Words are more than mere tools of communication; they’re portals to whimsy and delight. Add a sprinkle of flair to your written and spoken communication with these 150+ rare words. Be careful using them in everyday conversation. A few are outdated. They would work, though, quite well in poetry and even experimental literature.
Let’s now acquaint ourselves with these interesting and sometimes even funny words in English. Use them to impress your employer, a new date, or among buddies whilst in conversation.
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1. Mellifluous
Smooth, flowing, or melodious in sound.
Her voice was so mellifluous that it could turn even the most mundane tasks into a delightful experience.
2. Serotinal
Relating to or occurring in late summer.
The serotinal warmth of the afternoon sun made the beach more inviting than ever.
3. Polylemma
A situation or problem with multiple possible solutions or outcomes, often presenting a complex or perplexing dilemma.
Choosing the best strategy for the company was a real polylemma, as each option had significant pros and cons.
4. Punctilious
Showing great attention to detail or correct behavior; meticulous.
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Her punctilious nature meant that every detail of the event was carefully planned and executed to perfection.
5. Lethologica
The phenomenon of having a word or name on the tip of one’s tongue but being unable to recall it.
During the meeting, I experienced a severe case of lethologica when trying to remember the name of the new project manager.
6. Zephyrous
Relating to or characterized by a gentle, mild breeze.
The zephyrous evening made the sunset on the terrace even more enjoyable.
7. Velleity
A wish or inclination not strong enough to lead to action
Despite his velleity to travel the world, he never actually made any plans or packed a suitcase.
8. Caliginous
Misty, dim, or dark.
The caliginous forest was shrouded in an eerie fog, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead.
9. Dulcet
Sweet and soothing, especially of sound
The singer’s dulcet tones filled the room, soothing everyone with their gentle melody.
10. Concinnity
Elegant and harmonious arrangement of parts; skillful coordination.
The concinnity of the orchestra’s performance left the audience in awe, as each instrument blended seamlessly into a harmonious whole.
11. Xenial
Hospitable, especially to strangers or guests.
The xenial host made sure every guest felt welcomed and comfortable throughout the evening.
12. Indefatigable
Incapable of being tired out; persistently tireless.
The indefatigable explorer continued his journey through the harsh desert, undeterred by the searing heat.
13. Oneiric
Relating to dreams or dreamlike; resembling the qualities of dreams.
The film’s oneiric visuals created a surreal atmosphere that left the audience questioning reality.
14. Rhadamanthine
Relating to Rhadamanthus, a figure in Greek mythology known for his strictness as a judge of the dead; used to describe someone who is stern or just.
Her rhadamanthine approach to discipline ensured that every student understood the importance of honesty.
15. Pellucid
Transparent or clear; easily understandable.
The pellucid waters of the lake allowed us to see all the way to the bottom.
16. Pusillanimous
Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.
His pusillanimous refusal to stand up for his beliefs disappointed everyone in the room.
17. Lachrymose
Tearful or prone to weeping.
The lachrymose bride couldn’t hold back her tears during the ceremony.
18. Epizeuxis
The repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession for emphasis.
Never, never give up!
19. Peregrinate
To travel or wander around from place to place.
They decided to peregrinate through Europe, exploring each city in depth.
20. Solipsism
The philosophical idea that only one’s mind is sure to exist; the self is the only certainty.
His solipsism made it difficult for him to understand others’ perspectives.
21. Aporia
A state of puzzlement or doubt, often used in philosophical discussions.
The discussion led to an aporia that left everyone questioning their beliefs.
22. Susurrus
A soft murmuring or rustling sound.
The susurrus of the leaves created a peaceful atmosphere in the garden.
23. Sisyphean
A task that is endless and futile, akin to the myth of Sisyphus.
His efforts to complete the project felt Sisyphean, as every time he made progress, new obstacles arose.
24. Inimitable
Too good or unique to be copied or imitated.
The artist’s style was so distinctive that it was deemed inimitable, making his works highly sought after by collectors.
25. Tenuous
Very weak or slight; insubstantial.
The link between the two theories was tenuous at best, requiring further research to establish a more solid connection.
26. Sanguine
Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation.
Despite the challenging market conditions, the CEO remained sanguine about the company’s future prospects.
