UNUSUAL WORDS XXII

LA Times Crossword
June 6, 2019
Stu Ockman (#1-7)

What do these words have in common?

1. Innocuous
2. Anonymous
3. Unkempt
4. Uncouth
5. Ungainly
6. Ruthless
7. Warmth
8. Disgruntled
9. Inclement
10. Incongruous
11. Inadvertent
12. Inscrutable
13. Inalienable
14. Intractable
15. Immaculate  

16. Innocent 

Answer:

Each of these words has a valid, though rarely used antonym:

1. Nocuous - Harmful or poisonous
2. Onymous - Bearing the author's name 
3. Kempt - Neat and clean
4. Couth - Cultured, refined, well-mannered
5. Gainly - Suitable, graceful, pleasing
6. Ruthful - Tender, compassionate
7. Coolth - Pleasantly low temperature
8. Gruntled - Pleased, satisfied, contented 
9. Clement - Mild, as weather, kind, merciful
10. Congruous - In agreement or harmony, consistent
11. Advertent - Attentive, heedful, aware of
12. Scrutable - Comprehensible
13. Alienable - Legally transferable to another owner
14. Tractable - Easily controlled
15. Maculate - Spotted or stained, dirty 

16. Nocent - Harmful, injurious, guilty