Question: Many female authors once used male _______________ because it was considered improper for women to write novels.

Answer: pseudonyms

Question: She has lived _______________ from other people for so long that it is hard for her to take part in everyday social affairs.

Answer: aloof

Question: He’s cleverly managed to _______________ his way into a very important position in this company.

Answer: finesse

Question: It will be better if we all take responsibility for the mistake instead of letting one employee be the _______________.

Answer: scapegoat

Question: His prejudices are so strong that he wants to _______________ all members of minority religious groups.

Answer: bask

Question: Jefferson preferred to _______________ his ideas about government and religion in writing rather than give public speeches.

Answer: articulate

Question: Although he was trying to look unconcerned, I could see that he was much _______________ by the teacher’s criticism.

Answer: abashed

Question: An actor who has _______________ for so long in the favor of the public finds it hard to realize that he or she is no longer popular.

Answer: basked

Question: It was shocking how quickly the singer was _______________ for voicing her opinions about free speech.

Answer: ostracized

Question: She is not the most _______________ person in the world, but in her own way she is at least trying to be friendly.

Answer: genial