Advanced Vocab Words - Set 9

Question 1

Define:

mendacious

(men-dey-shuhs)

Answer 1

adj. dishonest

Phyllis is mendacious yet entertaining; she is fun to talk to at a party, but I wouldn’t believe a word she says.

Root: mendac (from Latin mendax, meaning “lying” or “deceitful”)

Question 2

Define:

consequential

(kon-suh-kwen-shuhl)

Answer 2

adj. important

adj. pompous, self-important

I am not prepared to accept such consequential airs from a journalist 20 years my junior.

Prefix: con- (from Latin, meaning “with” or “together”); Root: sequi (from Latin, meaning “to follow”); Suffix: -al (forming adjectives)

Question 3

Define:

tremulous

(trem-yuh-luhs)

Answer 3

adj. trembling, timid, fearful

He signed the contract with a tremulous hand.

Root: trem (from Latin tremere, meaning “to tremble”); Suffix: -ous (forming adjectives, meaning “full of”)

Question 4

Define:

mendicant

(men-dih-kuhnt)

Answer 4

n. a beggar, a supplicant

There was a large number of mendicants stalking the street.

Root: mendic (from Latin mendicare, meaning “to beg”); Suffix: -ant (forming nouns or adjectives)

Question 5

Define:

egress

(n. ee-grehss; v. ih-grehss)

Answer 5

n. exit

v. to exit

It was thought that the prisoner, seeking egress from his cell before the spreading fire consumed it, had managed to slip out between the warping floorboards.

Prefix: e- (from Latin, meaning “out”); Root: gress (from Latin gradi, meaning “to step”)

Question 6

Define:

preternatural

(pree-ter-nach-er-uhl)

Answer 6

adj. beyond what is normal or natural

Occasionally, people with mental illnesses also exhibit preternatural abilities in mathematics or memorization.

Prefix: preter- (from Latin, meaning “beyond”); Root: natural (from Latin natura, meaning “nature”)

Question 7

Define:

fulminate

(fuhl-muh-neyt)

Answer 7

v. to verbally attack

v. to explode

The crotchety old fool fulminated about every sort of modern improvement while we listened, too stunned to interrupt him.

Root: fulmin (from Latin fulminare, meaning “to flash” or “to strike with lightning”)

Question 8

Define:

gull

(guhl)

Answer 8

v. to fool or deceive

They gulled Akiko so well that she walked right into her own surprise party without suspecting a thing.

Root: gull (of uncertain origin, possibly related to the word “gullible”)

Question 9

Define:

rebus

(ree-buhss)

Answer 9

n. a riddle in which words are represented by pictures

Pictures of bees and eyes are commonly used in a rebus to symbolize the words “be” and “I”.

Root: rebus (from Latin, meaning “by things”)

Question 10

Define:

pedestrian

(puh-dess-tree-uhn)

Answer 10

adj. commonplace, trite, unremarkable

Timothy’s dissertation was lengthy but pedestrian.

Root: ped (from Latin pes, meaning “foot”); Suffix: -ian (forming nouns or adjectives)

Question 11

Define:

distrait

(diss-trey)

Answer 11

adj. distracted as a result of anxiety

The distrait teacher kept pausing mid-sentence to look out the window.

Root: distrait (from Old French, meaning “distracted”)

Question 12

Define:

nefarious

(nih-fair-ee-uhs)

Answer 12

adj. vicious, evil

The nefarious conspirators left nothing in the poor woman’s house.

Prefix: ne- (from Latin, meaning “not”); Root: fas (from Latin, meaning “divine law”); Suffix: -ious (forming adjectives, meaning “full of”)

Question 13

Define:

factious

(fak-shuhss)

Answer 13

adj. inclined to make arguments, divisive, contentious

Many networks purposely select factious personalities to appear in their reality T.V. shows in the hopes that their bickering will attract viewers.

Root: fact (from Latin facere, meaning “to do” or “to make”); Suffix: -ious (forming adjectives, meaning “full of”)

Question 14

Define:

ignoble

(ig-noh-buhl)

Answer 14

adj. dishonorable, disgraceful

The ignoble act of profiteering at someone else’s expense is not to be condoned.

