unsuccessful candidate] also-ran, loser
has-been. [successful candidate] office holder, official, occupant of a position
public servant, incumbent
winner.
Verbs
run for office, stand for office
campaign, stump
throw one's hat in the ring
announce one's candidacy.
Phrases
Money is the mother's milk of politics" [Tip O'Neill] .
Nouns
laxity
laxness, looseness, slackness
toleration etc. (lenity) Lenity
freedom etc. Freedom . anarchy, interregnum
relaxation
loosening etc. v.
remission
dead letter, misrule
license, licentiousness
insubordination etc. (disobedience) Disobedience
lynch law etc. (illegality) [Absence or violation of law.] Illegality
nihilism, reign of violence. [Deprivation of power] dethronement, deposition, usurpation, abdication.
Verbs
be lax etc. adj.
hold a loose rein
give the reins to, give rope enough, give a loose to
tolerate
relax
misrule. go beyond the length of one's tether
have one's swing, have one's fling
act without instructions, act without authority, act outside of one's authority
act on one's own responsibility, usurp authority. dethrone, depose
abdicate.
Nouns
severity
strictness, harshness etc. adj.
rigor, stringency, austerity
inclemency etc. (pitilessness) Existence 4-pity">Pity.1
arrogance etc. [Undue assumption of superiority.] Insolence
precisianism. arbitrary power
absolutism, despotism
dictatorship, autocracy, tyranny, domineering, oppression
assumption, usurpation
inquisition, reign of terror, martial law
iron heel, iron rule, iron hand, iron sway
tight grasp
brute force, brute strength
coercion etc. Compulsion
strong hand, tight hand. hard lines, hard measure
tender mercies [Iron.]
sharp practice
pipe-clay, officialism. tyrant, disciplinarian, precisian, martinet, stickler, bashaw, despot, hard master, Draco, oppressor, inquisitor, extortioner, harpy, vulture
accipitres, birds of prey, raptorials, raptors.
Verbs
be severe etc. adj. . assume, usurp, arrogate, take liberties
domineer, bully etc. [Undue assumption of superiority.] Insolence
tyrannize, inflict, wreak, stretch a point, put on the screw
be hard upon
bear a heavy hand on, lay a heavy hand on
be down upon, come down upon
ill treat
deal hardly with, deal hard measure to
rule with a rod of iron, chastise with scorpions
dye with blood
oppress, override
trample under foot
tread under foot, tread upon, trample upon, tread down upon, trample down upon
crush under an iron heel, ride roughshod over
rivet the yoke
hold a tight hand, keep a tight hand
force down the throat
coerce etc. Compulsion
give no quarter etc. (pitiless) Existence 4-pity">Pity.1.
Adjectives
severe
strict, hard, harsh, dour, rigid, stiff, stern, rigorous, uncompromising, exacting, exigent, exigeant, inexorable, inflexible, obdurate, austere, hard-headed, hard-nosed, hard-shell [U.S.] , relentless, Spartan, Draconian, stringent, strait-laced, searching, unsparing, iron-handed, peremptory, absolute, positive, arbitrary, imperative
coercive etc. Compulsion
tyrannical, extortionate, grinding, withering, oppressive, inquisitorial
inclement etc. (ruthless) Existence 4-pity">Pity.1
cruel etc. (malevolent) Malevolence
haughty, arrogant etc. [Undue assumption of superiority.] Insolence
precisian.
Adverbs
severely etc. adj.
with a high hand, with a strong hand, with a tight hand, with a heavy hand. at the point of the sword, at the point of the bayonet.
Nouns
lenity, lenience, leniency
moderation etc. Moderation
tolerance, toleration
mildness, gentleness
favor, indulgence, indulgency
clemency, mercy, forbearance, quarter
compassion etc. Pity .
Verbs
be lenient etc. adj.
tolerate, bear with
give quarter. indulge, allow one to have his own way, spoil.
Adjectives
lenient
mild, mild as milk
gentle, soft
tolerant, indulgent, easy-going
clement etc. (compassionate) Pity
forbearing
long-suffering.
