nuptial adj. of marriage or the wedding ceremony; N; nuptials; wedding ceremony

forfeit N. something surrendered as punishment for a crime or breach of contract; V: lose as a forfeit; N. forfeiture

forge V. counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently; form by heating in a forge and hammering into shape; move with a sudden increase of speed or power; Ex. forged ahead in the last two years; N: furnace where metals are heated

forgo(forego) give up; do without

forlorn adj. sad and lonely; wretched; desolate

formality N. ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence to rules; something done just for form's sake; Ex. mere formality

formidable adj. menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to defeat; Ex. formidable foe/question

menace N. threat; V: threaten

forsake V. desert; abandon; renounce

forswear V. renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up; CF. abjure

forte N. strong point or special talent in a person's character

forthright adj. straightforward; direct; frank

forthcoming adj. happening in the near future; ready; willing to help; Ex. No answer was forthcoming.

fortitude N. bravery; courage; strength of mind

fortuitous adj. accidental; by chance; N. fortuity

foster V. rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encourage; promote the development of (feelings or ideas); Ex. help foster friendly relations; ADJ: giving parental care although not related by blood; Ex. foster parents

founder V. fail completely; sink; CF. flounder

founder N. person who establishes (an organization or business)

fracas N. brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number of people take part; melee

fractious adj. unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered; Ex. fractious horse

frail V. weak; N. frailty

frantic adj. wild; distraught as from fear or worry; Ex. frantic with fear

fraudulent adj. cheating; deceitful; Ex. fraudulent means; N. fraud: deception; swindle

fraught adj. filled (with something unpleasant); full; Ex. fraught with danger and difficulties; CF. freight