Befuddled

unable to think clearly; confused or perplexed

Grate

annoy

Diversion

the action of turning something aside from its course

Pejorative

expressing contempt or disapproval

Linesman

(in games played on a field or court) an official who assists the referee or umpire from the touchline, especially in deciding whether the ball is out of play

Dreary

depressingly dull and bleak or repetitive

Dissilient

springing apart; specifically: bursting open

Strafe

attack repeatedly with bombs or machine-gun fire from low-flying aircraft

Vagary

an unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone's behaviour

Augur

portend a good or bad outcome

Condole

express sympathy for (someone); grieve with

Commiserate

express or feel sympathy or pity; sympathize

Conurbation

an extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns merging with the suburbs of a central city

Daub

carelessly coat or smear (a surface) with a thick or sticky substance

Adage

a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth

Anoint

smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony

Caveat

a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations

Symposium

a conference or meeting to discuss a particular subject

Rendition

a performance or interpretation, especially of a dramatic role or piece of music

Syncopate

shorten; abridge

Fisticuffs

fighting with the fists

Pernicious

having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way

Salubrious

health-giving; healthy

Foliage

plant leaves collectively

Verdure

lush green vegetation

Knavery

a deceitful or dishonest act

Chutzpah

extreme self-confidence or audacity

Ephemeral

lasting for a very short time

Acrimonious

(typically of speech or discussion) angry and bitter

Lacuna

gap