Vocabulary and Synonyms

Dereliction means willful neglect or failure to fulfill one's duty. Neglect is the correct synonym - both refer to failing to care for something or fulfill an obligation. Neat, groan, and wail are unrelated to this concept.

Ebullience means high spirits, enthusiasm, or bubbly excitement. Exuberance is the correct synonym - both describe overflowing energy and cheerfulness. Evade means to escape, anoint means to apply oil, and akin means similar - none match ebullience.

A cranny is a small, narrow opening or crack, especially in a wall. Corner is the closest synonym among the options - a cranny is typically found in corners or crevices. Frivolous means trivial, steel is metal, and mingle means to mix socially.

A diatribe is a forceful, bitter, or abusive speech or piece of writing attacking someone or something. Controversial discussion correctly captures this meaning - a diatribe expresses strong disapproval or criticism. Tolerant means accepting, rescored is not relevant, and dissent means disagreement but lacks the angry, lengthy nature of a diatribe.

Expostulate means to express strong disapproval or protest, typically through reasoning or argument. To protest is the correct synonym - both mean to object strongly to something. Peek means to look secretly, goad means to provoke, and estimate means to guess - none match expressing disapproval.

Corpulent means fat or fleshy, especially describing someone who is overweight. Fat is the correct synonym - both directly describe being overweight. Thick and move are too generic, while jiggle describes a motion unrelated to body size.

Denigrate means to criticize unfairly, to belittle, or to disparage someone or something. To 'belittle' is the closest synonym among the options, meaning to make someone or something seem unimportant or insignificant.

Verdure refers to the lush green vegetation of grass and other plants. Among the options, 'green' is the correct synonym as it directly relates to the green color of growing plants.

Ebony refers to a very dense, black wood obtained from several species of trees, known for its dark color. The word is commonly used to describe anything that is very dark or black in color.

Emblazon means to decorate prominently with symbols or bright colors, often referring to coats of arms, logos, or designs being displayed prominently on a surface.

Ancient trees are described as being hoary, i.e. "hoary oak". Hence, hoary is synonymous to ancient.

Sallow refers to a pale, unhealthy complexion.

 A bigot is someone who is prejudiced and generally intolerant of people because of race, ethnicity or religion.

Sadist is the psychological term for someone who enjoys being cruel or inflicting pain on others, named after the Marquis de Sade. Egotism is excessive self-centeredness (a noun, not a person), expiate means to make amends for guilt, and zoo is irrelevant.

Show off means to display something proudly in order to gain attention, notice, or applause from others. This phrasal verb often has a negative connotation of excessive pride. 'Show for' means to demonstrate purpose, 'Show in' means to conduct into a room, and 'Show out' means to conduct someone out of a place.