Synonyms and Antonyms

Topic - 1

SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS

INTRODUCTION 

Synonyms

Synonyms are words which have nearly the same meaning as another in the same language.

Examples

S.No. : Word : Synonyms

1. abandon : desert, forsake, leave, relinquish

2. abase : degrade, disgrace, humiliate, demean, dishonour

3. aberration : deviation, wandering, errant, irregular, weird

4. bedlam : pandemonium, chaos, mayhem, clamor, confusion

5. charlatan : imposter, mountebank, quack, chicane, trickster

6. fatuoussilly : purposeless 

7. indignant : angry, furious, irate, exasperated, outraged

8. patronize : condescend, stoop, snub

9. quirk : whim, caprice, fancy, peculiarity

10. taboo : forbidden, banned, prohibited

Antonyms

Antonyms are words opposite in meaning to another in the same language.

Examples

Prefixes which express negative meaning form antonyms.

Suffix 'less' expresses opposite meaning.

Examples

Synonym and Antonym chart

Practice Exercises

1. Which of these words is closest in meaning to the word provided? 

1. Remote

a. automatic 

b. distant 

c. savage 

d. mean 

2. Detest

a. argue 

b. hate 

c. discover 

d. reveal 

3. Gracious

a. pretty 

b. clever 

c. pleasant 

d. present 

4. Predict

a. foretell 

b. decide 

c. prevent 

d. discover 

5. Kin

a. exult 

b. twist 

c. friend 

d. relative 

6. Pensive 

a. oppressed 

b. caged 

c. thoughtful

d. happy 

7. Banish 

a. exile

b. hate 

c. fade 

d. clean 

8. Fraud

a. malcontent 

b. argument 

c. imposter 

d. clown 

9. Saccharine 

a. leave 

b. sweet

c. arid

d. quit 

10. Drag

a. sleepy 

b. crush 

c. proud 

d. pull

11. Jovial

a. incredulous 

b. merry 

c. revolting 

d. dizzy 

12. Indifferent

a. neutral 

b. unkind 

c. precious 

d. mean 

13. Simulate 

a. excite 

b. imitate 

c. trick

d. apelike 

14. Charisma

a. ghost

b. force 

c. charm 

d. courage 

15. Apportion

a. divide 

b. decide 

c. cut 

d. squabble 

16. Generic

a. general 

b. cheap 

c. fresh 

d. elderly 

17. Qualm

a. distress 

b. impunity 

c. persevere 

d. scruple 

18. Wary

a. calm 

b. curved 

c. confused 

d. cautious 

19. Distort 

a. wrong 

b. evil

c. deform 

d. harm 

20. Sumptuous

a. delirious 

b. gorgeous 

c. perilous 

d. luxurious 

21. Reel 

a. whirl 

b. fish

c. hit

d. mistake 

22. Inscrutable

a. difficult 

b. mysterious 

c. inflexible 

d. wary

23. Appall

a. delirious 

b. covered 

c. dismay 

d. confuse 

24. Upright

a. honorable 

b. horizontal 

c. humble 

d. supine 

25. Reverie

a. palimpsest 

b. phantom 

c. daydream 

d. curio 

26. Loot

a. destruction 

b. waste 

c. spoils 

d. cavort

27. Loquacious

a. talkative 

b. thirsty 

c. beautiful 

d. complicated 

28. Chimera

a. chimney 

b. protest 

c. illusion 

d. panache 

29. Temerity

a. audacity 

b. fearfulness 

c. shyness 

d. stupidity 

30. Educe

a. demand 

b. elicit 

