All the candidates looked aghast at the reading of the questions.

Analyze the question: The word "aghast" is the one we need a synonym for. The sentence says all the candidates looked aghast when the questions were read, so we need a word that fits a reaction to something shocking or unexpected.

Explain the concept: Aghast is an adjective meaning filled with shock, horror, or great surprise. It usually describes someone's reaction to something unpleasant or alarming. Its synonyms include horrified, shocked, appalled, dismayed, stunned.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Identify the meaning of "aghast": shocked or horrified.
2. Check each option: • A. Relaxed: means calm and at ease. This is the opposite of aghast. ❌ • B. Fulfilled: means content that one's desires have been met. This is a positive feeling, so it doesn't fit. ❌ • C. Dismayed: means distressed, shocked, or disturbed by something unexpected. This is the closest in meaning. ✅ • D. Satisfied: means pleased or content. This is a positive feeling, so it doesn't fit. ❌
3. Test it in the sentence: "All the candidates looked dismayed at the reading of the questions." This makes sense because the questions were probably difficult or unexpected.

Answer: The correct option is **C.

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, first decide whether the word is positive or negative. Aghast is negative, so you can eliminate A, B, and D right away, since they are positive or calm. Also remember that "ghast" in aghast is related to "ghost," so think of someone looking as if they had seen a ghost.