A synonym question gives you a word, alone or in a sentence, and asks for the option closest to it in meaning. This lesson shows how to answer one in three steps, how the wrong options are built, how word parts help with a word you have never seen, and how a sentence decides which meaning is being asked for.
A synonym is a word with the same meaning, or very nearly the same, as another. CUET asks for the closest meaning, not a word that belongs to the same topic. "Hospital" and "doctor" go together; they are not synonyms. "Physician" and "doctor" are.
NTA names synonyms and antonyms in its syllabus, and the papers since 2022 have asked between four and fourteen of the two together. They are quick marks when you know the word, and a word you half know can usually be worked out.
Say what the word means in your own words. "Frugal: careful with money." Then look for the option that says the same. If you read the options first, a wrong one that looks or sounds familiar can pull you away from a meaning you actually knew.
Strike the opposite first, because it is almost always there. Then strike any option that only looks or sounds like the word. What is left is usually one clear answer, or two you can test against each other.
Ask which one means the same thing in more situations. "Plentiful" and "rich" can both describe a harvest, but only "plentiful" means "more than enough" wherever you put it. The closest synonym is the one you could swap in without changing the sense.
Example 1 · A word on its own
Choose the word closest in meaning to LOFTY. Options: humble; high; soft; loud.
Say the meaning first: lofty means very high, and, of ideas or aims, noble.
Humble is close to the opposite of lofty aims, so it goes. Soft and loud have nothing to do with height.
High.
A lofty tower is a high tower. Humble is the trap for a reader who remembers that lofty is about attitude but not which way.
Many words have more than one meaning, and the sentence tells you which one is being tested. "Fair" means just in "a fair judge", light in colour in "fair skin", and a market in "the village fair". The right option is the synonym of the word as the sentence uses it.
Put each option into the sentence in place of the word in capitals, and keep the one that leaves the meaning unchanged. The sentence usually gives a clue as well: a cause, a result or a contrast.
Example 2 · Let the sentence choose
The guide's COPIOUS notes filled three notebooks. Options: plentiful; careful; copied; short.
The notes filled three notebooks, so there were a great many of them.
Put plentiful in: "The guide's plentiful notes filled three notebooks." The meaning is unchanged.
Careful notes could also fill notebooks, but careful describes how they were written, not how many there were.
Plentiful.
Copied is the look-alike trap, and short is ruled out by the three notebooks.
Exam shortcut
When a sentence has a word like "but", "although" or "so", it is telling you something about the word in capitals. "Although he was affluent, he lived simply" tells you that affluent is the opposite of simple living: rich.
Often, yes. Many hard English words are built from a few Latin and Greek parts, and knowing a dozen of them opens hundreds of words.
| Part | Meaning | Words |
|---|---|---|
| bene- | good | benevolent, benefit, benign |
| mal- | bad | malice, malnutrition |
| mis- | wrong, or hatred | mistake, misanthrope |
| phil- | love | philanthropist, bibliophile |
| omni- | all | omnipresent, omniscient |
| chron- | time | chronic, chronology |
| ver- | true | veracity, verify |
| loqu- | speak | loquacious, eloquent |
| -ous, -ful | full of | courageous, fearful |
| -less | without | fearless, hopeless |
A word part points you in a direction; it does not settle the answer. Test the option it suggests in a sentence before you mark it.
Every wrong option in a synonym question is there for a reason. Name the reason and the option stops tempting you.
Watch out
A word that is correct in the sentence is not always the synonym. "The athlete made a swift recovery" works with "full" in place of swift, but full is not what swift means. The question asks for the meaning of the word, not for any word that fits.
Method
In a sentence
Traps
The same steps, turned the other way, answer antonyms, and a word you learn here will turn up again in choosing the correct word.
Every word the questions below test, with the meaning they test it in. Tap a word for an example and to add it to My words, where it comes back for review over the next two weeks.
250 questions, grouped by type, easy to hard. Pick an answer and check it. The worked solution opens when you ask for it.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ABUNDANT.
AnswerC · plentiful
Abundant means more than enough. Plentiful means the same.
Worth noting
Scarce is the opposite, too little, and is there to catch a reader who remembers only that the word is about amounts.
Choose the word closest in meaning to CANDID.
AnswerB · frank
A candid person says honestly what they think. Frank means the same.
Worth noting
Sweet is a trap for the eye: candid looks like candy, but the two words are not related in meaning.
Choose the word closest in meaning to OBSOLETE.
AnswerD · outdated
Something obsolete is no longer used because something newer has replaced it. Outdated means the same.
Worth noting
Popular is close to the opposite: an obsolete thing is one nobody wants any more.
Choose the word closest in meaning to VACANT.
AnswerA · empty
A vacant room or seat has no one in it. Empty means the same.
Worth noting
Busy is the opposite of vacant when it describes a place or a line.
Choose the word closest in meaning to FEEBLE.
AnswerD · weak
Feeble means without strength. Weak means the same.
Worth noting
A feeble excuse is also a poor one, which makes silly tempting, but the core meaning is weakness.
Choose the word closest in meaning to HOSTILE.
AnswerC · unfriendly
Hostile means unfriendly and ready to fight. Unfriendly is the closest.
Worth noting
Hospitable looks like hostile but means the opposite: welcoming to guests.
Choose the word closest in meaning to TRANQUIL.
AnswerB · calm
A tranquil place is quiet and peaceful. Calm means the same.
Worth noting
Busy is the opposite; a tranquil street has almost no one on it.
Choose the word closest in meaning to DILIGENT.
AnswerA · hard-working
A diligent person works hard and with care. Hard-working means the same.
Worth noting
Intelligent rhymes with diligent, but being clever and working hard are different things.
Choose the word closest in meaning to VIVID.
AnswerD · bright
Vivid colours are strong and bright. Bright means the same.
Worth noting
Dull is the opposite: colours that are faded and weak.
Choose the word closest in meaning to PRUDENT.
AnswerB · wise
A prudent person is sensible and thinks ahead. Wise is the closest.
Worth noting
Rash is the opposite: acting without thinking. Proud only looks similar.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ARROGANT.
AnswerC · haughty
Arrogant means acting as if you are better than others. Haughty means the same.
Worth noting
Humble is the opposite. Ignorant rhymes but means lacking knowledge.
Choose the word closest in meaning to TIMID.
AnswerD · shy
A timid person is shy and easily frightened. Shy is the closest.
Worth noting
Bold is the opposite, and tiny only begins with the same letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to GIGANTIC.
AnswerC · huge
Gigantic means extremely large. Huge means the same.
Worth noting
Heavy is tempting because big things are often heavy, but gigantic describes size, not weight.
Choose the word closest in meaning to RIGID.
AnswerA · stiff
Rigid means stiff and unable to bend. Stiff is the closest.
