abate
decrease in intensity; lessen
abjure
his refusal to abjure the Catholic faith
strongly reject (an idea); forgo
anomalous
differing from what is normal; atypical
antipathy
profound hostility or hatred
arcane
comprehended by very few people; secret
arduous
very challenging; needing great effort
artless
ascetic
an ascetic life of prayer, fasting, and manual labor
assuage
betray
unknowingly disclose or reveal
bucolic
associated with tranquil rural life
burgeon
quickly increase or grow; skyrocket
cacophonous
extremely noisy; grating
canonize
they’ve become classics, canonized in American literature by critics
treat like a god; deeply venerate
censure
strongly criticize or disapprove
chicanery
using deception to attain a certain goal
coalesce
bring elements together; unite
cogent
persuasive and clear; compelling
compelling
contend
copious
existing in great supply; abundant
cosmopolitan
deference
high regard and respect; esteem
desultory
unplanned; without enthusiasm