1.
amiss: out of proper order
2.
animosity: hostility
3.
austere: simple, without decoration
4.
automaton: one that behaves in a mechanical way, a robot
5.
bane: a cause of death or ruin, a curse
6.
bellicose: war-like
7.
cacophony: an unpleasant or discordant sound
8.
cohorts: companions or supporters
9.
contretemps: an unforeseen event that causes embarrassment or confusion
10.
dexterity: skill (usually with one's hands or body)
11.
dispensation: freedom from obligation
12.
dowager: a (usually older) rich and powerful widow
13.
dumfounded: stunned, speechless
14.
duress: coercion, threat
15.
emissaries: messengers, go-betweens
16.
evoke: to call or draw out (of someone)
17.
exaltation: the state of feeling intense well-being, rapture
18.
explicit: clear, detailed
19.
fratricide: killing one's brother
20.
gibe: a derisive remark
21.
goad: to prod, to incite
22.
idiosyncratic: having highly individualized traits or qualities
23.
infinitesimal: immeasurable small
24.
infraction: a violation (of the rules)
25.
insinuation: a subtle hint (of something unpleasant)
26.
invoke: to call upon (a higher authority) for support or assistance
27.
mote: a tiny particle, a speck
28.
nonidentity: a person or thing of no importance
29.
poignant: emotionally moving
30.
preeminent: superior, outstanding
31.
qualm: a pang of conscience
32.
reprimand: a (usually official) scolding
33.
rhetorical question: a question used to make a point (and to which no answer is expected or only one answer is possible)
34.
sententious: concise and to the point (usually in a sermonizing or moralistic way)
35.
sinecure: a job that supplies rewards but requires no work
36.
stealthy: secretive, covert
37.
stupefaction: a stunned or confused condition
38.
superficial: shallow
39.
sustenance: that which supports life or health
40.
tainted: stained, infected
41.
topical: pertaining to current events
42.
torpid: lethargic, lacking vitality
43.
transfigure: to transform the appearance of, often radically
44.
tributary: a smaller river that feeds into a larger one
45.
virtuoso: a skilled performer (usually in the arts)
46.
waggish: playfully humorous
47.
whimsical: playful, fanciful