Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word:
Today a great number of new medicines eradicate diseases before they become too widespread.

a) Wipe out
b) Identify
c) Prolong
d) Suspend
e) Exploit

Answer 1

Hint: If the meanings of the two words are similar to each other, they are called synonyms. For example, pretty and beautiful are synonyms of each other.

Complete answer:

The word eradicate means to completely get rid of something. For example, I eradicated the pests and rodents in my house. This means I completely got rid of them. Thus, the answer to the given question will be an option a. Therefore, the sentence means that in modern times, a lot of new medicines wipe out diseases before they become a pandemic.
Option b is wrong because identify means to recognize something. For example, my dog can identify my voice from very far.
Option c is also wrong because to prolong something means to increase its duration. For example, days are prolonged during summer. It is an antonym of ‘eradicate’.
Option d is incorrect because suspend means to stop something for a certain amount of time. Something which is suspended can be resumed. Suspending diseases is not very helpful in the long run.
Option e means to take undue advantage of someone. For example, slaves were exploited in earlier times.

Note: If two options look very similar, it is advised to place the words in the sentence and see which option sounds more appropriate. Synonyms can be easily identified if one has a good vocabulary. Reading a lot of books helps to have a good vocabulary.