Which word opposite in meaning to the capitalized word best completes the sentence below?

Answer:Whereas the senior auditor maintained METICULOUS financial records for the firm, his junior associate was surprisingly 【careless】 in documenting daily transactions.

Answer

careless (or negligent / sloppy / remiss / lax)

The capitalized word 'METICULOUS' means showing great attention to detail, being extremely careful and precise. Because the sentence begins with the contrastive conjunction 'Whereas', the word completing the sentence must express the exact opposite quality. The word 'careless' (or 'negligent', 'sloppy', 'lax') serves as the direct contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the context of the sentence and the capitalized target word.

The word 'METICULOUS' means extremely careful, precise, and paying scrupulous attention to detail.

Understanding the precise meaning of the target word is essential before determining its contextual opposite.

Identify the contrastive clue in the sentence structure.

The sentence begins with the subordinating conjunction 'Whereas', indicating a direct contrast between the senior auditor's habit and the junior associate's habit.

Contrast indicators signal that the missing word must express the opposite trait of the target word.

Select a suitable antonym that fits syntactically and semantically into the blank.

Words such as 'careless', 'negligent', 'sloppy', or 'lax' directly contradict 'meticulous'.

These words describe a lack of attention to detail, fulfilling the required antonym relationship in this sentence context.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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