The spies conducted a covert operation.

The baseball player’s malice toward the referee was revealed in his spiteful remarks to the media, which almost ruined the referee’s career.

Although Zachary is much too inexperienced for the managerial position, he is a willful young man and obdurately refuses to withdraw his application.

His neighbor’s superficial remarks trivialized the property line dispute and infuriated Malcolm.

She showed a blatant disregard for the rules.

Her fashion sense was usually described as flamboyant, but on the night of the party, Tanya’s outfit was uncharacteristically modest.

Mr. Powers was so gullible that he believed even the most outlandish excuses of his insincere employees.

You cannot become a certified teacher without completing the prerequisite student-teaching assignment.

Charles, aware of his susceptibility to gum disease, is diligent about flossing.

Even though she’d read her supervisor’s memo four or five times, she still found his rambling message ambiguous.

Excited about winning the award, Marcia walked up to the podium and delivered an animated acceptance speech.

The intermittent rain soaked the garden many different times during the day.

I got a vicarious thrill watching you on the diving board.

After several small brushfires at the campground, officials felt the need to augment the rules pertaining to campfires.

a. criticize

b. retract

c. consider

d. expand

We had no idea who the special guest speaker would be, because the organizers of the event were so ________.

Cindy had some ______________ about marrying George, because he was sometimes violent.

He asked his wife to _____________ the situation after she had offended the neighbor.

The doctor got to the crux of the issue.

When people heard that timid Bob had taken up skydiving, they were incredulous.