To obliterate something is to destroy it completely so that nothing is left, to destroy utterly all trace, indication, or significance of it. It can also mean "to remove utterly from recognition or memory."

// The wave completely obliterated our sandcastles.

// The October snowstorm obliterated our hopes for a mild autumn.

Gesundheit is an interjection used to wish good health to one who has just sneezed.

// I sneezed three times in a row, and my coworker called "gesundheit!" from the next cubicle.

a government official who investigates complaints from citizens about other officials or agencies

Anomaly is a somewhat formal word that refers to something that is remarkable in its deviation from what is usual or expected.

// Last summer’s storm was an anomaly for this area.

// We were unable to explain the anomalies in the test results.

To brandish something, such as a weapon, is to wave or swing it in a threatening or excited manner.

// Squeals of laughter erupted as three children brandishing squirt guns rounded the corner of the house.

1. all future generations

2. all of the offspring of a given ancestor

Lugubrious is a formal word used chiefly to describe something very sad, especially in an exaggerated or insincere way. The word can also describe something that shows or expresses gloom.

// The movie’s stunning cinematography could not make up for the lugubrious and plodding plot.

// The lugubrious mood of the room shifted when the voices of children playing erupted outside the window.

Enmity is a formal word that refers to a very deep unfriendly feeling, such as hatred or ill will, that is often felt mutually.

// Having to collaborate on the project only increased the bitter enmity between the two coworkers, who had never gotten along.

Rationale refers to an explanation or reason for something said or done. It is often used with for, behind, or of.

// City council members who oppose the zoning change should be ready to explain their rationale for voting against it.

// She’s explained the rationale behind her early retirement.

Jovial describes people as well as moods, attitudes, etc., that are cheerful and jolly. 

// The audience was in a jovial mood as the headlining comedian walked onto the stage.

a lively Polish dance with a moderately quick triple meter

Perpetuity refers to a state of continuing forever or for a very long time.

// The property will be passed on from generation to generation in perpetuity.  

To flummox someone is to confuse or perplex them. // The actor was easily flummoxed by last-minute changes to the script.

Zoomorphic describes things that have the form of an animal.

// The local bakery is famous for its wide variety of zoomorphic treats, from “hedgehog” dinner rolls to delicate, swan-shaped pastries.

The term griot refers to any of a class of musician-entertainers of western Africa whose performances include tribal histories and genealogies. The term is also used broadly to refer to a storyteller.

// Tracing her family lineage back to West African griots inspired the singer to focus on storytelling through her music.

anything of immense size and power

To insinuate something (especially something bad or insulting) is to say it in a subtle or indirect way. Insinuate can also mean "to gradually make (oneself) a part of a group, a person's life, etc., often by behaving in a dishonest way."

// When the teacher questioned the students about their identical test answers, they knew she was insinuating that they had cheated.

// They have managed to insinuate themselves into the city's most influential social circles.

Behest can refer either to an authoritative order or an urgent prompting.

// The committee met again at the senator’s behest.

// At the behest of her friends, Marcie read the poem aloud.

To mollify someone is to make them less angry. Mollify can also mean "to reduce in intensity."

// The celebrity's statement was intended to mollify critics.

// Time mollified her anger.

Something described as trivial is of little worth or importance.

// Although her parents initially dismissed her love of pop music as a trivial matter, it became clear as she applied to colleges with strong popular music programs that much of her life was going to be dedicated to it.

Something described as trivial is of little worth or importance.

// Although her parents initially dismissed her love of pop music as a trivial matter, it became clear as she applied to colleges with strong popular music programs that much of her life was going to be dedicated to it.

Epitome means "a perfect example." It is usually used in the phrase "the epitome of," as in "the epitome of elegance."

// In his tailored suit and fashionable haircut, he was the very epitome of style.

Incisive means "impressively direct and decisive." It is generally applied to either something communicated in a way that is very clear and direct, or to a person who is able to explain difficult ideas clearly and confidently.

// The columnist is known for her incisive commentary on local politics.

Diminution is a formal word that refers to the act or process of becoming less.

// The company is committed to seeing that efforts to scale up production do not result in a diminution of quality.

Nebulous is a formal word used to describe something that is difficult to see, understand, or describe—in other words, something indistinct or vague.

// A lot of philosophical concepts can seem nebulous at first, but a good instructor can cut through the jargon and help students see how they apply to day-to-day life.

Undulant describes things that rise and fall in waves, or things that have a wavy form, outline, or surface.

// The exhibit featured a painting with beautiful green strokes that resembled undulant hills.

