Vocab builder #21

1. Insidious - Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects.

Synonyms: Treacherous, crafty, deceitful.
Antonyms: Harmless, straightforward, honest.

Example: The insidious spread of the disease went unnoticed until it was too late.

2. Pernicious - Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

Synonyms: Damaging, destructive, injurious.
Antonyms: Beneficial, harmless, innocuous.

Example: The pernicious influence of social media on teenagers' self-esteem is a growing concern.

3. Recalcitrant - Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline.

Synonyms: Defiant, rebellious, insubordinate.
Antonyms: Compliant, obedient, docile.

Example: The recalcitrant student refused to follow the school's rules.

4. Sycophant - A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage.

Synonyms: Flatterer, toady, yes-man.
Antonyms: Critic, detractor, adversary.

Example: The office sycophant always praised the boss in hopes of getting a promotion.

5. Ubiquitous - Present, appearing, or found everywhere.

Synonyms: Omnipresent, pervasive, widespread.
Antonyms: Rare, scarce, uncommon.

Example: Smartphones have become so ubiquitous that it's hard to imagine life without them.