Synonym vocabulary test

The telegraph was the fastest means of long-distance communication during much of the nineteenth century.

• stage

• result

• development

• method

Employment opportunities in the transportation industry rose markedly between 1960 and 1969.

• significantly

• gradually

• irregularly

• unexpectedly

The usefulness of silver in such different fields as photography and solar energy makes it a practical as well as a precious metal.

• attractive

• flexible

• valuable

• glossy

Polar bears are well equipped for life in the perpetual ice and snow of the far north.

• empty

• forgotten

• permanent

• freezing

When human beings first turned to farming, they became intensely concerned with the phenomenon of rain.

• deeply

• necessarily

• suddenly

• carelessly

In his earliest works, choreographer Paul Taylor’s use of ordinary gestures postures puzzled some audiences.

• bored

• confused

• offended

• delighted

The growth of medical specialties has resulted in seriously ill patients receiving much more effective treatment than ever before.

• intermittently

• mildly

• moderately

• gravely

A fuel-injection system in an internal combustion engine disperses fuel more evenly for greater power.

• discreetly

• equally

• slowly

• efficiently

Scientists have detected a black hole five million times as massive as our Sun at the center of the galaxy.

• photographed

• investigated

• discovered

• reported

The colors of the sky are among the most accurate weather indicators.

• common

• controversial

• reliable

• obsolete