The adjective audacious takes boldness to the extreme—and sometimes that’s a good thing. When used to describe an idea, goal, or plan, audacious usually suggests inventiveness and originality. But sometimes audacious is used to suggest brazen insolence and reckless defiance of convention, property, or law. An audacious lie, for instance, is an egregious and insidious falsehood delivered without shame.

Trick or treat—today's synonym is pretty sweet! The noun treat is used to refer to anything that affords particular pleasure or enjoyment. On Halloween, treat, of course, means candy! After accumulating a sufficient amount of treats, a pint-sized caped crusader or ferocious jungle cat might spend some time admiring their goodies. The word goody (also spelled goodie) is almost always used in the plural to refer to things especially tasty or pleasing. Something that stands the test of time, as classic song or TV episode, might be called an oldie but a goodie, and a bag of gifts given to guests at an event or party is a goody (or goodie) bag.

An avocation is something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, especially for pleasure. In its earliest uses, avocation referred to a calling away or diversion, as from a more important or serious task, function, or duty. The suggestion of being called away persists in modern usage. A person’s vocation (“occupation or profession”) might be accounting, but they may feel called to paint. Should they do so in their free time, painting would be their avocation.

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.