Prefix: ig- (variant of in-, meaning “not”); Root: noble (from Latin nobilis, meaning “noble”)

Question 15

Define:

epithet

(epp-ih-thet)

Answer 15

n. a characterizing phrase

n. a disparaging word or phrase

Ivan the Terrible’s name was one epithet I do not envy.

Prefix: epi- (from Greek, meaning “upon”); Root: thet (from Greek tithenai, meaning “to place”)

Question 16

Define:

anodyne

(ann-uh-dahyn)

Answer 16

adj. pain-relieving, soothing; bland

n. a distress-reliever

She tried to keep the conversation as anodyne as possible.

Prefix: an- (from Greek, meaning “without”); Root: odyne (from Greek, meaning “pain”)

Question 17

Define:

jejune

(djih-djoon)

Answer 17

adj. uninteresting, dull

adj. immature

adj. lacking in nutrition

It may be said that her verse is jejune, but I happen to find a sage sensibility in her later poems.

Root: jejun (from Latin jejunus, meaning “empty” or “barren”)

Question 18

Define:

conciliatory

(kuhn-sill-ee-uh-tawr-ee)

Answer 18

adj. agreeable; overcoming distrust or hostility

Karen’s conciliatory attitude helped her to move up in the business.

Root: concili (from Latin conciliatus, meaning “to bring together”); Suffix: -ory (forming adjectives, meaning “relating to”)

Question 19

Define:

diaspora

(dahy-ass-per-uh)

Answer 19

n. a dispersion of people from their homeland (esp. Jews)

n. a community of dispersed people

The African diaspora throughout the world has settled into certain traditions, some of which are not actually African in origin.

Prefix: dia- (from Greek, meaning “through” or “across”); Root: spora (from Greek speirein, meaning “to sow”)

Question 20

Define:

welter

(well-ter)

Answer 20

v. to writhe, toss about; to be in turmoil

The lake weltered in the storm, tossing the boat all over.

Root: welter (from Middle English, meaning “to roll” or “to writhe”)

Question 21

Which vocabulary word means the following?

adj. dishonest

Hint: starts with “m”

Answer 21

mendacious

synonyms: deceptive, false, untruthful, misleading

The politician’s mendacious statements eroded public trust.

Question 22

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.

The discovery was ______ for the advancement of medical research.

Hint: The word starts with ‘c’.

Answer 22

consequential

consequential (kon-suh-kwen-shuhl)

adj. important

adj. pompous, self-important

Question 23

Which vocabulary word means the following?

adj. trembling, timid, fearful

Hint: starts with “t”

Answer 23

tremulous

synonyms: quivering, cowardly, nervous, shaky, apprehensive

Her tremulous voice revealed her nervousness during the presentation.

Question 24

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word.

The ______ sat by the church, asking for spare change.

Hint: The word starts with ‘m’.

Answer 24

mendicant

mendicant (men-dih-kuhnt)

n. a beggar, a supplicant

Question 25

# Which vocabulary word means the following? n. exit v. to exit ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "e"*

Answer 25

egress ## Footnote synonyms: departure, escape, withdrawal, outflow, exit The fire alarm signaled the need for a quick _egress_ from the building. Once the meeting ended, everyone began to _egress_ from the room.

Question 26

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. Her \_\_\_\_\_\_ ability to predict the weather amazed everyone. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'p'.*

Answer 26

preternatural ## Footnote *preternatural (pree-ter-**nach**-er-uhl)* adj. beyond what is normal or natural

Question 27

# Which vocabulary word means the following? v. to verbally attack v. to explode ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "f"*

Answer 27

fulminate ## Footnote synonyms: berate, condemn; blast, blow up, detonate, erupt The critics began to _fulminate_ against the new policy. The faulty engine caused the car to _fulminate_ on the highway.

