Synonyms

Furlough refers to a temporary leave of absence from duty, especially granted to military personnel. Soldier's holiday captures this meaning accurately. Wild growth, wooden plough, and till (agricultural terms) are unrelated to the concept of a leave of absence.

Loquacious means tending to talk a great deal; excessively talkative or garrulous. Talkative is the exact synonym - both describe someone who speaks frequently and at length. Obstinate means stubborn; secondary means of lesser importance; competitive means striving to win - none are related to speech behavior.

Punctilious means showing great attention to detail or correctness, especially in conduct or manners; very precise and meticulous. Meticulous is the perfect synonym - both mean showing great care and attention to detail. Prude means excessively proper about modesty; wasteful means extravagant; timid means shy - none relate to careful attention to detail.

An encomium is a formal expression of high praise, typically for a person or achievement. A eulogy serves a similar function - it is a speech or writing that praises someone, often at their funeral. 'Verve' means energy and enthusiasm, 'doggerel' refers to poorly constructed verse, and 'force' relates to physical strength or coercion - none of which capture the meaning of praise.

Proboscis refers to the nose or snout of an animal, particularly when it is long or tubular (like an elephant's trunk). Among the options, 'snout' is the closest in meaning. 'Search' and 'probe' relate to investigating, while 'prove' means to demonstrate truth - none of which refer to a physical nose structure.

The word 'hail' has multiple meanings: (1) to call out to someone (as in 'hail a taxi') and (4) to acclaim or praise enthusiastically (as in 'hail the conquering hero'). Option A correctly identifies both valid meanings. Option C combines meanings that don't both apply ('pull' and 'compel' are not standard meanings of hail).

Imposture refers to the practice of deceiving others or pretending to be something one is not - essentially deception or fraud. 'Deception' directly captures this meaning of fraudulent behavior. 'Claim' and 'status' are neutral terms, while 'destruction' refers to causing damage.

Lachrymose means 'tearful' or 'mournful' - tending to cry easily or expressing sorrow. 'Mournful' directly captures this emotional state of sadness or grief. 'Terse' means brief and pithy, 'indecent' refers to something inappropriate, and 'lecherous' means lustful.

Revulsion means a strong sense of disgust or intense dislike. 'Apathy' means indifference, 'violence' means physical force, and 'avenge' means to seek revenge. 'Disgust' is the closest synonym to revulsion, sharing the meaning of strong aversion.

Grit means courage and resolve; strength of character. While 'bold' is related, it's more about daring. 'Grease' is a literal meaning but not the figurative one intended. 'Level' is unrelated. 'Courage' captures the essence of grit - the mental toughness to persevere.

Salacious means relating to sexual desire or obscene, lewd, or lustful content. 'Obscene' is the closest synonym, meaning offensive to accepted standards of decency, often sexual. 'Wholesome' is an antonym. 'Wise' and 'confident' are unrelated to the sexual connotation of salacious.

Clout means influence, power, or pull, especially in political or social contexts. 'Power' is the most accurate synonym. 'Fear' and 'joke' are unrelated. 'Claw' is a literal meaning but not the figurative meaning intended (which is about having influence or sway).

Foment means to instigate or stir up trouble, often by encouraging unrest or discontent. Instigate is the closest synonym as it also means to provoke or trigger an action, typically something disruptive. Shield, frustrate, and waver are unrelated to stirring up trouble.

Repercussion refers to the consequences or effects of an action, typically widespread or unintended. Reaction is the best match as it captures the responsive nature of repercussions. Acceptance and resistance are incorrect, and magnificance appears to be a typo.