challenge
A call to engage in a contest, fight, or competition: a challenge to a duel.
effort
The use of physical or mental energy to do something; exertion
focus
The distinctness or clarity of an image rendered by an optical system.
mindset
A fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person’s responses to and interpretations of situations.
perseverance
Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness
strategy
A plan of action resulting from strategy or intended to accomplish a specific goal. See Synonyms at plan.
accord
To give or grant, especially as being due or appropriate: accorded the president the proper deference.
Abet
To approve, encourage, and support (an action or a plan of action); urge and help on.
advocate
One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender: an advocate of civil rights.
adept
A highly skilled person; an expert: “political consequences in getting rid of all the skeptics, unbelievers, and adepts of rival faiths” (Gene Lyons).
agile
Characterized by quickness, lightness, and ease of movement; nimble.
allot
Characterized by quickness, lightness, and ease of movement; nimble.
aloof
Emotionally reserved or indifferent: an aloof manner.
Distant or uninvolved: remained aloof from political movements.
amiss
Out of proper order: What is amiss?
analogy
Biology Correspondence in function or position between organs of dissimilar evolutionary origin or structure.
anarchy
Absence of any form of political authority.
antics
A foolish or ludicrous act; a caper: The students’ antics got them into trouble.
apprehend
To take into custody; arrest: apprehended the murderer.
ardent
Expressing or characterized by warmth of feeling; passionate: an ardent lover.
articulate
Composed of distinct, meaningful syllables or words: articulate speech.
assail
To attack violently, as with blows or military force; assault.
assimilate
To incorporate and absorb into the mind: assimilate knowledge.
atrocity
An appalling or atrocious act, situation, or object, especially an act of unusual or illegal cruelty inflicted by an armed force on civilians or prisoners.
attribute
To regard as arising from a particular cause or source; ascribe: attributed their failure to a lack of preparation.