"Tedium" is the state of being dull, so "monotony," which means lack of change or boring repetitiveness, is the correct answer. None of the other choices are similar in meaning to "tedium" or "montony": "discomfort" is an uncomfortable feeling, "instructions" are guidelines describing the use of something, "flotation" is the act of floating, and "mid-afternoon" is a time in the middle of the afternoon. 

A "jaunt" is a short journey taken for pleasure, and the correct answer "excursion" is a journey or adventure. The other choices are not similar to "jaunt" or "excursion": "angle" is the difference in direction of two intersecting lines, "pleasantry" is something said to be nice or polite, "curse" is an offensive, angry saying, and "support" is help or encouragement.

"Cynicism" means mistrust or doubt, specifically the belief that people always act in their own interests. "Skepticism" also means doubt, so "skepticism" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "cynicism": "luxury" means comfort and wealth, "poison" means a substance that is harmful or deadly when ingested, "energy" means vitality or the ability to be active, and "attraction" refers to a force that draws one thing or person to another thing or person.

A "portent" is a sign or a warning that something is going to happen, which is also the definition of the correct answer, "omen." None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "portent": a "thought" is an idea formed in the mind, a "doorway" is an entrance formed by a door, "cheer" is joy and happiness, and an "error" is a mistake.

"Vernacular" means the commonly spoken language of a particular people or place, so "language" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "vernacular": “mystery” means anything that is kept secret or remains unexplained; “relaxation” means rest; “poison” means harmful substance; and “marking” means a characteristic pattern.

A "harbinger" is an omen or anything that foreshadows a future event, so "omen" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "harbinger": “applause” means clapping that demonstrates approval; an “army” is a large body of people trained and armed for war; a "dignitary” is a person who holds a high rank or office, as in the government or church; and “chatter” means talk concerned with relatively unimportant topics.

While "cupidity" may sound like it is related to "Cupid," a classical god of love, "cupidity" is actually a noun meaning greed for material wealth. So, while "love" or "lust" might look like the best potential answer based on how "cupidity" sounds, "avarice" (extreme greed) is actually its closest synonym and the correct answer.

An "odyssey" is defined as a lengthy journey, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like journey. While "trek," "errand," and "jaunt" all refer to various kinds of journeys, an errand is defined as a short trip made to accomplish a certain task, and "jaunt" means a short trip taken for fun. Both refer to journeys too short for either to be comparable to an "odyssey," but "trek" means a long and difficult journey. Because "trek" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "odyssey," "trek" is the correct answer.

The primary definition of a “quagmire” is a type of swamp or marshy area; however it has an important secondary meaning, an awkward or difficult situation from which it is hard to escape. It is often used in the phrase “political quagmire” to describe an impasse in politics. The correct synonym for an awkward and difficult situation is “predicament.” For clarification, "spurious" means false or counterfeit; "quintessential" means typical; "respite" means a lull or a period of rest; and "malaise" is a feeling of general discontent or illness.

A “repose” is a state of rest or tranquility, so "rest" is the correct answer. For clarification, "retort" means to argue back or a rebuke; "posture" is the physical way in which one stands or sits or attitude; and "invoke" means call upon.