Select the word/ words which mean the same as the given word.
Calumny
(A) Defamation
(B) Praise
(C) Vindication
(D) Aspersion
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → (A) and (D) only
Calumny means a false statement made to damage someone's good name; slander.
Example: The newspaper was sued for spreading calumny about the actor.
(A) Defamation — Correct. Defamation means damaging someone's reputation by saying or writing false things about him; it is a synonym of calumny.
Example: The minister filed a case of defamation against the newspaper.
(B) Praise — Incorrect. Praise means words of approval and admiration; it is the opposite of calumny.
Example: The teacher's praise made the boy happy.
(C) Vindication — Incorrect. Vindication means proving that someone is free from blame; it clears a person's name, while calumny spoils it.
Example: The court's verdict was a complete vindication of the officer.
(D) Aspersion — Correct. An aspersion is an attack on someone's character or reputation (usually "to cast aspersions on"); it is a synonym of calumny.
Example: Do not cast aspersions on his honesty without proof.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| calumny | – | 19-05 S2 | – | – | – |
| defamation | 25-05 S2 | 19-05 S2 | – | – | – |
| vindication | 18-05 S1 | 03-06 S1 | – | – | – |