"Acme" and "apex" both mean the highest point, so "apex" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "acme": "denial" means disavowal; "expense" means cost; "matrimony" means marriage; and "power" means control.   

"Vertigo" is defined as a sensation of dizziness or of being in tilting or spinning surroundings, so "dizziness" is the correct answer. The root word vert means to turn. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "vertigo": "bullet" means a small metal projectile; "march" means the act of walking in a stately manner; "bouquet" means a group of flowers; and "permutation" means transformation.  

A "calamity" is a disaster, so "disaster" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "calamity": "embrace" means hug; "instrument" means tool; "apology" means the act of expressing regret; and "generosity" means liberality in giving.  

"Aspersion" means slander or a malicious remark, so "slander" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "aspersion": "overview" means summary; "transversal" means a line intersecting two or more lines; "notion" means idea; and "insect" means bug.

"Transgression" means an offense or an act that goes against a rule or code of conduct, so "offense" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "transgression": "stigma" means a mark of disgrace; "retribution" means repayment; "secretary" means administrative assistant; and "intellect" means intelligence.

"Acclaim" means praise, so "praise" is the correct answer. "Emblem" means symbol. "Abnormality" means flaw or something that differs from a norm. "Stamina" means the ability to endure some type of effort. "Feud" means a prolonged conflict or hostility between two or more parties.

An "incident" is an event or an occurrence, so "event" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "incident" and "event": "biology" is the study of life; a "transformation" is a signficant or large change; a "deluge" is a large flood; and a "rant" is a tirade or a loud speech complaining about something.

"Status" means a person's relative standing in some category, so "rank," a noun that means a person's location in a hierarchy, is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "status": "achievement" means an accomplishment; "congestion" means obstruction or blockage; "exploration" means the act of traveling somewhere to learn about that place; and "relaxation" means the state of not being anxious or stressed about anything.

"Maxim" is a proverb or wise saying. "Brigade" is a division or unit of an army. "Amateur" is a person who engages in an activity, but is not a professional. "Loot" is goods stolen from the enemy during wartime. "Camouflage" means a disguise usually by blending in with the environment.

"Haste" means hurriedness or the state of being done quickly or with great speed. "Proverb" is an adage or wise saying. "Ornament" is an object used to decorate a person or thing. "Amateur" is a non-professional who engages in some activity. "Barrier" is a obstacle that blocks access.