Vocabulary and Synonyms

Inimical means hostile or unfriendly. Neighbours who have been clashing for decades would indeed be hostile toward each other. 'Hostile' directly matches this meaning. 'Intimidating' means frightening, 'docile' means tame/easy to control, and 'voluble' means talkative - none capture the active unfriendliness of inimical.

Catharsis refers to the process of releasing strong emotions through art or expression, bringing emotional relief. Writing about trauma can purge guilt and anger. 'Release' captures this emotional liberation. 'Shackle' means restrain (opposite), 'reflector' is a physical object, and 'divulge' means reveal information - none capture the emotional cleansing of catharsis.

Surreptitious means done secretly, covertly, or stealthily. In the context of a thief entering a building, 'covert' correctly captures the hidden, unauthorized nature of the entry. 'Smooth' doesn't convey the secrecy aspect, while 'alarming' and 'anonymous' miss the key meaning.

Ostensible means appearing to be true or stated, but not necessarily the actual case. The person's 'apparent' friendly concern masks her real motive of gossip. 'Exacting' doesn't fit the context of appearance vs reality, 'hidden' contradicts the meaning, and 'initial' misses the contrast.

Adumbrate means to outline, sketch, or foreshadow something broadly. The context mentions details still needing to be 'hammered out,' which confirms that only an 'outlined' plan was provided. 'Devised' would mean fully creating the plan, while 'detailed' contradicts the unfinished nature mentioned.

Obfuscate means to make something unclear, obscure, or difficult to understand. The context of bureaucratic language making a petition's meaning unclear fits perfectly with 'obscured.' 'Deranged' means mentally disturbed, 'lost' is too vague, and 'deciphered' is the opposite of what happened.

Miasma can refer to a noxious atmosphere or influence, but in the context of a carcass, it specifically means a foul-smelling vapor or stench. 'Stench' is the most appropriate contextual meaning. 'Sight' doesn't address smell, while 'steam' and 'vapour' are too neutral.

Subterfuge means a deceitful maneuver or device used to evade rules, achieve a goal, or conceal one's true purpose. Pretending to be sick to avoid an exam is indeed an excuse, but more specifically a deceptive one. 'Excuse' is appropriate, while 'clever ploy' is too positive.

Cease means to come to an end or stop doing something. 'Stop' is the direct synonym - both mean to discontinue an action. Miss, pass, and avoid don't capture the meaning of ceasing; they suggest different actions entirely.

Nourish means to provide with food or nutrients necessary for growth and health. 'Feed' is the correct synonym as both relate to giving sustenance. Starve and deprive are antonyms (denying food), while perish means to die - opposite of nourishing.

Embrace means to hug or accept willingly. In this context, 'Hug' is the primary meaning - to hold someone close in your arms. Repulse is the antonym. While contact and touch are related to embracing, they don't capture the full meaning of wrapping arms around someone.

Stripped means removed all covering or clothing, leaving something bare. Naked has the same meaning - being without clothes or covering. Vested, attired, and robed all mean having clothing.

Bewilder means to cause someone to become perplexed or confused. Confuse has the same meaning - to make someone unable to think clearly or understand something. Acquaint, illumine, and reveal all mean to make clear.

Cramped describes something that is uncomfortably small or restricted in space. Narrow means having little width or being constricted, which is synonymous with the concept of cramped. Extensive, roomy, and ample are antonyms.

Insolent means disrespectful in behaviour or speech. So from the options given rude is the closest synonym.