Vocabulary and Synonyms

To annul means to declare invalid or make void, like annulling a marriage or contract as if it never existed. The other options refer to: stout (A), abandon (B), and smirk (D).

As a verb, ape means to imitate or mimic someone's behavior, often implying unoriginal copying. The other options refer to: antecedent (A), repetition (B), and soluble (D).

An aphorism is a concise, pithy maxim or saying that expresses a general truth or principle. The other options refer to: precipitate (A), censure (B), and somnambulist (D).

An apiarist is a beekeeper - someone who maintains honeybee colonies for honey production or pollination. The other options refer to: precipitate (A), disown (B), and half-asleep (D).

Aplomb means self-confidence, composure, and poise especially in difficult or challenging situations. The other options refer to: prevent (A), dislike (B), and resonant (D).

Apocalyptic describes something relating to the end of the world or a catastrophic event. While 'prophetic' (foretelling the future) is tangentially related since apocalyptic literature often contains predictions, it's not the primary meaning. The word more commonly means 'catastrophic' or 'describing total destruction,' making option C an imperfect match but the best among the choices provided.

Apolitical means having no interest or involvement in political affairs, or being against political principles. It describes someone or something that is not connected to politics or deliberately avoids political matters. Option C accurately defines this as having an aversion to or lack of concern for politics.

An apologist is someone who writes or speaks in defense of a cause, institution, or belief system. They provide arguments to justify or support something that may be controversial. Option C correctly identifies this as one who defends a cause or institution through written or spoken arguments.

An apostate is someone who renounces or abandons a religious faith, political belief, or principle they once held. It implies a deliberate rejection of previously held beliefs or loyalty. Option C correctly defines this as one who abandons religious faith or political beliefs.

An apothecary is a historical term for a person who prepared and sold medicines and drugs - essentially what we now call a pharmacist. They were medical practitioners who compounded and dispensed medications. Option C correctly identifies this as a druggist or pharmacist.

An apothegm (also spelled apophthegm) is a short, pithy, or instructive saying or maxim that expresses a general truth in a concise way. Think of proverbs or witty observations. Option C correctly captures this as a pithy, compact saying or brief, meaningful statement.

Apotheosis is the elevation or exaltation of someone to divine status, or the perfect example or highest point of development of something. It can mean deification or the culmination of an ideal. Option C correctly identifies this as elevation to godhood or divine status.

To appall means to greatly dismay, shock, or horrify someone. It describes causing someone to feel strong negative emotions like disgust or shock. Option C correctly identifies this as causing dismay or shocking someone deeply. The word comes from the Old French meaning 'to make pale' (from shock).

Appease means to pacify, soothe, or calm someone - often by acceding to their demands. Option C is correct. Option A describes prehensive ability, Option B refers to elasticity, and Option D is too general - none capture the calming/placating aspect of appeasing.

Appellation means a name, title, or designation given to someone or something. Option C is correct. Option A refers to an ecclesiastical title, Option B means resolution, and Option D describes thinness - none relate to naming or titling.