gruff
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.
prune
The definition for prune is "To reduce by removing excess." Used in a sentence: The candidate pruned his speech so he would not exceed the time limit.
salvage
The definition for salvage is "To save from ruin." Used in a sentence: After the fire, Mrs. Han tried to salvage her family photos from the wreckage.
scapegoat
The definition for scapegoat is "Someone who bears the blame for others." Used in a sentence: Audrey used her innocent baby brother as a scapegoat for the missing cookies.
stealth
The definition for stealth is "The act of moving secretly or unnoticed." Used in a sentence: The burglar took the ring by stealth, slipping it from the sleeping woman's finger.