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pellucid	transparent, clear; also, easily understandable.
moribund	dying.
roseate	cheerful; bright; also, rose-colored.
conspectus	a sketch, survey, or outline of a subject.
missive	a written message; a letter.
genial	sympathetically cheerful and cheering; kindly.
idee fixe	a fixed idea; an obsession.
Pyrrhic victory	a victory achieved at great cost.
bucolic	rustic; pastoral.
crux	the essential point or feature.
satiety	fullness to or beyond the point of satisfaction.
vivify	to endue with life; to enliven.
slaver	to slobber; to drool.
beau ideal	a perfect or an idealized type or model.
raffish	tawdry; also, rakish.
impregnable	able to resist attack.
doyen	the senior member of a body or group.
sonorous	yielding sound; impressive in sound.
turbid	muddy; not clear; also, confused; disordered.
apogee	the highest point.
hoi polloi	the common people; the masses.
malodorous	having a bad odor.
lapidary	of or pertaining to stone cutting; also, terse or refined in expression.
hardscrabble	barren, marginal; also, marked by poverty.
enjoin	to direct or impose with authority; also, to forbid.
nascent	beginning to exist.
exegesis	exposition; explanation.
favonian	pertaining to the west wind; soft; mild; gentle.
punctilio	a fine point of exactness in conduct, ceremony, or procedure.
interregnum	the interval between two reigns; also, any breach of continuity in an order.
hinterland	backcountry.
chimerical	merely imaginary; fanciful.
sunder	to break apart.
uxorious	excessively fond of or submissive to a wife.
coxcomb	a vain, showy fellow.
bowdlerize	to remove or modify the parts considered offensive.
incarnadine	pink or red; also, to redden.
tractable	docile; manageable, governable.
bromide	a commonplace or conventional saying.
eddy	a current running contrary to a main current or in a circular direction.
imprecation	a curse.
foofaraw	excessive or flashy ornamentation; also, a fuss over a trivial matter.
cudgel	a short heavy stick.
yeasty	frothy; foamy; spumy, like yeast.
pettifogger	a petty, unscrupulous lawyer; also, who quibbles over trivia.
extemporaneous	composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment.
censure	to criticize severely; also, an expression of disapproval.
supine	lying on the back; also, indolent; listless.
inscrutable	difficult to fathom or understand.
dissimulate	to hide under a false appearance; also, to feign or pretend.
overweening	overbearing; also, excessive.
conflate	to bring together; to meld.
maunder	to talk or wander aimlessly.
gadabout	one who roams about in search of amusement or social activity.
cohort	a group; also, a companion or associate.
homily	a sermon or lecture; also, an inspirational saying or a platitude.
debouch	to emerge; to issue.
machination	a crafty scheme intended to accomplish some usually evil end.
unguent	an ointment.
skulk	to hide in a sneaking manner.
dictum	an authoritative statement.
risible	exciting or provoking laughter.
sartorial	of or relating to a tailor, tailoring, or clothing.
interstice	a space between things or parts.
Argus-eyed	extremely observant; watchful.
syncretic	uniting and blending together different belief systems.
ossify	to harden or to become bone.
approbation	formal or official approval; also, praise.
inkhorn	affectedly or ostentatiously learned.
olla podrida	a kind of seasoned stew; also, a mixture, a hodgepodge.
neologism	a new word or expression; the use or creation of new words or expressions.
pule	to whimper; to whine.
reticent	inclined to keep silent.
opportune	suitable for a given purpose or occasion.
impassive	devoid of emotion; also, showing no emotion.
derogate	to deviate from expectation; also, to detract; also, to disparage.
malaise	a condition of uneasiness or ill-being.
flibbertigibbet	a silly, flighty, or excessively talkative person.
urbane	polished and smooth in manner.
wassail	an expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to some one.
irenic	promoting peace.
bricolage	construction or something constructed by using whatever materials happen to be available.
efface	to cause to disappear by rubbing out, striking out, etc.
equanimity	calmness; composure.
acuity	acuteness of perception or vision.
ignoramus	an ignorant person; a dunce.
fait accompli	an accomplished and presumably irreversible deed or fact.
prevaricate	to depart from or evade the truth.
ostracize	to banish or expel.
fillip	a snap; also, a stimulus.
apocryphal	of doubtful authority or authenticity.
harangue	a speech addressed to a public assembly; also, a noisy or pompous speech.
copse	a thicket of small trees.
obfuscate	to darken or obscure.
agrestic	pertaining to fields or the country.
congeries	a collection; an aggregation.
peripatetic	walking about or traveling from place to place.
turgid	swollen, bloated; also, bombastic, pompous.
idyll	a poem or prose work depicting rural or pastoral life; also, a carefree episode or experience.
ab ovo	from the beginning.
gauche	lacking social polish; tactless.
inexorable	unyielding; relentless.
putative	commonly thought or deemed; supposed.
dotage	feebleness of mind due to old age.
bootless	unavailing; useless.
proclivity	a natural inclination.
exacerbate	to aggravate; to make worse.
subaltern	subordinate.
mollify	to reduce in intensity; to soothe; to soften.
trencherman	a hearty eater.
avoirdupois	weight; heaviness.
inclement	harsh; severe -- especially said of the weather.
travail	painful, arduous work; also, agony, anguish.
equivocate	to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear.
redact	to edit.
vapid	flat; dull; spiritless.
galvanic	pertaining to a direct current of electricity; also, having the effect of an electric shock.
swan song	a final or farewell appearance, action, or pronouncement.
recalcitrant	stubbornly resistant to and defiant of authority or restraint.
indomitable	incapable of being subdued or overcome.
bloviate	to speak or write in a pompous manner.
tutelary	guardian; protecting.
privation	the state of being deprived of something.
gambol	to dance and skip about in play.
deprecate	to disapprove of; also, to belittle.
braggadocio	empty boasting.
perorate	to conclude or sum up a long discourse; also, to speak at length.
hypnagogic	leading to sleep; hypnotic.
concinnity	elegance -- used chiefly of literary style.
extraneous	coming from the outside; also, not essential; also, irrelevant.
lascivious	lewd; lustful.
facile	easily done or performed.
tchotchke	a trinket; a knickknack.
exemplar	an ideal model or type.
obstreperous	noisily and stubbornly defiant; also, boisterous.
qua	in the capacity or character of; as.
ken	perception, view; especially, reach of sight or knowledge.
ancillary	subordinate, subsidiary; auxiliary.
perfidy	faithlessness; treachery.
felicitous	apt or appropriate; also, delightful.
solicitous	manifesting, expressing, or full of care or concern.
crabwise	sideways; also, in a cautiously indirect manner.
rapport	relation characterized by sympathetic understanding.
inveterate	deep-rooted; of long standing.
virtu	love of or taste for fine objects of art; also, productions of art.
contemporaneous	originating, existing, or occurring at the same time.
febrile	feverish.
wan	pale; also, lacking vitality or intensity.
acquiesce	to accept or consent passively or without objection.
confute	to refute conclusively.
insouciant	Marked by blithe unconcern; nonchalant.
surcease	cessation; stop; end.
arcane	understood or known by only a few.
verisimilitude	the quality of seeming to be true.
pervicacious	stubborn; obstinate.
small beer	weak beer; also, matters of little importance.
vade mecum	a book or other thing that one regularly carries about.
suasion	the act of persuading.
pejorative	disparaging; belittling.
tetchy	peevish; testy; irritable.
erudite	characterized by extensive reading or knowledge.
fanfaronade	empty boasting; bluster.
riparian	of or pertaining to the bank of a river.
inhere	to be inherent.
staid	steady or sedate in character.
commodious	comfortably spacious; roomy.
improvident	lacking foresight; negligent; thoughtless.
cataract	a large waterfall; also, a downpour, a flood.
solace	comfort in grief.
opprobrium	reproach mingled with contempt.
stanch	to stop the flowing of; to check.
vertiginous	causing dizziness; also, giddy; dizzy.
militate	to have force or influence.
ostensible	appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
fulsome	offensive from excess of praise.
aesthete	one who cultivates great sensitivity to beauty.
monomania	obsession with a single subject.
prescient	knowing or anticipating the outcome of events before they happen.
prima facie	at first view.
supercilious	disdainfully arrogant.
concatenation	a chain; a succession.
inveigh	to rail (against some person or thing).
sough	to make a soft, low sighing or rustling sound.
avuncular	resembling an uncle, as in kindness or indulgence.
peremptory	precluding or putting an end to all debate or action.
ascribe	to attribute.
compunction	anxiety or unease from guilt; also, a scruple.
animus	a feeling of ill will; also, animating spirit; disposition.
piebald	mottled; also, mixed.
eremite	a hermit.
corroborate	to strengthen or make more certain with other evidence.
fatuous	inanely foolish; stupid; also, llusory.
arrogate	to claim or seize without right or justification.
chary	wary; cautious.
fortuitous	happening by chance.
adumbrate	to outline; also, to foreshadow; also, to suggest; also, to shade.
supposititious	fraudulently substituted; also, hypothetical.
renege	to go back on a promise or commitment.
vagary	an extravagant, erratic, or unpredictable notion, action, or occurrence.
tete-a-tete	a private conversation.
expiate	to make amends for; to atone for.
denizen	an inhabitant.
robustious	boisterous; vigorous.
provender	food or provisions.
habitue	one who habitually frequents a place.
aegis	a shield; protection.
sui generis	unique.
requisite	required; indispensable.
explicate	to explain.
plaudit	enthusiastic approval.
depredation	an act of plundering or ravaging.
complaisant	exhibiting a desire to please.
emblazon	to display pompously; to decorate.
apotheosis	a model of excellence or perfection of a kind.
hubris	overbearing pride or presumption.
genuflect	to bend the knee, as in worship; also, to grovel.
histrionic	theatrical.
quisling	a collaborator; a traitor.
cap-a-pie	from head to foot.
mountebank	a quack; also, a charlatan.
connubial	of or pertaining to marriage.
florid	flushed with red; also, excessively ornate.
arrant	outright; thoroughgoing.
quandary	a state of difficulty or perplexity.
imbroglio	a complicated and embarrassing state of things.
innocuous	harmless; also, unlikely to offend or provoke.
scuttlebutt	gossip; rumor.
bon ton	the height of the fashion; fashionable society.
nescience	lack of knowledge or awareness.
exculpate	to clear from alleged fault or guilt.
cursory	hastily or superficially performed.
mordant	biting; caustic; sarcastic.
limn	to draw or paint; also, to describe.
plebeian	common; vulgar.
grandiloquent	lofty in style.
apologia	a formal defense or justification.
germane	appropriate or fitting; relevant.
eschew	to shun; to avoid.
heterogeneous	consisting of dissimilar elements.
contretemps	something inopportune or embarrassing.
stormy petrel	a type of seabird; also, one fond of or bringing strife.
neoteric	recent in origin; new.
glabrous	without hairs or projections; smooth.
extricate	to free or release from a difficulty or entanglement.
contumely	rudeness compounded of haughtiness and contempt.
bravura	a showy display.
paucity	fewness; insufficiency.
arbiter	one having the power of judging and determining.
discrete	constituting a separate thing; also, consisting of distinct or unconnected parts.
gainsay	to contradict; to deny.
emolument	the wages or perquisites arising from office, employment, or labor.
billingsgate	foul language.
practicable	feasible; also, usable.
choleric	easily angered; also, indicating or expressing anger.
juxtaposition	the act or an instance of placing in nearness.
salad days	a time of youthful inexperience, innocence, or indiscretion.
gravid	pregnant.
transmogrify	to transform.
ephemeron	something short-lived.
clemency	disposition to show mercy; also, an act of mercy.
languor	lack of energy or vitality.
sobriquet	a nickname.
littoral	on a coastal or shore region.
Brobdingnagian	gigantic; enormous.
sedulous	diligent in application or pursuit.
autocrat	a ruler with unlimited authority.
copious	large in quantity; also, affording an abundant supply.
venal	capable of being bought; also, corruptible.
timorous	full of apprehensiveness; fearful.
aficionado	an enthusiastic admirer; a fan.
luminary	any body that gives light; also, a person of eminence or brilliant achievement.
daedal	skillful; artistic; ingenious.
temerity	unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger.
wag	a humorous person; a wit.
execrable	detestable; extremely bad.
rapine	the act of plundering.
pablum	something (as writing or speech) that is trite, insipid, or simplistic.
aspersion	a damaging or derogatory remark.
otiose	ineffective; also, being at leisure; also, of no use.
turgid	swollen, bloated; also, bombastic, pompous.
derogate	to deviate from expectation; also, to detract; also, to disparage.
virtu	love of or taste for fine objects of art; also, productions of art.
appurtenance	an adjunct or accessory.
cupidity	eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth.
multifarious	having great diversity or variety.
fulsome	offensive from excess of praise.
arrant	outright; thoroughgoing.
palimpsest	an object or place whose older layers or aspects are apparent.
spurious	not genuine; false; illegitimate.
cognoscente	a person with special knowledge.
bombinate	to buzz, hum, or drone.
incontrovertible	indisputable; unquestionable.
protean	readily assuming different shapes or forms.
torpid	dull; sluggish; apathetic.
junta	a governmental council or committee, esp. one that rules after a revolution.
variegated	having marks or patches of different colors; also, varied.
malcontent	one who is discontented or dissatisfied.
cerebration	the act or product of thinking.
forfend	to avert; also, to protect or preserve.
equable	equal and uniform; also, not easily disturbed.
pleonasm	the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea.
chicanery	the use of trickery to deceive.
defenestrate	to throw out of a window.
martinet	a strict disciplinarian.
brummagem	cheap and showy; also, spurious.
cum	with; along with; combined with.
hobbledehoy	an awkward, gawky young fellow.
fustian	pompous or pretentious language.
bonhomie	pleasant and easy manner.
rusticate	to go or send to the country.
stripling	an adolescent youth.
panoply	a splendid or impressive array.
coeval	existing during the same period of time; also, a contemporary.
salmagundi	a mixture or assortment; also, a kind of mixed dish or salad.
desuetude	disuse.
land of Nod	sleep.
hortatory	serving to encourage or incite.
choler	anger.
expeditious	characterized by speed and efficiency.
implacable	incapable of being pacified.
patina	a superficial layer.
caveat	a warning or caution.
itinerant	traveling from place to place.
agog	in eager desire.
rebarbative	repellent; irritating.
sporadic	occuring singly, or occasionally, or in scattered instances.
equipoise	equilibrium; also, counterbalance.
harridan	a scolding, vicious woman.
provenance	origin; source.
microcosm	a smaller, representative system having analogies to a larger system.
gloaming	twilight; dusk.
doula	a woman who assists in childbirth.
largess	generous giving; also, gifts of money or other valuables.
dilettante	an amateur; also, an admirer or lover of the fine arts.
simulacrum	a representation; an insubstantial or vague semblance.
toothsome	delicious; attractive; luscious.
countermand	to revoke (a former command) or recall by a contrary order.
expropriate	to deprive of possession; also, to transfer (property) to oneself.
perambulate	to stroll; to walk through or over.
contradistinction	distinction by contrast.
ululate	to howl; to wail.
crapulous	sick from, or marked by, excessive drinking.
parvenu	an upstart; one newly risen in class or economic status.
manse	a large and imposing residence.
uxorious	excessively fond of or submissive to a wife.
