Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the following sentence.
There is also an increase in juvenile delinquency.

The correct answer is Adult.

Explanation:

In the given sentence, "There is also an increase in juvenile delinquency," the underlined word is juvenile (or referred to in context to juvenile delinquency).

• Juvenile refers to a young person or child; relating to young people who are not yet old enough to be considered adults.

• Adult refers to a fully grown person; mature, opposite of youthful or juvenile.

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

1. Minor: A person under legal age; synonymous with juvenile in legal contexts.

2. Teenage: Relating to teenagers (adolescents); synonymous with juvenile in terms of youth.

3. Puerile: Childishly silly or immature; closely related to juvenile behavior.

4. Adult: Mature, grown-up; directly opposite in meaning to juvenile.

Therefore, the most appropriate antonym of "juvenile" is Adult.