Select the option that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the highlighted word.

His speech was filled with adulatory remarks about the CEO's leadership.

The correct answer is Critical.

Understanding the Highlighted Word:
The word adulatory comes from "adulation," which means excessive admiration, praise, or flattery. In the given sentence, "adulatory remarks" refers to speech that is overly praising or complimentary towards the CEO's leadership.

Analyzing the Options:

1. Critical: Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments. This is the direct opposite (antonym) of giving excessive praise (adulatory).

2. Expensive: Costing a lot of money. This is unrelated in meaning to "adulatory."

3. Extravagant: Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources, or exceeding what is reasonable. While it can imply excess, it does not mean expressing disapproval or opposition to praise.

4. Flattering: Full of praise and compliments. This is a synonym (similar in meaning) to "adulatory," not an antonym.

Conclusion:
Since the question asks for the word most nearly opposite in meaning to "adulatory," the correct choice is Critical.