adjectives 1
The heat inside the classroom became __________, making it nearly impossible to focus.
intolerable
Moving the heavy equipment across the field was a __________ task that took the entire afternoon.
laborious
The coach warned the team never to __________ younger players, reminding them that everyone deserves respect.
maltreat
The principal grew concerned when a few students began spreading subversive ideas that challenged long‑standing school rules.
Is subversive used as a noun or adjective in this sentence?
adjective (describing ideas)
His comment wasn’t just rude — it was downright __________, dripping with hostility meant to hurt the person he was speaking to.
Blasphemy, wily, subversive, irreverent, or venomous?
venomous
He is being hateful (venomous). His goal is not to insult religion (blasphemy) or start a revolution (subversive). He isn't tricking anyone (wily). He isn't just making jokes during a serious moment (irreverent). He's just so hateful that hearing him is like being poisoned with snake venom.
The shelter prided itself on its __________ treatment of animals, ensuring every creature was cared for.
humane
The __________ wrestler easily lifted his opponent, showing off his impressive strength.
brawny
The athletes had to __________ with harsh weather conditions during the championship game.
contend
The priest was shocked when the comedian’s joke crossed the line into outright __________ during the performance.
blasphemy
The comedian’s jokes weren’t hateful, but they were so casually __________ that many people felt he didn’t respect the seriousness of the ceremony.
Blasphemy, wily, subversive, irreverent, or venomous?
irreverent
The comedian is upsetting people, but he is not being hateful (venomous). His goal is not to insult religion (blasphemy) or start a revolution (subversive). He isn't tricking anyone (wily). He's just making fun of things during a moment others want to be serious.
After weeks of miscommunication, the team finally made a __________ effort to finish the project together.
concerted
The ruler’s __________ style of leadership left citizens with no voice in important decisions.
autocratic
He watched his sister __________ when she opened the fridge and saw the moldy leftovers.
blanch
The jacket looked like leather, but the label revealed it was made from synthetic materials instead of animal hide.
Is synthetic a noun or adjective in this sentence?
adjective (describing materials)
The detective admired how __________ the thief had been, using clever tricks to stay one step ahead of everyone.
Blasphemy, wily, subversive, irreverent, or venomous?
Wily
The thief is doing a bad thing, but he is not being hateful (venomous). His goal is not to make fun of anything (irreverent), insult religion (blasphemy), or start a revolution (subversive). He's just smart at doing a bad deed.
His jokes during the ceremony were so __________ that several people gasped at the disrespect.
irreverent
There was an __________ difference in her confidence after she practiced her speech several times.
appreciable
After hearing the unexpected news, she needed a quiet moment to __________ what her next steps should be.
ponder
Throughout history, every major movement has started with at least one brave subversive willing to challenge the system.
Is subversive used as a noun or adjective in this sentence?
noun (a person in this case)
The council accused the author of committing __________ after she portrayed sacred traditions in a mocking and disrespectful way.
Blasphemy, wily, subversive, irreverent, or venomous?
blasphemy
The author is sort of being hateful (venomous), BUT her main goal is to insult religion (blasphemy). She is not trying to start a revolution (subversive). She isn't tricking anyone (wily). She isn't just making jokes during a serious moment (irreverent). She's insulting something people worship.
The gymnast was so __________ that she seemed to fold and twist effortlessly during her routine.
lithe
The scientist received an award for her __________ contributions to medical research.
illustrious
My grandmother always _________ the potatoes in a pot of boiling water before mashing them.
blanched
Some athletes prefer natural fabrics, while others choose synthetics because they dry quickly and stretch easily.
Is synthetics used as a noun or adjective in this sentence?
noun (they are fabric, a thing)
The student group wasn’t violent, but their plan to rewrite the school handbook was considered __________ because it challenged long‑standing authority.
Blasphemy, wily, subversive, irreverent, or venomous?
subversive
They students might hate the rules, but they are not making hateful comments that we know of (venomous). They do not insult religion (blasphemy). They are sort of trying to trick the school (wily), but that isn't the main point of the sentence. The student group isn't just making jokes during a serious moment (irreverent). They are trying to overthrow authority.