Question

The manager’s decision to fire the employee was seen as a __________ act of revenge rather than a professional choice.

• A. vindictive
• B. malicious
• C. spiteful
• D. callous

Hint:

When the clue word is “revenge,” the closest synonym is always “vindictive.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The sentence highlights that the act was one of revenge. - “Vindictive” means having a strong desire for revenge. \(⇒\) Fits perfectly.
- “Malicious” means intending to harm, but not necessarily for revenge.
- “Spiteful” is similar, but weaker and less formal than “vindictive.”
- “Callous” means emotionally insensitive, which doesn’t imply revenge.
Thus, the most appropriate word is vindictive.