Vindicate Clear of blame Show or prove to be right, or justified Absolve, acquit, exonerate Verb

Graft The acquisition of money, gain or advantage (particularly political advantage) by dishonest or illegal means Bribe, blackmail, corruption noun

Wrought Worked, produced or shaped by beating with a hammer, as iron or silver Made, fashioned, created verb

Bastion A projected, fortified portion of a rampart; anything seen as protecting or preserving some quality or condition Fortification, mainstay, bulwark noun

Undaunted Undismayed, not discouraged, not giving way to fear Audacious, courageous, fearless adjective

Revelation Something revealed or disclosed, especially something striking Disclosure, announcement, exposition, manifestation noun

scrutinize To examine in great detail Examine, pore over, probe, dissect verb

facetious Not meant to be taken seriously or literally; humorous Amusing, clever, comic, droll, frivolous, jocular, ludicrous adjective

Tentative Not definite or positive, unsure, uncertain; temporary or test Hesitant, provisional, speculative, testing, temporary adjective

Exasperate To irritate or provoke to a high degree, to annoy accutely Agitate, aggravate, anger, annoy, excite, gall, rankle verb

Plaintively As expressing sorrow or melancholy, Mournfully, sadly, Adverb

Strident Making or having a sharp sound; Having a shrill or irritating character Harsh, shrill, discordant, screeching, squeaky adjective

Nonplussed Utterly perplexed Confused, perplexed, at a loss, baffled adjective