prodigious - pro-DIJ-us - powerful, huge, spectacular, Herculean, phenomenal

Example: "Along with the usual bad news this morning were three positive items, the most prodigious being a meeting of leaders from 50 major religions in Copenhagen, who feel they can individually be more effective than politicians or scientists in drawing up long range plans to ward off the dangers of global changes.

vaunt - VAHNT - to brag, boast

Example: "Some scholars, noting yesterday's shootings at Ft. Hood, vaunt their theory as accurate, that 'Every psychologist needs one.'"

polemic - poh-LEM-ik - a strong verbal or written attack

Example: "Clint Eastwood's next polemic film, 'Inveticus,' concerns Nelson Mandela & his anti-apartheid campaign in South Africa - coming soon to a theatre near you."

creme de la creme - KREM-der-lah-KREM - the best, upper crust, blue bloods, the greatest

Example: "New York's Mayor Bloomberg, who spent an all-time record of 100 million dollars for his campaign, proved himself once again the creme de la creme of elite politicians."

contentious - kon-TEN-shus - controversial, inciting argument, disagreeable, testy

Example: "When President Obama congratulated Karzai on a successful return to Afghanistan presidency, he also, in a contentious mood, admonished Karzai to take on what he avoided during his first term: the rampant corruption and drug trade that have fueled the resurgence of the Taliban."

ancillary - ANS-sill-AIRY - providing support for somebody or something

Example: "NPR suggests that for ancillary information regarding most asked Q&As on swine flu, go to NPR.org

cloistered - KLOY-STIRD - isolated, reclusive, shielded

Example: "As with other women in her position, for the former soldier returning from Iraq, cloistering herself seems to make sense. Post-traumatic stress disorder distorts personalities: some veterans who have it fight in their sleep; others feel paranoid around children. And as women return to a society unfamiliar with their wartime roles, they often choose isolation over embarrassment.