condone

(verb)

to forgive or overlook an offense by treating the wrongdoer as if he had done nothing wrong

After they had heard about the man's starving family, many people found it easy to condone his stealing the food.

connive

(verb)

to cooperate secretly in a wrongdoing

Although the judge claimed to have fought against corruption, many people believe that he connived with crooked politicians in order to make himself rich.

connoisseur

(noun)

an expert; a critical judge in matters of culture, food, or wine

The chef watched nervously as the connoisseur tasted the soup.

contrite

(adjective)

showing a deep regret and sorrow, usually for having committed some wrongdoing

"A broken, contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

copious

(adjective)

abundant; large in number or quantity

At the city council meeting complaints were copious, but suggestions were few.

crass

(adjective)

coarse, stupid, tasteless

The comment you made about the size of her teeth was crass and uncalled for.

credence

(noun)

belief or trust

The father gave credence to the boy's story about the fight.

culinary

(adjective)

having to do with the kitchen or cooking

All famous chefs are graduates of great schools of culinary arts.

culmination

(noun)

attainment by anything of its highest point or degree

Graduation marks the culmination of formal schooling.

cult

(noun)

a fad-like devotion to a person, thing, or idea; a group of people with such a devotion

In order to join the cult, the recruits had to shave their heads and walk over broken glass.