Competitive Exams: English Language - Synonyms/Antonyms (Set 7)

Question 1

1. Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the underlined word: The defense attorney's trenchant analysis of the circumstantial evidence left the prosecution scrambling to reformulate their strategy.

A) Verbose

B) Incisive

C) Ambiguous

D) Superficial

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Trenchant means incisive, sharp, or keen in expression. Thus, 'incisive' is the correct synonym.

Question 2

2. Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word: Despite the chaotic environment of the trading floor, her imperturbable demeanor allowed her to execute high-stakes trades flawlessly.

A) Flustered

B) Serene

C) Indifferent

D) Stoic

Answer

Correct Answer: A

Imperturbable means calm and collected. Its opposite is 'flustered', which means agitated or confused.

Question 3

3. Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the underlined word: The diplomatic mission was characterized by furtive meetings in neutral territories, away from the prying eyes of the press.

A) Candid

B) Overt

C) Clandestine

D) Festive

Answer

Correct Answer: C

Furtive means characterized by stealth or secrecy. 'Clandestine' is a direct synonym meaning kept secret.

Question 4

4. Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word: The committee found the proposed urban plan to be viable, given the abundant municipal budget and community support.

A) Feasible

B) Impracticable

C) Lucrative

D) Rudimentary

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Viable means capable of working successfully. Its antonym is 'impracticable', meaning impossible to carry out in practice.

Question 5

5. Identify the pair of words that represents a synonymous relationship (words closest in meaning to each other):

A) Ephemeral / Transient

B) Cacophony / Harmony

C) Prodigal / Parsimonious

D) Obsequious / Domineering

Answer

Correct Answer: A

Both ephemeral and transient refer to things that are short-lived or fleeting, forming a synonymous pair.

Question 6

6. Identify the pair of words that represents an antonymous relationship (words opposite in meaning to each other):

A) Alacrity / Eagerness

B) Zenith / Nadir

C) Loquacious / Talkative

D) Mitigate / Alleviate

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Zenith is the highest point, whereas nadir is the lowest point, making them antonyms.

Question 7

7. Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the underlined word: The novel’s protagonist was known for her parsimonious habits, often keeping detailed ledgers of even the smallest household expenditures.

A) Generous

B) Miserly

C) Ostentatious

D) Extravagant

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Question 8

8. Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word: The governor's laconic reply to the lengthy petition surprised the journalists who were expecting a detailed statement.

A) Terse

B) Verbose

C) Taciturn

D) Curt

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Laconic means using very few words. 'Verbose', meaning using far too many words, is its direct antonym.

Question 9

9. Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the underlined word: After weeks of intense investigation, the audit team managed to elucidate the complex network of shell companies used for tax evasion.

A) Obscure

B) Clarify

C) Confound

D) Complicate

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Question 10

10. Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word: The old mansion, once a grand symbol of the family's wealth, had fallen into a state of decrepitude.

A) Dilapidation

B) Robustness

C) Decay

D) Senescence

Answer

Correct Answer: B

Decrepitude refers to a state of being worn out or ruined by age. 'Robustness' (strength/vigor) is its direct antonym.

Competitive Exams: English Language - Synonyms/Antonyms (Set 7)