NDA Synonyms previous year questions with solutions

Answer: (c) generosity

Method. 'munificence' = generosity

Munificence is lavish generosity in giving (standard dictionary sense). 'Graciousness' is courtesy, not giving; 'reluctance' is its opposite.

Answer: (a) prohibited

Method. 'contraband' = prohibited goods

Contraband means goods imported or exported illegally, i.e. forbidden by law; 'prohibited' is the closest sense here. 'Taxable' or 'foreign' goods are not necessarily illegal.

Answer: (b) flagrant

Method. 'egregious' = flagrant

Egregious means outstandingly bad, glaringly conspicuous; 'flagrant' matches. 'Subtle', 'inadvertent' and 'concealed' all suggest the opposite of obvious.

Answer: (d) recite

Method. 'chant' = recite

To chant prayers is to recite them rhythmically; recite. Indite means to write.

Answer: (a) harness

Method. 'utilize' = harness

Harness = to put skills to use; closest to utilize. Harbor, harangue, herald are look-alikes with other senses.

Answer: (a) mitigated

Method. 'abated' = mitigated

Abate = to lessen in intensity; mitigated (made less severe) is closest. Enhanced is opposite; discontinued and suppressed imply stopping or forcing down.

Answer: (a) inculcate

Method. 'instil' = inculcate

Instil = to gradually establish an idea or feeling in someone; inculcate has the same sense. Eradicate is opposite.

Answer: (c) warned

Method. 'cautioned' = warned

'Caution' as a verb means to warn; 'sages have cautioned that the path is full of traps' = warned. Reasoned/⁠admitted/⁠refused do not fit.

Answer: (b) tainted

Method. 'tarnished' = tainted

Tarnish (of reputation) = to damage or sully; tainted is closest. Enhanced and restored are opposites.

Answer: (a) deported

Method. 'banished' = deported

Banish = to send away from a place as punishment; deported is closest. Called back is opposite.

Answer: (b) rejected

Method. 'rebuffed' = rejected

Rebuff = to reject bluntly; she rejected all suggestions. Took and granted are opposite.

Answer: (b) abandoned

Method. 'disowned' = abandoned

Disown = to refuse to acknowledge or keep; he gave up his royal legacy, so abandoned. Accepted is opposite.

Answer: (a) verify

Method. ascertain = find out for certain, verify

To ascertain is to make sure of; 'verify' is the closest. Invert, increase and omit do not fit.

Answer: (b) dissected

Method. dismember = cut limbs or parts from the body

Dismember means to cut off limbs or pull apart; 'dissected' (cut into parts) is nearest. Stitched, plastered and splintered are repair actions. The sentence is odd in sense (amputation then cure), but the vocabulary item is answerable.

Answer: (b) slander

Method. malign = speak ill of, slander

To malign is to speak harmful untruths about someone: 'slander'. 'Benign' is a look-alike but means kindly, and 'praise' is opposite.

Answer: (c) expel

Method. excommunicate = expel from membership of the church

To excommunicate is officially to exclude someone from the church community: 'expel'. 'Admit' and 'promote' are opposite.

Answer: (a) decode

Method. decipher = decode

To decipher is to convert a coded or obscure text into intelligible form: 'decode'. 'Encode' is the opposite.

Answer: (b) bemoaning

Method. lament = bemoan

To lament is to express grief over something; 'bemoaning' is the same act. 'Celebrating' is the opposite.

Answer: (d) hankering

Method. 'yearning' = hankering

To yearn is to long for intensely; 'hankering' means the same.

Answer: (c) gather

Method. 'muster' = gather

To muster courage is to summon or gather it.

Answer: (b) eradicate

Method. 'abolish' = eradicate

To abolish is to put an end to completely; 'eradicate' is closest.

Answer: (b) assault

Method. 'attack' = assault

Attacking artefacts means assaulting them; 'assault' is the synonym.

