Which word is the best fit to complete the following phrase?________ is to cooking as paintbrush is to painting.

The word that best fits to complete the phrase is "spatula."

Here's the step-by-step reasoning:

1. Identify the relationship in the given analogy: "paintbrush is to painting."

   • A paintbrush is a tool used for the activity of painting.

2. Apply the same relationship to cooking:

   • We need to find a tool that is commonly used for the activity of cooking.

3. Consider common cooking tools:

   • Some common cooking tools include a spatula, knife, pot, pan, and whisk.

4. Choose the most appropriate tool:

   • Among these options, a spatula is a versatile and essential tool in cooking, similar to how a paintbrush is essential in painting.

Therefore, the completed phrase is: "Spatula is to cooking as paintbrush is to painting."