Worth noting
Flexible is the opposite: able to bend easily.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ASSIST.
AnswerB · help
To assist is to help. The two words mean the same.
Worth noting
Resist and insist rhyme with assist, but resist means to fight against and insist means to demand.
Choose the word closest in meaning to COURTEOUS.
AnswerD · polite
A courteous person is polite and respectful.
Worth noting
Courageous looks alike but means brave. Rude is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ENORMOUS.
AnswerD · vast
Enormous means very large. Vast means the same.
Worth noting
Normal hides inside enormous, but it means ordinary. Tiny is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to RAPID.
AnswerC · swift
Rapid means very fast. Swift means the same.
Worth noting
Slow is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to VANISH.
AnswerB · disappear
To vanish is to disappear suddenly.
Worth noting
Appear is the opposite, and varnish, a coat of shiny paint, only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ANXIOUS.
AnswerA · worried
Anxious means worried and nervous. Worried means the same.
Worth noting
Calm is the opposite. Angry is a different feeling, not worry.
Choose the word closest in meaning to CONCEAL.
AnswerD · hide
To conceal is to hide or keep secret.
Worth noting
Reveal is the opposite: to show what was hidden. Cancel only sounds alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to COMMENCE.
AnswerA · begin
To commence is to begin.
Worth noting
Finish is the opposite. Comment looks alike, and trade is what commerce means, another look-alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to AUTHENTIC.
AnswerA · genuine
Authentic means real, truly what it claims to be. Genuine means the same.
Worth noting
Artificial is the opposite, and ancient is a trap for a reader who links authentic with old objects.
Choose the word closest in meaning to DECEIVE.
AnswerD · mislead
To deceive is to make someone believe what is not true. Mislead means the same.
Worth noting
Receive and believe rhyme with deceive but mean to get and to accept as true.
Choose the word closest in meaning to TEDIOUS.
AnswerA · boring
Tedious means long and boring.
Worth noting
Exciting is the opposite. Tidy only sounds a little like the first part.
Choose the word closest in meaning to NOVICE.
AnswerD · beginner
A novice is someone new to an activity. Beginner means the same.
Worth noting
Expert is the opposite, and novel, a long story, only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to HASTY.
AnswerA · hurried
Hasty means done too quickly. Hurried means the same.
Worth noting
Tasty only rhymes. Careful is close to the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to PONDER.
AnswerC · consider
To ponder is to think carefully. Consider means the same.
Worth noting
Wander rhymes with ponder but means to walk without a plan.
Choose the word closest in meaning to RELUCTANT.
AnswerC · unwilling
Reluctant means not willing. Unwilling means the same.
Worth noting
Eager is the opposite. Relevant and reliant share only the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ABRUPT.
AnswerD · sudden
Abrupt means sudden and unexpected.
Worth noting
Gradual is the opposite: slow and step by step.
Choose the word closest in meaning to BARREN.
AnswerB · infertile
Barren land cannot grow crops. Infertile means the same.
Worth noting
Fertile is the opposite, and the two differ only by "in-", so read carefully.
Choose the word closest in meaning to KEEN.
AnswerC · eager
Keen means eager and very interested.
Worth noting
Unwilling is the opposite. Kind begins with the same letter only.
Choose the word closest in meaning to REMOTE.
AnswerD · distant
A remote place is far away. Distant means the same.
Worth noting
Nearby is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to TRANSPARENT.
AnswerA · see-through
Transparent means clear enough to see through.
Worth noting
Opaque is the opposite: not letting light through. Shiny describes the surface, not seeing through.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ACCURATE.
AnswerB · exact
Accurate means correct in every detail. Exact means the same.
Worth noting
Wrong is the opposite. Accidental begins with the same letters only.
Choose the word closest in meaning to BRISK.
AnswerC · lively
Brisk means quick and full of energy. Lively is the closest.
Worth noting
Sluggish is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to CEASE.
AnswerA · stop
To cease is to stop.
Worth noting
Seize sounds almost the same but means to grab. Begin is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to DREADFUL.
AnswerB · terrible
Dreadful means very bad. Terrible means the same.
Worth noting
Wonderful is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to EAGER.
AnswerC · keen
Eager means wanting very much to do something. Keen means the same.
Worth noting
Unwilling is the opposite. Early only shares the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to FEASIBLE.
AnswerD · possible
Feasible means possible and practical.
Worth noting
Impossible is the opposite. Feeble looks alike but means weak.
Choose the word closest in meaning to GRATEFUL.
AnswerB · thankful
Grateful means feeling thanks. Thankful means the same.
Worth noting
Graceful differs by two letters and means moving beautifully.
Choose the word closest in meaning to HUMBLE.
AnswerA · modest
A humble person does not think they are better than others. Modest means the same.
Worth noting
Proud is the opposite. Humid and tumble only look alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to IDLE.
AnswerD · inactive
Idle means not working or not in use. Inactive means the same.
Worth noting
Idol sounds the same but is a statue or a person admired. Busy is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to JUBILANT.
AnswerC · joyful
Jubilant means very happy after a success. Joyful is the closest.
Worth noting
Sad is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to DIMINISH.
AnswerA · decrease
To diminish is to become or make smaller. Decrease means the same.
Worth noting
Increase is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to SOLITARY.
AnswerA · lone
Solitary means alone. Lone means the same.
Worth noting
Sociable is the opposite. Solid and solar only share the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to FRAGILE.
AnswerA · delicate
Fragile means easily broken. Delicate means the same when it describes things like glass or china.
Worth noting
Fragrant begins with the same letters but means sweet-smelling.
Choose the word closest in meaning to METICULOUS.
AnswerD · painstaking
Meticulous means very careful about details. Painstaking means taking great care, the same idea.
Worth noting
Ridiculous shares the ending "-iculous" but means silly. Careless is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to BENEVOLENT.
AnswerA · kindly
Benevolent means kind and wanting to help. Kindly means the same.
Worth noting
Violent sits inside benevolent's spelling, but the two words have opposite meanings.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ELOQUENT.
AnswerB · expressive
An eloquent speaker uses words well and moves the listener. Expressive is the closest.
Worth noting
Elegant sounds like eloquent and also means graceful, but it describes style or looks, not skill with words.
Choose the word closest in meaning to LETHARGIC.
AnswerC · sluggish
Lethargic means tired and slow. Sluggish means the same.
Worth noting
Energetic is the opposite, and allergic only rhymes.
Choose the word closest in meaning to RESILIENT.
AnswerA · hardy
A resilient person or plant recovers quickly from trouble. Hardy means strong enough to survive hard conditions.
Worth noting
Fragile is the opposite, and silent only shares letters with resilient.
Choose the word closest in meaning to PRAGMATIC.
AnswerB · practical
Pragmatic means dealing with things in a sensible, practical way.
Worth noting
Idealistic is close to the opposite: led by ideals rather than by what works. Dramatic only rhymes.
Choose the word closest in meaning to PLACID.
AnswerC · serene
A placid person or animal is calm and not easily upset. Serene means calm and peaceful.
Worth noting
Stormy is the opposite. Pale and plain share only letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ADVERSARY.
AnswerB · opponent
An adversary is someone you compete or fight against. Opponent means the same.
Worth noting
Ally is the opposite: someone on your side. Adviser only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ABHOR.
AnswerC · hate
To abhor something is to hate it strongly.
Worth noting
Adore sounds similar but means to love, the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to LUCID.
AnswerD · clear
A lucid explanation is clear and easy to follow.
Worth noting
Confusing is the opposite. Lucky only shares the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to HINDER.
AnswerB · obstruct
To hinder is to make something difficult to do. Obstruct means to get in the way, the same idea.
Worth noting
Help is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to PERILOUS.
AnswerB · risky
Perilous means very dangerous. Risky is the closest.
Worth noting
Safe is the opposite. Precious shares the p and r, nothing more.
Choose the word closest in meaning to SPORADIC.
AnswerA · occasional
Sporadic means happening now and then. Occasional means the same.
Worth noting
Regular is the opposite. Sudden is tempting, but a sudden thing need not happen again and again.
Choose the word closest in meaning to CONSPICUOUS.
AnswerC · noticeable
Conspicuous means easy to notice.
Worth noting
Suspicious shares the "spic" letters but means feeling that something is wrong. Hidden is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to INEPT.
AnswerB · unskilled
Inept means having no skill. Unskilled means the same.
Worth noting
Inert differs by one letter and means not moving.
Choose the word closest in meaning to AFFLUENT.
AnswerB · wealthy
Affluent means having a lot of money. Wealthy means the same.
Worth noting
Fluent hides inside affluent but means speaking smoothly. Generous describes giving, not having.
Choose the word closest in meaning to MELANCHOLY.
AnswerD · sorrowful
Melancholy means deeply sad. Sorrowful means the same.
Worth noting
Merry is the opposite: cheerful.
Choose the word closest in meaning to SHREWD.
AnswerA · astute
A shrewd person judges situations cleverly. Astute means the same.
Worth noting
Foolish is the opposite. Shrill, a high sharp sound, only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to BENIGN.
AnswerA · harmless
Benign means gentle and not harmful. Harmless is the closest.
Worth noting
Dangerous is the opposite; a doctor calls a lump benign to mean it is not dangerous.
Choose the word closest in meaning to COMMEND.
AnswerC · praise
To commend is to praise. The two mean the same.
Worth noting
Command differs by one letter and means to order. Blame is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to EMINENT.
AnswerB · distinguished
An eminent person is famous and respected. Distinguished means the same.
Worth noting
Imminent sounds almost the same but means about to happen. Unknown is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to OMINOUS.
AnswerD · threatening
Ominous means suggesting that something bad will happen. Threatening is the closest.
Worth noting
Hopeful is the opposite. Enormous only rhymes.
Choose the word closest in meaning to PROLIFIC.
AnswerC · productive
A prolific writer or artist produces a great deal. Productive means the same.
Worth noting
Prolonged shares "prol" but means lasting a long time.
Choose the word closest in meaning to SQUANDER.
AnswerB · waste
To squander is to waste money, time or a chance.
Worth noting
Save is the opposite. Wander only rhymes.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ZEAL.
AnswerD · enthusiasm
Zeal is great energy and enthusiasm. Enthusiasm means the same.
Worth noting
Apathy is the opposite: not caring at all.
Choose the word closest in meaning to TENACIOUS.
AnswerB · persistent
Tenacious means holding on firmly and not giving up. Persistent means the same.
Worth noting
Feeble is close to the opposite. Tense and tender only share letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ADEPT.
AnswerA · skilful
Adept means very skilled. Skilful means the same.
Worth noting
Clumsy is the opposite. Adopted only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to DETER.
AnswerD · discourage
To deter is to make someone decide not to act. Discourage means the same.
Worth noting
Encourage is the opposite. Defer looks alike but means to put off to a later time.
Choose the word closest in meaning to FICKLE.
AnswerA · changeable
A fickle person changes their mind often. Changeable means the same.
Worth noting
Loyal and firm point the other way.
Choose the word closest in meaning to GREGARIOUS.
AnswerB · sociable
Gregarious means enjoying other people's company. Sociable means the same.
Worth noting
Solitary is the opposite: liking to be alone.
Choose the word closest in meaning to IMPECCABLE.
AnswerB · flawless
Impeccable means without any fault. Flawless means the same.
Worth noting
Faulty is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to JEOPARDY.
AnswerC · danger
Jeopardy means danger of loss or harm.
Worth noting
Safety is the opposite. Jealousy shares the first sound only.
Choose the word closest in meaning to LAMENT.
AnswerD · mourn
To lament is to show deep sorrow. Mourn means the same.
Worth noting
Celebrate is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to MITIGATE.
AnswerA · lessen
To mitigate is to make something less severe. Lessen means the same.
Worth noting
Worsen is the opposite. Migrate and mediate only look alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to EXQUISITE.
AnswerD · beautiful
Exquisite means extremely beautiful and delicate. Beautiful is the closest.
Worth noting
Expensive is tempting because exquisite things often cost a lot, but the word is about beauty, not price.
Choose the word closest in meaning to GRATIFY.
AnswerD · please
To gratify is to please or satisfy.
Worth noting
Annoy is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to IMMACULATE.
AnswerC · spotless
Immaculate means perfectly clean. Spotless means the same.
Worth noting
Dirty is the opposite. Immature and immediate only share the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to LAVISH.
AnswerA · extravagant
Lavish means costly and generous in amount. Extravagant means the same.
Worth noting
Stingy is the opposite. Lovely only sounds a little alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to OBSCURE, as in "an obscure poet".
AnswerB · little-known
An obscure poet is one few people have heard of. Little-known means the same.
Worth noting
Famous is the opposite. Secure only rhymes.
Choose the word closest in meaning to RECTIFY.
AnswerD · correct
To rectify is to put right. Correct means the same.
Worth noting
Spoil is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to VIGILANT.
AnswerB · watchful
Vigilant means watching carefully for danger. Watchful means the same.
Worth noting
Careless is the opposite. Violent and vigorous only share the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to EPHEMERAL.
AnswerC · fleeting
Ephemeral means lasting a very short time. Fleeting means the same.
Worth noting
Eternal is the opposite. Ethereal looks alike but means delicate and heavenly.
Choose the word closest in meaning to UBIQUITOUS.
AnswerA · omnipresent
Ubiquitous means found everywhere. Omnipresent means present everywhere.
Worth noting
Unique and rare point the other way: something found in only one place.
Choose the word closest in meaning to SYCOPHANT.
AnswerD · flatterer
A sycophant praises powerful people to gain favour. Flatterer is the closest.
Worth noting
Critic is the opposite: someone who finds fault rather than praising.
Choose the word closest in meaning to GARRULOUS.
AnswerD · talkative
A garrulous person talks a lot. Talkative means the same.
Worth noting
Quiet is the opposite. Grumpy shares the "gr" sound only.
Choose the word closest in meaning to LACONIC.
AnswerA · terse
Laconic means using very few words. Terse means the same.
Worth noting
Talkative is the opposite, and a reader who confuses laconic with garrulous will pick it.
Choose the word closest in meaning to OBDURATE.
AnswerB · unyielding
Obdurate means refusing to change your mind. Unyielding means the same.
Worth noting
Obedient also starts with "ob" but means doing what you are told, close to the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to MAGNANIMOUS.
AnswerC · generous
Magnanimous means generous and forgiving. Generous is the closest.
Worth noting
Magnificent shares "magn", which means great, but it describes splendour, not kindness. Mean is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ESOTERIC.
AnswerA · obscure
Esoteric means understood only by a few. Obscure means not widely known or understood.
Worth noting
Popular is the opposite. Exotic looks similar but means from a faraway place.
Choose the word closest in meaning to INSIPID.
AnswerC · tasteless
Insipid food has almost no taste. Tasteless means the same.
Worth noting
Spicy is the opposite, and insistent only shares the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to CACOPHONY.
AnswerC · din
A cacophony is a loud, harsh mix of sounds. Din means loud, unpleasant noise.
Worth noting
Melody is the opposite: a pleasant tune.
Choose the word closest in meaning to FRIVOLOUS.
AnswerD · trivial
Frivolous means silly and not serious. Trivial means unimportant and not worth serious thought.
Worth noting
Serious is the opposite. Furious only rhymes.
Choose the word closest in meaning to TACITURN.
AnswerB · silent
A taciturn person says very little. Silent is the closest.
Worth noting
Talkative is the opposite. Tactful shares the first letters but means careful not to upset people.
Choose the word closest in meaning to VENERATE.
AnswerA · revere
To venerate is to respect very deeply. Revere means the same.
Worth noting
Despise is the opposite. Ventilate and venture only share the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ALACRITY.
AnswerC · eagerness
Alacrity is quick and eager willingness. Eagerness is the closest.
Worth noting
Reluctance is the opposite. Clarity hides in the spelling but means clearness.
Choose the word closest in meaning to CASTIGATE.
AnswerC · rebuke
To castigate is to criticise severely. Rebuke means the same.
Worth noting
Praise is the opposite. Investigate only shares the "-igate" ending.
Choose the word closest in meaning to SUPERFLUOUS.
AnswerD · unnecessary
Superfluous means more than is needed. Unnecessary means the same.
Worth noting
Essential is the opposite. Superb and fluent are both hidden in the spelling and both wrong.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ENERVATE.
AnswerA · weaken
To enervate is to make someone weak and tired. Weaken means the same.
Worth noting
Energise is the classic trap: enervate looks like energy, but it means the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to RECALCITRANT.
AnswerB · defiant
Recalcitrant means refusing to obey. Defiant means the same.
Worth noting
Obedient is the opposite. Calculating only shares letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to VINDICTIVE.
AnswerD · spiteful
A vindictive person wants to hurt someone who hurt them. Spiteful means the same.
Worth noting
Forgiving is the opposite. Victorious and vigorous only share the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to OBSEQUIOUS.
AnswerD · servile
Obsequious means too eager to please or obey. Servile means the same.
Worth noting
Rude is close to the opposite. Obvious and obscure only share the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to PERFUNCTORY.
AnswerB · cursory
Perfunctory means done quickly and without care. Cursory means the same.
Worth noting
Thorough is the opposite. Perfect shares the "perf" letters only.
Choose the word closest in meaning to SANGUINE.
AnswerA · optimistic
Sanguine means hopeful and cheerful. Optimistic means the same.
Worth noting
Gloomy is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to INIMICAL.
AnswerC · hostile
Inimical means harmful or unfriendly. Hostile is the closest.
Worth noting
Friendly is the opposite. Inimitable looks alike but means impossible to copy.
Choose the word closest in meaning to PUSILLANIMOUS.
AnswerA · cowardly
Pusillanimous means lacking courage. Cowardly means the same.
Worth noting
Brave is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to PARSIMONIOUS.
AnswerD · miserly
Parsimonious means very unwilling to spend. Miserly means the same.
Worth noting
Generous is the opposite. Harmonious only shares the "-monious" ending.
Choose the word closest in meaning to SURREPTITIOUS.
AnswerC · stealthy
Surreptitious means done secretly. Stealthy means the same.
Worth noting
Open is the opposite. Superstitious looks alike but means believing in luck and magic.
Choose the word closest in meaning to EQUANIMITY.
AnswerB · composure
Equanimity is calmness in difficulty. Composure means the same.
Worth noting
Equality shares "equ" but means being equal. Anxiety is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to MENDACIOUS.
AnswerA · untruthful
Mendacious means lying. Untruthful means the same.
Worth noting
Honest is the opposite. Mending only shares the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to QUIXOTIC.
AnswerD · idealistic
Quixotic means full of noble but impractical ideas. Idealistic is the closest.
Worth noting
Practical is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to BANAL.
AnswerC · trite
Banal means so ordinary that it is boring. Trite means overused and dull, the same idea.
Worth noting
Original is the opposite. Banned only shares the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ELICIT.
AnswerC · evoke
To elicit is to draw out a reply or a reaction. Evoke means to bring out a feeling or response.
Worth noting
Illicit sounds the same but means illegal.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ABSTRUSE.
AnswerB · obscure
Abstruse means difficult to understand. Obscure means the same.
Worth noting
Obvious is the opposite. Absurd and abrupt share only the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to BELLICOSE.
AnswerA · warlike
Bellicose means eager to fight. Warlike means the same.
Worth noting
Peaceful is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to CLANDESTINE.
AnswerC · secret
Clandestine means done secretly. Secret means the same.
Worth noting
Open is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to DIFFIDENT.
AnswerD · shy
Diffident means shy and lacking confidence. Shy is the closest.
Worth noting
Confident is the opposite. Different differs by one letter.
Choose the word closest in meaning to EBULLIENT.
AnswerA · exuberant
Ebullient means cheerful and full of energy. Exuberant means the same.
Worth noting
Depressed is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to FASTIDIOUS.
AnswerB · fussy
Fastidious means very careful that everything is right, hard to please. Fussy is the closest.
