Choose the most appropriate synonym of the following underlined word:
She reproached him gently for forgetting their anniversary.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → berated
- Reproach means to tell someone that you are unhappy with what he or she has done; to blame or criticise. She blamed him, gently, for forgetting the anniversary.
Example: His mother reproached him for wasting money. - Berate means to scold or criticise someone angrily. Both words mean finding fault with someone, so berated is the synonym among the options (berate is the stronger word).
Example: The coach berated the players for their careless defence.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: advised — Incorrect. Advise means to suggest what someone should do; it carries no blame.
Example: The doctor advised him to rest.
Option 3: expected — Incorrect. Expect means to think that something will happen.
Example: We expected the train to arrive on time.
Option 4: instructed — Incorrect. Instruct means to tell someone to do something, or to teach; it is an order, not blame.
Example: The teacher instructed the students to remain seated.
| Synonyms (Reproach) | Antonyms (Reproach) |
|---|---|
| berate | praise |
| rebuke | commend |
| reprimand | applaud |
| admonish | compliment |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| reproach | – | – | – | 22-05 S1 | – |
| berate | – | 03-06 S1 | – | – | – |