Analogy completion — choose the best word to complete the relationship: meal : banquet : feast :: shelter : palace : __

Introduction / Context:
The first trio clusters near-synonyms or related terms, with a sense of scale or grandeur: meal (general) → banquet/feast (large or celebratory meals). The second trio should similarly cluster near-synonyms within the domain of safety/refuge, moving from general concept to more vivid instances. We must pick the best synonym that pairs naturally with 'shelter' and resonates alongside 'palace' in the sequence structure.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• First trio: meal, banquet, feast (food/repast terms with increasing scale/formality).
• Second: shelter, palace, __ (safety/refuge/building-related words).
• We seek a word that functions as a close synonym to 'shelter' (refuge).

Concept / Approach:
Although 'palace' is an ornate residence, the governing idea of the second line is refuge/safe place. The most semantically parallel completion is 'haven,' which directly means a place of safety or refuge. 'Mansion' is a large residence but emphasizes luxury, not safety. Abstract nouns like 'protection' name a condition rather than a place. Thus, 'haven' best completes the trio as a close shelter-synonym balancing the cluster manner of the first trio.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Try substitutions: 'shelter, palace, haven' reads like three place-words, two of which emphasize refuge; 'mansion' would tilt toward luxury housing instead of protection. 'Haven' strengthens the semantic core of safety/refuge, matching the clustering logic used in the first line (related terms within a theme).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• mansion: focuses on size/luxury, not refuge.
• hallway: part of a building, not a refuge.
• protection: abstract condition, not a place.
• tent: a type of shelter but overly specific and not as close a synonym to 'shelter' as 'haven.'

Common Pitfalls:
Over-focusing on 'palace' and drifting into luxury-housing words. Keep the core theme of refuge and safety in mind.

Final Answer:
haven