askance
(adj.) with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval
attenuate
(v.) to make thin or slender; to weaken or lessen in force, intensity, or value
benign
(adj.) gentle, kind; forgiving, understanding; having a favorable or beneficial effect; not malignant
cavil
(v.) to find fault in a petty way, carp; (n.) a trivial objection or criticism
charlatan
(n.) one who feigns knowledge or ability; a pretender, impostor, or quack
decimate
(v.) to kill or destroy a large part of
foible
(n.) a weak point, failing, minor flaw
forgo
(v.) to do without, abstain from, give up
fraught
(adj.) full of or loaded with; accompanied by
inure
(v.) to toughen, harden; to render used to something by long subjection or exposure
luminous
(adj.) emitting or reflecting light, glowing; illuminating
obsequious
(adj.) marked by slavish attentiveness; excessively submissive
obtuse
(adj.) blunt, not coming to a point; slow or dull in understanding; not causing a sharp impression
oscillate
(v.) to swing back and forth with a steady rhythm; to fluctuate or waver
penitent
(adj.) regretful for one's sins or mistakes. (n.) one who is sorry for wrongdoing
peremptory
(adj.) having the nature of a command that leaves no opportunity for debate, denial, or refusal
rebuff
(v.) to snub; to repel, drive away; (n.) a curt rejection, a check
reconnoiter
(v.) to engage in reconnaissance; to make a preliminary inspection
shambles
(n.) a slaughterhouse; a place of mass bloodshed; a state of complete disorder and confusion
sporadic
(adj.) occurring at irregular intervals, having no set plan or order