In the following question, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word Panegyric.

Introduction / Context:
This question examines the learner's knowledge of the noun panegyric and its opposite. Panegyric is a somewhat formal word often used in literary and historical contexts to describe speeches or writings that praise someone or something very highly. Being able to identify its antonym helps in understanding the tone of reviews, essays and ceremonial addresses.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Panegyric.
• Options: Noxious, Criticism, Fantasy, Grandeur and Ridicule.
• Panegyric denotes a formal or elaborate piece of praise, often in speech or writing.
• The antonym should express disapproval, fault finding or negative evaluation.

Concept / Approach:
A panegyric is essentially an expression of very strong praise, often public and ceremonial. The opposite would therefore be a form of expression that focuses on pointing out faults or expressing disapproval. Criticism fits this role, especially in the sense of adverse or unfavourable remarks. Although ridicule also has a negative tone, it involves mocking and making fun of, which is not the exact opposite of formal praise. Noxious means harmful, fantasy refers to imagination, and grandeur refers to magnificence, all of which lie outside the field of evaluative speech or writing.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Restate panegyric as a formal speech or text in praise of someone or something.
Step 2: Think of a basic opposite, such as criticism, condemnation or attack, that would describe negative evaluation.
Step 3: Scan the options to find one that directly relates to negative judgement.
Step 4: Identify criticism as the term that describes the act of judging the merits and faults, often highlighting the faults.
Step 5: Confirm that noxious, fantasy and grandeur are not in the same semantic category as panegyric, and that ridicule, while negative, is more about mockery than about considered evaluation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Example sentences clarify the pairing: The speaker delivered a panegyric on the retiring principal versus The writer offered a sharp criticism of the principal's policies. In the first sentence, the tone is complimentary; in the second, it is negative and fault finding. Both sentences describe extended speech or writing directed at a person, making panegyric and criticism natural opposites. Using ridicule would suggest making fun of the principal rather than seriously evaluating performance, so it is not as precise an antonym in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Noxious, means harmful or poisonous and refers to effects, not to types of speech or writing. Option C, Fantasy, denotes imagination, unreal stories or daydreams and is not concerned with praising or blaming. Option D, Grandeur, refers to magnificence or impressiveness of appearance or style, again unrelated to the act of praising or criticising in words. Option E, Ridicule, suggests mockery and laughter, which is indeed negative but not a direct counterpart to the formal, respectful tone of panegyric. Criticism, on the other hand, is the opposite of praise in evaluative writing and speech and therefore matches best.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted by ridicule because it clearly sounds negative, but antonyms must be opposite in both tone and type of action. Panegyric and criticism are both forms of evaluative commentary, one positive and the other negative, which makes them true opposites in function. Ridicule belongs more to the category of jokes and mockery than to formal evaluation. Keeping this distinction in mind helps avoid errors in similar questions.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to Panegyric is Criticism.