Ghoulish adj. Suggesting the horror of death and decay; morbid or disgusting. “The ghoulish mask was a scary Halloween favorite.”

Rapier n. Quick and incisive. A sharp-pointed sword used for thrusting. “Rapier combat was not for the meek.” “Rapier wit.”

acuity n. Sharpness or keenness of thought, vision, or hearing. “The sun’s glare can cause discomfort and reduces visual acuity.”

Ruminate v. Think deeply about something. “We sat ruminating on the nature of existence.”

Sycophant; Sycophantic Attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery; A servile self-seeking flatterer. “There was sycophantic laughter from the audience at their bosses jokes.”

Nuance n. A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound. “Subtle nuances of her on-screen character.”

Potentate n. One who has the power and position to rule over others: A monarch or ruler. “Industrial potentates.”

Nascent adj. Recently coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential. Not yet fully developed; emerging. “The business remains nascent but very promising.”

Surreptitious adj. Kept secret, particularly because it would not be approved of. “His surreptitious drug habit could land him in jail.”

Peevish adj. Easily irritated, particularly by unimportant things. “He was peevish around smokers.”