Adroit - Skillful, expert in the use of the hands or mind

-- Many rodeo performers are adroit at twirling a rope while on horseback.

Amicable - Peaceable, friendly

-- Sometimes mediation by a neutral individual can lead to an amicable settlement of a dispute.

Averse - Having a deep-seated distaste, opposed, unwilling

-- You are not likely to become a marathon runner if you are averse to strenuous exercise.

Belligerent - Given to fighting, warlike, combative

-- I did not expect such a belligerent answer to my request for directions.

Benevolent - Kindly, charitable

-- The newcomers had nothing but benevolent feelings toward all their neighbors.

Cursory - Hasty, not thorough

-- The mayor gave a final cursory glance at the text or her speech before mounting the podium.

Duplicity - Treachery; deceitfulness

-- We found it difficult to believe our good friend could be capable of such duplicity.

Extol - To praise extravagantly

-- Many inspiring stories and plays have been written that extol the heroic deeds of Joan of Arc.

Feasible - Possible, able to be done

-- Our city needs to develop a feasible plan of action for dealing with storms and other emergencies.

Grimace - A wry face, facial distortion

-- Most people grimace at the mere sound of the dentist’s drill.

Holocaust - A large-scale destruction, especially by fire

-- Journalists at the time were eager to interview survivors of the Chicago holocaust.

Impervious - Not affected or hurt by, admitting no entrance

-- It is best to store flour in a container with a plastic cover that is impervious to moisture.

Impetus - A moving face, impulse, stimulus

-- The coming of winter gave a new impetus to the appeals for food and clothing for needy families.

Jeopardy - Danger

-- Experienced mountaineers know that a single mistake can put an entire expedition in serious jeopardy.

Meticulous - Extremely careful; particular about details

-- If you have a full-time job outside the home, you may find it exceedingly difficult to be a meticulous housekeeper.

Nostalgia - Longing for past; homesick

-- Looking at an old scrapbook and reading old letters can bring on a vague sense of nostalgia for days gone by and friends no longer near.

Quintessence - The purest form; most typical example

-- Risking one’s own life to save the lives of others is considered the quintessence of selfless valor.

Retrogress - To move backward; return to previous condition

-- In the novel, the survivors of a nuclear explosion retrogress into a state of barbarism and anarchy.

Scrutinize - To examine closely

-- Lawyers are paid to scrutinize legal papers and explain the fine print to their clients.

Tepid - Lukewarm; unenthusiastic, uninterested

-- A cup of tepid tea will not warm you up on a chilly morning.