Ides	the fifteenth day of March, May, July, and October, and the thirteenth day of the other months.
megalomania	a mental disorder characterized by delusions of grandeur.
verdant	green.
amalgam	an alloy of mercury with other metals; also, a mixture.
dudgeon	a state or fit of intense indignation.
paragon	a model of excellence or perfection.
aubade	a song greeting the dawn.
succor	aid; help; also, to help or relieve.
paterfamilias	the male head of a household; the father of a family.
stolid	unexcitable; unemotional.
metier	an occupation, especially in which one excels.
bellwether	a leader or leading indicator.
confluence	a flowing or coming together.
superfluous	more than is wanted or is sufficient.
invidious	tending to provoke envy or ill will.
benignant	kind; gracious; favorable.
edacious	given to eating.
malleable	capable of being shaped; also, adaptable.
parlous	fraught with danger; hazardous.
disparate	fundamentally different; also, composed of dissimilar elements.
sapient	wise; sage; discerning.
visage	the face; also, appearance; aspect.
excoriate	to express strong disapproval of; also, to flay.
tendentious	marked by a strong tendency in favor of a particular point of view.
milieu	environment; setting.
deus ex machina	an agent who appears unexpectedly to solve an apparently insoluble difficulty.
autodidact	one who is self-taught.
stertorous	characterized by a heavy snoring or gasping sound.
eleemosynary	relating to charity; charitable.
concupiscence	lust.
spoony	foolishly or sentimentally in love.
desideratum	something desired.
malaise	a condition of uneasiness or ill-being.
imbue	to dye; to instill profoundly.
canard	an unfounded or false report.
probity	complete and confirmed integrity.
titivate	to smarten up; to spruce.
jovial	merry; joyous; jolly.
salutary	beneficial; also, healthful.
alacrity	a cheerful readiness, willingness, or promptness.
munificent	very generous.
cogent	appealing to the mind or to reason; convincing.
apothegm	a short, witty, and instructive saying.
posit	to postulate; also, to suggest.
scion	a descendant; an heir.
vim	energy; vigor.
plenary	full; complete.
gastronome	a lover of good food and drink.
sine qua non	an indispensable thing.
exegete	one who explains or interprets difficult parts of written works.
recondite	difficult to understand.
diktat	an authoritative decree or order.
esurient	hungry; greedy.
ineffable	incapable of being expressed.
dubiety	the condition or quality of being doubtful; also, a matter of doubt.
pugilist	a boxer.
renascent	rising again into being; showing renewed vigor.
sesquipedalian	(of words) long; having many syllables.
encumbrance	a burden, impediment, or hindrance.
pugnacious	combative; quarrelsome.
capricious	whimsical; changeable.
comity	a state of mutual harmony, friendship, and respect.
quondam	former; sometime.
ergo	therefore; consequently.
susurration	a whispering; a soft murmur.
irrefragable	impossible to refute.
tutelage	guardianship; protection; also, instruction.
incommunicado	without means or right to communicate.
predilection	an established preference.
flippant	showing inappropriate levity; pert.
grandee	a man of elevated rank or station; a nobleman.
wunderkind	one who achieves success or acclaim during youth.
lucre	money; profit.
epigone	an inferior imitator.
sang-froid	coolness in trying circumstances.
consanguineous	related by blood; descended from the same ancestor.
transmute	to change from one nature, form, substance, or state into another.
galumph	to move in a clumsy manner or with a heavy tread.
rejoinder	an answer to a reply.
distrait	divided or withdrawn in attention, especially because of anxiety.
vituperation	abusive language.
lubricious	lewd; also, slippery or smooth.
oblation	an offering.
putsch	an attempt to overthrow a government.
impervious	impenetrable; also, not capable of being affected.
cosmopolite	a cosmopolitan person.
quagmire	a predicament.
eldritch	unearthly; weird; eerie.
indurate	to make hard; to harden.
slake	to satisfy or quench; also, to cause to lessen.
profuse	plentiful; copious.
hubris	overbearing pride or presumption.
apogee	the highest point.
voluble	characterized by a ready flow of speech.
bibulous	of, pertaining to, marked by, or given to the consumption of alcohol.
perfunctory	done routinely.
omnipresent	present in all places at the same time.
forlorn	sad and lonely because deserted, abandoned, or lost.
evince	to show in a clear manner.
seriatim	in a series; one after another.
coruscate	to give off or reflect bright beams or flashes of light.
turpitude	baseness; depravity.
moiety	a half; a small part.
bete noire	something or someone particularly detested or avoided.
stasis	a state of balance, equilibrium, or stagnation.
extirpate	to eradicate; to destroy.
perdurable	very durable; long lasting.
circumambient	surrounding; encompassing.
ukase	an edict.
discursive	digressive; rambling; also, marked by analytical reasoning.
pukka	authentic; genuine; also, first-class.
kvetch	to complain habitually.
brio	vigor; vivacity.
importunate	troublesomely urgent.
dishabille	the state of being carelessly or partially dressed.
purblind	having greatly reduced vision.
asseverate	to affirm or declare positively or earnestly.
celerity	quickness; swiftness.
nefarious	wicked in the extreme.
agitprop	propaganda.
inamorata	a woman whom one is in love with.
diffident	bashful or unassertive.
polymath	a person of great or varied learning.
fiduciary	relating to the holding of something in trust for another.
perspicacity	clearness of understanding.
legerdemain	sleight of hand.
cavalcade	a procession.
faineant	doing nothing; idle; also, a do-nothing.
perforce	by necessity.
mellifluous	flowing sweetly or smoothly.
eschew	to shun; to avoid.
blackguard	a scoundrel.
mulct	to defraud.
paean	a song or other expression of praise or joy.
incipient	beginning to exist or appear.
salubrious	healthful.
fiat	an arbitrary or authoritative command or order.
gelid	extremely cold; icy.
billet	to quarter, or place in lodgings.
incongruous	lacking in harmony.
nepotism	favoritism shown to members of one's family.
fey	possessing or displaying a strange and otherworldly aspect or quality.
ambuscade	an ambush; also, to ambush.
gourmand	one who enjoys good food in great quantities.
lachrymose	given to causing tears.
coquette	a flirt.
potboiler	a usually inferior literary or artistic work, produced quickly for the purpose of making money.
parse	to analyze.
nimiety	excess.
quotidian	occurring daily; also, ordinary.
fugacious	lasting but a short time.
cabal	a group that seeks power usually through intrigue.
pecuniary	relating to money.
postprandial	happening or done after a meal.
spoonerism	the transposition of usually initial sounds in a pair of words.
furbelow	something showy or superfluous.
stygian	dark and gloomy; also, infernal.
lumpen	those individuals cut off from their normal socioeconomic class.
copacetic	very satisfactory.
pestiferous	bearing or bringing disease, moral harm, or annoyance.
luculent	clear; easily understood.
sapid	having flavor, especially a strong pleasant flavor.
contemn	to scorn; to despise.
aliment	nutriment or sustenance.
temporize	to be indecisive or evasive in order to gain time; also, to go with the times.
magniloquent	lofty or grandiose in speech or expression.
jape	to jest.
biddable	easily led or commanded; obedient.
cloy	to weary or become distasteful through excess.
amanuensis	one employed to take dictation or to copy manuscripts.
shibboleth	a word, pronunciation, saying, belief, practice, etc., that distinguishes one group from another.
complement	something that fills up or completes.
maudlin	excessively sentimental.
Panglossian	excessively or naively optimistic.
supervene	to take place or occur as something additional, extraneous, or unexpected.
hagiography	biography of saints; also, idealizing or idolizing biography.
malapropos	unseasonable or unseasonably; inappropriate or inappropriately.
redoubt	a stronghold.
detritus	debris.
obloquy	ill repute.
extant	still existing.
arbitrage	the nearly simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset in order to profit from price discrepancies.
panegyric	an expression of formal or elaborate praise.
masticate	to chew.
fettle	a state or condition of fitness, order, or mind.
cavalcade	a procession.
enervate	to weaken.
atavism	reversion to a remote ancestral type or to an earlier form.
rara avis	a rare or unique person or thing.
euphonious	pleasing or sweet in sound.
scintilla	a tiny amount; a spark.
matutinal	relating to or occurring in the morning.
detritus	debris.
pusillanimous	cowardly.
extol	to praise.
intransigent	uncompromising.
palindrome	a word, verse, phrase, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward.
supplicate	to make a humble and earnest petition.
labile	open to change; apt or likely to change.
traduce	to vilify.
claque	a group of fawning admirers.
frisson	a brief moment of intense excitement.
extempore	without premeditation or preparation.
cosset	to treat with excessive indulgence; to pamper.
aver	to assert as true.
wayworn	wearied by traveling.
ameliorate	to make or grow better.
concomitant	accompanying; attending.
triskaidekaphobia	fear of the number 13.
indolent	lazy; inactive.
lenity	the state or quality of being lenient.
camarilla	a group of secret and often scheming advisers.
ablution	the washing of the body or some part of it.
untoward	not favorable or fortunate; also, improper.
menagerie	a collection of wild or unusual animals; also, a diverse group.
presage	an omen; also, to predict.
abnegate	refuse or deny oneself; also, to give up (rights, claims, etc.).
faction	a usually contentious group or party; also, internal dissension.
pallor	unusual or extreme paleness.
suffuse	spread through or over; to flush.
artifice	an artful trick, stratagem or device; also, cleverness, skill.
saturnine	gloomy or sullen.
lionize	to treat or regard as an object great interest or importance.
finical	finicky.
pliant	easily bent or flexed; also, easily influenced; compliant.
dissemble	to hide under a false appearance; also, to assume a false appearance.
recreant	cowardly; also, unfaithful or disloyal.
fetter	a restraint; also, to impose restraints on.
tumid	swollen; bulging; also, bombastic.
agglomeration	a cluster or mass.
odium	intense hatred or dislike.
unfledged	not fully developed; immature.
countenance	appearance or expression of the face; also, to tolerate or encourage.
betimes	early; also, on occasion.
glutinous	gluey; sticky.
durance	imprisonment.
ingenuous	demonstrating childlike simplicity; also, open; frank.
manumit	to free from slavery or servitude.
hermitage	a secluded residence; a retreat.
blandishment	flattering speech or action.
peradventure	chance, uncertainty, or doubt.
antiquarian	one who collects, studies, or deals in antiquities.
naif	a naive or inexperienced person.
altercation	a heated, noisy, or angry dispute.
quorum	such a number of the officers or members of any body as is legally competent to transact business.
gravitas	high seriousness.
exigent	requiring immediate aid or action; also, demanding.
irascible	easily provoked to anger.
ineluctable	impossible to avoid or evade.
voluble	characterized by a ready flow of speech.
commination	a denunciation.
philomath	a lover of learning; a scholar.
amative	pertaining to or disposed to love.
callow	immature.
woebegone	woeful; also, run-down.
lineament	a distinguishing or characteristic feature.
abscond	to depart secretly.
garrulous	talkative; also, wordy.
acumen	quickness or keenness of perception or discernment.
sentient	capable of perceiving by the senses.
varicolored	having a variety of colors.
nostrum	a questionable remedy.
rictus	a gaping grin or grimace.
ameliorate	to make or grow better.
somnolent	drowsy; also, tending to cause sleepiness.
mien	demeanor; also, aspect; appearance.
potable	drinkable; also, a beverage, especially an alcoholic one.
temerarious	reckless; rash.
introspection	the act or process of self-examination; reflection.
malfeasance	wrongdoing, misconduct, or misbehavior.
fealty	fidelity; allegiance; faithfulness.
atelier	a workshop; a studio.
apparition	a ghost; also, an unexpected appearance.
propinquity	nearness.
ersatz	being a substitute or imitation.
flummox	to confuse; to perplex.
iota	a very small quantity or degree.
ennui	a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction arising from lack of interest.
assuage	to soften; to ease, or lessen.
regale	to entertain with something that delights.
eke	to gain or supplement with great effort or difficulty.
badinage	light, playful talk.
indelible	incapable of being removed or erased.
volte-face	an about-face.
kismet	destiny; fate.
refulgent	brilliant; resplendent.
caesura	a break or pause in a line of verse; also, any break or pause.
wastrel	a person who wastes; a loafer.
circumlocution	the use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few.
Zeitgeist	the spirit of the time.
affable	easy to speak to; also, gracious.
parsimonious	frugal to excess.
beholden	obliged; indebted.
waylay	to ambush or accost.
castigate	to punish or criticize severely.
somniferous	causing or inducing sleep.
captious	disposed to find fault or raise objections.
sojourn	to dwell for a time; also, a temporary stay.
nugatory	insignificant; also, ineffectual.
ubiquitous	being everywhere.
tryst	an appointment (as between lovers) to meet.
pari passu	at an equal pace or rate.
enmity	hatred; ill will.
numinous	spiritual; holy.
dilatory	given to, or marked by, procrastination or delay.
parley	a conference or discussion; also, to confer.
ephemeral	short-lived.
truculent	fierce; savage; ferocious.
vicissitude	a change in condition or fortune.
schadenfreude	a malicious satisfaction in the misfortunes of others.
tyro	a novice.
expatiate	to speak or write at length.
peccadillo	a slight offense; a petty fault.
bagatelle	a trifle; also, a short, light literary or musical piece.
descant	a discourse; also, to discourse.
canorous	melodious; musical.
unctuous	marked by a false or smug earnestness or agreeableness.
evanescent	fleeting.
venial	capable of being forgiven; excusable.
capacious	able to contain much.
trammel	something that impedes activity, progress, or freedom; also, to hamper.
busker	a street musician or performer.
sybarite	a person devoted to luxury and pleasure.
deride	to laugh at with contempt.
cavil	to raise trivial objections; also, a trivial objection.
farrago	an assortment; a medley.
demagogue	a leader who obtains power by means of appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the populace.
quaff	to drink with relish.
hirsute	covered with hair or bristles.
tenebrous	dark; gloomy.
ostentation	excessive or pretentious display.
officious	meddlesome.
afflatus	a divine inspiration.
quorum	such a number of the officers or members of any body as is legally competent to transact business.
hauteur	haughtiness; arrogance.
xenophobia	fear or hatred of what is strange or foreign.
bacchanalia	a revel.
immure	to enclose within or as if within walls.
deliquesce	to melt away or become liquid.
capitulate	to surrender under agreed conditions.
adventitious	added extrinsically; not essentially inherent.
modicum	a small or token amount.
fetid	stinking.
gimcrack	a showy but useless or worthless object.
banal	commonplace; trivial.
halcyon	peaceful; undisturbed; happy.
adamant	not susceptible to persuasion; unyielding.
jocund	light-hearted; mirthful.
segue	to proceed without interruption.
puerile	juvenile; childish.
nadir	the lowest point.
effulgence	the state of being bright and radiant.
inchoate	partly but not fully in existence or operation.
beneficence	the practice of doing good.
sempiternal	everlasting; eternal.
