Synonyms: Nouns for Abstract Concepts

The "onset" of something is its start or its beginning, so "start" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "onset": a "sample" is a small amount of something having the characteristics of larger amounts or the whole thing; "discovery" is the act of finding out something new; a "riot" is a violent demonstration or protest; and a "setting" can mean the time period and location in which a story takes place.

"Prejudice" is a word that when used as a noun defined as "preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience" or "dislike, hostility, or unjust behavior formed on such a basis." So, neither "fact" nor "friendship" can be the correct answer, because they are each an antonym of "prejudice." "Preconception," however, is a noun that means "a preconceived idea or prejudice," and because "preconception" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "prejudice," "preconception" is the correct answer.

The word "substitute" can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adjective. In general, it means to replace. As a noun, it means a replacement. When you have a "substitute teacher," this means that the person is standing in for another teacher, replacing him or her.

A ”gap” is a hole or empty space in something. The word “support” means help given to someone.

"Opportunity" means chance.

Another word for "philanthropy" is "charity." Both words mean generosity in donating things or money to people who need them. "Charity" is the best choice because it is a synonym of "philanthropy."

An "occurrence" is an event or something that happened, so "event" is the correct answer. A "disease" is a sickness or an illness. "Discount" is a reduction in price. "Advisor" is a consultant or person who provides advice and possibly assistance. A "contract" is an agreement that binds two or more parties.

“Anguish” is another word for pain or distress. If you “feel anguished,” you feel unhappy and in pain. "Pain" is thus the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “elation” means deep happiness and is an antonym of “anguish.”

A “location” is a place where something is, so "place" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, the “temperature” is how hot or cold it is; “value” is how much something is worth, often in terms of money; and “mode” is a way in which something happens or is done, as in the sentence “The car is his favorite mode of transportation.”

A “skirmish” is a small fight or battle. A "wound" is a physical injury, so while you may receive a wound in a skermish, "wound" does not mean the same thing as "skirmish."