c. ideal 

d. unlawful 

31. Nabob 

a. bigwig 

b. doubter 

c. frolic

d. converse 

32. Pall 

a. light 

b. satiate 

c. carry

d. horror 

33. Sacrosanct

a. prayer 

b. sanctuary 

c. pious 

d. sacred 

34. Louche

a. gauche 

b. fine 

c. brilliant 

d. indecent 

35. Stentorian

a. violent 

b. misbegotten 

c. loud 

d. stealthy 

II. Which of these words is most nearly the opposite of the word provided? 

1. Withdraw

a. reduce 

b. need

c. advance 

d. want 

2. Secret

a. friendly 

b. covert 

c. hidden 

d. overt 

3. Heartfelt

a. loving 

b. insincere 

c. unhealthy 

d. humorous 

4. Impartial

a. hostile 

b. biased 

c. dislike 

d. worried 

5. Luminous

a. clear 

b. dim 

c. brittle 

d. clever 

6. Awe

a. borrow 

b. shallow 

c. low 

d. contempt

7. Pit

a. group 

b. peak 

c. select 

d. marry 

8. Rotund

a. round 

b. unimportant 

c. thin 

d. dull 

9. Talent

a. ungrateful 

b. silent 

c. show 

d. inability 

10. Common

a. strange 

b. uneasy 

c. quick 

d. fast 

11. Brazen

a. bashful 

b. boisterous 

c. noisy 

d. heated 

12. Expect

a. attend 

b. regret 

c. despair 

d. loathe 

13. Malodorous

a. acrid 

b. pungent 

c. fragrant 

d. delicious 

14. Expound 

a. besmirch

b. confuse 

c. confine 

d. condemn 

15. Pique

a. value 

b. gully 

c. smooth 

d. soothe 

16. Abate

a. free 

b. augment 

c. provoke 

d. wane 

17. Dearth

a. lack 

b. poverty 

c. abundance 

d. foreign 

18. Peaked

a. tired 

b. arrogant 

c. pointy 

d. ruddy 

19. Abridge

a. shorten 

b. extend 

c. stress 

d. easy 

20. Kindle

a. smother 

b. detest 

c. enemy 

d. discourage 

21. Meager

a. kind 

b. generous 

c. thoughtful 

d. copious 

22. Philistine

a. novice 

b. intellectual 

c. pious 

d. debutante

23. Zenith

a. worst 

b. apex 

c. nadir

 d. past 

24. Germane

a. irrelevant 

b. indifferent 

c. impartial 

d. improvident 

25. Irascible

a. determined 

b. placid 

c. reasonable 

d. pliant 

26. Approbate

a. ingratitude 

b. condemn 

c. dissatisfaction 

d. master 

27. Supercilious 

a. unimportant 

b. relevant 

c. serious

d. meek 

28. Improvident 

a. cautious 

b. fortunate

c. proven

d. intelligent 

29. Demur

a. embrace 

b. crude 

c. boisterous 

d. falter 

30. Fatuous

a. crafty 

b. frugal 

c. sensible 

d. inane 

31. Quiescent 

a. lackadaisical 

b. active

c. dull

d. prescient 

32. Sartorial 

a. cheerful 

b. sincere 

c. inelegant

d. homespun 

33. Sapient 

a. hunched 

b. strong 

c. simple

d. simian 

34. Mutational 

a. paternal 

b. crepuscular 

c. maritime

d. marsupial 

35. Impecunious 

a. wealthy 

b. cautious 

c. hungry

d. tardy 

III. In each of the following sentences one word has been italicized. Under each sentence four alternative words, marked a-d, are given. Select, from these alternatives, the word that conveys more or less the same meaning as the italicized word in the sentence. 