Worth noting
Fast is hidden in the word but has nothing to do with speed here. Careless is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to HACKNEYED.
AnswerB · stale
A hackneyed phrase has been used so often it has lost its effect. Stale, in this sense, means the same.
Worth noting
Fresh is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ICONOCLAST.
AnswerC · rebel
An iconoclast attacks accepted beliefs. Rebel is the closest.
Worth noting
Conformist is the opposite: someone who follows accepted ways. Artist is a trap from "icon", a religious picture.
Choose the word closest in meaning to IMPECUNIOUS.
AnswerA · poor
Impecunious means having very little money. Poor is the closest.
Worth noting
Rich is the opposite. Impeccable shares the first letters but means faultless.
Choose the word closest in meaning to OBFUSCATE.
AnswerD · confuse
To obfuscate is to make something unclear on purpose. Confuse is the closest.
Worth noting
Clarify is the opposite: to make clear.
Choose the word closest in meaning to TREPIDATION.
AnswerC · fear
Trepidation is fear about what is going to happen. Fear is the closest.
Worth noting
Courage is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to ACRIMONIOUS.
AnswerA · bitter
Acrimonious means angry and bitter. Bitter is the closest.
Worth noting
Friendly is the opposite. Ceremonious shares the "-monious" ending only.
Choose the word closest in meaning to CAJOLE.
AnswerB · coax
To cajole is to persuade gently, with praise or promises. Coax means the same.
Worth noting
Force is the opposite way of getting someone to act. Console looks alike but means to comfort.
Choose the word closest in meaning to DIDACTIC.
AnswerA · instructive
Didactic means meant to teach. Instructive means the same.
Worth noting
Amusing describes a story that is only meant to entertain, which is not what didactic means.
Choose the word closest in meaning to EFFRONTERY.
AnswerC · impudence
Effrontery is rude, shameless boldness. Impudence means the same.
Worth noting
Shyness is the opposite. Effort and frontier are both hidden in the spelling.
Choose the word closest in meaning to FORTUITOUS.
AnswerD · accidental
Fortuitous means happening by chance. Accidental means the same.
Worth noting
Fortunate is the famous trap: the words look alike and are often mixed up, but a fortuitous event can be lucky or unlucky. Planned is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to GULLIBLE.
AnswerB · credulous
A gullible person is easily tricked. Credulous means too ready to believe.
Worth noting
Suspicious is the opposite. Guilty only begins with the same sound.
Choose the word closest in meaning to INSOLENT.
AnswerC · rude
Insolent means rude and without respect. Rude is the closest.
Worth noting
Indolent differs by two letters and means lazy. Respectful is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to NONCHALANT.
AnswerA · unperturbed
Nonchalant means calm and seeming not to care. Unperturbed, not disturbed or worried, is the closest.
Worth noting
Anxious is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to REPREHENSIBLE.
AnswerD · blameworthy
Reprehensible means deserving blame. Blameworthy means the same.
Worth noting
Praiseworthy is the opposite. Representative shares "rep" only.
Choose the word closest in meaning to VACILLATE.
AnswerB · waver
To vacillate is to keep changing your mind. Waver means the same.
Worth noting
Decide is the opposite. Vaccinate only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The old man was too FRAIL to climb the stairs.
AnswerB · weak
Frail means weak and thin, which is why he cannot climb the stairs.
Worth noting
Proud could fit a man who refuses to climb, but the sentence says he is too frail, which is about strength, not attitude.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The teacher gave a BRIEF talk before the test began.
AnswerC · short
Brief means lasting only a short time. Short means the same.
Worth noting
A talk can be loud or boring as well, but neither is what brief means.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Her GENUINE smile put the nervous children at ease.
AnswerA · sincere
A genuine smile is real, not put on. Sincere means the same.
Worth noting
False is the opposite of genuine.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
He was OBSTINATE and refused to change his plan even when everyone warned him.
AnswerB · stubborn
An obstinate person will not change their mind. Stubborn means the same.
Worth noting
Refusing good advice may look foolish, but foolish means lacking sense; obstinate means refusing to give way.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The GLOOMY weather kept everyone indoors all weekend.
AnswerB · dismal
Gloomy weather is dark and dull. Dismal means the same.
Worth noting
Windy weather can also keep people indoors, but gloomy is about darkness, not wind.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The medicine gave him only TEMPORARY relief from the pain.
AnswerC · short-lived
Temporary means lasting only a short time. Short-lived means the same.
Worth noting
Complete is the tempting wrong answer for a reader who skips "only": the sentence says the relief did not last.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The instructions were so VAGUE that no one knew what to do.
AnswerA · unclear
Vague means not clear. That is why no one knew what to do.
Worth noting
Long instructions can confuse people too, but vague is about clearness, not length.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Tigers are becoming SCARCE in this forest.
AnswerB · rare
Scarce means hard to find, not enough. Rare means the same.
Worth noting
Scared looks like scarce but means frightened. Common is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The travellers were FATIGUED after the long climb.
AnswerB · exhausted
Fatigued means very tired. Exhausted means the same.
Worth noting
A long climb could also leave people hungry, but fatigue is tiredness, not hunger.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The river was CONTAMINATED by waste from the factory.
AnswerD · polluted
To contaminate is to make dirty or harmful. Polluted means the same.
Worth noting
Contained looks similar but means held inside. Blocked could fit a river, but it is about flow, not dirt.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The cyclone caused IMMENSE damage along the coast.
AnswerC · huge
Immense means extremely great. Huge means the same.
Worth noting
Imminent looks alike but means about to happen. Minor is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The thief tried to EVADE the police by hiding in the crowd.
AnswerD · escape
To evade is to escape or avoid. Escape means the same.
Worth noting
Invade looks alike but means to enter by force.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The manager was FURIOUS when the order was lost a second time.
AnswerA · enraged
Furious means extremely angry. Enraged means the same.
Worth noting
Curious rhymes with furious but means wanting to know. Calm is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The athlete made a SWIFT recovery from her injury.
AnswerC · quick
Swift means quick.
Worth noting
Full also fits "recovery", but swift is about speed, not how complete it was.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The report was CONCISE: two pages covered everything.
AnswerB · brief
Concise means short and clear. Brief is the closest, and two pages shows it.
Worth noting
Detailed is close to the opposite: long and full of small points.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The crowd DISPERSED after the rally ended.
AnswerA · scattered
To disperse is to go away in different directions. Scattered means the same.
Worth noting
Gathered is the opposite: to come together.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The police PROHIBITED parking near the school gate.
AnswerB · banned
To prohibit is to forbid. Banned means the same.
Worth noting
Allowed is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Her answer was so ABSURD that the whole class laughed.
AnswerA · ridiculous
Absurd means so unreasonable that it is funny. Ridiculous means the same.
