Concept:An opposite in meaning requires a word that conveys the opposite effect of being penalized.Explanation:The word "sanctioned" means punished or penalized for wrongdoing.The missing word should mean not punished or forgiven for the offence."Pardoned" means officially forgiven or excused from punishment."Ignored", "released", and "exempted" do not directly express forgiveness of the offence.Therefore, the most nearly opposite word is "pardoned".Answer:D. pardoned