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spe • cious adj., seeming sound or logical while not really being so. The detectives weren’t deceived by the thief’s specious alibi.

ca • price n., whim. What caprice led you to spend your money so foolishly?

sat • i • rize vt., attack or ridicule with satire. The witty comedy team satirizes political events.

scru • pu • lous adj., extremely careful. Make a scrupulous review of the material, because it has to be perfect for publication.

pu • er • ile adj., childish; immature. Why would a mature adult still engage in such puerile activities?

in • sin • u • ate vt., suggest, imply. Your critical tone insinuates that you don’t agree with me.

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ep • i • thet n., word or phrase used to characterize a person or thing. When asked to describe the spy, the general could only mutter the epithet “traitor.”