| asperity |
harshness or roughness, especially of tone or manner. |
| equivocal |
having at least two plausible alternative meanings, often intentionally so in order to deceive or avoid commitment; ambiguous. |
| expostulate |
to argue earnestly with someone, usually against an intended action; remonstrate. |
| impugn |
to call into question; challenge or try to discredit. |
| inculcate |
to cause to accept an idea or value; imbue. |
| inveigle |
to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. |
| lugubrious |
sad or mournful, especially in an exaggerated way; gloomy. |
| obtrusive |
aggressive and self-assertive, or inclined to be so. |
| pandemic |
a widespread outbreak of disease that afflicts many people over different continents. |
| peremptory |
not permitting refusal or disobedience. |
| proselytize |
to convert or try actively to convert (others) to one's own beliefs or religion. |
| reprobate |
an evil or lawless person, often beyond hope of redemption. |
| sylph |
a slender, graceful woman or girl. |
| topography |
the shape of the earth's surface across an area or region. The topography of an area includes the size and location of hills and dips in the land. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |