GRE Verbal : Verbs in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #91 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

Arriving full of idealism, the freshman Senator found it surprisingly difficult to __________ support for his favorite issues.

Possible Answers:

belie

dissipate

evade

usurp

marshal

Correct answer:

marshal

Explanation:

The Senator finds some aspect of dealing with "his favorite issues" difficult, despite being "full of idealism." This indicates that he cannot convince others on the issues. "Marshal," meaning to gather together, is the correct answer.

Example Question #92 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The pretender to the throne __________ the crown by defeating his predecessor in battle.

Possible Answers:

assuaged

discerned

confounded

belied

usurped

Correct answer:

usurped

Explanation:

"The pretender" defeated the former king in battle. The correct answer will indicate that the pretender took possesion of the crown. "Usurp," meaning to take away someone's position, is the best fit.

Example Question #93 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

Without his glasses, he was unable to __________ any shapes walking at him.

Possible Answers:

decimate

facilitate

discern

confound

eviscerate

Correct answer:

discern

Explanation:

The sentence notes the man has trouble performing the missing word "without his glasses." This means the correct answer will be something difficult with poor vision. "Discern," meaning to distinguish or understand, is the best choice.

Example Question #94 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

Although a target for criticism, she had a special ability to __________ any accusations and come out unscathed.

Possible Answers:

absorb

parry

instigate

proscribe

propose

Correct answer:

parry

Explanation:

The subject will "come out unscathed," so she is not harmed by the accusations. The correct answer will indicate the criticism is being turned off by the subject. "Parry," meaning to deflect or fend off, is the best choice.

Example Question #95 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

For weeks, the board __________ between the two candidates for CEO.

Possible Answers:

vacillated

circumscribed

nettled

appeased

collated

Correct answer:

vacillated

Explanation:

The board had "two candidates for CEO" it was dealing with "for weeks." This means the board was taking time to make a decision. "Vacillated," meaning wavering or hesitating, is the correct answer.

Example Question #96 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The negotiator thought he could __________ both sides by giving in to certain demands.

Possible Answers:

circumvent

lance

appease

epitomize

hinder

Correct answer:

appease

Explanation:

A negotiator's job is to settle disagreements. If he is "giving in to certain demands," then he is trying to help both sides. "Appease," meaning to pacify or calm, is the correct answer.

Example Question #97 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The attempts to __________ the protests backfired, resulting in the largest gathering yet.

Possible Answers:

circumscribe

circumnavigate

bolster

alleviate

burnish

Correct answer:

circumscribe

Explanation:

The missing word did not work but "backfired," causing "the largest gathering yet." This means the correct answer needs to indicate a suppresion of the protests. "Circumscribe," meaning to limit or prohibit, is the best choice.

Example Question #98 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The mine's product was worthless, as engineers had no way to __________ what was pulled from the ground.

Possible Answers:

exculpate

deride

pollute

condone

smelt

Correct answer:

smelt

Explanation:

The substance "pulled from the ground" is "worthless" because doing the missing word is impossible. The correct answer needs to mean a process that makes raw material valuable. "Smelt," meaning to refine an ore into usable metal, is the correct answer.

Example Question #99 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

His efforts to __________ tax law backfired and got him indicted for fraud.

Possible Answers:

exculpate

solicit

ordain

appease

circumvent

Correct answer:

circumvent

Explanation:

If a person gets indicted, then he is not obeying the law. The correct answer will reflect his dislike or avoidance of "tax law." "Circumvent," meaning to go around or move out of the way of, is the best choice.

Example Question #100 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

Throughout all societies, outsider groups have been __________ against by the dominant culture.

Possible Answers:

discriminated

alleviated

prostrated

levitated

celebrated

Correct answer:

discriminated

Explanation:

The missing word is something a "dominant culture" does to "outsider groups." The correct answer will show the strength possessed by the "dominant" over the "outsiders." "Discriminated," meaning to look down on and act against due to difference, is the best choice.

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