The word "abate" is a verb that means to reduce in amount or intensity. The best answer is "lessen," since it shares the same meaning—to reduce. Considering the other choices, "bait" is not an appropriate answer because when used as a verb, it means either taunt or put food in a trap in order to lure animals to it. As a noun, "bait" is something used to attract. The word "trick" means to deceive and "expand" means to increase in extent.

"Change" is a verb that means to alter the state of something. The best choice is "mutate" since it shares the same definition as "change"—to alter. Considering the other answer choices, "perceive" means actively notice, "convince" means get someone to change their opinion to another one, "limit" means set a certain amount or extent to which one may accumulate or do something, and "bombard" means overwhelm with a great number of something.

To “ameliorate” a situation means to improve it, or to make it better, so "improve" is the correct answer. To “disprove” something means to prove that it is wrong or incorrect; "infer" means to come to a conclusion that requires a logical jump from one point to another that may not immediately be obvious; "carry" means transport by picking up in one's arms and walking around; and "antagonize" means provoke.

"Conform" means adhere to a set standard just as others do or match and agree, so "match" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "forget" means lose the memory of; "aggrandize" means make seem more important or powerful than something or someone really is; "justify" means explain one's reasons for doing something; and "demean" means insult and degrade.

When one thing “necessitates” another, it requires that the latter thing happen. One event is said to “entail” another when the latter is a necessary consequence of the former. For instance, “Because it requires a good deal of mathematical thought, learning to program a computer almost always entails becoming proficient at certain types of mathematics as well.”

"Divest" and "deprive" both means to dispossess or take off. "Maintain" means to care for or keep up. "Wane" means to diminish or lessen. "Goad" means to egg on or incite. "Beguile" means to fool or charm. 

The word “concoct” most generally means to make by combining together a number of parts or ingredients. For instance, one could refer to a stew or a potion as a “concoction.” The word can take on the further meaning of something that has been put together untruthfully, as when someone concocts a story to cover up the truth. The word “fabricate” does literally mean to make, but it also can have the same negative sense of to come up with a false tale.

Confer means to grant or bestow something.

"Abdicate" means to relinquish or give up power, position, or authority. "Manifest" means to make clear or obvious. "Assuage" means to soothe or relieve. "Dissemble" means to disguise or pretend. "Arbitrate" means to achieve a settlement or straighten out. 

"Abstain" means to forgo or hold back from doing something. "Abscond" means to run away or depart secretly. "Garner" means to collect or accumulate. "Incite" means to encourage or provoke. "Fathom" means to discern or understand.