In each of the following sentences, choose the word similar in meaning to the bold word to fill in the blank. The factory began to emit thick smoke from its chimneys, which caused the nearby plants to _______________a cloud of pollen in response. 

Explanation: Emit means to give off, release, or send out something, typically referring to substances like light, sound, heat, or gases. In this case, it refers to the factory releasing smoke from its chimneys. Release means to allow something to come out or be discharged, which is similar in meaning to emit. Both imply the act of giving off or discharging something, like smoke or pollen. Ooze refers to something slowly flowing out, typically used for liquids or soft substances, which doesn’t fit the context of pollen. Absorb means to take in or soak up something, which is the opposite of releasing or emitting something. Gasp refers to a sharp intake of breath, which is unrelated to the concept of emitting or releasing a substance like pollen. So, "release" is the best choice because it means something similar to "emit" — both describe the action of letting something come out.