Level D Unit 10 Choosing the Right Word

When we tried to straighten out the mess, we found ourselves ________ in a mass of inaccurate, incomplete, and mixed-up records.

Mired

Passengers could not exit the bus without tripping over the ________ package in the aisle.

Obtrusive

I could see that the merchant's long, sad story about bad luck was only the ________ to a request for a loan.

Preamble

That monologue about the young accountant on her very first day on the job ________ me helpless with laughter.

Rendered

The artist, who had trained as an architect, ________ a realistic drawing of the hotel lobby that was nearly as detailed as a photograph.

Rendered

Just as in fairy tales, the way to Grandma's house was a long, winding and ________ path through dark woods.

Rugged

The sculptor has done a superb job of representing the strong, rough planes of Lincoln's ________ features.

Rugged

A good scientist will always be ________, about any theory that is not backed by convincing evidence.

Skeptical

I would never trust my funds to anyone who is so ________ in managing his own affairs.

Slipshod

After 4 years as the President's press secretary, I have become a noted ________ in the art of fielding questions.

Adept

Rita, who until a year ago had never prepared anything more complicated than scrambled eggs, is now quite an ________ cook.

Adept

When Emerson said, "Hitch your wagon to a star," he meant that we should ________ to reach the very highest levels of which we are capable.

Aspire

When I asked the student why he wasn't going to the senior prom, he answered only with a ________ smile.

Bleak

It is worse than useless to ________ children for misbehaving without giving them an opportunity to behave better.

Chide

Far from admiring the way they got those letters of recommendation, I consider their deception utterly ________.

Despicable

In Jonathan Swift's fictional country of Lilliput, everyone and everything is pint-sized or ________.

Diminutive

It is up to all of us to ________ ourselves from prejudices and false ideas acquired early in life.

Emancipate

After enslaved African-Americans were ________, many emigrated to northern states in order to start new lives.

Emancipated

I am not accusing anyone of deliberately lying, but I can prove beyond doubt that the charges are ________.

Erroneous

Sergei ________ Natasha's love for him by asking for a favor.

Exploited

Sergeant Alvin York was awarded this nation's highest honor for his many daring ________ during WWI.

Exploits

In the ________ give-and-take of a TV debate, it is easy for a nervous nominee to make a slip of the tongue.

Extemporaneous

The goalie's reflexes were as sharp as ever, but the knee injury had plainly ________ his ability to maneuver.

Impaired

Our basketball team, with its well-planned attack, tight defense, and seven-foot center, proved all but ________.

Invincible

The visitor's huge bulk, combined with his ________ manner, made me think of a tired whale.

Languid