The choice that makes the most sense is "ameliorate," to improve or make better.

The choice that makes the most sense is "bolster," to support or reinforce.

The choice that makes the most sense is "disabuse," to correct a false impression or persuade (someone) that a belief is mistaken.

The sentence describes the subject as "careful about his health and nutrition," and the missing word describes his approach to "any fried or fatty food." This means the correct answer will show the athlete not taking the unhealthy food. "Eschewed," meaning to shun or avoid, is the best choice among the answers.

"Gainsaid" is the past tense of "gainsay," which means to contradict; this means that Alfred's answer was wrong, so he would not be relieved. If we were to choose "derided," the professor would have made fun of Alfred's answer, and Alfred would once more probably not be relieved. "Denigrated," meaning criticized, also seems unlikely. We might be tempted to choose "ignored," but "corroborated," meaning made certain or attested to the truth and reliability of, is a much better choice. 

The semicolon separating the two clauses tells you that the second clause will further explain the first clause. In this case, you want to know what happened to the man's political views; the second clause tells you that he became "set in his ways." This lets you know to look for a word that means became inflexible. The best choice here is "ossified," which means hardened like bone into an unyielding substance.

The hiring process is sped up for the candidate, despite the "usual requirements." The correct answer will show the requirements were eliminated in the candidate's particular case. "Waived," meaning let go or dismissed, is the best choice.

The key word in this sentence is "annoyed," indicating the author disagreed with the conspiracy theories. He would not attempt to support any of their claims, so the correct answer should indicate criticism or skepticism. Of all the choices, only "debunking," meaning exposing false ideas, makes sense in the sentence.

The young man's attempt to avoid trouble with his parents means he was not telling the truth or avoiding difficult subjects. "Equivocate," which means speak ambiguously, is the only answer choice with that meaning, as all the other choices indicate either excessive speaking, forthrightness, or both.

A "contrarian nature" means the subject of the sentence would support causes because they are unpopular. "Debunk," "criticize," "obviate," and "mock" would all mean he was going with the popular opinion. "Advocate," meaning to support or argue for, is the correct answer choice.