ambivalence
noun - condition of having conflicting attitudes. The manager's _____ toward his star outfielder confused the sportswriters.
ameliorate
verb - to make better or more tolerable; to improve. In an effort to____the marriage relationship, the alcoholic agreed to a one-year period of abstinence.
circumspect
adjective - careful. The lawyer struck us as aloof, but he was just being ______.
clairvoyant
adjective -having exceptional insight. The _____woman is occasionally used in murder cases to help discover the body.
devoid
adjective - entirely without; lacking. The devious Kingsley was _____ of moral principles.
diatribe
noun - a denunciation; bitter verbal attack. In a lengthy _____, the governor succeeded in deprecating her predecessor's record.
ephemeral
adjective - lasting for only a short time. Newspapers may be regarded as_____publications whereas books have greater permanence.
equanimity
noun - evenness of temper. Facing every crisis with _____, the president inspired confidence among the people.
incorrigible
adjective - too firmly fixed to be reformed or changed. Harry's ______habit of smoking has impaired our relationship.
pique
verb - to hurt the feelings of or make resentful; to arouse; to excite. Raising taxes to help balance the budget will only___the notional temper.
remorse
noun- a deep feeling of sorrow or guilt over a wrong one has done. Trudy felt ____over having broken her promise.
scrutinize
verb - to look at very carefully; to inspect minutely. The umpire decided to_____the ball after observing the strange movements of the pitcher.
tenet
noun - a principle, doctrine, or belief held as a truth by a group. Most people are not susceptible to deviation from the ______s they have been taught in their youth.
unobtrusive
adjective - not readily noticeable; inconspicuous. Mr. Cottrell's _____ demeanor was perfect front for his undercover work.
vilify
verb - to defame; to slander; to cause a person to become vile. The general refused to____his subordinates and accepted the onus of the defeat himself