SAT Vocab Builder

Answer: Choice (A) is correct.

To vilify and to pillory means to speak ill of or to disparage. So, look for the answer choice that contains synonyms. In choice (B), to dissuade and to deter means to advise against or to talk out of, so eliminate that choice. In choice (C), to ascribe means to give credit to, so eliminate that choice. In choice (D), to acquire means to obtain or to get, so eliminate that choice. The only answer pair that contains antonyms is choice (A). To attenuate means to weaken, not to empower, so that is the correct choice.