Synonyms

Abridge means to shorten or reduce in scope, which is similar to curtail (to restrict or reduce something). Both convey the idea of cutting back or limiting something. The other options are unrelated: disapprove means to object to, sarcastic involves mocking irony, and rarity means something uncommon.

 Current and contemporary are synonymous.

In the context of a habit or tradition, custom can mean a habitual practice. A custom is something people regularly do, which makes habit a reasonable synonym. Contemporary means current/modern, decisive means able to make decisions, and guardian means protector.

Cynical refers to having a negative or distrustful attitude toward human motives or sincerity. Sarcastic relates to using irony to mock or convey contempt. While not perfect synonyms, they are closely related - cynical people often express themselves sarcastically. The other options don't fit: disapprove means to object, rarity means uncommon, and abridge means to shorten.

The brain is the organ associated with thinking and reasoning, while intellect refers to the mental faculty of reasoning and understanding. In this context, brain is being used metaphorically to mean intellect. The other options are unrelated: influence means to affect, elude means to escape, and related means connected.

To brandish means to wave or display something (often a weapon) in a threatening manner. Threaten means to present a danger or menace. Since brandishing typically involves threatening, these are closely related meanings. The other options don't fit: search means to look for, oppress means to burden unjustly, and reinforce means to strengthen.

Burden as a verb means to weigh down or load heavily, which is similar in meaning to oppress (to burden with cruel or unjust weight). Both involve the concept of something being made difficult or heavy to bear. The other options are unrelated: threaten means to menace, search means to look for, and reinforce means to strengthen.

Audience refers to the group of people watching or listening to something. Public refers to people in general or the community. While not perfect synonyms, an audience is a type of public gathering, and the terms are often used in related contexts. The other options are unrelated: enlarge means to make bigger, bold means brave or prominent, and greed means intense desire.

To buttress means to support, strengthen, or reinforce something. Reinforce means to strengthen or support, especially with additional material or personnel. These are very close synonyms - both convey the idea of making something stronger or providing support. The other options are unrelated: threaten means to menace, search means to look for, and oppress means to burden unjustly.

Audacious means showing a willingness to take bold risks or being extremely bold. 'Bold' directly captures this meaning of fearless daring. The other options are unrelated - 'enlarge' is about size, 'greed' is an emotion, and 'public' describes accessibility.

Augment means to make something greater or larger in size, quantity, or degree. 'Enlarge' directly captures this meaning of increasing size or scope. The other options don't fit - 'bold' means fearless, 'greed' is excessive desire, and 'public' means open to all.

Rigorous means extremely thorough, exhaustive, or strictly applied without bending. Among the choices, unyielding captures this sense of strictness and firmness best, whereas complicated or daring do not match the core meaning of strict adherence.

Rapturous means filled with great happiness, delight, or ecstasy. 'Ecstatic' directly captures this meaning of overwhelming joy or enthusiasm. The other options don't fit - 'flowing' and 'silence' are unrelated, while 'remnant' means a small remaining quantity.