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As a gift to our friends (you) in a time of crisis, we’ll be keeping a thread here of beautiful, obscure, and often quite useless words.
(Compiled by our in-house expert in pointless vocab @ammonshea.)
1. 'Solivagant': rambling alone : marked by solitary wandering https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solivagant
2. 'Filipendulous': suspended by or strung upon a thread https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filipendulous
3. 'Flingee': one at whom anything is flung
(Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1989)
(Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1989)
4. 'Jentacular': pertaining to breakfast
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
5. 'Cacography': bad handwriting https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cacography
6. 'Deipnosophist': a person skilled in table talk https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deipnosophist
7. 'Scripturient': having a strong urge to write
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scripturient
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scripturient
8. 'Penultimatum': a demand or proposal approaching an ultimatum
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
9. 'Matutinal': of, relating to, or occurring in the morning
http://rhymes.merriam.com/r/matutinal
Here are some words that rhyme with it.
http://rhymes.merriam.com/r/matutinal
Here are some words that rhyme with it.
10. 'Makebate': one that excites contentions and quarrels
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/gems-from-the-unabridged/makebate
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/gems-from-the-unabridged/makebate
11. 'Acersecomicke': one whose hair was never cut
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
12. 'Empleomania': a mania for holding public office https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/the-vocabulary-test-from-hell/empleomania
13. 'Bêtise': an act of foolishness or stupidity https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betise
14. 'Patrizate': to imitate one's father or forebears https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patrizate
15. 'Catillate': to licke dishes
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
This one gets bonus points for having an obsolete spelling in the definition of the obsolete word.
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
This one gets bonus points for having an obsolete spelling in the definition of the obsolete word.
16: 'Tongue-hero': a self-professed hero; a braggart
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
17. 'Noctivagant': going about in the night : night-wandering
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noctivagant
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noctivagant
18. 'Agathokakological': composed of both good and evil https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/oversized-words/agathokakological
19. 'Cachinnate': to laugh loudly or immoderately
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cachinnate
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cachinnate
20. 'Peristeronic': of or relating to pigeons
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/surprising-uncommon-words/peristeronic
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/surprising-uncommon-words/peristeronic
21. 'Abligurition': a prodigal spending in Belly-Cheer
(Nathan Bailey, An universal etymological English dictionary, 1724)
(Nathan Bailey, An universal etymological English dictionary, 1724)
22. 'Bellycheer': gratification of the belly : gluttony https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bellycheer
23. 'Sarcast': an adept in sarcasm : a sarcastic person
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sarcast
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sarcast
24. 'Shot-clog': a bore tolerated only because he pays the charge for others https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shot-clog
25: 'Philostorgie': the love of parents towards their children”
(Thomas Blount, Glossographia, 1656)
(Thomas Blount, Glossographia, 1656)
26: 'Frivol': to act frivolously : trifle https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frivol
27. 'Smell-feast': one given to finding out and getting invited to good feasts; a parasite, sponger https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/top-10-rare-and-amusing-insults-vol-1/smell-feast
28. 'Sialoquent': that spits much in his speech
(Thomas Blount, Glossographia, 1656)
(Thomas Blount, Glossographia, 1656)
29. 'Murmuration': the utterance of low continuous sounds or complaining noises https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murmuration
30. 'Redame': to love in return
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
31. 'Opsimath': a person who begins to learn late in life https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opsimath
32. 'Pessimum': the least favorable environmental condition under which an organism can survive https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/that-sucks-vocabulary-replacements/pessimum
33. 'Ucalegon': a next-door neighbor, or a neighbor whose house is on fire
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
This one kinda goes from zero to sixty.
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
This one kinda goes from zero to sixty.
34. 'Manuductive': leading by or as if by the hand https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manuductive
35. 'Conjubilant': shouting together with joy https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/top-10-funny-sounding-and-interesting-words/conjubilant
36. 'Nastify': to make nasty; to spoil
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd Ed.)
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd Ed.)
