The man's request was unpleasant, but something _________ in his manner made me feel he was used to being instantly obeyed.

The sharp sound of a car backfiring made me ____________ and look around in momentary panic.

Sara gazed at the store display, trying to ______________ how the skirt would look with her favorite sweater.

Cameron's training as a lifeguard was ________________ when his friend fell overboard while they were sailing.

If the time required were not so _________________, Mia would take the train across the country instead of flying.

I don't understand the critics' ______________ for that film; I found it boring and ridiculous.

Alana found herself in the ______________ of not knowing whom to trust or where to turn for help.

The coach became the _____________ for the team's losses even though he wasn't to blame.

Good parents ____________ their children's minds as well as their bodies.

If customers __________ the store with complaints, maybe that rude clerk will get fired.

I bought a _____________ kitchen gadget that chops, grinds, and mixes food.

Rachel's ___________ reply to my repeated questions showed her irritation and impatience.

Foxes ______________ around the chicken coop at night, but the never show up during the day.

The ________________ battle that took place at Shiloh was one of the worst in the Civil War.