In standard English vocabulary, which of the following words is the best antonym, or opposite in meaning, of the word commissioned?

Introduction / Context:
This is a vocabulary question that tests knowledge of antonyms. The word commissioned generally means that someone has been formally given an assignment, responsibility, or authority to perform a task. To find the correct antonym, we must identify a word that represents removal from duty or withdrawal of that assignment.

Given Data / Assumptions:
Target word: commissioned.
We consider its general use in contexts such as military service, official tasks, or professional orders.
Options include Instruct, Empower, Nominate, Dismiss, and Promote.
We are looking for the word that most directly expresses the opposite attitude or action.

Concept / Approach:
Commissioned can mean that a person has been given official authority or a task. Therefore, the opposite would involve relieving that person of duty or removing them from a position. We evaluate each option to see which one cancels or reverses the act of commissioning rather than merely modifying or supporting it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand commissioned as formally appointed, authorised, or given a task. Step 2: Check Dismiss. To dismiss someone is to remove them from a job, role, or assignment. Step 3: Compare Dismiss with the other options and see that it clearly reverses the idea of appointing or assigning. Step 4: Recognise that the other options either reinforce authority or relate to selection, not removal.

Verification / Alternative check:
In a military context, an officer who has been commissioned is formally appointed. If that officer is dismissed from service, the commission is effectively ended. In contrast, empowering or instructing someone can accompany commissioning rather than oppose it. This real world usage confirms that Dismiss is the logical opposite in meaning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Instruct: To instruct someone is to give directions or orders, which fits well with commissioning but is not an opposite idea.
Empower: To empower means to give power or authority, which is similar to commissioning rather than reversing it.
Nominate: To nominate is to propose someone for a role, often a step toward commissioning, not its opposite.
Promote: To promote is to raise to a higher position, which again aligns with increased responsibility rather than removal.

Common Pitfalls:
A common confusion is to treat any action that changes position or status as an opposite. However, only dismissal clearly cancels the official authority implied by a commission. To avoid such mistakes, focus on whether the option increases or decreases responsibility and power in relation to the original word.

Final Answer:
The best antonym of commissioned among the given options is Dismiss.