Question

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word.
JUSTIFY
A. Accuse
B. Infuriate
C. Absolve
D. Vindicate

Answer 1

Hint: Opposites are a pair of words which are related but are completely different in meaning. They may be common nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs or prepositions. For e.g. Man-woman are opposite common nouns, Tall-short are opposite adjectives and In-out are opposite prepositions.

Complete answer:
Justify means to prove or to show that something is right. Now we shall compare each of the options and look for the word which has an opposite meaning to ‘Justify’.

Option A) Accuse – is the correct answer. It means to claim that someone has done something wrong, or committed a crime. For e.g. ‘He was accused of murdering his rival.’ Justify means, to prove that someone is right. Therefore, ‘Justify’ and ‘Accuse’ are opposites.

Option B) Infuriate – is the incorrect answer. It means making someone very angry. For e.g. ‘I was infuriated by the rude behavior of the children.’ This word is not related to ‘justify’.

Option C) Absolve – is the incorrect answer. It means declaring someone free from a punishment or a guilt. For e.g. ‘He was later absolved of any crimes.’ This word has a similar meaning to ‘Justify’ and is not an opposite.

Option D) Vindicate – is the incorrect answer. It means clearing someone from a blame or suspicion. For e.g. ‘We were all vindicated by the judge.’ It is similar to the meaning of ‘Justify’ and hence, is not an opposite.

 Hence, the correct answers are Option ‘A’.

Note: Other opposites words for ‘Justify’ are blame, disprove, convict etc. These words are also synonymous to ‘Accuse’. Some words similar to ‘infuriate’ are, annoy, enrage, irritate etc. Opposites of ‘infuriate’ are please and soothe.