“Respite” means to take a break from something unpleasant, so this word would not be appropriate given that its accompanying word is “condole.” “Condone” could possibly work for the second blank; however, given that it would either mean to pardon or to disregard something objectionable, it is a weak choice at best. An “affliction” is a state of pain or distress. To “commiserate” means to express sympathy for someone. “Affliction . . . commiserate” is the correct answer.

“Jejuneness” refers to something being dull or immature. “Aridity” means either dull or uninteresting. Neither of these words fit the sentence well. “Effulgence” refers to being dazzled by light. “Permeate” is to pass through every part of something. “Effulgence . . . permeating” is the best answer.

“Abnegation” is to deny oneself of something. It wouldn’t make sense for him to save up or collect his money in order to deny himself a car, so this choice can be eliminated. Similarly, “relinquishment” will also not work. To “allocate” is to set aside for a particular purpose. “Acquisition” refers to coming into possession of something. “Allocated . . . acquisition” is the correct answer.

“Slogging” refers to long and tiring work. The key to the second blank is to note that her emotional response was the result of being “overheard by a policeman.” “Travails” has a similar definition to “slogging.” To be “abashed” means that you feel embarrassed. An “escapade” is a reckless, dangerous adventure that probably involves some type of “escape.” “Abashed . . . escapades" is the best answer.

Apparently Todd was almost an exact copy of Gregory. The word doppelganger comes from the German word meaning "double-goer." It is based on the mythological idea of one person who looks totally like another person. This "copy" is a double of the other person. Apparently Todd was like this with regard to Gregory—or at least almost so. (Notice that it does say that he was almost an utter doppelganger.)

This means that Todd didn't merely copy this or that element of Gregory's mannerisms. To say this another way, he did not merely "imitate" Gregory.

When you call someone a “neanderthal,” you are referring to a group of humans who lived thousands of years ago. You essentially mean that the person is as stupid and ill-mannered as a caveman. “Ambience” refers to the atmosphere or mood of a place. To “adulterate” means to corrupt or mess something up. “Ambience . . . adulterated” is the most logical choice.

In case you were wondering, to “bulwark” is to defend against something with a protective wall. When someone is a “fanatic,” they are really excited about something, so much in fact that they might come off as a little crazy. To “ambush” is to suddenly come out from your hiding place and attack someone. “Fanatic . . . ambush” is the correct answer.

“Meliorate” is the same as “ameliorate,” which means to make better. This word could be possible if its partner weren’t “antithesis,” meaning that he is the opposite of a cartoon villain. An “archetype” is a model example of something, similar to “apotheosis” or “quintessence.” To “amend” is to correct or improve; it can more specifically mean to reform oneself. “Archetype . . . amend” is the best choice.

The two blanks represent opposite words. ("Although" is the clue that the sentence changes direction in the middle). "Stygian" (meaning gloomy) and "sanguine" (cheerful) are the only words that match the meanings of the blanks. 

The clues are "embarrassing" and "by giving him an extra discount." Only "imbroglio" (a difficult or embarrassing situation) and "appease" (to calm) fit the blanks.