Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
Benevolent

The correct answer is Cruel.

Explanation:

The word Benevolent means kind, generous, well-meaning, or showing goodwill toward others.

An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning. Let's analyze the given options:

1. Happy: Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment (not the opposite of benevolent).

2. Patient: Able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious (not the opposite of benevolent).

3. Harmless: Not able or likely to cause harm (similar in positive connotation, not an antonym).

4. Cruel: Willfully causing pain or suffering to others, or feeling no concern about it (the exact opposite of being kind and benevolent).

Therefore, Cruel is the most appropriate antonym of Benevolent.