Question 28

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The scammer tried to \_\_\_\_\_\_ people into giving away their personal information. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'g'.*

Answer 28

gull ## Footnote *gull (**guhl**)* v. to fool or deceive

Question 29

# Which vocabulary word means the following? n. a riddle in which words are represented by pictures ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "r"*

Answer 29

rebus ## Footnote synonyms: puzzle, enigma, visual puzzle, picture puzzle The puzzle enthusiast enjoyed solving the intricate _rebus_.

Question 30

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. His \_\_\_\_\_\_ speech failed to inspire the audience. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'p'.*

Answer 30

pedestrian ## Footnote *pedestrian (puh-**dess**-tree-uhn)* adj. commonplace, trite, unremarkable

Question 31

# Which vocabulary word means the following? adj. distracted as a result of anxiety ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "d"*

Answer 31

distrait ## Footnote synonyms: preoccupied, engrossed, scatterbrained, absent-minded, unfocused She was so _distrait_ from worry that she forgot her own appointment.

Question 32

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The villain’s \_\_\_\_\_\_ plot was foiled by the heroes. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'n'.*

Answer 32

nefarious ## Footnote *nefarious (nih-**fair**-ee-uhs)* adj. vicious, evil

Question 33

# Which vocabulary word means the following? adj. inclined to make arguments, divisive, contentious ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "f"*

Answer 33

factious ## Footnote synonyms: conflicting, warring, belligerent, disputatious, quarrelsome The _factious_ members of the group constantly disagreed on trivial matters.

Question 34

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. His \_\_\_\_\_\_ actions brought shame to his family. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'i'.*

Answer 34

ignoble ## Footnote *ignoble (ig-**noh**-buhl)* adj. dishonorable, disgraceful

Question 35

# Which vocabulary word means the following? n. a characterizing phrase n. a disparaging word or phrase ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "e"*

Answer 35

epithet ## Footnote synonyms: nickname, title, designation, label, descriptor He earned the _epithet_ "The Brave" after his courageous deeds. The politician was hurt by the _epithet_ hurled at him by the crowd.

Question 36

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The \_\_\_\_\_\_ music helped calm her after a stressful day. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'a'.*

Answer 36

anodyne ## Footnote *anodyne (**ann**-uh-dahyn)* adj. pain-relieving, soothing; bland n. a distress reliever

Question 37

# Which vocabulary word means the following? adj. uninteresting, dull adj. immature adj. lacking in nutrition ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "j"*

Answer 37

jejune ## Footnote synonyms: empty, banal, childlike, sophomoric, insipid His _jejune_ explanation failed to capture the students' attention. The _jejune_ behavior of the children disrupted the event. The _jejune_ diet left her feeling weak and tired.

Question 38

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. His \_\_\_\_\_\_ tone helped resolve the conflict between the two sides. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'c'.*

Answer 38

conciliatory ## Footnote *conciliatory (kuhn-**sill**-ee-uh-tawr-ee)* adj. agreeable; overcoming distrust or hostility

Question 39

# Which vocabulary word means the following? n. a dispersion of people from their homeland (esp. Jews) n. a community of dispersed people ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "d"*

Answer 39

diaspora ## Footnote synonyms: dispersion, exodus, scattering, migration The _diaspora_ of refugees from the war-torn country was a tragic event. The Jewish _diaspora_ has a rich cultural history.

Question 40

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The boat began to \_\_\_\_\_\_ in the stormy seas, causing panic among the passengers. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'w'.*

Answer 40

welter ## Footnote *welter (**well**-ter)* v. to writhe, toss about; to be in turmoil

Question 41

# Define: ruminate | (**roo**-muh-neyt)

Answer 41

v. to meditate at length; to muse v. to chew cud ## Footnote The monk _ruminated_ over the moral dilemma. Root: *rumin* (from Latin *ruminare*, meaning "to chew over again")

Question 42

# Define: maudlin | (**mawd**-lin)

Answer 42

adj. overly sentimental ## Footnote The teacher insisted on taking a _maudlin_ picture with each one of her students every year. Root: *maud* (from Mary Magdalene, associated with tearful sentimentality)

