assurance
promise, sureness, pose, self-possession
asylum
sanatorium, sanctuary, refuge
console
(v.) soothe, solace, alleviate
dilate
enlarge, expand, swell, prolong
dross
rubbish, trash, detritus, dregs, scum
dwindle
decrease, shrink, fade, peter out
flippant
frivolous, impudent, impertinent, insolent
immunity
exemption, impunity
institute
(v.) found, bring about
(n.) an academy
liability
handicap, difficulty, impediment, drawback
preposterous
nonsensical, absurd, incredible
pugnacious
argumentative, combative, belligerent
rabid
fanatical, zealous, raving, infuriated, berserk
realm
domain, duchy, bailiwick, jurisdiction
rejuvenate
revitalize, renew
remunerate
compensate, satisfy, profit, benefit
sparse
thin, scanty, few and far between
sterling
first-rate, outstanding, worthy, pure
venture
(n.) gamble
(v.) try, chance, undertake
warp
(v.) bend, distort, misshape
(n.) irregularity