Precision Tone and Diplomacy
Open a theme, then select a word or phrase for its meaning and an example.
1. Certainty and ambiguity (20 entries)
- conjectural
- presumptive
- unequivocal
- putative
- notionally
- ostensible
- inscrutable
- equivocal
- incontrovertible
- purported
- irrefutable
- axiomatic
- nebulous
- unresolved
- unprecedented in scope
- unforeseeable
- imponderable
- unfathomable
- provisional assent
- mistake the map for the territory
2. Sincerity and hidden motives (20 entries)
- ingenuous
- unscrupulous
- duplicitous
- disingenuous
- ingratiating
- obsequious
- scrupulous
- sanctimonious
- guileless
- magnanimous
- double-dealing
- deviousness
- façade
- guilelessness
- smokescreen
- subterfuge
- guile
- gullibility
- pretence
- feign
3. Critical judgement (20 entries)
- judicious
- derisive
- fallacious
- trenchant
- disparaging
- specious
- perspicacious
- cogent
- spurious
- caustic
- acerbic
- sophistry
- sardonic
- ostensibly neutral
- incontestable
- rebuttable
- repute
- vindication
- reserve judgement on
- cast doubt on someone's bona fides
4. Tact and disagreement (20 entries)
- conciliatory
- intransigent
- circumspect
- implacable
- placate
- mollify
- deferential
- acquiesce in
- with the greatest respect
- draw a distinction without a difference
- fall out over a point of principle
- be at cross purposes
- reach an impasse
- be at odds over
- draw a line under something
- a holding statement
- cut no ice
- put paid to
- circumscribe
- clinch
5. Emphasis and understatement (20 entries)
- perfunctory
- hyperbolic
- tepid
- take an imperious tone
- blandishment
- stand aside in deference to
- poise
- by virtue of one's office
- defer to rank
- stringent
- herald
- behest
- yield precedence to
- anarchic
- preeminent
- menial
- incumbent
- trifle
- gambit
- plutocrat