Vocabulary #10

Republicans have been intent on forcing the president's hand on the debt limit, to make him acquiesce to spending cuts.

But opposition figures have said these are cosmetic, since they do not curtail the ruling family's grip on ultimate power.

The tiny wombat had its eyes shut, snoring, completely oblivious to the troubles ahead which are threatening his ancient family's survival.

Three-Dog also had the best interview voice ever — deep and resonant. Seattle Times (Jun 9, 2012)

These tenuous patches of ice crystals are barely visible from the planet's surface, but sparkle clearly in orbit, Hadfield said.

Large online retailers like Amazon.com are embroiled in arguments with New York, California, Michigan, Minnesota, and other municipalities looking for blood. 

Their slow, tender, halting courtship scene was performed and acted with guileless honesty and soaring singing. New York Times (Jul 31, 2012)

On screen, at least, the once jocular clown prince has now matured into an avuncular sovereign, distributing hugs and kisses to his tearful devotees. Newsweek (Oct 1, 2012)

Biogenesis, which the New Times said was run by Anthony Bosch, was located in a beige, nondescript office park. Seattle Times (Jan 30, 2013)

Vegetation and damp engulfed his building and its materials were pillaged.