Final answer:
The word COMMUNIQUE most closely means 'message,' referring to an official announcement or statement. It is used to convey important information to the public or press.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word COMMUNIQUE most nearly means message. It is a term that usually refers to an official announcement or statement, especially one made to the public or to the press. For example, a government might release a communique to convey information about a new policy or to provide updates on an ongoing situation. It is not synonymous with order, ritual, or expression, which have separate meanings.
Option C. message is the correct choice because it closely describes the purpose of a communique, which is to communicate important information to a specific audience.