Quiddity refers to the essence of a thing—that is, whatever makes something the type of thing that it is. Quiddity can also refer to a small and usually trivial complaint or criticism, or to a quirk or eccentricity in someone's behavior.

// The novelist’s genius was her unparalleled ability to capture the quiddity of the Maine seacoast in simple prose.

// He portrayed the character's quirks and quiddities with tender playfulness.

Elicit is a formal word meaning “to get (a response, information, etc.) from someone.”

// The announcement of the final amount raised by the charity walk elicited cheers from the crowd.

// The teacher’s question elicited no response.

Notorious describes people and things that are well-known or famous, especially for something bad or unfavorable.

// Their city is notorious for its extremely hot and humid summers.

Vendetta refers to an active and mutual hatred between two families or groups, also known as a blood feud. It can also refer to an often prolonged series of retaliatory, vengeful, or hostile acts, or to a commitment to carrying out such acts.

// The student insisted that the principal had a personal vendetta against her.

Cloying is used disapprovingly to describe something that is too sweet, pleasant, or sentimental.

// She finds most romantic comedies cloying and predictable.

Umbrage refers to a feeling of being offended by what someone has said or done. It is often used in the phrase “take umbrage.”

// Some listeners took umbrage at the podcaster’s remarks about the event.

Brackish, meaning “somewhat salty,” usually describes water or bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and estuaries. The word can also mean “not appealing to the taste” or “repulsive.”

// The river becomes brackish as we approach the tidemark.

Paradox refers to something (such as a situation) that is made up of two opposite things and that seems impossible but is actually true or possible. It can also refer to someone who does two seemingly opposite things or who has qualities that are opposite; to a statement that seems to say two opposite things but that nonetheless may be true; or to the use of such statements in writing or speech.

// It is a paradox that computers need time-consuming updates so often, since they are meant to save people time.

// As an actor, she’s a paradox—she loves being in the spotlight but fiercely guards her privacy.

To collude is to work with others secretly, especially to do something illegal or dishonest. Collude is used as a synonym of conspire and plot.

// She is accused of colluding with known criminals.

Innocuous describes either something that is not likely to bother or offend anyone (as in “an innocuous comment”), or something that causes no injury, or is otherwise considered harmless (as in “an innocuous prank”).

// The reporter asked what seemed like an innocuous question, but it prompted the candidate to storm off, abruptly ending the press conference.