oDesk English Vocabulary (U.S. Version) Test 2015

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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