onus	burden; also, blame; stigma.
abstemious	temperate; abstinent; refraining from indulgence.
cant	empty, solemn speech.
laconic	using or marked by the use of a minimum of words.
palpable	plain; distinct; obvious.
gewgaw	a trinket; a bauble.
conurbation	an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities.
sinecure	an office or position that involves little work or responsibility.
abjure	to renounce, reject, or shun.
lackadaisical	lacking spirit or liveliness.
aberrant	abnormal.
votary	one devoted to some pursuit, worship, study, or way of life.
pelf	money; riches.
tocsin	a warning.
lexicon	a dictionary; also, the vocabulary of a person, group, etc.
umbrage	offense; resentment.
orotund	full in sound; also, bombastic.
loquacious	very talkative.
bruit	To report; to noise abroad.
virago	an ill-tempered, overbearing woman; also, a woman of great strength and courage.
mawkish	sickly or excessively sentimental.
malediction	a curse.
susurrus	a whispering or rustling sound.
neophyte	a novice.
immolate	to kill or destroy, often by fire.
alpenglow	a reddish glow seen near sunset or sunrise on the summits of mountains.
subfusc	dark or dull in color.
mores	customs; habits; ways.
dapple	a small contrasting blotch; also, to mark with spots.
winsome	light-hearted.
verdure	greenness.
propitious	presenting favorable circumstances.
nosegay	a bouquet.
oneiric	pertaining to or suggestive of dreams.
laudable	praiseworthy; commendable.
puissant	powerful.
diadem	a crown.
ebullient	high-spirited.
aplomb	confidence; coolness.
kobold	a kind of domestic spirit in German mythology.
prestidigitation	sleight of hand.
rubicund	inclining to redness; ruddy.
lambent	playing on the surface; flickering.
anodyne	serving to relieve pain.
ingenue	a naive girl or young woman, or an actress representing such a person.
subterfuge	a deceptive device or stratagem.
maelstrom	a large, powerful whirlpool; also, a violent, disordered, or turbulent state of affairs.
crepuscular	pertaining to twilight.
repast	a meal.
soporific	causing sleep; also, something that causes sleep.
bivouac	a usually temporary encampment; also, to encamp.
quidnunc	a gossip; a busybody.
lassitude	lack of vitality or energy.
billet-doux	a love letter.
wheedle	to entice by flattery.
alfresco	outdoors; outdoor.
redivivus	living again; revived; restored.
chagrin	acute vexation or embarrassment.
gaucherie	a socially awkward or tactless act; also, lack of tact.
panache	dash or flamboyance in manner or style.
logorrhea	excessive talkativeness.
assiduous	constant in application or attention.
sylvan	pertaining to woods or forests.
voluptuary	a person devoted to luxury and the gratification of sensual appetites.
inure	to make used to; also, to take or have effect.
auspicious	favorable; also, prosperous; fortunate.
tmesis	in grammar and rhetoric, the separation of the parts of a compound word.
carapace	a shell; a protective covering.
paladin	a champion of a cause.
hale	free from disease and weakening conditions; healthy.
sacrosanct	sacred; inviolable.
melange	a mixture.
vainglory	excessive pride or vain display.
sub rosa	secretly; privately; confidentially.
digerati	persons knowledgeable about computers.
confrere	a colleague, comrade, or intimate associate.
querulous	habitually complaining; also, expressing complaint.
vociferous	clamorous; noisy.
firmament	the sky; the heavens.
jollification	merrymaking; revelry.
benefaction	the act of conferring a benefit; also, a benefit conferred.
apposite	of striking appropriateness and relevance.
cynosure	a center of attention.
quiddity	the essence or nature of a thing.
perquisite	a benefit in addition to a salary.
Hogmanay	the name, in Scotland, for the last day of the year.
neoteric	recent in origin; new.
surly	ill-humored; sullen and gruff.
vivify	to endue with life; to enliven.
sycophant	one who seeks favor by flattery; a toady.
abrogate	to annul; to do away with.
penury	extreme poverty; also, insufficiency.
variegated	having marks or patches of different colors; also, varied.
clamber	to climb with difficulty, or on all fours.
asperity	roughness of surface, sound, or manner.
effete	infertile; also, worn out; also, decadent, effeminate.
venerate	to treat with deep respect.
gustatory	pertaining to the sense of taste.
tergiversation	evasion; also, desertion of a cause, party, etc.
obstreperous	noisily and stubbornly defiant; also, boisterous.
serendipity	the faculty or phenomenon of making fortunate accidental discoveries.
yen	a strong desire or inclination.
timorous	full of apprehensiveness; fearful.
irenic	promoting peace.
bilious	of or pertaining to bile; also, ill-tempered.
galvanic	pertaining to a direct current of electricity; also, having the effect of an electric shock.
pantheon	the collective gods of a people; also, a group of highly esteemed persons.
slaver	to slobber; to drool.
unguent	an ointment.
abeyance	suspension; temporary cessation.
concinnity	elegance -- used chiefly of literary style.
peripatetic	walking about or traveling from place to place.
frangible	capable of being broken; easily broken.
hebetude	mental dullness or sluggishness.
soi-disant	self-styled; so-called.
opprobrium	reproach mingled with contempt.
quandary	a state of difficulty or perplexity.
surreptitious	done, made, or gotten by stealth; also, marked by stealth.
quixotic	foolishly impractical; also, capricious, impulsive.
languor	lack of energy or vitality.
pulchritude	beauty.
censure	to criticize severely; also, an expression of disapproval.
hector	to bully or harass.
miasma	a thick vaporous atmosphere, often noxious.
rapport	relation characterized by sympathetic understanding.
forcible	effected by force used against resistance; also, powerful.
bombinate	to buzz, hum, or drone.
insuperable	incapable of being passed over, surmounted, or overcome.
latitudinarian	having or expressing broad and tolerant views.
hinterland	backcountry.
buss	a kiss; to kiss.
discrete	constituting a separate thing; also, consisting of distinct or unconnected parts.
plaintive	expressive of sorrow or melancholy.
tractable	docile; manageable, governable.
quietus	final acquittance, as from debt; also, rest; death.
inscrutable	difficult to fathom or understand.
avatar	an incarnation.
expiate	to make amends for; to atone for.
gauche	lacking social polish; tactless.
lambaste	to scold sharply; also, to beat.
recrudescent	breaking out again.
flibbertigibbet	a silly, flighty, or excessively talkative person.
malapropism	the usually unintentionally humorous misuse of a word, especially by confusion with one of similar sound; also, an example of such misuse.
raffish	tawdry; also, rakish.
vet	to subject to thorough appraisal; to evaluate.
pleonasm	the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea.
tenet	any opinion, principle, or doctrine held to be true.
qua	in the capacity or character of; as.
invective	insulting or abusive language.
bowdlerize	to remove or modify the parts considered offensive.
fait accompli	an accomplished and presumably irreversible deed or fact.
pettifogger	a petty, unscrupulous lawyer; also, who quibbles over trivia.
vagary	an extravagant, erratic, or unpredictable notion, action, or occurrence.
idyll	a poem or prose work depicting rural or pastoral life; also, a carefree episode or experience.
truckle	to act in a subservient manner.
patrician	a nobleman; also, a person of refined upbringing, manners, and taste.
apocryphal	of doubtful authority or authenticity.
efficacious	producing, or capable of producing, a desired effect.
deign	to condescend.
sanctum	a place where one is free from intrusion.
malinger	to feign illness or inability.
redound	to have a consequence or effect.
perfidy	faithlessness; treachery.
doughty	valiant; brave.
anathema	a curse; a person or thing cursed, or intensely disliked.
salad days	a time of youthful inexperience, innocence, or indiscretion.
connubial	of or pertaining to marriage.
repletion	the condition of being completely or excessively full.
woebegone	woeful; also, run-down.
perorate	to conclude or sum up a long discourse; also, to speak at length.
gambol	to dance and skip about in play.
mephitic	offensive to the smell; also, noxious.
inimical	unfriendly; unfavorable.
ken	perception, view; especially, reach of sight or knowledge.
proscribe	to forbid; to prohibit.
grandiloquent	lofty in style.
approbation	formal or official approval; also, praise.
puckish	whimsical; mischievous; impish.
coterminous	of equal extent or duration.
mountebank	a quack; also, a charlatan.
tirade	a long angry speech.
palaver	idle talk; also, to talk idly.
vertiginous	causing dizziness; also, giddy; dizzy.
remonstrate	to present and urge reasons in opposition.
bailiwick	a person's specific area of knowledge, authority, interest, skill, or work.
impregnable	able to resist attack.
renege	to go back on a promise or commitment.
apprise	to give notice to; to inform.
improvident	lacking foresight; negligent; thoughtless.
carom	to strike and rebound; also, a glancing off.
myrmidon	a loyal follower.
privation	the state of being deprived of something.
ossify	to harden or to become bone.
troglodyte	someone who dwells in a cave.
wan	pale; also, lacking vitality or intensity.
peremptory	precluding or putting an end to all debate or action.
harbinger	a precursor; one that presages what is to come.
small beer	weak beer; also, matters of little importance.
commodious	comfortably spacious; roomy.
scapegrace	one who is wild and reckless.
nascent	beginning to exist.
gravid	pregnant.
lucubration	nocturnal study.
supine	lying on the back; also, indolent; listless.
heterodox	holding unorthodox opinions.
predilection	an established preference.
verisimilitude	the quality of seeming to be true.
commensurate	equal in measure or extent; also, proportionate.
urbane	polished and smooth in manner.
abstruse	difficult to comprehend.
militate	to have force or influence.
embonpoint	plumpness of person.
preternatural	beyond of different from what is natural; inexplicable; extraordinary; abnormal.
hardscrabble	barren, marginal; also, marked by poverty.
ignoramus	an ignorant person; a dunce.
apologia	a formal defense or justification.
sentient	capable of perceiving by the senses.
conflagration	a large and destructive fire.
bromide	a commonplace or conventional saying.
suasion	the act of persuading.
roue	a man devoted to a life of sensual pleasure.
hullabaloo	a confused noise; uproar.
neologism	a new word or expression; the use or creation of new words or expressions.
redoubtable	formidable; also, illustrious; eminent.
accede	to agree or assent; also, to become a party.
doyen	the senior member of a body or group.
abecedarian	pertaining to the alphabet; also, rudimentary; also, a beginner.
crabwise	sideways; also, in a cautiously indirect manner.
glabrous	without hairs or projections; smooth.
tarradiddle	a fib; also, pretentious nonsense.
irrupt	to burst in forcibly or suddenly.
agrestic	pertaining to fields or the country.
cap-a-pie	from head to foot.
fetor	a strong, offensive smell.
olla podrida	a kind of seasoned stew; also, a mixture, a hodgepodge.
pernicious	deadly; destructive; exceedingly harmful.
aegis	a shield; protection.
politic	political; also, shrewdly tactful.
starveling	one who is starving or being starved; also, poor in quality.
autochthonous	indigenous; native.
palliate	to extenuate; also, to relieve.
vade mecum	a book or other thing that one regularly carries about.
comely	pleasing to the sight.
dictum	an authoritative statement.
mendicant	a beggar.
enjoin	to direct or impose with authority; also, to forbid.
braggadocio	empty boasting.
homily	a sermon or lecture; also, an inspirational saying or a platitude.
recumbent	reclining; lying down.
sonorous	yielding sound; impressive in sound.
bedizen	to dress or adorn in gaudy manner.
equanimity	calmness; composure.
primogeniture	the state of being the firstborn; also, an exclusive right of inheritance that belongs to the eldest son.
ancillary	subordinate, subsidiary; auxiliary.
Potemkin village	a false front or facade.
favonian	pertaining to the west wind; soft; mild; gentle.
trenchant	forceful and vigorous; also, caustic; also, clear-cut.
yeasty	frothy; foamy; spumy, like yeast.
deipnosophist	one skilled in table talk.
jeremiad	a doleful story; also, a dolorous or angry tirade..
delectation	great pleasure; delight.
pin money	money for incidental expenses; also, a trivial sum.
ab ovo	from the beginning.
woolgathering	indulgence in idle daydreaming.
peccant	sinning.
nolens volens	whether unwilling or willing.
quisling	a collaborator; a traitor.
misprize	to despise; also, to undervalue.
tete-a-tete	a private conversation.
agon	struggle; conflict.
collegial	characterized by or having authority vested equally among colleagues.
ludic	playful.
refractory	stubbornly disobedient.
congeries	a collection; an aggregation.
errant	wandering; deviating from an appointed course, or from a direct path; roving.
teetotaler	one pledged to abstinence from alcoholic drinks.
flummery	mumbo jumbo; nonsense.
overweening	overbearing; also, excessive.
acrimony	bitter, harsh, or biting sharpness.
remunerate	to pay an equivalent to for any service, loss, or expense.
supernal	being on high; celestial.
libation	the act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice; also, a beverage.
acuity	acuteness of perception or vision.
salient	noticeable; also, projecting; also, leaping.
pandemic	affecting a whole people or a number of countries.
entreat	to ask for or request earnestly.
ineffectual	without effect; weak; useless.
hypnagogic	leading to sleep; hypnotic.
draconian	excessively harsh; severe.
eructation	the act of belching; a belch.
treacly	overly sweet or sentimental.
sciolism	superficial knowledge.
beau ideal	a perfect or an idealized type or model.
incarnadine	pink or red; also, to redden.
roborant	restoring strength or vigor; also, a restorative.
aerie	a nest or dwelling built in a lofty place.
ensorcell	to enchant; to bewitch.
lapidary	of or pertaining to stone cutting; also, terse or refined in expression.
megrim	a migraine; also, a fancy or whim; in the plural, low spirits.
apotheosis	a model of excellence or perfection of a kind.
fructuous	fruitful; productive.
providential	resulting from divine providence; also, peculiarly fortunate or appropriate.
conflate	to bring together; to meld.
bloviate	to speak or write in a pompous manner.
sui generis	unique.
nonpareil	having no equal.
efface	to cause to disappear by rubbing out, striking out, etc.
gamine	an urchin; also, a mischievous girl or young woman.
senescence	the state of being or growing old.
arcanum	a secret; a mystery.
flaneur	one who strolls about aimlessly; a lounger; a loafer.
presentiment	a premonition.
countervail	to counteract; also, to offset.
abominate	to detest intensely.
pervicacious	stubborn; obstinate.
foofaraw	excessive or flashy ornamentation; also, a fuss over a trivial matter.
Cockaigne	an imaginary land of ease and luxury.
imprimatur	approval or sanction.
punctilio	a fine point of exactness in conduct, ceremony, or procedure.
verbose	wordy.
excrescence	something growing out from something else; also, a disfiguring or unwanted part.
amicable	characterized by friendliness and good will.
fungible	interchangeable.
nimbus	a dark gray rain cloud; also, a halo, an aura.
eddy	a current running contrary to a main current or in a circular direction.
