There's no better time than the present to challenge your brain and expand your vocabulary. But you don't have to add big words to your conversations completely randomly; you can choose some of these cool words that will make you sound smart and charismatic at the same time. These words don't necessarily have complicated meanings, and that's what's fun about them. They give you new, unique ways to express yourself, whether you need to call something beautiful or complain about someone being annoying. And, hey, if you're a big Scrabble fan, you'll love the words on this list that include tricky letters like "Z" and "Q."Expanding your mind, no matter your age, always comes with benefits—and it's especially helpful as you get older to keep your brain sharp by continually learning new things. According to Science Daily, adults usually learn a new word every two days and reach around 48,000 words by age 60. But you can speed run that timeline and learn up to 50 new, awesome words right now, thanks to this list. These terms look cool and sound neat—and you'll be extra captivating when you start adding these to your everyday conversations and show off your growing vocabulary.
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Words in general are neat because they let us express ourselves in new ways. So while there's no true definition of what makes a word "cool" to you versus to me, there are certain aspects of a word that give off that cool factor.
Maybe the word uses letters that aren't often seen, perhaps it satisfyingly rolls off the tongue or maybe it just has a really fun meaning (or it's a unique way to express an everyday thought). All of the words on this list are interesting in their own ways, and you'll love getting to learn them.
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50 Cool Words
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AdjectivePronunciation: Gran-dih-luh-kwentMeaning: Using overly showy or extravagant language.Example: After reading this Parade article, I'm prepared to be grandiloquent in my next conversation.2. Lackadaisical
AdjectivePronunciation: Lah-kuh-day-zih-kulMeaning: LazyExample: The student had a lackadaisical approach to doing homework.AdjectivePronunciation: Flah-ber-gah-stedMeaning: Overcome with shockExample: My boss was flabbergasted when I quit my job.4. Predilection
NounPronunciation: Preh-duh-lehk-shunMeaning: A preference for somethingExample: She had a predilection for gourmet food.AdjectivePronunciation: Rih-splehn-dentMeaning: Shining brightlyExample: The night sky was resplendent with stars.6. Scintillating
AdjectivePronunciation: sin-tuh-lay-tingMeaning: Witty; livelyExample: She had a scintillating conversation at the dinner party.NounPronunciation: sair-un-dip-ih-teeMeaning: Luck; happy accidentExample: It was serendipity that her favorite coffee shop was giving away free beverages when she walked by.8. Coruscate
VerbPronunciation: Cor-uh-skayteMeaning: SparkleExample: She loved that the sun made her engagement ring coruscate.AdjectivePronunciation: Kun-vih-vee-uhlMeaning: Friendly; enjoyableExample: The dinner party had a convivial atmosphere.10. Gossamer
NounPronunciation: gaw-suh-murMeaning: Something light and delicate.Example: The bride's gossamer veil practically floated down the aisle.NounPronunciation: peh-trih-corMeaning: The earthy, pleasant odor associated with rainfallExample: He savored the hint of petrichor during the storm.12. Ethereal
AdjectivePronunciation: ih-theer-ee-uhlMeaning: Heavenly; otherworldlyExample: She spoke with an ethereal tone.VerbPronunciation: Kun-fab-yoo-laytMeaning: To chat or have an informal conversationExample: The baseball players liked to confabulate in the dugout.14. Effervescent
AdjectivePronunciation: eh-fer-vess-untMeaning: Bubbly; livelyExample: My new coworker has an effervescent personality, even in the morning.NounPronunciation: sihz-ih-jeeMeaning: The alignment of three celestial bodies.Example: The solar eclipse was a perfect syzygy between the sun, moon and earth.
4. Predilection
NounPronunciation: Preh-duh-lehk-shunMeaning: A preference for somethingExample: She had a predilection for gourmet food.AdjectivePronunciation: Rih-splehn-dentMeaning: Shining brightlyExample: The night sky was resplendent with stars.6. Scintillating
AdjectivePronunciation: sin-tuh-lay-tingMeaning: Witty; livelyExample: She had a scintillating conversation at the dinner party.NounPronunciation: sair-un-dip-ih-teeMeaning: Luck; happy accidentExample: It was serendipity that her favorite coffee shop was giving away free beverages when she walked by.8. Coruscate
VerbPronunciation: Cor-uh-skayteMeaning: SparkleExample: She loved that the sun made her engagement ring coruscate.AdjectivePronunciation: Kun-vih-vee-uhlMeaning: Friendly; enjoyableExample: The dinner party had a convivial atmosphere.10. Gossamer
NounPronunciation: gaw-suh-murMeaning: Something light and delicate.Example: The bride's gossamer veil practically floated down the aisle.NounPronunciation: peh-trih-corMeaning: The earthy, pleasant odor associated with rainfallExample: He savored the hint of petrichor during the storm.12. Ethereal
AdjectivePronunciation: ih-theer-ee-uhlMeaning: Heavenly; otherworldlyExample: She spoke with an ethereal tone.VerbPronunciation: Kun-fab-yoo-laytMeaning: To chat or have an informal conversationExample: The baseball players liked to confabulate in the dugout.14. Effervescent
AdjectivePronunciation: eh-fer-vess-untMeaning: Bubbly; livelyExample: My new coworker has an effervescent personality, even in the morning.NounPronunciation: sihz-ih-jeeMeaning: The alignment of three celestial bodies.Example: The solar eclipse was a perfect syzygy between the sun, moon and earth.
