Vocabulary Exercise

A. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words from the list below

amicable banal circumspect aesthetic adulterate

assuage asylum audacious analogous condone

crude daunting apathetic antithesis digress

adulation caveat

1. Before you make your final decision, you might want to consider the caveat in
this agreement.

2. Filled with repetitive tasks, Jose’s job can only be described as banal.

3. After I caught Manuel stealing from my store, I became more circumspect of his
actions while he was working.

4. We couldn’t decide between the two tiles because they were analogous to one
another.

5. I need you to stay on subject and not digress.

6. For an introvert like Mario, it’s very daunting to speak in front of a large crowd.

7. The two parties settled their quarrel in an amicable way.

8. The adulation and applause from the crowd made the former president smile.

9. The Paleolithic period was also termed as the Old Stone Age because of the use of
crude tools in hunting and gathering food.

10. What right-minded person would condone an act of abuse?

11. The man who is seeking asylum swears he will be killed if he’s deported back to
his home country.

12. Since Isabel has a strong aesthetic sense, we decided to hire her as our
landscaper.

13. Sometimes, it seems as though we live in an apathetic world filled with uncaring
people.
14. While Lydia’s business plan was risky and audacious, it promised great rewards
if successful.

15. Aspirin will help to assuage your headache.

B. Circle the best synonym for the underlined word below.

1. Sons are traditionally expected to emulate their fathers.

a. control b. obey c. imitate

2. The interior is an eclectic mix of reclaimed wooden floors and antique furnishings.

a. varied b. odd c. expensive

3. Because the waters are halcyon, today is a good day for a boat trip.

a. undisturbed b. violent c. stormy

4. The diva’s distant and haughty behavior made some forget just how talented she
was.

a. naughty b. arrogant c. careless

5. Before the fight started, many sports analysts considered him as a formidable
opponent to the reigning champ.

a. fearless b. underdog c. intimidating

6. Voters are leery of politicians who promise to change the country overnight.

a. guarded b. supportive c. true

7. He is so loquacious that he can talk for three minutes without pausing.

a. friendly b. chatty c. inattentive

8. The valedictorian delivered a laconic speech, compared to the salutatorian’s

lengthy one.

a. concise b. humorous c. long

9. As vile as robbers are, no criminal is more nefarious than a killer.

a. dangerous b. punishable c. evil

10. My uncle’s antique car is pristine and still has all its original parts.

a. unchanged b. improved c. overhauled

11. He was arrested a year ago on spurious illegal drugs charges.

a. proven b. bogus c. indefinite

12. The news anchor seemed stoic while listening to reports on the massive flooding
in Texas.

a. attentive b. detached c. emotional

13. She has suffered through some difficult times but it’s her sublime faith that
keeps her strong.

a. solemn b. low-key c. awe-inspiring

14. Isn’t it superfluous to own 20 pairs of shoes when you only use 5 pairs?

a. unnecessary b. abundant c. arrogant

15. My sister made sure her favorite color, pink, was ubiquitous at her wedding.

a. visible b. pervasive c. scarce