requisite
needed, necessary, regarded as essential or indispensable
onus
something that is heavy or burdensome (especially an unwelcome responsibility); a stigma; blame
mawkish
excessively and objectionably sentimental; having a mildly sickening flavor
bulwark
a strong defense or protection, a solid wall-like structure for defense; to provide such defense or protection
turgid
swollen, bloated, filled to excess; overdecorated or excessive language
inception
the beginning, start, earliest stage of some process, institution
berate
to scold sharply
credulous
too ready to believe, easily deceived
prolific
abundantly productive; abundant, profuse
nonplussed
puzzled, not knowing what to do, at a loss
disconsolate
deeply unhappy or dejected; without hope, beyond consolation
broach
to bring up or begin to talk about; to announce, introduce; to break the surface of the water; to turn sideways to the wind and waves; to pierce in order to draw off liquid; a spit for roasting; a tool for tapping casks
winsome
charming, attractive, pleasing (often suggesting a childlike charm and innocence)
extenuate
to lessen the seriousness or magnitude of an offense by making partial excuses
contiguous
side by side, touching; near; adjacent in time
clangor
a loud ringing sound; to make a loud ringing noise
satiate
to satisfy completely; to fill to excess; full, satisfied
dowdy
poorly dressed, shabby; lacking smartness and good taste
denizen
an inhabitant, resident; one who frequents a place
corroborate
to confirm, make more certain, bolster, substantiate, verify
motley
showing great variety; composed of different elements or many colors; a jester's costume; a jester
gist
the essential part, main point, or essence
equanimity
calmness, composure, refusal to panic
covert
hidden, disguised, purposefully kept secret; sheltered, secluded; a sheltered place, a hiding place
pretentious
done for show, striving to make a big impression; claiming merit or position unjustifiably; ambitious
egregious
conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used particularly in an unfavorable sense)
abate
to make less in amount, degree; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit
avarice
a greedy desire, particularly for wealth