| A | B |
|---|
| cynosure | the focus of attention, focal point |
| desiccated | dehydrated, shriveled, parched |
| preempt | to take over, commanceer, appropriate |
| incongruous | incompatible, discordant, jarring |
| facade | the front, exterior, surface; a mask, pretense |
| decorous | seemly, becoming, tasteful, dignified |
| mesmerize | to hypnotize; to bewitch, entrance |
| opprobrium | dishonor, infamy, odium, shame, disgrace |
| deign | to see fit, deem; to condescend, stoop |
| affront | an insult, slight, offense; to offend |
| ghoulish | fiendish; barbarous, monstrous |
| contrite | remorseful, penitent, rueful |
| abstruse | esoteric, arcane, recondite, occult |
| machination | a plot, scheme, maneuver, dirty trick |
| simplistic | oversimplified, simpleminded |
| cognizant | aware of, conscious of; acquainted with |
| engender | to beget, generate, cause; to form |
| ethereal | heavenly, celestial; airy, gossamer |
| canard | a false story, wild rumor, hoax |
| captious | faultfinding, nit-picking, carping |
| putative | reputed, supposed, presumed |
| efficacy | effectiveness, potency, reliability |
|
