SCRUTINIZE: A. challenge B. protest C. pardon D. amplify E. mask

SCRUTINIZE: A. challenge B. protest C. pardon D. amplify E. mask

Let’s consider the word scrutinize, which means to examine or inspect something closely and thoroughly.

Now, looking at the options:

A. challenge – To question or dispute something; involves critical examination → related because scrutiny can lead to challenging something.

B. protest – To express strong objection; not a direct synonym of scrutinize, though scrutiny might precede protest.

C. pardon – To forgive or excuse; opposite in intent to scrutinize (which is about careful criticism).

D. amplify – To make louder or increase; not related to close examination.

E. mask – To conceal or hide; opposite of scrutinize, which is about uncovering details.

The most direct antonym here would be mask (E) or pardon (C), but scrutinize is about careful examination—mask means to hide from examination, so that is a clearer antonym.
In GRE/SAT-style analogy questions, sometimes they ask for “opposite” or “contrast,” and mask contrasts directly.

Given typical “SCRUTINIZE : ______” questions, the best opposite is mask.

Answer: E. mask