37. 'Objectee': one that is objected to https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/objectee
38. 'Debacchate': to revile one after the manner of drunkards
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
39. 'Recogitate': to think over again
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recogitate
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recogitate
40. 'Pot-valiant': bold or courageous under the influence of alcoholic drink https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pot-valiant
41. 'Cacozealous': ill affected, or badly imitating
(Edmund Phillips, The New World of English Words, 1658)
(Edmund Phillips, The New World of English Words, 1658)
42. 'Peccability': capability of sinning https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peccability
43. 'Apatheia': freedom or release from emotion or excitement https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apatheia
44. 'Acnestis': the part of the back (or backbone) between the shoulder blades and the loins which an animal cannot reach to scratch
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.) https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/surprising-uncommon-words/acnestis
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.) https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/surprising-uncommon-words/acnestis
45. 'All-overish':
1. vaguely uneasy
2. slightly indisposed https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all-overish
1. vaguely uneasy
2. slightly indisposed https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all-overish
46. 'Routineer': one that adheres to or insists on routine https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/routineer
47. 'Perpotation': ordinarie drunkenesse
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
#NationalBeerDay
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
#NationalBeerDay
48. 'Saeva indignatio': ‘Savage indignation’, a feeling of contemptuous rage at human folly.
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.)
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.)
49. 'Backfriend': a seeming friend who is secretly an enemy
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/charming-words-for-nasty-people/backfriend
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/charming-words-for-nasty-people/backfriend
50. 'Pernoctate': to stay up or out all night https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pernoctate
51. 'Novercal': of, relating to, or characteristic of a stepmother https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/novercal
52. 'Roorback': a defamatory falsehood published for political effect https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roorback
53. 'Ultracrepidarian': one who is presumptuous and offers advice or opinions beyond one’s sphere of knowledge https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/polite-words-for-impolite-people/ultracrepidarian
54. 'Nidorosity': eructation (an act of belching) with the taste of undigested roast-meat
(Samuel Johnson, A Dictionary of the English Language, 1755)
(Samuel Johnson, A Dictionary of the English Language, 1755)
55. 'Antithalian': opposed to festivities
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
56. 'Anecdotage': garrulous old age https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anecdotage
57. 'Abirritate': to decrease the irritability of
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
58. 'Amatorculist': a little insignificant lover; a pretender to affection
(Samuel Johnson, A Dictionary of the English Language, 1755)
(Samuel Johnson, A Dictionary of the English Language, 1755)
59. 'Job's comforter': a person who discourages or depresses while seemingly giving comfort and consolation
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Job%27s%20comforter
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Job%27s%20comforter
60. 'Fleshment': excitement associated with a successful beginning https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/7-new-happy-words/fleshment
61. 'Capitulant': one that capitulates https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitulant
62. 'Accismus': the pretended refusal of something one keenly desires
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.)
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.)
63. 'Mundivagant': wandering over the world
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/gems-from-the-unabridged/mundivagant
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/gems-from-the-unabridged/mundivagant
64. 'Barbermonger': a man who is devoted to or vain about his appearance or dress https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbermonger
65. 'Prefestinate': to make too much haste
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
66. 'Jackassery': a piece of stupidity or folly https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jackassery
67. 'Maritality': excessive fondness of a wife for her husband
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
68. 'Serendipitist': one who finds valuable or agreeable things not sought for https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serendipitist
69. 'Snickersnee'
- to engage in cut-and-thrust fighting with knives
- a large knife https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/top-10-funny-sounding-and-interesting-words/snickersnee
- to engage in cut-and-thrust fighting with knives
- a large knife https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/top-10-funny-sounding-and-interesting-words/snickersnee
70. 'Paracme': a point or period at which the prime or highest vigour is past; (in early use) spec. - the point when the crisis of a fever is past.
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.)
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.)
