The huge influx of wealth that resulted from foreign conquests led in part to the physical and moral __________ of the Roman ruling class.

I have always regarded our schools and colleges as citadels of learning and __________ against ignorance and superstition.

Before the ceremony began, we all bowed our heads and prayed for unity, peace, and __________ among all nations.

All that I needed to __________ the most important deal of my career was her signature on the dotted line.

The affair of our city are in such __________ that the state may have to intervene to restore some semblance of order.

A born leader is someone who can rise to the __________ of any crisis that he or she may be confronted with.

In the shelter, I saw for the first time people who’d been beaten and discouraged by life – the so-called derelicts and __________ of the great city.

We were fascinated by the __________ scene on the floor of the stock exchange as brokers struggled to keep up with sudden price changes.

We were able to __________ only a few shreds of useful information from his long, pretentious speech.

During the 19th century, it was fashionable to spend a few weeks in the fall hunting __________, pheasants, and other game birds.

In Victorian times, fashionable ladies __________ their waists in tight corsets to achieve a chic “hourglass” figure.

Of the ten Congressional seats in our state, only one was won by a new member; all the other winners were __________.

Do you really think that those __________ remarks are appropriate on such a solemn occasion?

There are few things in life as __________ as an unqualified person trying to assume the trappings of authority.

I noticed with approval that his __________ remarks were intended to deflate the pompous and unmask the hypocritical.

It has been said that the only way to handle a __________, or any difficult problem, without being stung is to grasp it firmly and decisively.

The only way we’ll really be able to increase productivity is to offer our employees a few solid __________ incentives to work harder.

To feel fear in difficult situations is natural, but to allow one’s conduct to be governed by fear is __________.

Comforably __________ in the shade of the elm tree, I watched the members of the football team go through a long, hard workout.

What we need to cope with this crisis is not cute __________ but a bold, realistic plan and the courage to carry it out