Words Starting with C

a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds

"The cacophony of horns was deafening."

to persuade by flattery

"She cajoled her parents into agreeing."

showing insensitive disregard for others

"His callous remark hurt her feelings."

making false and defamatory statements

"The article was filled with calumny."

truthful and straightforward

"She gave a candid assessment."

to take advantage of

"We should capitalize on this opportunity."

given to sudden changes of mood

"The capricious weather ruined plans."

to reprimand severely

"The judge castigated the lawyer."

something that precipitates an event

"The protest was a catalyst for change."

sarcastic in a bitter way

"His caustic comments alienated colleagues."

to express severe disapproval

"The senator was censured for misconduct."

cautious or wary about doing something

"She was chary of investing too much."

use of trickery to achieve a goal

"The contract was obtained through chicanery."

rude in a mean-spirited way

"It would be churlish to refuse."

to restrict or limit

"Laws circumscribe our actions."

wary and unwilling to take risks

"He was circumspect in his dealings."

to find a way around an obstacle

"They tried to circumvent the rules."

making a loud and confused noise

"The clamorous crowd demanded action."

mercy; leniency

"The governor granted clemency."

to come together to form one

"The groups coalesced into a movement."

clear, logical, and convincing

"She made a cogent argument."

characterized by sticking together

"The team became more cohesive."

corresponding in size or degree

"Salary commensurate with experience."

evoking interest or attention

"She made a compelling argument."

a collection of concise detailed information

"The book is a compendium of recipes."

smugly self-satisfied

"Success made him complacent."

willingness to please others

"Her complaisance made her popular."

something that completes or enhances

"The wine was a perfect complement."

complete; including all elements

"We need a comprehensive review."

to admit that something is true

"He conceded the point."

intended to placate or pacify

"He made a conciliatory gesture."

giving information clearly and briefly

"Please be concise in your response."

to accept behavior considered wrong

"We cannot condone violence."

making a situation likely to happen

"The environment is conducive to learning."

an extensive fire destroying much

"The conflagration destroyed the forest."

an opinion based on incomplete information

"This is merely conjecture."

an expert judge in matters of taste

"She is a connoisseur of fine wines."

general agreement

"We reached a consensus."

to combine into a single unit

"The company consolidated its operations."

to severely restrict

"Budget constraints limited options."

showing great skill and flair

"He is a consummate professional."

living or occurring at the same time

"Contemporary artists explore new themes."

to struggle in opposition

"They contend for the title."

causing or likely to cause disagreement

"The issue remains contentious."

circumstances that form the setting

"Consider the context of the statement."

to deny the truth of a statement

"Evidence contradicted his claims."

the state of being strikingly different

"There is a sharp contrast between them."

feeling or expressing remorse

"He was contrite about his behavior."

a confusing and difficult problem

"Solving this conundrum took weeks."

based on what is traditionally done

"He took a conventional approach."

to come together from different directions

"The rivers converge at this point."

to transport or communicate

"The message conveyed urgency."

friendly, lively, and enjoyable

"The convivial atmosphere was welcoming."

extremely complex and difficult to follow

"The plot was convoluted."

abundant in supply or quantity

"She took copious notes."

similar in position or purpose

"There was a corresponding increase."

to confirm or give support to

"Evidence corroborated his story."

familiar with many cultures

"New York is a cosmopolitan city."

to yearn to possess something

"She coveted her neighbor's garden."

having too great a readiness to believe

"The credulous buyer was scammed."

principles or standards by which something is judged

"What are the selection criteria?"

of great importance

"This is a crucial decision."

deserving blame

"He was found culpable for the accident."

to reduce in extent or quantity

"We must curtail spending."