An “alloy” is a mixture of metals and as such, it is closest in meaning to “hybrid,” which means mixture of two or more components. To provide further help, “aerial” means mid-air, in the air; a “homonym” is a word that sounds the same as another word but has a different spelling and meaning; an “antonym” is a word that means the opposite of another word. 

The prefix "ann-" means yearly and an “annuity” is a sum of money given out annually. It is most similar to “pension,” which means money saved for or paid during retirement on a fixed, usually yearly basis. To provide further help, “tax” is money people pay to the government so that it can function; a “tariff” is money charged by the government to ship goods into or out of the country; “expenditure” is money spent; "income” is money earned. 

If you are in "accord" with someone or something, it means you are in agreement with that person or thing.

An “accent” is a type of speaking distinct to a regional group of people or a mark placed over a vowel to indicate emphasis. However, when used as a verb, “accent” means emphasize the importance of something, so "highlight" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "accent": a "mentor" is an advisor; a "niche" is a suitable role; "refute" means to prove that an argument or point is incorrect; and "dangle" means swing or be suspended in midair.

The word "clemency" means mercy. The word "mercy" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "clemency." Considering the other choices, "cruelty" means great unkindness directed towards another sentient living thing, "intent" means purpose, "discombobulation" means confusion, and "danger" means hazard.

"Penchant" means a liking or fondness. For example, if someone has a "penchant for chocolate cake," they really like chocolate cake. "Fondness" is thus the correct answer.

A "qualm" is a sense of uneasiness or misgiving about something, often due to the still, small voice of one's conscience. A swindler may have no qualms about bilking you out of your hard-earned money. Don't be tricked into picking "storm" for this question—there may be a "calm" (but not a qualm) before a storm, and a "squall" (violent gust of wind) may accompany a storm, but these words are unrelated to "qualm."

An “affront” is an insult, an offense. To provide further guidance, "allay," soothe and mollify are all synonyms. All three words mean to calm, to ease. Finally, malice is a feeling of hatred, an intent to do harm.

A "pact" is an agreement. The best choice is "contract," which means a legally enforceable agreement between two or more individuals or organizations. Considering the other choices, "break" means smash into parts, "credit" means the ability to buy things that you will then pay for at a later time or trustworthiness when used as a noun and attribute as a verb, and "rule" means a code by which people abide.

An "accolade" is an award or an honor, so the answer closest in meaning to "accolade" is "prize," which is a noun meaning a reward, a trophy, or something given to commemorate an achievement. Considering the other answer choices, none are as close in meaning to "accolade" as is "prize": "treasure," when used as a noun, means wealth, riches, or valuables; "money" is a noun meaning standardized exchangeable currency; and "presentation" is a noun meaning the way in which something is given to someone, the act or event of giving something to someone, or an informative talk that often uses visual aids.