1. The use of bullock carts is a superannuated mode of transportation. 

a. cheaper 

b. obsolete 

c. quicker

d. rural

2. It was a scurrilous attack on him. 

a. serious

b. unjustified 

c. insulting 

d. justified 

3. Both parties were amenable to a peaceful settlement of the land dispute.

a. agreeable 

b. responsive 

c. unwilling 

d. doubtful 

4. Unilateral action may not be acceptable to them. 

a. under pressure

b. one-sided 

c. strong

d. harmful

5. The nexus between the Punjab militants and the J&K terrorists has been established. 

a. fight 

b. rivalry

c. connection 

d. internal fighting

6. His fidelity to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi was exemplary. 

a. criticism

b. acceptance 

c. loyalty

d. strong opposition

7. We have sanctioned his leave on compassionate grounds. 

a. as an exception 

b. legal

c. merciful

d. deserving

8. Jogging is considered an antidote to mental stress.

a. poisonous 

b. remedy 

c. equivalent 

d. dangerous

9. Bengalis are innate poets.

a. excellent 

b. romantic 

c. dull

d. inborn

10. They connived to alert the police to the possibility of a bomb blast. 

a. helped 

b. to conspire 

c. forced

d. to try

11. It became an instant truism that politics meant selfishness.

a. universal belief 

b. quick judgement 

c. obvious truth

d. immediate guess

12. Industrial Relations was his bailiwick.

a. weakness 

b. area of authority/skill 

c. foolishness 

d. failure 

13. It was altruism of nations that sent relief supplies to Maharashtra. 

a. richness

b. greatness 

c. hypocrisy 

d. unselfish concern

14. It was his magnanimity to overlook such remarks.

a. weakness 

b. generosity 

c. judgement 

d. greatest fault 

15. Amity between neighbouring countries is always beneficial to the public.

a. goodwill 

b. competition 

c. defence cooperation 

d. enimity 

16. Leader's insatiable drive for power has weakened the government.

a. cunning 

b. inexperience 

c. forceful 

d. impossible to satisfy

17. His professional qualification was of paramount value.

a. advantageous 

b. foremost 

c. equal

d. little

18. Her career is a paradigm of political opportunism.

a. result 

b. signal 

c. model

d. cause

19. Every engineer appreciates a proficient electrician.

a. experienced 

b. mature 

c. honest 

d. skilled

20. He had a profusion of talents. 

a. abundance 

b. dearth

c. limitation

d. enough

21. His pacific personality helps in keeping harmony in the family. 

a. stout

b. tranquil 

c. strong

d. attractive

22. Their diverse attitude seemed to preclude a long-term solution.

a. to quickly negotiate 

b. mediate 

c. to prevent 

d. negotiate 

23. The payment of bonus was within the purview of the management. 

a. authority 

b. scope of vision 

c. duties

d. power

24. He works for a paltry sum in a provision store. 

a. huge 

b. heavy

c. worthless

d. sufficient

25. It was nothing but a ponderous lecture.

a. exaggerated 

b. thoughtful 

c. unthougħtful 

d. dull and labored

26. You cannot question the Inspector's veracity.

a. efficiency 

b. truthfulness 

c. honesty

d. character

27. The land was parched by the scorching summer heat.

a. sterilized 

b. cleansed 

c. to make dry

d. burnt

28. People who smoke stand greater chance of getting cancer than those who abstain. 

a. refuse 

b. refrain

c. accept

d. teetotaler

29. The annual meetings of trade unions are always boisterous. 

