decisive / incisive
A) We’re looking for an __________ commentator; we need someone out there who is alert, astute, and quick to react.
B) The fact that he tends to be emotionally abusive may well be the __________ factor in this case.
decorative / decorous
A) Dan hoped to impress his new supervisor with his __________ yet enterprising demeanor.
B) The palace’s overabundance of mirrors appeared to serve a __________ purpose.
desirable / desirous
A) According to Mr. Haverford, collaborating with Apple would be a __________ move.
B) The American people were __________ of change. Many felt the nation was in a state of strife and chaos.
equivalent / equivocal
A) In terms of alcohol consumption, taking a 1.5 oz. shot of any 80-proof distilled spirit is __________ to drinking 5 oz. of table wine.
B) The department head’s __________ statement left the office staff confused and anxious.
exceptional / exceptionable
A) There was nothing __________ about his behavior or actions. He acted in a responsible, dignified manner.
B) The California drought was __________ in that it lasted for several years.
exhausted / exhaustive
A) According to company regulations, all potential drugs must undergo and pass an __________ testing procedure before being released for public use.
B) Erin returned to her hotel room at 8 pm, __________ from a busy day of shopping and sightseeing.
fragrant / flagrant
A) This __________ flower attracts pollinators of all kinds. Its particularly sweet smell makes it unique.
B) His recent __________ behavior will cost him his re-election.
habitual / habitable
A) My mother’s __________ nagging is becoming insufferable.
B) Following a thorough 5-year examination of Gelshan KZ12’s surface and atmosphere, scientists deemed the planet “most likely __________.”
hostility / hospitality
A) Local ___________ toward anything foreign, including outsiders, makes that town an unpleasant place to visit.
B) The guest house has become famous for both its superb __________ and its relatively inexpensive rooms.
imaginary / imaginative
A) I feel like most superhero films nowadays are just carbon copies of one another. Big production studios need to hire more __________ screenplay writers.
B) The child described his __________ friend as a small, kind creature with long purple fur.
industrial / industrious
A) The air pollution produced by neighboring __________ towns contributes greatly to the city’s “smog problem.”
B) Ryan’s __________ work ethic won him a hefty raise after only 6 months at the company.