The article states: Lobstermen in Maine would normally be ecstatic with a harvest as bountiful as this year's. Which would be the closest synonym for the word bountiful? A. Bleak B. Abundant C. Annual D. Bashful

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking for the closest synonym for the word 'bountiful' in the context of the sentence. A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.<br />## Step 2<br />The word 'bountiful' in the sentence is used to describe a harvest that is plentiful or generous. Therefore, we need to find a word among the options that carries the same or similar meaning.<br />## Step 3<br />Looking at the options, 'Bleak' means 'dismal or lifeless', 'Annual' means 'occurring once a year', and 'Bashful' means 'hy or reserved'. None of these words carry the same meaning as 'bountiful'.<br />## Step 4<br />The word 'Abundant', however, means 'existing or available in large quantities', which is synonymous with 'bountiful'.