Vocabulary and Synonyms

Harangue means a lengthy and aggressive speech or rant. Rant, censure, and diatribe are all types of aggressive speeches or criticism. Encomium means a speech or expression of high praise, which is the opposite of a harangue.

Harden means to make or become solid or firm. Clot, coagulate, and congeal all refer to solidifying or thickening. Harridan means a scolding old woman, which is unrelated to solidification.

Harlot means a prostitute or promiscuous person. Whore, hustler, and slut are all synonyms for harlot. Proactive means creating or controlling situations by taking initiative, which is unrelated to prostitution.

Harlequin refers to a comic clown character, so 'jester' is synonymous. 'Colorful' and 'kaleidoscopic' describe harlequin's multi-colored patterns. 'Stereotype' means a standardized mental image, unrelated to harlequin's meaning.

Harm means injury or damage. 'Mischief' implies harmful behavior, 'trauma' is harm/injury, 'iniquity' is wickedness causing harm. 'Dormant' means inactive or asleep - completely unrelated to the concept of harm.

Harbinger means something that foreshadows or announces what's coming. 'Augury,' 'omen,' and 'portent' are all synonyms referring to signs of future events. 'Past' refers to time gone by - NOT a synonym.

Harmonious means forming a pleasing or consistent whole. 'Melodious,' 'tuneful,' and 'euphonious' all relate to pleasant sounds or music. 'Malicious' means intending harm - completely opposite in meaning.

Harridan means a scolding, vicious woman. 'Virago,' 'termagant,' and 'vixen' are all synonyms for an aggressive, sharp-tongued woman. 'Quicken' means to make faster or come to life - completely unrelated.

The clue is renegade which is similar to traitor. In this sense, political means turncoat and is in reference to the political parties which these renegade MP's joined. Hence, turncoat is correct.

Correct option is (4).

Correct option is (1).

Superfluous means more than is needed or desired; excessive, unnecessary, or redundant. In the context of a report being 'marred by detail', 'superfluous detail' means the report contained excessive, unnecessary information that detracted from its main purpose or clarity.

The word momentous means very important or significant. While momentary meaning temporary might seem to fit better with only in a pessimistic sense, the question is testing the contrast between momentary fleeting and momentous significant. The claimed answer is momentous.

'Gabble' means to talk rapidly, indistinctly, or foolishly. Synonyms include prattle, rattle, and blabber - all describing rapid/senseless speech. 'Grate' means to shred, irritate, or a metal frame - completely unrelated to speech. The question asks which is NOT a synonym, making B the correct answer.