From the given options, select the word that is opposite in meaning to the highlighted word in the given sentence:-

Her affable charm helped her to navigate the tense meeting with a warm smile and easy humor, disarming even her harshest critics.

surly

The correct answer is Option (2) → surly

• Affable (Adjective): Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to. The sentence highlights this by describing the person's warm smile and easy humor.

• Surly (Adjective): Bad-tempered and unfriendly; rude.

The opposite of being friendly and easy to talk to (affable) is being unfriendly and bad-tempered (surly).

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

Gullible: Easily persuaded to believe something; easily cheated. This is unrelated to charm or temper.

Tactless: Having or showing a lack of sensitivity in dealing with others or difficult issues. 

Gracious: Courteous, kind, and pleasant. This is a synonym for affable.