wbp constable english practice set : Synonyms and Antonyms

Correct Answer: B) Decrease

Explanation: ‘Abate’ means to become less intense or widespread. ‘Decrease’ is the best synonym as it also means to make or become smaller or fewer in size, amount, intensity, or degree.

Correct Answer: C) Obscure

Explanation: ‘Abstruse’ means difficult to understand. ‘Obscure’ also means not discovered or known about; uncertain. The other options are antonyms.

Correct Answer: B) Bitterness

Explanation: ‘Acrimony’ refers to bitterness or ill feeling in a relationship, speech, or discussion. ‘Bitterness’ is the most direct synonym.

Correct Answer: B) Aggressive

Explanation: ‘Bellicose’ means demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight. ‘Aggressive’ is the perfect synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Coax

Explanation: ‘Cajole’ means to persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery. ‘Coax’ is the best synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Harmful

Explanation: ‘Deleterious’ means causing harm or damage. ‘Harmful’ is the direct synonym.

Correct Answer: D) Fleeting

Explanation: ‘Ephemeral’ means lasting for a very short time. ‘Fleeting’ has the same meaning.

Correct Answer: B) Scholarly

Explanation: ‘Erudite’ means having or showing great knowledge or learning. ‘Scholarly’ is the best synonym.

Correct Answer: B) Meticulous

Explanation: ‘Fastidious’ means very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. ‘Meticulous’ shares this meaning.

Correct Answer: C) Talkative

Explanation: ‘Garrulous’ means excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters. ‘Talkative’ is the most direct synonym.

Correct Answer: B) Nascent

Explanation: ‘Inchoate’ means just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary. ‘Nascent’ means just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential.

Correct Answer: C) Concise

Explanation: ‘Laconic’ describes a style of speech or writing that uses very few words. ‘Concise’ also means giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words.

Correct Answer: D) Dishonest

Explanation: ‘Mendacious’ means not telling the truth; lying. ‘Dishonest’ is a direct synonym.

Correct Answer: A) Stubborn

Explanation: ‘Obdurate’ means stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action. ‘Stubborn’ is the best synonym.

Correct Answer: B) Damaging

Explanation: ‘Pernicious’ means having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. ‘Damaging’ is the most accurate synonym.

Correct Answer: B) Complaining

Explanation: ‘Querulous’ means complaining in a petulant or whining manner. ‘Complaining’ is the core meaning.

Correct Answer: B) Uncooperative

Explanation: ‘Recalcitrant’ describes someone having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline. ‘Uncooperative’ is the best synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Sleep-inducing

Explanation: ‘Soporific’ means tending to induce drowsiness or sleep. ‘Sleep-inducing’ is its direct definition.

Correct Answer: C) Reserved

Explanation: ‘Taciturn’ describes a person who is reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little. ‘Reserved’ is the closest synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Omnipresent

Explanation: ‘Ubiquitous’ means present, appearing, or found everywhere. ‘Omnipresent’ has the same meaning.

Correct Answer: C) Dull

Explanation: ‘Vapid’ means offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; bland. ‘Dull’ is a strong synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Wrinkled

Explanation: ‘Wizened’ means shriveled or wrinkled with age. ‘Wrinkled’ is the most direct synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Fanatic

Explanation: A ‘zealot’ is a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals. ‘Fanatic’ is a direct synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Mitigate

Explanation: To ‘palliate’ is to make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe without removing the cause. ‘Mitigate’ means to make less severe, serious, or painful.

Correct Answer: D) Maverick

Explanation: An ‘iconoclast’ is a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions. A ‘maverick’ is an independent-minded person who does not conform to the rules. Both terms describe non-conformists.

Correct Answer: A) Arcane

Explanation: ‘Esoteric’ means intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest. ‘Arcane’ means understood by few; mysterious or secret.

Correct Answer: C) Fruitful

Explanation: ‘Prolific’ means producing a great number or amount of something. ‘Fruitful’ means producing good results or plentiful.

Correct Answer: C) Prominent

Explanation: ‘Salient’ means most noticeable or important. ‘Prominent’ means important or famous.

Correct Answer: D) Compelling

Explanation: ‘Cogent’ refers to an argument or case that is clear, logical, and convincing. ‘Compelling’ means evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.

Correct Answer: C) Diligent

Explanation: ‘Assiduous’ means showing great care and perseverance. ‘Diligent’ means having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.

Correct Answer: C) Curse

Explanation: ‘Anathema’ refers to something or someone that one vehemently dislikes; a formal curse by a pope or a council of the Church. ‘Curse’ is a direct synonym in this context.

Correct Answer: D) Absolve

Explanation: ‘Exculpate’ means to show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing. ‘Absolve’ means to set or declare someone free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.

Correct Answer: D) Different

Explanation: ‘Disparate’ means essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison. ‘Different’ is the most straightforward synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Prevaricate

Explanation: To ‘equivocate’ is to use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself. ‘Prevaricate’ means to speak or act in an evasive way.

Correct Answer: C) Tirade

Explanation: A ‘harangue’ is a lengthy and aggressive speech. A ‘tirade’ is a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation. They are very close in meaning.

