Although the sales deal seemed attractive, the CEO felt there were many points that required further ___________ before a final agreement could be reached.

Although parents must teach children the importance of honesty, schools should also do their part to ___________ students with this characteristic.

Tim's new office was so ___________ it depressed him. He decided to bring in some plants to brighten it up a bit.

Despite his ___________ health, Keith remained positive. He did his best not to let his illness stop him from enjoying his life.

Experienced interviewers can tell when people are ___________ the truth, so job interviewees should be careful not to exaggerate their abilities.

General Anderson knew that, since the enemy army was ___________ in caves near the top of a mountain, it would be almost impossible to defeat.

After one basketball player punched a player from the other team, players from both teams rushed onto the court and started a huge ___________ that officials had trouble stopping.

Zara demonstrated her athletic ___________ by becoming the youngest player ever to win a national tennis tournament.

Glenda was disappointed when she found out the painting she had bought at an antique market was ___________. If it had been genuine, it would have been worth thousands of dollars.

During the election campaign, the press ___________ the mayor with accusations about his private life. It soon became clear he would never get reelected.

DNA testing finally ___________ the man of all charges, and he was set free after having spent five years in prison.

When plans for a new highway were announced at the town meeting, local residents protested angrily. It was difficult to hear the chairperson because of all the ___________.