1.
annex: (v.) to add to, attach; to incorporate; (n.) an attachment or addition
2.
cleave: (v.) to cut or split open; to cling to
3.
cordial: (adj.) in a friendly manner, hearty; cheery; (n.) a liqueur
4.
cornerstone: (n.) the starting point of a building; a fundamental principle or element
5.
debacle: (n.) an overwhelming defeat, rout; a complete collapse or failure
6.
devitalize: (v.) to make weak or lifeless
7.
embroil: (v.) to involve in a conflict or difficulty; to throw into confusion
8.
exonerate: (v.) to clear from a charge or accusation
9.
glib: (adj.) ready and fluent in speech; thoughtless, insincere
10.
haphazard: (adj.) by chance, not planned; lacking order
11.
improvise: (v.) to compose or perform without preparation; to construct from available materials
12.
incite: (v.) to rouse, stir up, urge on
13.
influx: (n.) a coming in, inflow
14.
pallor: (n.) an extreme or unnatural paleness
15.
pedigree: (n.) a list of ancestors, family tree; the history or origins of something
16.
precipitous: (adj.) very steep
17.
profuse: (adj.) very abundant; given or flowing freely
18.
reconcile: (v.) to restore to friendship; to settle; to resign (oneself)
19.
shackle: (v.) to put into chains; (n., usually pl.) a chain, fetter
20.
threadbare: (adj.) shabby, old and worn