Question 43

# Define: convoke | (kuhn-**vohk**)

Answer 43

v. to convene or call together ## Footnote He _convoked_ a meeting of the nation's top CEOs and Vice Presidents. Prefix: *con-* (from Latin, meaning "together"); Root: *vok* (from Latin *vocare*, meaning "to call")

Question 44

# Define: effluence | (**eff**-loo-uhns)

Answer 44

n. the act of flowing out n. something that flows out ## Footnote An _effluence_ of people from the stadium crowded the streets. Prefix: *ef-* (variant of *ex-*, meaning "out"); Root: *flu* (from Latin *fluere*, meaning "to flow")

Question 45

# Define: eschew | (ess-**choo**)

Answer 45

v. to shun or avoid ## Footnote Most vegetarians _eschew_ fur coats as well as consuming meats. Root: *schew* (from Old High German *sciuhen*, meaning "to avoid")

Question 46

# Define: ambulatory | (**am**-byuh-luh-tawr-ee)

Answer 46

adj. of walking, adapted for walking ## Footnote The _ambulatory_ excursion drew few people because of the poor weather. Root: *ambul* (from Latin *ambulare*, meaning "to walk"); Suffix: *-ory* (forming adjectives, meaning "relating to")

Question 47

# Define: rigmarole | (**rig**-muh-rohl)

Answer 47

n. an extremely tedious and complicated process ## Footnote The _rigmarole_ I am subjected to every time I visit the DMV would be funny were it not so depressing. Root: *rig* (from Middle English *ragman roll*, a long list or catalogue)

Question 48

# Define: forswear | (fuhr-**swair**)

Answer 48

v. to renounce, disavow, repudiate ## Footnote The young nation _forswore_ entangling alliances. Prefix: *for-* (from Old English, meaning "completely"); Root: *swear* (from Old English *swerian*, meaning "to take an oath")

Question 49

# Define: gastronomy | (gahss-**trawn**-uh-mee)

Answer 49

n. the science of good eating or cooking n. cooking particular to a region ## Footnote Jim was studying Japanese _gastronomy_ along with his mandatory classes. Root: *gastro* (from Greek *gastēr*, meaning "stomach"); Suffix: *-nomy* (from Greek *nomia*, meaning "law or custom")

Question 50

# Define: jibe | (**jahyb**)

Answer 50

v. to be in accord; to agree; to suddenly shift from one side to another ## Footnote His story _jibed_ with mine. Root: *jibe* (possibly from Dutch *gijpen*, meaning "to shift a sail")

Question 51

# Define: stentorian | (sten-**tawr**-ee-uhn)

Answer 51

adj. extremely loud and powerful ## Footnote Even without a microphone, the principal's _stentorian_ voice filled the auditorium and commanded everyone's attention. Root: *Stentor* (from Greek mythology, a herald known for his loud voice)

Question 52

# Define: lachrymose | (**lak**-rih-mowss)

Answer 52

adj. sad, tearful ## Footnote The opera's _lachrymose_ final scene has tested the dramatic range of generations of sopranos. Root: *lachrym* (from Latin *lacrima*, meaning "tear"); Suffix: *-ose* (forming adjectives, meaning "full of")

Question 53

# Define: abrogate | (**ab**-ruh-geyt)

Answer 53

v. to abolish or annul by authority ## Footnote The court ruling _abrogated_ his rights to any profits. Prefix: *ab-* (from Latin, meaning "away"); Root: *rog* (from Latin *rogare*, meaning "to ask")

Question 54

# Define: bemuse | (bih-**myooz**)

Answer 54

v. to puzzle or confuse ## Footnote The _bemused_ expression on his face was priceless. Prefix: *be-* (from Old English, meaning "thoroughly"); Root: *muse* (from Latin *musare*, meaning "to ponder")

Question 55

# Define: expurgate | (**ek**-spurr-gehyt)

Answer 55

v. to censor, esp. obscenity ## Footnote The _expurgated_ version of the album had a more family-friendly rating. Prefix: *ex-* (from Latin, meaning "out"); Root: *purg* (from Latin *purgare*, meaning "to cleanse")

