In this antonym question, you must choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to whirl. Read the options carefully and select the one that represents a contrasting idea.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question checks your understanding of antonyms, that is, words with opposite meanings. The given word is whirl, which can refer to rapid spinning movement or, more figuratively, to a state of confusion and intense activity. You are asked to select the option whose meaning contrasts with this sense of movement and agitation. Such questions require you to think not only of direct opposites but also of broader contrasts in state or mood.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is whirl.
• The options are swirl, peace, flurry, and surge.
• In this question, whirl is taken in the sense of rapid movement or hectic activity.
• Only one option represents a calm or opposite state to this.
• You must rely on general vocabulary knowledge and context.

Concept / Approach:
Whirl suggests motion, either physical, as in leaves in a whirl of wind, or mental, as in a whirl of thoughts or events. Words like swirl, flurry, and surge all suggest similar ideas of movement or sudden activity. The natural opposite of this restless motion is calmness or stillness. Peace captures that idea, especially in the sense of mental or environmental calm without disturbance. Therefore, we look for a word that signals calm rather than activity.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall meanings. Whirl refers to spin or to be in a state of turbulent movement or busy activity. Step 2: Consider swirl. Swirl also describes rotational or circular movement, similar to whirl, and therefore it is a near synonym, not an antonym. Step 3: Consider peace. Peace refers to a state of calm and absence of disturbance, whether in a place, between nations, or in a person's mind. Step 4: Consider flurry. Flurry means a sudden short period of activity or excitement, which is again similar to the energetic sense of whirl. Step 5: Consider surge. Surge means a sudden powerful forward or upward movement, also suggesting strong motion rather than rest. Step 6: Compare all options and see that only peace expresses a clear opposite state to the agitation implied by whirl.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine example sentences to test the contrast. A whirl of activity in the office versus a peace in the office. A whirl of thoughts in her mind versus a peace in her mind. In both cases, peace represents the opposite of restless motion or mental turmoil. On the other hand, a swirl of activity, a flurry of activity, and a surge of activity all reinforce similar meanings to whirl. This confirms that peace is the correct antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
swirl is similar to whirl in both sound and meaning, describing circular or twisting motion.
flurry describes a brief period of excitement or activity and therefore aligns with the sense of movement rather than opposing it.
surge suggests a strong, often sudden movement or rise, which again is close to whirl in conveying dynamism and motion.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted by words that sound similar or evoke dynamic imagery without thinking carefully about opposite meanings. Another pitfall is to focus only on the physical spinning sense of whirl and look for a word meaning not spinning, when the exam often uses the figurative sense of activity or confusion. Remember to test candidate antonyms by placing them into contrasting example sentences and seeing if they truly oppose the idea of the original word.

Final Answer:
The word that most clearly contrasts with the agitation and movement implied by whirl is peace.