Definition: (noun) A person who gives financial or other support. Synonyms: angel. Usage: After the backers withdrew their support, the director was forced to cancel the troupe's upcoming Shakespeare production.

Definition: (noun) To act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious. Synonyms: mitigation, palliation. Usage: Forgive me, and let the greatness and the purit...

Definition: (adjective) Beyond any reasonable objection; irreproachable. Synonyms: unimpeachable. Usage: No person need think of applying for this situation unless he could furnish the most unexceptionable references to character and abilities.

Definition: (noun) A person who joins with another in carrying out some plan (especially an unethical or illegal plan). Synonyms: accomplice. Usage: What he felt was that he had caught The Man and his confederate with the goods.

Definition: (verb) Embody the essential characteristics of or be a typical example of. Synonyms: typify. Usage: They are so perfect in their way that they seem to epitomize the very scent and charm of the forest, as if the old wood's daintiest thoughts had materialized in blo...