Replace the underlined word in the following sentence with the correct synonym from the options given below:

When the manager saw the intern handling a difficult customer skillfully, he decided it was expedient not to interfere yet.

prudent

The correct answer is Option (1) → prudent

• Expedient (Adjective) means suitable or appropriate; practical and effective, often suggesting that the action is advantageous or advisable in the circumstances, even if potentially unethical or improper (though here it just means practical/advisable).

• Prudent (Adjective) means acting with or showing care and thought for the future; wise or judicious. In this context, deciding not to interfere was a wise and sensible course of action, making prudent the best synonym.

Other Options:

• Alacritous: Means characterized by quickness and eagerness; lively. (Unrelated to wisdom or advisability).

• Injudicious: Means showing poor judgment; unwise. This is an antonym of expedient in this context.

• Exorbitant: Means unreasonably high (often referring to a price or amount). (Unrelated to wisdom or advisability).