Something may be described as flagrant if it is conspicuously bad—that is, too bad to be ignored.

// In a flagrant violation of the family's code of ethics, someone finished the ice cream and left the empty container in the freezer.

To validate something is to show that it is real or correct. Validate can also mean “to state or show that something is legal or official,” “to put a mark on something to show that it has been checked and is official or accepted,” and “to show that someone’s feelings, opinions, etc., are fair and reasonable.”

// The company’s claims about its latest product are yet to be validated.

// You can get discounted parking by having your parking garage ticket validated at the museum's ticket desk.

// The decline in sales only validated our concerns about the menu changes.

Something described as salient is very important or noticeable.

// The assignment was to write down the most salient points made in the article.

// One salient feature of the band's music is the variety of different genres it incorporates into a singular sound.

A euphemism is a mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive.

// The HR department advises using the euphemism “let go” instead of saying that someone was fired.

Ostentatious describes someone or something that displays wealth, knowledge, power, etc., in a way that is meant to attract attention, admiration, or envy. Things that are ostentatious tend to stand out as overly elaborate or conspicuous.

// The resort town is famous for its extravagantly expensive summer homes, which some tourists view as impressive and others merely ostentatious.

To meander is to follow a winding or intricate course—that is, one with a lot of turns and curves—or to walk slowly without a specific goal, purpose, or direction.

// We spent the afternoon meandering around the seaside town.

// The river meanders through the canyon.

Immutable is a formal adjective used to describe something that is unable to be changed.

// It is hardly an immutable fact that cats and dogs are sworn enemies; over the years our golden retriever has grown both fond and protective of her tabby housemate.

Calculus refers to an advanced branch of mathematics that deals mostly with rates of change and with finding lengths, areas, and volumes. The word can also be used more broadly for the act of calculating—that is, estimating something by using practical judgment, or solving or probing the meaning of something.

// By my calculus the more efficient air conditioner will have paid for itself within a span of five years.

Ramshackle describes things that are in a very bad condition and need to be repaired, or that are carelessly or loosely constructed.

// Toward the back of the property stood a ramshackle old shed.

// The book had a ramshackle plot that was confusing and unbelievable.

To stipulate is to demand or require something as part of an agreement.

// The rules stipulate that players must wear uniforms.

A behemoth is something of monstrous size, power, or appearance. Behemoth (usually capitalized) is also the name of a mighty animal described in the biblical book of Job.

// The town will be voting on whether or not to let the retail behemoth build a store on the proposed site.

Winsome describes people and things that are cheerful, pleasant, and appealing.

// Though a relative newcomer to acting, Maya won the casting directors over with her winsome charm, which was perfect for the role of the plucky young superhero.

// Our winsome guide put us at ease immediately.

To adjudicate a dispute between two parties is to make an official decision about which party is right; to adjudicate a case or claim is to settle it judicially. Adjudicate is also used to mean “to act as judge.”

// The case will be adjudicated in the state courts.

// The property title cannot be transferred until a case concerning the affected rights of way is adjudicated.

Contentious describes something that is likely to cause people to argue or disagree or that involves a lot of arguing. When used of a person, contentious describes someone likely or willing to argue.

// I think it’s wise to avoid such a contentious topic at a dinner party.

// After a contentious debate, members of the committee finally voted to approve the funding.

// The dispute involves one of the region’s most contentious leaders.

A tapestry is a heavy textile characterized by complicated pictorial designs and used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery. In figurative use, tapestry may refer to anything made up of different things, people, colors, etc.

// The walls were adorned with handwoven tapestries.

// They enjoyed the rich tapestry of life in the city.

Palimpsest in its original use refers to writing material (such as a parchment manuscript) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased; the underlying text is said to be “in palimpsest.” Palimpsest in extended use refers to something that has usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface.

// Scholars believe the motive for making palimpsests was often economic—reusing parchment was cheaper than preparing a new skin.

// The ancient city is an architectural palimpsest.

To dissociate is to separate oneself from association or union with someone or something; in contexts relating to psychology, it has to do specifically with mentally detaching from one's physical or emotional experiences. In chemistry, dissociate means "to separate a chemical compound into its constituent parts especially through the application of heat or a solvent."

// The director has tried to dissociate herself from her earlier films.

A doppelgänger is someone who looks very much like another person. In literary use, doppelgänger refers to a ghost that closely resembles a living person.

// I saw your doppelgänger at the movies yesterday and almost waved hello before I realized they weren’t you.

// In one of the creepiest parts of the story, the main character is haunted by a doppelgänger.