Nouns
command, order, ordinance, act, fiat, hukm, bidding, dictum, hest, behest, call, beck, nod. despatch, dispatch
message, direction, injunction, charge, instructions
appointment, fixture. demand, exaction, imposition, requisition, claim, reclamation, revendication
ultimatum etc. (terms) Conditions
request etc. Request
requirement. dictation
dictate, mandate
caveat, decree
precept
prescript, rescript
writ, ordination, bull, edict, decretal, dispensation, prescription, brevet, placit, ukase, firman, hatti-sherif, warrant, passport, mittimus, mandamus, summons, subpoena, interpellation, citation
word, word of command
bugle call, trumpet call
beat of drum, tattoo
order of the day
enactment etc. (law) Legality
plebiscite etc. (choice) Choice .
Verbs
command, order, decree, enact, ordain, dictate, direct, give orders. prescribe, set, appoint, mark out
set a task, prescribe a task, impose a task
set to work, put in requisition. bid, enjoin, charge, call upon, instruct
require at the hands of
exact, impose, tax, task
demand
insist on etc. (compel) Compulsion . claim, lay claim to, revendicate, reclaim. cite, summon
call for, send for
subpoena
beckon. issue a command
make a requisition, issue a requisition, promulgate a requisition, make a decree, issue a decree, promulgate a decree, make an order, issue an order, promulgate an order etc. n.
give the word of command, give the word, give the signal
call to order
give the law, lay down the law
assume the command etc. (authority) Authority
remand. be ordered etc.
receive an order etc. n..
Adjectives
commanding etc. v.
authoritative etc. Authority
decretory, decretive, decretal
callable, jussive.
Adverbs
in a commanding tone
by a stroke of the pen, by a dash of the pen
by order, at beat of drum, on the first summons.
Nouns
disobedience, insubordination, contumacy
infraction, infringement
violation, noncompliance
nonobservance etc. Nonobservance . revolt, rebellion, mutiny, outbreak, rising, uprising, insurrection
riot, tumult etc. (disorder) [Absence, or want of Order, etc. ] Disorder
strike etc. (resistance) Resistance
barring out
defiance etc. Defiance . mutinousness etc. adj.
mutineering
sedition, treason
high treason, petty treason, misprision of treason
violation of law etc. [Absence or violation of law.] Illegality
defection, secession. insurgent, mutineer, rebel, revolter, revolutionary, rioter, traitor, quisling, carbonaro, red republican, bonnet rouge, communist, Fenian, frondeur
seceder, secessionist, runagate, renegade, brawler, anarchist, demagogue
Spartacus, Masaniello, Wat Tyler, Jack Cade
ringleader.
Verbs
disobey, violate, infringe
shirk
set at defiance etc. (defy) Defiance
set authority at naught, run riot, fly in the face of
take the law into one's own hands
kick over the traces. turn restive, run restive
champ the bit
strike etc. (resist) Resistance
rise, rise in arms
secede
mutiny, rebel.
Adjectives
disobedient
uncomplying, uncompliant
unsubmissive, unruly, ungovernable
breachy, insubordinate, impatient of control, incorrigible
restiff, restive
refractory, contumacious, recusant etc. (refuse) Refusal
recalcitrant
resisting etc. Resistance
lawless, mutinous, seditions, insurgent, riotous. unobeyed
unbidden.
Phrases
unthread the rude eye of rebellion" [King John] .
Nouns
obedience
observance etc. Observance
compliance
submission etc. Submission
subjection etc. Subjection
nonresistance
passiveness, resignation. allegiance, loyalty, fealty, homage, deference, devotion
constancy, fidelity. submissness, submissiveness
ductility etc. (softness) Softness
obsequiousness etc. (servility) Servility .
Verbs
be obedient etc. adj.
obey, bear obedience to
submit etc. Submission
comply, answer the helm, come at one's call
do one's bidding, do what one is told, do suit and service
attend to orders, serve faithfully. follow the lead of, follow to the world's end
serve etc. Servant
play second fiddle.
Adjectives
obedient
complying, compliant
loyal, faithful, devoted
at one's call, at one's command, at one's orders, at one's beck and call
under beck and call, under control. restrainable
resigned, passive
submissive etc. Submission
henpecked
pliant etc. (soft) Softness . unresisted.
Adverbs
obediently etc. adj.
in compliance with, in obedience to.
Phrases
to hear is to obey
as you please, if you please
your wish is my command
as you wish
no sooner said than done.
