Vocab Review Part 1

The Hollywood actor, ever _____ for fame, gave interviews to whoever asked, gushing volubly about his achievements, dreams, and ambitions.

• avid

• devious

• incendiary

• myopic

Even the well water in areas close to the sea sometimes tastes _____.

• histrionic

• brackish

• pejorative

• incendiary

Contestants on quiz shows like “Jeopardy” must answer with _____ as well as accuracy.

• halcyon

• propriety

• sacrilege

• celerity

The attorney used _____ arguments to confuse the jury.

• avid

• pejorative

• histrionic

• devious

Expert chess players memorize many _____ so they are rarely surprised by their opponents’ opening moves.

• gambits

• maelstroms

• talismans

• sacrileges

Journalists and novelists often portray the 1950s with a touch of nostalgia, contrasting this supposedly _____ era with the war-torn 1940s and the economically grim 1930s.

• myopic

• pejorative

• halcyon

• suppliant

Kevin’s behavior was erratic; one day he exhibited poise and composure, but the next he could seem volatile and _____, full of melodramatic poses.

• histrionic

• brackish

• devious

• overt

Benjamin Franklin, who was _____, is usually depicted as wearing eyeglasses.

• histrionic

• suppliant

• myopic

• brackish

It is easier to respond to a(n) _____ insult than to a sly jab disguised as a compliment.

• overt

• devious

• brackish

• halcyon

Those who make _____ remarks about others should take the old maxim to heart: “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”

• avid

• pejorative

• halcyon

• suppliant