Worth noting
Sensible is the opposite. Absent only shares the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Priya is PUNCTUAL; in three years she has never been late.
AnswerA · prompt
Punctual means arriving on time. Prompt means the same.
Worth noting
Careful describes a good student too, but punctual is only about time.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The long drought made the land ARID.
AnswerC · dry
Arid means very dry. A drought causes exactly that.
Worth noting
Fertile and green are the opposite. Acid only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The singer's MELODIOUS voice filled the hall.
AnswerB · tuneful
Melodious means pleasant to listen to, like music. Tuneful means the same.
Worth noting
Harsh is the opposite. Loud describes volume, not sweetness.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The shopkeeper was ASTONISHED to see a tiger at his door.
AnswerA · amazed
Astonished means very surprised. Amazed means the same.
Worth noting
Afraid fits a tiger at the door, but astonished is about surprise, not fear.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
His INDIFFERENT attitude to the match annoyed the coach.
AnswerB · unconcerned
Indifferent means not interested or not caring. Unconcerned means the same.
Worth noting
Different hides inside the word but means not the same. Enthusiastic is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The mother sang to SOOTHE the crying baby.
AnswerC · calm
To soothe is to make someone calm. Singing to a crying baby does exactly that.
Worth noting
Feed is something a mother might do too, but soothe means calm, not feed.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The detective found a VITAL clue in the letter.
AnswerB · crucial
Vital means extremely important. Crucial means the same.
Worth noting
Small is close to the opposite, and visible only shares the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The prices of vegetables have SOARED this month.
AnswerA · rocketed
To soar is to rise very quickly. Rocketed means the same.
Worth noting
Fallen is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
He was ACCUSED of stealing the bicycle.
AnswerA · charged
To accuse is to say someone did wrong. Charged, in this sense, means the same.
Worth noting
Caught is tempting, but being accused says nothing about whether he was caught. Cleared is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The children were INQUISITIVE about the new machine in the lab.
AnswerD · curious
Inquisitive means wanting to find out. Curious means the same.
Worth noting
Indifferent is the opposite: not interested at all.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
We must CONSERVE water during the summer.
AnswerB · save
To conserve is to keep from being wasted. Save means the same.
Worth noting
Waste is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Her REMARKABLE memory surprised everyone.
AnswerB · extraordinary
Remarkable means unusual and worth noticing. Extraordinary means the same.
Worth noting
Ordinary is the opposite, and it differs from the answer by only "extra-".
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The guests ASSEMBLED in the main hall before dinner.
AnswerD · gathered
To assemble is to come together. Gathered means the same.
Worth noting
Seated is tempting, but assemble means to come together, not to sit. Scattered is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The venom of this snake is LETHAL.
AnswerD · deadly
Lethal means able to cause death. Deadly means the same.
Worth noting
Lethargic looks alike but means tired. Harmless is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The festival lights made the whole city look RADIANT.
AnswerA · glowing
Radiant means shining brightly. Glowing means the same.
Worth noting
Crowded fits a festival but says nothing about light.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The police RETRIEVED the stolen jewels from the river.
AnswerD · recovered
To retrieve is to get something back. Recovered means the same.
Worth noting
Lost is the opposite, and retired only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The report was full of TRIVIAL details that nobody needed.
AnswerB · unimportant
Trivial means small and not important. Unimportant means the same.
Worth noting
Vital is the opposite. Tribal and trial only look alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Before Diwali, the little shop was CRAMMED with toys.
AnswerC · packed
Crammed means completely full. Packed means the same.
Worth noting
Empty is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The farmer's DWELLING was a small mud hut near the fields.
AnswerB · home
A dwelling is the place where someone lives. Home means the same.
Worth noting
Well sits inside the word, but a dwelling is a house, not a source of water.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The little boy was TERRIFIED of the dark.
AnswerA · frightened
Terrified means very frightened.
Worth noting
Terrific looks alike but means excellent or very great.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The principal will ANNOUNCE the results tomorrow.
AnswerD · declare
To announce is to tell people officially. Declare means the same.
Worth noting
Hide is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The villagers DREAD the floods that come every monsoon.
AnswerD · fear
To dread something is to fear it before it comes.
Worth noting
Welcome is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The garden looked NEGLECTED; weeds grew everywhere.
AnswerC · uncared-for
Neglected means not looked after. Uncared-for means the same, and the weeds show it.
Worth noting
Neat is the opposite. Selected shares the "-lected" ending only.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Everyone knew the PERIL of climbing the rock without a rope.
AnswerB · danger
Peril means great danger.
Worth noting
Pleasure is close to the opposite. Pearl only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
After the long walk home, the children were FAMISHED.
AnswerA · starving
Famished means extremely hungry. Starving, as people use it, means the same.
Worth noting
Tired fits a long walk, but famished is about hunger. Famous only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The new factory will EMPLOY fifty workers from the village.
AnswerC · hire
To employ is to give someone a job. Hire means the same.
Worth noting
Dismiss is the opposite. A factory pays its workers too, but employ means taking them on.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The agreement was only a TRUCE, not a lasting peace.
AnswerD · ceasefire
A truce is an agreement to stop fighting for a time. Ceasefire means the same.
Worth noting
Alliance is a lasting partnership, the thing the sentence says this was not.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
After the heavy rain, the hill road became HAZARDOUS.
AnswerC · dangerous
Hazardous means likely to cause harm. Dangerous means the same.
Worth noting
Muddy fits the rain in the sentence, but it describes the road's surface; the word in capitals is about danger.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
They lived a FRUGAL life, spending only on what they truly needed.
AnswerD · thrifty
Frugal means careful to spend little. Thrifty means the same.
Worth noting
Wasteful is the opposite, spending carelessly.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The villagers were HOSPITABLE to every traveller who passed through.
AnswerD · welcoming
Hospitable people are friendly and generous to guests. Welcoming means the same.
Worth noting
Hostile looks similar but means unfriendly, the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The committee's decision was UNANIMOUS: every member voted for it.
AnswerD · united
Unanimous means agreed by everyone. United, when it describes opinion, means the same.
Worth noting
Anonymous sounds alike but means without a name. Partial is close to the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The judge remained IMPARTIAL throughout the long trial.
AnswerB · unbiased
Impartial means not taking sides. Unbiased means the same.
Worth noting
Impatient begins the same way but means unable to wait calmly.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The scientist's claim was later REFUTED by new evidence.
AnswerD · disproved
To refute a claim is to prove it wrong. Disproved means the same.
Worth noting
Supported is the opposite. New evidence can do either, so the word itself has to be known.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The children were ELATED at the news of an extra holiday.
AnswerA · overjoyed
Elated means extremely happy. Overjoyed means the same.
Worth noting
Surprise fits unexpected news, but elated is about joy, not surprise. Elevated only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The novel's plot was so INTRICATE that I had to read it twice.
