Synonyms

Practice Exercise
Directions: Each of the following items consist of sentence with an underline
word, followed by four words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to
the underlined word.

1. The convict’s ingenuous explanation brought tears in every eyes.

(a) candid (b) secret
(c) insincere (d) consistent
2. The enormity of the population problem is irksome.
(a) intensity (b) vastness
(c) cruelty (d) fragility
3. Exaggeration of facts always leads to confusion.
(a) Simplification (b) Negation
(c) Emancipation (d) Amplification
4. After his father’s death, he became insolvent .
(a) rich (b) poor
(c) bankrupt (d) nonchalant
5. He induces human beings to want things they don’t want.
(a) threatens (b) dictates
(c) persuades (d) appreciates
6. His information is not authentic.
(a) faux (b) reliable
(c) believable (d) genuine
7. He is not cut out to be a teacher.
(a) trained (b) suited
(c) selected (d) guided

8. Momentous changes are taking place in the social and economic life of
India.
(a) Notorious (b) Momentary
(c) Official (d) Enormous
9. His condition deteriorated day-by-day.
(a) went up (b) grew worse
(c) went down (d) grew better
10. I do not want you to lead a life of sycophancy as you did during the foreign
rule.
(a) admiration (b) love
(c) appreciation (d) flattery
11. The judge told that he would analyse the evidence and then deliver the
verdict.
(a) liberate (b) surrender
(c) transfer (d) pronounce
12. The growth and development of the peasant movement was indissolubly
linked with the national struggle for freedom.
(a) firmly (b) vaguely
(c) individually (d) steadily

13. The confusion on the interlocutor’s face was gratifying.

 (a) government officer
(b) party worker
(c) dialogist
(d) revolutionary

14. The government’s new policies will come into force from the next fiscal
year.
(a) calendar (b) academic
(c) financial (d) leap
15. In India, it has become easy to attack cultural artefacts these days. 2018|
(a) beckon (b) assault
(c) beich (d) appreciate
16. A local court granted bail to the criminal on Thursday. 2018|
(a) confessed (b) donated
(c) allowed (d) yielded
17. Abundant food was available for the soldiers in the mess.
(a) little (b) plentiful
(c) delicious (d) wholesome
18. He spends his money lavishly.
(a) hesitatingly (b) generously
(c) foolishly (d) carefully
19. Weather conditions have been improving over the past few days.
(a) mending
(b) amending
(c) becoming better
(d) advancing
20. She is a pretty insipid young lady.
 (a) clever (b) lazy (c) dull (d) lean
21. It is the difficult or scarcity of a thing that makes it precious.
(a) poverty (b) absence
(c) insufficiency (d) disappearance
22. We should not allow adversity to discourage us.
(a) poverty (b) darkness
(c) time of trouble (d) unfriendly criticism
23. He is very obliging by nature.
(a) helpful (b) nice
(c) thankful (d) compelling
24. She thought the running into her old friend was a stroke of fate.
(a) meeting by chance
(b) colliding
(c) travelling with
(d) quarrelling with
25. I had some deepest convictions reflected in my work.
(a) ideas and opinions
(b) firm beliefs
(c) prejudices
(d) biases
26. The Industrial Revolution saw a massive rise in the population of Europe.
(a) enormous (b) erroneous
(c) hazardous (d) perilous

