Question:

Choose the word that is closest in meaning to calumny.

Show Hint

When encountering unfamiliar vocabulary, try to associate words with negative or positive connotations.
The word "calumny" sounds similar to "culumniate" or "collusion" which carry negative undertones.
Eliminating positive options like "praise" and "loyalty" makes finding the answer much easier.
Updated On: Jun 17, 2026
  • Praise
  • Slander
  • Sympathy
  • Loyalty
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Understanding the Question:

The primary objective of this vocabulary question is to identify the word that is closest in meaning to the term "calumny".
In competitive examinations like CUET, synonyms often test your familiarity with formal, literary, or classical words.
Analyzing the roots and common contexts of the word helps in narrowing down the correct synonym among the options.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

1. Let us analyze the meaning of the word "calumny": It is a noun defined as the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation.
2. This term is derived from the classical Latin word "calumnia", which represents trickery, misrepresentation, or malicious accusation.
3. Let us evaluate Option (A) "Praise": The word "praise" refers to expressing warm approval, commendation, or admiration. Since praise serves to elevate a person's reputation rather than harm it, this word acts as a direct antonym rather than a synonym.
4. Let us evaluate Option (B) "Slander": The word "slander" means the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation. This matches the core definition of calumny.
5. Let us evaluate Option (C) "Sympathy": The word "sympathy" denotes feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. This is a positive or neutral emotional response and is entirely unrelated to malicious defamation.
6. Let us evaluate Option (D) "Loyalty": The word "loyalty" represents a strong feeling of support, faithfulness, or allegiance to a person, country, or group. This is also completely distinct from the concept of character assassination.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Based on the contextual and semantic analysis, the correct option is (B) as "slander" is the closest synonym of "calumny".
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