Answer: (a) firmly

Method. 'indissolubly' = firmly

Indissolubly means in a way that cannot be dissolved; 'firmly' is closest.

Answer: (c) becoming better

Method. 'improving' = becoming better

Improving means getting better. 'Mending' and 'amending' are look-alikes referring to repair or alteration.

Answer: (b) generously

Method. 'lavishly' = generously

Lavishly means in a very generous, unstinting way; 'carefully' and 'hesitatingly' are opposites in manner, and 'foolishly' judges wisdom rather than describing the manner.

Answer: (c) frighten

Method. 'intimidate' = frighten

Intimidate means to frighten into submission, which the officer tried on the witness.

Answer: (c) cancel

Method. 'repeal' = cancel

To repeal a law is to revoke it; 'cancel' is closest. 'Amend' only modifies it.

Answer: (c) cut off

Method. 'sever' = cut off

'Sever' means to cut off a connection; 'cut off' fits 'sever diplomatic relations' (Oxford/⁠Chambers sense).

Answer: (a) opposed

Method. 'counter' = oppose

Here 'countered' means acted against; 'opposed' fits (dictionary sense: respond to so as to neutralise). 'Balanced' lacks the idea of fighting back until evil disappears.

Answer: (b) without distinguishing

Method. 'indiscriminately' = without distinguishing

From 'discriminate' (to distinguish); firing indiscriminately is firing without making distinction between targets, as the innocents killed show.

Answer: (d) disorderly

Method. 'obstreperous' = noisy, unruly, disorderly

Obstreperous = noisily and stubbornly defiant of control; disorderly fits classroom behaviour. 'Obnoxious' (offensive) is the look-alike trap; compliant is opposite.

Answer: (c) dishonest

Method. dodgy = dishonest

Dodgy (informal) is given as dishonest or unreliable; behaviour that brought down a leader suggests dishonest. 'Dubious' (b) is close but means open to suspicion; 'principled' is opposite.

Answer: (c) doubtful

Method. 'sceptical' = doubtful

Sceptical = having doubts; doubtful. Hopeful and expectant are opposite; anxious is worried, not doubting.

Answer: (c) faultfinding

Method. captious = faultfinding

Captious means apt to find fault or raise petty objections. 'Faultfinding' is the exact match.

Answer: (c) deceitful

Method. insidious = treacherous, deceitful

Insidious means proceeding secretly but harmfully; 'deceitful' is the match. 'Pious' and 'naive' are not harmful, and 'inadvertent' means unintentional.

Answer: (d) mirthful

Method. jovial = cheerful, merry

Jovial means cheerful; 'mirthful' (merry) matches, and contrasts with 'angry' in the sentence. Melancholic and doleful are sad.

Answer: (d) scrupulous

Method. meticulous = very careful, scrupulous

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail: 'scrupulous'. Strong, long and playful do not fit planning.

Answer: (c) displeased

Method. vexed = annoyed, displeased

Vexed means annoyed, irritated or troubled; 'displeased' is the closest. 'Calm' is opposite.

Answer: (a) vacillating

Method. fickle = changeable, inconsistent

Fickle means changing frequently, unreliable; 'vacillating' (wavering) matches. 'Consistent' is opposite.

Answer: (a) capable

Method. competent = capable

Competent means having the ability to do something well: 'capable'. 'Exceptional' overstates; 'inadept' and 'clumsy' are opposites.

Answer: (d) conscientious

Method. diligent = conscientious

Diligent means careful and hard-working in one's duty; 'conscientious' is the match. Dilly-dallying and procrastinating are the opposite; 'intelligent' is not diligence.

Answer: (c) silent

Method. reticent = reserved, uncommunicative

Reticent means not revealing one's thoughts, reluctant to speak; 'silent' (uncommunicative) is closest. 'Withdrawn' (socially detached) is near but implies isolation. 'Expansive' and 'jolly' are opposites.

