Documents revealed that negotiations had taken place without public knowledge. The agreement was concealed from regulators and deliberately kept from media scrutiny. The arrangement appeared distinctly ______.
candid
clandestine
contemporary
overt
15
Investors often hesitate when projections appear convoluted or lack empirical support. The ambitious technological ______ attracted both optimism and skepticism.
plasticity
enterprise
scrutiny
hypothesis
15
After a meticulous review, the committee formally praised the researcher’s coherent methodology. Minor revisions were suggested, but the analysis was rigorous. The board chose to ______ her work.
exonerate
patronize
commend
refute
15
The CEO’s explanation added unnecessary complexity to a simple report. Analysts struggled to discern the central point amid extraneous detail. The presentation seemed meant to ______ investors.
perplex
dispel
alleviate
bolster
15
Lawmakers introduced reforms to reduce financial strain on small businesses. The measures aimed to foster long-term prosperity. The legislation sought to ______ economic pressure.
exacerbate
alleviate
suppress
impede
15
During the press conference, the director spoke frankly about failures. She avoided patronizing language and addressed concerns directly. Her remarks were notably ______.
overt
plausible
candid
pernicious
15
The museum highlights art that reflects modern political themes. The works challenge convention yet remain coherent. The gallery specializes in ______ art.
clandestine
onerous
contemporary
copious
15
Before testing began, the scientist proposed a tentative explanation. Though plausible, it required rigorous verification. This explanation is a ______.
scrutiny
enterprise
vignette
hypothesis
15
The report seemed coherent at first glance. Closer review revealed subtle inconsistencies. Skilled analysts were able to ______ the flaw.
dispel
cultivate
discern
refute
15
Rumors about financial instability spread quickly. Investors grew apprehensive as volatility increased. Executives released statements to ______ public doubt.
patronize
dispel
exacerbate
undermine
15
The report included irrelevant statistics. These details distracted from the central argument. Such ______ information weakened the paper.
extraneous
contemporary
plausible
copious
15
New forensic evidence proved the defendant innocent. Earlier assumptions were invalidated. The evidence served to ______ him.
exonerate
perplex
commend
patronize
15
Misinformation can gradually erode public trust. Its effects may not be immediately visible. This influence is particularly ______.
pernicious
plausible
candid
copious
15
Despite strong projections, one analyst predicted failure. Even after scrutiny, he remained doubtful. He was clearly a ______.
optimist
pessimist
pragmatist
visionary
15
The brain can reorganize after trauma. Scientists emphasize its capacity to adapt. This adaptability is called neural ______.
plasticity
prosperity
scrutiny
autonomy
15
The explanation seemed reasonable but unproven. Further empirical testing was required. The reasoning was considered ______.