The police forces from both countries were involved in the _______ of the escaped prisoners because they had run into the forest that is the natural border between the two nations. (the action of taking something by force or with legal authority)

Galileo's ideas were well in ______ of the age in which he lived. (ahead of time)

The jazz _______ has played in 7 countries in Asia and Vietnam is going to be their next destination. (a group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together.)

A ______ of disapproval of Brexit was reported throughout Britain due to concerns about long-term economic imparts of this decision.

I ______ that learning Chemistry is hard, if you try harder, I believe you will manage to at least pass the exam. (express approval or agreement, typically officially)

He criticized the director and, by ______, the whole judge panel of this swimwear pageant competition. (by what is implied or suggested rather than by formal expression.)

The cliff was nearly ______ and impossible to climb. (at an angle of 90° to a given line, plane, or surface.)

There is no need to have a _______. I will clear this mess when I am done and return you your tidy living room. (be very shocked or angry.)

I got first-aid treatment down to a(n) ______ after working in the Emergency Room for a year. (be able to do or understand something well.)

When I heard that he wanted to organize a party in his 250-square-feet apartment, I knew his plan was going to be dead in the _______. (fail, impossible to work in the future)

What really exists and happens in Area 51 is still ______ in mystery and attracts debate. (very little information about it has been made available.)

Just make up your mind and tell me whether you want to continue this project or not, stop ______ hot and cold. (alternate inconsistently between two moods, attitudes, or courses of action.)

Thinking that this crime drama is just blood and _______ is a big mistake because the plot is extremely intelligent. (extremely violent)

I never tell my sister anything because I know she will definitely ______ it out. (say something suddenly and without thinking)

She _______ agreed to go with him to the football match although she had no interest in the games at all. (done or offered unwillingly)

Police have not so far been able to ______ a confession from the people accused of the bombing. (get something by force or threats, or with difficulty)

The campaign was launched by David with a long ______ against the lack of action of the people in authority. (a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something.)

Reducing plastic waste in school is a(n) ______ aim, but enforcing them at gunpoint will likely turn the plan into a failure. (deserving praise and commendation.)

Although Mike is quite good at singing, he is barely a(n) ______ by comparison with professional singers. (a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge.)

Although he appeared to enjoy a jet-setting life, he ______ publicity and avoided nightclubs. (deliberately avoid using; abstain from.)

Paradoxically, it is usually even harder for people to give up gambling after losing because they want to ______ their losses in the next game. (regain something lost or expended)

Living up to 100 will not be a pleasure anymore if you have to ______ around getting increasingly frail. (move slowly and weakly, as if you might fall, especially because of being very old)

The meditation course has really helped his ______ to abate, making him calmer and more considerate. (having a hot temper and easily angered)

The princess's nanny's autobiography really gives the ______ on life among the loyals. (the most important facts and information about something)

He did everything to _______ favour with his superiors in the hope of getting promoted. (to praise someone, especially someone in authority, in a way that is not sincere, in order to get some advantage for yourself)

Children are more likely to be spoiled when their parents ______ them. (love someone completely and believe they are perfect)

China was ______ among the powers of the Eight-Nation Alliance by the end of the 19th century. (divide something and give the separate parts to different people)

Mary finally decided to ______ and broke up with Jack after having been together for 4 years. (make a decision to do something, especially after thinking about it for a long time)

Their company is so debt-ridden that I think it's safe to say they're ______ at this stage. (having failed in something that you are doing)