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 combustion is "Act of burning." Used in a sentence: Campers must use fire with great caution to prevent combustion of the parched brush.

The definition for finite is "Having definite limits." Used in a sentence: The exasperated mother had finite patience for her toddler's tantrums.

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 straddle is "To favor opposing sides." Used in a sentence: Kia straddled the issue, not wanting to say whether James or Tara was right.