Identify the word opposite in meaning to the given word. MITIGATE

Answer: increase

Explanation: Mitigate means to make less severe, to lessen, or to reduce the intensity of something. The antonym should therefore express making something greater in amount or intensity.

• increase — Correct. It directly conveys making something greater in amount or intensity, which is the opposite of mitigate.

• reduce — Incorrect. This is a synonym of mitigate (both mean to make smaller or less severe).

• expand — Incorrect. This refers to making something larger in size or scope, not specifically increasing severity; it is less precise as an antonym here.

• float — Incorrect. This word relates to buoyancy or drifting and is unrelated to the concept of severity or intensity.

Therefore, among the given choices, increase is the best antonym of mitigate.