The new CEO was seen as a worthy .......... to the retiring leader, given her impressive track record.
successor
The professor asked the student to ........ his argument, as it was not clear how he had arrived at his conclusion.
clarify
His__________ response to the criticism only made the situation more tense.
sarcasm
The diplomat's .......... was tested during the lengthy and stressful negotiations.
temperament
The city council reviewed the ........... for the new park and decided to approve it.
proposal
The scientist's __________ was that the experiment would fail due to insufficient data, and unfortunately, he was correct.
deduction
The constant noise from the construction site began to ....... the residents of the neighborhood.
irk
We have some particularly ....... students in the class this year.
apt
After hours of debate, the committee finally reached the ......... of their discussion and agreed on a plan
summit
Patrick's ............ at painting the sunset was a complete disaster.
essay