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 disdain is "Feeling of contempt." Used in a sentence: The arrogant writer did not hide his disdain for his uneducated dinner companion.

The definition for grandiose is "With an affectation of grandeur." Used in a sentence: The sweeping, grandiose staircase looked preposterous in the modest entry hall.

The definition for placebo is "An inactive substance used in medical testing." Used in a sentence: Tom, who had taken the placebo, found that his allergy symptoms did not go away.