27. Curmudgeon
A bad-tempered, difficult, or grouchy person.
The old man down the street was known as a curmudgeon who never had a kind word for anyone.
28. Histrionic
Overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style.
Her histrionic response to the minor inconvenience left everyone around her feeling both amused and exasperated.
29. Ameliorate
To make something better or more tolerable.
The new policies were designed to ameliorate the working conditions and improve employee satisfaction.
30. Maladroit
Ineffective or clumsy; lacking skill or dexterity.
His maladroit handling of the situation only made matters worse, as he struggled to find the right words.
31. Contumacious
Stubbornly disobedient or rebellious; willfully disobedient to authority.
The contumacious student refused to follow the teacher’s instructions, causing disruptions in class.
32. Troglodyte
Primitive, socially reclusive, or out of touch with modern ideas or customs.
He lived like a troglodyte, avoiding all forms of modern technology and social interaction.
33. Xenoglossy
Ability to speak or understand a language without prior exposure or learning, often linked to paranormal or spiritual beliefs.
The child’s sudden display of fluency in ancient Greek was considered a case of xenoglossy by the researchers.
34. Dolorous
Characterized by or expressing sorrow, grief, or sadness.
The dolorous melody of the song perfectly captured the mood of the grieving crowd.
35. Reticent
Reserved, reluctant, or hesitant to speak or share one’s thoughts or feelings.
Despite her reticent nature, she eventually opened up about her experiences.
36. Hodiernal
Pertaining to the present day; contemporary or modern.
The conference focused on hodiernal issues in technology and their impact on society.
37. Umbrageous
Shaded or darkened; easily offended or provoked.
The umbrageous atmosphere of the room made everyone walk on eggshells around him.
38. Jollity
Cheerfulness or high spirits, often expressed through laughter, merriment, or lively social gatherings.
The jollity of the holiday party was infectious, with everyone laughing and dancing the night away.
39. Consilience
Agreement or convergence of ideas from different fields; the principle that evidence from independent sources can converge to a common conclusion.
The consilience of findings from psychology and neuroscience has led to a deeper understanding of human behavior.
40. Inenarrable
Beyond description or impossible to convey in words.
The beauty of the sunrise over the mountains was truly inenarrable, leaving us speechless in awe.
42. Latrant
Barking or howling; used to describe a sound that is loud and vocal, often associated with dogs.
The latrant dogs in the neighborhood made it difficult for the residents to enjoy a peaceful evening.
42. Paraprosdokian
A figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected, often leading to a humorous or ironic twist.
His speech was full of paraprosdokians, leaving the audience both laughing and thinking deeply.
43. Noctambule
One who walks or roams at night, especially for pleasure or recreation.
The noctambule wandered through the quiet streets, finding solace in the tranquility of the night.
44. Obnubilate
To obscure or darken, either literally by covering or clouding something; the act of causing mental confusion or uncertainty.
The dense fog seemed to obnubilate the landscape, making it difficult to see anything clearly.
45. Obsequious
Excessively obedient or attentive to an ingratiating degree.
His obsequious behavior towards his boss made his colleagues uncomfortable.
46. Perspicacious
Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.
Her perspicacious comments during the meeting impressed everyone, revealing her deep understanding of the issue.
47. Misanthrope
A person who dislikes or distrusts other people or humanity in general.
The old man in the village was considered a misanthrope, as he rarely interacted with anyone and preferred solitude.
48. Munificent
Larger or more generous than is usual or necessary.
The munificent donation from the philanthropist greatly exceeded expectations, funding the entire project.
49. Nugatory
Of no value or importance.
The minor errors in the report were nugatory compared to the overall quality of the work.
50. Desuetude
A state of disuse.
The old railway station fell into desuetude after the new line was built.
51. Bosky
Covered with bushes, shrubs, or small trees.
The bosky meadow was a perfect spot for a tranquil afternoon picnic.
52. Conflate
To combine two or more texts, ideas, etc., into one.
The editor conflated the two drafts into a single, cohesive document.
53. Deleterious
Causing harm or damage.
The pollution from the factory had a deleterious effect on the local wildlife.
54. Inveigle
To persuade someone to do something by means of deception or flattery.
She managed to inveigle her way into the exclusive party by flattering the host excessively.
55. Divagate
To stray or digress.
