In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is similar in meaning to the given word. To reproach.

Introduction / Context:
This synonym question tests knowledge of verbs that describe different types of judgement or feedback. The target phrase to reproach is generally used when someone expresses disapproval, criticism, or blame towards another person for a fault or mistake. The candidate must choose the option that most closely matches this sense of disapproval, as opposed to praise or clearing of blame.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target expression: To reproach.
• Options: To commend, To laud, To exonerate, To admonish.
• The context is general English usage in which reproach involves criticism.
• We assume normal formal meanings of these verbs as used in exams.

Concept / Approach:
To reproach someone means to speak to them in a way that shows you are disappointed or disapprove of their actions. It often involves gentle scolding or blaming. To admonish has a very similar meaning: it means to warn or reprimand someone firmly but usually in a constructive way. On the other hand, to commend and to laud are verbs of praise, and to exonerate means to declare someone free of blame. These are semantically opposite to the idea of reproach. The correct strategy is to group the praise and clearance words together and select the only option that points towards reprimand or scolding.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of reproach: express disapproval, blame, or criticism for a fault.Step 2: Examine To commend. This means to praise or express approval, which is the opposite of reproach.Step 3: Examine To laud. This also means to praise highly, especially in public, and therefore does not match reproach.Step 4: Examine To exonerate. This means to clear someone from blame or fault, which again contradicts the act of reproach.Step 5: Examine To admonish. This means to warn or reprimand someone firmly, very close to reproach in tone and purpose. Therefore, this is the correct synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify by placing each verb in a simple sentence similar to typical exam sentences. A teacher reproached the student for coming late can be replaced by A teacher admonished the student for coming late without changing the basic meaning. However, if we use commended, lauded, or exonerated, the meaning changes completely, because those verbs suggest praise or removal of blame. Since admonish is the only verb that keeps the negative judgement and corrective tone, it is the best synonym for reproach among the given options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To commend: This verb means to approve of someone or to praise them, which is the opposite of criticising them. To laud: This also means to praise, often in a formal or ceremonial manner, and cannot be used where disapproval is intended. To exonerate: This means to officially declare that someone is not guilty or responsible for a problem, which directly opposes the idea of blaming or reproaching someone. None of these verbs capture the sense of rebuke inherent in reproach.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse verbs that involve strong feelings, regardless of whether those feelings are positive or negative. Commend and laud, for example, sound serious and formal, but they are still positive. Another pitfall is mixing up exonerate with words like examine or explain simply because of similar beginnings. The safest method is to remember that reproach, reprimand, scold, and admonish all carry the idea of pointing out faults, whereas commend and laud belong firmly to the praise group.

Final Answer:
The word most similar in meaning to to reproach is To admonish.