Concept:To find the opposite of “sanctioned,” we must look for a word that means forgiven or excused rather than punished.
Explanation:Being sanctioned means receiving an official penalty or punishment for doing wrong.
The most nearly opposite meaning is being forgiven or let off without punishment.
“Pardoned” means excused or forgiven for an offence, so it correctly fills the gap.
“Released” means set free, which is not the same as being forgiven.
“Ignored” means not noticed, but it does not clearly express forgiveness.
“Exempted” means freed from a duty or requirement, not pardoned for an offence.
Therefore, the best opposite choice is “pardoned.”
Answer:A. pardoned