Across 2. Sphere, domain 4. A statement, person, situation, or action which contradicts itself 8. A profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling 9. To regard as being such 11. A set of moral principles or values; motivation based on right and wrong 12. Something formed by a union of two or more elements or parts 15. To discuss an issue with someone else to arrive at an agreement. 16. To shorten, to cut off 17. To become anxiously self-conscious 18. Lacking in sheen, brilliance, or vitality : dull, mediocre 19. Incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued

Down 1. To undergo or exist in a state of progressive deterioration 3. A briefly stated and usually trivial piece of information, not always fact 5. Tolerant, not strict, mild, not harsh 6. Causing irritation 7. Extreme excess or abundance; to have a large amount of something 10. To heavily dislike; to be disgusted by 12. To work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor 13. Having an air of easy unconcern or indifference 14. To make something up which is artificial or untrue.