When desires, expectations, or needs are satisfied, they are fulfilled. A hearty meal might satisfy one's appetite (nice and simple!). The verb appease is used a little differently: to appease someone is to calm, pacify, or soothe them. The core idea behind appease is that of preserving or obtaining peace, but the term is not without conflict: sometimes appease suggests making anxious overtures or undue concessions, perhaps at the expense of what one feels is right, to satisfy demands of powerful people or entities.

No need to check, restrain, or even curb your enthusiasm for today’s Synonym of the Day. To curb something is to restrain or control it. This meaning is rooted in the noun sense of curb, a bit used to control a horse. However, the verb is most commonly used to talk about restricting or limiting negative forces such as violence, corruption, or pollution.

The adjective bashful isn’t one for the spotlight, but it’s the center of attention today! Bashful is an adjective that means “uncomfortably diffident and easily embarrassed.” This timid term suggests trepidation and awkward behavior when brought into prominence or notice. However, sometimes bashful suggests modesty and sensitivity more than fear or self-doubt.

The adjective nonchalant is used to describe someone who behaves in a coolly unconcerned manner or exudes a calm, casual air. If a person is feeling nervous or uncertain but wants to give an impression of confidence—as, for example, during a job interview or on a first date—they might try to appear nonchalant. But a nonchalant attitude in the face of serious matters or perilous circumstances can be received as chilly indifference.

Someone who is inquisitive asks a lot of questions. An inquisitive nature in many cases reflects intellectual curiosity—a generally desirable trait! However, inquisitive is sometimes used to suggest a degree of intrusiveness and inappropriateness. That said, be careful not to confuse inquisitive with inquisitorial, which, in pointing to inquisitions and inquisitors, calls to mind excessive cruelty.

The verb laud is a more celebratory way to say praise. If you laud the accomplishments, efforts, or achievements of another person, then you’re singing their praises. While we don’t mean singing literally (though who doesn’t love an impromptu serenade?), the suggestion of song is rooted in the history of this word: in its earliest uses, the verb laud suggested an act of worship, as the singing of a hymn, and a laud (noun) is a song or hymn of praise.

A spectacle is an elaborate or impressive show or display, such as the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. The term can also refer, more generally, to a visually striking scene, such as a starry sky on a cloudless night. The key idea behind the word spectacle is that of being seen, which doesn’t always work to one’s favor! Indeed, a show or display that is remarkable for all the wrong reasons might be called a spectacle. Additionally, to make a spectacle of oneself is to behave foolishly or badly in public.