Vocabulary and Synonyms

Stalemate and impasse mean the same. They both describe a situation in which noone has an advantage in a conflict.

To imbibe means to absorb or take in something, whether liquid (drinking) or abstract ideas/knowledge. Absorb is a direct synonym meaning to take in or assimilate. The other options are unrelated.

A sermon is a religious speech or discourse, typically delivered by a clergy member. Preaching is the act of giving such a discourse. While doctrine is related to religious teaching, preaching specifically refers to the act of giving a sermon.

Feign means to pretend or make a show of something, often to deceive. Simulate is the closest synonym as it also means to imitate or replicate the appearance of something. Bashful and timid relate to shyness, not pretense.

Hushed means made quiet or silenced. Silence is the correct answer as it directly relates to being quiet or silent. The other options (horror, humiliated, ridicule, uproar) are unrelated to the concept of quietness.

Afflicted means suffering from pain, illness, or hardship. Sick is the correct answer as it directly relates to being affected by illness or distress. The other words (err, scoffed, jeopardize, novel) have different meanings unrelated to suffering.

Ominous means suggesting that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening or menacing. Evil is the closest match among the options, as it relates to negative or harmful intent. The other options (omnivorous, symbiotic, serene, melancholic) are unrelated to threatening or sinister meanings.

Shrewd means having or showing keen understanding, sharp judgment, and practical intelligence, often in a self-serving way. Crafty is the correct answer as it means skilled in achieving goals through indirect or deceitful methods, which aligns with the clever and sometimes calculating nature of being shrewd.

Glimmer means a faint, unsteady light or to shine faintly or unsteadily. Glitter is the correct answer as both words relate to sparkling or shining light. The other options (moaning, whining, shaky, pathos) are unrelated to light or shining.

Scorch means to burn or char the surface of something with intense heat. Burnt is the correct answer as it directly relates to the burning or charring effect. The other options (scoff, rogue, hidden, agile) are unrelated to burning or heat.

Incredulous means unwilling or unable to believe something; doubting or skeptical. Skeptical is the correct answer as it directly relates to having doubts or reservations about believing something. The other options (incredible, uproarious, veered off, scoundrel) are unrelated to doubt or disbelief.

Inane means silly, foolish, or lacking meaning; pointless. Foolish is the correct answer as it directly relates to lacking good sense or judgment. The other options (frivolous, frigid, dismal, insidious) have different meanings unrelated to foolishness or lack of sense.

Jostle means to push, elbow, or bump against someone roughly, typically in a crowd. Nudge is the correct answer as it means to push or touch someone gently, which is the closest action to jostling among the options. The other words (nude, natty, jovial, jinx) are unrelated to pushing or physical contact.

Shriek means a high-pitched, piercing cry or scream. Yell is the correct answer as it means to shout or cry out loudly, which is the closest match to making a loud vocal sound. The other options (hulk, hilarious, insane, willow) are unrelated to loud vocalizations.

Placid means calm, peaceful, and untroubled. Tranquil is the correct answer as it directly relates to being calm and peaceful. The other options (predicament, planetarium, shore, wane) are unrelated to calmness or peacefulness.