2012-1
Superior
Higher in rank, status, or quality than others.
Quilt
A decorative warm bed cover made of padding tucked between two layers of fabric and held together by lines of stitching.
Playdates
An appointment made by parents for their children to play together.
Hybrid
Mixture of two different elements to create something new.
For example Hybrid Vehicle: A car that uses two types of power, usually an internal combustion engine (gasoline) and an electric motor.
Patrons
People who give financial or other support to a person, organization, cause, or activity (like an art gallery or a restaurant).
Pioneer
A person who is among the first to explore or settle a new area or develop a new method/activity.
Firestorm
In common conversation or news, it describes a sudden, violent outburst of controversy, criticism, or emotion.
Mandatory
Required by law or rules; compulsory.
Campaign
A series of organized actions which are done to achieve a particular social, political, or commercial goal.
Hymn
A religious song or poem of praise, typically sung in a church.
Comprise
To consist of; to be made up of (e.g., "The team comprises ten members").
Excerpt
A short extract or passage taken from a film, broadcast, or piece of writing.
Authoritarian
Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.
Provocative
Intended to cause a strong reaction, such as anger, curiosity, or desire.
Shoestring
Literally a shoelace, but commonly used to mean a very small amount of money (e.g., "a shoestring budget").
Embroidery
The art of decorating fabric using a needle and thread to create patterns or pictures.
Clout
Influence or power, especially in politics or business (or, colloquially, social media fame).
Wooing
Seeking the favor, support, or love of someone; trying to win someone over.
Monopoly
Exclusive control of the supply or trade in a commodity or service; having no competition.
Stifled
Smothered or suppressed; often used to describe holding back a laugh, a cry, or even one's career growth.
Ossified
Literally, to turn into bone; figuratively, to become rigid, stagnant, or set in one's ways.
Churn Out
To produce something routinely or mechanically and in large quantities.
Lament
To express deep grief, sorrow, or regret about something.
Clincher
A fact, argument, or event that settles a matter conclusively (the "deciding factor").
Flummoxed
Completely bewildered or confused.