Methuselah	an extremely old man.
bon vivant	a person with refined and sociable tastes.
copse	a thicket of small trees.
contrite	feeling or expressing grief and regret for sins or offenses.
sere	dry; withered.
dolorous	marked by, causing, or expressing grief or sorrow.
plenipotentiary	invested with full power.
myriad	consisting of a very great but indefinite number; also, a very great many.
bricolage	construction or something constructed by using whatever materials happen to be available.
malodorous	having a bad odor.
pied-a-terre	a temporary or second place of lodging.
epicene	having the characteristics of both the male and the female.
skulduggery	devious, dishonest, or unscrupulous behavior or activity.
adage	an old saying.
wizened	shriveled; withered.
indefatigable	untiring.
disport	to frolic; to amuse (oneself).
appellation	a name, title, or designation.
longueur	a tedious passage in a work of literature, etc.
rivulet	a small stream or brook.
chimera	a mental fabrication.
avoirdupois	weight; heaviness.
machination	a crafty scheme intended to accomplish some usually evil end.
calumny	malicious misrepresentation; slander.
fatidic	of, relating to, or characterized by prophecy.
tatterdemalion	a person dressed in tattered clothing.
confabulation	familiar talk.
inkhorn	affectedly or ostentatiously learned.
quash	to annul; also, to crush; to subdue.
wiseacre	a smart aleck.
cacophony	harsh or discordant sound.
excursus	a digression.
credulous	inclined to believe too readily.
harangue	a speech addressed to a public assembly; also, a noisy or pompous speech.
ignoble	not noble.
enunciate	to utter articulately; also, to state or set forth precisely or systematically.
acclimate	to accustom or become accustomed to a new climate, environment, or situation.
cudgel	a short heavy stick.
abulia	loss or impairment of the ability to act or to make decisions.
didactic	conveying instruction; teaching some moral lesson.
rapprochement	the establishment or state of cordial relations.
tremulous	shaking, quivering; also, affected with fear.
histrionic	theatrical.
cohort	a group; also, a companion or associate.
egress	the act of going out or leaving; exit.
indigence	extreme poverty.
effusive	excessively demonstrative.
obeisance	an expression of deference.
affray	a tumultuous assault or quarrel; a brawl.
prima facie	at first view.
undulant	resembling waves in form, motion, or occurrence.
convivial	relating to feasting, drinking, and good company; festive.
maunder	to talk or wander aimlessly.
corpulent	very fat; obese.
popinjay	a vain and talkative person.
vatic	of or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy.
fecund	fruitful; prolific.
caterwaul	to make a harsh cry or screech.
acerbic	sharp, biting, or acid in temper, expression, or tone.
heterogeneous	consisting of dissimilar elements.
rodomontade	pretentious, bragging speech.
hoary	white or gray with age; hence, extremely old.
foundling	a deserted or abandoned child.
cavort	to bound or prance about.
inexorable	unyielding; relentless.
diablerie	sorcery; also, mischievous conduct.
debouch	to emerge; to issue.
jejune	lacking in nutritional value; also, immature; also, dull.
redolent	having or exuding fragrance; also, evocative, reminiscent.
imprecation	a curse.
obsequious	servilely attentive; fawning.
effrontery	shameless boldness; insolence.
arriviste	an upstart.
fallible	liable to make a mistake.
gadabout	one who roams about in search of amusement or social activity.
ribald	characterized by, or given to, vulgar humor.
turbid	muddy; not clear; also, confused; disordered.
propitiate	to appease; to conciliate.
discomfit	to disconcert; also, to thwart.
intrepid	fearless; bold.
chortle	to utter, or express with, a snorting, exultant laugh or chuckle.
louche	of questionable taste or morality.
supplant	to take the place of.
clerisy	the intelligentsia.
denouement	the final resolution of the main complication of a literary or dramatic work.
prink	to primp.
sagacious	of keen penetration and judgment; wise.
disquisition	a formal discourse on a subject.
panjandrum	an important or self-important official.
tattoo	a rapid, rhythmic drumming or rapping.
cormorant	a gluttonous or greedy person.
pastiche	a hodgepodge; a potpourri.
egregious	outrageously bad.
cajole	to coax.
Promethean	of or pertaining to Prometheus; also, boldly original.
contretemps	something inopportune or embarrassing.
ne plus ultra	the acme; also, the most profound degree.
empyrean	the highest heaven; the heavens; the sky.
malversation	misconduct in public office.
cadre	a core or nucleus of trained or otherwise qualified personnel around which an organization is formed.
exhort	to urge strongly.
genuflect	to bend the knee, as in worship; also, to grovel.
demur	to object; also, to delay.
perfervid	ardent; impassioned.
solecism	a nonstandard usage or grammatical construction.
extemporaneous	composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment.
forgo	to do without.
raiment	clothing in general; garments.
aborning	(while) being produced or born.
dulcet	melodious.
hoi polloi	the common people; the masses.
recherche	exotic; rare; also, affected, pretentious.
permeate	to spread or diffuse through.
germane	appropriate or fitting; relevant.
disconsolate	hopelessly sad; also, saddening; cheerless.
languid	lacking vigor or force.
etiolate	to blanch or bleach; to make sickly.
moil	to labor; to toil; to drudge.
exegesis	exposition; explanation.
cornucopia	the horn of plenty; also, an abundance.
benison	blessing; benediction.
punctilious	precise; exact in the smallest particulars.
brackish	somewhat salty; also, distasteful.
raillery	good-humored banter or teasing repartee.
sedition	incitement of rebellion against lawful authority.
riposte	a quick and effective reply by word or act.
tintinnabulation	a tinkling sound, as of a bell or bells.
slugabed	one who stays in bed until a late hour.
manse	a large and imposing residence.
rebarbative	repellent; irritating.
felicitous	apt or appropriate; also, delightful.
nostrum	a questionable remedy.
subaltern	subordinate.
quidnunc	a gossip; a busybody.
provenance	origin; source.
obviate	to anticipate and dispose of or make unnecessary.
lucre	money; profit.
dudgeon	a state or fit of intense indignation.
gloaming	twilight; dusk.
sedulous	diligent in application or pursuit.
querulous	habitually complaining; also, expressing complaint.
restive	resisting control; stubborn.
abstemious	temperate; abstinent; refraining from indulgence.
fop	a man who is vain about his dress and appearance.
apparition	a ghost; also, an unexpected appearance.
inveterate	deep-rooted; of long standing.
glower	to stare angrily or with a scowl.
itinerant	traveling from place to place.
risible	exciting or provoking laughter.
lackadaisical	lacking spirit or liveliness.
scuttlebutt	gossip; rumor.
consanguineous	related by blood; descended from the same ancestor.
milieu	environment; setting.
capacious	able to contain much.
pule	to whimper; to whine.
sublunary	situated beneath the moon; terrestrial.
cavil	to raise trivial objections; also, a trivial objection.
impecunious	habitually without money; poor.
introspection	the act or process of self-examination; reflection.
propound	to put forward for consideration.
neophyte	a novice.
rapport	relation characterized by sympathetic understanding.
imbroglio	a complicated and embarrassing state of things.
rictus	a gaping grin or grimace.
winsome	light-hearted.
melee	a confused conflict.
obdurate	hardened in feelings or in wrongdoing; unyielding.
placate	to appease; to pacify.
spurious	not genuine; false; illegitimate.
waylay	to ambush or accost.
ingenue	a naive girl or young woman, or an actress representing such a person.
osculation	the act of kissing; a kiss.
voluptuary	a person devoted to luxury and the gratification of sensual appetites.
enmity	hatred; ill will.
sub rosa	secretly; privately; confidentially.
compunction	anxiety or unease from guilt; also, a scruple.
upbraid	to scold or criticize harshly.
gaucherie	a socially awkward or tactless act; also, lack of tact.
aggress	to make an attack.
mores	customs; habits; ways.
sough	to make a soft, low sighing or rustling sound.
chimerical	merely imaginary; fanciful.
grandee	a man of elevated rank or station; a nobleman.
complaisant	exhibiting a desire to please.
spoony	foolishly or sentimentally in love.
forfend	to avert; also, to protect or preserve.
sylvan	pertaining to woods or forests.
countermand	to revoke (a former command) or recall by a contrary order.
stormy petrel	a type of seabird; also, one fond of or bringing strife.
votary	one devoted to some pursuit, worship, study, or way of life.
melange	a mixture.
salutary	beneficial; also, healthful.
scrabble	to scrape or scratch with the hands or feet.
piebald	mottled; also, mixed.
berate	to scold severely or angrily.
limn	to draw or paint; also, to describe.
mollify	to reduce in intensity; to soothe; to soften.
immolate	to kill or destroy, often by fire.
tetchy	peevish; testy; irritable.
emolument	the wages or perquisites arising from office, employment, or labor.
benignant	kind; gracious; favorable.
preponderate	to exceed in weight, influence, importance, amount, etc.
verdant	green.
trencherman	a hearty eater.
diadem	a crown.
virago	an ill-tempered, overbearing woman; also, a woman of great strength and courage.
supposititious	fraudulently substituted; also, hypothetical.
inanition	exhaustion from lack of nourishment; also, emptiness.
conspectus	a sketch, survey, or outline of a subject.
salmagundi	a mixture or assortment; also, a kind of mixed dish or salad.
caesura	a break or pause in a line of verse; also, any break or pause.
expeditious	characterized by speed and efficiency.
deprecate	to disapprove of; also, to belittle.
misnomer	a misnaming.
verbiage	an overabundance of words.
Brobdingnagian	gigantic; enormous.
invidious	tending to provoke envy or ill will.
chicanery	the use of trickery to deceive.
minatory	threatening; menacing.
stentorian	extremely loud.
circumspect	cautious; prudent.
plebeian	common; vulgar.
explicate	to explain.
censorious	harshly critical.
equable	equal and uniform; also, not easily disturbed.
assiduous	constant in application or attention.
noisome	offensive or disgusting; also, harmful; unwholesome.
inure	to make used to; also, to take or have effect.
bivouac	a usually temporary encampment; also, to encamp.
confrere	a colleague, comrade, or intimate associate.
tmesis	in grammar and rhetoric, the separation of the parts of a compound word.
umbrage	offense; resentment.
susurrus	a whispering or rustling sound.
canorous	melodious; musical.
trepidation	a state of dread or alarm; apprehension.
sacrosanct	sacred; inviolable.
oneiric	pertaining to or suggestive of dreams.
maelstrom	a large, powerful whirlpool; also, a violent, disordered, or turbulent state of affairs.
epigone	an inferior imitator.
nonage	a period of youth or immaturity.
quiescent	at rest; still; inactive.
maladroit	awkward; unskillful; inept.
virtu	love of or taste for fine objects of art; also, productions of art.
outre	unconventional; eccentric; bizarre.
sartorial	of or relating to a tailor, tailoring, or clothing.
lacuna	a blank space; a missing part.
funereal	pertaining to or suiting a funeral; gloomy; mournful.
simulacrum	a representation; an insubstantial or vague semblance.
putative	commonly thought or deemed; supposed.
vitiate	to make faulty or imperfect.
daedal	skillful; artistic; ingenious.
autocrat	a ruler with unlimited authority.
comestible	suitable to be eaten.
objurgate	to scold or rebuke sharply.
sardonic	scornful, mocking.
lexicon	a dictionary; also, the vocabulary of a person, group, etc.
contemporaneous	originating, existing, or occurring at the same time.
panoply	a splendid or impressive array.
supererogatory	going beyond what is required or expected; also, superfluous, unnecessary.
comity	a state of mutual harmony, friendship, and respect.
eleemosynary	relating to charity; charitable.
inclement	harsh; severe -- especially said of the weather.
hugger-mugger	secret; also, muddled, disorderly.
genial	sympathetically cheerful and cheering; kindly.
florid	flushed with red; also, excessively ornate.
sapient	wise; sage; discerning.
disparate	fundamentally different; also, composed of dissimilar elements.
prevaricate	to depart from or evade the truth.
inveigle	to persuade or obtain by ingenuity or flattery.
harridan	a scolding, vicious woman.
segue	to proceed without interruption.
lascivious	lewd; lustful.
visage	the face; also, appearance; aspect.
lugubrious	mournful; gloomy; dismal.
interstice	a space between things or parts.
sempiternal	everlasting; eternal.
idee fixe	a fixed idea; an obsession.
prestidigitation	sleight of hand.
ephemeron	something short-lived.
desultory	jumping from subject to subject; erratic; inconsistent.
specious	apparently right but not so in reality.
interpolate	to insert between; also, to alter or corrupt by insertion.
stertorous	characterized by a heavy snoring or gasping sound.
alpenglow	a reddish glow seen near sunset or sunrise on the summits of mountains.
fatuous	inanely foolish; stupid; also, llusory.
miscreant	a scoundrel, a villain; also, a heretic.
trice	an instant; a moment.
surfeit	an excessive amount; also, to supply to excess.
provender	food or provisions.
bibelot	a trinket.
gnomic	uttering, containing, or characterized by maxims.
invective	insulting or abusive language.
paterfamilias	the male head of a household; the father of a family.
land of Nod	sleep.
inhere	to be inherent.
bombast	pompous or pretentious speech or writing.
valetudinarian	a weak or sickly person.
bellwether	a leader or leading indicator.
facile	easily done or performed.
jovial	merry; joyous; jolly.
inculcate	to teach and impress by frequent repetition or instruction.
parvenu	an upstart; one newly risen in class or economic status.
choleric	easily angered; also, indicating or expressing anger.
insouciant	Marked by blithe unconcern; nonchalant.
concupiscence	lust.
nettlesome	causing irritation, vexation, or distress.
dapple	a small contrasting blotch; also, to mark with spots.
antediluvian	extremely old.
ostracize	to banish or expel.
thaumaturgy	the performing of miracles or magic.
paucity	fewness; insufficiency.
encomium	expression of praise.
requisite	required; indispensable.
toper	a drunkard; a sot.
plaint	an expression of sorrow; also, a complaint.
travail	painful, arduous work; also, agony, anguish.
alacrity	a cheerful readiness, willingness, or promptness.
disheveled	in loose disorder; disarranged.
junta	a governmental council or committee, esp. one that rules after a revolution.
respite	an interval of rest or relief.
wheedle	to entice by flattery.
febrile	feverish.
habitue	one who habitually frequents a place.
