A simulacrum is a superficial likeness of something, usually as an imitation, copy, or representation. The plural of simulacrum is either simulacrums or simulacra.

// The surprise still succeeded, thanks to the simulacrum of confusion expressed by two guests when they were spotted before the big moment.

To procrastinate is to be slow or late about doing something that should be done, or about doing or attending to things in general.

// Tickets to the event are selling swiftly, so don't procrastinate—buy yours today.

// Not one to procrastinate, Harry set to work on the project immediately.

Antic refers to an attention-drawing, often wildly playful or funny act or action. It is usually used in its plural form, and is often used disapprovingly.

// It wasn't clear which students were ultimately responsible for the antics that unfolded in the cafeteria that day.

A cantankerous person is often angry and annoyed, and a cantankerous animal or thing is difficult or irritating to deal with.

// Although the former postman was regarded by some townspeople as a scowling, cantankerous old coot, he was beloved by neighborhood children, to whom he would regularly hand out butterscotch candies from his front stoop with a twinkle in his eye.

Yankee can refer broadly to anyone born or living in the U.S., more narrowly to only those in the northern U.S., or even more narrowly to only those in the states of New England.

The broadest use is especially common outside the U.S.

// It took the children some time to adjust to being the only Southerners in a classroom full of Yankees.

// After years of international travel, he'd grown accustomed to living as a Yankee abroad.

Desultory is a formal word used to describe something that lacks a plan or purpose, or that occurs without regularity. It can also describe something unconnected to a main subject, or something that is disappointing in progress, performance, or quality.

// After graduation, I moved from job to job in a more or less desultory manner before finding work I liked.

// The team failed to cohere over the course of the season, stumbling to a desultory fifth place finish.

Someone described as verbose tends to use many words to convey their point. Verbose can also describe something, such as a speech, that contains more words than necessary.

// The article documenting their meeting presented an odd exchange between a verbose questioner and a laconic interviewee.

To expunge something is to remove it completely, whether by obliterating it, striking it out, or marking it for deletion. Expunge is most commonly applied in cases in which documentation of something is removed from an official record.

// Due to an error, the charges were expunged from their record.

To expunge something is to remove it completely, whether by obliterating it, striking it out, or marking it for deletion. Expunge is most commonly applied in cases in which documentation of something is removed from an official record.

// Due to an error, the charges were expunged from their record.

Restive can describe a person or group feeling impatience or uneasiness, or it can describe someone who is stubbornly resistant to control.

// The audience grew increasingly restive as the speaker droned on and on.

// The school's focus on artistic expression helps restive youths stay engaged in their learning.

Sumptuous is used to describe things that are very expensive, rich, luxurious, or magnificent.

// The celebratory meal was a sumptuous feast of dishes from our host’s homeland.

Flotsam refers to the floating pieces that remain after a shipwreck, or more broadly to any floating debris or wreckage. It is also used figuratively to refer to miscellaneous or unimportant material, often in the phrase "flotsam and jetsam."

// Driftwood and other flotsam washed onto the beach.

// Their apartment was adorned with the flotsam and jetsam of thrift stores and yard sales.

Noisome is a formal and literary word used to describe things that are very unpleasant or disgusting; it is used especially to describe offensive smells. Noisome can also mean “highly obnoxious or objectionable” as in “we were put off by their noisome habits.”

// The noisome odor of a trash can in the alley was so strong that even diners seated inside the adjacent restaurant complained to staff.

Wherewithal refers to the means, skills, resources, or money that is needed to get or do something.

// The company does not have the financial wherewithal to expand into other markets at this time.

If you are bemused by something, you are confused or bewildered by it, and often also somewhat amused.

// The contestant seemed somewhat bemused by the question, but gave the correct answer.

Convivial means "relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company."

// A convivial atmosphere filled the gallery, with good food in abundance, and wine and conversation both flowing freely.

// The guests' convivial chatter filled the hall.

Emancipation refers to the act of freeing someone from the restraint, control, or power of another. It is used especially for the act of freeing someone from slavery.

// Jomo Kenyatta played a key role in the emancipation of Kenya from European rule in the 1960s and became the first president of the newly independent nation.

To jeopardize something or someone is to put them at risk or in danger.

// The wrong decision could seriously jeopardize the success of the project.

An apologia is a defense especially of one's opinions, position, or actions.

// The opinion piece reads like an apologia for the industry's reckless behavior.

