Suffix -acy Vocabulary: Synonyms Quiz

adequacy (noun) /ˈæd ɪ kwə si/
Meaning: It represents a condition or level that meets the necessary standards, expectations, or demands.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to adequacy?
Options: sufficiency; inadequacy; insufficiency; deficiency
Answer: sufficiency
Synonyms: acceptability; appropriateness; capability; competence; competency; efficacy; efficiency; proficiency; satisfactoriness; sufficiency; suitability
Example: "The adequacy of his explanation left much to be desired."

advocacy (noun) /ˈæd və kə si/
Meaning: It involves actively speaking out on behalf of others, advocating for their rights, or championing their interests.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to advocacy?
Options: support; opposition; antagonism; indifference
Answer: support
Synonyms: activism; backing; championing; crusade; defense; encouragement; espousal; lobbying; promotion; propagation; representation; support
Example: "The organization's main focus is advocacy for human rights."

aristocracy (noun) /ˌarɪˈstɒkrəsi/
Meaning: "Aristocracy" is a social class or form of government in which a small group of people, who are typically of noble birth or high social status, hold the most power and privilege.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to aristocracy?
Options: nobility; commonality; proletariat; plebeian
Answer: nobility
Synonyms: baronage; elite; gentry; highborn; lords; nobility; noblesse; patricians; patriciate; peerage; privileged; royalty
Example: "The aristocracy held vast estates and enjoyed extravagant lifestyles."

autocracy (noun) /ɔˈtɒk rə si/
Meaning: In an autocracy, the ruler or rulers possess absolute authority and exercise complete control over the government and its decision-making processes.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to autocracy?
Options: dictatorship; democracy; republic; egalitarianism
Answer: dictatorship
Synonyms: absolutism; authoritarianism; despotism; dictatorship; monarchy; oligarchy; oppression; totalitarianism; tyranny
Example: "The country's government transitioned from a democracy to an autocracy, with all power held by a single ruler."

bureaucracy (noun) /bjʊˈrɒkrəsi/
Meaning: It refers to an excessively complicated administrative procedure, in which rules and regulations are so convoluted and rigid that they impede progress and hinder efficiency.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bureaucracy?
Options: administration; efficiency; simplicity; directness
Answer: administration
Synonyms: administration; apparatus; authority; establishment; formalities; government; hierarchy; officialdom; organization; paperwork; procedure; protocol
Example: "Excessive bureaucracy often stifles government agencies."

conspiracy (noun) /kənˈspɪrəsi/
Meaning: It often involves the manipulation of information and deceitful tactics to achieve a particular goal that is not in the best interest of others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to conspiracy?
Options: plot; honesty; openness; transparency
Answer: plot
Synonyms: collusion; design; intrigue; machination; manipulation; plot; scheme; subterfuge; trickery
Example: "The conspiracy to overthrow the government was foiled by intelligence agencies."

delicacy (noun) /ˈdɛlɪkəsi/
Meaning: This can include items such as caviar, truffles, foie gras, or exotic seafood.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to delicacy?
Options: treat; staple; commonplace; ordinary
Answer: treat
Synonyms: delicatessen; exotic; fine; gourmet; indulgence; luxury; morsel; rarity; specialty; tidbit; treat
Example: "The restaurant's menu included several exotic delicacies, such as shark fin soup."

democracy (noun) /dɪˈmɒkrəsi/
Meaning: It is a form of government in which power resides with the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to democracy?
Options: self-rule; dictatorship; autocracy; tyranny
Answer: self-rule
Synonyms: citizenry; democratic; egalitarianism; empowerment; governance; libertarian; liberty; populist; representation; representative; republic
Example: "Democracy empowers citizens to have a say in their government."

diplomacy (noun) /dɪˈpləʊməsi/
Meaning: It involves the use of tact, skillful communication, and negotiation techniques to promote peaceful and constructive relationships between nations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to diplomacy?
Options: negotiation; hostility; antagonism; aggression
Answer: negotiation
Synonyms: delicacy; discretion; finesse; manners; negotiation; politics; sensitivity; subtlety; tact
Example: "Skillful diplomacy can prevent conflicts and foster cooperation among nations."

