| abrade |
to rub away by friction; erode. |
| ascendant |
moving upward; rising. |
| auspice |
(usually plural) sponsorship or protection; patronage. |
| expedient |
suitable or advantageous for the purpose or in the circumstances. |
| finesse |
refined and delicate skill or tact in executing a task or coping with a situation. |
| labyrinthine |
complex and intricate to the point of being puzzling. |
| odium |
hatred, strong dislike, or repugnance. |
| odorous |
having or giving off a distinctive or strong smell. |
| profiteer |
a person who gains excessive profits, especially by selling scarce commodities at very high prices. |
| remonstrance |
the act or an instance of protesting or objecting. |
| retroactive |
going into operation or effect as of a previous date, or in respect to past events or circumstances. |
| sheathe |
to put in a tight, protective case. |
| therapeutic |
of, pertaining to, or capable of healing; curative. |
| unctuous |
excessively or falsely earnest or amiable. |
| valediction |
a farewell speech, especially one given by a student of the highest honors at a graduation ceremony. |