“Hyperbole” is an obvious and intentional overstatement of the truth, so "exaggeration" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "hyperbole." Considering the other answer choices, a “conviction” is a strongly felt opinion; “conformity” means similarity or compliance to rules; "enthusiasm" means excitement or zeal; and "obstinance" means stubbornness.

"Pretense" is a noun that means "an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true" or "a false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions."So, we need to pick out a noun that means something like "an attempt to make something false appear true" or "a false display." "Candidness," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "candidness" is a noun that means "the quality of being truthful and straightforward; frankness," making it more of an antonym than a synonym of "pretense." "Deception," however, is a noun that means "the action of deceiving someone" or "a thing that deceives," and because "deception" is the answer choice closest to "pretense," "deception" is the correct answer.

"Predilection" and "propensity" both mean tendency or inclination. "Impartiality means equality or fairness. "Modicum" means a bit or small amount. "Parsimony" means stinginess or frugality. 

"Propensity" and "tendency" both mean an inclination or weakness. "Panacea" means a cure-all or elixir. "Incompetence" means lack of ability. "Pathos" means deep sadness. 

Since "antithesis" means a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else, the answer choice that is its closest synonym is "opposite."

We often use reaction in its weak sense of being a “response.” This is an acceptable (and most appropriate) meaning, but it is not found among your options. In a stronger usage, it can mean “a strong action or set of actions in response, often political.” For instance, one could say, “The new legislation requiring all citizens to pay an additional twenty percent in taxes caused a huge reaction from almost all classes of citizens.” Here, “reaction” takes on the stronger meaning of “backlash.”

Likely, you have heard the expression, “the only recourse,” as in, “A presidential pardon was the only recourse that the man had to lift the crime from his record.” The word generally means, “Means of alleviating a situation,” or even more generally, “Choice or option.” Thus, when one says, “He had recourse to the support of his family during his financial difficulties,” this means, “He had the option to go to his family for aid.”

"Panegyric" and "elegy" both mean praise or warm words. "Rant" means a tirade or yelling. "Probity" means fairness or honesty. "Proclivity" means an inclination or habit. "Odyssey" means a journey or excursion. 

"Magnanimity" and "chivalry" both mean generosity. "Avarice" means extreme greed. "Cupiditiy" also means extreme greed or acquisitiveness. "Maxim" means a saying or aphorism. "Myriad" means a lot of something.

"Credence" means acceptance or trust, so "acceptance" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "credence": "conflagration" means a large fire; "renaissance" means a rebirth or renewal; "investment" means something given or lent with the expectation of a return; "apprehension" means anxiety or fear.