Nouns
compulsion, coercion, coaction, constraint, duress, enforcement, press, conscription. force
brute force, main force, physical force
the sword
club law, lynch law, mob law, arguementum baculinum, martial law. restraint etc. Restraint
necessity etc. Necessity
Hobson's choice.
Verbs
compel, force, make, drive, coerce, constrain, enforce, necessitate, oblige. force upon, press
cram down the throat, thrust down the throat, force down the throat
say it must be done, make a point of, insist upon, take no denial
put down, dragoon. extort, wring from
squeeze, put on the squeeze
put on the screws, turn on the screw
drag into
bind, bind over
pin down, tie down
require, tax, put in force
commandeer
restrain etc. Restraint .
Adjectives
compelling etc. v.
coercive, coactive
inexorable etc. Severity
compulsory, compulsatory
obligatory, stringent, peremptory. forcible, not to be trifled with
irresistible etc. Necessity
compelled etc. v.
fain to.
Adverbs
by force etc. n., by force of arms
on compulsion, perforce
under the lash
at the point of the sword, at the point of the bayonet
forcibly
by a strong arm. under protest, in spite of one's teeth
against one's will etc. Unwillingness
by stress of circumstances, by stress of weather
under press of
de rigueur. with a gun to one's head.
Phrases
I'll make him an offer he can't refuse.
Nouns
master, padrone
lord, lord paramount
commander, commandant
captain
chief, chieftain
sirdar, sachem, sheik, head, senior, governor, ruler, dictator
leader etc. (director) Director
boss, cockarouse, sagamore, werowance. lord of the ascendant
cock of the walk, cock of the roost
gray mare
mistress. potentate
liege, liege lord
suzerain, sovereign, monarch, autocrat, despot, tyrant, oligarch. crowned head, emperor, king, anointed king, majesty, protector, president, stadholder, judge. ceasar, kaiser, czar, tsar, sultan, soldan, grand Turk, caliph, imaum, shah, padishah, sophi, mogul, great mogul, khan, lama, tycoon, mikado, inca, cazique
voivode
landamman
seyyid
Abuna, cacique, czarowitz, grand seignior. prince, duke etc. (nobility) Nobility
archduke, doge, elector
seignior
marland, margrave
rajah, emir, wali, sheik nizam, nawab. empress, queen, sultana, czarina, princess, infanta, duchess, margravine
czarevna, czarita
maharani, rani, rectrix. regent, viceroy, exarch, palatine, khedive, hospodar, beglerbeg, three-tailed bashaw, pasha, bashaw, bey, beg, dey, scherif, tetrarch, satrap, mandarin, subahdar, nabob, maharajah
burgrave
laird etc. (proprietor) Possessor
collector, commissioner, deputy commissioner, woon. the authorities, the powers that be, the government
staff, aga, official, man in office, person in authority
sircar, sirkar, Sublime Porte. [Military authorities] marshal, field marshal, marechal
general, generalissimo
commander in chief, seraskier, hetman
lieutenant general, major general
colonel, lieutenant colonel, major, captain, centurion, skipper, lieutenant, first lieutenant, second lieutenant, sublieutenant, officer, staff officer, aide-de-camp, brigadier, brigade major, adjutant, jemidar, ensign, cornet, cadet, subaltern, noncommissioned officer, warrant officer
sergeant, sergeant major
color sergeant
corporal, corporal major
lance corporal, acting corporal
drum major
captain general, dizdar, knight marshal, naik, pendragon. [Civil authorities] mayor, mayoralty
prefect, chancellor, archon, provost, magistrate, syndic
alcalde, alcaid
burgomaster, corregidor, seneschal, alderman, councilman, committeeman, councilwoman, warden, constable, portreeve
lord mayor
officer etc. (executive) Jurisdiction [Executive.]
dewan, admiralty
rear admiral, vice admiral, port admiral
commodore, captain, commander, lieutenant, ensign, skipper, mate, master, officer of the day, OD
navarch.
Phrases
the prince is the first servant of his state
lord of thy presence and no land beside" [King John] .
