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Question

Which word can best replace spell?

They were caught in a spell of silence, each deep in thought.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CHSL 2025 Tier 1 Question Paper (21-Nov-2025) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

Moment

The sentence is 'They were caught in a spell of silence, each deep in thought', and we must find the word that can replace 'spell' without changing the meaning.

The noun 'spell' has several senses: a magical charm, a turn of duty, and, most relevantly here, a short continuous period of some state or activity.

Because the phrase is 'a spell of silence' shared while everyone is 'deep in thought', 'spell' clearly means a brief stretch of time during which the silence lasts.

'Moment' denotes a short period of time and fits this sense of a brief interval of silence, keeping the sentence natural: 'a moment of silence'.

'Break' would suggest a pause or interruption rather than a continuous state, and it does not sit well as 'a break of silence'.

'Speech' is the opposite of silence, and 'Curse' captures only the unrelated magical sense of 'spell', so neither works.

Hence the best replacement is Moment

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