All GRE Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #281 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The senator's staff quickly tried to deal with the reporter's __________ before the attack could hurt the politician's image.
proscription
commendation
approbation
detraction
acclamation
detraction
A "detraction" is a verbal attack or a slandering remark. A detraction written by a reporter would certainly hurt the senator's claims.
Example Question #282 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The riots hit their __________ with a mass wave of violence that killed dozens, but then began to calm down.
apogee
facade
ephemera
cant
taunt
apogee
The sentence does describe "a mass wave of violence that killed dozens," yet also describes that the riots "calm down." This indicates the missing word reflects an ultimate point of terrible violence in the riots. "Apogee," meaning the highest or furthest point or climactic moment, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #283 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
He suffered a general __________ that made him trust no one and see harm in everything.
purism
kleptomania
intransigence
paranoia
psychosis
paranoia
The sentence describes the subject as someone who can "trust no one and see harm in everything." These phrases can be used a fair definition or clue to the correct answer. "Paranoia," meaning a mental condition featuring a general fear or anxiety, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #284 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
His constant attacks on a much larger force showed a lack of _________ in miltary matters.
umbrage
intermittence
prudence
foolhardiness
resiliences
prudence
The sentence describes the subject attacking "a much larger force" and doing so constantly. This indicates the correct answer needs to show the subject has a "lack of" good judgement. "Prudence," meaning caution and wisdom, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #285 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The __________ of his image took a long time to fully come back to the previous level of respect from the public.
reconnaissance
deification
obliteration
personification
resuscitation
resuscitation
The sentence discusses the subject's image having "to fully come back to the previous level." This means the correct answer has to indicate bringing something back to past levels. "Resuscitation," literally meaning to bring back to life, and here used figuratively, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #286 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
His position as a committed _________ stood at odds with his ownership of multiple bars.
intemperate
dissident
iconoclast
archetype
teetotaler
teetotaler
The sentence contrasts the subject's position as the missing word with "his ownership of multiple bars." The correct answer needs to indicate opposition to bars, drinking, or ownership. "Teetotaler," meaning someone who completely abstains from alcohol, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #287 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
While she was still grieving over her mother's death, her pets' affection proved a __________ for her sadness.
combustion
temper
balm
retardant
underwriter
balm
The sentence describes the "pets' affection" as doing the missing word "while she was still grieving." This indicates the correct answer should show some help for the subject's grief. "Balm," meaning something soothing and calming, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #288 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The performer was a __________ who surpassed most of his fellow violinists in ability.
personification
figurehead
drone
charlatan
virtuoso
virtuoso
The sentence describes the subject as having "surpassed most of his fellow violinists in ability." This indicates he was a very gifted and talented musician. "Virtuoso," meaning a highly skilled and accomplished performer, is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #289 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
After years of working at the same job, the excitement had given way to a general sense of __________.
loathing
ebulliency
complacency
virulence
aversion
complacency
The sentence explicitly contrasts the missing word with the "excitement" present "after years of working at the same job." This means the correct answer needs to mean the opposite of "excitement." "Complacency," meaning a lack of awareness or energy, is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #290 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts
The team's __________ quickly backfired and revealed their strategy was deeply flawed.
undermining
veneration
usury
resolve
gambit
gambit
The sentence notes their "strategy was deeply flawed." This pairs with the missing word having "backfired," indicating the correct answer will be synonymous with "strategy." "Gambit," meaning ploy or maneuver, is the best choice among the answers.