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Difficulty: Very hardSynonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

Which word nearest in meaning to 'overly servile' or 'fawning' correctly completes the blank in the sentence below?

Answer:The new governor preferred surrounding himself with candid advisors rather than 【obsequious】 aides who praised his every decision unconditionally.

Answer

The word 'obsequious' (or synonyms such as 'sycophantic', 'servile', 'unctuous') correctly completes the sentence.
The target context requires a word denoting insincere flattery and servile behavior to contrast with 'candid advisors'. 'Obsequious' (along with 'sycophantic' or 'servile') means obedient or attentive to a servile degree, making it the precise synonym required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context for contrast and semantic clues.
The phrase 'preferred candid advisors rather than...' establishes a contrast between honest advisors and aides who offer unconditional praise.
Understanding the context helps determine that the missing word must describe individuals who flatter excessively and show submissive eagerness to please.
2
Identify the precise term matching 'overly servile' or 'fawning'.
'Obsequious' (and its close synonyms 'sycophantic' and 'servile') denotes excessive submissiveness and insincere flattery.
This precisely matches the required meaning and fits the formal register of the sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and High-Level Lexical Precision
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

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