A Disturbing Brand of Politics in Tamil Nadu

The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain.

Synonyms: shrewdness, astuteness, discernment

"Her business <b>acumen</b> was instrumental in turning the struggling company into a profitable venture."

To unintentionally reveal; to expose to danger by treachery.

Synonyms: reveals, exposes, uncovers

"His hesitation before answering <b>betrays</b> his uncertainty about the facts."

Bold and without shame.

Synonyms: audacious, impudent, insolent

"The student made a <b>brazen</b> attempt to cheat on the exam, despite the professor's strict warnings."

To give up (power or territory).

Synonyms: surrender, relinquish, yield

"The smaller nation was forced to <b>cede</b> a portion of its land to the invading army."

To combine (a number of things) into a single, more effective, or coherent whole; to strengthen one's position or power.

Synonyms: strengthen, merge, combine

"The company aims to <b>consolidate</b> its operations to reduce costs and increase efficiency."

The abandonment of one's country, cause, or allegiance in favor of an opposing one.

Synonyms: desertion, apostasy, betrayal

"The sudden <b>defection</b> of several key members surprised the entire political party."

A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.

Synonyms: predicament, quandary, difficulty

"The manager faced a serious ethical <b>dilemma</b> when he discovered the financial irregularities."

Causing anxiety; worrying.

Synonyms: unsettling, troubling, disquieting

"The documentary revealed some <b>disturbing</b> facts about the environmental impact of industrial waste."

To gradually wear away (soil, rock, or land) by natural agents; to gradually destroy or be destroyed.

Synonyms: deteriorate, corrode, wear away

"The constant criticism began to <b>erode</b> her self-confidence over time."

Deliberately avoiding using; abstaining from.

Synonyms: shunning, renouncing, abstaining

"The minimalist artist is known for <b>eschewing</b> bright colors in favor of muted tones."

To make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.

Synonyms: aggravate, worsen, intensify

"Lack of proper sleep often <b>exacerbates</b> existing stress and anxiety."

The quality of being changeable or inconstant, especially regarding loyalty or affection.

Synonyms: capriciousness, inconstancy, vacillation

"The market's <b>fickleness</b> made it difficult for investors to predict stock movements."

Instigated or stirred up (an undesirable sentiment or course of action).

Synonyms: incited, provoked, instigated

"The radical group <b>fomented</b> discontent among the factory workers, leading to a strike."

Easily broken or damaged; delicate.

Synonyms: delicate, brittle, flimsy

"The economic recovery proved to be quite <b>fragile</b>, susceptible to minor shocks."

Of vital importance; crucial.

Synonyms: crucial, essential, vital

"It is <b>imperative</b> that all safety protocols are strictly followed during the experiment."

An idea, feeling, or opinion about something or someone, especially one formed without conscious thought or on the basis of little evidence.

Synonyms: notions, perceptions, feelings

"His initial <b>impressions</b> of the new city were overwhelmingly positive."

Very complicated or detailed.

Synonyms: complex, elaborate, convoluted

"The watch featured an <b>intricate</b> design with tiny, interlocking gears."

A plot or scheme.

Synonyms: conspiracy, scheme, plot

"The political opponent was accused of elaborate <b>machinations</b> to discredit his rival."

To make less severe, serious, or painful.

Synonyms: alleviate, lessen, reduce

"The government implemented new policies to <b>mitigate</b> the impact of rising inflation on low-income families."

(Especially of a process or organization) just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential.

Synonyms: emerging, budding, developing

"The <b>nascent</b> technology company attracted significant investment from venture capitalists."

To plan and direct the route or course; to find one's way through a complex situation.

Synonyms: steer, direct, guide

"The experienced captain expertly <b>navigated</b> the ship through the treacherous waters."

Awaiting decision or settlement.

Synonyms: unresolved, undecided, undetermined

"The legal case remained <b>pending</b> for months due to procedural delays."

Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.

Synonyms: crucial, central, critical

"The invention of the printing press was a <b>pivotal</b> moment in human history."

To prevent from happening; make impossible.

Synonyms: prevent, prohibit, hinder

"His poor attendance record will <b>preclude</b> him from receiving the academic award."

An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.

Synonyms: tendency, inclination, proclivity

"He had a natural <b>propensity</b> for leadership, often taking charge in group projects."

A complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event.

Synonyms: consequences, effects, outcomes

"The new environmental policy will have far-reaching <b>ramifications</b> for various industries."

The underlying reason or justification for a course of action.

Synonyms: reasoning, logic, justification

"The committee presented a clear <b>rationale</b> for its decision to approve the budget."

(Of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting.

Synonyms: strict, rigorous, severe

"The university has <b>stringent</b> admission requirements for its postgraduate programs."

Not damaged or marked in any way; perfect.

Synonyms: spotless, flawless, pristine

"Her academic record remained <b>unblemished</b> throughout her entire university career."

To damage or weaken (someone or something), especially gradually or insidiously.

Synonyms: weaken, impair, jeopardize

"Constant gossip can seriously <b>undermine</b> a person's reputation."