“Aromatic” is similar to “aroma,” except that it refers exclusively to things that smell good. “Savory” has a similar definition. “Acrid” refers to a sharp, unpleasant smell. “Permeate” means to fill or pass through every part. “Acrid . . . permeating” is the correct answer.

It would not be a good idea to find a job that prevents or blocks your skills and abilities. Therefore, “impedes” and “stymies” can be eliminated. An “actuary” is someone who calculates risk for insurance companies, and “actuarial” is an adjective for this type of employment. “Actuarial . . . utilizes” is the correct answer.

Note that “imperceptive” means that they are not perceptive. This is the wrong answer. To “earmark” means to set aside for a specific purpose. “Acute” means intense or serious. “Earmarked . . . acute” is the correct answer.

We need two words that agree with each other to fill in the blanks. The teacher would not condemn a student for performing well. “Admonish” means to scold. “Egregious” means standing out as being especially bad. “Admonished . . . egregious” is the correct answer.

To “delineate” is to describe with precision, similar to the meaning of “expound.” Neither of these could work as there is a sentence shift, so the first part of the sentence must contrast with the second part. “Exhaustive” refers to including everything. “Adumbrate” means to describe roughly or give the main points. Together, these form the correct answer.

The sentence contains clues that his girlfriend might not be completely sincere in her career advice. "Long-winded explanations” and “speeches on how she could be better organized” are mentioned. “Didactic” means instructive. It is often used in a negative way, which is fitting for this sentence. To “advert” means to turn the attention to. “Adverted . . . didactic” is the best answer.

“Egalitarian” describes someone who believes in equality. When something is “equitable,” it means that it is fair to everyone. Neither of these words would be a good fit for the first blank, given the context of the sentence. “Despotic” describes rulers who govern with an iron fist. “Divest” means to take something away from someone. “Despotic . . . divest” is the correct answer. 

“Ignoble” means not noble, and “opprobrious” has a similar definition. If the doctor was indifferent to or in agreement with the spread of diseases, perhaps these words could apply. “Estimable” means deserving of respect and admiration. In this context, to “advocate” means to speak in favor of something. “Estimable . . . advocated” is the best answer.

"Visionary" makes sense with the broader context of the sentence, which talks about the widespread and long lasting praise for the album. "Lauded" also further enforces that sentiment. None of the other options matched the exclusively positive nature of the sentence.

"Nascent" means to be coming into being or in the early stages. To "waver" is to be unsettled, usually in the sense of become unsure of something. His confidence could also be "nebulous," which means vague and unformed, but "self-confidence" can't "recant."