During the lecture, the professor began to divagate from the main topic.
56. Elucidate
To make (something) clear; explain.
The professor elucidated the complex theory with a series of simple examples.
57. Ensorcell
To enchant; to fascinate.
The magician’s performance ensorcelled the audience, leaving them spellbound.
58. Felicitate
To congratulate.
We felicitate the team on their outstanding performance in the tournament.
59. Osculate
To kiss.
The couple would often osculate in public, displaying their affection openly.
60. Perfidious
Deceitful and untrustworthy.
His perfidious actions led to the downfall of his once-promising career.
61. Pluvial
Relating to or characterized by rainfall.
The region’s pluvial climate made it ideal for lush vegetation.
62. Rebarbative
Unattractive and objectionable.
His rebarbative attitude made it difficult for him to make friends.
63. Saponaceous
Resembling or containing soap; soapy.
The saponaceous texture of the mineral made it slippery to the touch.
64. Polymath
A person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning.
The polymath’s extensive knowledge in various fields impressed everyone at the conference.
65. Amaranthine
Undying, immortal, eternally beautiful.
The amaranthine beauty of the sunset was captured in the painting.
66. Antediluvian
Extremely old-fashioned; referring to the period before Noah’s Flood.
The antediluvian technology in the museum showcased how far we’ve come.
67. Avuncular
Kind and friendly towards a younger or less experienced person.
His avuncular demeanor made him a favorite among the new employees.
68. Bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.
His bellicose remarks during the debate only escalated the tension.
69. Flocculent
Having or resembling tufts of wool.
The flocculent clouds drifted lazily across the sky.
70. Emacity
Fondness for buying things.
Her emacity led her to collect a vast array of vintage jewelry over the years.
71. Deipnosophist
Person who is skilled in the art of dining or conversation at the table, particularly someone known for their ability to engage in elegant, intellectual conversation during meals.
At the grand banquet, he was the perfect deipnosophist, captivating everyone with his eloquent discussions on philosophy and literature.
72. Harangue
A lengthy and aggressive speech or lecture.
His harangue on the importance of punctuality left everyone in the room feeling chastised.
73. Ineffable
Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
The beauty of the sunset was ineffable, leaving us all speechless.
74. Jocular
Characterized by joking or humor.
His jocular remarks lightened the mood during the tense meeting.
75. Lugubrious
Looking or sounding sad and dismal.
The lugubrious atmosphere of the old house made it feel eerie.
76. Nefarious
Wicked or criminal.
The villain’s nefarious plan was foiled by the hero at the last moment.
77. Obfuscate
To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.
The legal jargon only served to obfuscate the terms of the contract.
78. Quixotic
Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
His quixotic dreams of world peace often seemed out of reach.
79. Capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
The capricious weather made it difficult to plan outdoor activities, as it could change from sunny to stormy in minutes.
80. Sententious
Given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner.
His sententious speech about the virtues of humility felt insincere.
81. Ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.
She felt ambivalent about the job offer, excited by the opportunity but unsure if it was the right fit for her.
82. Ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.
83. Vicissitude
A change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.
Despite the vicissitudes of life, she maintained a positive outlook.
84. Wistful
Longing or yearning in a melancholic way.
She gazed at the old photographs with a wistful smile.
85. Xanthic
Relating to or having a yellow color.
The xanthic glow of the sunset bathed the landscape in warm hues.
86. Assiduous
Showing great care and perseverance in one’s efforts.
Her assiduous attention to detail ensured that the project was completed to the highest standard.
87. Zenith
The highest point or peak.
At the zenith of her career, she was admired by all for her achievements.
88. Apodictic
Clearly established or beyond dispute.
The lawyer presented an apodictic argument, leaving no room for doubt about her client’s innocence.
89. Squalor
The state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, often due to poverty or neglect.
The abandoned house was left in such squalor that it was barely habitable.
90. Intransigent
Unwilling to change one’s views or to agree about something; stubborn.
Despite numerous discussions, his intransigent stance on the issue meant that no agreement could be reached.
91. Disparate
Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.
The two companies had disparate business models, making a merger unlikely.
92. Stentorian
Very loud or powerful in sound.
The speaker’s stentorian voice commanded attention from the entire audience.
93. Lachrymose
Tearful or given to weeping; inducing tears.
