Choose the appropriate synonym of the underlined word from the options given.
Heavy rain on Sunday did not preclude the residents of our colony from holding the annual Ganesh puja.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Prevent
In the given sentence, preclude means to make something impossible, or stop it from happening. Its synonym is prevent. Example: His knee injury may preclude him from playing in the inter-school final.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Exempt | to free someone from a rule or duty that others must follow | The principal agreed to exempt Aditi from the PT class because of her asthma. |
| (2) Distract | to take someone’s attention away from something | Loud music from the wedding next door can distract students from their studies. |
| (3) Shield | to protect someone from harm or danger | The big neem tree helps shield our house from the afternoon sun. |
| (4) Prevent (answer) | to stop something from happening or someone from doing something (same as preclude) | A helmet can prevent serious head injuries. |
| Synonyms of preclude: prevent, rule out, stop, bar Antonyms of preclude: allow, permit, enable |