Answer: (a) cheerful

Method. jovial = cheerful

Jovial means good-humoured and cheerful. 'Garrulous' is talkative; 'credulous' is gullible; 'callous' is unfeeling.

Answer: (d) sullen

Method. morose = sullen, gloomy

Morose means sullen and ill-humoured, so 'sullen'. 'Introspective' means self-examining, not gloomy; 'chirpy' is the opposite.

Answer: (c) unwilling

Method. reluctant = unwilling

Reluctant means unwilling or disinclined: 'unwilling'. 'Enthusiastic' and 'eager' are opposites.

Answer: (d) sanguine

Method. optimistic = hopeful, sanguine

'Sanguine' means optimistic, especially in a difficult situation. 'Pessimistic' is the opposite.

Answer: (a) complaisant

Method. cooperative = complaisant (willing to oblige)

Complaisant means willing to please and cooperate. Look-alike trap: 'complacent' means smugly self-satisfied. 'Covert' is secret and 'conniving' is scheming.

Answer: (a) coarse

Method. lowbrow = unintellectual, uncultured, coarse

'Lowbrow' describes a person of unrefined, unintellectual tastes; 'coarse' is the nearest of the options. Proud, passionate and pathetic do not fit. Bare sentence, answered by dictionary sense.

Answer: (c) criminal

Method. maleficent = harmful, evil-doing

Maleficent means causing harm or committing evil (Latin malefic-). 'Criminal' (wrongdoing) is the closest; 'generous' and 'friendly' are opposite, and 'cunning' is craftiness, not harm.

Answer: (c) mocking

Method. sardonic = mocking, scornfully cynical

Sardonic means grimly mocking or cynical, so 'mocking'. 'Compassionate' is opposite; 'comic' is lighter and lacks the scorn.

Answer: (b) amiable

Method. 'gentle' = amiable

A gentle disposition is mild and kindly; 'amiable' is closest.

Answer: (d) dodgy

Method. 'cunning' = dodgy

Cunning means crafty and deceitful; 'dodgy' (informal, evasive and tricky) is closest, 'intelligent' lacking the sense of deceit.

Answer: (a) worried

Method. 'anxious' = worried

Anxious means uneasy or worried.

Answer: (c) defenceless

Method. 'vulnerable' = defenceless

Vulnerable means open to being hurt or attacked, i.e. defenceless. 'Resilient' and 'elastic' are near-opposites.

Answer: (d) abusive

Method. 'vitriolic' = abusive

Vitriolic language is bitterly harsh and caustic; 'abusive' is closest.

Answer: (c) foul

Method. 'nasty' = foul

Nasty means unpleasant, disgusting; 'foul' is closest. 'Fastidious' and 'finicky' are fussy, not nasty.

Answer: (a) abusive

Method. 'slanderous' = abusive

Slanderous means making false, damaging statements about someone; 'abusive' is the closest of the options, the others being favourable or neutral.

Answer: (b) shy

Method. 'timid' = shy

Timid means lacking courage or confidence; of the options 'shy' is closest and 'courageous' is the antonym.

Answer: (c) obstinate

Method. 'stubborn' = obstinate

Obstinate means stubbornly refusing to change. 'Obnoxious' (offensive) is a look-alike distractor.

Answer: (b) infuriating

Method. 'provocative' = infuriating

'Deliberately provocative' behaviour is intended to anger or annoy; 'infuriating' fits. 'Exciting desire' is the other sense of provocative, but not apt for behaviour done deliberately.

Answer: (b) careful

Method. 'meticulous' = careful

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail, i.e. careful.

Answer: (d) frank

Method. 'candid' = frank

Candid opinions are honestly and openly expressed; 'frank' is the synonym.

Answer: (a) rigorous

Method. 'gruelling' = rigorous

Gruelling = extremely tiring and demanding; rigorous. Egregious (outstandingly bad), unctuous (oily), ominous (threatening) differ.

