Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.

The government should take stringent steps against terrorists and foil their ______ designs.

malicious

The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is:

☀ malicious

Explanation for all options:

1. Benevolent: This word means kind or charitable. It doesn't fit the context of describing the designs of terrorists.

2. Conducive: This word means creating favorable conditions for a certain outcome. It doesn't convey the negative intent of terrorists' designs.

3. Malicious: This is the correct word. It means having the intention to harm or cause damage. In the context of the sentence, it accurately describes the nature of the designs of terrorists.

4. Exemplary: This word means serving as a good example or model. It doesn't convey the harmful intent associated with terrorists' designs.