Question 56

# Define: tumid | (**too**-mid)

Answer 56

adj. swollen ## Footnote The river banks were _tumid_ from the spring rain. Root: *tum* (from Latin *tumere*, meaning "to swell")

Question 57

# Define: natty | (**nah**-tee)

Answer 57

adj. trim, neat, or tidy ## Footnote She was a _natty_ dresser, with never a seam out of place. Root: *nat* (possibly from English *neat*, meaning "tidy")

Question 58

# Define: sentinel | (**sehn**-tih-null)

Answer 58

n. one who keeps guard v. to watch over ## Footnote The _sentinel_ at the city gates watched over the city. Root: *sent* (from Latin *sentire*, meaning "to feel")

Question 59

# Define: winsome | (**win**-suhm)

Answer 59

adj. charming, happy, engaging ## Footnote Mei's _winsome_ smile won her many friends. Root: *win* (from Old English *wynn*, meaning "joy"); Suffix: *-some* (forming adjectives, meaning "characterized by")

Question 60

# Define: reconnoiter | (ree-kuh-**noy**-ter)

Answer 60

v. to engage in reconnaissance, to make a preliminary inspection of ## Footnote We sent him to _reconnoiter_ the party before we arrived, in case it turned out to be a dud. Prefix: *re-* (from Latin, meaning "again"); Root: *connoiter* (from Old French *connoistre*, meaning "to know")

Question 61

# Define: malfeasance | (mal-**fee**-zuhnss)

Answer 61

n. misconduct or wrongdoing (esp. by a public official) ## Footnote Joel was studying _malfeasance_ in the Panamanian government. Prefix: *mal-* (from Latin, meaning "bad"); Root: *feas* (from Latin *facere*, meaning "to do")

Question 62

# Define: halcyon | (**hal**-see-uhn)

Answer 62

adj. calm and peaceful, prosperous ## Footnote The _halcyon_ days of summer are here again. Root: *halcy* (from Greek *halkyon*, a mythical bird associated with calm seas)

Question 63

# Define: plenipotentiary | (plen-ih-poh-**ten**-shee-air-ee)

Answer 63

adj. representing a country or other body with complete authority to act as its proxy ## Footnote The ambassador is _plenipotentiary_; he does not need to consult with his home country to sign accords on its behalf. Root: *pleni* (from Latin *plenus*, meaning "full"); Root: *potent* (from Latin *potens*, meaning "powerful")

Question 64

# Define: filch | (**filch**)

Answer 64

v. to steal, esp. something unimportant ## Footnote The girl was caught _filching_ chalk from all the classrooms but would not say why she had done it. Root: *filch* (from Middle English, meaning "to steal")

Question 65

# Define: fastness | (**fast**-niss)

Answer 65

n. a safe, fortified place ## Footnote The guerrillas retreated to their mountain _fastness_ in order to regroup and consolidate their battered forces. Root: *fast* (from Old English *fæst*, meaning "firm"); Suffix: *-ness* (forming nouns, meaning "state or quality")

Question 66

# Define: bellwether | (**bell**-weth-ur)

Answer 66

n. an indicator, esp. one that predicts future outcomes ## Footnote The Midwest is considered a _bellwether_ for the political tide of the nation, since trends often become apparent there sooner than in other states. Root: *bell* (from Middle English *belle*, meaning "bell"); Root: *wether* (from Old English *wether*, meaning "castrated ram")

Question 67

# Define: camarilla | (kam-uh-**rill**-uh)

Answer 67

n. a group of counselors to a leader, esp. ones who plot or connive ## Footnote The dictator was obsessed with the possibility of foreign attack, but it was his own disgruntled _camarilla_ of aides who did him in in the end. Root: *camar* (from Spanish *cámara*, meaning "chamber")

