The definition for curtail is "To make less." Used in a sentence: Doreen decided to curtail her spending after she bounced a check. The definition for sociable is "inclined to seek companionship.", the definition for disconcert is "To throw into confusion.", and the definition for defiant is "Showing bold resistance."

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 melodious is "having a pleasing melody.", the definition for mandate is "An official order or commission to do something.", and the definition for benevolent is "Kind, helpful."

The definition for stern is "Harsh, severe." Used in a sentence: The stern principal canceled the prom after the seniors played a silly prank. The definition for stealth is "the act of moving secretly or unnoticed.", the definition for extol is "To praise highly.", and the definition for salvage is "To save from ruin."

The definition for straddle is "To favor opposing sides." Used in a sentence: Kia straddled the issue, not wanting to say whether James or Tara was right. The definition for fragile is "delicate.", the definition for conduit is "Means for transmitting or distributing.", and the definition for prune is "To reduce by removing excess."

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 obnoxious is "highly offensive.", the definition for rhapsody is "State of great happiness.", and the definition for fraud is "Trick."