Despite his efforts, the farmer's attempts at growing crops in the infertile soil were **fruitless**.

The movie's ending was so **poignant** that it left the audience in tears.

The message was so **garbled** that no one could understand its true meaning.

Despite the economic downturn, she remained **sanguine** about the future of her business.

His **phlegmatic** response to the emergency frustrated everyone around him.

The scientist was able to **corroborate** her theory with data from recent experiments.

The manual provided a **comprehensive** guide to repairing the engine, leaving no detail out.

His **zealous** support for the cause inspired others to join him.

The dictator used propaganda to **coerce** the population into supporting the war.