Question

Fill in the blanks with the right choice of words.

Even though the auditors ____ the accountant, his reputation was ____ by the allegations of fraud.

• A. vindicated - enhanced
• B. indicted - blemished
• C. betrayed - ruined
• D. exonerated - tarnished
• E. cleared - condoned

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

exonerated - tarnished

The verb 'exonerated' means (of an official body) absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoingand it best befits the context of the first blank whereas the verb 'tarnished' means to become less valuable or respected which fits the context of the second blank. Thus D is the correct answer- it fits the given context and conveys the required meaning.

Even though the auditors exonerated the accountant, his reputation was tarnished by the allegations of fraud.

None of the other choices fit the context.