In the following question, choose the word that is most similar in meaning to “Redundancy”.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary item asks for a synonym of the noun “redundancy”. In general English, redundancy means something that is more than needed, extra or superfluous. It can refer to unnecessary repetition in language or to surplus workers in an organisation. Therefore, the synonym must express the idea of “too much” rather than “too little”.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target word: Redundancy.
- Options: Absence, Dearth, Paucity, Excess, Scarcity.
- We assume the sense being tested is “superfluity, more than is necessary”.

Concept / Approach:
The most direct antonym pair here is between “excess” and “paucity/dearth/scarcity”. Redundancy belongs conceptually with “excess” because both refer to having more than required. The other options all suggest a shortage or complete lack of something, which is the opposite idea.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that “redundancy” often describes unnecessary repetition of words or surplus staff due to downsizing. Step 2: Among the options, “excess” means more than is needed, an oversupply or superfluity. This aligns with “redundancy”. Step 3: “Absence” means complete lack; it is clearly opposite to having too much. Step 4: “Dearth” and “paucity” both mean scarcity or deficiency. They describe too little of something, not too much. Step 5: “Scarcity” again denotes a shortage, not redundancy. Step 6: Therefore, “Excess” is the only option that matches “redundancy” in meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Using the words in example sentences confirms this: “The report contained a lot of redundancy and unnecessary detail” can be rephrased as “The report contained an excess of unnecessary detail.” In contrast, saying “a dearth of detail” would mean not enough detail, which is the opposite situation. This confirms that “excess” is the closest synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Absence: indicates something is not present at all; it cannot mean extra or superfluous.
- Dearth: refers to a great shortage of something.
- Paucity: suggests a small amount or insufficiency.
- Scarcity: another word for shortage or lack, again opposite to redundancy.

Common Pitfalls:
The main challenge is that exam setters often place several near opposites together to confuse candidates who only have a vague idea of the target word. Remember that redundancy is about having more than required, not about missing something. Keeping this core idea clear in your mind avoids confusion when you see related negative words like dearth, paucity and scarcity in the options.

Final Answer:
The word most similar in meaning to “Redundancy” is Excess.