Choose the correct antonym for the word INNOCUOUS from the options given
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Harmful
- Innocuous means harmless; not likely to cause harm or offence (from the Latin in-, not + nocuus, harmful).
Example: The snake looked frightening but was quite innocuous. - Harmful means causing harm or damage. It is the direct opposite of "not harmful", so it is the antonym.
Example: Smoking is harmful to health.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Wholesome — Incorrect. Wholesome means good for health or morally good; it is on the same positive side as innocuous, not opposite to it.
Example: Fresh fruit is a wholesome snack.
Option 3: Salutary — Incorrect. Salutary means having a good effect, often after something unpleasant; it is not the opposite of harmless.
Example: The defeat was a salutary lesson for the team.
Option 4: Innocent — Incorrect. Innocent means not guilty, and also harmless (an innocent joke); it is close to innocuous, a synonym.
Example: It was an innocent remark, not meant to hurt anyone.
| Synonyms (Innocuous) | Antonyms (Innocuous) |
|---|---|
| harmless | harmful |
| innocent | dangerous |
| inoffensive | injurious |
| safe | noxious |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| innocuous | 15-05 S1 18-05 S2 | 13-05 S1 20-05 S1 21-05 S2 30-05 S1 | – | 30-05 S2 | – |