Often, we immediately associate the word "blaring" with an instrument like the trumpet. A "blaring trumpet" is one that is very loud. The word "blaring" does in fact mean very loud. Among the options provided, only one is related to sound in this way, namely "strident." This word can be used to describe someone who argues his or her position in a rather obnoxious way; however, its primary meaning describes something that is loud and harsh sounding as is the case with something that is blaring.

Something that is "garish" is showy and generally quite tasteless. Think of a coat that is painted neon green with bright orange lines and a lot of sequins. Now, such a thing might be ugly or even revolting, but the primary meaning of "garish" is showy. The word "gaudy" is a good synonym for such showiness.

"Strident" means harsh, unforgiving, of a sound that is loud and grating. To provide further help, "aloof" means cold and detached from people; "resilient" means determined, able to bounce back from hardship; "bereft" means feeling deeply sad and lost after suffering a loss; "provocative" means inciting, inflammatory. 

"Alluring" is an adjective that means beautiful or attractive. The best choice is "cute," since it means attractive. Considering the other choices, "concerning" means causing worry, "unstable" means constantly changing states of being, "responsible" means able to be relied upon to complete tasks, and "deliberate" means done on purpose or working carefully.

“Serendipitous” means occurring by convenient chance, or "coincidental." As for the other answer choices, “ordained” means having been officially made a member of the clergy, or ordered and decreed; “preordained” means decided beforehand or predestined; “decadent” means degenerate and corrupt or very luxurious; and “demonstrative” means serving to show that something is true or tending to show emotions without reserve.

"Forlorn" means miserable or sad. "Ecstatic" is the antonym; it means extremely happy. "Arrogant" means conceited or full of oneself. "Informed" means having knowledge or information regarding a topic. "Significant" means important or noteworthy.

The word “sensational” does not mean merely able to be seen or something related to being sensed. Instead, it means astonishing and often shocking. When used in the latter sense, it has the connotation of causing scandal or moral judgment. The use of the word for “astonishing” can be seen in a sentence like, “The circus performance was sensational—filled with dangerous lions, fiery pits, and an eight-hundred-foot-long snake.” In the latter sense, one could say, “The crime was so sensational that its details filled the newspaper for three months.”

"Acrimonious" is an adjective that means "angry and bitter" and is used in particular of speech or a debate. So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "bitter" and refers to speech. While "well-spoken" might refer to speech, it does not mean "angry and bitter," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Caustic," however, is an adjective that can mean "able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action" or "sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way." Because the second definition of "caustic" is similar to the meaning of "acrimonious," "caustic" is the correct answer.

For something to be described as placid, it means it is calm and tranquil.  For example, someone with a placid disposition is calm and peaceful in nature.

"Demure" is an adjective that means "of a woman or her behavior: reserved, modest, and shy" or "of clothing: lending such an appearance." So, neither "brazen" nor "proud" can be the correct answer because each of those words are an antonym of "demure." Because "shy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "demure," it is the correct answer.