Harmony, Faith, Likes and Law - 2

Deference means respectful submission or yielding to the judgment/opinion of another. 'Respect' captures this sense of showing regard for someone's position or status, which explains why the hotel provided special accommodations for the dignitary.

Eulogize means to praise or commend someone highly and enthusiastically, especially in a formal context like a funeral. 'Praised' directly corresponds to this meaning of speaking well of someone after their death.

Boorish means ill-mannered, rude, or insensitive in social behavior. 'Crude' best captures this sense of lacking refinement or politeness, which explains why the host's table manners shocked the guests.

Extol means to praise enthusiastically or commend someone/something highly. 'Lauded' is a direct synonym meaning to praise or extol, which fits the context of someone enthusiastically describing the positive aspects of wilderness camping.

Demurr means to raise doubts or objections, or to express reluctance about something. 'Objected' captures this sense of voicing disagreement or concern, which explains why teachers opposed dropping the requirement.

Adulate means to praise or admire someone excessively or obsequiously. 'Flattered' captures this sense of excessive admiration and attention from fans, which explains why it went to the actor's head.

Coddle means to treat with indulgence and protectiveness, often to an excessive degree. 'Pampers' best captures this sense of over-protective parenting that could lead to a child being spoiled and weak.

Bludgeon means to hit someone repeatedly with a heavy object. 'Strike' captures this general sense of using force with an object, which fits the context of using a bat as a weapon to kill someone.

To decrie means to speak unfavorably about or criticize something strongly. In this context, the speaker is publicly condemning the low moral standards of society. 'Violated' means to break a rule, 'decreased' means to reduce, and 'clarified' means to make clear - none of which fit the context of expressing strong disapproval.

To propitiate means to appease or gain favor from someone, especially a deity, by doing something that pleases them. In this context, the character hopes to make peace with the goddess through an offering (killing the monster). 'Satisfy' is close but less specific to divine contexts, 'glorify' means to praise, and 'reconcile' means to restore friendly relations.

To castigate means to punish severely or criticize harshly. In colonial times, public punishment was a common practice. 'Harassed' means to bother persistently, 'assassinated' means to murder, and 'rebuked' means to express sharp disapproval - while close, it's milder than the public punishment implied by castigate.

To belie means to give a false impression to or disguise. Here, the person's youthful appearance hides their actual age. 'Validates' means to confirm, 'renounces' means to give up, and 'reverses' means to turn around - none of which convey the idea of hiding the truth through appearance.

To squabble means to quarrel over petty matters or argue about trivial things. The context mentions these were not serious arguments. 'Challenging' is too formal, 'gossiping' refers to spreading rumors, and 'debating' implies a formal discussion - none fit the informal, petty nature of squabbles.

To pay homage means to show special honor or respect, often to someone worthy of admiration. Here, the actor is honoring his mentor. 'Credit' means acknowledgment, 'funds' means money, and 'contribution' means something given - none capture the sense of respectful recognition that homage implies.

To mollify means to soothe, calm, or pacify someone's anger or irritation. The children are trying to calm their mother. 'Vilify' means to speak ill of, 'evade' means to avoid, and 'avoid' means to keep away from - none of which would help reduce their mother's anger.