Question 68

# Define: interregnum | (in-tur-**reg**-num)

Answer 68

n. the interval of time between the reign of a ruler and that of his successor; the time between two leaders' tenures ## Footnote The _interregnum_ that followed the king's deposition ended only when one of the warlords grew strong enough to control the entire nation. Prefix: *inter-* (from Latin, meaning "between"); Root: *reg* (from Latin *regnum*, meaning "reign")

Question 69

# Define: malinger | (muh-**ling**-gur)

Answer 69

v. to pretend to be sick ## Footnote Souheila was known to _malinger_ on test days, so her father insisted on taking her temperature before he would let her stay home from school. Root: *mal* (from French *mal*, meaning "bad"); Root: *linger* (from Old English *lengan*, meaning "to delay")

Question 70

# Which vocabulary word means the following? v. to meditate at length; to muse v. to chew cud ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "r"*

Answer 70

ruminate ## Footnote synonyms: think, ponder; chew, gnaw; contemplate, reflect He liked to _ruminate_ on life’s mysteries during his evening walks. The cows _ruminate_ peacefully in the field after grazing.

Question 71

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. After a few drinks, he became \_\_\_\_\_\_ and started sharing old stories. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'm'.*

Answer 71

maudlin ## Footnote *maudlin (**mawd**-lin)* adj. overly sentimental

Question 72

# Which vocabulary word means the following? v. to convene or call together ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "c"*

Answer 72

convoke ## Footnote synonyms: assemble, gather, summon; mobilize, convene The board decided to _convoke_ an emergency meeting to address the issue.

Question 73

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The \_\_\_\_\_\_ of water from the dam was carefully regulated. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'e'.*

Answer 73

effluence ## Footnote *effluence (**eff**-loo-uhns)* n. the act of flowing out n. something that flows out

Question 74

# Which vocabulary word means the following? v. to shun or avoid ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "e"*

Answer 74

eschew ## Footnote synonyms: abandon, abstain; evade, steer clear of He made a conscious effort to _eschew_ unhealthy foods.

Question 75

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. After surgery, she was finally \_\_\_\_\_\_ and could move around the ward. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'a'.*

Answer 75

ambulatory ## Footnote *ambulatory (**am**-byuh-luh-tawr-ee)* adj. of walking, adapted for walking

Question 76

# Which vocabulary word means the following? n. an extremely tedious and complicated process ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "r"*

Answer 76

rigmarole ## Footnote synonyms: red tape, tedium; hassle, nonsense The _rigmarole_ of applying for the visa was exhausting and time-consuming.

Question 77

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. He decided to \_\_\_\_\_\_ his bad habits and start fresh. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'f'.*

Answer 77

forswear ## Footnote *forswear (fuhr-**swair**)* v. to renounce, disavow, repudiate

Question 78

# Which vocabulary word means the following? n. the science of good eating or cooking n. cooking particular to a region ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "g"*

Answer 78

gastronomy ## Footnote synonyms: cooking, culinary science; cuisine, gastronomy She studied _gastronomy_ in Paris to perfect her culinary skills. Italian _gastronomy_ is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple flavors.

Question 79

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The boat began to \_\_\_\_\_\_, and the crew adjusted the sails accordingly. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'j'.*

Answer 79

jibe ## Footnote *jibe (**jahyb**)* v. to be in accord; to agree; to suddenly shift from one side to another

Question 80

# Which vocabulary word means the following? adj. extremely loud and powerful ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "s"*

Answer 80

stentorian ## Footnote synonyms: blaring, booming; thunderous, deafening The sergeant’s _stentorian_ voice could be heard across the training ground.

Question 81

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The \_\_\_\_\_\_ movie left the entire audience in tears. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'l'.*

Answer 81

lachrymose ## Footnote *lachrymose (**lak**-rih-mowss)* adj. sad, tearful

Question 82

# Which vocabulary word means the following? v. to abolish or annul by authority ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "a"*

Answer 82

abrogate ## Footnote synonyms: cancel, dissolve, negate; repeal, invalidate The government decided to _abrogate_ the outdated law.

