One Word Substitution

An epic is a long narrative poem or story that recounts the deeds of old-time gods or heroes, which fits the description best. A legend is a traditional story sometimes regarded as historical but not necessarily about gods or heroes specifically. Therefore, 'Epic' is the most accurate answer.

A 'parasol' is a type of umbrella designed primarily to provide shade from the sun, often used by ladies. The other options do not relate to umbrellas.

Plutocracy is a form of government where the wealthy class rules or has significant power, which matches the definition 'government by the rich.'

Coercion means the use of force or threats to make someone do something against their will, which directly matches the question's definition.

A numismatist is a person who collects or studies coins, making option D the correct answer. Philatelist refers to a stamp collector, ornithologist studies birds, and statistician works with data analysis.

A disease that spreads by contact is described as 'contagious.' 'Infectious' refers to diseases caused by pathogens but does not specify the mode of spread. 'Incurable' and 'fatal' describe the outcome or treatability, not the mode of transmission.

The term 'Ambidextrous' refers to a person who can use both the right and left hands equally well. The other options do not relate to this meaning.

The term 'Spinster' specifically refers to an unmarried woman, typically older than the usual age for marriage. The other options do not fit this definition: 'Artist' is unrelated, 'Bachelor' refers to an unmarried man, and 'Misanthrope' means a person who dislikes humankind.

Polygamy is the custom or practice of having more than one wife or husband at the same time. The other options do not correctly describe this practice: Misogamy means hatred of marriage, Bigamy is the act of marrying one person while still legally married to another, and Monogamy is having only one spouse.

The term 'Genocide' specifically refers to the systematic destruction of racial, ethnic, or national groups, making it the correct answer. The other options refer to killing specific individuals (matricide: mother, regicide: king, homicide: general killing of a person).

An 'Apostle' is commonly used to describe a pioneer or early advocate of a reform movement, making option A the correct answer. The other options do not fit this meaning: 'Apothecary' is a pharmacist, 'Apotheosis' means elevation to divine status, and 'Renegade' is a deserter or traitor.

The word 'Fastidious' means someone who is very attentive to detail and hard to please, making it the correct answer for 'one who cannot easily be pleased.' The other options do not fit this meaning.

An arbitrator is an independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute, typically in a legal or formal context. While an arbiter is similar, 'arbitrator' is the more precise and commonly accepted term for this role. A mediator facilitates negotiation but does not have authority to impose a decision, and an agent provocateur is unrelated to dispute resolution.

Introspection means examining one's own thoughts and feelings, making it the correct one-word substitute for the given phrase.

A 'dirge' is a mournful song or lament expressing grief, often sung at funerals, making it the correct answer for a sad song. The other options do not specifically mean a sad song.

An 'epidemic' refers to a disease that spreads rapidly over a large area or population. The other options do not relate to disease or spreading over an area.

An 'Apostate' is a person who abandons or renounces their religious faith, which directly answers the question. The other options do not fit this definition: 'Prostate' relates to anatomy, 'Profane' means disrespectful toward religion, and 'Agnostic' refers to someone uncertain about the existence of God, not one who abandons faith.

A 'misologist' is someone who hates knowledge or learning. The other options do not fit this meaning: a 'bibliophile' loves books, a 'philologist' studies language, and a 'misogynist' hates women.

A 'Charlatan' is a person who pretends to have more knowledge or skill than they actually possess, making option D the correct answer. The other options do not fit this definition.

The term 'cosmopolitan' refers to a person who is worldly, familiar with many cultures, and comfortable in diverse environments, but it does not specifically mean someone who loves everybody. 'Altruist' is a person who is selflessly concerned for the welfare of others, which aligns more closely with the idea of loving or caring for everybody. 'Fratricide' means the act of killing one's brother or a member of one's own group, and 'aristocrat' refers to a person of noble birth or high social standing. Therefore, the best answer to describe a person who loves everybody is 'Altruist'.

A man who rarely speaks the truth is best described as a 'Liar,' which specifically means someone who tells lies. 'Hypocrite' refers to someone who pretends to have virtues or beliefs that they do not actually possess, which is different from simply not telling the truth.

An atheist is a person who does not believe in the existence of God, which directly matches the question. The other options do not fit this definition: a theist believes in God, a heretic holds beliefs contrary to orthodox religious doctrine, and a fanatic is someone with extreme enthusiasm, often religious but not necessarily related to belief or disbelief in God.

A fatalist is someone who believes that all events are predetermined by fate and that individuals have little control over their outcomes. This directly matches the definition of 'one who believes in the power of fate.'

A 'Gourmet' is a person who has a refined taste for good food and drink, making option A the correct answer. The other options do not relate to taste in food: a 'Curator' manages collections, a 'Parasite' lives off others, and a 'Stoic' endures pain without showing feelings.

The word 'Panacea' means a remedy that is supposed to cure all diseases or difficulties, making it the correct answer. 'Narcotics' are drugs that dull the senses, 'Antiseptic' refers to substances that prevent infection, and 'Lyric' relates to poetry or song, none of which mean a remedy for all diseases.