AnswerC · complicated
Intricate means having many detailed parts. Complicated means the same, and it explains the second reading.
Worth noting
Simple is the opposite. Intimate shares the first letters but means close and personal.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The soldiers showed great VALOUR in the battle.
AnswerA · bravery
Valour means great courage. Bravery means the same.
Worth noting
Value looks like valour but means worth. Skill fits a battle but is not courage.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The fruit seller was known for his AFFABLE manner.
AnswerD · friendly
An affable person is friendly and easy to talk to.
Worth noting
Affordable looks alike and fits a seller, but it is about low prices, not manner.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The DILAPIDATED building was finally pulled down.
AnswerC · run-down
Dilapidated means old and in very bad condition. Run-down means the same.
Worth noting
An empty building might also be pulled down, but empty is about what is inside, not its condition.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The villagers were WARY of the stranger who asked so many questions.
AnswerB · cautious
Wary means careful because of possible danger. Cautious means the same.
Worth noting
Weary differs by one letter and means tired.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The teacher ADMONISHED the boys for arriving late again.
AnswerA · scolded
To admonish is to scold or warn firmly. Scolded means the same.
Worth noting
Admired begins with the same sound, and praised is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The committee will SCRUTINISE every application before choosing.
AnswerA · inspect
To scrutinise is to examine very carefully. Inspect means the same.
Worth noting
A committee might also reject or collect applications, but only inspect means looking closely.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Her ARDENT supporters waited for hours to see her.
AnswerB · passionate
Ardent means very enthusiastic. Passionate means the same.
Worth noting
Arduous starts the same way but means difficult and tiring.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The boy gave a PLAUSIBLE excuse, and the teacher believed him.
AnswerC · believable
Plausible means seeming reasonable and likely to be true, which is why the teacher believed it.
Worth noting
Foolish is close to the opposite. Pleasant only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Rohan is a PROFICIENT swimmer; he has won three races.
AnswerB · skilled
Proficient means skilled and experienced. Winning three races shows it.
Worth noting
Sufficient rhymes with proficient but means enough.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The medicine will ALLEVIATE the pain within an hour.
AnswerC · relieve
To alleviate pain is to make it less severe. Relieve means the same.
Worth noting
Increase is the opposite. Alter only means change, without saying which way.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The film's ending was so POIGNANT that many people in the hall cried.
AnswerB · moving
Poignant means stirring sad or deep feelings. Moving means the same, and it explains the tears.
Worth noting
Pointed shares the first letters, but it means sharp.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The scientist's PROFOUND discovery changed how we understand the brain.
AnswerC · deep
Profound means very great or deep in effect. Deep is the closest.
Worth noting
Minor is the opposite, and profitable only shares the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The first shower of the monsoon brought RESPITE from the heat.
AnswerD · relief
Respite is a short rest from something unpleasant. Relief is the closest.
Worth noting
Rain is in the sentence, which makes it tempting, but respite names what the rain brought, not the rain.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The traders were accused of HOARDING rice to push up its price.
AnswerD · stockpiling
To hoard is to collect and store a large amount. Stockpiling means the same, and it pushes prices up by making rice scarce.
Worth noting
Stealing is wrong in the sentence but is not what hoarding means: a hoarder keeps goods that are his own.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The noise from the highway was INCESSANT, day and night.
AnswerD · unceasing
Incessant means never stopping. Unceasing means the same, and "day and night" supports it.
Worth noting
Loud is tempting because the sentence is about noise, but incessant is about time, not volume.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The detective noticed a SUBTLE change in the man's voice.
AnswerA · slight
Subtle means small and not easy to notice. Slight is the closest.
Worth noting
Obvious is the opposite: easy to notice.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The heavy traffic IMPEDED the ambulance on its way to the hospital.
AnswerB · blocked
To impede is to slow down or get in the way. Blocked is the closest.
Worth noting
Guided is close to the opposite: helping the ambulance along.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The teacher was LENIENT and let us hand in the work a day late.
AnswerC · tolerant
A lenient person is not strict. Tolerant, willing to allow things, is the closest.
Worth noting
Strict is the opposite, and the sentence rules it out: a strict teacher would not allow the delay.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The general was famous for his AUDACIOUS plans.
AnswerC · bold
Audacious means bold and willing to take risks. Bold means the same.
Worth noting
Cautious is the opposite. Foolish may describe a risky plan, but audacious praises the courage, it does not call it silly.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The boy felt deep REMORSE for lying to his mother.
AnswerA · regret
Remorse is a deep feeling of being sorry for a wrong you did. Regret is the closest.
Worth noting
Relief is a feeling after trouble ends; remorse is the feeling of guilt about what you did.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The company's profits DWINDLED over the year.
AnswerC · shrank
To dwindle is to become smaller. Shrank means the same.
Worth noting
Grew and doubled are the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The storm left the coastal town DESOLATE.
AnswerA · deserted
A desolate place is empty and sad to look at. Deserted is the closest.
Worth noting
Flooded fits a storm, but desolate is about emptiness, not water.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The workers made a FERVENT appeal for better pay.
AnswerD · passionate
Fervent means full of strong feeling. Passionate means the same.
Worth noting
Calm is the opposite. A written appeal can still be fervent: written describes the form, not the feeling.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The instructions on the box were AMBIGUOUS; they could mean two different things.
AnswerC · unclear
Ambiguous means having more than one possible meaning, so it is unclear.
Worth noting
Precise is the opposite. Ambitious begins with the same letters only.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The old stone gate is a RELIC of the Mughal period.
AnswerD · remnant
A relic is something that has survived from long ago. Remnant, a part left over, is the closest.
Worth noting
Ruler fits a sentence about the Mughals, but a relic is an object, not a person.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The river MEANDERS slowly through the green valley.
AnswerC · winds
To meander is to follow a winding course. Winds means the same.
Worth noting
Rushes clashes with "slowly" and means to move fast.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Heavy bags HAMPERED the climbers on the steep path.
AnswerB · hindered
To hamper is to make movement or action difficult. Hindered means the same.
Worth noting
Helped is the opposite. Hurt is tempting, but heavy bags slowed the climbers; they did not injure them.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The officer's decision was ARBITRARY and followed no rule at all.
AnswerA · random
An arbitrary decision is based on whim, not reason. Random is the closest, and "followed no rule" supports it.
Worth noting
Fair and careful point the other way.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Her EXEMPLARY behaviour won her the school prize.
AnswerC · ideal
Exemplary means so good that others should copy it. Ideal is the closest.
Worth noting
Poor and ordinary do not win prizes; the sentence points to something very good.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The new teacher was AMIABLE, and the pupils liked her at once.
AnswerC · good-natured
Amiable means friendly and pleasant. Good-natured means the same.