8. Coruscate
VerbPronunciation: Cor-uh-skayteMeaning: SparkleExample: She loved that the sun made her engagement ring coruscate.AdjectivePronunciation: Kun-vih-vee-uhlMeaning: Friendly; enjoyableExample: The dinner party had a convivial atmosphere.10. Gossamer
NounPronunciation: gaw-suh-murMeaning: Something light and delicate.Example: The bride's gossamer veil practically floated down the aisle.NounPronunciation: peh-trih-corMeaning: The earthy, pleasant odor associated with rainfallExample: He savored the hint of petrichor during the storm.12. Ethereal
AdjectivePronunciation: ih-theer-ee-uhlMeaning: Heavenly; otherworldlyExample: She spoke with an ethereal tone.VerbPronunciation: Kun-fab-yoo-laytMeaning: To chat or have an informal conversationExample: The baseball players liked to confabulate in the dugout.14. Effervescent
AdjectivePronunciation: eh-fer-vess-untMeaning: Bubbly; livelyExample: My new coworker has an effervescent personality, even in the morning.NounPronunciation: sihz-ih-jeeMeaning: The alignment of three celestial bodies.Example: The solar eclipse was a perfect syzygy between the sun, moon and earth.
12. Ethereal
AdjectivePronunciation: ih-theer-ee-uhlMeaning: Heavenly; otherworldlyExample: She spoke with an ethereal tone.VerbPronunciation: Kun-fab-yoo-laytMeaning: To chat or have an informal conversationExample: The baseball players liked to confabulate in the dugout.14. Effervescent
AdjectivePronunciation: eh-fer-vess-untMeaning: Bubbly; livelyExample: My new coworker has an effervescent personality, even in the morning.NounPronunciation: sihz-ih-jeeMeaning: The alignment of three celestial bodies.Example: The solar eclipse was a perfect syzygy between the sun, moon and earth.
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16. Illustrious
AdjectivePronunciation: Ih-luhs-tree-uhsMeaning: Notable; distinguishedExample: My professor is an illustrious author.AdjectivePronunciation: rih-kal-sih-truntMeaning: Resisting authority; disobedientExample: The recalcitrant toddler hated bedtime.18. Infinitesimal
AdjectivePronunciation: in-fin-ih-teh-sih-muhlMeaning: Very smallExample: My odds of winning the lottery are infinitesimal. NounPronunciation: On-weeMeaning: Utter lack of interest; boredomExample: When he clocks into work, he's hit with a great sense of ennui.20. Prestidigitation
NounPronunciation: press-tih-dij-ih-tay-shuhnMeaning: Sleight of hand.Example: The magician was a master of prestidigitation.VerbPronunciation: dee-fen-uh-straytMeaning: To throw something out a windowExample: Sometimes I want to defenestrate my smartphone.22. Petulant
AdjectivePronunciation: Peh-chuh-luntMeaning: Impatient; irritableExample: I'm petulant before I drink my coffee.NounPronunciation: ih-dee-uh-sing-kruh-seeMeaning: An individual's particular behavior or habitExample: My idiosyncrasy is that I have to put on my left sock before my right one.24. Haggle
VerbPronunciation: Hah-gullMeaning: To bargainExample: He loved to haggle at the farmer's market.NounPronunciation: Hahj-pahjMeaning: A mixture or jumbleExample: My furniture is a hodgepodge of things I've found at yard sales.
