I have gathered enough evidence to expose as nonsense the legend of Billy the Kid. Which word fits?

Even the best-mannered students have trouble behaving with __________ on the last day of school.

If you try to __________ my good name, my lawyers will see you in court.

In __________ to the minister’s request, no photographs were taken during the wedding.

Romans who had grown accustomed to perversions were shocked by the __________ of the emperor Caligula.

A firm believer in old-fashioned courtesy, Miss Post __________ the modern habit of casual greetings.

The critics __________ his pretentious dialogue and refused to take him seriously.

Although her work was clearly __________ in nature, the critics felt she would eventually find her voice.

William became seriously __________ after breaking up with Jan.

How could a benevolent king turn into a __________?

A psychoanalyst must remain __________ from their patients’ personal lives.

Does the threat of capital punishment serve as a __________ to potential killers?

The loss of backing from early supporters proved __________ to his campaign.

His plan was so __________ that only with great difficulty could anyone follow it.

How clever he must be to have __________ such an unusual plan!

John responded to every parental request with howls of __________.

As the fight dragged on, the champion’s stamina __________ until he could barely stand.

Some secretaries object to doing menial tasks because they feel it __________ them.

She asked for time to __________ before making her decision.

Austen skillfully __________ the character of Mr. Collins using only a few descriptive phrases.

The reform candidate __________ the corrupt officers for betraying the public’s trust.

Do you __________ his story, or do you support what he says?

Some newspaper accounts __________ the movie star as a prima donna; others portrayed her as a victim.

I strongly __________ the disintegration of the modern family.

Severe illness can __________ a normally strong person, leaving them too weak to work.

When evidence shows a myth is false, you can __________ it.

A person with good manners behaves with __________.

Making untrue statements to harm someone’s reputation is to __________ them.

A ruler who exercises absolute and often cruel power is a __________.