Select the most appropriate antonym of the underlined English word in the…
2026
Select the most appropriate antonym of the underlined English word in the given sentence.
The town experienced a rapid proliferation of new businesses.
Answer: A. depletion — ConceptAn antonym expresses a meaning opposite to another word in the context in which it is used. For a noun describing an increase, the best antonym should…
- A.
depletion
- B.
distension
- C.
accession
- D.
extension
Attempted by 6 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept
An antonym expresses a meaning opposite to another word in the context in which it is used.
For a noun describing an increase, the best antonym should denote a decrease rather than another kind of expansion or addition.
Application
Here, proliferation means a rapid increase in the number of businesses. Depletion means a marked reduction or decrease, so it reverses the direction of change.
Contrast
Distension refers to swelling or expansion under pressure.
Accession refers to attaining a position or gaining or adding something.
Extension refers to lengthening, enlargement, or continuation.
Cross-check
Replacing proliferation with depletion changes the idea from rapid growth in the number of businesses to a reduction in that number. Therefore, the antonym is depletion.