curtail
The definition for curtail is "To make less." Used in a sentence: Doreen decided to curtail her spending after she bounced a check.
garish
The definition for garish is "Offensively bright." Used in a sentence: The garish wallpaper offended Jerome, who preferred subtle colors.
gruff
The definition for gruff is "Rough or stern in manner or speech." Used in a sentence: Heidi's grandfather was gruff, barking stern orders and hardly smiling.
servile
The definition for servile is "Fearfully submissive." Used in a sentence: Felicia's servile attitude annoyed her boss, who preferred an assistant with more backbone.
stern
The definition for stern is "Harsh, severe." Used in a sentence: The stern principal canceled the prom after the seniors played a silly prank.