About this Study Set
This study set covers Vocabulary through
30 practice questions.
This quiz focuses on difficult and expert-level vocabulary words, suitable for spelling bee competitions and advanced learners. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.
Questions & Answers
Browse all 30 questions from the
Challenging Vocabulary for Competitions study set below.
Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.
1
What is the meaning of 'abnegate'?
-
A
To deny oneself something
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B
To praise enthusiastically
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C
To reveal a secret
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D
To make something worse
2
Which word describes something that is extremely dry and barren?
-
A
Arid
-
B
Lush
-
C
Humid
-
D
Verdant
3
What does 'cacophony' refer to?
-
A
A beautiful melody
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B
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
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C
A period of silence
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D
A sweet fragrance
4
To 'equivocate' means to:
-
A
Speak clearly and directly
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B
Use ambiguous language to conceal the truth
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C
Sing in a choir
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D
Laugh heartily
5
What is the definition of 'gregarious'?
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A
Shy and reserved
-
B
Fond of company; sociable
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C
Angry and aggressive
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D
Very intelligent
6
Which word means to praise enthusiastically?
-
A
Censure
-
B
Laud
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C
Denigrate
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D
Vilify
7
What does 'obfuscate' mean?
-
A
To make clear and understandable
-
B
To make unclear, obscure, or unintelligible
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C
To move quickly
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D
To accept responsibility
8
What is 'pusillanimous'?
-
A
Brave and courageous
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B
Showing a lack of courage or resolution; cowardly
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C
Extremely wealthy
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D
Very talented
9
To 'salubrious' means:
-
A
Harmful or damaging
-
B
Health-giving; healthy
-
C
Extremely noisy
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D
Very complicated
10
What does 'surreptitious' mean?
-
A
Open and honest
-
B
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of
-
C
Loud and boisterous
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D
Extremely slow
11
Which word describes something that is fleeting or short-lived?
-
A
Permanent
-
B
Ephemeral
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C
Enduring
-
D
Eternal
12
What is the meaning of 'ubiquitous'?
-
A
Rare and scarce
-
B
Present, appearing, or found everywhere
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C
Extremely small
-
D
Very loud
13
To 'vex' means to:
-
A
To please greatly
-
B
To annoy, frustrate, or worry
14
What does 'zealous' mean?
-
A
Lacking enthusiasm
-
B
Showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective
15
Which word means to express disapproval or strong criticism?
-
A
Commend
-
B
Censure
-
C
Praise
-
D
Approve
16
What is the definition of 'chicanery'?
-
A
Honest dealings
-
B
The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose
17
To 'deleterious' means:
-
A
Beneficial
-
B
Harmful or damaging
18
What does 'enervate' mean?
-
A
To energize or invigorate
-
B
To cause to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken
19
Which word means to make something less strong or intense?
-
A
Amplify
-
B
Mitigate
-
C
Intensify
-
D
Exacerbate
20
What is the meaning of 'fastidious'?
-
A
Careless and untidy
-
B
Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
21
To 'ignominious' means:
-
A
Glorious
-
B
Deserving or causing public disgrace or shame
22
What does 'juxtapose' mean?
-
A
To separate
-
B
To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect
23
Which word means extremely cruel or brutal?
-
A
Kind
-
B
Savage
-
C
Gentle
-
D
Compassionate
24
What is the definition of 'loquacious'?
-
A
Tending to talk a great deal; talkative
-
B
Quiet and reserved
25
To 'mendacious' means:
-
A
Truthful
-
B
Lying; untruthful
26
What does 'nefarious' mean?
-
A
Virtuous
-
B
Wicked or criminal
27
Which word means to express disapproval or harsh criticism?
-
A
Applaud
-
B
Censure
-
C
Commend
-
D
Extol
28
What is the meaning of 'perspicacious'?
-
A
Lacking insight
-
B
Having a ready insight into and understanding of things
29
To 'ruminate' means to:
-
A
To act impulsively
-
B
To think deeply about something
30
What does 'supercilious' mean?
-
A
Humble and modest
-
B
Behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others