Answer: (c) cryptic

Method. 'ambiguous' = cryptic

Ambiguous = open to more than one meaning, unclear; cryptic (obscure in meaning) is closest. Explicit is opposite.

Answer: (a) squally

Method. 'inclement' = stormy, squally

Inclement weather = harsh, stormy; squally (windy and stormy) fits the warning against going to sea. Calm and pleasant are opposites.

Answer: (a) balanced

Method. 'proportionate' = balanced

Proportionate representation means in due proportion to size, i.e. balanced. Partial and unlikely do not fit; suffragette is unrelated.

Answer: (d) inevitable

Method. 'imminent' = about to happen, inevitable

Here 'imminent that he would be chosen' means his selection was bound to happen shortly; inevitable is the closest. 'Timely' means well-timed, not certain; distant/⁠unlikely are opposites.

Answer: (a) permanent

Method. 'indelible' = permanent

Indelible = cannot be erased; permanent is closest. Eradicable (can be erased) and fleeting are opposites.

Answer: (a) immediate

Method. 'instantaneous' = immediate

Instantaneous = occurring at once; immediate. Delayed and deliberate are opposite or different.

Answer: (a) dull

Method. 'monotonous' = dull

Monotonous means lacking variety, tediously uniform; dull is the closest. Happy and enthusiastic are opposites in tone.

Answer: (b) baffling

Method. 'elusive' = baffling

An elusive question is hard to grasp or answer; baffling (puzzling) fits. 'Clear' is the opposite.

Answer: (a) huge

Method. 'mammoth' = huge

Mammoth as an adjective means enormous; 'a mammoth task' = a huge task. Quick and easy are opposite.

Answer: (a) brilliant

Method. 'dazzling' = brilliant

Dazzling as praise for a performance = brilliant. Dismal, pathetic, puerile are negative.

Answer: (c) inherent

Method. intrinsic = inherent

Intrinsic means belonging naturally, essential: 'inherent'. 'Peripheral' is the opposite. 'Existential' is a look-alike about existence.

Answer: (d) wearying

Method. onerous = burdensome, needing heavy effort

Onerous means involving heavy effort; of the options 'wearying' (tiring, burdensome) is closest. 'Complex' is about intricacy, not weight. The sentence's 'relative ease' only gives contrast.

Answer: (a) very poor

Method. indigent = poor, needy

Indigent means extremely poor: 'very poor'. Opulent, solvent and prosperous are opposites.

Answer: (c) exciting

Method. exhilarating = thrilling

Exhilarating means making one feel very happy and excited: 'exciting'. 'Humdrum' and 'dreary' are opposite; 'agitating' means disturbing.

Answer: (b) exorbitant

Method. inordinate = excessive

Inordinate means unusually large, excessive: 'exorbitant'. Temperate and moderate are opposites.

Answer: (a) temporal

Method. mortal = subject to death, temporal

Mortal (things that die/⁠pass) is closest to 'temporal', worldly and limited in time, matching 'impermanent' in the sentence. 'Immortal' and 'never-ending' are opposites.

Answer: (b) catastrophic

Method. calamitous = disastrous

Calamitous means causing calamity: 'catastrophic'. 'Encouraging' and 'welcome' are opposites.

Answer: (d) unpaid

Method. honorary = held without payment

An honorary member or post is held as an honour, without pay: 'unpaid'. 'Paid' is the opposite.

Answer: (a) praiseworthy

Method. laudable = praiseworthy

Laudable (Latin laus, praise) means deserving praise. Note look-alike 'laughable'.

Answer: (b) appropriate

Method. opportune = timely, well-chosen

An opportune time is a favourable, suitable moment: 'appropriate'. 'Unsuitable' is the opposite; 'honorary' is irrelevant.

Answer: (d) catching

Method. contagious = catching

'Contagious' means spreading from one to another; a smile that spreads is 'catching' (standard dictionary sense). Arrogant, disrespectful and sarcastic describe attitude, not spreading.

