Identify the synonym of the underlined word in the following sentence:
The usual adulation of officers must end.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → flattery
Adulation means excessive praise or admiration, more than a person deserves. "The usual adulation of officers must end" asks for an end to such insincere praise of officers. Its synonym is flattery.
Example: The film star enjoyed the adulation of his fans.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) back biting | (backbiting) speaking badly of someone who is not present (it is unkind talk, not praise) | The office was full of gossip and backbiting. |
| (2) condemnation | strong disapproval (it is the opposite of adulation) | The attack drew condemnation from all parties. |
| (3) flattery (answer) | excessive and insincere praise, usually to please someone or gain a favour (the sense of adulation here) | He tried to win the manager over with flattery. |
| (4) praise | approval or admiration of any kind, often deserved (it lacks the sense of excess in adulation, and nobody would demand that deserved praise "must end") | The teacher's praise encouraged the shy student. |
| Synonyms of adulation: flattery, adoration, worship, idolization Antonyms of adulation: condemnation, criticism, contempt, disparagement Also asked in CUET (UG): adulation – 21-05-2026 Slot 2, 03-06-2025 Slot 1 |