English Vocabulary (U.S. Version) Test

1. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

Agatha RUMINATED for weeks about the consequences of telling Arthur about the affair.

Answers:

• Pondered

• Worried

• Neglected

• Laughed

2. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

These artists really IMBUE their work with a spirit of profound freedom.

Answers:

• Spoil

• Detract from; debase

• Fill or permeate with a particular feeling or quality

3. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. A position that entails little work but provides a salary

Answers:

• Quiescence

• Theocracy

• Swindle

• Sinecure

4. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

Though he didn't win the advertising account, Sal made a __________ presentation that he can be proud of.

Answers:

• credulous

• creditable

• credible

5. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. A mass or crowd; multitude

Answers:

• Reprieve

• Malady

• Horde

• Indulgence

6. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. The act or fact of lessening; reduction

Answers:

• Diminution

• Protraction

• Dissuade

• Dissolution

7. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

Alec has always been CONTEMPTUOUS of his fellow writers.

Answers:

• Disdainful

• Inspired by

• Disliked by

• Respectful

8. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Sluggish; apathetic; dull

Answers:

• Turbid

• Torpid

• Turgid

• Tepid

9. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

The only ________________ difference between the twins is the shape of their noses.

Answers:

• distinctive

• distinguished

• distinguishable

10. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

It seems we’ve reached an IMPASSE in our negotiations.

Answers:

• Favorable compromise

• Monetary amount

• Total agreement

• Stalemate

11. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

We expected the waiter to show us out of that snooty restaurant in a hurry, but he turned out to be quite jolly and __________.

Answers:

• complacent

• compliant

• complaisant

12. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

His son’s group of friends had a DELETERIOUS effect on his schoolwork.

Answers:

• Influential

• Positive

• Hysterical

• Harmful

13. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Tending to create ill will or give offense

Answers:

• Labyrinthine

• Invidious

• Titillating

• Envious

14. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The publicist was surprised by the INUNDATION of fan letters for her top client.

Answers:

• Deluge

• Dearth

• Hindrance

15. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Understood by or intended for only a select few or a particular group

Answers:

• Esoteric

• Eccentric

• Narcissistic

• Languid

16. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The recent shenanigans in the town square went against all PRECEPTS of decency.

Answers:

• Rules for action or behavior

• Vague ideas; abstractions

• Significance

17. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

We fully expect Elizabeth to FOIST her work on us and disappear for the weekend as usual.

Answers:

• Force upon; palm off

• Take away; take off one's hands

• Keep for oneself

18. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

The crafty spy gave a ____________ name to the hotel clerk.

Answers:

• fictitious

• fictional

19. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The plots of all her novels just seem to MEANDER along, to the point where I can’t follow the storyline or figure out who’s who.

Answers:

• Purposely confuse

• Take a winding or indirect course

• Charm and delight

20. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. Flair; style; a flamboyant manner

Answers:

• Panache

• Voracious

• Resonance

• Cosmogony

21. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

She launched her new line of handbags _________ a fanfare of publicity.

Answers:

• between

• amid

• among

22. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

The proposed after-school tutoring program promises _______________ benefits to the students and the community.

Answers:

• innumerable

• enumerable

23. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. Capacity for producing a desired result; effectiveness

Answers:

• Contumacy

• Defenestration

• Conversion

• Efficacy

24. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. Local or provincial dialect

Answers:

• Invective

• Patois

• Neopaganism

• Polyarchy

25. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

The soldier’s EXEMPLARY conduct did not go unnoticed by his sergeant.

Answers:

• Erratic

• Apathetic

• Admirable

• Meticulous

26. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

PRETENTIOUS

Answers:

• Modest

• Understanding

• Uneasy

• Pleasant

27. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Similar to something else in certain respects, as in form, function, or meaning

Answers:

• Abject

• Agrarian

• Analogous

• Amalgam

28. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

MITIGATE

Answers:

• Abate

• Conceal

• Intensify

• Allow

29. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Hardhearted; unmoved by pity

Answers:

• Apologetic

• Parsimonious

• Obdurate

• Abdicated

30. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

LASSITUDE

Answers:

• Simplicity of speech

• Leniency

• Philanthropy

• Vigor

31. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

v. To issue a vehement verbal attack; to denounce explosively

Answers:

• Vituperative

• Litigant

• Fulminate

• Exhume

32. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Now that the festivities have ended, perhaps we can return to some SEMBLANCE of normality.

