| appellative |
a descriptive name or title, as "Terrible" in "Ivan the Terrible". |
| augury |
the art or practice or an instance of predicting the future or obtaining hidden knowledge by interpreting omens. |
| compunction |
uneasiness about the propriety or suitability of an action; qualm. |
| contumely |
contemptuous insolence; rudeness. |
| descant |
a secondary, usually higher, melody that is played or sung at the same time as the chief melody. |
| Draconian |
(often lower case) harshly cruel or rigorous. |
| duress |
intimidation or coercion. |
| gadfly |
a persistent critic, especially of established institutions and policies. |
| inchoate |
partially or imperfectly developed. |
| nostrum |
a favorite but unproven scheme or theory, offered as a remedy for social or political problems; panacea. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| obtrude |
to thrust or force (oneself, one's concerns, or one's opinions) on another or others without being asked. |
| opprobrious |
expressing condemnation or scorn; accusing of shameful behavior. |
| sudorific |
causing or increasing sweat, as a medication. |