27. My friend is as stubborn as a mule.

 (a) observant (b) obnoxious
(c) obstinate (d) corpulent
28. His behaviour was deliberately provocative.
(a) exciting desire (b) infuriating
(c) pitiable (d) creating frustrating
29. This boy is very timid.
(a) courageous (b) shy
(c) clever (d) dull
30. One must live life with dignity.
(a) nobility (b) eminence
(c) honour (d) rank
31. Europe, America and Japan have taken to the field of science with singular
vigour and activity.
(a) peculiar (b) outstanding
(c) familiar (d) single
32. Our age is pre-eminently an age of science.
(a) era (b) date
(c) generation (d) moment
33. Ant is believed to be the most industrious creature.
(a) sensible (b) successful
(c) diligent (d) punctual
34. The schools insist on giving wholesome food to the children for the proper
growth of their mind and body.
(a) whole crops (b) nourishing
(c) fit (d) sound
35. As I look around, I see the crumbling ruins of a proud civilisation strewn
like a vast heap of futility.
 (a) relevance (b) absurdity
(c) pointlessness (d) downtrodden
36. Mark Antony’s eulogy of Caesar is finely recorded by Shakespeare in his
play.
(a) prayer (b) honour
(c) praise (d) denunciation
37. A wise man puts past rancour behind and moves ahead.
(a) dislike (b) hatred
(c) division (d) criticism
38. Many of the villagers were isolated by heavy showers of rain.
(a) destroyed
(b) separated from others
(c) battered
(d) devasted
39. The university has constituted a grievance redressal committee to look
into the matter.
(a) depression (b) complaint
(c) abrasion (d) gratefulness
40. Rakesh delivered a slanderous speech.
(a) abusive (b) praiseworthy
(c) moderate (d) inspiring
41. The Arabs who are not in the cities live in the desert throughout the year,
shifting from one oasis to another.
(a) sandbank (b) mound
(c) dune (d) spring
42. The various facets of life can be found reflected in a large city.
(a) several (b) similar
 (c) valuable (d) singular
43. It is terrible for people to die of starvation.
(a) starch (b)staple
(c) plenty (d) hunger
44. This world is full of miseries.
(a) indifferent love
(b) perfect happiness
(c) great suffering
(d) moderate sympathies
45. A glance at a beautiful object gives us delight.
(a) wisdom (b) happiness
(c) purity (d) peace
46. Suddenly, the sky was darkened by a gigantic bird.
(a) winged (b) small
(c) tiny (d) enormous
47. To abolish poverty would be to destroy the soil upon which mankind
produces the virtues conducive to higher civilisation.
(a) detest (b) eradicate
(c) nurture (d) assimilate
48. Some people complain when they encounter a small misfortune in the
course of their thoroughly happy life.
(a) run into (b) run away
(c) run down (d) run with

49. A series of columns supporting a large porch is typical of medieval

architecture.
(a) statues (b) arches
 (c) pillars (d) murals
50. Trees that block the view of oncoming traffic should be cut down.
(a) alter (b) obstruct
(c) improve (d) spoil
51. The landscape changes abruptly after the snowfall.
(a) suddenly (b) sharply
(c) favourably (d) slightly
52. We saw a scintillating fireworks display.
(a) fascinating (b) unforgettable
(c) beautiful (d) sparkling
53. The pact has been in effect for twenty years.
(a) treaty (b) monarchy
(c) lease (d) trend
54. We should always try to maintain and promote communal amity.
(a) bondage (b) contention
(c) friendship (d) understanding
55. Many species of animals have become extinct during the last hundred
years.
(a) aggressive (b) non-existent
(c) scattered (d) feeble
56. True religion does not require one to proselytize through guile or force.
(a) translate (b) hypnotise
(c) attack (d) convert

57. That the plan is both inhuman and preposterous needs no further proof.
(a) heartless (b) logic
(c) absurd (d) abnormal
58. A human being is always vulnerable to other human beings.
(a) resilient (b) elastic
(c) defenceless (d) crude
59. The poems of Kabir are ecstatic in nature.
(a) efficacious (b) eerie
(c) rapturous (d) reverential
60. His language is political and vitriolic.
(a) imaginative (b) sprightly
(c) vivacious (d) abusive
61. He could not muster courage to speak the truth before his friend.
(a) injure (b) spoil
(c) gather (d) maim
62. The imagery used in the poem is vivid.
(a) lively (b) inert
(c) ebullient (d) caustic
63. Hitler was a despot.
(a) conservative (b) dictator
(c) passionate (d) monstrous
64. Ravi loves seclusion. Therefore, he lives in the mountains.
(a) nature (b) scripture
(c) seafaring (d) solitariness

