abate
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.
curtail
The definition for curtail is "To make less." Used in a sentence: Doreen decided to curtail her spending after she bounced a check.
disconcert
The definition for disconcert is "To throw into confusion." Used in a sentence: Jennifer's outspoken criticism of the meal disoncerted the waiter.
drab
The definition for drab is "Dull, monotonous." Used in a sentence: The drab winter scene made Keisha long for the vibrant colors of spring.
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.