Killing Lincoln — Vocabulary
Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	35	top 2000
conspiracysecret plot She discovered a conspiracy to overthrow the government.more Show sample from book There are layers of proven conspiracy and alleged conspiracy that will disturb you.†p.1.834 more a secret agreement or plot Show general definition a secret agreement or plot -- especially to do something illegal or harmful
	28
conspiratorconspirator → conspirators:participants involved in a secret plot The secret meeting in the dimly lit room was filled with hushed whispers among the conspirators, plotting their next move.more Show sample from book Lucy has no idea that her lover has assembled a crack team of conspirators to help him bring down the president.†p.4.927 more Show general definition a member of a conspiracy (a secret plot)
	13	top 1000
rationration → rationed:restricted in the amount each person could have Gasoline was rationed during the 1970s oil embargo.more Show sample from book Confederate rations were once a pound of meal and a quarter pound of bacon a day, with an occasional tin of peas.†p.16.812 more ration → rations:a fixed share of something, especially scarce goods like food or fuel… Show general definition a fixed share of something, especially scarce goods like food or fuel; or to limit and distribute something in fixed shares
	11	top 2000
legislatureelected body that makes laws The state legislature passed a law to increase the minimum wage, but the governor vetoed it while claiming it would reduce the number of entry-level jobs for young people.more Show sample from book He is reluctant to see the United States Army turned into an occupying force, policing the actions of legislatures throughout the South.†p.125.210 more legislature → legislatures:groups of government representatives that have the power to create laws Show general definition a group made up of government representatives (usually elected) that has the power to create laws
	9	top 2000
sentryperson standing guard She successfully bluffed her way past the sentry.more Show sample from book Sentries cry out, ordering them to stop.†p.50.98 more sentry → sentries:people standing guard Show general definition someone who stands guard
	4	top 10
contrastnotable difference The contrast in their leadership styles is striking. Olivia motivated people with fear. Isabella motivated them with praise.more Show sample from book The youthful power and appearance of his chest is in marked contrast to that famously weathered face.p.223.23 more difference Show general definition for contrast (as in: there is a contrast) a difference -- especially a notable difference; or the side-x-side arrangement of things that draws attention to an unmissable difference
	5	top 500
spontaneoussudden and unplanned Her spontaneous decision to take a road trip led to one of the best weekends of her life.more Show sample from book As Lee rides back to his lines, the Army of Northern Virginia spontaneously gathers on both sides of the road.†p.83.34 more spontaneous → spontaneously:happening in a natural manner without planning or external force Show general definition happening naturally, suddenly, or without outside planning or action
	7	top 2000
harassharass → harasses:persistently bothers This man harasses his female co-workersmore Show sample from book His strategy that his army "must endeavor to harass them if we cannot destroy them" depends upon motivated troops and favorable terrain.†p.33.56 more to repeatedly bother or attack Show general definition to repeatedly bother or attack
	4	top 500
lamentlament → lamented:expressed grief about She lamented the loss.more Show sample from book "My shoes are gone," a veteran soldier laments during the march.†p.47.13 more lament → laments:expresses grief or regret Show general definition to express grief or regret
	4	top 500
scrutinyscrutiny → scrutinized:looked very carefully at She scrutinized her reflection in the mirror.more Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize. Show sample from book He has spent months scrutinizing the Confederate defenses, searching for the perfect location to smash the rebels.†p.18.23 more scrutiny → scrutinizing:looking at very carefully Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize. Show general definition careful examination of something
	6
impromptumade without advance preparation Her impromptu remarks cleared up the confusion before rumors could start.more Show sample from book The rebel infantry topple the wagons that have made it across the double bridges, using them as an impromptu breastworks, hiding behind a spoked wheel or a tilted axle.†p.68.85 more without advance preparation Show general definition without advance preparation
	6	top 2000
probeinvestigation There was a congressional probe into the scandal.more Show sample from book As the courier gallops back to Lee, Union skirmishers march to the front and prepare to probe the Confederate lines for vulnerability.†p.77.25 more to investigate; or an investigation; or an instrument used for investigation Show general definition to investigate closely; or a tool or device used to explore, examine, or gather information
	1	top 1000
contingentdependent I was offered the job contingent upon my résumé being checked out and found accurate.more Show sample from book His employment is contingent on moving the right scenes at the right time.p.191.61 more Show general definition for contingent (as in: contingent upon) to be determined by conditions or circumstances not yet established
	1	top 1000
contingent#2group Each nation sent a contingent of athletes to the Olympics.more Show sample from book He saw the confusion on Dr. Leale's face as the contingent inched across Tenth Street, and witnessed the way Dr. Leale stopped every few feet and poked his finger into Lincoln's skull to keep the blood flowing.p.225.61 more group of soldiers Show general definition for contingent (as in: the Canadian contingent) a sub-group united by something in common in various senses, including: a squad of soldiers sent to do a job members of an association at a convention of many associations all the women at a meeting with women and men
	3	top 500
antagonistenemy or opponent In the movie, Star Wars, Darth Vader is the antagonist to Luke Skywalker.more Show sample from book The grand finale will be a moment straight from the stage, some stunning dramatic conclusion when antagonist and protagonist meet face-to-face, settling their differences once and for all.†p.94.12 more someone who offers opposition or is hostile Show general definition for antagonist (as in: the antagonist in the film) someone who offers opposition or is hostile
	4
vertebraebony segments of the spinal column The human spine is composed of 33 individual vertebrae that run from the base of the skull to the tailbone.more Show sample from book But Powell catches him, stabbing the courier just above the fourth vertebrae.†p.202.83 more
	3	top 2000
canvasscanvass → canvassing:talking with people individually She has been canvassing the membership to see how they feel and to ask for their support.more Show sample from book If it is to be an Illumination party, Booth will canvass the city's notable residences for signs of a celebration.†p.121.92 more get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions; or solicit votes Show general definition for canvass (as in: canvass the crowd) examine an issue, get opinions by asking specific questions; and/or ask people for political support individually
	3
limberflexible Yoga has helped me to become more limber.more Show sample from book There is no thunder of artillery or jingle of a cavalry limber.†p.78.32 more make flexible Show general definition for limber (as in: the gymnast stays limber) of a person's body: flexible (capable of moving, bending, and stretching easily) or: readily adaptable -- especially of someone's mind
	1	top 500
dispositionnormal mood or typical way of behaving She has a cheerful disposition.more Show sample from book She is in a good mood for a change, and the new book is certainly helping her disposition.p.123.31 more normal mood Show general definition for disposition (as in: a kind disposition) someone's personality, nature, or typical way of behaving
	1	top 500
disposition#2positioning They met to discuss the best disposition of border control agents along the southern border.more Show sample from book After their carriage ride, the Lincolns eat dinner with their sons, and then Crook walks the president back to the War Department for a third time, to see if General Sherman has sent a telegraph stating the disposition of his troops in the South.p.177.71 more placement Show general definition for disposition (as in: strategic troop disposition) the arrangement, positioning, or use of things