Vocabulary—Antonyms MCQ: Select the option that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the verb ‘‘SHRINK’’; consider physical size change vs. enlargement.

Given word
SHRINK (verb): to become smaller in size; to contract; to recoil.

Concept/Approach
We need the opposite action: becoming larger = ‘‘expand’’.

Option-by-option analysis
Expand: increase in size/volume—opposite of shrink. ✅Contract: near-synonym of shrink. ❌Spoil: to damage quality; unrelated. ❌Stretch: to lengthen by pulling—may or may not increase size overall; not the pure antonym of shrink as a general size change. ❌

Examples
‘‘Cotton may shrink in hot water; polyester may not. Metals expand when heated.’’

Final Answer
Expand