Select the synonym (word closest in meaning) of “inscription”, which refers to words cut, carved, or written on a surface.

Introduction:
Synonym questions test how precisely you understand the meanings of related words. The noun inscription usually refers to words or symbols that are cut, carved, or written on a hard surface such as stone, metal, or wood, especially on monuments, coins, or jewellery. To choose the best synonym, we need a word that matches this idea of carving or cutting words into a surface, even if the grammatical form differs slightly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target word: inscription. - Options: scrubbed, rivet, jaded, engrave. - We seek the option closest in meaning to the action or result of carving words into a surface.

Concept / Approach:
Although inscription is a noun and engrave is a verb, engrave comes closest to representing the act that produces an inscription. To engrave means to cut or carve words or designs on a hard surface. The other options refer to unrelated actions or states: scrubbed means cleaned by rubbing, rivet means to fasten with metal pins or to hold attention firmly, and jaded describes a person who is tired or bored. Because exams sometimes allow a verb as a synonym for a noun describing the result of that action, engrave is the best choice here.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of inscription as writing carved or etched onto a surface. Step 2: Examine engrave and remember that it means to cut or carve letters or designs on a surface such as stone or metal. Step 3: Compare this with scrubbed, which simply means cleaned vigorously. Step 4: Notice that rivet is related either to a type of metal fastener or to strongly holding someone's attention. Step 5: Recognise that jaded describes an emotional state of weariness or boredom. Step 6: Conclude that engrave is the only option directly connected to the idea of creating an inscription.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences: The ring had an inscription on the inner band versus The jeweller will engrave your name on the ring. In both cases, the idea is the same, but one focuses on the result (inscription) and the other on the action (engrave). This close relationship justifies selecting engrave as the synonym in the exam context, where near equivalence of meaning is more important than identical grammatical form.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Scrubbed has to do with cleaning, which does not relate to writing or carving. Rivet concerns fastening pieces of metal or capturing attention and has nothing to do with text on surfaces. Jaded refers to emotional exhaustion or boredom, a completely different concept. None of these bear a semantic relationship to inscription, so they cannot be considered synonyms.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students get distracted by partial associations such as rivet holding attention and the idea of attention being focused on an inscription, but the relationship is too indirect. When dealing with synonym questions, focus on the core dictionary meaning rather than indirect or metaphorical associations. Recognising families of related words like engrave, carve, etch, and inscribe will help you quickly identify the most appropriate answer in similar questions.

Final Answer:
engrave is the synonym that best matches the meaning of inscription.