Nouns
subject, liegeman
servant, retainer, follower, henchman, servitor, domestic, menial, help, lady help, employe, attache
official. retinue, suite, cortege, staff, court. attendant, squire, usher, page, donzel, footboy
train bearer, cup bearer
waiter, lapster, butler, livery servant, lackey, footman, flunky, flunkey, valet
equerry, groom
jockey, hostler, ostler, tiger, orderly, messenger, cad, gillie, herdsman, swineherd
barkeeper, bartender
bell boy, boots, boy, counterjumper
khansamah, khansaman
khitmutgar
yardman. bailiff, castellan, seneschal, chamberlain, major-domo, groom of the chambers. secretary
under secretary, assistant secretary
clerk
subsidiary
agent etc. Consignee
subaltern
underling, understrapper
man. maid, maidservant
handmaid
lady's maid, abigail, soubrette
amah, biddy, nurse, ayah
nursemaid, nursery maid, house maid, parlor maid, waiting maid, chamber maid, kitchen maid, scullery maid
camarista
chef de cuisine, cook, scullion, Cinderella
potwalloper
maid of all work, servant of all work
laundress, bedmaker
journeyman, charwoman etc. (worker) Agent
bearer, chokra, gyp (Cambridge) , hamal, scout (Oxford) . serf, vassal, slave, negro, helot
bondsman, bondswoman
bondslave
odalisque, ryot
villian, villein
beadsman, bedesman
sizar
pensioner, pensionary
client
dependant, dependent
hanger on, satellite
parasite etc. (servility) Servility
led captain
ward, hireling, mercenary, puppet, tool, creature. badge of slavery
bonds etc. [Means of restraint.] Prison
Verbs
serve
wait upon, attend upon, dance attendance upon, pin oneself upon
squire, tend, hang on the sleeve of
chore [U.S.] .
Adjectives
in the train of
in one's pay, in one's employ
at one's call etc. (obedient) Obedience
in bonds.
Nouns
scepter, regalia, caduceus
Mercury's rod, Mercury's staff, Mercury's wand
rod of empire, mace, fasces, wand
staff, staff of office
baton, truncheon
flag etc. (insignia) Indication
ensign of authority, emblem of authority, badge of authority, insignia of authority. throne, chair, musnud, divan, dais, woolsack. toga, pall, mantle, robes of state, ermine, purple. crown, coronet, diadem, tiara, cap of maintenance
decoration
title etc. Title
portfolio. key, signet, seals, talisman
helm
reins etc. (means of restraint) [Means of restraint.] Prison
Nouns
freedom, liberty, independence
license etc. (permission) Permission
facility etc. Facility . scope, range, latitude, play
free play, full play, free scope, full scope
free stage and no favor
swing, full swing, elbowroom, margin, rope, wide berth
Liberty Hall. franchise, denization
free man, freed man, livery man
denizen. autonomy, self-government, liberalism, free trade
noninterference etc. Hindrance
Monroe Doctrine [U.S.] . immunity, exemption
emancipation etc. (liberation) Liberation
enfranchisement, affranchisement. free land, freehold
allodium
freelance, free thinker, free trader
independent.
Verbs
be free etc. adj.
have scope etc. n., have the run of, have one's own way, have a will of one's own, have one's fling
do what one likes, do what one wishes, do what one pleases, do what one chooses
go at large, feel at home, paddle one's own canoe
stand on one's legs, stand on one's rights
shift for oneself. take a liberty
make free with, make oneself quite at home
use a freedom
take leave, take French leave. set free etc. (liberate) Liberation
give a loose to etc. (permit) Permission
allow scope etc. n.. to, give scope etc. n.. to
give a horse his head. make free of
give the freedom of, give the franchise
enfranchise
live and let live
leave to oneself
leave alone, let alone.
Adjectives
free, free as air
out of harness, independent, at large, loose, scot-free
left alone, left to oneself. in full swing
uncaught, unconstrained, unbuttoned, unconfined, unrestrained, unchecked, unprevented, unhindered, unobstructed, unbound, uncontrolled, untrammeled. unsubject, ungoverned, unenslaved, unenthralled, unchained, unshackled, unfettered, unreined, unbridled, uncurbed, unmuzzled. unrestricted, unlimited, unmitigated, unconditional
absolute
discretionary etc. (optional) Will . unassailed, unforced, uncompelled. unbiassed, spontaneous. free and easy
at ease, at one's ease
quite at home
wanton, rampant, irrepressible, unvanquished. exempt
freed etc. Liberation
freeborn
autonomous, freehold, allodial
gratis etc. Cheapness
eleutherian. unclaimed, going a begging.
