TOEFL Words | Questions & Answers 40/44

This page drills eleven more TOEFL vocabulary targets with new example sentences. Read each sentence, pick the option closest in meaning to the bolded word, then check the answer key at the end.

TOEFL Words | Questions 391-400

391. The city engaged an outside consultant to review its aging water system.

The word "engaged" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) warned
• (B) promoted
• (C) dismissed
• (D) hired

392. The author revised the opening chapter extensively in subsequent editions of the book.

The word "subsequent" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) earlier
• (B) foreign
• (C) later
• (D) shorter

393. Investors committed enormous sums to the new rail project before construction even began.

The word "sums" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) amounts
• (B) permits
• (C) shares
• (D) risks

394a. Migration patterns are undoubtedly shaped by food availability, though weather also plays a role.

The word "undoubtedly" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) eventually
• (B) gradually
• (C) rarely
• (D) certainly

394b. Protein and fiber are essential components of a balanced diet for growing animals.

The word "components" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) parts
• (B) flavors
• (C) sources
• (D) costs

395. Besides habitat loss, disease has contributed heavily to the decline of the species.

The word "besides" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) similar to
• (B) in addition to
• (C) except for
• (D) prior to

396. Employers increasingly favored candidates with practical experience over those with only theoretical training.

The word "favored" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) preferred
• (B) qualified
• (C) temporary
• (D) underpaid

397. Regular maintenance checks are integral to keeping the aging power grid running safely.

The word "integral" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) costly
• (B) fundamental
• (C) optional
• (D) seasonal

398. Small independent bookstores flourished in the neighborhood even as large chains struggled nearby.

The word "flourished" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) were renovated
• (B) were relocated
• (C) closed
• (D) thrived

399. Several employees grumbled about the new scheduling software during the first week of use.

The word "grumbled" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) complained
• (B) joked
• (C) voted
• (D) apologized

400. The two prototypes looked nearly identical, though only one passed the stress test.

The word "identical" is closest in meaning to which of the following?

• (A) equally priced
• (B) exactly alike
• (C) slightly damaged
• (D) poorly labeled

Answers

• 391 — D: engaged ≈ hired — brought in to do a job.
• 392 — C: subsequent ≈ later — coming after in time.
• 393 — A: sums ≈ amounts — quantities of money.
• 394a — D: undoubtedly ≈ certainly — without real doubt.
• 394b — A: components ≈ parts — pieces that make up a whole.
• 395 — B: besides ≈ in addition to — as well as something already mentioned.
• 396 — A: favored ≈ preferred — regarded more highly than others.
• 397 — B: integral ≈ fundamental — a necessary part of the whole.
• 398 — D: flourished ≈ thrived — grew or developed successfully.
• 399 — A: grumbled ≈ complained — expressed dissatisfaction in a low voice.
• 400 — B: identical ≈ exactly alike — matching in every detail.

Keep building your word list on the vocabulary hub, then apply these words to full passages in reading practice.