From the words or groups of words lettered A to E below the sentence, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase as it is used in the sentence.

The testimony of the witness absolved the accused of the charges.

A. condemned

B. implicated

C. criticized

D. blamed

E. cleared

The supreme court set aside the ruling of the High Court

A. upheld

B. nullified

C. agreed with

D. justified

E. rebuked

The ornament should be handled with care because it is fragile

A. expensive

B. uncommon

C. golden

D. imported

E. delicate

The minister announced that the government would soon make a law to prohibit the showing of obscene films.

A. violent

B. dangerous

C. immoral

D. frightful

E. juvenile

His approach to work is rather perfunctory

A. careful

B. serious

C. careless

D. encouraging

E. bad

The retiring officer's contribution towards the growth of the company was invaluable

A. inestimable

B. unnoticeable

C. negligible

D. inconsequential

E. measurable

The General's response to the question on whether or not he would retire from the army was evasive

A. definite

B. annoyed

C. elusive

D. clear

E. undecided

He poured out a lot of invectives in a speech that was supposed to be a vote of thanks.

A. praises

B. requests

C. denials

D. curses

E. apologies

Her eloping with the man is a stigma to the family

A. disgrace

B. pride

C. calamity

D. disappointment

E. disaster

The politician was given a tumultuous welcome when he came to address the rally.

A. pleasant

B. noisy

C. discouraging

D. strange

E. well-organized