71. 'Spanghew': to throw violently into the air; especially, to throw (a frog) into the air from the end of a stick https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/top-10-words-with-bizarre-meanings/spanghew
72. 'Neighborstained': stained with the blood of neighbors
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
73. 'Apiculate': ending abruptly in a small distinct point https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/more-useful-obscure-words-youve-probably-never-used/apiculate
74. 'Smaragdine': yellowish green in color like an emerald https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/green-words/smaragdine
75. 'Consopition': a lulling to sleep https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/10-things-you-do-every-day-without-even-knowing-it/consopition
76. 'Sloomy': sleepy, sluggish https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/obscure-words-for-sleepy-times/sloomy
77. 'Psittaceous': like a parrot https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psittaceous
78. 'Pennyweighter': a thief that steals jewelry by substituting a fake for a valuable piece https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/11-obscure-interesting-words-for-thieves-thief-burglars-stealing/pennyweighter
79. 'Alluvium': clay, silt, sand, gravel, or similar detrital material deposited by running water https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/a-glossary-of-river-words-terminology/alluvium
80. 'Chevelure': a head of hair https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/hair-it-is-a-list-of-hair-words/chevelure
81. 'Backspang': a trick or loophole that enables one to retreat from a bargain https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backspang
82. 'Slantindicular': somewhat oblique https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/flummadiddle-bodacious-19th-century-americanisms/slantindicular
83. 'Raucity': the state of being raucous https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raucity
84. 'Lip-worshiper': one that worships in utterance only : one affirming devotion or fidelity without corresponding action https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lip-worshiper
85. 'Happify': to make happy
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happify
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happify
86. 'Antipelargy': “the reciprocal love of children to their Parents, or (more generally) any requital or mutual kindness”
(Thomas Blount, Glossographia, 1656)
(Thomas Blount, Glossographia, 1656)
87. 'Infelicific': productive of unhappiness https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infelicific
88. 'Hircine': resembling a goat in smell https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/whats-that-smell-10-obscure-words-for-bad-odors/hircine
89. 'Averuncate': “to take away that which hurts, to weed”
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
90. 'Anonymuncule': an insignificant anonymous writer
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/charming-words-for-nasty-people/anonymuncule
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/charming-words-for-nasty-people/anonymuncule
91. 'Artophagous': bread-eating
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
92. 'Backslide': to lapse morally or in the practice of religion https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backslide
93. 'Barbatulous': having but a small beard
(Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed.)
(Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed.)
94. 'Agelast': a person who never laughs https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/surprising-uncommon-words/agelast
95. 'Ambitionist': one excessively ambitious
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
96. 'Satisfice': to pursue the minimum satisfactory condition or outcome https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-for-bad-endings/satisfice
97. 'Yeuky': itchy https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/itchy-words/yeuky
98. 'Apricitie': “The warmenes of the Sunne in winter”
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
99. 'Ramulose': having many small branches https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ramulose
100. 'Gaincope': to meet or intercept by a short cut
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaincope
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaincope
101. 'Ugsome': frightful, loathsome https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ugsome
102. 'Malobservation': erroneous observation or interpretation https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malobservation
103. 'Calefaction': the state of being warmed https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calefaction
104. 'Leucocholy': a state of feeling that accompanies preoccupation with trivial and insipid diversions https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/obscure-words-for-everyday-feelings/leucocholy
105. 'Quasquicentennial': a 125th anniversary https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quasquicentennial
106. 'Mordacious': biting or sharp in manner or style : caustic https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mordacious
107. 'Insurgescence': tendency to make insurrection https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insurgescence
108. 'Desticate': “To cry like a rat”
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
(Henry Cockeram, English Dictionarie, 1623)
109. 'Hamartia': a defect of character : error, guilt, or sin especially of the tragic hero in a literary work https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hamartia
You've had three months to prepare for this quiz. The cheat sheet is right in front of you. Can you ace it? https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-games/useless-words-quiz
110. 'Gobemouche': a credulous person; especially: one who believes everything he or she hears
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/charming-words-for-nasty-people/gobemouche
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/charming-words-for-nasty-people/gobemouche
111. 'Impedimenta': things that impede or hinder progress or movement; especially : baggage, equipment, or supplies https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/12-longest-unusually-long-english-words/impedimenta
112. 'Jocoserious': mingling mirth and seriousness
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
113. 'Mediocrist': a person of no outstanding distinction https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mediocrist
114. 'Forplaint': wearied with complaining
(Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed.)
(Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed.)
