Set 1

Question 1

Aberrant; aberration

Answer 1

Deviating from the norm

Jim’s aberrant behavior at the dance raised some eyebrows; he was certainly the only one who spent the night walking (and dancing) on his hands

Question 2

Abjure

Answer 2

To renounce or reject solemnly; to recant; to avoid

The reformed socialite abjured her former lifestyle and all those with whom she had previously associated

Question 3

Abrogate

Answer 3

To abolish or annul by authority; put down

Darren abrogated his responsibility to the paper when he went on vacation without submitting his article before the deadline

Question 4

Abscission

Answer 4

Act of cutting off or removing

When she called for the resignation of key legislators, the congresswoman claimed that it was the only way to abscise the corruption before it spread

Question 5

Abscond

Answer 5

To depart clandestinely; to steal off and hide

Doug was left penniless when the two con men absconded with his life savings

Question 6

Abstain

Answer 6

To refrain from an activity

Sheryl chose to abstain from eating chocolate, her favorite treat, for the season of lent

Question 7

Abstemious

Answer 7

Marked by moderation, particularly where food and drink are concerned

Though some regard the diet as a fad, in fact it recommends some very traditional habits, such as consuming sugar and alcohol abstemiously

Question 8

Abstruse

Answer 8

Hard to understand

While the book received great praise in academic circles, it was too abstruse for the average person to comprehend

Question 9

Accolade

Answer 9

An expression of praise; an award

The diva received her accolades graciously, blowing kisses to her adoring fans

Question 10

Accretion

Answer 10

Growth, increase by successive addition, build up

Limestone is formed by the accretion of tiny particles from objects such as shells and coral over a very, very long time

Question 11

Acerbic

Answer 11

Having a sour or bitter taste or character

Dorothy Parker was famous for her wit, which could be quite acerbic; Parker could be devastating when she wanted to be

Question 12

Acumen

Answer 12

Quick, keen, or accurate knowledge or insight

Her acumen in anticipating her opponents strategy is legendary; it’s what makes her so hard to beat

Question 13

Abate

Answer 13

To lessen in intensity or degree

Attempts by the administration to abate the intensity of the controversy were mostly unsuccessful; it continued to consume everyone’s attention