One Word Substitution

Speculative refers to something based on conjecture or theory rather than proven facts. This matches the definition provided.

A mortar is a bowl used with a pestle (often confused with cudgel in the prompt) to crush substances. This is the standard definition.

 Removing something from a composite of things is an extractive process. Copper is gained from extracting the metal from malachite.

A grindstone is a rotating stone wheel specifically designed for sharpening tools. The other options are types of stone or rock but not tools.

Barley is a cereal grain widely used in the production of food, beer, and whisky. The other options do not fit the specific usage description as well.

Seeding refers to the initial stage or the beginning of a development. While 'seeding' is often agricultural, it is metaphorically used for the start of a process.

A silo is a tall tower or structure on a farm used for storing bulk materials like grain. The other options are units of measurement or containers.

A granary is specifically a storehouse for threshed grain. This is the precise term for the building described.

An avocado is a tropical fruit characterized by its dark green skin, soft flesh, and large central seed. The other options are unrelated.

The above sentence describes lentils, which are very delicious, particularly in lentil soup. 

Inferior means lower in rank, status, or quality. This matches the definition of not being as good as something else.

Arid describes a climate or land that is extremely dry and lacks sufficient rainfall. This is the correct term.

Scarcely means almost not or barely. It is the best fit for 'almost nil' or 'negligible' among the provided choices.

To diversify is to make something more varied or to add variety. This matches the definition provided.

Paved refers to a surface covered with a hard material like concrete or asphalt, suitable for vehicles. While 'road' is a noun, 'paved' describes the surface type.

Oriented means to align or adapt something towards a particular purpose or direction. This fits the definition provided.

Dragging means pulling something along with effort, often because it is heavy or difficult to move. This matches the definition.

Steering means to guide or control the movement of something in a specific direction. The other options do not convey the sense of directional control.

A pestle is a heavy tool with a rounded end used for crushing or grinding substances in a mortar. The other options are either general tools or kitchen appliances.

Scattered describes things that are spread out over a wide area or separated by distance. The other options relate to dryness or appearance.

Impatient describes the feeling of being annoyed or irritated by a delay or a person. Appeased means to calm, while the others are verbs or unrelated nouns.

A sickle is a traditional agricultural tool with a curved blade specifically designed for harvesting grass or grain. Swords, knives, and daggers are weapons or general cutting tools.

Proud can describe the feeling of superiority or self-importance. While confidence is positive, pride in this context refers to an inflated sense of self-importance.

A hoe is a long-handled tool used for weeding and breaking up soil. The other options are unrelated words.

Fearful is the direct synonym for being nervous and afraid. Diligent means hardworking, cumbersome means heavy or awkward, and malignant means harmful.