The definition for diffident is "Lacking self–confidence." Used in a sentence: The diffident student never raised her hand in class, even when she knew the answer. The definition for lurid is "causing horror, shocking.", the definition for abate is "Become less in amount or intensity.", and the definition for duplicity is "Deceptive thought, speech, or action."

The definition for raucous is "Noisy, rowdy." Used in a sentence: Serena, who preferred quiet conversation, left the rancous party. The definition for stern is "harsh, severe.", the definition for implausible is "Unbelievable.", and the definition for retroactive is "effective as of a prior time or condition."

The definition for mandate is "An official order or commission to do something." Used in a sentence: Martha reluctantly obeyed the mandate to vacate her apartment. The definition for futile is "without purpose, completely ineffective.", the definition for extol is "To praise highly.", and the definition for pretentious is "Making unjustified claims."

The definition for recrimination is "A retaliatory accusation." Used in a sentence: Frank, who was wounded by Sally's remark, made a bitter recrimination. The definition for placebo is "an inactive substance used in medical testing.", the definition for hedonism is "Belief that pleasure is the sole aim of life.", and the definition for entangle is "To involve in trouble."

The definition for brandish is "To shake or wave menacingly." Used in a sentence: The baseball player was fined for brandishing his bat at the opposing pitcher. The definition for pathos is "sympathetic pity.", the definition for commemorate is "To mark by a ceremony.", and the definition for heinous is "Shockingly evil."