Adverbs
freely etc. adj.
ad libitum etc. (at will) Will .
Phrases
free white and twenty-one.
Nouns
subjection
dependence, dependency
subordination
thrall, thralldom, thraldom, enthrallment, subjugation, bondage, serfdom
feudalism, feudality
vassalage, villenage
slavery, enslavement, involuntary servitude
conquest. service
servitude, servitorship
tendence, employ, tutelage, clientship
liability etc. Liability
constraint etc. Restraint
oppression etc. (severity) Severity
yoke etc. (means of restraint) [Means of restraint.] Prison
submission etc. Submission
obedience etc. Obedience .
Verbs
be subject etc. adj.
be at the mercy of, lie at the mercy of
depend upon, lean upon, hang upon
fall a prey to, fall under
play second fiddle. be a mere machine, be a puppet, be a football
not dare to say one's soul is his own
drag a chain. serve etc. Servant
obey etc. Obedience
submit etc. Submission . break in, tame
subject, subjugate
master etc. Success
tread down, tread under foot
weigh down
drag at one's chariot wheels
reduce to subjection, reduce to slavery
enthrall, inthrall, bethrall
enslave, lead captive
take into custody etc. (restrain) Restraint
rule etc. Authority
drive into a corner, hold at the sword's point
keep under
hold in bondage, hold in leading strings, hold in swaddling clothes.
Adjectives
subject, dependent, subordinate
feudal, feudatory
in subjection to, under control
in leading strings, in harness
subjected, enslaved etc. v.
constrained etc. Restraint
downtrodden
overborne, overwhelmed
under the lash, on the hip, led by the nose, henpecked
the puppet of, the sport of, the plaything of
under one's orders, under one's command, under one's thumb
a slave to
at the mercy of
in the power of, in the hands of, in the clutches of
at the feet of
at one's beck and call etc. (obedient) Obedience
liable etc. Liability
parasitical
stipendiary.
Phrases
slaves - in a land of light and law" [Whittier] .
Nouns
liberation, disengagement, release, enlargement, emancipation
disenthrallment, disenthralment
affranchisement, enfranchisement
manumission
discharge, dismissal. deliverance etc. Deliverance
redemption, extrication, acquittance, absolution
acquittal etc. Acquittal
escape etc. Escape .
Verbs
liberate, free
set free, set clear, set at liberty
render free, emancipate, release
enfranchise, affranchise
manumit
enlarge
disband, discharge, disenthrall, disenthral, dismiss
let go, let loose, loose, let out, let slip
cast adrift, turn adrift
deliver etc. Deliverance
absolve etc. (acquit) Acquittal . unfetter etc. Restraint , untie etc. Junction
loose etc. (disjoin) Disjunction
loosen, relax
unbolt, unbar, unclose, uncork, unclog, unhand, unbind, unchain, unharness, unleash
disengage, disentangle
clear, extricate, unloose. gain one's liberty, obtain one's liberty, acquire one's liberty etc. Freedom
get rid of, get clear of
deliver oneself from
shake off the yoke, slip the collar
break loose, break prison
tear asunder one's bonds, cast off trammels
escape etc. Escape .
Adjectives
liberated etc. v.
out of harness etc. (free) Freedom .
Nouns
restraint
hindrance etc. Hindrance
coercion etc. (compulsion) Compulsion
cohibition, constraint, repression, suppression
discipline, control. confinement
durance, duress
imprisonment
incarceration, coarctation, entombment, mancipation, durance vile, limbo, captivity
blockade. arrest, arrestation
custody, keep, care, charge, ward, restringency. curb etc. (means of restraint) [Means of restraint.] Prison
restriction, protection, monopoly
prohibition etc. Prohibition . prisoner etc. Prisoner
repressionist.
