The definition for ploy is "A contrived plan." Used in a sentence: Sarah thought George's ploy of borrowing her notes was a cowardly way to ask her out. The definition for abate is "become less in amount or intensity.", the definition for distortion is "The act of twisting out of shape.", and the definition for pomp is "Showy display."

The definition for onset is "Beginning." Used in a sentence: Crocuses bloom at the onset of spring, sometimes even before the snow melts. The definition for turpitude is "essential baseness, depravity.", the definition for censure is "To find fault with.", and the definition for parity is "Equality."

The definition for incisive is "Impressively direct and decisive." Used in a sentence: Samir's incisive leadership made him the natural choice for president of the company. The definition for commemorate is "to mark by a ceremony.", the definition for salvage is "To save from ruin.", and the definition for finite is "Having definite limits."

The definition for extol is "To praise highly." Used in a sentence: The statesman extolled the ambassador who single–handedly negotiated the peace treaty. The definition for benefactor is "one who offers financial help.", the definition for archaic is "Characteristic of an earlier time.", and the definition for inviolable is "Secure from assault of trespass."

The definition for stifle is "To repress or discourage." Used in a sentence: Amy tried ineffectively to stifle her giggles after she read Susan's note in class. The definition for perception is "capacity for seeing or understanding.", the definition for appraise is "To evaluate the worth of.", and the definition for extenuating is "Partially excusing."