Poseur

Word: Poseur

Part of Speech: Noun.

Definition: A “poser”, or in other words, a person who feigns a visage in order to impress or influence others. 

Synonyms: Imposter, mimic, pretentious. 

Antonyms: N/a.

Sentences: 

Some say that in high society, extravagant flaunting of one's wealth is expected as a means to prevent poseurs from penetrating such exclusive groups. 

“There's a difference between being a poseur and being someone who's so emotionally challenged they're kind of just doing their best to show you what they've got.”

“While Obama, the olive-branch poseur, has called for a restoration of 'civility' in Washington and liberal elites whine and whinny about the need for 'no labels,' class-warfare demagoguery has metastasized unchecked.”

Insouciant

Word: Insouciant

Part of Speech: Adjective.

Definition: Carefree.

Synonyms: Happy-go-lucky.

Antonyms: High strung.

Sentences: 

The insouciant man had a childish appeal to him. 

The pop-rock band's insouciant tone made their new single be coined as the perfect song for breezy summer rides in a convertible. 

Menial

Word: Menial 

Part of Speech: Adjective. 

Definition: Servile or lowly. 

Synonyms: Obsequious.

Antonyms: Skilled.

Sentences: 

It's common for new hires to be forced to do menial tasks. 

Because of the hard times, Bob was willing to take even the most menial job. 

"There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes." -William J. Brennan, Jr. 

Alacrity

Word: Alacrity 

Part of Speech: Noun.

Definition: Readiness to do something or something that is done with speed.

Synonyms: Eagerness, promptness. 

Antonyms: Reluctance.

Sentences: 

The young agreed to the dangerous quest with the alacrity only a child could possess. 

The best thing a butler can do is perform his tasks with alacrity. 

“He had a uniform jacket with one button off, and seeing a white man on the path, hoisted his weapon to his shoulder with alacrity.”

“It should be done with the same degree of alacrity and nonchalance that you would display in authorizing a highly intelligent trained bear to remove your appendix.”

Prosaic

Word: Prosaic 

Part of Speech: Adjective.

Definition: Dull, or like prose.

Synonyms: Ordinary.

Antonyms: Exciting, unusual. 

Helpful hints to remember:

Sentences: 

The shopkeeper knew such rhythm-less, prosaic poetry wouldn't sell.

Nobody wants to listen to a prosaic speech. 

“France is not poetic; she even feels, in fact, a congenital horror of poetry. Among the writers who use verse, those whom she will always prefer are the most prosaic.”

Gaunt

Word: Gaunt

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Extremely thin (for people) or barren (for places, things). 

Synonyms: Scrawny.

Antonyms: Plump.

Sentences: 

The monster was horrifically gaunt and gangly. 

In some parts of the world it's common to see gaunt children begging in the streets.

“When I see a woman who is all gaunt and emaciated, I don't think she's beautiful. She reminds me of a Chihuahua that's freezing and shaking.” -Rosario Dawson

Asylum

Word: Asylum

Part of Speech: Noun. 

Definition: Traditionally “asylum” refers to any refuge. 

Synonyms: Haven, sanctuary.

Antonyms: N/a.

Helpful hints to remember: “Insane” asylums were originally intended to be refuges for the mentally ill. Also consider “right of asylum”. 

Sentences: 

Although border security believed the man trying to enter the country illegally was a terrorist, he pleaded that he was actually just trying to seek asylum. 

For the little birds, the thick, thorny bush served as an asylum from the hungry fox.

"Our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty." -Samuel Adams