Fill in the Blank

The politician's response was [ ], leaving everyone unsure of his stance.

ambiguous

Her expression remained [ ], making it hard to guess what she was thinking.

ambiguous

Because the contract language was so [ ], both parties interpreted it differently.

ambiguous

The magician's quick movements were designed to [ ] the audience.

befuddle

Trying to understand the convoluted instructions only served to [ ] him further.

befuddle

Strong medications can sometimes [ ] a patient, making them disoriented.

befuddle

The doctor's [ ] approach helped him make difficult decisions without personal bias.

clinical

She analyzed the data with a [ ] precision, devoid of any sentiment.

clinical

His writing style was very [ ], focusing strictly on facts.

clinical

It's unfair to [ ] someone just because they have a different opinion.

deride

Critics often [ ] new artists until they gain mainstream success.

deride

He felt humiliated when his classmates began to [ ] his efforts.

deride

The interviewer hoped to [ ] a strong reaction from the celebrity.

elicit

Her calm questioning was able to [ ] the truth from the shy witness.

elicit

Sometimes, a simple smile can [ ] a positive response from others.

elicit

He tried to [ ] an excuse for his absence, but his boss saw through it.

fabricate

The journalist was accused of trying to [ ] a sensational story.

fabricate

It's unwise to [ ] evidence in a legal case, as it will lead to severe penalties.

fabricate

He cast a [ ] glance at his watch, hoping no one would notice his impatience.

furtive

The cat made a [ ] attempt to snatch a piece of food from the counter.

furtive

Their [ ] movements suggested they were hiding something.

furtive

Making such a personal comment at a formal dinner was quite [ ].

gauche

He felt [ ] and out of place among the sophisticated guests.

gauche

It's considered [ ] to chew loudly with your mouth open.

gauche

The student's [ ] remarks earned him a detention.

impudent

Her [ ] behavior towards her elders was shocking.

impudent

He gave an [ ] reply, showing no respect for authority.

impudent

The [ ] teenager spent all day sleeping instead of doing chores.

indolent

An [ ] attitude won't help you achieve your goals.

indolent

The hot weather made everyone feel [ ], preferring to relax indoors.

indolent

The small village maintained an [ ] way of life, resistant to outside influences.

insular

Their group was so [ ] that they rarely interacted with anyone new.

insular

Growing up in an [ ] community can sometimes limit one's perspective.

insular

After winning the election, the candidate was [ ] in his victory speech.

magnanimous

It was a [ ] gesture for the team captain to praise the opposing player.

magnanimous

Despite the betrayal, she chose to be [ ] and offered forgiveness.

magnanimous

The artist was [ ] in his brushstrokes, ensuring every detail was perfect.

meticulous

Her [ ] planning ensured that every aspect of the event ran smoothly.

meticulous

Only a [ ] researcher could spot such a tiny error in the data.

meticulous

Many people hoped the new policy would be a [ ] for all economic problems.

panacea

There is no single [ ] that can solve every societal issue.

panacea

Some people mistakenly believe that technology is a [ ] for all educational challenges.

panacea

He tends to [ ] about politics, even when he knows little about the subject.

pontificate

The professor would often [ ] on philosophical topics for hours.

pontificate

No one likes it when someone tries to [ ] rather than discuss.

pontificate

The company made a [ ] decision to close its overseas branches.

precipitous

There was a [ ] drop in temperatures overnight.

precipitous

The stock market experienced a [ ] decline after the news was announced.

precipitous

She had to [ ] her title as champion after losing the final match.

relinquish

The king was forced to [ ] his throne in favor of his son.

relinquish

He decided to [ ] control of the project to a more experienced manager.

relinquish

The new student was quite [ ], rarely speaking in class discussions.

taciturn

His grandfather was a [ ] man who preferred to listen rather than speak.

taciturn

She grew more [ ] after the accident, isolating herself from others.

taciturn

Gossip can easily [ ] a person's reputation.

undermine

Lack of sleep will eventually [ ] your ability to concentrate.

undermine

His constant criticism began to [ ] her confidence.

undermine

The new strain of the virus was particularly [ ].

virulent

Her opponent launched a [ ] attack on her character during the debate.

virulent

The plant was infected with a [ ] disease that quickly destroyed the crop.

virulent