Question:

PERNICIOUS

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A classic medical and literary phrase to keep memorized is "pernicious anemia" or "pernicious rumors". These are threats that sneak up quietly but have a devastating or highly destructive outcome if left unchecked!
Updated On: May 30, 2026
  • Salubrious
  • Nefarious
  • Innocuous
  • Devastating
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Understanding the Concept:

Analyzing structural descriptions in texts involves understanding words that convey harm or damage. The word "pernicious" is an impactful adjective used to describe things that cause serious harm, injury, or ruin, often in a quiet, subtle, or hidden manner over a long period.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let's look at the definitions of all the choices to find the closest semantic match: PERNICIOUS: Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way; highly destructive, fatal, or ruinous. Salubrious (Antonym): Health-giving; healthy or pleasant. Nefarious: Wicked, villainous, or criminal (typically used to describe actions, people, or plots rather than general damaging effects). Innocuous (Antonym): Not harmful or offensive; safe. Devastating (Synonym): Highly destructive, damaging, or overwhelming. Out of all the choices, "devastating" is the closest operational match to describe the severe, ruinous impact implied by "pernicious".

Step 3: Final Answer:

The closest synonym to PERNICIOUS is Devastating (Option d).
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