20. Prestidigitation
NounPronunciation: press-tih-dij-ih-tay-shuhnMeaning: Sleight of hand.Example: The magician was a master of prestidigitation.VerbPronunciation: dee-fen-uh-straytMeaning: To throw something out a windowExample: Sometimes I want to defenestrate my smartphone.22. Petulant
AdjectivePronunciation: Peh-chuh-luntMeaning: Impatient; irritableExample: I'm petulant before I drink my coffee.NounPronunciation: ih-dee-uh-sing-kruh-seeMeaning: An individual's particular behavior or habitExample: My idiosyncrasy is that I have to put on my left sock before my right one.24. Haggle
VerbPronunciation: Hah-gullMeaning: To bargainExample: He loved to haggle at the farmer's market.NounPronunciation: Hahj-pahjMeaning: A mixture or jumbleExample: My furniture is a hodgepodge of things I've found at yard sales.
24. Haggle
VerbPronunciation: Hah-gullMeaning: To bargainExample: He loved to haggle at the farmer's market.NounPronunciation: Hahj-pahjMeaning: A mixture or jumbleExample: My furniture is a hodgepodge of things I've found at yard sales.
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26. Cockamamie
AdjectivePronunciation: Caw-kuh-may-meeMeaning: RidiculousExample: He was full of cockamamie ideas.NounPronunciation: smohr-guss-bordMeaning: A mixture; varietyExample: Thanksgiving dinner was a smorgasbord of family recipes.28. Elocution
NounPronunciation: el-uh-kyoo-shuhnMeaning: Style of speakingExample: The teacher's flawless elocution made it easy to listen to her lessons.VerbPronunciation: Juhk-stuh-pohsMeaning: To place together for comparisonExample: The fashion designer loves to juxtapose luxe materials with utilitarian silhouettes.30. Menagerie
NounPronunciation: muh·nah·zher·eeMeaning: A varied mixtureExample: The zoo was an impressive menagerie with animals from Africa, India and more.NounPronunciation: Kihz-metMeaning: Destiny; fateExample: Running into that cute man at my favorite diner felt like kismet.32. Protégé
NounPronunciation: proh-tuh-zhayMeaning: Someone who is guided or trained by an influential personExample: My protégé at work is almost ready to take over my meetings.AdjectivePronunciation: bih-guy-lingMeaning: CharmingExample: He had a beguiling smile.34. Swanky
AdjectivePronunciation: Swayng-keeMeaning: StylishExample: Jay Gatsby threw swanky parties.NounPronunciation: shuh-nan-ih-gunzMeaning: Silly behaviorExample: The babysitter was tired of the toddler's shenanigans. 36. Nonchalant
AdjectivePronunciation: non-shuh-lahntMeaning: Casual; unconcernedExample: I try to be nonchalant at work so they don't think I hate my job.NounPronunciation: kuh-lam-ih-teeMeaning: A disastrous eventExample: When we put the fire out, we managed to avoid a major calamity.38. Lollygag
VerbPronunciation: Law-lee-gagMeaning: To waste timeExample: The students always lollygag on the way back from recess.VerbPronunciation: Fluh-muxMeaning: ConfuseExample: The cute girl could easily flummox me.40. Kerfuffle
NounPronunciation: Kur-fuh-fullMeaning: A fuss or commotionExample: My kids got into a kerfuffle over who gets to sit in the front seat.VerbPronunciation: Skih-dah-dullMeaning: To leave in a hurryExample: We'd better skedaddle before the storm hits.42. Eldritch
AdjectivePronunciation: el-dritchMeaning: SpookyExample: The abandoned house has an eldritch vibe.NounPronunciation: kah-tuh-listMeaning: Something that speeds up or creates change and actionExample: Getting a raise would serve as a catalyst for my improved work ethic.44. Discombobulate
VerbPronunciation: dis-kum-bob-yoo-laytMeaning: To confuseExample: A night of drinking will always discombobulate me.NounPronunciation: Zee-nithMeaning: The highest pointExample: My boss retired after reaching the zenith of his career.46. Pulchritudinous
AdjectivePronunciation: puhl-kruh-too-dih-nuhsMeaning: BeautifulExample: My wife is pulchritudinous.NounPronunciation: Uh-nig-muhMeaning: A puzzling situation or personExample: My ex was such an enigma.48. Brusque
AdjectivePronunciation: Bruh-skMeaning: Blunt; abruptExample: My dad has a brusque tone.VerbPronunciation: Fih-nay-gullMeaning: To get something by trickery or manipulationExample: My coworker managed to finagle an extra vacation day by saying her flight was delayed.50. Obfuscate
VerbPronunciation: Awb-fuh-skaytMeaning: To confuseExample: Don't obfuscate people by using too many big words.
