Question:
OBVIATE: The new mass transit system may obviate the need for the use of personal cars.
OBVIATE: The new mass transit system may obviate the need for the use of personal cars.
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“Obviate” means to make unnecessary. Don’t confuse it with “support” — which is the meaning of “bolster.” Always consider the tone and purpose of the sentence.
Updated On: Aug 7, 2025
- Prevent
- Forestall
- Preclude
- Bolster
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
“Obviate” means to eliminate or render unnecessary. In this context, the sentence says that the transit system removes the need for personal cars.
All options except (d) relate to “blocking” or “preventing” — which is the opposite of the context.
However, the correct answer is not (d); this seems to be an error in the original answer key — the correct synonym of "obviate" should be “preclude” or “prevent”, not bolster.
Bolster means to support or strengthen, which is opposite to what “obviate” means.
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