Correct Answer: C) Overly emotional

Explanation: ‘Maudlin’ means self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness. ‘Overly emotional’ captures this essence.

Correct Answer: C) Calm

Explanation: ‘Phlegmatic’ describes a person having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition. ‘Calm’ is the best fit.

Correct Answer: C) Defame

Explanation: To ‘vilify’ someone is to speak or write about them in an abusively disparaging manner. ‘Defame’ means to damage the good reputation of someone; slander or libel.

Correct Answer: D) Austere

Explanation: ‘Ascetic’ refers to a person or lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence. ‘Austere’ means severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance, which aligns well.

Correct Answer: C) Fickle

Explanation: ‘Capricious’ means given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior. ‘Fickle’ means changing frequently, especially as regards one’s loyalties or affections.

Correct Answer: B) Trickery

Explanation: ‘Chicanery’ means the use of deception or subterfuge to achieve one’s purpose. ‘Trickery’ is a direct synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Puzzle

Explanation: A ‘conundrum’ is a confusing and difficult problem or question. ‘Puzzle’ or ‘riddle’ are excellent synonyms.

Correct Answer: C) Gullible

Explanation: ‘Credulous’ means having or showing too great a readiness to believe things. ‘Gullible’ means easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.

Correct Answer: D) Shy

Explanation: ‘Diffident’ means modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence. ‘Shy’ is the closest and most common synonym.

Correct Answer: C) Eagerness

Explanation: ‘Alacrity’ means brisk and cheerful readiness. ‘Eagerness’ captures this sense of keen willingness.

Correct Answer: C) Rustic

Explanation: ‘Bucolic’ relates to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life. ‘Rustic’ also pertains to the countryside and a simple, rural life.

Correct Answer: B) Renounce

Explanation: To ‘abjure’ is to solemnly renounce a belief, cause, or claim. ‘Renounce’ is a direct synonym.

Correct Answer: B) Anomaly

Explanation: An ‘aberration’ is a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome. An ‘anomaly’ is something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

Correct Answer: D) Caustic

Explanation: ‘Acerbic’ describes a style of speaking or writing that is sharp and forthright; tasting sour or bitter. ‘Caustic’ means sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way.

Correct Answer: C) Misplacement in time

Explanation: An ‘anachronism’ is a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned. It is a ‘misplacement in time’.

Correct Answer: C) Aggravate

Explanation: ‘Mitigate’ means to make something less severe or painful. ‘Aggravate’ means to make a problem or offense worse or more serious. It is the direct opposite.

Correct Answer: D) Reclusive

Explanation: ‘Gregarious’ means fond of company; sociable. ‘Reclusive’ means avoiding the company of other people; solitary. It is a clear antonym.

Correct Answer: C) Contemptible

Explanation: ‘Laudable’ means deserving praise and commendation. ‘Contemptible’ means deserving contempt; despicable. It is the direct opposite.

Correct Answer: C) Transparent

Explanation: ‘Opaque’ means not able to be seen through; not transparent. ‘Transparent’ is its direct antonym.

Correct Answer: C) Idealistic

Explanation: ‘Pragmatic’ means dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. ‘Idealistic’ is the opposite, focusing on ideals which may be impractical.

Correct Answer: B) Despise

Explanation: To ‘revere’ someone is to feel deep respect or admiration for them. To ‘despise’ someone is to feel a deep repugnance or hatred for them.

Correct Answer: D) Placid

Explanation: ‘Turbulent’ means characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm. ‘Placid’ means not easily upset or excited; calm and peaceful.

Correct Answer: D) Wax

Explanation: To ‘wane’ is to decrease in vigor, power, or extent; become weaker. To ‘wax’ is to become larger or stronger. The terms are famously used for the phases of the moon.

Correct Answer: C) Ornate

Explanation: ‘Austere’ means having a plain and simple style or appearance; unadorned. ‘Ornate’ means made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns.

Correct Answer: C) Original

Explanation: ‘Banal’ means so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring. ‘Original’ is its direct opposite.

Correct Answer: C) Malevolent

Explanation: ‘Benign’ means gentle and kind. ‘Malevolent’ means having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

Correct Answer: C) Overt

Explanation: ‘Clandestine’ means kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit. ‘Overt’ means done or shown openly; not secret or hidden.

Correct Answer: D) Amicable

Explanation: ‘Contentious’ means causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial. ‘Amicable’ means having a spirit of friendliness; without serious disagreement.

Correct Answer: C) Embolden

Explanation: To ‘daunt’ someone is to make them feel intimidated or apprehensive. To ’embolden’ someone is to give them the courage or confidence to do something.

Correct Answer: C) Strengthen

Explanation: To ‘enervate’ is to cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken. To ‘strengthen’ is the direct opposite.

Correct Answer: D) Barren

Explanation: ‘Fecund’ means producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile. ‘Barren’ means too poor to produce much or any vegetation; unproductive.

Correct Answer: D) Candor

Explanation: ‘Guile’ is sly or cunning intelligence. ‘Candor’ is the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.

