The definition for abate is "Become less in amount or intensity." Used in a sentence: Just when it seemed the rain would never stop, the storm suddenly began to abate.

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 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 punctual is "On time." Used in a sentence: Ron was worried when the usually punctual Amanda was late for the show.

The definition for repel is "To resist, reject." Used in a sentence: The soldiers made a massive charge to repel the invaders.