SSAT Secondary School Admission Test

Answer: Choice (C) is correct.

To excoriate means to berate or criticize someone, which is the opposite of commending them. Therefore, look for the answer choice that contains antonyms. Choice (A) is incorrect because the two words are synonyms. Traduce and slander both mean to speak about someone in a malicious and false way. Choice (B) is incorrect because to spurn someone means to rebuff them, or to reject or look down on them. Choice (D) is incorrect because vituperate means to revile or address someone with harsh language. Choice (C) is correct because to query is a question, while a riposte is a reply or a retort.