a. well-attended 

b. disturbing 

c. noisy

d. poorly attended 

30. The tension between the Chief Election Commissioner and the Finance Minister has subsided. 

a. become strong 

b. started

c. to go down slowly 

d. widened

31. The new Manager could earn the confidence of his staff due to his urbane nature. 

a. indifferent 

b. polite 

c. friendly

d. unfriendly 

32. Nothing can be done when the whole system is paralyzed by inertia.

a. corruption 

b. weakness 

c. politics 

d. sluggishness

33. If you want real solace go to Manali. 

a. holiday

b. consolation

c. happiness

d. rest

34. A sumptuous dinner was served after the meeting. 

a. expensive 

b. lavish

c. undigestible

d. very light

35. He was engrossed in day's office routine. 

a. involved 

b. tired

c. fully occupied 

d. lost 

36. He is unpopular due to his overbearing behavior

a. over smartness 

b. cunning 

c. disloyal 

d. arrogant 

37. K.P.S. Gill has made a dossier of all those who had links with terrorists in Punjab.

a. list of criminals 

b. record or file 

c. secret album 

d. to put on a hit list

38. I have read an excerpt from his recent book. 

a. review

b. assessment 

c. long paragraph

d. extract

39. He has become a millionaire by his devious means.

a. hard work 

b. dishonest  

c. skillful 

d. never ending 

40. When the two friends met after a long break, they hugged each other.

a. greeted warmly 

b. kissed 

c. embraced 

d. looked into each other's eyes 

41. There is an ambiguity in the office order.

a. uncertainty of meaning 

b. danger 

c. error 

d. mistake

42. Though dilatory in undertaking assignment, she was quick in its execution. 

a. hesitant 

b. slow

c. reluctant 

d. unwilling

43. The lessons of his past mistakes might teach him to be circumspect in the future.

a. avoidance 

b. influenced deeply 

c. cautious 

d. fear 

44. Leave him to reap the fruits of his own heinous crimes.

a. unlawful 

b. extremely wicked 

c. punishable 

d. uncountable 

45. They were beguiled into forming an unwise alliance. 

a. forced 

b. cheated

c. compelled 

d. reluctant

46. The Supreme Court defused the tension between the government and the Chief Election Commissioner. 

a. exaggerated 

b. reduced

c. ruled out

d. increased

47. The reporter made a verbatim report of the Prime Minister's address. 

a. frank 

b. clear

c. unchanged 

d. correct

48. Industrialists have lobbied heavily against the governments' liberalization policy.

a. stormed 

b. criticized 

c. to persuade 

d. to caution

49. The Joint Parliamentary Committee combed through the files.

a. deeply engrossed 

b. to glance quickly 

c. to search 

d. to slowly go through

50. The book has been hyped up far beyond its worth. 

a. priced

b. circulated 

c. publicized

d. praised

IV. Select from the given alternatives the word which is nearly opposite in meaning to the given italicized bold word given in the sentence.

1. He has been absconding from duty for the past three months. 

a. appear 

b. run off

c. decamp

d. emerge

2. The research on pre-schooling shows that children cannot comprehend abstract ideas

a. philosophical 

b. non-concrete 

c. concrete 

d. imaginary

3. Finally, he acceded to my proposal.

a. conceded 

b. disagreed

c. consented

d. yielded

4. If all the barren land around the railway tracks is converted into cultivable land India can export a lot of agricultural produce. 

