In this vocabulary treasure trove, you will embark on a linguistic journey filled with precision, depth, and eloquence.

Word Wizardry: 20 Advanced Vocabulary Gems - Set#1

A malapropism is the comical misuse of words, especially those similar in sound.
The politician’s malapropisms may make us laugh, but they will not win our votes.

To importune is to ask incessantly or beg persistently.
Children can’t help but importune during the holidays, constantly nagging for the irresistible toys they see advertised on television.

An opprobrious remark is one that is scornful and expresses contempt.
It was inappropriate to make such opprobrious remarks in front of everybody.

To remonstrate is to say or plead in protest or objection. Remonstrate can also mean to scold or reprove.
The children remonstrated loudly when their mother told them they couldn’t watch that movie.

An effusive remark expresses emotions in an unrestrained or excessive way.
Anne’s unexpected effusive greeting made Tammy uncomfortable.

A derisive comment expresses scorn and ridicules or mocks something or someone.
In order to ensure a positive environment, derisive comments were forbidden in the classroom.

A solecism is a mistake in the use of language or a violation of good manners or etiquette.
Frank’s solecism caused his debate team much embarrassment.

A sententious reply is one that is full of maxims and proverbs offered in a self-righteous manner. Sententious can also mean expressing oneself tersely.
I was looking for your honest opinion, not a sententious reply.

An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing a seemingly contradictory combination of words. Authentic reproduction and new classics are oxymorons.
The term “non-working mother” is a contemptible oxymoron.

To gainsay is to deny, contradict, or declare false; to oppose.
Petra would gainsay all accusations made against her.

To disparage is to belittle, to speak of in a derogatory way.
Comedians often disparage politicians as part of their comedic routines.

A harangue is a tirade; a long, scolding or bombastic speech.
Members of the audience began to get restless during the senator’s political harangue.

A censure is a rebuke or expression of strong criticism and
disapproval.
After the Senator was found guilty of taking bribes, Congress unanimously agreed to censure him.

A voluble person talks a great deal and with immense ease.
Your new spokesperson is very voluble and clearly comfortable speaking in front of large audiences.

To mince means to say something more delicately or indirectly for the sake of politeness or decorum. It can also mean to chop into very small pieces or to walk or speak affectedly.
Please don’t mince your words—just tell

Eloquent means expressing strong emotions or arguments in a powerful, fluent, and persuasive manner.
Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is considered one of the most eloquent speeches ever given by a U.S. president.

Sardonic means sarcastic, mocking scornfully.
I was hurt by his sardonic reply.

A repartee is a quick, witty reply or the ability to make such replies.
He wasn’t expecting such a sharp repartee from someone who was normally so quiet.

A platitude is a trite or banal statement, especially one uttered as if it were new.
Matthew offered me several platitudes but no real advice.

Bombastic means speaking pompously, with inflated selfimportance. 
Ahmed was shocked that a renowned and admired humanitarian could give such a bombastic keynote address.