When the national economy is expanding, new housing developments begin to _______________; when times are lean, construction slacks off.

The fact that you say you are truly sorry does not _________________ for the pain I have suffered as a result of your cruelty.

Their so-called peace initiative proved to be nothing more than a clever ____________ designed to trick the enemy into a false sense of security.

A telegram was usually as __________ as possible, since there was a charge for every word used.

While the critic did not hate the movie, he was also not thrilled with what he called a _______ action flick.

To enlarge the areas under their control, kings of old sent out their armies to ______________ their neighbors.

As soon as the media learned of the senator’s _______ scandal, they followed him around for months hoping to catch him cheating on his wife.

While Bill was smaller than the bully, he stared at his enemy with _________ confidence.

Despite all my efforts to make this a(n) ________________ business, it continues to be unprofitable.

When it is time to end one of our meetings, a member must make a motion to ____________.

Although the two wrestlers are good friends when they’re out of the public eye, they ______ each other mercilessly when they are publicizing an upcoming match.

Our doctor's handwriting is so _______________ that my brother used one of his prescriptions as a teacher's pass.

Some people drink quantities of orange juice and swallow Vitamin C tablets in a valiant attempt to ________themselves against winter colds.

Since Jeff's parents did everything for him and he never had to earn anything, responsibility was a(n) ________ concept to him.

If the chemical plant is built near the resort, it will probably _______ the clean air in the area.

How can you be so cruel as to __________ those poor dogs by offering them treats that you will never let them have?

When the shallow man saw his blind date, he refused to go out with her because she did not look ________.

The crackers and cheese are being used as _______ to appease the guests’ hunger while the main dish is being prepared.

He was a changed young man after his ________________ from West Point for "conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman." He learned a lot after having to leave the school.