Verbs
restrain, check
put under restraint, lay under restraint
enthral, enthrall, inthral, inthrall, bethral, bethrall
restrict
debar etc. (hinder) Hindrance
constrain
coerce etc. (compel) Compulsion
curb, control
hold back, hold from, hold in, hold in check, hold within bounds, keep back, keep from, keep in, keep in check, keep within bounds
hold in leash, hold in leading strings
withhold. keep under
repress, suppress
smother
pull in, rein in
hold, hold fast
keep a tight hand on
prohibit etc. Prohibition
inhibit, cohibit. enchain
fasten etc. (join) Junction
fetter, shackle
entrammel
bridle, muzzle, hopple, gag, pinion, manacle, handcuff, tie one's hands, hobble, bind hand and foot
swathe, swaddle
pin down, tether
picket
tie down, tie up
secure
forge fetters
disable, hamstring (incapacitate) Impotence . confine
shut up, shut in
clap up, lock up, box up, mew up, bottle up, cork up, seal up, button up
hem in, bolt in, wall in, rail in
impound, pen, coop
inclose etc. (circumscribe) Circumscription
cage
incage, encage
close the door upon, cloister
imprison, immure
incarcerate, entomb
clap under hatches, lay under hatches
put in irons, put in a strait-waistcoat
throw into prison, cast into prison
put into bilboes. arrest
take up, take charge of, take into custody
take prisoner, take captive, make prisoner, make captive
captivate
lead captive, lead into captivity
send to prison, commit to prison
commit
give in charge, give in custody
subjugate etc. Subjection .
Adjectives
restrained, constrained
imprisoned etc. v.
pent up
jammed in, wedged in
under lock and key, under restraint, under hatches
in swaddling clothes
on parole
in custody, doing time etc. (prisoner) Prisoner
cohibitive
coactive etc. (compulsory) Compulsion . stiff, restringent, strait-laced, hidebound, barkbound. ice bound, wind bound, weather bound
cabined cribbed confined" [Macbeth]
in Lob's pound, laid by the heels.
Nouns
prison, prison house
jail, gaol, cage, coop, den, cell
stronghold, fortress, keep, donjon, dungeon, Bastille, oubliette, bridewell, house of correction, hulks, tollbooth, panopticon, penitentiary, guardroom, lockup, hold
round house, watch house, station house, sponging house
station
house of detention, black hole, pen, fold, pound
inclosure etc. Inclosure
isolation (exclusion) Seclusion. Exclusion
penal settlement, penal colony
bilboes, stocks, limbo
calaboose, chauki, choky, thana
workhouse [U.S.] . Newgate, Fleet, Marshalsea
King's Bench, Queen's Bench. bond
bandage
irons, pinion, gyve, fetter, shackle, trammel, manacle, handcuff, straight jacket, strait jacket, strait-jacket, strait-waistcoat, hopples
vice, vise. yoke, collar, halter, harness
muzzle, gag, bit, brake, curb, snaffle, bridle
rein, reins
bearing rein
martingale
leading string
tether, picket, band, guy, chain
cord etc. (fastening) [Connecting medium.] Connection
cavesson, hackamore [U.S.] , headstall, jaquima [U.S.] , lines, ribbons. bolt, deadbolt, bar, lock, police lock, combination lock, padlock, rail, wall, stone wall
paling, palisade
fence, picket fence, barbed wire fence, Cyclone fence, stockade fence, chain-link fence
barrier, barricade. drag etc. (hindrance) Hindrance .
Nouns
keeper, custodian, ranger, warder, jailer, gaoler, turnkey, castellan, guard
watchdog, watchman
Charley
chokidar, durwan, hayward
sentry, sentinel
watch and ward
concierge, coast guard, game keeper. escort, bodyguard. protector, governor
guardian
governess etc. (teacher) Teacher
nurse, nanny, babysitter, catsitter, dogsitter, ayah.
Nouns
prisoner, prisoner of war, POW, captive, inmate, detainee, hostage, abductee, close prisoner. jail bird, ticket of leave man
Verbs
stand committed
be imprisoned etc. Restraint . take prisoner, take hostage (capture) Taking .
Adjectives
imprisoned etc. Restraint
in prison, in durance vile, in limbo, in custody, doing time, in charge, in chains
under lock and key, under hatches
on parole.
Nouns
commission, delegation
consignment, assignment
procuration
deputation, legation, mission, embassy
agency, agentship
power of attorney
clerkship
surrogacy. errand, charge, brevet, diploma, permit etc. (permission) Permission . appointment, nomination, designation, return
charter
ordination
installation, inauguration, investiture, swearing-in
accession, coronation, enthronement. vicegerency
regency, regentship. viceroy etc. Master
consignee etc. Consignee
deputy etc. Deputy . [person who receives a commission] agent, delegate, consignee etc. Consignee .
