Question

definitions
note the spelling, pronunciation, part(s) of speech, and definition of each of the following words. then write the word in the blank spaces in the illustrative sentence(s) following. finally, study the list of synonyms and antonyms.

1. abut

(ə bat)\t(v.) to join at one end or be next to; to support, prop up
\t\tland that ____________ a river or lake is
\t\tconsidered a highly desirable location on which to build a
\t\tsummer home.
\tsynonyms: border on, bolster

1. attire

(ə tir)\t(n.) clothes, apparel, garb; (v.) to dress, adorn, or bedeck
\t\tthe special ____________ that firefighters wear
\t\thelps to protect them from flames and smoke.
\t\tthe children happily ____________ their stuffed
\t\tanimals in holiday outfits and accessories.
\tsynonym: (n.) clothing

1. avail

(ə vāl)\t(v.) to be of use or benefit to; to make use of; to take advantage
\t\tof; to profit or benefit; (n.) use, benefit, or value
\t\tbe sure to ____________ yourself of all the
\t\tservices that the school library has to offer.
\t\ti tried repeatedly to contact my neighbor by phone, but to
\t\tabsolutely no ____________.

1. crony

(krō nē)\t(n.) a very close friend, chum, buddy
\t\twe have been ____________ ever since we met
\t\tin the second grade.
\tantonyms: adversary, rival

1. cryptic

(krip tik)\t(adj.) puzzling, mystifying, or enigmatic
\t\tthe letter to the editor was so ____________ that
\t\ti couldn’t be certain what the writer had actually intended
\t\tto say.
\tantonyms: crystal clear, unambiguous

1. divergent

(dī ver jənt)\t(adj.) going in different directions, different from each other,
\t\tdeviating from convention, deviant
\t\ttwo people may be close friends despite their having
\t\t____________ interests and beliefs.
\tsynonyms: (of opinions) differing, conflicting, at odds
\tantonyms: (in opinions) agreeing, conforming, consensus,
\t\tconventional

Explanation:

Each blank is filled by matching the correct form of the provided word to the sentence's context and part of speech requirement.

Answer:

1. abut

• Land that abuts a river or lake is considered a highly desirable location on which to build a summer home.

1. attire

• The special attire that firefighters wear helps to protect them from flames and smoke.
• The children happily attire their stuffed animals in holiday outfits and accessories.

1. avail

• Be sure to avail yourself of all the services that the school library has to offer.
• I tried repeatedly to contact my neighbor by phone, but to absolutely no avail.

1. crony

• We have been cronies ever since we met in the second grade.

1. cryptic

• The letter to the editor was so cryptic that I couldn't be certain what the writer had actually intended to say.

1. divergent

• Two people may be close friends despite their having divergent interests and beliefs.