Worksheet Solutions: Synonyms & Antonyms

Q1: Choose the word which is most similar in meaning (synonym) to the words given in underline.  
(i) Autocratic
(a) Cooperative                                              
(b) Dictatorial
(c) Inspirational  
(d) Charitable
(e) None of these
Ans: (b)
Explanation: The adjective autocratic describes a person or ruler who exercises absolute power in a harsh or unreasonable way. Dictatorial carries the same sense of rule by one person with absolute authority. Both words imply control without consultation. Example: An autocratic manager makes decisions without seeking staff input.

(ii) Demonstrate
(a) Remonstrate  
(b) Show  
(c) Witness
(d) Complain
(e) None of these
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Demonstrate means to make something clear or visible, often by showing evidence or performing an action that illustrates it. Show is the direct synonym because it also means to present or display something so others can see or understand it. Example: She demonstrated the experiment to show how the reaction works.

(iii) Defer
(a) Postpones    
(b) Different  
(c) Accept
(d) Disagree
(e) None of these
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Defer means to put off or delay something to a later time. Therefore, postpones is the appropriate synonym. Example: The committee deferred the decision until more information was available.

(iv) Daring
(a) Brilliant    
(b) Energetic  
(c) Enthusiastic    
(d) Courageous
(e) None of these
Ans: (d)
Explanation: Daring describes someone willing to take risks or face danger. Courageous is the closest synonym because it denotes bravery in the face of difficulty. Example: The rescuers performed a daring, courageous operation to save the trapped climbers.

(v) Deliberate
(a) Purposeless      
(b) Perpetrate
(c) Intentional
(d) Intervention
(e) None of these
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Deliberate means planned or done on purpose rather than by accident. Thus, intentional is the correct synonym. Example: The comment was a deliberate attempt to change people's minds.

Q2: Choose the word opposite in meaning (antonym) to the words given in underline.
(i) Abundance
(a) Scanty
(b) Tiny  
(c) Scarcity  
(d) Deficient
(e) None of these
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Abundance means a large quantity or more than enough. Scarcity is its direct opposite, meaning a shortage or lack of sufficient supply. Example: While this region enjoys abundance of water, nearby areas face scarcity.

(ii) Vice
(a) Fame                          
(b) Virtue    
(c) Fortune    
(d) Fate
(e) None of these
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Vice refers to immoral or wicked behaviour. Virtue means moral goodness or a commendable quality. Therefore, virtue is the antonym of vice. Example: Honesty is a virtue; dishonesty is a vice.

(iii) Provoke
(a) Soothe  
(b) Incite  
(c) Smoothen  
(d) Entice
(e) None of these
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Provoke means to stir up a reaction, often anger or irritation. Soothe is the opposite because it calms or relieves. Example: His harsh words provoked anger, while a gentle tone would soothe the listener.

(iv) Unanimity
(a) Amity  
(b) Enmity    
(c) Disagreement  
(d) Dissatisfaction
(e) None of these
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Unanimity means complete agreement among all members of a group. Disagreement is the direct antonym, indicating a lack of consensus. Example: The council reached unanimity on the motion; earlier there had been disagreement.

(v) Renowned
(a) Famous  
(b) Owned  
(c) Un owned  
(d) Unknown
(e) None of these
Ans: (d)
Explanation: Renowned means celebrated or widely known. Unknown is its opposite, meaning not famous or not recognised. Example: The author became renowned after the novel's success; before that she was virtually unknown.

Q3: Read the following paragraph and answer the following question
"These bottles are harrowing. How could you spend so much money on something that is so drab? You should have called me and confirmed at least. This is what you always do!"
Which of the following words represents the antonym for the word in bold?
(a) Gruesome              
(b) Horrible            
(c) Attractive             
(d) Adorable

Q4: Read the following paragraph and answer the question that follows,
Most of the human history has been the Paleolithic period or the old stone age. There is also a mesolithic period that comes about 20000 years ago. The exponential change in the development of the human civilization, however, came in the recent few centuries.
The word in the bold can be replaced by the following word without changing the meaning of the sentence.
(a) Tremendous              
(b) Fast                 
(c) Great             
(d) Increasing

Q5: What is the most appropriate antonym for the given word?
Extremist
(a) Absolutist
(b) Fanatic
(c) Zealot
(d) Radical
(e) Moderate
Ans: (e)
Explanation: An extremist holds views that are far from the centre and often advocates extreme measures. A moderate holds reasonable, balanced opinions and avoids extreme positions. Thus, 'moderate' is the clear antonym. Example: Extremists pushed for uncompromising changes, while moderates sought gradual reforms.