Verbs
commission, delegate, depute
consign, assign
charge
intrust, entrust
commit, commit to the hands of
authorize etc. (permit) Permission . put in commission, accredit, engage, hire, bespeak, appoint, name, nominate, return, ordain
install, induct, inaugurate, swear in, invest, crown
enroll, enlist
give power of attorney to. employ, empower
set over, place over
send out. be commissioned, be accredited
represent, stand for
stand in the stead of, stand in the place of, stand in the shoes of.
Nouns
abrogation, annulment, nullification, recision
canceling etc. v.
cancel
revocation, revokement
repeal, rescission, defeasance. dismissal, demission
bounce [U.S.]
deposal, deposition
dethronement
disestablishment, disendowment
deconsecration
sack [Slang] , walking papers, pink slip, walking ticket
yellow cover [Slang] . abolition, abolishment
dissolution. counter order, countermand
repudiation, retraction, retractation
recantation etc. (tergiversation) Tergiversation
abolitionist.
Verbs
abrogate, annul, cancel
destroy etc. [Nonproduction.] Destruction
abolish
revoke, repeal, rescind, reverse, retract, recall
abolitionize
overrule, override
set aside
disannul, dissolve, quash, nullify, declare null and void
disestablish, disendow
deconsecrate. disclaim etc. (deny) Negation
ignore, repudiate
recant etc. Tergiversation
divest oneself, break off. countermand, counter order
do away with
sweep away, brush away
throw overboard, throw to the dogs
scatter to the winds, cast behind. dismiss, discard
cast off, turn off, cast out, cast adrift, cast out of doors, cast aside, cast away
send off, send away, send packing, send about one's business
discharge, get rid of etc. (eject) [Motion out of, actively] Ejection
bounce [U.S.]
fire [Slang] , fire out [Slang]
sack [Slang] . cashier
break
oust
unseat, unsaddle
unthrone, dethrone, disenthrone
depose, uncrown
unfrock, strike off the roll
disbar, disbench. be abrogated etc.
receive its quietus
walk the plank.
Int
get along with you!, begone!, go about your business!, away with!
Nouns
resignation, retirement, abdication, renunciation, abjuration
abandonment, relinquishment.
Verbs
resign
give up, throw up
lay down, throw up the cards, wash one's hands of, abjure, renounce, forego, disclaim, retract
deny etc. Negation . abrogate etc. Abrogation
desert etc. (relinquish) Relinquishment
get rid of etc. Relinquishment . abdicate
vacate, vacate one's seat
accept the stewardship of the Chiltern accept the stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds
retire
tender one's resignation.
Phrases
Othello's occupation's gone" [Othello] .
Nouns
consignee, trustee, nominee, committee. agent, delegate
commissary, commissioner
emissary, envoy
messenger etc. Messenger . diplomatist, diplomat, diplomate, embassy
ambassador, embassador
representative, resident, consul, legate, nuncio, internuncio, attache. vicegerent etc. (deputy) Deputy
plenipotentiary. functionary, placeman, curator
treasurer etc. Treasurer
factor, bailiff, clerk, secretary, attorney, advocate, solicitor, proctor, broker, underwriter, commission agent, auctioneer, one's man of business
factotum etc. (director) Director
caretaker
dalal, dubash, garnishee, gomashta. negotiator, go-between
middleman
under agent, employe
servant etc. Servant
referee, arbitrator etc. (judge) Judge . traveler, bagman, touter, commercial traveler, drummer [U.S.] , traveling man. newspaper correspondent, own correspondent, special correspondent.
Nouns
deputy, substitute, vice, proxy, locum tenens, badli, delegate, representative, next friend, surrogate, secondary. regent, viceregent, vizier, minister, vicar
premier etc. (director) Director
chancellor, prefect, provost, warden, lieutenant, archon, consul, proconsul
viceroy etc. (governor) Master
commissioner etc. Consignee
Tsung-li Yamen, Wai Wu Pu
plenipotentiary, alter ego. team, eight, eleven
champion.
Verbs
be deputy etc. n.
stand for, appear for, hold a brief for, answer for
represent
stand in the shoes of, walk in the shoes of
stand in the stead of. ablegate, accredit.
Adjectives
acting, vice, vice regal
accredited to.