a. unused 

b. uncultivated 

c. fertile

d. fruitful

5. She sent me belated birthday greetings along with a beautiful gift. 

a. late

b. prompt 

c. immediate 

d. delayed

6. She couldn't attend the conference because of family bereavement. 

a. misfortune 

b. loss

c. unfortunate 

d. fortune

7. As we entered the animal farm we were met with a cacophony of animal sounds. 

a. harmony 

b. discord

c. noise

d. disharmony

8. The cardinal principle of his life is never to go to somebody's house uninvited. 

a. main

b. primary 

c. secondary 

d. auxiliary

9. She categorically refused to recommend my name for scholarship.

a. directly 

b. positively 

c. unambiguously 

d. vaguely 

10. The child welfare department is busy preparing a comprehensive programme for delinquent children.

a. criminals 

b. law-abiding 

c. vagabonds 

d. uncivil

11. Although he is ascetic for his followers he follows an opulent living style in privacy. 

a. luxurious 

b. poor

c. affluent

d. lavish

12. In his materialistic world a comely girl needn't be apprehensive about her career. 

a. pretty 

b. attractive 

c. ugly

d. plain

13. We'll never know exactly how she died, we can only conjecture. 

a. guess 

b. surmise

c. Proof

d. assume

14. Her jovial nature makes her the centre of attraction at all parties. 

a. humorous 

b. talkative

c. morose 

d. quiet

15. That all people of our country would be soon rich, educated and spiritually uplifted is a great illusion. 

a. delusion 

b. dream 

c. fact

d. reality

16. Many people consider number 13 inauspicious. 

a. auspicious 

b. holy

c. unlucky

d. dangerous

17. The president remains obdurate on the question of the child's security and women empowerment. 

a. adamant 

b. firm

c. amenable 

d. lenient

18. In the boxing bout only the boxer who is offensive wins.

a. aggressive 

b. defensive 

c. pleasing

d. attacking

19. He was very offhand with me when we met for the first time.

a. disinterested 

b. casual 

c. curt

d. considered

20. Obesity! can increase the risk of heart disease. 

a. bulk

b. overweight 

c. plump

d. slender

21. It is onerous task to find an honorable solution to the problem of parking in the society. 

a. exacting 

b. formidable 

c. light

d. challenging

22. There is no parity in pay-scales of the central government and state government employees.

a. disparity 

b. inconsistency 

c. equality 

d. similarity

23. My cousin finds noting down the car numbers a good pastime. 

a. amusement 

b. recreation 

c. work

d. hobby

24. India is one of the most populous countries of the world.

a. crowded 

b. deserted 

c. thickly populated 

d. popular 

25. The idea that the living relationship is better than going in for marriage in a civilized society is preposterous.

a. ridiculous 

b. absurd 

c. reasonable 

d. amusing

26. While buying a flat keep in mind its proximity to the shopping centre and children's school. 

a. vicinity

b. adjacency 

c. neighbourhood 

d. distance

27. She is visionary and all her plans are quixotic.

a. unrealistic 

b. imaginary 

c. real

d. practical

28. Unless he ceases to be rebellious he can't please the party president.

a. aggressive 

b. criticizing 

c. submissive 

d. cooperative

29. He made a random selection of names from the given list.

a. particular 

b. haphazard 

c. unplanned

d. arbitrary

30. Extra police was called in to quell the disturbances. 

a. suppress 

b. provoke

c. subdue

d. control

31. The new pension rules come into being with retrospective effect. 

a. back date 

b. immediate 

c. current

d. some future date

32. He said that it would be retrograde step to remove single parent benefits.

a. backward 

b. advantageous 

c. progressive 

d. development

33. The new evidence will definitely prove her innocence. 

a. purity

b. guiltlessness 

c. righteousness

d. guilt

34. The Islamic fundamentalists annihilated the relies of Buddhism in Kabul.

a. destruction 

b. revivification 

c. re-creation 

d. renewal

35. The fickle minded persons can never attain their goal in life.

a. changeable 

b. inconsistent 

c. steady

d. unpredictable

36. Make sure that you understand the intricacy of the whole case before you decide to support it.

a. complexity

b. simplicity

c. complications

d. interpretation

37. The whole house was in uproar after the announcement of names of the new managing committee. 

a. tumult 

b. peace 

c. commotion

d. pandemonium

38. In order to make the company viable strict measures will have to be taken. 

a. operable 

b. impracticable 

c. feasible

d. practicable

39. He issues only verbal orders to escape the inquiry against those orders in future. 

a. written 

b. informal 

c. vague

d. printed

40. Dad has put a veto on our watching television for more than one hour a day. 

a. condition 

b. ban 

c. approval

d. disapproval

41. It is hoped that this newly acquired plot will soon develop into a vibrant commercial centre.

a. palpitating 

b. vivacious 

c. sparkling 

d. dead

42. A good citizen never thinks in terms of violating traffic rules.

a. breaking 

b. observing 

c. disrespecting

d. overruling