30. Menagerie
NounPronunciation: muh·nah·zher·eeMeaning: A varied mixtureExample: The zoo was an impressive menagerie with animals from Africa, India and more.NounPronunciation: Kihz-metMeaning: Destiny; fateExample: Running into that cute man at my favorite diner felt like kismet.32. Protégé
NounPronunciation: proh-tuh-zhayMeaning: Someone who is guided or trained by an influential personExample: My protégé at work is almost ready to take over my meetings.AdjectivePronunciation: bih-guy-lingMeaning: CharmingExample: He had a beguiling smile.34. Swanky
AdjectivePronunciation: Swayng-keeMeaning: StylishExample: Jay Gatsby threw swanky parties.NounPronunciation: shuh-nan-ih-gunzMeaning: Silly behaviorExample: The babysitter was tired of the toddler's shenanigans. 36. Nonchalant
AdjectivePronunciation: non-shuh-lahntMeaning: Casual; unconcernedExample: I try to be nonchalant at work so they don't think I hate my job.NounPronunciation: kuh-lam-ih-teeMeaning: A disastrous eventExample: When we put the fire out, we managed to avoid a major calamity.38. Lollygag
VerbPronunciation: Law-lee-gagMeaning: To waste timeExample: The students always lollygag on the way back from recess.VerbPronunciation: Fluh-muxMeaning: ConfuseExample: The cute girl could easily flummox me.40. Kerfuffle
NounPronunciation: Kur-fuh-fullMeaning: A fuss or commotionExample: My kids got into a kerfuffle over who gets to sit in the front seat.VerbPronunciation: Skih-dah-dullMeaning: To leave in a hurryExample: We'd better skedaddle before the storm hits.42. Eldritch
AdjectivePronunciation: el-dritchMeaning: SpookyExample: The abandoned house has an eldritch vibe.NounPronunciation: kah-tuh-listMeaning: Something that speeds up or creates change and actionExample: Getting a raise would serve as a catalyst for my improved work ethic.44. Discombobulate
VerbPronunciation: dis-kum-bob-yoo-laytMeaning: To confuseExample: A night of drinking will always discombobulate me.NounPronunciation: Zee-nithMeaning: The highest pointExample: My boss retired after reaching the zenith of his career.46. Pulchritudinous
AdjectivePronunciation: puhl-kruh-too-dih-nuhsMeaning: BeautifulExample: My wife is pulchritudinous.NounPronunciation: Uh-nig-muhMeaning: A puzzling situation or personExample: My ex was such an enigma.48. Brusque
AdjectivePronunciation: Bruh-skMeaning: Blunt; abruptExample: My dad has a brusque tone.VerbPronunciation: Fih-nay-gullMeaning: To get something by trickery or manipulationExample: My coworker managed to finagle an extra vacation day by saying her flight was delayed.50. Obfuscate
VerbPronunciation: Awb-fuh-skaytMeaning: To confuseExample: Don't obfuscate people by using too many big words.
34. Swanky
AdjectivePronunciation: Swayng-keeMeaning: StylishExample: Jay Gatsby threw swanky parties.NounPronunciation: shuh-nan-ih-gunzMeaning: Silly behaviorExample: The babysitter was tired of the toddler's shenanigans. 36. Nonchalant
AdjectivePronunciation: non-shuh-lahntMeaning: Casual; unconcernedExample: I try to be nonchalant at work so they don't think I hate my job.NounPronunciation: kuh-lam-ih-teeMeaning: A disastrous eventExample: When we put the fire out, we managed to avoid a major calamity.38. Lollygag
VerbPronunciation: Law-lee-gagMeaning: To waste timeExample: The students always lollygag on the way back from recess.VerbPronunciation: Fluh-muxMeaning: ConfuseExample: The cute girl could easily flummox me.40. Kerfuffle
NounPronunciation: Kur-fuh-fullMeaning: A fuss or commotionExample: My kids got into a kerfuffle over who gets to sit in the front seat.VerbPronunciation: Skih-dah-dullMeaning: To leave in a hurryExample: We'd better skedaddle before the storm hits.42. Eldritch
AdjectivePronunciation: el-dritchMeaning: SpookyExample: The abandoned house has an eldritch vibe.NounPronunciation: kah-tuh-listMeaning: Something that speeds up or creates change and actionExample: Getting a raise would serve as a catalyst for my improved work ethic.44. Discombobulate
VerbPronunciation: dis-kum-bob-yoo-laytMeaning: To confuseExample: A night of drinking will always discombobulate me.NounPronunciation: Zee-nithMeaning: The highest pointExample: My boss retired after reaching the zenith of his career.46. Pulchritudinous
AdjectivePronunciation: puhl-kruh-too-dih-nuhsMeaning: BeautifulExample: My wife is pulchritudinous.NounPronunciation: Uh-nig-muhMeaning: A puzzling situation or personExample: My ex was such an enigma.48. Brusque
AdjectivePronunciation: Bruh-skMeaning: Blunt; abruptExample: My dad has a brusque tone.VerbPronunciation: Fih-nay-gullMeaning: To get something by trickery or manipulationExample: My coworker managed to finagle an extra vacation day by saying her flight was delayed.50. Obfuscate
VerbPronunciation: Awb-fuh-skaytMeaning: To confuseExample: Don't obfuscate people by using too many big words.