65. The Managing Director of the company declared that he is broke and there
is a need to seek support from the government.
(a) bankrupt
(b) rich
 (c) making profit
(d) having liabilities
66. He loves doing nasty things.
(a) nice (b) fastidious
(c) foul (d) finicky
67. He is always anxious.
(a) worried (b) dispassionate
(b) sluggish (d) torpid
68. The attitude of the Western countries towards the third-world countries is
rather callous to say the least.
(a) passive (b) kind
(c) cursed (d) unfeeling
69. Whatever the verdict of history may be, Chaplin will occupy a unique place
in its pages.
(a) judgement (b) voice
(c) outcome (d) prediction
70. He corroborated the statement of his brother.
(a) confirmed (b) disproved
(c) condemned (d) seconded
71. Democracy is not the standardising of everyone so as to obliterate all
peculiarity.
(a) demolish (b) extinguish
(c) erase (d) change
72. Divine grace is truly ineffable.
(a) describable (b) spiritual
(c) indescribable (d) nameless
73. The convocation address was very edifying.
 (a) tedious
(b) in need of editing
(c) instructive
(d) exciting
74. Many of his acquaintances avoid him because he is so garrulous.
(a) unreasonable (b) talkative
(c) quarrelsome (d) proud
75. He bore the pain with great fortitude.
(a) resignation (b) defiance
(c) indifference (d) forbearance
76. He gave his tacit approval to the proposition.
(a) full (b) loud
(c) clean (d) implied
77. The media went into a frenzy about the case.
(a) silent (b) creative
(c) berserk (d) wrong
78. He has been yearning to go home.
(a) declining (b) demanding
(c) begging (d) hankering
79. She got the divorce within no time.
(a) detachment (b) breaking down
(c) annulment (d) punishment
80. The harder we kick, the better the ball bounces back.
(a) recoils (b) deflates
(c) inflates (d) ascends
81. He listened to me with equanimity.
 (a) carelessly (b) excitedly
(c) patiently (d) half-heartedly
82. He was too cunning for her.
(a) capable (b) fit
(c) intelligent (d) dodgy
83. I plan and execute.
(a) desire (b) debate
(c) accomplish (d) discard
84. The decision is crucial for me.
(a) momentous (b) natural
(c) primitive (d) inept
85. He was known for his gentle disposition.
(a) harmful (b) amiable
(c) cunning (d) adjusting
86. The whole thing was a futile exercise.
(a) costly (b) pointless
(c) indecisive (d) successful
87. In spite of hard work, the farmers could only get a meagre yield.
(a) satisfactory (b) scanty
(c) plenty (d) normal

88. He was exhilarated at the outcome of the election results.

(a) satisfied (b) surprised
(c) disappointed (d) overjoyed
89. He was fired for negligence on duty.
 (a) relieved of his job
(b) scolded
(c) rebuked
(d) attacked
90. Suddenly there was a bright flash, followed by a deafening explosion.
(a) dangerous (b) terrifying
(c) mild (d) very loud
91. The sardonic nature of her stories made her stand out among the
contemporary writers.
(a) compassionate (b) insightful
(c) mocking (d) comic
92. She undertook a reconnaissance of the entire issue.
(a) revaluation (b) ratification
(c) investigation (d) regularisation
93. She is patron of art and culture.
(a) entrepreneur (b) admirer
(c) critique (d) backer
94. Her smile was contagious.
(a) arrogant (b) sarcastic
(c) disrespectful (d) catching
95. Under his leadership, the company grew in an organic manner.
(a) natural (b) speedy
(c) unusual (d) disciplined
96. She was lamenting her destiny.
(a) celebrating (b) bemoaning
(c) blaming (d) making
97. Her dynamic nature impressed everyone.
 (a) enduring (b) attentive
(c) evolutionary (d) jealous
98. My daughter is my replica.
(a) pride (b) clone
(c) love (d) original
99. His charm lies in his oratory.
(a) deceit (b) eloquence
(c) looks (d) nobility
100. Arrogance is the hallmark of his nature.
(a) concern
(b) unpretentiousness
(c) conceit
(d) simplicity

