1. acumen – keen insight; very smart at something
He had a strong acumen for business.
2. alias – a name that is being used temporarily
My spy alias is the Danger Ranger.
3. candor – the quality of being honest and straightforward
I appreciate your candor. You always tell me the truth, even if it’s hard to hear.
4. rephrase – to say again in a different way
I’m not sure I understand the question. Can you please rephrase it?
5. speculate – to draw conclusions without proof
She speculated that the pop quiz would be on Thursday, but she couldn’t be sure.
6. dearth – in adequate supply
There is a dearth of volunteers for the dangerous, experimental airplane.
7. debunk – to expose as false
He debunked the theory that Sasquatch shops at Target.
8. edict – a formal or authoritative proclamation
I created a new edict that says all students may eat in class on Saturdays.
9. expunge – remove
The detention was expunged from my record.
10. laconic – brief and to the point
His excellent report was easy to read because it was so laconic.