extenuating
The definition for extenuating is "Partially excusing." Used in a sentence: The extenuating circumstance of Calvin's illness caused the teacher to excuse his lateness.
ploy
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.
prune
The definition for prune is "To reduce by removing excess." Used in a sentence: The candidate pruned his speech so he would not exceed the time limit.
ramble
The definition for ramble is "To wander, physically or in language." Used in a sentence: Professor Tan rambled during his lectures, frequently straying from the subject.
turpitude
The definition for turpitude is "Essential baseness, depravity." Used in a sentence: The turpitude of the villain in the movie offended most audiences.