| acerbic |
sharp, sour, or harsh in manner, tone, or the like. |
| degenerate |
to decline from an original or former condition; change for the worse in nature or quality; deteriorate. |
| despot |
a ruler who has complete power and authority. |
| diminution |
the act, process, or result of decreasing or declining. |
| fictitious |
intended to deceive; not genuine; imaginary. |
| gouge |
a cut or hole made with something sharp. |
| hoodwink |
to trick, deceive, or dupe. |
| insidious |
dangerous through cunning, subtlety, and underhandedness. |
| lackadaisical |
lacking energy, determination, or enthusiasm; listless or lazy. |
| mire |
deep, heavy mud or soil. |
| petulant |
showing or inclined to show sudden or unreasonable irritation, impatience, or ill temper; peevish or sulky. |
| primacy |
the state of being first, earliest, most essential, or most important. |
| propriety |
proper or appropriate behavior. |
| reproach |
to express disapproval of or disappointment with (someone); censure. |
| unregulated |
not subject to rules or constraints. |