Answer: (b) pointless

Method. 'futile' = pointless

Futile means incapable of producing any useful result, i.e. pointless.

Answer: (a) momentous

Method. 'crucial' = momentous

Crucial means of decisive importance, i.e. momentous.

Answer: (c) rapturous

Method. 'ecstatic' = rapturous

Ecstatic means filled with overwhelming joy or rapture.

Answer: (a) lively

Method. 'vivid' = lively

Vivid imagery is strong, clear and full of life; 'lively' is closest.

Answer: (d) enormous

Method. 'gigantic' = enormous

Gigantic means extremely large.

Answer: (a) several

Method. 'various' = several

Various means of different kinds, several; 'several' is closest.

Answer: (a) enormous

Method. 'massive' = enormous

Massive here means very large; 'enormous' is closest.

Answer: (c) financial

Method. 'fiscal' = financial

Fiscal means relating to government revenue and finance; a fiscal year is a financial year.

Answer: (b) plentiful

Method. 'abundant' = plentiful

Abundant means existing in large quantities, i.e. plentiful.

Answer: (d) severe

Method. 'drastic' = severe

Drastic measures are extreme and far-reaching; 'severe' is closest. 'Dramatic' is a look-alike, but means striking, not harsh.

Answer: (d) tired

Method. 'exhausted' = tired

Exhausted means worn out; 'tired' is closest ('weakened' is less direct).

Answer: (b) fake

Method. 'counterfeit' = fake

A counterfeit coin is a forged imitation, i.e. fake.

Answer: (b) approval

Method. 'imprimatur' = official approval

Imprimatur is official permission or approval (originally to print). 'Received the committee's imprimatur' = approval.

Answer: (a) circular

Method. 'annular' = ring-shaped, circular

Annular (Latin annulus, ring) means ring-shaped, hence circular. Funicular relates to a cable railway, a look-alike distractor.

Answer: (b) intoxication

Method. 'inebriation' = intoxication

Inebriation = drunkenness; intoxication. The other words are look-alike distractors.

Answer: (b) decoration

Method. 'adornment' = decoration

Adornment = something that decorates; decoration.

Answer: (a) commitment

Method. 'allegiance' = loyalty, commitment

Allegiance is loyalty or commitment to a leader; commitment is closest. Disloyalty is opposite.

Answer: (d) mystery

Method. 'inscrutability' = mystery

Inscrutability is the quality of being impossible to understand; mystery. Clearness and comprehensibility are opposites.

Answer: (b) disappointment

Method. 'disenchantment' = disappointment

Disenchantment is disillusionment, a letdown after expectation; disappointment is closest. Delight is opposite.

Answer: (b) laziness

Method. indolence = laziness

Indolence is habitual laziness, avoiding exertion.

Answer: (c) insanity

Method. lunacy = madness, foolishness

Lunacy is insanity or great folly: 'insanity'. 'Sanity', 'prudence' and 'normalcy' are opposites.

Answer: (a) retrieval

Method. redemption = recovery, regaining

Redemption is the act of regaining or being saved from a bad state; 'retrieval' (getting back) is nearest. 'Forfeiture' and 'desecration' are opposite or unrelated.

Answer: (c) wonderment

Method. astonishment = amazement

Astonishment is great surprise; 'wonderment' is the closest. 'Hurriedly' is an adverb; 'calmness' is opposite.

Answer: (a) notion

Method. preconception = preconceived idea, notion

A preconception is an opinion formed before knowledge or experience; 'notion' is the nearest. 'Conceit' is vanity, a look-alike trap.

Answer: (b) praise

Method. compliment = expression of praise

Paying a compliment is to praise; 'praise' fits. A 'tip' is money, a different act; 'admonish' and 'revile' are the opposite.

Answer: (b) longing

Method. nostalgia = wistful longing for the past

Nostalgia is sentimental longing for a past time; 'longing' is the closest. 'Excitement' and 'happiness' miss the yearning.

