Question

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Explanation:

1. "Garish" means overly bright/flashy; "tawdry" is a direct synonym.
2. A "traitor" who switches sides is a "turncoat".
3. "Transported" means to carry/haul supplies; "conveyed" fits.
4. "Carefree" means untroubled; "nonchalant" matches this tone.
5. "Devastated" by storms means to be "ravaged".
6. "Falters" means to hesitate; "wavers" is a synonym.
7. A "position" on an issue is a "stance".
8. "Underlings" are lower-ranked workers; "minions" is a synonym.
9. A guiding "principle" is a "doctrine".
10. "Deflect" an assault means to "parry" it.
11. "Rapacious" means greedy; "avaricious" is a direct synonym.
12. "Traits" are distinguishing features; "attributes" matches.
13. "Basked" in attention means to "wallow" in it.
14. A critical "turning point" is a "watershed".
15. "Minimized" means to downplay; "belittled" is a synonym.
16. The opposite of "insert" is to "excise" (remove).
17. The opposite of "familiar" destinations is "exotic" ones.
18. "Nadir" (lowest point) is opposite to "acme" (peak).
19. The opposite of "conceited" (arrogant) is "humble".
20. The opposite of "radiant" (bright/happy) is "gloomy".

Answer:

1. tawdry
2. turncoat
3. conveyed
4. nonchalant
5. ravaged
6. wavers
7. stance
8. minions
9. doctrine
10. parry
11. avaricious
12. attributes
13. wallowed
14. watershed
15. belittled
16. excise
17. exotic
18. acme
19. humble
20. gloomy