51. Machiavellian
Definition: tactics that are cunning, often deceptive, in which the end result is more important than morality
Example: Diana’s Machiavellian attempts to get her coworker Michael fired weren’t well received by his friends.
52. Mellifluous
Definition: to flow or sound sweet or smooth
Example: Peggy was nervous about her speech, but her mellifluous words brought the crowd to their feet.
53. Mercenary
Definition: a professional soldier often hired by a foreign army; motivated by profit rather than loyalty
Example: Brianna left the DA’s office to become a mercenary of sorts — she began providing consultations on how to survive a cross-examination by the DA.
54. Mercurial
Definition: volatile or erratic; fickle; flighty, animated or lively (often quick-witted)
Example: The lead singer’s mercurial nature was well loved by fans and the media, but loathed by his bandmates.
55. Misnomer
Definition: the incorrect or an unsuitable name (not a misunderstanding or popular misconception)
Example: Calling that dog sweet pea is a misnomer; he just bit me!
56. Neophyte
Definition: a novice; beginner
Example: Layla may be a neophyte, but you’d never know by looking at her sales numbers.
57. Non sequitur
Definition: a response that doesn’t logically follow the statement it follows
Example: After Nan pointed out that the stock prices were dropping, Melanie interrupted with a total non sequitur by saying, “Who wants lunch?”
58. Obfuscate
Definition: to talk or write about a subject in such a way as to make it unclear or hide the full truth
Example: Olivia attempted to obfuscate her husband’s surprise party by telling him they were going to his favorite restaurant because she’d snagged a Groupon.
59. Ostentatious
Definition: extremely showy; loud
Example: Guy Fieri is the Food Network’s most ostentatious celebrity chef.
60. Panacea
Definition: cure-all; magic elixir (usually not literal in modern English)
Example: E-learning isn’t a panacea for all educational issues; we still require teachers to direct a child’s learning, even over the internet.
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