| askance |
with distrust or suspicion. |
| atavism |
the recurrence or reappearance of a particular trait, style, attitude, or behavior that seemed to have disappeared, or that which has recurred or reappeared after such an absence. |
| cloture |
in U.S. parliamentary procedure, a method of ending debate and causing an immediate vote on the matter being discussed. |
| diatribe |
a bitter, abusive attack in speech or writing. |
| disaffection |
an absence or loss of good will, faith, or loyalty, especially toward a government, principle, or the like. |
| ersatz |
serving as a substitute, especially when of inferior quality. |
| exegesis |
a critical explanation or interpretive analysis, especially of religious texts. |
| figurehead |
a person whose title sounds important but who has no real power. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| gullible |
believing almost anything; easily tricked. |
| libertine |
acting without restraint; dissolute; amoral. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| prolix |
wordy and boringly long. |
| repine |
to express or feel unhappiness; complain; fret. |
| tyro |
one who is beginning to learn a business, trade, sport, or the like; novice; neophyte. |