The definition for extenuating is "Partially excusing." Used in a sentence: The extenuating circumstance of Calvin's illness caused the teacher to excuse his lateness. The definition for rancorous is "marked by deep ill–will.", the definition for preclude is "To rule out in advance.", and the definition for fragile is "Delicate."

The definition for authoritarian is "Favoring absolute obedience to authority." Used in a sentence: Marco's authoritarian mother never allowed him to watch more than one hour of television a day. The definition for epitaph is "brief statement honoring a dead person.", the definition for revoke is "To cancel by taking back.", and the definition for stifle is "To repress or discourage."

The definition for flaw is "An imperfection." Used in a sentence: The otherwise perfect diamond had a tiny flaw that reduced its value. The definition for lurid is "causing horror, shocking.", the definition for advantageous is "Giving an advantage.", and the definition for defiant is "Showing bold resistance."

The definition for moderate is "Tending toward the average." Used in a sentence: The best–selling writer was disappointed; his new novel was only a moderate success. The definition for rail is "to scold in harsh language.", the definition for trove is "Valuable collection.", and the definition for ecstatic is "Overwhelmingly emotional."

The definition for plaudits is "Enthusiastic approval." Used in a sentence: Allison's painting met with plaudits from the critics, who had dismissed her earlier work. The definition for epistolary is "contained or carried on in letters.", the definition for diffident is "Lacking self–confidence.", and the definition for anthology is "A collection of selected literary pieces."