Venality n. 1. The condition of being susceptible to bribery or corruption. 2. The use of a position of trust for dishonest gain: “The venality of a corrupt judge.”

Egregious adj. Conspicuously bad or offensive. “The judge’s conduct was egregious.”

Auspices n.pl. 1. With the protection or support of someone or something, especially an organization: “Financial aid is being provided under the auspices of NATO.”

Salient adj.  1. Strikingly conspicuous; prominent.  “A salient argument.”

Embellish tr.v. 1. To make beautiful, as by ornamentation; decorate. 2. To add fictitious details to exaggerate the truth: “A dramatic account that embellished the true story.”

Analogous adj. 1. Similar or alike in such a way as to permit the drawing of an analogy. “The brain and the Acme 1000 supercomputer are analogous to each other.”

Metaphor n. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate something else. Example: “She was drowning in money.”

Indigenous adj. Originating and living or occurring naturally in an area or environment. “The cactus is indigenous to Arizona.”

Progeny [prog·e·ny] n.pl. 1. Something that originates or results from something else; outcome; issue. 2. A result of creative effort; a product.

Causative adj. 1. Indicative that the subject causes an act to be performed or a condition to come into being. “A causative factor of war.”