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