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Difficulty: MediumSynonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

The operative made a surreptitious exchange of documents in the crowded train station to avoid detection. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

  1. clandestineAnswer
  2. B
    blatant
  3. C
    spontaneous
  4. D
    suspicious

Answer

clandestine
The target word 'surreptitious' refers to an action conducted by stealth, secrecy, or underhanded means. In the context of exchanging documents while striving 'to avoid detection', the word 'clandestine' serves as the exact contextual synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the sentence for contextual indicators of meaning.
The phrase 'to avoid detection' signals that the action was performed in a hidden, secret manner.
Contextual clues help establish the intended nuance of the target word.
2
Compare option meanings against the target word 'surreptitious'.
'Clandestine' directly matches the meaning of covert, secret, or stealthy behavior.
The correct synonym must preserve both the definition and tone within the context of the passage.

Key Concept

Contextual Vocabulary and Synonyms
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Topics

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

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