Vocabulary and Synonyms

Vacillate means to waver between different options or opinions, to be indecisive. Option C correctly identifies this as 'waver.' Options A, B, and D are all verbs meaning to push, force, or pressure someone, which are unrelated to vacillate.

Vagary means an unexpected, erratic, or whimsical action or occurrence. Option A correctly identifies this as 'caprice,' which means a sudden change of mind or impulse. Options B, C, and D are unrelated - sullen means gloomy, wheedle means to persuade flatteringly, and 'none of the above' is incorrect since A is correct.

Gaudy means brightly colored, showy, or tastelessly ornamented - in other words, flashy. Option C correctly identifies this meaning. Options A, B, and D all represent qualities of simplicity, decency, or strength that are opposite to gaudy.

Acrid means having a sharply biting, bitter, or pungent taste or smell. Option A identifies this as 'sharp,' which can mean sharp in taste or smell (like acrid smoke). However, this is a somewhat imprecise match - acrid specifically means sharp in a harsh, irritating way. Options B and C are gentle opposites, and D is incorrect since A is a reasonable answer.

Exult means to be extremely joyful or triumphant, to show great happiness or elation. Rejoice is the correct synonym. Regret means disappointment, and revolt means to rebel.

Halcyon means calm, peaceful, and tranquil. It often refers to a happy, peaceful time period. Disturbed and hostile are opposites of this meaning, while animus means hostility or ill will.

Extant means still in existence, surviving, or not lost. Option A describes extemporaneous, option C describes expurgate or censor, and option D describes a memoir or chronicle.

Binge refers to a short period of excessive or uncontrolled activity, especially eating or drinking. Option A describes a biped (or possibly bison), option B is incorrect usage, and option D describes a binnacle.

Flamboyant means showy, brightly colored, or elaborate. It describes something eye-catching and ostentatious. Option A describes victory, option B describes a specific color, and option C describes a steady burn.

Anomalous means deviating from the norm, irregular, or abnormal. Option A describes anonymous, option C is garbled, and option D is unrelated to the meaning.

Exult means to show or feel great joy or triumph, especially as a result of success. Option B describes exude or leak, option C describes extirpate, and option D describes extenuate.

Candor means honesty, fairness, and directness in speech or expression. Ardor means enthusiasm or passion, banal means boring or commonplace, and debacle means a sudden disaster or collapse.

Zany means amusingly unconventional, eccentric, or crazy in a humorous way. It describes someone who behaves in a comically absurd or clownish manner. The other options don't capture this playful meaning.

Deride means to treat someone or something with contempt or ridicule, to mock or make fun of. Rejoice is the opposite emotion, guess is unrelated, and praise is the opposite of deride.

Banal means unoriginal, trite, or lacking imagination - exactly what the question asks. 'Ardor' means intense passion or enthusiasm. 'Candor' means honesty or sincerity. 'Debacle' means a sudden failure or disaster.