SET – 2
Direction: Each of the following items consists of a sentence with an
underlined word followed by four words. Select the option that is nearest in
meaning to the underlined word.
1. He showed exemplary courage during the crisis.
(a) usual (b) durable
(c) commendable (d) some
2. When the new teacher entered the classroom, he found the pupils restive.
(a) at rest (b) idle
(c) quiet (d) impatient
3. There is no dearth of talent in this country.
(a) scarcity (b) availability
(b) plenty (d) absence
4. The servants retired to their quarters.
(a) entered (b) went away
(c) ran away (d) mobilised
5. The navy gave tactical support to the marines.
(a) sensitive (b) strategic
(c) immediate (d) expert
6. A millions cinemas a year bring the same stale balderdash.
(a) adventure (b) nonsense
(c) thriller (d) romance

7. There must be a lively discussion of Indian authors if we are to foster our

knowledge.
(a) promote (b) cherish
(c) sharpen (d) nurture
8. Buoyed by these visions of the future of his son, the artist soldiered on.
(a) continued bravely
 (b) stopped further
(c) struggled lightly
(d) fought on
9. Last fortnight, the rain came to the parched soils of India after the merciless
drought had already sapped the vitality and livelihood of millions of peasants.
(a) decreased (b) demolished
(c) destroyed (d) drained away
10. The boy gave a vivid description of all that happened.
(a) brilliant (b) fresh
(c) suggested (d) picturesque
11. He is essentially a lowbrow person.
(a) coarse (b) proud
(c) passionate (d) pathetic
12. His nostalgia is deep.
(a) excitement (b) longing
(c) happiness (d) ability
13. His truancy is detrimental.
(a) loyalty (b)integrity
(c) honesty (d) absenteeism

14. He is a maleficent person.

(a) generous (b) cunning
(c) criminal (d) friendly
15. His solemnity is celebrated.
(a) greed (b) desire
(c) trust (d) dignity
16. His bounty is limitless.
(a) benevolence (b) gallantry
(c) nepotism (d) chivalry
17. The Holocaust was experienced by millions.
(a) celebration (b) destruction
(c) construction (d) beautiful
18. His aversion is known to all.
(a) hospitality (b) hostility
(c) humility (d) humbleness
19. To be able to decipher something is wonderful.
(a) decode (b) encode
(c) simulate (d) animate
20. It is the opportune time to think about investment in the real estate
sector.
(a) honorary (b) appropriate
(c) difficult (d) unsuitable
21. It is compulsory for all the students to join this tour.
(a) regular (b) necessity
(c) dutiful (d) obligatory

22. Some of the discoveries of modern science are simply marvellous.

(a) praiseworthy (b) commendable
(c) amazing (d) admirable
23. The teacher felt that the student lacked discrimination in the study of his
data.
(a) imagination (b) good taste
 (c) objectivity (d) good judgement
24. We don’t know how we are to recompense you for the trouble you have
taken.
(a) reward (b) help
(c) praise (d) thank
25. John Milton wrote ‘Paradise Lost’ to vindicate the ways of God to man.
(a) explain (b) support
(c) justify (d) criticise
26. When youngsters do not have good role-models to emulate, they start
searching for them among sportsmen or filmstars.
(a) inhabit (b) imitate
(c) mollify (d) modify
27. The eyewitness testimony was incontrovertible.
(a) debatable
(b) unquestionable
(c) unacceptable
(d) disputable
28. The invasion forces had no artillery and were completely annihilated.
(a) reduced (b) destroyed
(c) dismembered (d) split