Correct Answer: D) Cautious

Explanation: ‘Impetuous’ means acting or done quickly and without thought or care. ‘Cautious’ means careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.

Correct Answer: C) Flavorful

Explanation: ‘Insipid’ means lacking flavor; weak or tasteless. It can also mean lacking vigor or interest. ‘Flavorful’ is a direct antonym in the primary sense.

Correct Answer: B) Energetic

Explanation: ‘Languid’ means displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed. ‘Energetic’ is the direct opposite.

Correct Answer: C) Intractable

Explanation: ‘Malleable’ means easily influenced; pliable. It can also refer to a metal’s ability to be hammered into shape. ‘Intractable’ means hard to control or deal with; stubborn.

Correct Answer: C) Clarify

Explanation: To ‘obfuscate’ is to render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible. To ‘clarify’ is to make a statement or situation less confused and more clearly comprehensible.

Correct Answer: D) Modest

Explanation: ‘Ostentatious’ means characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice. ‘Modest’ means unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities or achievements, and also not large, elaborate, or expensive.

Correct Answer: C) Abundance

Explanation: ‘Paucity’ means the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity. ‘Abundance’ means a very large quantity of something.

Correct Answer: D) Poetic

Explanation: ‘Prosaic’ means having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty. ‘Poetic’ is its direct opposite.

Correct Answer: C) Communicative

Explanation: ‘Reticent’ means not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily. ‘Communicative’ means ready to talk and impart information.

Correct Answer: C) Sincere

Explanation: ‘Sardonic’ means grimly mocking or cynical. ‘Sincere’ means free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.

Correct Answer: D) Deceit

Explanation: ‘Veracity’ means conformity to facts; accuracy; truthfulness. ‘Deceit’ is the action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.

Correct Answer: C) Praise

Explanation: To ‘vituperate’ is to blame or insult someone in strong or violent language. To ‘praise’ is to express warm approval or admiration of.

Correct Answer: D) Explicit

Explanation: ‘Ambiguous’ means open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning. ‘Explicit’ means stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.

Correct Answer: C) Invigorate

Explanation: To ‘debilitate’ is to make someone very weak and infirm. To ‘invigorate’ is to give strength or energy to.

Correct Answer: C) Open

Explanation: ‘Furtive’ means attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive. ‘Open’ is a direct antonym.

Correct Answer: D) Noxious

Explanation: ‘Innocuous’ means not harmful or offensive. ‘Noxious’ means harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.

Correct Answer: C) Moribund

Explanation: ‘Nascent’ means just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential. ‘Moribund’ means at the point of death or in terminal decline.

Correct Answer: C) Misanthrope

Explanation: A ‘sycophant’ is a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage. A ‘misanthrope’ is a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. While not a direct opposite, it represents an opposing character type: one who fawns over people vs. one who hates them.

Correct Answer: D) Enduring

Explanation: ‘Transient’ means lasting only for a short time; impermanent. ‘Enduring’ means continuing or lasting for a long time.

Correct Answer: D) Apathy

Explanation: ‘Zest’ means great enthusiasm and energy. ‘Apathy’ is a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Correct Answer: D) Gaunt

Explanation: ‘Corpulent’ means fat. ‘Gaunt’ means lean and haggard, especially because of suffering, hunger, or age.

Correct Answer: D) Ameliorate

Explanation: To ‘exacerbate’ a problem is to make it worse. To ‘ameliorate’ is to make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better.

Correct Answer: D) Distinct

Explanation: ‘Nebulous’ means in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy. In a figurative sense, it means unclear, vague, or ill-defined. ‘Distinct’ means recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type; clear.

Correct Answer: C) Strong

Explanation: ‘Tenuous’ means very weak or slight. ‘Strong’ is its direct opposite.

Correct Answer: D) Amiable

Explanation: ‘Inimical’ means tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly or hostile. ‘Amiable’ means having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.

Correct Answer: C) Dearth

Explanation: A ‘plethora’ is a large or excessive amount of something. A ‘dearth’ is a scarcity or lack of something.

Correct Answer: C) Active

Explanation: ‘Quiescent’ means in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy. ‘Active’ is its direct opposite.

Correct Answer: D) Genuine

Explanation: ‘Spurious’ means not being what it purports to be; false or fake. ‘Genuine’ means truly what something is said to be; authentic.

Correct Answer: C) Contemn

Explanation: To ‘venerate’ is to regard with great respect; revere. To ‘contemn’ is to treat or regard with contempt or scorn.

Correct Answer: D) Foolish

Explanation: ‘Sagacious’ means having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise or shrewd. ‘Foolish’ is a clear antonym.

Correct Answer: D) Negligent

Explanation: ‘Scrupulous’ means diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details. It also means very concerned to avoid doing wrong. ‘Negligent’ means failing to take proper care over something.

Correct Answer: C) Cacophony

Explanation: ‘Euphony’ is the quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through a harmonious combination of words. ‘Cacophony’ is a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Correct Answer: D) Inflame

Explanation: To ‘assuage’ is to make an unpleasant feeling less intense. To ‘inflame’ is to provoke or intensify strong feelings, especially anger, in someone.