Excoriate [ex·co·ri·ate] v. Censure or criticize severely; Severely berate: “He was excoriated for his mistakes.”

Contentious adj. Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial. Involving a heated argument. “The terms of the agreement remain contentious between the parties.”

Pontificate v. To speak or behave in a pompous or dogmatic manner. “He pontificates at great length in political matters.”

Corpulent adj. Physically bulky; fat. “The once corpulent woman is now trim and fit.”

Dubious adj. Hesitating or doubting. Not to be relied upon; suspect. “He seemed dubious about the idea.”

Slavish adj. Showing no originality; blindly imitative: “A slavish copy of the original work.”

Ambivalent; Ambivalence adj. Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. “She has ambivalent feelings about the relationship.”

Reciprocal; Reciprocate adj. Done or performed in return: “Reciprocal respect.”

Frugal; Frugality adj. Economical with regard to money or food. Simple and plain that costs very little: “A frugal meal.”

Docile adj. Submissive. Ready to accept control or instruction. “The dog was very docile around children.”