Vocabulary and Synonyms

 Maintain is closet in meaning to sustain. Prolong is close, but this means extending the time; whereas both maintain and sustain refer to keeping something in a particular state over time.

Precipitous means dangerously high or steep. Steep is the direct synonym.

Paramount means more important than anything else; supreme. 'Above others in rank of authority' is the most accurate definition.

A ruckus is a noisy disturbance or commotion. Therefore, 'commotion' is the correct synonym.

Panache refers to a flamboyant confidence of style or manner. Flamboyance is the closest synonym among the choices provided.

Nimble means quick and light in movement or action. Agile is a direct synonym describing the ability to move quickly and easily.

Opprobrium refers to harsh criticism or public disgrace. Disrepute is a synonym meaning the state of being held in low esteem by the public.

To dabble means to take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way. Fiddle with captures the sense of tinkering or playing with something without deep commitment.

Sinuous means having many curves or being indirect and devious. Devious is a synonym often used to describe someone or something that is not straightforward.

Opulent means ostentatiously rich and luxurious. Affluent is a synonym meaning having a great deal of money or wealth.

Conspicuous means standing out so as to be clearly visible. Prominent is a synonym meaning important or famous, or standing out so as to be seen easily.

Smug means having an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements. Egotistical is a synonym describing someone who is excessively absorbed in themselves.

Palatable means pleasant to taste. Delicious is a direct synonym meaning highly pleasant to the taste.

To broach a subject means to raise it for discussion. Raise is the correct synonym in this context.

Contagious refers to the spread of disease from one person to another by contact. Infectious is a synonym describing a disease or pathogen that is likely to spread.