FIB
During her __________, she went through rapid physical and emotional changes before becoming an adult.
adolescence
The teacher divided the budget fairly, giving each department an equal __________ of resources.
allocation(s)
The team sang the school __________ proudly at the opening ceremony.
anthem
After the storm, the hikers tried to __________ under a large tree to stay dry.
shelter / sheltered
The old software has become __________ and no longer works with modern computers.
obsolete
The article gave an __________ explanation of how the experiment failed, helping everyone understand the causes.
illuminating
The manager tried to __________ teamwork by encouraging open communication.
foster
His mood was __________ by the good news about his promotion.
buoyed / buoy
Children often __________ to their favorite toys when they feel insecure.
cling
The two companies are fierce __________ in the online retail market.
rivals
The discussion moved beyond one subject into a wider __________ of social issues.
sphere
The professor encouraged __________ to solve the problem creatively instead of following standard methods.
lateral thinking
Her speech __________ the audience with hope and determination.
infused / infuse
Success in this job requires dealing with change in a very __________ environment.
fluid
The coach emphasized the importance of regular practice as positive __________ for good habits.
reinforcement
Poor communication can __________ conflict between team members if problems are ignored.
provoke
The company decided to __________ its existing customer base to enter new markets.
leverage
Several small mistakes caused the entire plan to go __________.
awry
The board refused to __________ defeat, insisting they still had a chance to win.
concede
The new policy was designed to __________ economic growth in rural areas.
bolster
The city’s transport system is so __________ that tourists often get lost without a map.
labyrinthine
The speech argued that the decision would have __________ consequences for public health.
detrimental
__________, the new rules made the process simpler by adding more steps.
Paradoxically
Despite the __________ conditions, the small business managed to survive the crisis.
adverse / dire
The leader __________ that cooperation, not competition, was the key to long‑term prosperity.
asserted