Abate v. To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity; lessen. “The wind finally abated.”

Futile adj. Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless. “All of his attempts to rectify the situation proved futile.”

Ingratiate tr.v. Bring oneself into favor or good graces of another, especially by deliberate effort. “She soon ingratiated herself with her new boss.”

Sagacious adj. Shrewd; showing keen mental discernment and good judgment. “A sagacious remark.”

Apoplectic adj. Overcome with anger; extremely indignant. “He showed apoplectic rage.”

Serendipity; Serendipitous n. The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. “A fortunate stroke of serendipity.”

Overt adj. Done or shown openly; plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden. “Overt hostility.”

Intrinsic [in·trin·sic] adj. Belonging naturally; essential. “Intrinsic stock value.”

Confluence n. The act or process of merging. A flowing together of two or more streams. “A fortunate confluence of factors led to his success.”

Formidable adj. Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively powerful, large, or capable. “A formidable opponent.”