Pyrrhic victory	a victory achieved at great cost.
animadversion	harsh criticism or disapproval.
encumbrance	a burden, impediment, or hindrance.
copious	large in quantity; also, affording an abundant supply.
impugn	to call in question; to make insinuations against.
ascetic	one who practices extreme self-denial; also, austere, severe.
aggrandize	to make or make appear great or greater.
syncretic	uniting and blending together different belief systems.
donnybrook	a brawl or dispute.
surcease	cessation; stop; end.
perquisite	a benefit in addition to a salary.
scion	a descendant; an heir.
proselytize	to convert (someone) to another religion, belief, etc.
abattoir	a slaughterhouse.
tchotchke	a trinket; a knickknack.
factitious	artificial; not authentic or genuine.
alfresco	outdoors; outdoor.
plethora	excess.
jocular	given to or characterized by joking.
physiognomy	the face or appearance.
constitutional	a walk taken for one's health.
tutelage	guardianship; protection; also, instruction.
incommunicado	without means or right to communicate.
fillip	a snap; also, a stimulus.
phantasmagoria	a shifting series or succession of things seen or imagined.
cum	with; along with; combined with.
excoriate	to express strong disapproval of; also, to flay.
skulk	to hide in a sneaking manner.
apothegm	a short, witty, and instructive saying.
sine qua non	an indispensable thing.
cognoscente	a person with special knowledge.
vehement	marked by intensity of emotions or convictions.
amalgam	an alloy of mercury with other metals; also, a mixture.
wunderkind	one who achieves success or acclaim during youth.
cozen	to deceive or obtain by deceit.
bucolic	rustic; pastoral.
irrefragable	impossible to refute.
stolid	unexcitable; unemotional.
redact	to edit.
hyperbole	extravagant exaggeration.
vainglory	excessive pride or vain display.
requisite	required; indispensable.
dour	stern or unyielding or gloomy.
equipoise	equilibrium; also, counterbalance.
doppelganger	a ghostly double.
gainsay	to contradict; to deny.
flout	to treat with contempt and disregard.
supercilious	disdainfully arrogant.
en masse	all together; as a whole.
cadge	to beg; to sponge.
perambulate	to stroll; to walk through or over.
agog	in eager desire.
innocuous	harmless; also, unlikely to offend or provoke.
mimetic	imitative.
defenestrate	to throw out of a window.
metier	an occupation, especially in which one excels.
caveat	a warning or caution.
succor	aid; help; also, to help or relieve.
inveigh	to rail (against some person or thing).
stoic	indifferent to or unaffected by pleasure or pain; also, one who is stoic.
confluence	a flowing or coming together.
hortatory	serving to encourage or incite.
dotage	feebleness of mind due to old age.
canard	an unfounded or false report.
malaise	a condition of uneasiness or ill-being.
transmogrify	to transform.
evince	to show in a clear manner.
gesticulate	to make gestures or motions.
martinet	a strict disciplinarian.
supernumerary	exceeding a necessary or usual number.
deus ex machina	an agent who appears unexpectedly to solve an apparently insoluble difficulty.
hobbledehoy	an awkward, gawky young fellow.
toothsome	delicious; attractive; luscious.
ascribe	to attribute.
titivate	to smarten up; to spruce.
uxorious	excessively fond of or submissive to a wife.
atrabilious	irritable; ill-natured.
expropriate	to deprive of possession; also, to transfer (property) to oneself.
venal	capable of being bought; also, corruptible.
pejorative	disparaging; belittling.
nuptial	of or pertaining to marriage.
imbue	to dye; to instill profoundly.
denizen	an inhabitant.
staid	steady or sedate in character.
nonplus	to confound; to perplex; to bewilder.
adumbrate	to outline; also, to foreshadow; also, to suggest; also, to shade.
turgid	swollen, bloated; also, bombastic, pompous.
paragon	a model of excellence or perfection.
ambit	circuit or compass; also, sphere of action or influence.
profligate	shamelessly immoral; also, recklessly wasteful.
cerebration	the act or product of thinking.
rotund	round; rounded in figure.
acquiesce	to accept or consent passively or without objection.
bedaub	to besmear; also, to overdecorate.
dilettante	an amateur; also, an admirer or lover of the fine arts.
execrable	detestable; extremely bad.
nebbish	a weak-willed, timid, or ineffectual person.
filial	of, pertaining to, or befitting a son or daughter.
panacea	a cure-all.
leitmotif	a dominant and recurring theme.
arbiter	one having the power of judging and determining.
recidivism	a tendency to lapse into a previous condition or pattern of behavior; esp., into prior criminal habits.
impassible	incapable of suffering; also, unfeeling or not showing feeling.
contumacious	obstinate; stubbornly disobedient.
largess	generous giving; also, gifts of money or other valuables.
cataract	a large waterfall; also, a downpour, a flood.
sotto voce	spoken low or in an undertone.
wraith	a ghost; also, something insubstantial or shadowy.
vapid	flat; dull; spiritless.
internecine	destructive; especially, mutually destructive; also, relating to conflict within a group.
potentate	one who possesses great power or sway.
crux	the essential point or feature.
avuncular	resembling an uncle, as in kindness or indulgence.
deracinate	to uproot.
amity	friendship; friendly relations.
microcosm	a smaller, representative system having analogies to a larger system.
juxtaposition	the act or an instance of placing in nearness.
exemplar	an ideal model or type.
solicitous	manifesting, expressing, or full of care or concern.
dyspeptic	pertaining to or having indigestion; also, irritable or ill-humored.
obfuscate	to darken or obscure.
termagant	a scolding, nagging, bad-tempered woman.
extraneous	coming from the outside; also, not essential; also, irrelevant.
bifurcate	to divide into two branches.
felicitous	apt or appropriate; also, delightful.
portent	a sign or omen.
bellicose	inclined to or favoring war or strife.
interlard	to insert between; to mix.
Argus-eyed	extremely observant; watchful.
repine	to feel or express discontent.
plaudit	enthusiastic approval.
limpid	clear; also, serene.
aficionado	an enthusiastic admirer; a fan.
rapacious	grasping; greedy.
satiety	fullness to or beyond the point of satisfaction.
obtrude	to thrust out; also, to impose on others.
patina	a superficial layer.
animus	a feeling of ill will; also, animating spirit; disposition.
tutelary	guardian; protecting.
arcane	understood or known by only a few.
rusticate	to go or send to the country.
fractious	tending to cause trouble; also, irritable.
stanch	to stop the flowing of; to check.
furtive	obtained or characterized by stealth; sly; secret; stealthy.
Elysium	paradise.
otiose	ineffective; also, being at leisure; also, of no use.
plangent	beating with a loud or deep sound; also, expressing sadness.
malcontent	one who is discontented or dissatisfied.
gallimaufry	a hodgepodge.
meretricious	tawdry.
solace	comfort in grief.
admonition	gentle or friendly reproof; friendly warning.
interregnum	the interval between two reigns; also, any breach of continuity in an order.
velleity	a slight wish or inclination.
derogate	to deviate from expectation; also, to detract; also, to disparage.
mazy	resembling a maze; intricate or confusing.
pablum	something (as writing or speech) that is trite, insipid, or simplistic.
wag	a humorous person; a wit.
eremite	a hermit.
pertinacious	holding obstinately to a belief, purpose or design; also, stubbornly persistent.
Hobson's choice	a choice without an alternative.
luminary	any body that gives light; also, a person of eminence or brilliant achievement.
benefaction	the act of conferring a benefit; also, a benefit conferred.
superannuated	old; discharged or disqualified on account of old age.
expunge	to strike out or erase; to obliterate.
fustian	pompous or pretentious language.
dissimulate	to hide under a false appearance; also, to feign or pretend.
stripling	an adolescent youth.
terminus	the end of a transportation line or route; any finishing point.
asseverate	to affirm or declare positively or earnestly.
sentient	capable of perceiving by the senses.
malapropos	unseasonable or unseasonably; inappropriate or inappropriately.
agitprop	propaganda.
fiat	an arbitrary or authoritative command or order.
nimiety	excess.
surreptitious	done, made, or gotten by stealth; also, marked by stealth.
pleonasm	the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea.
abominate	to detest intensely.
discursive	digressive; rambling; also, marked by analytical reasoning.
countervail	to counteract; also, to offset.
myrmidon	a loyal follower.
perforce	by necessity.
pusillanimous	cowardly.
claque	a group of fawning admirers.
fugacious	lasting but a short time.
hauteur	haughtiness; arrogance.
somnolent	drowsy; also, tending to cause sleepiness.
susurration	a whispering; a soft murmur.
puerile	juvenile; childish.
gelid	extremely cold; icy.
philomath	a lover of learning; a scholar.
redoubt	a stronghold.
extant	still existing.
incipient	beginning to exist or appear.
extempore	without premeditation or preparation.
potable	drinkable; also, a beverage, especially an alcoholic one.
irascible	easily provoked to anger.
descry	to catch sight of; to detect.
mien	demeanor; also, aspect; appearance.
nefarious	wicked in the extreme.
volte-face	an about-face.
exiguous	extremely scanty.
pecuniary	relating to money.
traduce	to vilify.
postprandial	happening or done after a meal.
sinecure	an office or position that involves little work or responsibility.
apogee	the highest point.
incontrovertible	indisputable; unquestionable.
furbelow	something showy or superfluous.
maudlin	excessively sentimental.
exigent	requiring immediate aid or action; also, demanding.
contravene	to act or be counter to.
temerarious	reckless; rash.
philter	a love potion.
reticent	inclined to keep silent.
pronunciamento	a proclamation; a pronouncement.
voluble	characterized by a ready flow of speech.
erudite	characterized by extensive reading or knowledge.
quotidian	occurring daily; also, ordinary.
roister	to revel; to carouse.
seriatim	in a series; one after another.
detritus	debris.
sybarite	a person devoted to luxury and pleasure.
loquacious	very talkative.
tyro	a novice.
salubrious	healthful.
evanescent	fleeting.
ineluctable	impossible to avoid or evade.
prolix	wordy.
cavalcade	a procession.
celerity	quickness; swiftness.
obloquy	ill repute.
extol	to praise.
frisson	a brief moment of intense excitement.
malediction	a curse.
lenity	the state or quality of being lenient.
unctuous	marked by a false or smug earnestness or agreeableness.
expatiate	to speak or write at length.
nescience	lack of knowledge or awareness.
desideratum	something desired.
indomitable	incapable of being subdued or overcome.
raconteur	one who excels in telling stories and anecdotes.
sunder	to break apart.
peccadillo	a slight offense; a petty fault.
extricate	to free or release from a difficulty or entanglement.
aspersion	a damaging or derogatory remark.
levity	frivolity.
mellifluous	flowing sweetly or smoothly.
logorrhea	excessive talkativeness.
arrogate	to claim or seize without right or justification.
forlorn	sad and lonely because deserted, abandoned, or lost.
comport	to behave (oneself) in a particular manner.
farrago	an assortment; a medley.
ratiocination	the process of reasoning.
varicolored	having a variety of colors.
doula	a woman who assists in childbirth.
nonagenarian	someone whose age is in the nineties.
friable	easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder.
gravitas	high seriousness.
lachrymose	given to causing tears.
abscond	to depart secretly.
probity	complete and confirmed integrity.
taciturn	not inclined to talk.
proclivity	a natural inclination.
demagogue	a leader who obtains power by means of appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the populace.
exculpate	to clear from alleged fault or guilt.
recalcitrant	stubbornly resistant to and defiant of authority or restraint.
quondam	former; sometime.
pellucid	transparent, clear; also, easily understandable.
desuetude	disuse.
apposite	of striking appropriateness and relevance.
jocund	light-hearted; mirthful.
firmament	the sky; the heavens.
spoonerism	the transposition of usually initial sounds in a pair of words.
perfunctory	done routinely.
beholden	obliged; indebted.
polyglot	speaking or containing many languages.
abjure	to renounce, reject, or shun.
collude	to act in concert; to conspire.
dissolute	loose in morals and conduct.
mendacious	untruthful; also, untrue.
clemency	disposition to show mercy; also, an act of mercy.
ebullient	high-spirited.
propitious	presenting favorable circumstances.
indolent	lazy; inactive.
adamant	not susceptible to persuasion; unyielding.
bonhomie	pleasant and easy manner.
depredation	an act of plundering or ravaging.
lissom	supple; nimble.
enervate	to weaken.
condign	deserved; adequate.
blandishment	flattering speech or action.
plenary	full; complete.
cosset	to treat with excessive indulgence; to pamper.
sang-froid	coolness in trying circumstances.
brio	vigor; vivacity.
vociferous	clamorous; noisy.
protean	readily assuming different shapes or forms.
eschew	to shun; to avoid.
somniferous	causing or inducing sleep.
gregarious	seeking and enjoying the company of others.
lassitude	lack of vitality or energy.
inchoate	partly but not fully in existence or operation.
esurient	hungry; greedy.
subterfuge	a deceptive device or stratagem.
gastronome	a lover of good food and drink.
affable	easy to speak to; also, gracious.
precipice	a very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging place.
purblind	having greatly reduced vision.
fulminate	to issue or utter verbal attacks or censures.
cogitate	to think; to ponder.
lambent	playing on the surface; flickering.
Zeitgeist	the spirit of the time.
pugnacious	combative; quarrelsome.
acumen	quickness or keenness of perception or discernment.
rapine	the act of plundering.
autodidact	one who is self-taught.
dilatory	given to, or marked by, procrastination or delay.
bete noire	something or someone particularly detested or avoided.
chary	wary; cautious.
kvetch	to complain habitually.
platitude	a banal, trite, or stale thought or remark.
ablution	the washing of the body or some part of it.
ameliorate	to make or grow better.
chagrin	acute vexation or embarrassment.
tortuous	marked by repeated turns and bends.
kismet	destiny; fate.
exacerbate	to aggravate; to make worse.
penchant	a strong liking.
ennui	a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction arising from lack of interest.
garrulous	talkative; also, wordy.
acrid	sharp and harsh; bitter.
rubicund	inclining to redness; ruddy.
sojourn	to dwell for a time; also, a temporary stay.
laudable	praiseworthy; commendable.
aesthete	one who cultivates great sensitivity to beauty.
perspicacity	clearness of understanding.
rara avis	a rare or unique person or thing.
turpitude	baseness; depravity.
diffident	bashful or unassertive.
persiflage	frivolous or bantering talk.
moribund	dying.
sobriquet	a nickname.
polymath	a person of great or varied learning.
appurtenance	an adjunct or accessory.
hirsute	covered with hair or bristles.
nadir	the lowest point.
wastrel	a person who wastes; a loafer.
facetious	playfully jocular; humorous.
afflatus	a divine inspiration.
cupidity	eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth.
intransigent	uncompromising.
cynosure	a center of attention.
refulgent	brilliant; resplendent.
concomitant	accompanying; attending.
ribald	characterized by, or given to, vulgar humor.
sesquipedalian	(of words) long; having many syllables.
deleterious	harmful.
temerity	unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger.
extirpate	to eradicate; to destroy.
lineament	a distinguishing or characteristic feature.
monomania	obsession with a single subject.
pari passu	at an equal pace or rate.
prelapsarian	pertaining to the time or state before the Fall.
coeval	existing during the same period of time; also, a contemporary.
immure	to enclose within or as if within walls.
bumptious	crudely, presumptuously, or noisily self-assertive.
apostasy	desertion or departure from one's faith, principles, or party.
importunate	troublesomely urgent.
busker	a street musician or performer.
disconcert	to disturb the composure of.
malfeasance	wrongdoing, misconduct, or misbehavior.
intractable	not easily governed, managed, or directed.
equivocate	to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear.
factotum	a person employed to do all kinds of work.
peregrination	a traveling from place to place.
diaphanous	allowing light to pass through.
quorum	such a number of the officers or members of any body as is legally competent to transact business.
relegate	to assign or remove, usually to an inferior position.
fanfaronade	empty boasting; bluster.
roseate	cheerful; bright; also, rose-colored.
camarilla	a group of secret and often scheming advisers.
torpid	dull; sluggish; apathetic.
concomitant	accompanying; attending.
