Alchemy refers to a power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way.

// They practiced their alchemy in the kitchen, turning a pile of vegetables and legumes into an extravagant meal.

// The shopkeepers hoped for some sort of economic alchemy that would improve business.

To cajole someone is to use flattery or gentle urging to persuade them to do something or to give you something. Cajole can also mean “to deceive with soothing words or false promises.” It is often used with the word into.

// She cajoled her partner into going to the party with her.

// They hoped to cajole him into cooperating with local officials.

A pseudonym is a name that someone (such as a writer) uses instead of their real name.

// Bell Hooks is the pseudonym of the American writer Gloria Jean Watkins.

Something described as exculpatory serves to prove that someone is not guilty of doing something wrong.

// Their lawyer presented insurmountable exculpatory evidence at the trial.

Someone who is unabashed is not embarrassed or ashamed about openly expressing strong feelings or opinions.

// Unabashed by their booing and hissing, the artist continued with the musical performance.

Perdition refers to hell, or to the state of being in hell forever as punishment after death—in other words, damnation. It is usually used figuratively.

// Dante’s Inferno details the main character’s journey through perdition.

// It’s this kind of selfishness that leads down the road to perdition.

Amalgamate is a formal verb meaning "to unite (two or more things) into one thing."

// The school district has proposed amalgamating the two high schools.

Metonymy refers to a figure of speech in which a word that is associated with something is used to refer to the thing itself, as when crown is used to mean “king” or “queen.”

// Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and Hollywood are common examples of metonymy.