omitted character; omitted letter
retention; maintenance; preservation
to be possible; to be conceivable; to be likely; to be probable
mention (in a document); record; entry; statement; listing
under-reporting (e.g. income on a tax return)
devising (a way); contriving; device; design; dedication to spiritual improvement (esp. through Zen meditation)
ill will; malice; evil intent
origin; source; basis; base; cause; (raw) material; ingredient
demand; firm request; requisition; requirement; desire
conference; consultation; discussion; negotiation
to mix; to combine; to exchange (words, fire, etc.); to cross (e.g. swords); to join together
discussion; talk; tête-à-tête; conference
of late; lately; this part; this point; here
force; unit; corps; squad; troops; party
repulse; repelling (e.g. the enemy); driving back
descent; fall; drop; decline; downturn; subsidence
possible; potential; practicable; feasible
spot; point; place; position
strict order; peremptory command
defense; defence; fielding
to use completely; to use up; to exhaust; to exhaust someone's civility; to give up (on someone)
tendency; trend; inclination
securing; obtaining; ensuring; belay; belaying
to take (by force); to take away; to snatch; to absorb (one's attention); to fascinate; to captivate
recapture; retaking; recovery; taking back
offensive (movement); aggression
check; keeping in check; containment (of enemy forces); diversionary action; pickoff throw; holding (a runner) on base
now that you say that; now that you mention it
deadlock; standstill; stalemate; impasse; standoff
maintenance; preservation; improvement
programme; program; plans; arrangements
reliable; dependable; trustworthy; hopeful; promising
standing in each other's way; holding each other back; getting in the way of each other's success; hindering each other's progress
grateful; thankful; welcome; appreciated; evoking gratitude