• Key Points 
• "Extremist" is a person who holds extreme or fanatical political or religious views, particularly one who resorts to or advocates extreme action.
  • Example - The extremist views of the group have led to several violent outbursts in the area.
• "Moderate", on the other hand, is a person who holds views that aren't extreme; they are generally reasonable and balanced.
  • Example - His moderate approach to the situation enabled a smooth negotiation and solution.
• Hence, the option that is opposite in meaning to "Extremist" is Moderate.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option (e)'.

Q6: What is the most appropriate antonym for the word?
Dismantle
(a) Construct
(b) Obfuscate
(c) Alienate
(d) Vacillate
(e) Elucidate
Ans: (a)
Explanation: Dismantle means to take something apart or to break it down into pieces. Construct means to build or assemble parts together. These two words are direct opposites in the context of building versus taking apart. Example: They dismantled the old shed and then constructed a new one in its place.

• Key Points
• "Dismantle" means to take apart, disassemble, or tear down.
  • Example - They had to dismantle the engine to find the problem.
• "Construct" means to build or form something by putting parts together.
  • Example - They will construct a new school building next year.
• Hence, the option that is opposite in meaning to the given word is Construct.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option (a)'.

Q7: What is the most appropriate antonym for the given word?
Precarity
(a) Lithe
(b) Stasis
(c) Desuetude
(d) Ubiquity
(e) Quiescence
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Precarity refers to a state of instability, uncertainty or insecure circumstances. Stasis means a stable condition without change or movement and therefore serves as an antonym. Example: The precarity of his job meant constant worry, while stasis would imply steady employment.

• Key Points 
• 'Precarity' is the state of being precarious or uncertain.
  • Example - The precarity of his employment meant that he never knew if he would still have a job the following week.
• 'Stasis' is a state or condition in which things do not change or progress, implying a sense of balance or stability.
  • Example - The nation is currently in a state of economic stasis.
• Hence, the option that is opposite in meaning to the given word 'Precarity' is 'Stasis'.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option (b)'.

Q8: What is the most appropriate synonym for the given word?
Assailant
(a) Tormentor
(b) Poltroon
(c) Altruist
(d) Philanthropist
(e) Verbose
Ans: (a)
Explanation: An assailant is someone who attacks another person. A tormentor is someone who causes pain or distress to another, often by attacking or harassing. Because both imply causing harm or attack, tormentor is the closest synonym. Example: The police searched for the assailant who had tormented the victim.

• Key Points
• "Assailant" is a person who physically attacks another. It implies someone who initiates a hostile action.
  • Example - The police are still on the lookout for the assailant involved in last night's brawl.
• "Tormentor" is someone who causes great physical or mental pain to others. Just like an assailant, a tormentor instigates harm or suffering.
  • Example - Despite being seen as a friendly face, behind closed doors, he was a tormentor to his family.
• Hence, the option that is similar in meaning to the given word "Assailant" is 'Tormentor'.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option (a)'.

Q9: What is the most appropriate synonym for the word?
Disconsolate
(a) Mercurial
(b) Despondent
(c) Candid
(d) Frivolous
(e) Erratic
Ans: (b)
Explanation: Disconsolate means deeply unhappy and without comfort. Despondent similarly means gloomy or in low spirits because of loss of hope. Therefore, despondent is the correct synonym. Example: The team was disconsolate and despondent after the final defeat.

• Key Points
• "Disconsolate" means without any comfort or consolation, extremely unhappy or dejected.
  • Example - The team was disconsolate after losing the championship match.
• "Despondent" means in low spirits from loss of hope or courage.
  • Example - The explorer became despondent after weeks of searching to no avail.
• Hence, the option that is similar in meaning to the given word is 'Despondent'.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option (b)'.