Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
EXONERATE
A) Compel
B) Accuse
C) Imprison
D) Boldness

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning to another. The root words for the word 'antonym' are the words 'anti' meaning 'against' or 'opposite' and 'onym' meaning 'name’. For instance: the antonym of ‘hot’ is ‘cold’.

Complete step by step answer:
The meaning of the word exonerate is ‘to say officially that somebody was not responsible for something bad that happened’. So, as per the question we have to find the word which is opposite in meaning to the word exonerate.
Option A) Compel – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of compel is ‘to force somebody to do something’ and this is not the opposite of the word exonerate. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Accuse – is the correct answer because the meaning of accuse is ‘to say that somebody has done something wrong or broken the law’ and this is the opposite in meaning of the word exonerate. Thus, the antonym of exonerate is ‘accuse’. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option C) Imprison - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of imprison is ‘to keep someone in prison or in jail’ and this is not the opposite of the word exonerate. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Boldness - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of boldness is ‘fearless or adventurous or brave’ and this is not the opposite of the word exonerate. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

So, the correct answer is “Option B ”.

Note:
Antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning and synonyms are the words that have similar meaning. The synonym of EXONERATE is clear. The remaining words that are given in the options are not opposite to the word EXONERATE.