29. The novel was so interesting that I was oblivious to my surroundings.

(a) indifferent (b) watchful
(c) unmindful (d) precarious
30. Elsie is seventy years old and a fanatical gardener.
(a) crazy
(b) fantastic
 (c) excessively enthusiastic
(d) obsessed
31. After a good meal, it is important to pay a compliment to the chef.
(a) tip (b) praise
(c) admonish (d) revile
32. His work is laudable.
(a) praiseworthy (b) laughable
(c) bold (d) loud
33. Raj is a competent carpenter.
(a) capable (b) exceptional
(c) inadept (d) clumsy
34. He is diligent in submitting assignments.
(a) dilly-dallying (b) procrastinating
(c) intelligent (d) conscientious
35. He appears to be reticent.
(a) expansive (b) jolly
(c) silent (d) withdrawn
36. He is always jovial.
(a) cheerful (b) callous
(c) garrulous (d) credulous
37. Mohan remains morose these days.
(a) introspective (b) generous
(c) chirpy (d) sullen
38. He was a reluctant learner.
(a) enthusiastic (b) eager
(c) unwilling (d) fearful
39. Amit is optimistic about the prospects of his investments.
(a) pessimistic (b) uncaring
(c) carefree (d) sanguine
40. Sachin is very cooperative by nature.
(a) courageous (b) covert
(b) complacent (d) conniving
41. The courage shown by the soldiers at this moment of crisis is exemplary.
(a) admirable (b) clear
(c) elementary (d) suitable
42. Grandfather has been getting feeble of late.
(a) tall (b) weak
(c) diseased (d) small
43. Even though Akshay does not study hard, he always comes first in his class.
(a) scores (b) stands
(c) arrives (c) completes
44. The arguments of the defence lawyer were so persuasive that the judge
acquitted him.
(a) convincing (b) clever
(c) eloquent (d) logical

45. Your master will like you if you are diligent.

(a) conscientious (b) obedient
(c) meticulous (d) hard working
46. Failure to carry hall ticket to the exam is considered as a trivial issue.
(a) serious (b) important
(c) minor (d) problematic
47. Before I could make out anything, he had spoken again.
(a) find out (b) apprehend
(c) explain (d) reveal
48. It is amazing how such a motley group could get along so well.
(a) heterogenous (b) assorted
(c) promiscuous (d) confused
49. His speech was nothing but a string of platitudes.
(a) grand statements
(b) stereotyped statements
(c) noble sentiments
(d) humorous anecdotes
50. He wrote a scathing review of the prize-winning novel.
(a) biased (b) scornful
(c) unbalanced (d) subjective
51. Ravi told his friend that he had no intention to malign him.
(a) benign (b) slander
(c) praise (d) greet
52. Sheela appeared to be vexed.
(a) clear (b) calm
(c) displeased (d) uncomplicated
53. Do not hold any preconception about people.
(a) notion (b) experiment
(c) great idea (d) concert
54. All mortal elements are impermanent.
(a) temporal (b) immortal
(c) never-ending (d) divinely
55. The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone.
(a) invitation (b) information
(c) schedule (d) Names
56. The effort was to harness the power of nature.
(a) abuse (b) benefit
(c) apply (d) control
57. The fickle nature of humans is at times the cause of great innovations.
(a) vacillating (b) consistent
(c) strong (d) wily
58. The flood situation during the monsoon this year was calamitous.
(a) abundance (b) catastrophic
(c) encouraging (d) welcome
59. He was appointed as the honorary member of the team.
(a) paid (b) invited
(c) accepted (d) unpaid
60. The church decided to excommunicate him for his actions.
(a) admit (b) reward
(c) expel (d) promote

61. India has made spectacular progress in science and technology.

(a) remarkable (b) greatly
(c) formidable (d) super
62. The opposition criticised the ruling party for the deteriorating law and
order situation in the state.
(a) disrupting (b) worsening
(c) crumbling (d) eroding
63. The flat has been refurbished recently.
(a) white-washed (b) painted
(c) renovated (d) repaired
64. Even the most careful researcher cannot predict the possible future
ramifications of his findings.
(a) uses (b) developments
(c) consequences (d) conclusions
65. He ended his speech on a supercilious note which was quite unexpected of
a person of balanced and stable temperament.
(a) defamatory (b) contemptuous
(c) superfluous (d) irrelevant
66. Old age and infirmity had begun to catch up with him after all these years.
(a) disease (b) malady
(c) weakness (d) slimness
67. The president had a hopeful prognosis about the company’s future.
(a) Diagnosis (b) Bargain
(c) Carefree (d) Prediction

