Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Recalcitrant

Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word:

Recalcitrant

1. A. Compliant
2. B. Submissive
3. C. Rebellious (Correct answer)
4. D. Docile

Correct Answer

Option C — Rebellious

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Rebellious.

Key Points

• 'Recalcitrant' means stubbornly resistant to authority or control — that is, rebellious and uncooperative.
• So the correct synonym is Rebellious.
• The distractors 'Compliant', 'Submissive' and 'Docile' all mean the opposite — obedient and willing to follow — so they are antonyms, not synonyms.
• 'recalcitrant' describes a person or animal that refuses to obey.
• Spotting that three options (compliant, submissive, docile) share the 'obedient' meaning immediately isolates the odd one, 'rebellious', as the answer.

Exam Tip

• when three of four options are near-synonyms of each other, the correct answer to a synonym question is usually the remaining odd word — a reliable elimination strategy for tough vocabulary items.