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 disconcert is "To throw into confusion." Used in a sentence: Jennifer's outspoken criticism of the meal disoncerted the waiter.

The definition for extant is "Currently existing." Used in a sentence: Some consider Clint Eastwood the greatest extant American director.

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.

The definition for retroactive is "effective as of a prior time or condition." Used in a sentence: The retroactive law made even past infractions punishable.