adumbrate
to outline or sketch broadly; to foreshadow or prefigure; to disclose partially
apotheosis
the elevation of a person to a divine rank or status; the glorification of a person as an ideal; a glorified ideal
ascetic
practicing strict self-denial for the sake of personal or spiritual discipline; one who leads a life of self-discipline, especially to express religious devotion
bauble
a small, showy ornament of little value or use
beguile
to mislead or deceive; to cheat; to diver; to cause to vanish unnoticed
burgeon
to put forth new buds, leaves, or greenery; to develop rapidly or suddenly
complement
something that completes a whole; the quantity or number needed to make up a whole; the full number or allowance; to complete
contumacious
obstinately or willfully disobedient; openly rebellious
curmudgeon
an irascible, churlish person
didactic
intended to instruct, especially morally; inclined to moralize too much
disingenuous
lacking in sincerity or candor
exculpate
to clear of guilt or blame
faux pas
a slip in manners or conduct; a social blunder
fulminate
to denounce or condemn vehemently; to explode, detonate
fustian
inflated or pretentious language in speech or writing; a cloth made of cotton and flax
hauteur
haughtiness of bearing or attitude
inhibit
to restrain or hold back; to hinder or arrest; to prohibit
jeremiad
an elaborate or prolonged lamentation; any tale of woe
opportunist
one who makes a practice of taking advantage of circumstances to further his or her own self-interest, regardless of principles or ultimate consequences
unconscionable
not guided or restrained by conscience, prudence, or reason; unscrupulous; immoderate