Fill in the Blanks

To appraise means to assess the value or quality of something or someone. The context of eyes coolly assessing someone fits this definition.

Under the auspices of means with the support, patronage, or guidance of an organization or initiative. This fits the context of a government-backed project.

To avoid means to keep away from or prevent something from happening. An accident is something that can be prevented or kept from occurring.

To avenge means to inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong. In this context, the person is seeking retribution for his wife's death.

To awake (or awoke) means to stop sleeping or to cause someone to stop sleeping. A voice can cause a child to wake up.

The context implies a future event or anticipation. 'Awaited' is the only word that fits the grammatical and semantic structure of expecting a novel to be released.

The sentence structure requires an adjective to describe the painting. 'Authentic' is the only adjective provided that logically describes the genuineness of a painting.

To calculate earnings over a period, one typically finds the mean or average. 'Averaged' is the correct verb form for this mathematical context.

The phrase 'explore every avenue' is a common idiom meaning to investigate every possibility. None of the other options fit this idiomatic expression.

To be 'awed' means to be filled with wonder or respect, which is the natural reaction to being in the presence of famous people. The other options do not fit the emotional context.

The phrase 'gone awry' is an idiom meaning that plans have failed or gone wrong. The other options are not semantically appropriate for describing failed plans.

An 'axiomatic' truth is one that is self-evident or universally accepted. The statement that life is not always easy is a common example of such a truth.

The 'axe' is a metaphorical term used to describe budget cuts or the termination of services. Being saved from the axe means the hospital was saved from closure.

The term 'azoic' refers to a period or environment where there is no life. It is the correct scientific term to describe deep-sea areas previously thought to be devoid of life.

Alienated means feeling isolated or estranged from others. This fits the context of artists feeling disconnected from society.