68. The logical conclusion which should be drawn from my rather verbose
statement I leave to my readers to draw.
(a) Loquacious (b) Natural
(c) Effortless (d) Random
69. He drank in the sights and sounds of the bucolic world around him and for
the first time in days felt relaxed.
(a) Rural (b) Hidebound
(c) Quite (d) Simple
70. His mask of veneration slowly turned into a licentious grin.
(a) Immoral (b) Hungry
(c) Happy (d) Generous
71. During the pandemic, the indigent people had to suffer a lot.
(a) very poor (b) opulent
(c) solvent (d) prosperous
72. She had no idea what made him angry in one minute and jovial in the next.
(a) aggrieved (b) melancholic
(c) doleful (d) mirthful
73. It is sheer lunacy to drive a car in this frosty weather.
(a) prudence (b) normalcy
(c) insanity (d) sanity
74. Operating on a child with cancer needs meticulous planning and
teamwork.
(a) strong (b) long
(c) playful (d) scrupulous

75. The thrill of over-speeding the vehicle can be exhilarating but it is

important not to take the consequences lightly.
(a) humdrum (b) dreary
(c) exciting (d) agitating
76. The redemption will now depend on his new strategy of inclusiveness.
(a) retrieval (b) forfeiture
(c) corporation (d) desecration
77. Only three candidates are now in contention for the title.
(a) involved in dispute
 (b) in agreement with each other
(c) chance of winning
(d) amiable to each other
78. All my fishing paraphernalia is in the car.
(a) boxes (b) accessories
(c) fuel (d) food
79. The public watched in astonishment as he took a sudden jump from the
bridge.
(a) anticipation (b) hurriedly
(c) wonderment (d) calmness
80. Drinking inordinate amount of liquor is not good for health.
(a) temperate (b) exorbitant
(c) moderate (d) regular
81. As the effect of anesthesia dissipated, the patient regained consciousness.
(a) Enhanced (b) Heightened
(c) Returned (d) Disappeared

82. He gave a large amount of donation for flood victims and everyone
appreciated his magnanimous act.
(a) Vindictive (b) Chimerical
(c) Chivalrous (d) Cherubic
83. Our locality has a common space for observing various national days and
for organizing festivals.
(a) celebrating (b) forming
(c) witnessing (d) coordinating
84. This frivolous remark provoked no comments.
(a) Shallow (b) Serious
 (c) Practical (d) Important
85. The soldiers showed fortitude and resilience while facing the opponents.
(a) Ingenuity (b) Bravery
(c) Atrocity (d) Conscientiousness
86. Ritika was deprived of her father’s property as she married a knave.
(a) Gallant (b) Novice
(c) Rogue (d) Chauffeur
87. Their vision was very clear: if Indians were to play a meaningful role in the
community of nations, they must be second to none in the application of
advanced technologies to their real-life problems.
(a) mistreatment (b) implementation
(c) corruption (d) misuse

88. Idea are present in the consciousness which, when released and given
scope to grow and take shape, can lead to successful events.
(a) ignorance (b) thoughtlessness
(c) awareness (d) negligence

89. The discovery of treasure under the Bermuda Triangle is probably a hoax.
(a) Analogy (b) Bonanza
(c) Delusion (d) Trick
90. He wanted to buy some books, but his purse did not permit that.
(a) warrant (b) patent
(c) grant (d) tolerate
91. He is always captious.
(a) worried (b) passionate
(c) faultfinding (d) jovial
92. Geomorphologists ascertain several wonderful facts about our earth.
(a) verify (b) invert
(c) increase (d) omit
93. The Colonel ordered the Soldiers to meet him in the commissary.
(a) office (b) field
(c) playground (d) canteen
94. The doctor dismembered the patient’s finger first and then cured the
ailment.
(a) stitched (b) dissected
(c) plastered (d) splintered