Question:
Select the word that is closest in meaning to "Insidious."
Select the word that is closest in meaning to "Insidious."
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"Insidious" is a common word in medical contexts (e.g., an insidious disease is one that develops slowly without symptoms until it is advanced) and political contexts (e.g., insidious plots).
Associating words with their common contexts can help you remember their meanings.
Since insidious implies hidden, deceitful danger, "treacherous" is the most logical synonym.
Associating words with their common contexts can help you remember their meanings.
Since insidious implies hidden, deceitful danger, "treacherous" is the most logical synonym.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
- Treacherous
- Happy
- Exciting
- Honest
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question requires us to find the synonym or closest meaning of the word "Insidious."
We need to understand both the denotation (dictionary definition) and the connotation (negative tone) of the word.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Definition of "Insidious": The word "insidious" describes something that proceeds in a gradual, subtle, or stealthy way, but with extremely harmful or destructive effects.
It suggests a hidden danger that catches someone off guard.
2. Let us analyze Option (A) "Treacherous": "Treacherous" means guilty of or involving betrayal or deception, or presenting hidden, unpredictable, and grave dangers.
Because both "insidious" and "treacherous" involve hidden, deceptive harm, they are very close synonyms.
3. Let us analyze Option (B) "Happy": "Happy" means feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.
This is a positive emotion and has no relation to the dangerous and deceptive nature of "insidious."
4. Let us analyze Option (C) "Exciting": "Exciting" means causing great interest or enthusiasm.
This is unrelated to harmful or stealthy threats.
5. Let us analyze Option (D) "Honest": "Honest" means free of deceit, truthful, and sincere.
This is the opposite of "insidious," which relies heavily on subtlety and deceit to cause harm.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The word closest in meaning to "Insidious" is "Treacherous," which is Option (A).
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