noun

See verb

37 of 60

Other / Sound

screech - A loud, harsh, piercing cry

When his mother told him she wasn't going to buy him a toy, Tommy let out a screech that could be heard across the parking lot.

verb

See noun

38 of 60

Bad / Dishonest

scheme - Make plans, especially in a devious way or with intent to do something illegal or wrong

The family butler was always polite, but in his mind he was always scheming how to steal the family's jewels.

noun

39 of 60

Bad / Bad

scandal - An event that is considered so wrong that it shocks people

When the Secretary of the Treasury was caught stealing money, it caused such a scandal that the whole administraton was swept out of office during the next election.

noun

See verb

40 of 60

Bad / Dishonest

scheme - A large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object or putting a particular idea into effect, often through deceptive means

It's better to be honest and work hard, and not spend too much time devising or falling for schemes that are tempting shortcuts to making money.

noun

See verb

41 of 60

Bad / Dislike

scorn - The feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt

Sheriff Otto gave his deputy a look of scorn when he asked a silly question.

noun

See verb

42 of 60

Good / Friendly

schmooze - A long and intimate conversation

Bill couldn't help himself from listening to the schmooze and about his fellow workers.

verb

43 of 60

Bad / Disorganized

scramble - To mix together in a confused way

During the first week of school, the teacher has hopelessly scrambled our names and faces.

noun

44 of 60

Good / Smart

scrutiny - Careful examination of someone or something

Sam didn't want to be considered for the position of Secretary of Defense because he didn't want to be subjected to the scrutiny of Congress that is part of the application process.

adjective

45 of 60

Bad / Stupid

scatterbrained - Disorganized and lacking in concentration.

Kathy liked having deep conversations with people, and felt that spending time with scatterbrained people who talked about nothing important was a waste of time.

noun

See verb

46 of 60

Bad / Disorganized

scribble - A piece of writing or a picture produced carelessly or hurriedly

My doctor's signature looks so much like a scribble that I couldn't even identify the letters in his name.

verb

47 of 60

Other / Fast

scamper - (especially of a small animal or child) To run with quick light steps, especially through fear or excitement

The dogs scampered through the open field, happy to be out of the house for once.

adjective

48 of 60

Good / Good

scrupulous - Being very thorough and careful about details or honesty.

Plato said that a society is best ruled by a philosopher king who would be scrupulous about doing what is right.

// Auto-focus search input when modal opens var searchModal = document.getElementById('searchModal'); if (searchModal) { searchModal.addEventListener('shown.bs.modal', function () { var inp = searchModal.querySelector('input[name=search]'); if (inp) inp.focus(); }); }