Choosing the Right Word Assessment

In ancient Egypt, (talismans, sacrileges) with the image of a scarab beetle were considered sacred and believed to have healing and protective powers.

• talismans

• sacrileges

The infatuated schoolboy, in one of his more restrained expressions, described himself as "a (sacrilege, suppliant) at the altar of love."

• sacrilege

• suppliant

"I realize that this kind of financial (gambit, sacrilege) has its risks," she said, "but I expect it to pay off handsomely in the end."

• gambit

• sacrilege

"His acts of defiance have been so (myopic, overt) and premeditated that I have no choice but to fire him," she said sadly.

• myopic

• overt

John Masefield's poem "Sea Fever" has an (avid, undulating) rhythm that actually gives one the feeling of being on a rolling ship.

• avid

• undulating

Walt tends to react slowly, but when he feels that his own interests are at stake he can move with striking (celerity, myopia).

• celerity

• myopia

Although all politicians must have some ability to dramatize themselves, it is very easy to overdo the (proprieties, histrionics).

• proprieties

• histrionics

The adoring fan regarded my negative comments about his favorite singer as tantamount to (maelstrom, sacrilege).

• maelstrom

• sacrilege

Without even considering the new evidence that I was prepared to present, they (deviously, summarily) denied my appeal to reopen the case.

• deviously

• summarily

She was buffeted about in a veritable (gambit, maelstrom) of emotions, caused mainly by her own dissatisfaction with herself.

• gambit

• maelstrom