Unit 6 Choosing the Right Word

How can I be accused of (indictment, complicity) in that plot when I did not even know the conspirators?

complicity

The sleeping security guard was (derelict, plenary) in his duties.

derelict

Bag ladies and other homeless (neophytes, derelicts) roam our streets in increasing numbers.

derelicts

All of a sudden, a strange young man rushed onto the speaker's platform and launched into a (travesty, diatribe) against "big government".

diatribe

According to the village's custom, one can get rid of an enemy by making a tiny (effigy, motif) of him and sticking it full of pins.

effigy

Because she is a fair-minded woman, I'm sure she will present both sides of the controversy with admirable (equity, effigy))

equity

The awkward pause in the conversation became even more painful when he interjected his ( plenary, inane) attempts at humor.

inane

His disgraceful behavior since he left college is in itself a(n) (indictment, surveillance) of the lax, overindulgent upbringing he received.

indictment

What qualities will he have to fall back on when his (indubitable, testy) charm and good looks begin to wear thin?

indubitable

Today's forecast calls for variable cloudiness with (abject, intermittent) periods of rain.

intermittent

"I vetoed that idea when it was first (mooted, indicted) years ago," the governor said, "and i have never regretted my decision."

mooted

Human and animal forms carved in stucco and stone are a common (motif, neophyte) in ancient Aztec art.

motif

My studies have convinced me that the one dominant (motif, diatribe) in American history has been the expansion of democracy.

motif

After over 30 years in Congress, he retains the idealism of the (agnostic, neophyte) but has gained the practical wisdom of the veteran.

neophyte

The historian had long been noted for the soundness of his scholarship and the (complicity, perspicacity) of his judgement.

perspicacity

As he sat before the fire reading his newspaper, Grandfather seemed the very epitome of (plenary, sylvan) contentment

plenary

Observers on the ground keep close (surveillance, equity) on air traffic at a busy airport by means of various electronic devices, such as radar.

surveillance

The picture shows the three Graces dancing in a forest clearing, while nymphs, satyrs, and other (sylvan, indubitable) creatures cavort among the trees.

sylvan

To some readers, the dark and (intermittent, sylvan) setting of Hawthorne's short story "Young Goodman Brown" symbolizes the unknown.

sylvan

Though I can sometimes be as (testy, derelict) as an irate wasp, I normally do not lose my temper very easily.

testy

We laughed at Grandmother's confession that she can be (testy, moot) before she has er morning cup of coffee

testy

His extraordinary ability to (moot, travesty) the works of popular writers is largely due to his keen eye for the ridiculous

travesty

Only an (intermittent, abject) coward would stand idly by wile a defenseless old woman was mugged in the street.

abject

Several theology professors have given provocative reviews of the new book by Mr. Stuart, who readily admits he is an (effigy, agnostic).

agnostic

Though the book was written by an avowed (agnostic, derelict), it enjoyed a certain popularity with religious types

agnostic