A "harbinger" is an omen or anything that foreshadows a future event, so "omen" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "harbinger": “applause” means clapping that demonstrates approval; an “army” is a large body of people trained and armed for war; a "dignitary” is a person who holds a high rank or office, as in the government or church; and “chatter” means talk concerned with relatively unimportant topics.

While "cupidity" may sound like it is related to "Cupid," a classical god of love, "cupidity" is actually a noun meaning greed for material wealth. So, while "love" or "lust" might look like the best potential answer based on how "cupidity" sounds, "avarice" (extreme greed) is actually its closest synonym and the correct answer.

An "odyssey" is defined as a lengthy journey, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like journey. While "trek," "errand," and "jaunt" all refer to various kinds of journeys, an errand is defined as a short trip made to accomplish a certain task, and "jaunt" means a short trip taken for fun. Both refer to journeys too short for either to be comparable to an "odyssey," but "trek" means a long and difficult journey. Because "trek" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "odyssey," "trek" is the correct answer.

The primary definition of a “quagmire” is a type of swamp or marshy area; however it has an important secondary meaning, an awkward or difficult situation from which it is hard to escape. It is often used in the phrase “political quagmire” to describe an impasse in politics. The correct synonym for an awkward and difficult situation is “predicament.” For clarification, "spurious" means false or counterfeit; "quintessential" means typical; "respite" means a lull or a period of rest; and "malaise" is a feeling of general discontent or illness.

A “repose” is a state of rest or tranquility, so "rest" is the correct answer. For clarification, "retort" means to argue back or a rebuke; "posture" is the physical way in which one stands or sits or attitude; and "invoke" means call upon.

An “inclination” describes a tendency towards something or some idea. The best available synonym is therefore “propensity,” which means behavioral tendency. For clarification, "fanciful" means imaginary or not real; "consecration" means the process of making something holy; "integrate" means add into a group, and "ramp" means sloped surface that connects two levels.

An "adage" is a traditional saying or proverb.

"Collusion" means a secret agreement or "conspiracy."

"Poise" is composure, dignity, or "grace" in a person.

A "ruse" is a subterfuge, ploy, or "trick."