In an older usage, the word “abode” also functions as the past tense of “abide,” which means (in addition to its most common meanings today) “to continue, remain, or dwell.” Here, it is used in its more accepted sense of meaning “house” or “residence.”

“Dearth” means lack or state of not having much or enough of something, so "lack" is the correct answer. “Excess” is an antonym of "dearth" and means the part of a quantity that is more than what is needed;“mirth” means joy, celebration and happiness; and “sulkiness” is petulance and a state in which one is disgruntled; and “enmity” means mutual dislike or hatred.

A “cacophony” is a harsh mixture of noise that is not pleasing to hear, also known as a “din” or a “racket.” As for the other answer choices, “asset” means something useful that offers some advantage, "prudence" is the ability to make smart, careful decisions in order to avoid future problems, and "parity" is equality.

“Chicanery” is getting something from someone using dishonest trickery, so "deception" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “edification” is moral improvement; “erudition” is knowledge and learning; “accountability” means responsibility; and a "remonstration" is complaint or protest.

An “embellishment” is something added to decorate something else; this is very close in meaning to an “adornment.” As for the other answer choices, a “fragment” is a portion or a part of a greater whole; “perjury” is lying in court under oath; an “outcast” is someone who is rejected by a social group; and “repartee” means witty conversation.

“Laurels” are literally leaves from a laurel tree formed into a crown for a victor, but metaphorically, "laurels" can also mean praise for some accomplishment. The phrase "resting on one's laurels" uses this definition; it means not really trying very hard, but instead, coasting on the fame of one's previous successes. So, "praise" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “sentiments” are one’s attitudes and opinions; “grievances” are things one disagrees with and takes issue with; and “homages” are things that are dedicated to someone or something.

"Emollient" and "liniment" both mean a balm or ointment. "Aspersion" means a verbal exhibition of bad tempter. "Antipathy" means strong dislike or distrust. "Effrontery" means nerve or boldness. "Grandiloquence" means bombast or boasting. 

The word “edifice” comes from Latin roots either literally meaning “building” or also “to make a building.” When we “edify” someone, we “build them up” or improve them. The best option is the very general term “building” and none of the more specific building types mentioned.

Often, we speak of a “terminal illness,” and several of the wrong answers are meant to tempt you into thinking choosing them because of this association. What is meant when we so call an illness is that it is going to lead to the end of life of the person diagnosed. The “term” of something is its “end” in the sense of being the very last point with regard to that thing (the end of life, the end of a stick, etc).

An “array” is an assortment of many different types of things, so "assortment" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, a “distraction” is something that takes your attention away from whatever you are focused on; “perjury” is the act of lying under oath in court; a "mishap” is something minor that goes wrong; and a "frenzy" is a brief span of intense emotion or activity.