Vocabulary Puzzles The Fun Way to Ace Standardized Tests

DEFINITION
SAMPLE SENTENCE
_____ central part around which 
A.) His quick action IMPEDEd the robbery 
other parts are gathered; core
long enough for the police to show up.
_____ lacking food, clothing, and 
B.) The IMPUDENT child publicly was 
shelter
rude to his father.
_____ cure-all
C.) When the detective found that the car’s
engine was still warm, he INFERred
that the suspect had gone out recently.
_____ gap
D.) Listening to the old records evoked a
feeling of NOSTALGIA in him.
_____ prevent the success of; foil
E.) A small group of friends formed the
NUCLEUS of the club.
_____ relevant; pertinent
F.) We hang ORNAMENTAL lights on
our Christmas tree each year.
_____ deduce from facts
G.) Scientists have yet to find a PANACEA
for all ills.
_____ person with a peculiar 
H.) One year’s hottest fashions are often 
personality; screwball; nut
PASSÉ by the next year.
_____ longing or sentimental 
I.) Nowadays, many a DESTITUTE 
feelings for the past
person can be seen sleeping on city
streets.
_____ disrespectful in a bold way
J.) The old man’s ECCENTRIC behavior
made him an outcast in his town.
_____ decorative
K.) In a debate, keep your answers 
GERMANE to the subject; don’t bring
up unrelated issues.
_____ no longer fashionable; out-
L.) The workers’ strike at the factory led to 
of-date
a HIATUS in the work flow.
Vocabulary Puzzles
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DEFINITION
SAMPLE SENTENCE
_____ made up of selections from 
A.) When friendly conversations with his 
various sources
partner did not settle their financial dis-
agreement, he had to LITIGATE.
_____ of lofty dignity or imposing 
B.) It took a while before the engineers 
aspect
could come up with a VIABLE solution
to the problem.
_____ sue in court
C.) Her CD collection was quite 
ECLECTIC, as it contained music 
from hip-hop to Celine Dion.
_____ workable; doable
D.) The mountains are a MAJESTIC sight.
_____ false, though appearing to 
E.) The photographer captured perfectly 
be true
the VISTA between the rows of trees.
_____ inclined to seek revenge
F.) The lawyer’s SPECIOUS argument had
the jury fooled until all the evidence was
revealed.
_____ long, narrow view
G.) Motor oil is a VISCOUS fluid.
_____ wild and reckless
H.) After assisting a carpenter all summer,
Fred became quite ADEPT at 
woodwork.
_____ sticky; thick
I.) The city tried to provide shelters for
VAGRANTs so they wouldn’t have to
sleep on the streets.
_____ person who wanders with no 
J.) He always felt TORPID during the hot 
employment or home; hobo
summer months
_____ skilled
K.) It is usually better to understand and
forgive someone who hurts you rather
than be VINDICTIVE.
_____ inactive or sluggish
L.) The angry mob was responsible for
WANTON destruction of store 
windows.
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