stasis	a state of balance, equilibrium, or stagnation.
prepotency	predominance.
bagatelle	a trifle; also, a short, light literary or musical piece.
insensate	lacking sensation or awareness.
confute	to refute conclusively.
revenant	one who returns after death or a long absence.
corroborate	to strengthen or make more certain with other evidence.
exegete	one who explains or interprets difficult parts of written works.
dubiety	the condition or quality of being doubtful; also, a matter of doubt.
carapace	a shell; a protective covering.
tocsin	a warning.
puissant	powerful.
aplomb	confidence; coolness.
procrastination	To put off doing something.
opportune	suitable for a given purpose or occasion.
renascent	rising again into being; showing renewed vigor.
fettle	a state or condition of fitness, order, or mind.
proponent	an advocate.
cursory	hastily or superficially performed.
numinous	spiritual; holy.
evince	to show in a clear manner.
recondite	difficult to understand.
pelf	money; riches.
flagitious	grossly wicked; scandalous.
auspicious	favorable; also, prosperous; fortunate.
deliquesce	to melt away or become liquid.
prescient	knowing or anticipating the outcome of events before they happen.
indigent	extremely poor.
palpable	plain; distinct; obvious.
billingsgate	foul language.
anodyne	serving to relieve pain.
schadenfreude	a malicious satisfaction in the misfortunes of others.
euphonious	pleasing or sweet in sound.
quaff	to drink with relish.
ostensible	appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
xenophobia	fear or hatred of what is strange or foreign.
recrimination	a counter accusation.
malleable	capable of being shaped; also, adaptable.
perdurable	very durable; long lasting.
onus	burden; also, blame; stigma.
triskaidekaphobia	fear of the number 13.
bravado	a real or pretended show of courage or boldness.
littoral	on a coastal or shore region.
redivivus	living again; revived; restored.
paladin	a champion of a cause.
bootless	unavailing; useless.
gimcrack	a showy but useless or worthless object.
munificent	very generous.
hobnob	to associate familiarly.
fiduciary	relating to the holding of something in trust for another.
indelible	incapable of being removed or erased.
fortuitous	happening by chance.
diktat	an authoritative decree or order.
boulevardier	a man-about-town.
convivial	relating to feasting, drinking, and good company; festive.
legerdemain	sleight of hand.
foment	to nurse to life or activity; to incite.
concatenation	a chain; a succession.
parsimonious	frugal to excess.
moiety	a half; a small part.
venial	capable of being forgiven; excusable.
accede	to agree or assent; also, to become a party.
portend	to foreshadow; to bode.
chthonic	dwelling in or under the earth; also, pertaining to the underworld.
mercurial	changeable; temperamental; volatile.
ineffable	incapable of being expressed.
adventitious	added extrinsically; not essentially inherent.
omnipresent	present in all places at the same time.
gourmand	one who enjoys good food in great quantities.
crepuscular	pertaining to twilight.
exalt	to praise, glorify, or honor.
contradistinction	distinction by contrast.
soporific	causing sleep; also, something that causes sleep.
deride	to laugh at with contempt.
laconic	using or marked by the use of a minimum of words.
bellwether	a leader or leading indicator.
effulgence	the state of being bright and radiant.
riparian	of or pertaining to the bank of a river.
mordant	biting; caustic; sarcastic.
woebegone	woeful; also, run-down.
scintilla	a tiny amount; a spark.
halcyon	peaceful; undisturbed; happy.
tendentious	marked by a strong tendency in favor of a particular point of view.
palimpsest	an object or place whose older layers or aspects are apparent.
ostentation	excessive or pretentious display.
captious	disposed to find fault or raise objections.
ersatz	being a substitute or imitation.
paroxysm	an outburst; a fit.
tenebrous	dark; gloomy.
cadre	a core or nucleus of trained or otherwise qualified personnel around which an organization is formed.
gubernatorial	of or pertaining to a governor.
inscrutable	difficult to fathom or understand.
parley	a conference or discussion; also, to confer.
clarion	a kind of trumpet; also, loud and clear.
circumambient	surrounding; encompassing.
trammel	something that impedes activity, progress, or freedom; also, to hamper.
matutinal	relating to or occurring in the morning.
beneficence	the practice of doing good.
aver	to assert as true.
nugatory	insignificant; also, ineffectual.
multifarious	having great diversity or variety.
impassive	devoid of emotion; also, showing no emotion.
fealty	fidelity; allegiance; faithfulness.
segue	to proceed without interruption.
visage	the face; also, appearance; aspect.
obsequious	servilely attentive; fawning.
pukka	authentic; genuine; also, first-class.
coruscate	to give off or reflect bright beams or flashes of light.
foment	to nurse to life or activity; to incite.
missive	a written message; a letter.
hale	free from disease and weakening conditions; healthy.
edacious	given to eating.
algorithm	a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.
bouleversement	complete overthrow; a reversal.
practicable	feasible; also, usable.
encumbrance	a burden, impediment, or hindrance.
repast	a meal.
panacea	a cure-all.
circumlocution	the use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few.
meticulous	extremely careful about details.
wayworn	wearied by traveling.
parlous	fraught with danger; hazardous.
vim	energy; vigor.
booboisie	a class of people regarded as stupid or foolish.
orotund	full in sound; also, bombastic.
palindrome	a word, verse, phrase, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward.
flippant	showing inappropriate levity; pert.
irrefragable	impossible to refute.
cogent	appealing to the mind or to reason; convincing.
ukase	an edict.
fetid	stinking.
badinage	light, playful talk.
atelier	a workshop; a studio.
posit	to postulate; also, to suggest.
callow	immature.
succinct	brief; concise.
lugubrious	mournful; gloomy; dismal.
officious	meddlesome.
castigate	to punish or criticize severely.
propinquity	nearness.
descant	a discourse; also, to discourse.
robustious	boisterous; vigorous.
subfusc	dark or dull in color.
jollification	merrymaking; revelry.
doff	to take off; to remove; also, to rid oneself of.
conurbation	an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities.
pugilist	a boxer.
gewgaw	a trinket; a bauble.
quiddity	the essence or nature of a thing.
complement	something that fills up or completes.
acclimate	to accustom or become accustomed to a new climate, environment, or situation.
stentorian	extremely loud.
expeditious	characterized by speed and efficiency.
proselytize	to convert (someone) to another religion, belief, etc.
equable	equal and uniform; also, not easily disturbed.
sacrosanct	sacred; inviolable.
indefatigable	untiring.
gravid	pregnant.
hyperbole	extravagant exaggeration.
funereal	pertaining to or suiting a funeral; gloomy; mournful.
flibbertigibbet	a silly, flighty, or excessively talkative person.
vet	to subject to thorough appraisal; to evaluate.
acme	the highest point of something.
efface	to cause to disappear by rubbing out, striking out, etc.
stanch	to stop the flowing of; to check.
aggress	to make an attack.
excursus	a digression.
cataract	a large waterfall; also, a downpour, a flood.
mazy	resembling a maze; intricate or confusing.
entreat	to ask for or request earnestly.
hypnagogic	leading to sleep; hypnotic.
florid	flushed with red; also, excessively ornate.
leitmotif	a dominant and recurring theme.
bon ton	the height of the fashion; fashionable society.
fungible	interchangeable.
transmogrify	to transform.
benefaction	the act of conferring a benefit; also, a benefit conferred.
salutary	beneficial; also, healthful.
interstice	a space between things or parts.
neophyte	a novice.
dyspeptic	pertaining to or having indigestion; also, irritable or ill-humored.
melange	a mixture.
limn	to draw or paint; also, to describe.
vapid	flat; dull; spiritless.
pernicious	deadly; destructive; exceedingly harmful.
valetudinarian	a weak or sickly person.
cerebration	the act or product of thinking.
hortatory	serving to encourage or incite.
mimetic	imitative.
bellicose	inclined to or favoring war or strife.
veritable	real; true; genuine.
apprise	to give notice to; to inform.
explicate	to explain.
maelstrom	a large, powerful whirlpool; also, a violent, disordered, or turbulent state of affairs.
billet-doux	a love letter.
dissimulate	to hide under a false appearance; also, to feign or pretend.
adage	an old saying.
histrionic	theatrical.
contrite	feeling or expressing grief and regret for sins or offenses.
lacuna	a blank space; a missing part.
qua	in the capacity or character of; as.
iota	a very small quantity or degree.
malversation	misconduct in public office.
confrere	a colleague, comrade, or intimate associate.
supine	lying on the back; also, indolent; listless.
conflagration	a large and destructive fire.
plenipotentiary	invested with full power.
errant	wandering; deviating from an appointed course, or from a direct path; roving.
preternatural	beyond of different from what is natural; inexplicable; extraordinary; abnormal.
idee fixe	a fixed idea; an obsession.
succor	aid; help; also, to help or relieve.
piebald	mottled; also, mixed.
mollify	to reduce in intensity; to soothe; to soften.
staid	steady or sedate in character.
prima facie	at first view.
exemplar	an ideal model or type.
recidivism	a tendency to lapse into a previous condition or pattern of behavior; esp., into prior criminal habits.
nosegay	a bouquet.
wan	pale; also, lacking vitality or intensity.
digerati	persons knowledgeable about computers.
avuncular	resembling an uncle, as in kindness or indulgence.
nebbish	a weak-willed, timid, or ineffectual person.
cadge	to beg; to sponge.
minatory	threatening; menacing.
quietus	final acquittance, as from debt; also, rest; death.
sagacious	of keen penetration and judgment; wise.
feckless	ineffective; weak; worthless.
invective	insulting or abusive language.
sartorial	of or relating to a tailor, tailoring, or clothing.
puckish	whimsical; mischievous; impish.
abulia	loss or impairment of the ability to act or to make decisions.
small beer	weak beer; also, matters of little importance.
vagary	an extravagant, erratic, or unpredictable notion, action, or occurrence.
nimbus	a dark gray rain cloud; also, a halo, an aura.
overweening	overbearing; also, excessive.
insuperable	incapable of being passed over, surmounted, or overcome.
effete	infertile; also, worn out; also, decadent, effeminate.
spry	nimble.
luminary	any body that gives light; also, a person of eminence or brilliant achievement.
ignoble	not noble.
appellation	a name, title, or designation.
galvanic	pertaining to a direct current of electricity; also, having the effect of an electric shock.
fillip	a snap; also, a stimulus.
apologia	a formal defense or justification.
flaneur	one who strolls about aimlessly; a lounger; a loafer.
hullabaloo	a confused noise; uproar.
myriad	consisting of a very great but indefinite number; also, a very great many.
nepotism	favoritism shown to members of one's family.
potboiler	a usually inferior literary or artistic work, produced quickly for the purpose of making money.
distrait	divided or withdrawn in attention, especially because of anxiety.
raiment	clothing in general; garments.
politic	political; also, shrewdly tactful.
internecine	destructive; especially, mutually destructive; also, relating to conflict within a group.
bevy	a group; an assembly.
furtive	obtained or characterized by stealth; sly; secret; stealthy.
pulchritude	beauty.
mendicant	a beggar.
plaudit	enthusiastic approval.
abstruse	difficult to comprehend.
swan song	a final or farewell appearance, action, or pronouncement.
teetotaler	one pledged to abstinence from alcoholic drinks.
undulant	resembling waves in form, motion, or occurrence.
rapprochement	the establishment or state of cordial relations.
chortle	to utter, or express with, a snorting, exultant laugh or chuckle.
hobbledehoy	an awkward, gawky young fellow.
bricolage	construction or something constructed by using whatever materials happen to be available.
clamber	to climb with difficulty, or on all fours.
nettlesome	causing irritation, vexation, or distress.
patrician	a nobleman; also, a person of refined upbringing, manners, and taste.
heterogeneous	consisting of dissimilar elements.
sotto voce	spoken low or in an undertone.
bailiwick	a person's specific area of knowledge, authority, interest, skill, or work.
nonplus	to confound; to perplex; to bewilder.
inkhorn	affectedly or ostentatiously learned.
jocular	given to or characterized by joking.
incommunicado	without means or right to communicate.
apotheosis	a model of excellence or perfection of a kind.
bucolic	rustic; pastoral.
limpid	clear; also, serene.
solicitous	manifesting, expressing, or full of care or concern.
comely	pleasing to the sight.
inexorable	unyielding; relentless.
nonpareil	having no equal.
ossify	to harden or to become bone.
commodious	comfortably spacious; roomy.
pastiche	a hodgepodge; a potpourri.
martinet	a strict disciplinarian.
connubial	of or pertaining to marriage.
acrimony	bitter, harsh, or biting sharpness.
lambaste	to scold sharply; also, to beat.
bibelot	a trinket.
egress	the act of going out or leaving; exit.
propitiate	to appease; to conciliate.
stripling	an adolescent youth.
peripatetic	walking about or traveling from place to place.
abattoir	a slaughterhouse.
rivulet	a small stream or brook.
obstreperous	noisily and stubbornly defiant; also, boisterous.
donnybrook	a brawl or dispute.
hoi polloi	the common people; the masses.
pervicacious	stubborn; obstinate.
alfresco	outdoors; outdoor.
dotage	feebleness of mind due to old age.
parse	to analyze.
commensurate	equal in measure or extent; also, proportionate.
paterfamilias	the male head of a household; the father of a family.
rotund	round; rounded in figure.
wag	a humorous person; a wit.
efficacious	producing, or capable of producing, a desired effect.
aegis	a shield; protection.
denouement	the final resolution of the main complication of a literary or dramatic work.
yen	a strong desire or inclination.
irenic	promoting peace.
perorate	to conclude or sum up a long discourse; also, to speak at length.
sui generis	unique.
collegial	characterized by or having authority vested equally among colleagues.
slaver	to slobber; to drool.
discomfit	to disconcert; also, to thwart.
sere	dry; withered.
gadabout	one who roams about in search of amusement or social activity.
effusive	excessively demonstrative.
languor	lack of energy or vitality.
bloviate	to speak or write in a pompous manner.
mephitic	offensive to the smell; also, noxious.
oblation	an offering.
interlard	to insert between; to mix.
fait accompli	an accomplished and presumably irreversible deed or fact.
blackguard	a scoundrel.
peremptory	precluding or putting an end to all debate or action.
genuflect	to bend the knee, as in worship; also, to grovel.
redolent	having or exuding fragrance; also, evocative, reminiscent.
satiety	fullness to or beyond the point of satisfaction.
presentiment	a premonition.
timorous	full of apprehensiveness; fearful.
penury	extreme poverty; also, insufficiency.
cudgel	a short heavy stick.
tirade	a long angry speech.
aright	rightly; correctly.
filial	of, pertaining to, or befitting a son or daughter.
brackish	somewhat salty; also, distasteful.
louche	of questionable taste or morality.
solecism	a nonstandard usage or grammatical construction.
riposte	a quick and effective reply by word or act.
longueur	a tedious passage in a work of literature, etc.
juxtaposition	the act or an instance of placing in nearness.
vatic	of or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy.
crux	the essential point or feature.
exegesis	exposition; explanation.
arriviste	an upstart.
carom	to strike and rebound; also, a glancing off.
slake	to satisfy or quench; also, to cause to lessen.
eremite	a hermit.
cohort	a group; also, a companion or associate.
avatar	an incarnation.
ne plus ultra	the acme; also, the most profound degree.
exhort	to urge strongly.
senescence	the state of being or growing old.