Worth noting
Strict is not the reason pupils like someone at once. Able only hides inside the word.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The speaker's VERBOSE answer took ten minutes to say almost nothing.
AnswerA · wordy
Verbose means using more words than needed. Wordy means the same.
Worth noting
Brief is the opposite. Verbal looks alike but only means spoken or to do with words.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The ARDUOUS climb to the fort took the whole day.
AnswerB · strenuous
Arduous means needing great effort. Strenuous means the same.
Worth noting
Ardent looks alike but means passionate. Easy is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The minister's CANDOUR about his mistakes surprised the reporters.
AnswerD · frankness
Candour is honesty and openness. Frankness means the same.
Worth noting
Courage is tempting because admitting mistakes takes it, but candour names the honesty, not the bravery. Secrecy is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The villagers were APPREHENSIVE about the old dam's safety.
AnswerC · uneasy
Apprehensive means worried that something bad will happen. Uneasy is the closest.
Worth noting
Arrested is a trap from apprehend, which can mean to arrest. Apprehensive has nothing to do with arrest.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The injured man's INCOHERENT speech worried the doctor.
AnswerC · muddled
Incoherent means not clear or logical. Muddled means the same.
Worth noting
Clear is the opposite. Loud and angry describe how he spoke, not whether it made sense.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
For a small fee, the company will EXPEDITE the delivery.
AnswerB · speed up
To expedite is to make something happen faster. Speed up means the same.
Worth noting
Delay is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The fishing boat CAPSIZED in the storm, but everyone swam to shore.
AnswerD · overturned
To capsize is to turn over in the water. Overturned means the same.
Worth noting
Anchored and sailed are what a boat does in calm water; the storm and the swim point to it turning over.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The flood waters began to ABATE by the evening.
AnswerC · subside
To abate is to become less strong. Subside means the same, for water going down.
Worth noting
Rise is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The old king's rule had grown OPPRESSIVE, and the people rose against him.
AnswerD · harsh
Oppressive rule is cruel and uses power unfairly. Harsh is the closest.
Worth noting
Impressive rhymes but means causing admiration. Lenient is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The debate DEGENERATED into a shouting match.
AnswerA · deteriorated
To degenerate is to become worse. Deteriorated means the same.
Worth noting
Improved is the opposite. Ended is tempting, but the debate did not stop; it got worse.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
He is RETICENT about his own achievements and never boasts.
AnswerA · reserved
Reticent means not willing to talk about yourself. Reserved means the same.
Worth noting
Proud points the other way: a proud person would boast. Recent only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The villagers were left DESTITUTE after the flood.
AnswerD · penniless
Destitute means without money and the basic things needed to live. Penniless is the closest.
Worth noting
Destined looks alike but means meant to happen.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The minister gave an EVASIVE reply to the reporter's question.
AnswerD · indirect
An evasive reply avoids answering directly. Indirect is the closest.
Worth noting
Invasive looks alike but means spreading into places where it is not wanted.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The two stories are ANALOGOUS: both describe a long journey home.
AnswerD · similar
Analogous means alike in some way, which the second half of the sentence explains.
Worth noting
Analytical looks alike but means examining things in detail.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The prisoner was EXONERATED when the real thief confessed.
AnswerB · cleared
To exonerate is to show that someone is not guilty. Cleared means the same here.
Worth noting
Punished is the opposite, and exported only shares the first letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The clerk's BRUSQUE reply upset the old man.
AnswerD · curt
Brusque means short and rude. Curt means the same.
Worth noting
Brisk looks alike but means quick and lively. Polite and gentle are opposites.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The people rose against the king's DESPOTIC rule.
AnswerB · tyrannical
Despotic means ruling with total, often cruel, power. Tyrannical means the same.
Worth noting
Desperate looks alike but means having lost hope. Democratic is close to the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The government will SANCTION funds for the new hospital.
AnswerC · approve
To sanction funds is to give official permission for them. Approve means the same.
Worth noting
Sanction has a second meaning, a penalty, which makes penalise tempting. Funds for a hospital are approved, not punished.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The child's PRECOCIOUS talent for music amazed his teachers.
AnswerC · advanced
Precocious means developed earlier than is usual for a child's age. Advanced is the closest.
Worth noting
Precious looks almost the same but means of great value or much loved.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The rebels tried to SUBVERT the government.
AnswerA · undermine
To subvert is to try to weaken or overthrow. Undermine means the same.
Worth noting
Support is the opposite. Divert shares the "-vert" ending, which means turn, but it means to turn aside.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The evidence was so COGENT that the jury agreed at once.
AnswerD · convincing
Cogent means clear and convincing, which is why the jury agreed at once.
Worth noting
Weak and confusing are the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The professor's PEDANTIC corrections of every comma annoyed the class.
AnswerA · nitpicking
Pedantic means too concerned with small details. Nitpicking means the same, and "every comma" shows it.
Worth noting
Careless is the opposite. Pedestrian only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The minister's speech was full of INNUENDO about his rival.
AnswerB · insinuation
Innuendo is an indirect remark that hints at something bad. Insinuation means the same.
Worth noting
Evidence is the opposite of a hint: it proves rather than suggests. Innovation only looks alike.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
Her PROPENSITY to exaggerate made people doubt her stories.
AnswerB · tendency
A propensity is a natural tendency. Tendency means the same.
Worth noting
Dislike is close to the opposite, and property and proposal only share letters.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The hermit lived an AUSTERE life in a cave in the hills.
AnswerC · spartan
An austere life is simple and without comfort. Spartan means the same.
Worth noting
Lonely fits a hermit, but austere describes the plainness of his life, not his lack of company. Luxurious is the opposite.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
By saying nothing, the villagers gave their TACIT agreement.
AnswerD · unspoken
Tacit means understood without being said. Unspoken means the same, and "saying nothing" shows it.
Worth noting
Tactful looks alike but means careful not to upset people.
Choose the word closest in meaning to the word in capitals.
The judge showed CLEMENCY and reduced the sentence.
AnswerA · mercy
Clemency is mercy shown in punishing someone. Reducing the sentence is an act of it.
Worth noting
Severity is the opposite. Clarity and cleverness only look alike.
NTA's English syllabus is one page. It names two skill areas: Reading Comprehension, with three kinds of passage of at most 300 words each (factual, narrative and literary), and Verbal Ability, with four item types (rearranging the parts, match the following, choosing the correct word, synonyms and antonyms). It says the questions are not limited to these, and prints no chapters and no split of the 50 questions. So the chapters here are ours. Reading is split by the kind of passage, because a poem is not read the way a report is. Verbal Ability is split into three areas of our own: Vocabulary, Sentence & paragraph order, and Grammar & usage. Where a chapter covers something past NTA's short list, it says so, and it is there because the papers since 2022 have asked it.