Recent 12 Months Editorial Challenging Vocabulary

A possible future event, outcome, or development, especially an unfavorable one

An earlier event, decision, or action that serves as an authoritative guide or example for future similar situations

Inflicting, involving, or intended as a formal punishment or penalty

A temporary delay, relief, or cancellation of a punishment, sanction, or painful obligation

Loud, forceful, unyielding, or aggressively assertive in presenting a viewpoint or demand

To hold, exert, or exercise power, authority, or influence effectively

Relating to or resembling trees

People who are officially forced to join the armed forces (used here metaphorically for trees)

Therefore; consequently

Periods of a thousand years (plural of millennium)

Become dry and shiveled, or decline and decay

A continuous sequence in which adjacent elements are not perceptibly different from each other

Tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people

Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

Remaining or staying around for a long time

An imaginary threat, specter, or illusion

Making someone nervous, worried, or shaken (here meaning causing trouble or instability)

Said or did something repeatedly, typically for emphasis or clarity

Never done or known before

Closely united, integrated, and working well together