Her lachrymose story moved everyone to tears.
94. Sycophant
A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.
The sycophant’s constant flattery of the boss was both transparent and irritating.
95. Languid
Weak or faint from illness or fatigue; showing a lack of vigor.
After the long hike, she felt languid and needed to rest.
96. Recalcitrant
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
The recalcitrant student refused to follow the teacher’s instructions.
97. Valetudinarian
A person who is excessively concerned with their health.
She became a valetudinarian after recovering from a serious illness, constantly worrying about minor symptoms.
98. Juxtapose
To place different things side by side as a way of comparing them.
The artist chose to juxtapose vibrant colors with dark tones to create a striking contrast.
99. Omnilegent
Someone who has read or is well-versed in everything or nearly everything.
The professor was considered omnilegent, able to discuss obscure texts from almost any field with ease.
100. Abstruse
Difficult to understand; obscure.
The professor’s abstruse lecture left many students puzzled.
101. Platitudinous
Characterized by or given to using trite, unoriginal statements.
His platitudinous response failed to address the underlying issues of the debate.
102. Voluble
Speaking or spoken incessantly and fluently.
Her voluble discussion on the topic captivated the audience, keeping them engaged throughout the presentation.
103. Omnigenous
Composed of or containing all kinds, varieties, or forms.
The omnigenous nature of the city’s population is reflected in its diverse cultural festivals.
104. Vicarious
Experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.
She lived vicariously through her friend’s thrilling adventures, enjoying the excitement second-hand.
105. Tendentious
Expressing or promoting a particular viewpoint or bias.
The article’s tendentious tone made it clear that it was advocating for one side of the debate.
106. Esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
The professor’s lecture on quantum mechanics was highly esoteric and difficult for most to grasp.
107. Nebulous
In the form of a cloud or haze; hazy; vague or ill-defined.
The plan remained nebulous and lacked the clarity needed for effective implementation.
108. Perfunctory
Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.
His perfunctory review of the report showed his lack of interest in the details.
109. Soporific
Tending to induce drowsiness or sleep.
The lecture was so soporific that several students were caught nodding off.
110. Cacophony
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
The cacophony of car horns and sirens was overwhelming during the rush hour.
111. Mundane
Lacking interest or excitement; dull.
The mundane routine of daily life often left her yearning for something more adventurous.
112. Obsequious
Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
The assistant’s obsequious behavior toward his boss was both transparent and annoying.
113. Ineffable
Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
The ineffable beauty of the landscape left everyone speechless.
114. Sagacious
Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.
Her sagacious advice helped us navigate through the difficult situation effectively.
115. Paracosm
A detailed, imaginary world created inside one’s mind, often for the purpose of escape or creativity.
As a child, she spent countless hours in her paracosm, where she ruled as the queen of a mystical kingdom.
116. Obsequious
Excessively obedient or attentive to please someone, often to a servile degree.
The waiter’s obsequious behavior made the patrons uncomfortable rather than pleased.
117. Curio
A rare, unusual, or intriguing object.
Her living room was filled with curios from her travels around the world.
118. Ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Smartphones have become so ubiquitous that it’s hard to imagine life without them.
119. Lacuna
An unfilled space or gap, often referring to a missing portion in a manuscript or text.
The archaeologists discovered a lacuna in the ancient scroll, indicating that part of the story was lost to time.
120. Vagary
An unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, or idea.
The vagaries of the weather made planning the outdoor event nearly impossible.
121. Irenic
Promoting peace; conducive to peace.
The diplomat’s irenic approach helped ease tensions between the conflicting nations.
122. Onism
The frustration of being stuck in just one body, unable to experience all the places and events in the world.
Onism settled in as he realized he could only visit a fraction of the destinations on his travel list.
123. Lambent
(Especially of light or fire) softly bright or radiant; moving lightly over a surface.
The lambent glow of the candlelight created a warm and intimate atmosphere in the room.
124. Rectitude
Morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.
Her unwavering rectitude in the face of temptation earned her the respect of her peers.
125. Clinquant
Glittering with gold or tinsel; showily ornate.
The clinquant decorations at the gala were dazzling, though some considered them a bit gaudy.
126. Recalcitrant
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.
The recalcitrant student refused to follow the rules, leading to further disciplinary action.
