Question

Choose the word which is closest to the opposite in meaning to the italicized word.
By warning him prior to action, he has landed himself in a precarious situation.
(a) carefree
(b) safe
(c) easy
(d) cautious

Answer 1

 Hint: Antonyms are those words that express a meaning opposed to the meaning of another word, in which case the two words are antonyms of each other.
For example- good and bad.

Complete answer :
In the given question, the word ‘precarious’ refers to something affording no ease or reassurance; fraught with danger.

Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
1) Option (a), 'carefree', refers to someone or something free of trouble and worry and care.
Therefore, option (a) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘precarious’.
2) Option (b), ‘safe', refers to something free from danger or the risk of harm.
Therefore, option (b) is correct as its meaning is antonymous to that of the given word ‘precarious’.
3) Option (c), ‘easy', refers to something posing no difficulty; requiring little effort.
Therefore, option (c) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘precarious’.
4) Option (d), ‘cautious', refers to people who are fearful and cautious.
Therefore, option (d) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘precarious’.

Hence the correct answer is Option (b).

Note:
Keep in mind that the main keyword is ‘danger’- ‘safe’ is the lack thereof, and ‘precarious’ is with it.
Some antonyms of the given word ‘precarious’ are- assured, certain, systematic, safe, immutable.
Some synonyms of the given word ‘precarious’ are- hazardous, perilous, uncertain, riskful, unassured, insecure, dubious, doubtful.