38. Lollygag
VerbPronunciation: Law-lee-gagMeaning: To waste timeExample: The students always lollygag on the way back from recess.VerbPronunciation: Fluh-muxMeaning: ConfuseExample: The cute girl could easily flummox me.40. Kerfuffle
NounPronunciation: Kur-fuh-fullMeaning: A fuss or commotionExample: My kids got into a kerfuffle over who gets to sit in the front seat.VerbPronunciation: Skih-dah-dullMeaning: To leave in a hurryExample: We'd better skedaddle before the storm hits.42. Eldritch
AdjectivePronunciation: el-dritchMeaning: SpookyExample: The abandoned house has an eldritch vibe.NounPronunciation: kah-tuh-listMeaning: Something that speeds up or creates change and actionExample: Getting a raise would serve as a catalyst for my improved work ethic.44. Discombobulate
VerbPronunciation: dis-kum-bob-yoo-laytMeaning: To confuseExample: A night of drinking will always discombobulate me.NounPronunciation: Zee-nithMeaning: The highest pointExample: My boss retired after reaching the zenith of his career.46. Pulchritudinous
AdjectivePronunciation: puhl-kruh-too-dih-nuhsMeaning: BeautifulExample: My wife is pulchritudinous.NounPronunciation: Uh-nig-muhMeaning: A puzzling situation or personExample: My ex was such an enigma.48. Brusque
AdjectivePronunciation: Bruh-skMeaning: Blunt; abruptExample: My dad has a brusque tone.VerbPronunciation: Fih-nay-gullMeaning: To get something by trickery or manipulationExample: My coworker managed to finagle an extra vacation day by saying her flight was delayed.50. Obfuscate
VerbPronunciation: Awb-fuh-skaytMeaning: To confuseExample: Don't obfuscate people by using too many big words.
42. Eldritch
AdjectivePronunciation: el-dritchMeaning: SpookyExample: The abandoned house has an eldritch vibe.NounPronunciation: kah-tuh-listMeaning: Something that speeds up or creates change and actionExample: Getting a raise would serve as a catalyst for my improved work ethic.44. Discombobulate
VerbPronunciation: dis-kum-bob-yoo-laytMeaning: To confuseExample: A night of drinking will always discombobulate me.NounPronunciation: Zee-nithMeaning: The highest pointExample: My boss retired after reaching the zenith of his career.46. Pulchritudinous
AdjectivePronunciation: puhl-kruh-too-dih-nuhsMeaning: BeautifulExample: My wife is pulchritudinous.NounPronunciation: Uh-nig-muhMeaning: A puzzling situation or personExample: My ex was such an enigma.48. Brusque
AdjectivePronunciation: Bruh-skMeaning: Blunt; abruptExample: My dad has a brusque tone.VerbPronunciation: Fih-nay-gullMeaning: To get something by trickery or manipulationExample: My coworker managed to finagle an extra vacation day by saying her flight was delayed.50. Obfuscate
VerbPronunciation: Awb-fuh-skaytMeaning: To confuseExample: Don't obfuscate people by using too many big words.
46. Pulchritudinous
AdjectivePronunciation: puhl-kruh-too-dih-nuhsMeaning: BeautifulExample: My wife is pulchritudinous.NounPronunciation: Uh-nig-muhMeaning: A puzzling situation or personExample: My ex was such an enigma.48. Brusque
AdjectivePronunciation: Bruh-skMeaning: Blunt; abruptExample: My dad has a brusque tone.VerbPronunciation: Fih-nay-gullMeaning: To get something by trickery or manipulationExample: My coworker managed to finagle an extra vacation day by saying her flight was delayed.50. Obfuscate
VerbPronunciation: Awb-fuh-skaytMeaning: To confuseExample: Don't obfuscate people by using too many big words.
50. Obfuscate
VerbPronunciation: Awb-fuh-skaytMeaning: To confuseExample: Don't obfuscate people by using too many big words.Up Next:
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Frontiers. (2016, August 16). Most adults know more than 42,000 words. ScienceDaily.Hence then, the article about 50 really cool words and what they mean was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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