efficacy (noun) /ˈɛfɪkəsi/
Meaning: It signifies the degree to which a particular action, process, or solution is successful in achieving its intended purpose or goal.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to efficacy?
Options: effectiveness; ineffectiveness; uselessness; futility
Answer: effectiveness
Synonyms: adequacy; capability; competence; effectiveness; efficiency; fruitfulness; influence; potency; power; productiveness; strength; successfulness
Example: "The efficacy of the new drug was proven in clinical trials."

fallacy (noun) /ˈfaləsi/
Meaning: Fallacies can take many forms and are typically characterized by errors in logic, reasoning, or argumentation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fallacy?
Options: misconception; truth; reality; fact
Answer: misconception
Synonyms: deceit; deception; delusion; distortion; error; falsehood; illusion; inaccuracy; misbelief; misconception; misinterpretation; mistake
Example: "He was able to identify the fallacy in the argument."

intimacy (noun) /ˈɪn tə mə si/
Meaning: It is the quality of knowing and understanding someone on a profoundly personal level, creating an atmosphere of trust, vulnerability, and mutual respect.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to intimacy?
Options: closeness; distance; aloofness; detachment
Answer: closeness
Synonyms: affection; attachment; bond; closeness; companionship; connection; familiarity; rapport; togetherness; trust; unity; warmth
Example: "Trust is the foundation of intimacy in any relationship."

kleptocracy (noun) /klɛptˈɑːkɹəsi/
Meaning: It is a system where the ruling class uses public resources and positions of power to enrich themselves, often through corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to kleptocracy?
Options: theft; democracy; meritocracy; egalitarianism
Answer: theft
Synonyms: autocracy; corruption; despotism; dictatorship; embezzlement; malfeasance; misappropriation; oligarchy; plutocracy; thievery; tyranny
Example: "Kleptocracy thrives when leaders prioritize personal gain over public welfare."

legacy (noun) /ˈlɛɡəsi/
Meaning: It implies that the person, event, or organization has left behind a significant and lasting mark in the history and culture of society.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to legacy?
Options: inheritance; disappearance; neglect; oblivion
Answer: inheritance
Synonyms: aftermath; consequences; endowment; estate; fruit; heirloom; heritage; repercussion
Example: "His legacy as an influential leader will be remembered for generations."

meritocracy (noun) /ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/
Meaning: In a meritocracy, individuals are judged based on their talents, skills, and accomplishments, rather than their social status or connections.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to meritocracy?
Options: competence; nepotism; favoritism; oligarchy
Answer: competence
Synonyms: adeptness; competency; excellence; expertise; proficiency; qualification; talentocracy; worthiness
Example: "In a meritocracy, hard work and talent are the keys to success."

piracy (noun) /ˈpʌɪrəsi/
Meaning: This can take the form of downloading or sharing files illegally, making copies of protected works, or selling counterfeit versions of those works.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to piracy?
Options: copyright infringement; originality; creation; innovation
Answer: copyright
Synonyms: bootlegging; copying; hijacking; infringement; pirating; plagiarism; robbery; stealing; theft
Example: "Piracy poses a significant threat to the entertainment industry."

profligacy (noun) /ˈprɒf lɪ gə si/
Meaning: It signifies a lack of restraint or self-control, often characterized by lavishness, extravagance, or a disregard for consequences.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to profligacy?
Options: wastefulness; thriftiness; frugality; economy
Answer: wastefulness
Synonyms: dissipation; excessiveness; extravagance; extravagancy; immoderation; indulgence; intemperance; lavishness; prodigality; recklessness; squandering; wastefulness
Example: "His financial profligacy led him to bankruptcy in no time."

supremacy (noun) /səˈprɛm ə si/
Meaning: It encompasses the notion of possessing ultimate authority, power, or control in a particular domain.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to supremacy?
Options: dominance; inferiority; subordination; weakness
Answer: dominance
Synonyms: ascendancy; authority; control; dominance; hegemony; leadership; mastery; preeminence; reign; rule; sovereignty; superiority
Example: "The dictator's thirst for supremacy led to the oppression and subjugation of the entire nation."