Question

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word.
ACCOMPLICE

a) Friend
b) Accessory
c) Escort
d) Opponent

Answer 1

Hint: Opposites are words that contain a meaning quite contrary to the given word. Accomplice means to help or assist someone in doing something.

Complete answer:
Opposites or antonyms are words that contain a meaning that is entirely different or contrasting to the given word. It thus helps us in differentiating different contexts. Example: tall X short, far X near.
The above given word ‘accomplice’ is a noun that refers to someone who accompanies another in doing something, particularly a crime.
Example: The police arrested the murderer and his accomplice.
That being the case, ‘friend’ in option a cannot be the right answer as it shares a similar meaning to ‘accomplice.’
‘Accessory’ in option b is also wrong because, in terms of law, ‘accessory’ refers to an accomplice in a crime.
Option c is an incorrect option because ‘escort’ is a person or group that accompanies someone for their protection. Example: the police escort.
‘Opponent’ in option d gives us the right opposite of ‘accomplice.’ An opponent is someone who opposes another in a competition, game, or argument. It means a rival or an enemy who in no way supports the opposite person. Therefore, option d is correct.

Note: Do not confuse ‘accomplice’ with ‘accomplish’. Accomplish is a verb that we use to describe the completion of an act. It also means to complete something successfully.