115. 'Homodox': having the same opinion
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
116. 'Imparadise': to make supremely happy, transport with delight or joy
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/7-new-happy-words/imparadise
https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/7-new-happy-words/imparadise
117. 'Logomachist': one given to dispute over or about words https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-for-that-certain-person/logomachist
118. 'Backlotter': one who raises poultry or rabbits on a small lot, usually a back lot https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/more-useful-obscure-words-youve-probably-never-used/backlotter
119. 'Lowery': gloomy, lowering https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lowery
120. 'Natation': the action or art of swimming https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natation
121. 'Malversation': misbehavior and especially corruption in an office, trust, or commission https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/malversation
122. 'Inhesion': the condition of being inherent in something https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhesion
123. 'Estivo-autumnal': relating to or occurring in the summer and autumn https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-for-autumn-fall/estivo-autumnal
124. 'Unclubbable': having or showing a disinclination for social activity : unsociable https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/8-words-for-introverts/unclubbable
125. 'Abactor': one who steals cattle https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/11-obscure-interesting-words-for-thieves-thief-burglars-stealing/abactor
126. 'Father-waur': worse than one's father
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.)
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd ed.)
127. 'Antipathize' - to feel or show antipathy https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antipathize
128. 'Groak': to look on silently—like a dog—at people while they are eating, hoping to be asked to eat a bit
(P. W. Joyce, English as We Speak it in Ireland, 1910) https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-for-things-you-wish-people-wouldnt-do/groak
(P. W. Joyce, English as We Speak it in Ireland, 1910) https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-for-things-you-wish-people-wouldnt-do/groak
129. 'Mussitate': to speak through the teeth
(Henry Cockeram, An English Dictionarie, 1623)
(Henry Cockeram, An English Dictionarie, 1623)
130. 'Pandiculation': a stretching and stiffening especially of the trunk and extremities (as when fatigued and drowsy or after waking from sleep) https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/pandiculation
131. 'Satisdiction': the condition of having said enough
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
(Webster’s New International Dictionary, 2nd Ed., 1934)
132. 'Corruptionist' - one who practices or defends corruption especially in politics https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corruptionist
133. 'Cicatrizant' - promoting the healing of a wound or the formation of a cicatrix https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/cicatrizant
134. 'Macrologie': Long and tedious talke
(John Bullokar, An English Expositor, 1616)
(John Bullokar, An English Expositor, 1616)
135. 'Réclame': public attention or acclaim not necessarily based on or proportionate to real value or achievement
(M-W Unabridged)
(M-W Unabridged)
136. 'Beneficence': the quality or state of doing or producing good https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficence
137. 'Ballon d’essai' - trial balloon; a project or scheme tentatively announced in order to test public opinion https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ballon%20d'essai
138. 'Callosity': lack of feeling or capacity for emotion https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/heres-that-thing-youre-feeling/callosity
139. 'Anedged': Of teeth: set on edge; acutely irritated or discomforted
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd Edition)
(Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd Edition)
140. 'Disobligation': an act that purposely inconveniences or offends https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disobligation
141. 'Emporte': Irritated beyond self possession
(Webster’s Second International Dictionary, 1934)
(Webster’s Second International Dictionary, 1934)
142. 'Vulpinate': to play the Fox; to deceive with crafty wiles or deceits
(Thomas Blount, Glossographia, 1656)
(Thomas Blount, Glossographia, 1656)
143. 'Emporte': Irritated beyond self possession
(Webster’s Second International Dictionary, 1934)
(Webster’s Second International Dictionary, 1934)
144. 'Pestiferous': dangerous to society; pernicious https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pestiferous
145. 'Supperasitate': to flatter one for a meales meat
(Henry Cockeram, The English Dictionary, 1623)
(Henry Cockeram, The English Dictionary, 1623)
146. 'Singularitie': Private opinion, a desire to be odde from other men
(John Bullokar, An English Expositor, 1616)
(John Bullokar, An English Expositor, 1616)
147. 'Spoilsmonger': one who promises or distributes public offices and their emoluments as the reward of services to a party or its leaders
(Merriam-Webster Second International Dictionary, 1934)
(Merriam-Webster Second International Dictionary, 1934)
148. 'Grudgeful': harboring a grudge; full of resentment https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grudgeful
149. 'Inaffable': unpleasant in conversation
(Nathan Bailey, Dictionarium Britannicum, 1730)
(Nathan Bailey, Dictionarium Britannicum, 1730)
150. 'Evagation': a wandering of the mind https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/evagation
151. 'Connivance': corrupt or guilty assent to wrongdoing that involves knowledge of and failure to prevent or oppose it but no actual participation in it https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connivance