Cockaigne	an imaginary land of ease and luxury.
skulduggery	devious, dishonest, or unscrupulous behavior or activity.
fey	possessing or displaying a strange and otherworldly aspect or quality.
remonstrate	to present and urge reasons in opposition.
hinterland	backcountry.
aficionado	an enthusiastic admirer; a fan.
machination	a crafty scheme intended to accomplish some usually evil end.
germane	appropriate or fitting; relevant.
fallible	liable to make a mistake.
oblivious	forgetful; also, unmindful.
militate	to have force or influence.
permeate	to spread or diffuse through.
caterwaul	to make a harsh cry or screech.
agon	struggle; conflict.
deracinate	to uproot.
intrepid	fearless; bold.
cavort	to bound or prance about.
suasion	the act of persuading.
arrant	outright; thoroughgoing.
latitudinarian	having or expressing broad and tolerant views.
homily	a sermon or lecture; also, an inspirational saying or a platitude.
rejoinder	an answer to a reply.
concinnity	elegance -- used chiefly of literary style.
fecund	fruitful; prolific.
tattoo	a rapid, rhythmic drumming or rapping.
imprecation	a curse.
supplant	to take the place of.
vertiginous	causing dizziness; also, giddy; dizzy.
pied-a-terre	a temporary or second place of lodging.
Argus-eyed	extremely observant; watchful.
corpulent	very fat; obese.
bacchanalia	a revel.
profuse	plentiful; copious.
doyen	the senior member of a body or group.
billet	to quarter, or place in lodgings.
coterminous	of equal extent or duration.
plaintive	expressive of sorrow or melancholy.
tremulous	shaking, quivering; also, affected with fear.
doughty	valiant; brave.
contretemps	something inopportune or embarrassing.
arbiter	one having the power of judging and determining.
pablum	something (as writing or speech) that is trite, insipid, or simplistic.
milksop	an unmanly man.
cajole	to coax.
hardscrabble	barren, marginal; also, marked by poverty.
potentate	one who possesses great power or sway.
moil	to labor; to toil; to drudge.
redact	to edit.
privation	the state of being deprived of something.
venerate	to treat with deep respect.
starveling	one who is starving or being starved; also, poor in quality.
etiolate	to blanch or bleach; to make sickly.
wiseacre	a smart aleck.
quagmire	a predicament.
dictum	an authoritative statement.
quixotic	foolishly impractical; also, capricious, impulsive.
maunder	to talk or wander aimlessly.
vade mecum	a book or other thing that one regularly carries about.
amicable	characterized by friendliness and good will.
effrontery	shameless boldness; insolence.
cabal	a group that seeks power usually through intrigue.
forcible	effected by force used against resistance; also, powerful.
neoteric	recent in origin; new.
indigence	extreme poverty.
frangible	capable of being broken; easily broken.
grandiloquent	lofty in style.
approbation	formal or official approval; also, praise.
dishabille	the state of being carelessly or partially dressed.
clerisy	the intelligentsia.
debouch	to emerge; to issue.
epicene	having the characteristics of both the male and the female.
braggadocio	empty boasting.
hubris	overbearing pride or presumption.
gustatory	pertaining to the sense of taste.
ken	perception, view; especially, reach of sight or knowledge.
recherche	exotic; rare; also, affected, pretentious.
chimera	a mental fabrication.
mulct	to defraud.
hector	to bully or harass.
disquisition	a formal discourse on a subject.
tatterdemalion	a person dressed in tattered clothing.
panjandrum	an important or self-important official.
dulcet	melodious.
serendipity	the faculty or phenomenon of making fortunate accidental discoveries.
extemporaneous	composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment.
copse	a thicket of small trees.
ludic	playful.
popinjay	a vain and talkative person.
embonpoint	plumpness of person.
idyll	a poem or prose work depicting rural or pastoral life; also, a carefree episode or experience.
unguent	an ointment.
redoubtable	formidable; also, illustrious; eminent.
tenet	any opinion, principle, or doctrine held to be true.
benison	blessing; benediction.
arcanum	a secret; a mystery.
diablerie	sorcery; also, mischievous conduct.
eldritch	unearthly; weird; eerie.
disport	to frolic; to amuse (oneself).
repine	to feel or express discontent.
troglodyte	someone who dwells in a cave.
abeyance	suspension; temporary cessation.
gamine	an urchin; also, a mischievous girl or young woman.
sedition	incitement of rebellion against lawful authority.
lubricious	lewd; also, slippery or smooth.
hebetude	mental dullness or sluggishness.
acuity	acuteness of perception or vision.
sanctum	a place where one is free from intrusion.
empyrean	the highest heaven; the heavens; the sky.
demur	to object; also, to delay.
rodomontade	pretentious, bragging speech.
gallimaufry	a hodgepodge.
impregnable	able to resist attack.
urbane	polished and smooth in manner.
bibulous	of, pertaining to, marked by, or given to the consumption of alcohol.
acerbic	sharp, biting, or acid in temper, expression, or tone.
redound	to have a consequence or effect.
languid	lacking vigor or force.
predilection	an established preference.
repletion	the condition of being completely or excessively full.
transmute	to change from one nature, form, substance, or state into another.
forgo	to do without.
abed	in bed.
malapropism	the usually unintentionally humorous misuse of a word, especially by confusion with one of similar sound; also, an example of such misuse.
soi-disant	self-styled; so-called.
paean	a song or other expression of praise or joy.
flummery	mumbo jumbo; nonsense.
dolorous	marked by, causing, or expressing grief or sorrow.
pantheon	the collective gods of a people; also, a group of highly esteemed persons.
surly	ill-humored; sullen and gruff.
fatidic	of, relating to, or characterized by prophecy.
enjoin	to direct or impose with authority; also, to forbid.
turbid	muddy; not clear; also, confused; disordered.
renege	to go back on a promise or commitment.
enunciate	to utter articulately; also, to state or set forth precisely or systematically.
punctilious	precise; exact in the smallest particulars.
foofaraw	excessive or flashy ornamentation; also, a fuss over a trivial matter.
autochthonous	indigenous; native.
gambol	to dance and skip about in play.
bowdlerize	to remove or modify the parts considered offensive.
remunerate	to pay an equivalent to for any service, loss, or expense.
discrete	constituting a separate thing; also, consisting of distinct or unconnected parts.
nascent	beginning to exist.
excrescence	something growing out from something else; also, a disfiguring or unwanted part.
refractory	stubbornly disobedient.
heterodox	holding unorthodox opinions.
conflate	to bring together; to meld.
bombinate	to buzz, hum, or drone.
putsch	an attempt to overthrow a government.
bilious	of or pertaining to bile; also, ill-tempered.
foundling	a deserted or abandoned child.
bedizen	to dress or adorn in gaudy manner.
tintinnabulation	a tinkling sound, as of a bell or bells.
cosmopolite	a cosmopolitan person.
galumph	to move in a clumsy manner or with a heavy tread.
salad days	a time of youthful inexperience, innocence, or indiscretion.
affray	a tumultuous assault or quarrel; a brawl.
faineant	doing nothing; idle; also, a do-nothing.
prink	to primp.
segue	to proceed without interruption.
palimpsest	an object or place whose older layers or aspects are apparent.
bete noire	something or someone particularly detested or avoided.
farrago	an assortment; a medley.
expatiate	to speak or write at length.
nadir	the lowest point.
protean	readily assuming different shapes or forms.
fulsome	offensive from excess of praise.
constitutional	a walk taken for one's health.
quondam	former; sometime.
sinecure	an office or position that involves little work or responsibility.
vainglory	excessive pride or vain display.
canard	an unfounded or false report.
gainsay	to contradict; to deny.
portend	to foreshadow; to bode.
ratiocination	the process of reasoning.
equivocate	to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear.
frisson	a brief moment of intense excitement.
tchotchke	a trinket; a knickknack.
inveigh	to rail (against some person or thing).
propound	to put forward for consideration.
acrid	sharp and harsh; bitter.
lachrymose	given to causing tears.
fop	a man who is vain about his dress and appearance.
defenestrate	to throw out of a window.
brio	vigor; vivacity.
supercilious	disdainfully arrogant.
gesticulate	to make gestures or motions.
probity	complete and confirmed integrity.
inveterate	deep-rooted; of long standing.
Hobson's choice	a choice without an alternative.
rebarbative	repellent; irritating.
afflatus	a divine inspiration.
comport	to behave (oneself) in a particular manner.
sunder	to break apart.
espy	to see at a glance.
compunction	anxiety or unease from guilt; also, a scruple.
venial	capable of being forgiven; excusable.
gimcrack	a showy but useless or worthless object.
truculent	fierce; savage; ferocious.
unctuous	marked by a false or smug earnestness or agreeableness.
celerity	quickness; swiftness.
vehement	marked by intensity of emotions or convictions.
putative	commonly thought or deemed; supposed.
wheedle	to entice by flattery.
stolid	unexcitable; unemotional.
lugubrious	mournful; gloomy; dismal.
abjure	to renounce, reject, or shun.
vicissitude	a change in condition or fortune.
redress	to set right.
ubiquitous	being everywhere.
propinquity	nearness.
venal	capable of being bought; also, corruptible.
obviate	to anticipate and dispose of or make unnecessary.
mellifluous	flowing sweetly or smoothly.
prestidigitation	sleight of hand.
gastronome	a lover of good food and drink.
exculpate	to clear from alleged fault or guilt.
diaphanous	allowing light to pass through.
supernumerary	exceeding a necessary or usual number.
indomitable	incapable of being subdued or overcome.
argot	a specialized vocabulary peculiar to a particular group.
impugn	to call in question; to make insinuations against.
lascivious	lewd; lustful.
parsimony	excessive sparingness in the expenditure of money.
atrabilious	irritable; ill-natured.
peccadillo	a slight offense; a petty fault.
logorrhea	excessive talkativeness.
travail	painful, arduous work; also, agony, anguish.
acquiesce	to accept or consent passively or without objection.
elucidate	to make clear or manifest.
recalcitrant	stubbornly resistant to and defiant of authority or restraint.
abstemious	temperate; abstinent; refraining from indulgence.
gravitas	high seriousness.
Ides	the fifteenth day of March, May, July, and October, and the thirteenth day of the other months.
mendacious	untruthful; also, untrue.
verdure	greenness.
emblazon	to display pompously; to decorate.
collude	to act in concert; to conspire.
risible	exciting or provoking laughter.
surcease	cessation; stop; end.
adumbrate	to outline; also, to foreshadow; also, to suggest; also, to shade.
Elysium	paradise.
demagogue	a leader who obtains power by means of appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the populace.
augury	an omen; prediction.
fulminate	to issue or utter verbal attacks or censures.
sycophant	one who seeks favor by flattery; a toady.
vitiate	to make faulty or imperfect.
factious	addicted to form parties and raise dissensions.
quiescent	at rest; still; inactive.
purblind	having greatly reduced vision.
coxcomb	a vain, showy fellow.
chicanery	the use of trickery to deceive.
habitue	one who habitually frequents a place.
pellucid	transparent, clear; also, easily understandable.
buss	a kiss; to kiss.
factitious	artificial; not authentic or genuine.
profligate	shamelessly immoral; also, recklessly wasteful.
bedaub	to besmear; also, to overdecorate.
bifurcate	to divide into two branches.
contumacious	obstinate; stubbornly disobedient.
firmament	the sky; the heavens.
arcane	understood or known by only a few.
perfunctory	done routinely.
temerity	unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger.
superannuated	old; discharged or disqualified on account of old age.
egregious	outrageously bad.
tutelary	guardian; protecting.
condign	deserved; adequate.
lambent	playing on the surface; flickering.
confabulation	familiar talk.
expiate	to make amends for; to atone for.
somniferous	causing or inducing sleep.
aubade	a song greeting the dawn.
cogitate	to think; to ponder.
persiflage	frivolous or bantering talk.
obfuscate	to darken or obscure.
calumny	malicious misrepresentation; slander.
ablution	the washing of the body or some part of it.
undulate	to move in waves.
cosset	to treat with excessive indulgence; to pamper.
subterfuge	a deceptive device or stratagem.
kismet	destiny; fate.
turpitude	baseness; depravity.
ephemeral	short-lived.
inveigle	to persuade or obtain by ingenuity or flattery.
portentous	foreboding; ominous.
facetious	playfully jocular; humorous.
deign	to condescend.
restive	resisting control; stubborn.
schadenfreude	a malicious satisfaction in the misfortunes of others.
pari passu	at an equal pace or rate.
mawkish	sickly or excessively sentimental.
panache	dash or flamboyance in manner or style.
adventitious	added extrinsically; not essentially inherent.
kvetch	to complain habitually.
pejorative	disparaging; belittling.
cognoscente	a person with special knowledge.
alacrity	a cheerful readiness, willingness, or promptness.
bravura	a showy display.
vivify	to endue with life; to enliven.
sonorous	yielding sound; impressive in sound.
anathema	a curse; a person or thing cursed, or intensely disliked.
laconic	using or marked by the use of a minimum of words.
deleterious	harmful.
platitude	a banal, trite, or stale thought or remark.
quash	to annul; also, to crush; to subdue.
meretricious	tawdry.
bumptious	crudely, presumptuously, or noisily self-assertive.
laudable	praiseworthy; commendable.
inamorata	a woman whom one is in love with.
penchant	a strong liking.
disconcert	to disturb the composure of.
physiognomy	the face or appearance.
masticate	to chew.
sempiternal	everlasting; eternal.
harangue	a speech addressed to a public assembly; also, a noisy or pompous speech.
supernal	being on high; celestial.
rubicund	inclining to redness; ruddy.
moribund	dying.
apothegm	a short, witty, and instructive saying.
wastrel	a person who wastes; a loafer.
malodorous	having a bad odor.
plangent	beating with a loud or deep sound; also, expressing sadness.
immure	to enclose within or as if within walls.
rara avis	a rare or unique person or thing.
scapegrace	one who is wild and reckless.
ruminate	to chew the cud; also, to ponder; to reflect.
hirsute	covered with hair or bristles.
admonition	gentle or friendly reproof; friendly warning.
abrogate	to annul; to do away with.
importunate	troublesomely urgent.
kitsch	art in pretentious bad taste.
monomania	obsession with a single subject.
ribald	characterized by, or given to, vulgar humor.
febrile	feverish.
rapacious	grasping; greedy.
extirpate	to eradicate; to destroy.
uxorious	excessively fond of or submissive to a wife.
anodyne	serving to relieve pain.
bootless	unavailing; useless.
flummox	to confuse; to perplex.
concomitant	accompanying; attending.
busker	a street musician or performer.
turgid	swollen, bloated; also, bombastic, pompous.
denizen	an inhabitant.
peregrination	a traveling from place to place.
tocsin	a warning.
palliate	to extenuate; also, to relieve.
improvident	lacking foresight; negligent; thoughtless.
inimical	unfriendly; unfavorable.