Answer: (d) absenteeism

Method. truancy = staying away without leave

Truancy is absence from school or duty without permission, so 'absenteeism'. Loyalty, integrity and honesty are the opposite virtues.

Answer: (d) dignity

Method. solemnity = gravity, dignity

Solemnity is the state of being serious and dignified; 'dignity' is the match. Greed, desire and trust are unrelated.

Answer: (a) benevolence

Method. bounty = generosity, liberality

Bounty is generosity in giving; 'benevolence' (kindly giving) is the closest. Gallantry and chivalry are courage and courtesy; nepotism is favouritism.

Answer: (b) destruction

Method. holocaust = mass destruction, slaughter

A holocaust is destruction or slaughter on a mass scale; 'destruction' is the match. 'Beautiful' is an adjective and does not fit.

Answer: (b) hostility

Method. aversion = strong dislike, antipathy

Aversion is a strong feeling of dislike; 'hostility' is the nearest. Hospitality and humility are not dislike.

Answer: (b) eloquence

Method. oratory = eloquent public speaking

Oratory is the art of speaking eloquently, so 'eloquence' matches; charm from 'deceit', 'looks' or 'nobility' does not translate oratory.

Answer: (c) conceit

Method. arrogance = conceit

Arrogance is overbearing pride; 'conceit' is excessive pride. 'Unpretentiousness' and 'simplicity' are opposites.

Answer: (c) investigation

Method. reconnaissance = preliminary survey, investigation

Reconnaissance is exploration or inspection to gather information; used of an 'issue', 'investigation' fits best. Revaluation, ratification and regularisation mean other things.

Answer: (c) annulment

Method. 'divorce' = legal ending of a marriage

Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage; of the options 'annulment' (legal cancellation of the marriage) is closest, 'detachment' being a general term for separation.

Answer: (c) patiently

Method. 'with equanimity' = patiently

Equanimity is calmness under stress; listening with equanimity is listening calmly and patiently, the closest of the options.

Answer: (c) berserk

Method. 'into a frenzy' = berserk

A frenzy is wild, uncontrolled excitement; 'berserk' is closest.

Answer: (d) solitariness

Method. 'seclusion' = solitariness

Seclusion is the state of being private and away from others, i.e. solitariness.

Answer: (c) great suffering

Method. 'miseries' = great suffering

Miseries are states of great distress or suffering.

Answer: (b) happiness

Method. 'delight' = happiness

Delight is great pleasure, i.e. happiness.

Answer: (d) hunger

Method. 'starvation' = hunger

Starvation is suffering or death from extreme hunger. 'Starch' is a look-alike.

Answer: (b) complaint

Method. 'grievance' = complaint

A grievance is a real or imagined wrong that is a ground for complaint; a grievance redressal committee hears complaints.

Answer: (b) firm beliefs

Method. 'convictions' = firm beliefs

Convictions are firmly held beliefs; 'prejudices' and 'biases' add a negative sense.

Answer: (d) flattery

Method. 'sycophancy' = flattery

Sycophancy is servile flattery of those in power, as in a life under foreign rule; 'admiration' and 'appreciation' lack the servile sense.

Answer: (b) sharpness

Method. 'acumen' = keen insight

Acumen is sharpness of judgement in business; 'sharpness' is closest.

Answer: (d) parables

Method. 'allegories' = parables

An allegory is a story with a hidden moral meaning; a parable is the nearest. Aphorisms/⁠adages are short sayings; enjambment is a verse term.

Answer: (d) canteen

Method. commissary = store/⁠canteen supplying food in a camp

A commissary is a restaurant or store in a military setting supplying food; 'canteen' is the match.

Answer: (b) accountant

Method. bursar = treasurer, one who manages accounts

A bursar is an officer who manages the finances of an institution: 'accountant'. A secretary, coach or trainer do not.

Answer: (a) Monarch

Method. potentate = monarch, ruler

A potentate is a powerful ruler: 'monarch'. Lenient, liberal and democrat are not rulers by definition.

