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Question

Difficulty: HardAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

In the sentence below, fill in the blank with a word that is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE IN MEANING to the capitalized word.

Answer:Although the union representatives were expected to remain INTRANSIGENT during the dispute, their attitude was surprisingly 【compliant】, enabling a swift agreement.

Answer

compliant (or flexible / acquiescent / accommodating / yielding / amenable)
The target word 'INTRANSIGENT' means refusing to compromise or holding firmly to a position. The sentence contrast introduced by 'Although' signals that the union representatives did the opposite of what was expected. Terms like 'compliant', 'flexible', 'acquiescent', 'accommodating', or 'yielding' express a willingness to adjust one's position, making them accurate contextual antonyms.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the capitalized target word 'INTRANSIGENT' in the context of the sentence.
'INTRANSIGENT' describes someone who is stubborn, unyielding, or uncompromising in their stance.
Determining the contextual meaning of the capitalized word is necessary before selecting its antonym.
2
Identify the structural contrast signal in the sentence clause.
The conjunction 'Although' signals a direct contrast between the expected behavior ('INTRANSIGENT') and the actual attitude shown during negotiations.
The missing word must convey the opposite idea of being uncompromising in order to complete the sentence logically.
3
Determine an appropriate antonym that fits both syntactically and semantically.
Words such as 'compliant', 'flexible', 'acquiescent', or 'accommodating' mean willing to yield or negotiate, serving as precise contextual antonyms.
Being compliant or accommodating directly reverses the concept of intransigence and explains why a swift agreement was reached.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Contrast Markers
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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