curtail
The definition for curtail is "To make less." Used in a sentence: Doreen decided to curtail her spending after she bounced a check.
distortion
The definition for distortion is "The act of twisting out of shape." Used in a sentence: The story about the actress in the gossip column was a distortion of the truth.
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.
rancorous
The definition for rancorous is "Marked by deep ill–will." Used in a sentence: The rancorous competition between the two chess clubs actually ended in a brawl.
regale
The definition for regale is "To amuse." Used in a sentence: My clever brother Jeffrey regaled the dinner guests with tales of his adventures.