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.

The definition for ethical is "Conforming to accepted standards." Used in a sentence: Mary did the ethical thing and turned in the diamond necklace she found.

The definition for onset is "Beginning." Used in a sentence: Crocuses bloom at the onset of spring, sometimes even before the snow melts.

The definition for penurious is "Extrememly stingy." Used in a sentence: Ebenezer Scrooge was most penurious, refusing to give even a penny to charity.

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.