1.

intercede

(v.) to plead on behalf of someone else; to serve as a third party or go-between in a disagreement

2.

hackneyed

(adj.) used so often as to lack freshness or originality

3.

approbation

(n.) the expression of approval or favorable opinion, praise; official approval or sanction

4.

innuendo

(n.) a hint, indirect suggestion, or reference (often in a derogatory sense)

5.

coalition

(n.) a combination, union, or merger fore some specific  purpose

6.

elicit

(v.) to draw forth, bring out from some source (such as another person)

7.

hiatus

(n.) a gap, opening, beak ( in the sense of having an element missing)

8.

assuage

(v.) to make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet, calm; to put an end to, appease, satisfy, quench

9.

decadence

(n.) decline, decay, or deterioration; a condition or period of decline or decay; excessive self-indulgence

10.

expostulate

(v.) to attempt to dissuade someone from some course or decision by earnest reasoning

11.

simulate

(v.) to make a pretense, imitate; to show the outer signs of

12.

jaded

(adj.) wearied, worn-out, dulled (in the sense of being satiated by excessive indulgence)

13.

umbrage

(n.) foliage, giving shade; shade cast by trees; an overshadowing influence or power; offense, resentment; a vague suspicion

14.

prerogative

(n.) a special right or privilege; a special quality showing excellence

15.

lurid

(adj.) causing shock, horror, or revulsion; sensational; pale or sallow in color; terrible or passionate in intensity or lack of restraint

16.

transcend

(v.) to rise above or beyond, exceed

17.

provincial

(adj.) pertaining to an outlying area; local; narrow in mind or outlook, countrified in the sense of being limited and backward; of a simple, plain design that originated in the countryside; (n.) a person with a narrow point of view; a person from an outlying area; a soldier from a province or colony

18.

petulant

(adj.) peevish, annoyed by trifles, easily irritated and upset

19.

unctuous

(adj.) fatty, oily, and pliable; excessively smooth or smug; trying too hard to give an impression of earnestness, sincerity, or piety

20.

meritorious

(adj.) worthy, deserving recognition and praise