Select the antonym of the word “mishmash”, which means a confused mixture of different things.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for an antonym of mishmash. Mishmash refers to a confused, disorganised mixture of various elements. It often has a negative or at least messy connotation. To find the antonym, we need a word that conveys the opposite idea of confusion and disorder, namely order and systematic arrangement.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• Mishmash means a confused mixture, jumble, or hotchpotch.• The options include several words that are themselves related to mixtures and one word that suggests order.• The question is specifically about the opposite in meaning, not a synonym.

Concept / Approach:
First, identify synonyms of mishmash. Words like medley, potpourri and haphazard all suggest mixtures or lack of order in different contexts. The direct opposite would be something that is neatly arranged, systematic, or organised. The word organized captures this concept by describing a state where things are arranged carefully and logically, as opposed to a disorganised jumble.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall or look up the meaning of mishmash: a confused mixture of things that do not quite fit together.Step 2: Examine each option and classify it as either similar or opposite in meaning.Step 3: Potpourri and medley both refer to mixtures, especially of music, scents, or elements, and are therefore close in meaning to mishmash.Step 4: Haphazard suggests randomness and lack of planning, which again aligns more with confusion than order.Step 5: Organized represents the reverse concept, where items are arranged systematically rather than mixed up. Therefore, it is the antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Test the words in example sentences. A mishmash of ideas suggests ideas thrown together without structure. An organized set of ideas suggests that the ideas are sorted, grouped, and logically ordered. These two phrases clearly oppose each other in meaning. Meanwhile, a medley of songs or a potpourri of flavours also conveys variety without strong structure, which is similar rather than opposite. This comparison confirms that organized is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a: potpourri commonly means a mixture of dried petals for fragrance or, more generally, a mixed collection. This is conceptually similar to mishmash.Option b: medley refers to a mixture, especially of musical pieces, and is again close in sense to mishmash.Option d: haphazard means random and without order, which is another near synonym of mishmash rather than an antonym.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes misread antonym questions as synonym questions, especially when several options feel related to the given word. When the stem says select the antonym, you must consciously look for a word that reverses the main idea. Here, the word sounds informal and messy, so the opposite needs to convey neatness and structure. Keeping this contrast in mind will guide you to the right answer even without a dictionary.

Final Answer:
The opposite of a confused mixture or jumble is something that is carefully arranged and systematic. Correct answer: organized.