Barron's 16

Question 1

lambaste

Answer 1

to trash verbally or physically

Question 2

exigency

Answer 2

crisis; urgent requirements

Question 3

complaisant

Answer 3

willingness to comply with the wishes of others

Question 4

beatify

Answer 4

to sanctify; to bless; to ascribe a virtue to

Question 5

metaphysics

Answer 5

a branch of philosophy that investigates the ultimate nature of reality

Question 6

tumid

Answer 6

swollen, distended

Question 7

formidable

Answer 7

menacing; threatening

Question 8

oligarchy

Answer 8

form of government in which power belongs to only a few leaders

Question 9

frieze

Answer 9

ornamental band on a wall

Question 10

supine

Answer 10

lying on the back, marked by lethargy

Question 11

plutocracy

Answer 11

society ruled by the wealthy

Question 12

torque

Answer 12

a turning or twisting force

Question 13

resolve

Answer 13

determination, firmness of purpose

Question 14

exact

Answer 14

to force the payment of; demand and obtain by authority

Question 15

oscillate

Answer 15

to move back and forth

Question 16

maverick

Answer 16

an unorthodox or independent-minded person.

Question 17

intransigence

Answer 17

stubbornness; refusal to compromise

Question 18

dormant

Answer 18

inactive

Question 19

minutia

Answer 19

petty details

Question 20

labile

Answer 20

likely to change