| auspicious |
likely to be followed by favorable events. |
| confidant |
one to whom a secret or secrets are entrusted. |
| contraband |
goods banned by law from being imported or exported. |
| facilitate |
to make less difficult; help in the doing of. |
| garish |
marked by excessive or tasteless color or decoration; gaudy; flashy. |
| inexorable |
not subject to change by any force or influence; unyielding or unrelenting. |
| iota |
an extremely small amount. |
| juxtapose |
to bring together for the purpose of side-by-side comparison or contrast. |
| morass |
something that hinders passage or engulfs an unwary person. |
| morose |
gloomy or sullen. |
| nondescript |
having no individual distinctiveness; lacking in notable features. |
| possessive |
having a strong desire to own and keep things. |
| self-determination |
the ability or freedom of a people to decide their own form of government. |
| trenchant |
incisive or penetrating, as perception or wit. |
| venial |
able to be excused, pardoned, or forgiven, as a minor error, offense, or sin. (Cf. mortal.) |