Vocabulary and Synonyms

Autocracy is a system of government by one person with absolute power - exactly what a dictatorship is. Democracy is rule by the people, anarchy is absence of government, and aristocracy is rule by a privileged elite (not necessarily one person).

Teetotaller specifically refers to a person who completely abstains from alcoholic drinks. Puritan refers to moral strictness (not specifically alcohol), Samaritan means a charitable person, and pedant means someone obsessed with minor details.

Besmirch means to dirty, stain, or damage someone's reputation. Smudge, sully, and grime are all synonyms - they refer to making something dirty or tarnished. Bleach (to whiten or clean) is the opposite action and is correctly identified as NOT a synonym.

A plaintiff is the person who brings a legal complaint or accuses someone in court. Accuser is the closest synonym as it directly refers to someone who makes an accusation. An appellant is someone who appeals a case, a defendant is the accused party, and litigant is a general term for anyone involved in litigation.

Vexatious means causing annoyance, irritation, or trouble. Onerous means burdensome, demanding, or difficult to bear - both share the sense of being troublesome. Prosperous (wealthy), degage (casual/relaxed), and secure (safe) do not match the annoying or troublesome meaning of vexatious.

Chivalrous describes someone who shows courtesy, honor, and courage, especially toward women. Gallant means brave, noble, and courteous in attention to women - they are synonyms. Craven means cowardly (opposite), while sneak and shirker suggest avoiding responsibility.

Prosaic means ordinary, commonplace, or lacking poetic beauty. Mundane means ordinary and lacking interest - they are synonyms. Theatrical and farcical both suggest drama or comedy (opposite), while amateur refers to lack of professional skill.

Prefatory means serving as an introduction or coming before the main part. Introductory means serving to introduce or begin - they are synonyms. Decisive means settling matters, eventual means final/occurring later, and hindmost means last in position.

Macabre means disturbing, horrifying, or grim because of involvement with death or injury. Convivial means friendly (opposite), cumbersome means awkward/bulky, and dulcet means sweet and soothing - none fit grim and horrible.

Sacrilegious means violating or disrespecting something sacred or holy. Curse is too general, reverent means showing respect (opposite), and hallowed means holy/sacred - not the violation itself.

Disseminate means to spread or scatter information or things widely. Congregate, throng, and muster all mean gathering or assembling - the opposite of scattering.

Obtuse means not sharp or pointed, or blunt in form. Acuminate, spiked, and briery all suggest sharpness or points - the opposite of what's asked.

Desultory means lacking a plan, purpose, or consistency - jumping from one thing to another without clear connection. Precise means exact (opposite), submissive means yielding to authority, and steward is a person, not an adjective.

In this context, 'vitiated' means spoiled, corrupted, or contaminated. The bombing damaged or ruined the atmosphere of reconciliation.

 Stupefied means to be amazed. As in cast in a stupor.