Question

1. the magazine is published not for a mass circulation but for a very select (peevish, literate) people
2. by friday afternoon, all of us were (indulging, hankering) for a relaxing, enjoyable weekend
3. i have my doubts about people who spend too much time telling the world how noble and (upright, downright) they are
4. the school board candidate delivered a stirring, twenty - minute (oration) on her plans for lowering the districts dropout rate
5. an important (constituent) of what is commonly called luck is the willingness to take chances when an opportunity appears.
6. the last thing i heard before falling asleep was the (goad, drones) of their endless discussion of politics.
7. in his many years in congress, he has been (animated, culminated) many times by a strong desire to help the underdogs in our society.
8. anyone who strives to be (unique, literate) in american literature should be familiar with the strange, mysterious tales of edgar allan poe.
9. though the colonies had long (seethed, singed) with resentment at the british, their discontent did not boil over into rebellion until 1776.
10. on a cold night, what i (brood, hanker) for most is a hot bowl of chicken soup.

synonyms
choose the word from this unit that is the same or most nearly the same in meaning as the boldface word or expression in the phrase. write that word on the line. use a dictionary if necessary.

1. the key ingredient in the process
2. despite the danger that appears ahead
3. trained in a new computer language
4. an utter disaster
5. offered a singular opportunity
6. gave a long sermon
7. the murmur of the bored crowd
8. crave paris in the springtime
9. lost some of its brilliance with each performance
10. attempted to incite others into action

Explanation:

1. "Key" can mean important or central, similar to "essential".
2. "Despite" means in spite of, so "in spite of" is a synonym.
3. "Trained" implies being educated or skilled in something, like "educated" in a new language.
4. "Utter" here means complete, so "complete" is a fitting synonym.
5. "Singular" can mean unique or remarkable, so "unique" is a good match.
6. A "sermon" is a long - winded speech, similar to a "lecture".
7. "Murmur" is a low, indistinct sound, like a "mutter".
8. "Crave" means to have a strong desire for, similar to "long for".
9. "Brilliance" refers to brightness or excellence, and "luster" is close in meaning.
10. "Incite" means to stir up or encourage action, like "provoke".

Answer:

1. essential
2. in spite of
3. educated
4. complete
5. unique
6. lecture
7. mutter
8. long for
9. luster
10. provoke