Progeny refers to the child or descendant of a particular parent or family. Progeny can also refer to the offspring of an animal or plant, or broadly to something that is the product of something else. The plural of progeny is progeny.

// Many Americans are the progeny of immigrants.

// The champion thoroughbred passed on his speed, endurance, and calm temperament to his progeny, many of whom became successful racehorses themselves.

To impute something, such as a motive, act, or emotion, to a person or thing is to assert that the person or thing is guilty of that motive, act, emotion, etc.

// It is shocking that they would impute such awful motives to me.

Minutia refers to a small or minor detail. It is usually used in its plural form minutiae.

// Unaccustomed to legalese, I was bewildered by the contract's minutiae.

An eloquent speaker or writer expresses ideas forcefully and fluently; an eloquent speech or piece of writing likewise expresses ideas in such a way. Eloquent can also describe something that is vividly or movingly expressive.

// She received high marks for her eloquent essay about gardening with her grandmother.

// Their success serves as an eloquent reminder of the value of hard work.

Cataract refers to a clouding of the lens of the eye, or of its surrounding transparent membrane, that obstructs the passage of light. Cataract is also used, often in literature, to refer to a waterfall, steep rapids in a river, or to a downpour or flood.

// Cataracts are common but can be corrected with surgery.

// The roaring cataract is one of the park’s most majestic sights

Festoon usually means "to cover or decorate (something) with many small objects, pieces of paper, etc.," or "to appear here and there on the surface of." It can also mean "to hang decorative chains or strips on."

// Tiny wildflowers festooned the meadow.

// We festooned the halls with ribbons and garland.

Sea change refers to a big and sudden change or transformation.

// The early 2000s witnessed a sea change in public opinion about smoking in public places.

Tutelage is a formal word that refers to the instruction or guidance especially of an individual student by a teacher. Tutelage may also refer to an act or process of serving as guardian or protector.

// Under the tutelage of his high school swim coach, Luis has greatly improved his times at meets.

// The company is relying on the expert tutelage of its new director to increase profits.

Something described as Herculean (often uncapitalized as herculean) is characterized by extraordinary power, extent, intensity, or difficulty.

// Although starting a garden sounded fun in theory, the constant weeding and pest control turned it into a herculean task.

Proscribe is a formal word meaning “to condemn or forbid something as harmful or unlawful.” More broadly, it can mean simply “to not allow something.”

// The town has passed an ordinance that proscribes the ownership of snakes and other exotic pets.

Gust refers to a sudden strong wind. It is also used figuratively for a sudden outburst of something, such as a feeling.

// Today’s weather will be windy, with gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.

A fiasco is a complete failure or disaster.

// The entire fiasco could have been avoided if they'd simply followed the instructions.

Interminable describes things that have or seem to have no end, especially because they continue for a very long time.

// The family played games to pass the time during the interminable wait for their delayed flight.

Something, such as a plaque, statue, or parade, is said to commemorate an event, person, etc. when it serves as a memorial; it exists or is done in order to recall the event or person. A person or group commemorates an event, person, etc. by doing something special in order to remember and honor that event or person.

// The plaque commemorates the battle that took place here 200 years ago.

// Each year on this date we commemorate our ancestors with a special ceremony.

A bastion is a place or system in which something (such as an idea) is protected and continues to survive.

// The restaurant is a bastion of the region’s ancient culinary traditions.

Someone may be described as voluble if they are talking a lot in a rapid, energetic way.

// Bri knew something was bothering her normally voluble friend when he was reluctant to talk about his day.

Chagrin refers to a feeling of frustration or annoyance caused by failure or disappointment.

// I decided to take a gap year to the chagrin of my parents.

Antithetical typically describes something that is in direct and unambiguous opposition to another thing. It is often used with to.

// The district's new policy is fundamentally antithetical to the school's values.

a person who is extremely neat about their surroundings or appearance

Junket refers to a trip that is paid for by someone else, such as a promotional trip made at another's expense, or an official's trip made at public expense.

// The cast of the widely-acclaimed movie is making press junkets to major cities.

Impervious describes that which does not allow something (such as water or light) to enter or pass through. It is also used formally to mean “not bothered or affected by something.” Both senses of impervious are usually used with to.

// The material is impervious to water.

// The mayor seems impervious to criticism.

Something described as apotropaic is designed or intended to avert evil.

// The etchings are believed to be associated with ancient apotropaic rituals.