"Abound" means to be plentiful. For example, one might write, “In the springtime, my garden abounds with flowers.” To further help you, "nostalgic" means feeling fondness for the past.

“Merit” describes something of value that deserves respect and admiration. “Merit” can also mean proven ability or something earned. To provide further guidance, "protect" means defend, look after; "malcontent" means dissatisfied, no content; "satisfied" means content and happy.

“Avert” means to turn something away, to prevent something bad from happening. To provide further guidance, "succinct" means clearly expressed in as few words as possible; "contend" means argue for, compete.

An “anchor” is something you use to keep a boat at one location in the water. When used as a verb, however, “anchor” means hold onto or secure. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "anchor": "demean" means put someone down or embarrass someone; "allege" means claim or assert; and "depict" and "portray" are synonyms that each mean show or represent.

"Instigate" means start, cause, or set off. Therefore, "cause" is the synonym.

You might already know that the word "remedy" can refer to a treatment for an ailment or injury. In that case, however, "remedy" is used as a noun. When this word is instead used as a verb, its meaning becomes slightly different. Here, to "remedy" something means to correct it, and "remedy" generally is used to refer to a situation that has gone wrong. Our clear answer, then, is "fix." The three answers that remain are antonyms, since they refer to the act of making a condition worse.

“Avert” means turn away or prevent. To provide further help, “desist” means stop; “abrasive” means rude; “irate” means angry; “suppress” means hold down, conceal. 

"Approve" is a verb that means accept or agree to, so the answer choice closest in meaning is "accept," a verb that means agree to. Considering the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "approve": "reject," when used as a verb, means refuse to accept or deny; "bash," when used as a verb, means hit or pummel, especially in the case in which an object is used to do the hitting; and "ruin," when used as a verb, means destroy.

To "barter" is to trade or "exchange" one thing for another. The other words do not match the connotation of "barter" as well. "Renting" indicates borrowing; "sneaking" is stealthily lurking around; and "sidling" is moving secretly.

"Squander" means waste or spend unwisely, so "waste" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "squander": "flourish" means succeed or thrive; "quell" means crush or suppress; "cease" means finish or stop; and "tamper" means interfere or disrupt.