halcyon	peaceful; undisturbed; happy.
coeval	existing during the same period of time; also, a contemporary.
obtrude	to thrust out; also, to impose on others.
cozen	to deceive or obtain by deceit.
perfervid	ardent; impassioned.
recrudescent	breaking out again.
deride	to laugh at with contempt.
billingsgate	foul language.
factotum	a person employed to do all kinds of work.
jejune	lacking in nutritional value; also, immature; also, dull.
evince	to show in a clear manner.
cacophony	harsh or discordant sound.
perfidy	faithlessness; treachery.
onus	burden; also, blame; stigma.
tergiversation	evasion; also, desertion of a cause, party, etc.
opprobrium	reproach mingled with contempt.
hoary	white or gray with age; hence, extremely old.
tractable	docile; manageable, governable.
recumbent	reclining; lying down.
prevaricate	to depart from or evade the truth.
libation	the act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice; also, a beverage.
quandary	a state of difficulty or perplexity.
obsequious	servilely attentive; fawning.
simulacrum	a representation; an insubstantial or vague semblance.
miasma	a thick vaporous atmosphere, often noxious.
ululate	to howl; to wail.
toothsome	delicious; attractive; luscious.
asperity	roughness of surface, sound, or manner.
impervious	impenetrable; also, not capable of being affected.
auspicious	favorable; also, prosperous; fortunate.
puissant	powerful.
otiose	ineffective; also, being at leisure; also, of no use.
lucubration	nocturnal study.
quaff	to drink with relish.
perdurable	very durable; long lasting.
crapulous	sick from, or marked by, excessive drinking.
equanimity	calmness; composure.
megalomania	a mental disorder characterized by delusions of grandeur.
verbose	wordy.
gauche	lacking social polish; tactless.
euphonious	pleasing or sweet in sound.
fustian	pompous or pretentious language.
contradistinction	distinction by contrast.
disparate	fundamentally different; also, composed of dissimilar elements.
palaver	idle talk; also, to talk idly.
malleable	capable of being shaped; also, adaptable.
termagant	a scolding, nagging, bad-tempered woman.
consanguineous	related by blood; descended from the same ancestor.
verisimilitude	the quality of seeming to be true.
tendentious	marked by a strong tendency in favor of a particular point of view.
avoirdupois	weight; heaviness.
dudgeon	a state or fit of intense indignation.
rusticate	to go or send to the country.
ascetic	one who practices extreme self-denial; also, austere, severe.
excoriate	to express strong disapproval of; also, to flay.
dilettante	an amateur; also, an admirer or lover of the fine arts.
truckle	to act in a subservient manner.
nugatory	insignificant; also, ineffectual.
moiety	a half; a small part.
variegated	having marks or patches of different colors; also, varied.
convivial	relating to feasting, drinking, and good company; festive.
posit	to postulate; also, to suggest.
expunge	to strike out or erase; to obliterate.
largess	generous giving; also, gifts of money or other valuables.
woebegone	woeful; also, run-down.
milieu	environment; setting.
accede	to agree or assent; also, to become a party.
salient	noticeable; also, projecting; also, leaping.
wunderkind	one who achieves success or acclaim during youth.
obeisance	an expression of deference.
felicitous	apt or appropriate; also, delightful.
grandee	a man of elevated rank or station; a nobleman.
disconsolate	hopelessly sad; also, saddening; cheerless.
malinger	to feign illness or inability.
credulous	inclined to believe too readily.
tryst	an appointment (as between lovers) to meet.
paragon	a model of excellence or perfection.
inscrutable	difficult to fathom or understand.
soporific	causing sleep; also, something that causes sleep.
congeries	a collection; an aggregation.
didactic	conveying instruction; teaching some moral lesson.
officious	meddlesome.
flippant	showing inappropriate levity; pert.
castigate	to punish or criticize severely.
aver	to assert as true.
callow	immature.
lucre	money; profit.
epigone	an inferior imitator.
imbue	to dye; to instill profoundly.
concupiscence	lust.
irrefragable	impossible to refute.
rictus	a gaping grin or grimace.
nostrum	a questionable remedy.
scintilla	a tiny amount; a spark.
ergo	therefore; consequently.
animus	a feeling of ill will; also, animating spirit; disposition.
ignoramus	an ignorant person; a dunce.
interregnum	the interval between two reigns; also, any breach of continuity in an order.
lexicography	the writing or compiling of dictionaries.
circumambient	surrounding; encompassing.
purdah	social seclusion.
proscribe	to forbid; to prohibit.
coquette	a flirt.
cadre	a core or nucleus of trained or otherwise qualified personnel around which an organization is formed.
titivate	to smarten up; to spruce.
bromide	a commonplace or conventional saying.
orotund	full in sound; also, bombastic.
pertinacious	holding obstinately to a belief, purpose or design; also, stubbornly persistent.
Promethean	of or pertaining to Prometheus; also, boldly original.
extraneous	coming from the outside; also, not essential; also, irrelevant.
amity	friendship; friendly relations.
pettifogger	a petty, unscrupulous lawyer; also, who quibbles over trivia.
mountebank	a quack; also, a charlatan.
apparition	a ghost; also, an unexpected appearance.
perquisite	a benefit in addition to a salary.
exigency	state of requiring immediate action; also, an urgent situation; also, that which is required in a particular situation.
succinct	brief; concise.
ineffectual	without effect; weak; useless.
sapient	wise; sage; discerning.
pugilist	a boxer.
deus ex machina	an agent who appears unexpectedly to solve an apparently insoluble difficulty.
circumspect	cautious; prudent.
tutelage	guardianship; protection; also, instruction.
visage	the face; also, appearance; aspect.
introspection	the act or process of self-examination; reflection.
missive	a written message; a letter.
expropriate	to deprive of possession; also, to transfer (property) to oneself.
malcontent	one who is discontented or dissatisfied.
ukase	an edict.
derogate	to deviate from expectation; also, to detract; also, to disparage.
raillery	good-humored banter or teasing repartee.
neologism	a new word or expression; the use or creation of new words or expressions.
malaise	a condition of uneasiness or ill-being.
raffish	tawdry; also, rakish.
parlous	fraught with danger; hazardous.
querulous	habitually complaining; also, expressing complaint.
cornucopia	the horn of plenty; also, an abundance.
panacea	a cure-all.
sine qua non	an indispensable thing.
fractious	tending to cause trouble; also, irritable.
vim	energy; vigor.
perambulate	to stroll; to walk through or over.
wizened	shriveled; withered.
modicum	a small or token amount.
oneiric	pertaining to or suggestive of dreams.
execrable	detestable; extremely bad.
patina	a superficial layer.
provenance	origin; source.
caveat	a warning or caution.
nonage	a period of youth or immaturity.
atelier	a workshop; a studio.
fetid	stinking.
itinerant	traveling from place to place.
conurbation	an aggregation or continuous network of urban communities.
equipoise	equilibrium; also, counterbalance.
coruscate	to give off or reflect bright beams or flashes of light.
voluptuary	a person devoted to luxury and the gratification of sensual appetites.
harridan	a scolding, vicious woman.
ambit	circuit or compass; also, sphere of action or influence.
rapport	relation characterized by sympathetic understanding.
pandemic	affecting a whole people or a number of countries.
apocryphal	of doubtful authority or authenticity.
cormorant	a gluttonous or greedy person.
microcosm	a smaller, representative system having analogies to a larger system.
harbinger	a precursor; one that presages what is to come.
censure	to criticize severely; also, an expression of disapproval.
capricious	whimsical; changeable.
sporadic	occuring singly, or occasionally, or in scattered instances.
wassail	an expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to some one.
quidnunc	a gossip; a busybody.
impassible	incapable of suffering; also, unfeeling or not showing feeling.
gloaming	twilight; dusk.
manse	a large and imposing residence.
Grub Street	the world or category of impoverished literary hacks.
Hogmanay	the name, in Scotland, for the last day of the year.
emolument	the wages or perquisites arising from office, employment, or labor.
palindrome	a word, verse, phrase, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward.
deprecate	to disapprove of; also, to belittle.
bivouac	a usually temporary encampment; also, to encamp.
umbrage	offense; resentment.
incipient	beginning to exist or appear.
dapple	a small contrasting blotch; also, to mark with spots.
pugnacious	combative; quarrelsome.
capitulate	to surrender under agreed conditions.
susurrus	a whispering or rustling sound.
thaumaturgy	the performing of miracles or magic.
capacious	able to contain much.
glower	to stare angrily or with a scowl.
canorous	melodious; musical.
repast	a meal.
spoonerism	the transposition of usually initial sounds in a pair of words.
tenebrous	dark; gloomy.
nescience	lack of knowledge or awareness.
gewgaw	a trinket; a bauble.
effulgence	the state of being bright and radiant.
assuage	to soften; to ease, or lessen.
exiguity	smallness; thinness; the quality of being meager.
seriatim	in a series; one after another.
tmesis	in grammar and rhetoric, the separation of the parts of a compound word.
chthonic	dwelling in or under the earth; also, pertaining to the underworld.
objurgate	to scold or rebuke sharply.
plethora	excess.
lissom	supple; nimble.
badinage	light, playful talk.
propitious	presenting favorable circumstances.
inclement	harsh; severe -- especially said of the weather.
kobold	a kind of domestic spirit in German mythology.
knell	the stoke of a bell tolled at a funeral.
cogent	appealing to the mind or to reason; convincing.
regale	to entertain with something that delights.
mordant	biting; caustic; sarcastic.
agog	in eager desire.
captious	disposed to find fault or raise objections.
arbitrage	the nearly simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset in order to profit from price discrepancies.
redoubt	a stronghold.
chichi	affectedly trendy.
taw	a large marble.
vexillology	the study of flags.
quorum	such a number of the officers or members of any body as is legally competent to transact business.
abscond	to depart secretly.
virtu	love of or taste for fine objects of art; also, productions of art.
junta	a governmental council or committee, esp. one that rules after a revolution.
gamut	a complete extent or range.
lexicon	a dictionary; also, the vocabulary of a person, group, etc.
aestival	of or belonging to the summer.
slugabed	one who stays in bed until a late hour.
desultory	jumping from subject to subject; erratic; inconsistent.
irascible	easily provoked to anger.
acumen	quickness or keenness of perception or discernment.
scion	a descendant; an heir.
bandog	a large and fierce dog.
multifarious	having great diversity or variety.
sublunary	situated beneath the moon; terrestrial.
ebullient	high-spirited.
Brobdingnagian	gigantic; enormous.
extant	still existing.
verdant	green.
Whig	a friend and supporter of the American Revolution.
trepidation	a state of dread or alarm; apprehension.
torrid	drying or scorching with heat; burning; parching.
gnomic	uttering, containing, or characterized by maxims.
comity	a state of mutual harmony, friendship, and respect.
tyro	a novice.
avarice	an excessive desire of gain; greediness.
eke	to gain or supplement with great effort or difficulty.
tittle-tattle	idle, trifling talk.
bellwether	a leader or leading indicator.
torpid	dull; sluggish; apathetic.
grok	to understand.
ameliorate	to make or grow better.
bestow	to give or confer.
comestible	suitable to be eaten.
requisite	required; indispensable.
prolix	wordy.
sobriquet	a nickname.
Zeitgeist	the spirit of the time.
numismatics	the collection and study of coins.
palpable	plain; distinct; obvious.
listless	having no desire or inclination.
antediluvian	extremely old.
melee	a confused conflict.
genial	sympathetically cheerful and cheering; kindly.
raucous	unpleasantly loud and harsh.
aberrant	abnormal.
diffident	bashful or unassertive.
superfluous	more than is wanted or is sufficient.
gregarious	seeking and enjoying the company of others.
erudite	characterized by extensive reading or knowledge.
insouciant	Marked by blithe unconcern; nonchalant.
salubrious	healthful.
verbiage	an overabundance of words.
ascribe	to attribute.
jovial	merry; joyous; jolly.
adamant	not susceptible to persuasion; unyielding.
desideratum	something desired.
ersatz	being a substitute or imitation.
solace	comfort in grief.
triskaidekaphobia	fear of the number 13.
stoic	indifferent to or unaffected by pleasure or pain; also, one who is stoic.
encumbrance	a burden, impediment, or hindrance.
puerile	juvenile; childish.
innocuous	harmless; also, unlikely to offend or provoke.
colloquial	characteristic of informal spoken language.
eleemosynary	relating to charity; charitable.
dour	stern or unyielding or gloomy.
incongruous	lacking in harmony.
winsome	light-hearted.
apposite	of striking appropriateness and relevance.
tumult	the commotion or agitation of a crowd.
parvenu	an upstart; one newly risen in class or economic status.
riparian	of or pertaining to the bank of a river.
dilatory	given to, or marked by, procrastination or delay.
edify	to instruct and improve.
impecunious	habitually without money; poor.
polyglot	speaking or containing many languages.
sedulous	diligent in application or pursuit.
juju	an object superstitiously believed to embody magical powers.
chagrin	acute vexation or embarrassment.
metier	an occupation, especially in which one excels.
facile	easily done or performed.
perforce	by necessity.
evanescent	fleeting.
quotidian	occurring daily; also, ordinary.
specious	apparently right but not so in reality.
munificent	very generous.
indolent	lazy; inactive.
intransigent	uncompromising.
tortuous	marked by repeated turns and bends.
paucity	fewness; insufficiency.
autodidact	one who is self-taught.
fatuous	inanely foolish; stupid; also, llusory.
complement	something that fills up or completes.
taciturn	not inclined to talk.
en masse	all together; as a whole.
confluence	a flowing or coming together.
maudlin	excessively sentimental.
enervate	to weaken.
recondite	difficult to understand.
paroxysm	an outburst; a fit.
copious	large in quantity; also, affording an abundant supply.
exalt	to praise, glorify, or honor.
erroneous	containing or characterized by error.
prescience	knowledge of events before they take place.
ineluctable	impossible to avoid or evade.
obdurate	hardened in feelings or in wrongdoing; unyielding.
banal	commonplace; trivial.
affable	easy to speak to; also, gracious.
noisome	offensive or disgusting; also, harmful; unwholesome.
exacerbate	to aggravate; to make worse.
misnomer	a misnaming.
lackadaisical	lacking spirit or liveliness.
hauteur	haughtiness; arrogance.
skulk	to hide in a sneaking manner.
voluble	characterized by a ready flow of speech.
ostracize	to banish or expel.
autocrat	a ruler with unlimited authority.
beholden	obliged; indebted.
aplomb	confidence; coolness.
disheveled	in loose disorder; disarranged.
precocious	characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development.
reticent	inclined to keep silent.
legerdemain	sleight of hand.
vituperate	to overwhelm with wordy abuse.
foment	to nurse to life or activity; to incite.
contumely	rudeness compounded of haughtiness and contempt.
philomath	a lover of learning; a scholar.
aesthete	one who cultivates great sensitivity to beauty.
nefarious	wicked in the extreme.
proclivity	a natural inclination.
flout	to treat with contempt and disregard.
sesquipedalian	(of words) long; having many syllables.
inchoate	partly but not fully in existence or operation.
circumlocution	th
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