Select the most appropriate collocating word to fill in the blank.

This statement of the political leader has created ________ confusion.

utter

The correct option to fill in the blank is utter.

The word utter means complete or total. In this context, it means that the confusion caused by the political leader's statement is complete and total. There is no clarity or understanding, and people are left feeling lost and confused.

The other options are not as appropriate because:

• Heavy means having a lot of weight. This does not accurately describe the confusion caused by the political leader's statement.
• Weighty means having great importance or significance. This does not accurately describe the confusion caused by the political leader's statement.
• Vast means very large or extensive. This does not accurately describe the confusion caused by the political leader's statement.