43. In this busy world people keep yelling at each other even at the slightest provocation. 

a. shout 

b. quarrel

c. peaceful 

d. quiet

44. Niggardly people can't do social service. 

a. selfish

b. avaricious

c. generous

d. mercenary

45. She is obsessed with the idea of her immediate marriage.

a. engrossed 

b. open mind 

c. pre-occupied

d. haunted

46. She offended her husband by criticizing his policies. 

a. pleased

b. flattered 

c. applauded

d. delighted

47. He is an officious little man and widely disliked by his sub-ordinates.

a. dictatorial 

b. interfering 

c. overzealous 

d. liberal

48. Observance of the social laws is a must in Indian society.

a. adherence to 

b. honouring 

c. disregard

d. fulfillment

49. Gandhiji fought against the oppressive laws in the South Africa. 

a. brutal 

b. unjust 

c. mild

d. repressive

50. The hostages’ ordeal came to an end when the soldiers stormed the building. 

a. suffering 

b. agony

c. nightmare 

d. pleasure

V. Read each question carefully and select the word that is most similar or dissimilar in meaning to the word provided.

1. delirious is most similar to 

a. manic

b. calm

c. tasty

d. suspicious

2. infirm is most similar to

a. hospital 

b. weak

c. short

d. fortitude

3. cautious is most dissimilar to

a. reasonable 

b. careful

c. illogical

d. reckless

4. lure is most similar to 

a. tickle

b. decoy

c. resist

d. suspect

5. perilous is most dissimilar to

a. disciplined 

b. similar

c. safe

d. honest

6. isolation is most similar to 

a. fear

b. plentitude

c. solitude

d. disease

7. lull is most similar to 

a. pause

b. noise

c. boring

d. mark

8. outfit is most similar to 

a. indoors

b. strong

c. special

d. furnish

9. punctual is most dissimilar to 

a. close

b. tardy

c. sloppy

d. precious

10. delude is most dissimilar to

a. drought 

b. clever

c. enlighten

d. enrage

11. omit is most similar to 

a. recluse

b. neglect

c. mistake

d. destroy

12. resilient is most dissimilar to

a. stubborn 

b. careless

c. substantial

d. flimsy

13. mutiny is most similar to

a. rebellion 

b. currency

c. sailor

d. hassle

14. naive is most similar to 

a. rural

b. secular

c. unsophisticated

d. sultry

15. entice is most dissimilar to 

a. piece

b. repulse

c. attract

d. repeat

16. solemnity is most similar to

a. lightheartedness 

b. gravity 

c. diligence

d. sleepiness

17. stingy is most dissimilar to

a. wasteful 

b. democratic

c. spiteful

d. liberal

18. malign is most similar to

a. evil

b. malicious

c. slander

d. grandiose

19. impudent is most similar to

a. cautious 

b. haphazard

c. gleeful

d. insolent

20. vacillate is most dissimilar to 

a. decide

b. teeter

c. dilate

d. please

21. kinetic is most dissimilar to 

a. cold

b. static

c. lewd

d. foolish

22. lambaste is most similar to 

a. marinade

b. commotion

c. censure

d. tickle

23. kowtow is most dissimilar to 

a. snub

b. pull

c. fawn

d. forage

24. rudimentary is most similar to

a. crass

b. gracious

c. deliberate

d. primitive

25. pitched is most similar to 

a. undone

b. retracted

c. heated

d. lovely

26. tepid is most dissimilar to

a. dispassionate 

b. scalding

c. crisp

d. clever

27. largesse is most similar to

a. greatness 

b. generosity

c. miniscule

d. clumsiness

28. insidious is most dissimilar to

a. repellant 

b. pure

c. charming

d. delicious

29. decorum is most similar to

a. etiquette 

b. merit

c. parliament

d. slipshod

30. succor is most dissimilar to 

a. genius

b. abet

c. injure

d. deciduous

31. enjoin is most dissimilar to 

a. sever

b. dislike

c. permit

d. divorce

32. tumid is most similar to 

a. swollen

b. fetid

c. aggressive

d. despondent

33. jejune is most similar to

a. youthful 

b. insipid

c. charming

d. quick

34. ecumenical is most dissimilar to

a. spiritual 

b. humanistic

c. secular

d. parochial

35. sinecure is most similar to 

a. cakewalk

b. serpentine

c. evil

d. dishonest

36. castigate is most similar to 

a. neuter

b. punish

c. banish

d. celebrate

37. reconnoiter is most dissimilar to 

a. disarm

b. disassemble

c. distance

d. disregard

38. obloquy is most similar to 

a. tirade

b. dependence

c. oval

d. circumlocution

39. recondite is most dissimilar to 

a. give

b. obscure

c. patent

d. hardy

40. querulous is most similar to 

a. nauseous

b. fretful

c. curious

d. dizzy

41. beckon is most similar to 

a. light

b. beg

c. motion

d. hear

42. earnest is most dissimilar to 

a. cheap

b. frivolous 

c. release

d. civilized

43. execute is most similar to 

a. perform

b. decide

c. wonder

d. dismiss

44. idiom is most similar to

a. stupidity 

b. recipe

c. fastener

d. expression

45. accelerate is most dissimilar to 

a. delay

b. risk

c. monitor

d. deny

46. engross is most similar to 

a. fatten

b. absorb

c. disgust

d. destroy

47. impervious is most dissimilar to 

a. kind

b. disastrous

c. prone

d. perfect

48. brood is most similar to 

a. wander

b. direction

c. progeny

d. tribe

49. balk is most similar to 

a. crow

b. fight

c. distress

d. hamper

50. conversant is most dissimilar to

a. inexperienced 

b. unprepared

c. shy

d. unpretentious