Answers:

• Sentiment; emotion

• Agreement

• Outward appearance

33. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

Mr. Winkle was dismayed to discover that his willful young wife __________ her wealth and __________ the law at every opportunity.

Answers:

• flouted/flouted

• flouted/flaunted

• flaunted/flouted

• flaunted/flaunted

34. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Easily provoked to anger; irritable

Answers:

• Sapid

• Irascible

• Jocund

• Incorrigible

35. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

If you insist on eating more cotton candy _________ a kid at a carnival, __________ don’t come crying to me when you’ve gained a few pounds!

Answers:

• then/than

• than/then

• then/then

• than/than

36. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

This experiment was designed to  ___________ certain behaviors from the test subjects.

Answers:

• illicit

• elicit

37. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The despot’s MINIONS were only too eager to tout his edicts and report any unrest among his subjects.

Answers:

• Sycophants; servile followers

• Distant relatives

• Armored knights

38. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Dan was a nice guy, but he was far too GARRULOUS and tended to monopolize people at parties.

Answers:

• Gluttonous

• Quarrelsome; contentious

• Excessively talkative about trivial topics

39. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Maude managed to sweep up the broken dishes without a word of REPROOF to her children.

Answers:

• Expression of disapproval or blame

• Expression of affection or love

• Expression of apology or regret

40. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The journalist denied that he had any PRURIENT interest in the politician’s private life, but his titillating articles seemed to indicate otherwise.

Answers:

• Mercenary; venal

• Overly curious about the sexual behavior of others

• Characterized by profound insight

41. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

ADVERSE

Answers:

• Moody

• Poetic

• Favorable

• Twisted

42. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.

Rachel knew that she'd soon be living in ___________ circumstances unless she got her financial problems ____________ out immediately.

Answers:

• straightened/straitened

• straitened/straightened

43. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Poverty is RIFE in the rural areas of our county, where one in three families receives some state assistance.

Answers:

• Prevalent

• Unavoidable

• Saddening

44. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

AVARICE

Answers:

• State of good health

• Materialism

• Loneliness

• Generosity

45. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The diplomats, who have been accused of DUPLICITY by their respective countries, have been removed from their posts.

Answers:

• Bad taste

• Deceitfulness; double-dealing

• Embezzlement

46. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

I screamed as the monstrous presence snaked toward me on the dark and __________ path.

Answers:

• tortious

• tortuous

• torturous

47. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The community theater troupe faced one problem after another, so it was no surprise that their season ended in a DEBACLE.

Answers:

• Conundrum

• Spectacle; display

• Complete failure; breaking up

48. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

RILE

Answers:

• Placate

• Annoy

• Waste

• Construct

49. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

We all remarked on how well the spray of begonias _____________ her hair color.

Answers:

• complimented

• complemented

50. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

It would BEHOOVE you to show a little more respect to the judge and jury who are deciding your case.

Answers:

• Be too much trouble to

• Be detrimental to

• Be worthwhile or proper for; be incumbent upon

51. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

That grueling competition really tested the _____________ of the gymnastics team.

Answers:

• meddle

• metal

• medal

• mettle

52. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

Oscar, who did not possess a discerning __________, preferred hotdogs to steak.

Answers:

• palette

• pallet

• palate

53. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

She hastened to _________ me that she intends to pay the bill, and that she will _________ that the check is mailed today.

Answers:

• assure/ensure

• ensure/insure

• insure/assure

• ensure/assure

54. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym of the word below.

