"Quixotic" means hopelessly, romantically idealistic. "Villainous" is a synonym for "wicked," and "fractious" means grumpy, irritable, or unruly. "Zealous" means passionately enthusiastic. Another word for "creative" is imaginative.

"Misanthropic" means unfriendly and "antisocial." "Apocryphal" means false or fictitious. "Vituperative" is another word for bitter, and "ingenious" is another word for clever, crafty, or innovative. "Inexorable" means unstoppable or unyielding.

"Unsavory" means disagreeable, disreputable. It often describes a person, area, or situation. "Rambunctious" is another word for boisterous, and "subliminal" is another word for subconscious. "Determined" is a synonym for "dogged" or "resolute." "Petulant" is a synonym for "peevish" or irritable.

"Decree" can function either as a noun or an verb. As a noun, a "decree" is a law or rule made by an authority; as an verb, it means to create such a law or rule and put it into effect. While "imperial" may seem like a good answer choice because someone who is imperial may issue decrees, "imperial" is not a synonym of "decree," so we should skip it. Of the listed answer choices, "command" is the closest synonym; it can similarly act as a noun or verb and means either an order issued by an authority or to issue such an order.

"Obsequious" means sycophantic, fawning, flattering, or servile. This is an antonym for "haughty," which also means supercilious. "Droll" means humorous, particularly in a dry way. "Abstemious" means temperate or moderate.

Something "subliminal" is below someone's consciousness or awareness. "Esoteric" is a synonym for "abstruse" or scholarly, and "copious" means abundant or profuse. "Punitive" is another word for punishing. "Thrilling" means exciting, galvanizing, or even shocking.

"Instantaneous" means instant or immediate. "Brave" and "courageous" are synonyms, as are "stupid" and "unintelligent." "Tiny" means very small, and "extremely" means very.

While to "punish" can mean to make someone suffer in response to a bad action, "punishing" can also mean grueling, demanding, or taxing (usually in the context of a particular situation or action). "Grimy" means dirty, "smug" means self-satisfied, and "exuberant" means joyful. "Explicit" means clear and straightforward.

"Vehemently"means with strong feeling or passion.

"Elusive" and "evasive" are synonyms meaning difficult to catch. "Despairing" means hopeless, and "mysterious" means difficult or impossible to explain. "Skillful" means expert or accomplished. "Immediate" means instantaneous.