127. Orphic
Mysterious and entrancing; beyond ordinary understanding.
The orphic melodies of the ancient hymns seemed to echo from another world.
128. Paladin
A knight renowned for heroism and chivalry; a strong advocate for a cause.
He saw himself as a paladin of justice, always ready to defend the innocent.
129. Arcane
Understood by few; mysterious or secret.
The professor’s lectures were so arcane that only the most dedicated students could follow along.
130. Empyrean
The highest part of the heavens, believed by the ancients to be the realm of pure fire or light.
Gazing at the night sky, she felt as though she were peering into the empyrean, where the stars seemed to dance in endless harmony.
131. Ambidextrous
Able to use both hands with equal skill; versatile.
The ambidextrous artist effortlessly painted with both hands, creating a stunning mural that captivated all who saw it.
132. Laconic
Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious.
His laconic response left everyone wondering what he really thought about the proposal.
133. Ebullience
The quality of being cheerful and full of energy; exuberance.
Her ebullience was contagious, lifting the spirits of everyone in the room.
134. Inchoate
Just begun and not fully formed or developed; rudimentary.
Their plans were still inchoate, lacking the detail and structure needed to proceed.
135. Aliferous
Having wings; winged.
The aliferous creatures fluttered around the garden, adding a magical touch to the scene.
136. Puissant
Having great power or influence.
The puissant leader commanded respect from both allies and adversaries.
137. Scintilla
A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling.
There wasn’t a scintilla of doubt in her mind that she was making the right decision.
138. Elucidate
To make something clear; to explain.
The professor tried to elucidate the complex theory, breaking it down into simpler concepts.
139. Burgeon
To begin to grow or increase rapidly; to flourish.
As spring arrived, the garden began to burgeon with vibrant colors and life.
140. Metanoia
The journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self, or way of life.
His decision to leave the corporate world and travel was driven by a deep sense of metanoia.
141. Horology
The study and measurement of time, as well as the art of making clocks and watches.
His lifelong passion for horology led him to amass an impressive collection of antique timepieces.
142. Aesthete
A person who has or affects to have a special appreciation of art and beauty.
As an aesthete, she spent hours admiring the paintings in the gallery, captivated by their beauty.
143. Lugubrious
Looking or sounding sad and dismal.
The lugubrious melody of the violin mirrored his somber mood.
144. Eudaimonia
A state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous; human flourishing.
Ancient philosophers believed that true eudaimonia could only be achieved through a life of virtue.
145. Cathartic
Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; causing catharsis.
Writing in her journal was a cathartic process, helping her release the pent-up emotions.
146. Raconteur
A person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way.
As a seasoned raconteur, he always had the crowd laughing with his tales.
147. Aeipathy
An enduring passion; an unyielding or lasting love.
Her aeipathy for the arts drove her to create masterpieces that spoke to the soul.
148. Munificence
The quality or action of being lavishly generous; great generosity.
The billionaire’s munificence was evident in the vast sums he donated to charitable causes.
149. Librocubicularist
A person who reads in bed.
As a devoted librocubicularist, she couldn’t fall asleep without first reading a few chapters.
150. Novaturient
Desiring or seeking a powerful change in one’s life, behavior, or situation.
Feeling stuck in her routine, she was overcome by a novaturient urge to travel and explore new horizons.
151. Stentorian
Extremely loud and powerful in sound.
His stentorian voice filled the auditorium, ensuring that everyone could hear every word.
152. Peregrinate
To travel or wander around from place to place.
They decided to peregrinate across Europe, experiencing different cultures along the way.
153. Amorevolous
Being full of love or showing affection.
His amorevolous nature made him beloved by all who knew him.
154. Nubivagant
Wandering among the clouds; moving through the sky.
The nubivagant thoughts filled her mind as she gazed up at the passing clouds.
155. Obviate
To remove (a need or difficulty); to prevent or eliminate.
The new security system was designed to obviate the risk of unauthorized entry.
156. Eleutheromania
An intense and irresistible desire for freedom.
His eleutheromania drove him to break free from societal expectations and live life on his own terms.
157. Redamancy
The act of loving in return; reciprocal love.
Their relationship was built on a strong foundation of redamancy, each loving the other wholeheartedly.
