| aggregate |
a sum, combination, or composite of separable elements. |
| appellation |
a name, title, or other designation. |
| apprise |
to inform (often followed by "of"). |
| cavalier |
carefree and offhand; nonchalant. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| espouse |
to take up, hold, or commit oneself to (a cause, idea, or belief); embrace. |
| extenuate |
to reduce the magnitude or seriousness of (a fault or offense) by offering partial excuses. |
| minatory |
presenting a threat; menacing. |
| nonpareil |
a person or thing whose excellence is unequaled; paragon. |
| oblique |
not direct or straightforward in intent, means, or achievement; indirect or devious. |
| panegyric |
a formal speech or piece of writing devoted to publicly praising a person or thing. |
| precursory |
coming before and serving to indicate what will follow; premonitory. |
| pretentious |
assuming or marked by an air of importance or superiority that is unwarranted. |
| reprisal |
injury inflicted in retaliation for injury received, as in war; revenge. |
| saturnine |
gloomy, sullen, or cynical in temperament or appearance. |