Answer: (b) accessories

Method. paraphernalia = equipment, accessories

Paraphernalia means miscellaneous equipment or belongings: 'accessories'. Boxes, fuel and food are single items.

Answer: (c) schedule

Method. itinerary = planned route and timetable

An itinerary is a schedule of a journey: 'schedule'. Not an invitation, mere information or a list of names.

Answer: (d) backer

Method. patron = supporter, backer

A patron of art and culture is one who supports it, often financially: 'backer'. 'Admirer' is weaker, only appreciation; 'backer' captures the support.

Answer: (b) clone

Method. replica = exact copy

A replica is a copy or duplicate; 'clone' is the synonym. 'Original' is the opposite.

Answer: (b) dictator

Method. 'despot' = dictator

A despot is a ruler with absolute power, a tyrant or dictator.

Answer: (d) spring

Method. 'oasis' = spring

An oasis is a fertile spot in a desert where water is found; of the options, 'spring' (a source of water) is closest, the rest being sand formations.

Answer: (c) dialogist

Method. 'interlocutor' = dialogist

An interlocutor is a person taking part in a dialogue or conversation.

Answer: (b) unfrequented

Method. 'off the beaten track' = unfrequented

The idiom means remote and little visited; unfrequented. Untenanted = without occupants; unattended = not looked after; untoward = unfortunate or improper.

Answer: (c) chance of winning

Method. in contention = having a chance of winning

'In contention for the title' means competing with a chance to win. 'Involved in dispute' is the other sense of contention but does not fit a title race.

Answer: (d) control

Method. harness = control and make use of

To harness natural power is to bring it under control for use (Oxford: control and make use of). 'Control' is the closest; 'abuse' is wrong, and 'benefit' is a result, not the act. 'Apply' is looser.

Answer: (c) evolutionary

Method. dynamic = marked by continuous change

Applied to a nature, 'dynamic' means ever-changing, developing, active. Of the options only 'evolutionary' carries the sense of change and development; 'enduring' is the opposite (static), 'attentive' and 'jealous' are unrelated. Answered by sense.

Answer: (a) natural

Method. organic = natural, gradual

'Organic growth' means growth that develops naturally, not through acquisition or force. 'Natural' is the dictionary match; 'speedy' is not implied.

Answer: (a) recoils

Method. 'bounces back' = recoils

A ball kicked hard rebounds or springs back, i.e. recoils; 'deflates' and 'inflates' concern air.

Answer: (c) accomplish

Method. 'execute' = accomplish

To execute a plan is to carry it out, i.e. accomplish it.

Answer: (a) bankrupt

Method. 'broke' = bankrupt

Informal 'broke' means having no money; in context of seeking government support, 'bankrupt' is closest. 'Having liabilities' does not imply insolvency.

Answer: (a) run into

Method. phrasal verb: 'encounter' = run into

Encounter means come across unexpectedly, i.e. 'run into'.

Answer: (c) allowed

Method. 'granted' = allowed

Granting bail is permitting it; 'allowed' is closest in this use.

Answer: (d) pronounce

Method. 'deliver (a verdict)' = pronounce

A judge delivers or pronounces a verdict, i.e. announces it formally.

Answer: (d) concluded

Method. 'wound up' = concluded

To wind up a discussion is to bring it to an end; 'concluded' fits, whereas 'postponed' and 'interrupted' imply it was not finished and 'cut short' contradicts 'after a long exchange'.

Answer: (c) aware of

Method. 'alive to' = aware of

The idiom 'alive to' means fully aware of; 'indifferent' is the opposite.

Answer: (b) detailed

Method. 'minute' (my-NYOOT) = detailed

Here 'minute' means very small in detail, hence a close and detailed examination; 'superficial' is the opposite.

Answer: (a) first

Method. 'maiden' = first

A maiden appearance/⁠voyage/⁠speech is the first of its kind.