Question 83

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The strange behavior of the character in the film \_\_\_\_\_\_ the audience. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'b'.*

Answer 83

bemused ## Footnote *bemuse (bih-**myooz**)* v. to puzzle or confuse

Question 84

# Which vocabulary word means the following? v. to censor, esp. obscenity ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "e"*

Answer 84

expurgate ## Footnote synonyms: clean up, screen, whitewash; sanitize, purge The editor had to _expurgate_ several inappropriate scenes from the book before publication.

Question 85

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. His ankle was \_\_\_\_\_\_ after twisting it during the hike. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 't'.*

Answer 85

tumid ## Footnote *tumid (**too**-mid)* adj. swollen

Question 86

# Which vocabulary word means the following? adj. trim, neat, or tidy ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "n"*

Answer 86

natty ## Footnote synonyms: classy, clean; stylish, dapper He arrived at the event looking _natty_ in a perfectly tailored suit.

Question 87

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The \_\_\_\_\_\_ stood watch at the entrance of the castle. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 's'.*

Answer 87

sentinel ## Footnote *sentinel (**sehn**-tih-null)* n. one who keeps guard v. to watch over

Question 88

# Which vocabulary word means the following? adj. charming, happy, engaging ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "w"*

Answer 88

winsome ## Footnote synonyms: alluring, appealing, pleasing; delightful, captivating Her _winsome_ smile instantly put everyone at ease.

Question 89

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The scouts were sent ahead to \_\_\_\_\_\_ the area before the main force arrived. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'r'.*

Answer 89

reconnoiter ## Footnote *reconnoiter (ree-kuh-**noy**-ter)* v. to engage in reconnaissance, to make a preliminary inspection of

Question 90

# Which vocabulary word means the following? n. misconduct or wrongdoing (esp. by a public official) ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "m"*

Answer 90

malfeasance ## Footnote synonyms: impropriety, delinquency; misconduct, wrongdoing The mayor was accused of _malfeasance_ in the handling of public funds.

Question 91

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The \_\_\_\_\_\_ days of summer were filled with relaxation and joy. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'h'.*

Answer 91

halcyon ## Footnote *halcyon (**hal**-see-uhn)* adj. calm and peaceful, prosperous

Question 92

# Which vocabulary word means the following? adj. representing a country or other body with complete authority to act as its proxy ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "p"*

Answer 92

plenipotentiary ## Footnote synonyms: authoritative, competent to represent; empowered, authorized The _plenipotentiary_ ambassador negotiated the terms of the treaty.

Question 93

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. He was caught trying to \_\_\_\_\_\_ a candy bar from the store. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'f'.*

Answer 93

filch ## Footnote *filch (**filch**)* v. to steal, esp. something unimportant

Question 94

# Which vocabulary word means the following? n. a safe, fortified place ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "f"*

Answer 94

fastness ## Footnote synonyms: stronghold, bunker; fortress, citadel The rebels retreated to their mountain _fastness_ after the attack.

Question 95

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. The rising prices in real estate are often seen as a \_\_\_\_\_\_ for economic trends. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'b'.*

Answer 95

bellwether ## Footnote *bellwether (**bell**-weth-ur)* n. an indicator, esp. one that predicts future outcomes

Question 96

# Which vocabulary word means the following? n. a group of counselors to a leader, esp. ones who plot or connive ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "c"*

Answer 96

camarilla ## Footnote synonyms: conspiracy, cabal; faction, clique The king’s _camarilla_ controlled many of the decisions behind the scenes.

Question 97

# Fill in the blank with the most appropriate vocabulary word. During the \_\_\_\_\_\_, the country faced uncertainty and political turmoil. ## Footnote *Hint: The word starts with 'i'.*

Answer 97

interregnum ## Footnote *interregnum (in-tur-**reg**-num)* n. the interval of time between the reign of a ruler and that of his successor; the time between two leaders' tenures

Question 98

# Which vocabulary word means the following? v. to pretend to be sick ## Footnote *Hint: starts with "m"*

Answer 98

malinger ## Footnote synonyms: evade, play hooky; shirk, dodge He tried to _malinger_ to avoid going to work on Monday.