From the given options, select the word which is opposite in meaning to the word:
"Malicious"
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Benevolent
Malicious means wanting to harm or upset others, full of ill will and spite. Its antonym is benevolent.
Example: Someone spread malicious rumours about the new teacher.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Faithless | disloyal or untrustworthy (it is a fault like malice, not its opposite) | The faithless servant sold his master's secrets. |
| (2) Boastful | praising oneself too much (it concerns pride, not ill will towards others) | The boastful player kept talking about his trophies. |
| (3) Indifferent | having no interest or concern (it lies between ill will and goodwill and is not the opposite of malicious) | He was indifferent to the result and did not even check it. |
| (4) Benevolent (answer) | kind and wishing good to others (ill will and goodwill are direct opposites) | The benevolent old man paid the school fees of many poor children. |
| Synonyms of malicious: spiteful, malevolent, vicious, hostile Antonyms of malicious: benevolent, kind, friendly, well-meaning Also asked in CUET (UG): malicious – 29-05-2023 Slot 2 benevolent – 30-05-2026 Slot 1, 25-05-2026 Slot 1, 14-05-2026 Slot 2, 11-05-2026 Slot 1, 03-06-2025 Slot 2, 23-05-2025 Slot 2 |