Vagary-Clamorously

• Def (n.): an unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone's behavior.

  • “We were perplexed by my son’s ___. He typically swells with energy, but lately, he has been in a state of torpor.”

  Vagary
• Def (v.): talk long-windedly without making very much sense.

  • “The children ___ all night.”

  Blather
• Def (n.): Long-winded talk with no real substance.

  • “Cut the ___ and get to the point.”

  Blather
• Def (v.): put (a living being, especially a dog or cat) to death humanely.

  • “The veterinarian ___ the dog, putting him out of his misery.”

  Euthanize
• Def (n.): a position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit.

  • “Hard-workers were envious of high-paid employees who work ___.”

  Sinecure
• Def (n.): something or someone that one vehemently disliked

  • “Rice, while a staple in my house, is an ___ to my taste buds.”

  Anathema
• Def (adj.): (especially of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright; sharply or bitingly critical, sarcastic, or ironic in temper, mood, or tone

  • “We didn’t appreciate his ___ remarks.”

  Acerbic
• Def (adj.): vigorous or incisive in expression or style 

  • “The student’s ___ speech surprised school officials.”

  Trenchant
• Def (adj.): overcome with anger; extremely indignant; extremely enraged

  • “Having discovered what his husband did last summer, Josh grew ___ with rage.”

  Apoplectic
• Def (n.): a thing that is hoped or  wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve

  • “Sending students to Ivy League schools remains a ___ for many underfunded schools.”

  Chimera
• Def (n.):  an unfilled space or interval; a gap.

  • “Thousands of years of history are ___ in today’s libraries.”

  Lacuna
• Def (v.): hinder or impede the movement or progress of.

  • “The drab weather ___ the children from going out to play.”

  Hamper
• Def (adj.): (of a facial feature, typically a man's) strongly and clearly defined.

  • “I fell in love with my boyfriend’s ___ facial features.”

  Chiseled

  
• Def (adj.): (of a person) insecure, confused, or lacking contact with reality; having little confidence and being uncertain about how you should feel, behave, or what you should do 

  • “His revelation left me ___.”

  Unmoored
• Def (adj.): gradually diminishing in size, amount, or strength.

  • “Our country’s ___ resources are starting to rise prices.”

  Dwindling
• Def (n.): the outer limits or edge of an area or object.

  • “Flags were hung on the ___ of the castle.”

  Periphery
• Def (v.):  suddenly reject or abandon (a lover).

  • “Mike ultimately ___ Marie-Anne after months of sheer joy.”

  Jilt

  
• Def (v.): avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility).

  • “She ___ her responsibilities as a mother.”

  Shirk
• Def (v.): be unwilling to do (something difficult).

  • “The NYPD promised they will not ___ their investigation of the latest murder.”

  Shirk
• Def (n.): anything that can be used to your advantage

  • “Recent findings will serve as a ___ for our investigation.”

  Grist
• Def (n.): a length of thread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted 

  • “I bought a ___ of black-thread at the store.”

  Skein

  
• Def (adj.): acutely distressing or painful

  • “Healthcare is much more privileged now as they don’t have to worry about the ___ experience of surgery before anesthesia.”

  Harrowing
• Def (v.):  hold gently and protectively.

  • “I ___ my boyfriend’s injured face after the game.”

  Cradle

  
• Def (v.): to be situated at the side of especially  : to be situated on both sides of; be on each or on one side of.

  • “Picture frames were ___ on the sides of the stairs.”

  Flank

  
• Def (adv.):  in manner that attracts attention; loudly

  • “He waltzed into the room ___.”

  Clamorously