NONCHALANT

Answers:

• Courageous

• Unnerved

• Unperturbed

• Lethargic

55. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

v. To impose with authority; urge strongly

Answers:

• Enjoin

• Prevalent

• Dissonance

• Relegate

56. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

Although _________ wanted to keep the boat all to _________, I knew it would be used extensively by both Susan and _________.

Answers:

• I/myself/myself

• I/me/I

• I/myself/I

• I/myself/me

57. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Marilyn conveyed a BLITHE indifference to the troubles that mounted around her.

Answers:

• Carefree; heedless

• Cruel; heartless

• Catastrophic

58. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

The workers were allowed to ___________ down once they’d ________ the brick, but the foreman himself has not yet ___________ down.

Answers:

• lay/lain/laid

• lie/laid/lain

• lie/lain/lain

• lay/laid/laid

59. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

REFUTE

Answers:

• Expose

• Support

• Garbage

• Safe place

60. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

I can _________ all the terms of the apartment lease _________ the one about not allowing pets.

Answers:

• except/accept

• except/except

• accept/accept

• accept/except

61. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The mysterious message Claude received could be a HARBINGER of what’s in store for him and his family.

Answers:

• Downfall

• Omen; forerunner

• Unequivocal proof

62. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

The WIZENED old woman gave Jack a handful of beans and some good advice.

Answers:

• Sage

• Shriveled

• Creepy

• Jocular

63. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

The company is __________ committed to developing educational television programs for children.

Answers:

• holey

• holy

• wholly

64. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

It’s a good thing you’re so _________ at paperwork, because you’ll need to fill out hundreds of forms to __________ a child.

Answers:

• adapt/adapt

• adept/adopt

• adapt/adopt

• adopt/adept

65. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

She entered the ballroom on the arm of a DEBONAIR young man.

Answers:

• Imprudent and unrefined

• Cheerful and clumsy

• Selfish and dissipated

• Charming and elegant

66. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

Our lawyers have informed us that while the new tax laws will not __________ our business directly, they may have an adverse _________ on the spending power of our customers.

Answers:

• effect/affect

• affect/affect

• effect/effect

• affect/effect

67. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

Sally was greatly __________ when I said I didn't like redheads.

Answers:

• piqued

• peeked

• peaked

68. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Running around barefoot in the snow will only EXACERBATE your flu symptoms.

Answers:

• Eliminate

• Aggravate; worsen

• Exhaust; drain of strength

69. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Narrow-minded; limited in scope

Answers:

• Hermetic

• Foreseeable

• Sporadic

• Sectarian

70. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

The coach was absolutely disgusted by his team’s INDOLENCE and nasty attitude.

Answers:

• Violent behavior

• Odorousness

• Laziness

• Disappearance

71. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

Who has the power to _________ out justice to the citizens of this country?

Answers:

• meet

• mete

• meat

72. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Her MELLIFLUOUS voice is perfectly suited to lullabies and never fails to put us all to sleep.

Answers:

• Smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding

• Dull; tiresome

• Cacophonous

73. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The exchange student was disheartened by the rather BRUSQUE welcome she received from her host family.

Answers:

• Clamorous; disorderly

• Gracious; kind

• Blunt or rude in manner of speech

74. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

Roger might be more AMENABLE to your ideas if you presented them without sneering.

Answers:

• Intractable

• Willing to accept

• Impressed by

• Unhappy

75. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

ITINERANT

Answers:

• Permanent

• Flexible

• Transient

• Dissatisfied

76. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

She always got a VICARIOUS thrill from watching her father skydive.

Answers:

• Empathetic

• Dangerous

• Pathetic

• Sickening

77. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.

The _________ poet, knowing his death was _________, struggled to finish his final ode.

Answers:

• imminent/eminent

• eminent/immanent

• immanent/imminent

• eminent/imminent

78. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

INORDINATE

Answers:

• Reasonable

• On a waiting list

• Unprepared

• Immense

79. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Alicia, who loved both men equally and wanted to hurt neither, found herself in quite a QUANDARY over which one she should choose.

Answers:

• Happy circumstance

• Puzzling predicament

• Easy decision