Final answer:
The most accurate synonym for 'vindictive' in the provided sentence is 'spiteful', reflecting a specific intent to cause harm or upset in retaliation, not just anger or offense.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most accurate synonym of the word 'vindictive' as it is used in the sentence 'The vindictive politician vowed revenge on his enemies as he was led away to prison' is option 4) Spiteful. The word vindictive describes someone with a strong desire for revenge or intending to seek revenge. Since 'spiteful' also implies a malicious desire to harm or upset someone, it aligns closely with the meaning of vindictive in this context. Other options such as remorseful, angry, and offended don't convey the same specific intent to cause harm in response to a perceived wrong.
Options like 'angry' may describe the emotion but lack the specific intention to retaliate which is inherent in being vindictive or spiteful. 'Offended' suggests a feeling of upset or annoyance due to a perceived insult or disrespect, which is not directly about the desire for revenge. 'Remorseful' implies a feeling of regret or guilt which is the opposite of seeking vengeance.