The definition for appraise is "To evaluate the worth of." Used in a sentence: Simone, an expert in African sculpture, was asked to appraise the ambassador's collection of masks.

The definition for derelict is "Abandoned." Used in a sentence: The derelict house was condemned as a public hazard.

The definition for lurid is "Causing horror, shocking." Used in a sentence: The lurid photos of the crime scene upset the jury.

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 retroactive is "effective as of a prior time or condition." Used in a sentence: The retroactive law made even past infractions punishable.