Level H Unit 15 Vocabulary Completing the Sentence

Since there was no time to get into elaborate details, all that we did was to _____ the general features of the plan.

adumbrate

In a rather silly painting called The __________ of Homer, the artist attempts to show the blind poet's reception among the gods.

apotheosis

After his conversation, the young man renounced his former profligacy and dissipation to lead the life of a(n) __________ .

ascetic

I wonder how many people have been taken in by those silly TV ads that attempt to pass of worthless __________ as valuable jewelry.

bauble

How could a person of your knowledge and experience allow yourself to be __________ by vague promises and empty reassurances?

beguile

What at first appeared to be no more than a rather favorable opinion of himself has __________ into a seemingly unlimited conceit.

burgeoned

The editorial argues that the crime'fighting situation cannot improve until the police department receives its full __________ of personnel.

complement

The chairman of the Senate Investigating Committee angrily threatened the witness with contempt charges because of her __________ attitude.

contumacious

At first we thought that he was just pretending to be surly, but later we discovered that he really was a __________ .

curmudgeon

For the 18th-century moralist, art and literature had an essentially __________ purpose; they should teach as well as entertain.

didactic

Though your unwillingness to make me a small loan is disappointing, what infuriates me is your __________ explanation that it is "for my own good."

disingenuous

While two of the accused were indicated on conspiracy charges, the third was eventually __________ of any involvement plot.

exculpate

Her standards of proper behavior are so demanding that she regards every minor __________ as an unforgivable social offense.

faux pas

She doesn't seem to realize that it is often more impressive to offer a few just words of criticism than to _____ long and loud against those who offend us.

fulminate

Instead of simply stating his case, he launched into an emotional appeal whose language soon degenerated into mere _____ and bombast.

fustian

I won't go into that shop because the snooty salespeople treat me with the __________ and disdain of aristocrats dealing with their lackeys.

hauteur

We all have aggressive impulses, but in most cases our early training and conditioning tend to __________ the open expression of them.

inhibit

What we need in this situation is not a lugubrious __________ cataloging our troubles but a workable plan for improvements.

jeremiad

Successful politician must be alert to take advantage of every favorable circumstance, but if they are no more than ____________, it is hard to see how they will ever accomplish anything worthwhile.

opportunist

I find it impossible to understand how the world can stand idly by while __________ acts of cruelty are being committed daily.

unconscionable