In English vocabulary, choose the word that is closest in meaning to the given word PANACEA.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the word "panacea". Synonym questions are common in English sections of competitive exams, where you must know not only the meaning of a given word but also how it relates to other words. "Panacea" is often used in discussions about solutions to complex problems, especially when people mistakenly believe one thing can solve everything.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Word: PANACEA.
• Options: PRAISE, CURE-ALL, POISON, AMBROSIA.
• The context is general vocabulary, possibly appearing in reading passages or opinion articles.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings for each option.

Concept / Approach:
"Panacea" originally refers to a mythical remedy that could cure all diseases. In modern usage, it means a supposed solution for all problems or difficulties. The key idea is that it is a "cure-all". Therefore, we must choose the option that directly expresses the idea of a universal or complete remedy. The other options represent praise, harmful substances, or divine food from mythology, none of which match this meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition: "panacea" = a remedy claimed to cure all diseases or a solution for all problems. Step 2: Examine "PRAISE": This means approval or admiration, usually expressed in words. It is unrelated to remedies or cures. Step 3: Examine "CURE-ALL": This literally means a remedy for all diseases or problems. It directly matches the meaning of "panacea". Step 4: Examine "POISON": This is a substance that can cause illness or death, which is the exact opposite of a cure. Step 5: Examine "AMBROSIA": In Greek mythology, this is food of the gods, associated with immortality or divine taste, but not specifically a universal cure for all problems. Step 6: Conclude that "CURE-ALL" is the only option that correctly expresses the meaning of "panacea".

Verification / Alternative check:
Look at example sentences: "There is no panacea for unemployment" means there is no single solution that will solve all aspects of the unemployment problem. Replacing "panacea" with "cure-all" keeps the meaning intact: "There is no cure-all for unemployment." However, replacing it with "praise", "poison", or "ambrosia" would make no sense. Dictionary entries also define "panacea" as "a remedy for all diseases" or "a solution for all problems", confirming that "cure-all" is the closest synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• PRAISE: Refers to positive comments or admiration and is not related to cures or remedies.
• POISON: A harmful or deadly substance, the opposite of a healing remedy.
• AMBROSIA: Mythical food of the gods, associated with immortality and great taste, but not specifically a universal cure for all problems.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be distracted by "AMBROSIA" because of its mythical and positive connotations, but they miss that "panacea" is about curing problems, not about divine food. Others might guess based on sound or length of the word instead of meaning. To avoid such errors, always focus on the core definition of the given word and look for the option that matches that definition most closely, rather than relying on vague associations.

Final Answer:
The word that is closest in meaning to PANACEA is CURE-ALL.