Basic U.S. English Vocabulary MCQ

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Her MELLIFLUOUS voice is perfectly suited to lullabies and never fails to put us all to sleep.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

She launched her new line of handbags _________ a fanfare of publicity.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The diplomats, who have been accused of DUPLICITY by their respective countries, have been removed from their posts.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. PRETENTIOUS

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence. She always got a VICARIOUS thrill from watching her father skydive.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. Though he didn't win the advertising account, Sal made a __________ presentation that he can be proud of.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence. Roger might be more AMENABLE to your ideas if you presented them without sneering.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. adj. Understood by or intended for only a select few or a particular group

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence. His son’s group of friends had a DELETERIOUS effect on his schoolwork.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. n. The act or fact of lessening; reduction

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. adj. Tending to create ill will or give offense

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. The proposed after-school tutoring program promises _______________ benefits to the students and the community.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. adj. Easily provoked to anger; irritable

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below. Although _________ wanted to keep the boat all to _________, I knew it would be used extensively by both Susan and _________.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. ITINERANT

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. The journalist denied that he had any PRURIENT interest in the politician’s private life, but his titillating articles seemed to indicate otherwise.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below. The _________ poet, knowing his death was _________, struggled to finish his final ode.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below. It’s a good thing you’re so _________ at paperwork, because you’ll need to fill out hundreds of forms to __________ a child.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. Alicia, who loved both men equally and wanted to hurt neither, found herself in quite a QUANDARY over which one she should choose.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. The recent shenanigans in the town square went against all PRECEPTS of decency.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence. Agatha RUMINATED for weeks about the consequences of telling Arthur about the affair.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. These artists really IMBUE their work with a spirit of profound freedom.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below. Rachel knew that she'd soon be living in ___________ circumstances unless she got her financial problems ____________ out immediately.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. Maude managed to sweep up the broken dishes without a word of REPROOF to her children.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. RILE

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. The plots of all her novels just seem to MEANDER along, to the point where I can’t follow the storyline or figure out who’s who.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence. Alec has always been CONTEMPTUOUS of his fellow writers.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. It would BEHOOVE you to show a little more respect to the judge and jury who are deciding your case.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. adj. Sluggish; apathetic; dull

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. Poverty is RIFE in the rural areas of our county, where one in three families receives some state assistance.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. ADVERSE

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. LASSITUDE

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. Dan was a nice guy, but he was far too GARRULOUS and tended to monopolize people at parties.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below. This experiment was designed to ___________ certain behaviors from the test subjects.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below. She hastened to _________ me that she intends to pay the bill, and that she will _________ that the check is mailed today.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. REFUTE

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. Running around barefoot in the snow will only EXACERBATE your flu symptoms.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. The community theater troupe faced one problem after another, so it was no surprise that their season ended in a DEBACLE.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. adj. Narrow-minded; limited in scope

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. adj. Hardhearted; unmoved by pity

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. I screamed as the monstrous presence snaked toward me on the dark and __________ path.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below. The workers were allowed to ___________ down once they’d ________ the brick, but the foreman himself has not yet ___________ down.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. n. Capacity for producing a desired result; effectiveness

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. Now that the festivities have ended, perhaps we can return to some SEMBLANCE of normality.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. adj. Similar to something else in certain respects, as in form, function, or meaning

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence. The WIZENED old woman gave Jack a handful of beans and some good advice.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. We expected the waiter to show us out of that snooty restaurant in a hurry, but he turned out to be quite jolly and __________.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. MITIGATE

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. The publicist was surprised by the INUNDATION of fan letters for her top client.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence. She entered the ballroom on the arm of a DEBONAIR young man.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. AVARICE

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below. I can _________ all the terms of the apartment lease _________ the one about not allowing pets.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence. The coach was absolutely disgusted by his team’s INDOLENCE and nasty attitude.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below. Sally was greatly __________ when I said I didn't like redheads.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below. The crafty spy gave a ____________ name to the hotel clerk.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. We fully expect Elizabeth to FOIST her work on us and disappear for the weekend as usual.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. The mysterious message Claude received could be a HARBINGER of what’s in store for him and his family.

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. The exchange student was disheartened by the rather BRUSQUE welcome she received from her host family.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. n. A position that entails little work but provides a salary

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. Her MELLIFLUOUS voice is perfectly suited to lullabies and never fails to put us alal to sleep.

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below. INORDINATE

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. n. Flair; style; a flamboyant manner

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. Marilyn conveyed a BLITHE indifference to the troubles that mounted around her.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below. Oscar, who did not possess a discerning __________, preferred hotdogs to steak.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below. We all remarked on how well the spray of begonias _____________ her hair color.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. v. To impose with authority; urge strongly

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. The despot’s MINIONS were only too eager to tout his edicts and report any unrest among his subjects.

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below. Mr. Winkle was dismayed to discover that his willful young wife __________ her wealth and __________ the law at every opportunity.

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. n. Local or provincial dialect

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below. Who has the power to _________ out justice to the citizens of this country?

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. v. To issue a vehement verbal attack; to denounce explosively

We expected the waiter to show us out of that snooty restaurant in a hurry, but he turned out to be quite jolly and __________.