Word Whore.

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: the use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few.
wayworn: wearied by traveling.
potable: drinkable; also, a beverage, especially an alcoholic one.
crepuscular: pertaining to twilight.
doppelganger: a ghostly double.
chimerical: merely imaginary; fanciful.
sybarite: a person devoted to luxury and pleasure.
gourmand: one who enjoys good food in great quantities.
animadversion: harsh criticism or disapproval.
desuetude: disuse.
pusillanimous: cowardly.
inculcate: to teach and impress by frequent repetition or instruction.
mien: demeanor; also, aspect; appearance.
garrulous: talkative; also, wordy.
aggrandize: to make or make appear great or greater.
sojourn: to dwell for a time; also, a temporary stay.
bombast: pompous or pretentious speech or writing.
cupidity: eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth.
berate: to scold severely or angrily.
supererogatory: going beyond what is required or expected; also, superfluous, unnecessary.
encomium: expression of praise.
sardonic: scornful, mocking.
raconteur: one who excels in telling stories and anecdotes.
polymath: a person of great or varied learning.
extempore: without premeditation or preparation.
blandishment: flattering speech or action.
hugger-mugger: secret; also, muddled, disorderly.
quiddity: the essence or nature of a thing.
implacable: incapable of being pacified.
edacious: given to eating.
surfeit: an excessive amount; also, to supply to excess.
perspicacity: clearness of understanding.
aberrant: abnormal.
ennui: a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction arising from lack of interest.
invidious: tending to provoke envy or ill will.
jocund: light-hearted; mirthful.
panoply: a splendid or impressive array.
miscreant: a scoundrel, a villain; also, a heretic.
fugacious: lasting but a short time.
respite: an interval of rest or relief.
somnolent: drowsy; also, tending to cause sleepiness.
cavil: to raise trivial objections; also, a trivial objection.
daedal: skillful; artistic; ingenious.
sang-froid: coolness in trying circumstances.
clinquant: tinsel.
assiduous: constant in application or attention.
intractable: not easily governed, managed, or directed.
detritus: debris.
eschew: to shun; to avoid.
apogee: the highest point.
cant: empty, solemn speech.
imbroglio: a complicated and embarrassing state of things.
levity: frivolity.
choler: anger.
inure: to make used to; also, to take or have effect.
bonhomie: pleasant and easy manner.
land of Nod: sleep.
ineffable: incapable of being expressed.
vociferous: clamorous; noisy.
beneficence: the practice of doing good.
plenary: full; complete.
lassitude: lack of vitality or energy.
chary: wary; cautious.
descry: to catch sight of; to detect.
cynosure: a center of attention.
fin de siecle: characteristic of the close of the century; sophisticated; world-weary.
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.
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.
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.
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.