Synonyms ( Letter B)

A bridle is a piece of equipment used to control a horse, consisting of a headstall, bit, and reins. The verb 'to bridle' means to control or restrain, making 'control' the correct answer. This is opposite in meaning to letting loose or rampaging.

Burly means having a large, strong, heavy build. "Big and strong" directly captures this meaning. Other options like "weak" or "affected" are opposite or unrelated.

Brackish specifically refers to water that is salty or briny, often a mixture of fresh and salt water. "Clear," "clean," and "sweet" are incorrect opposites.

Burgeon means to grow, develop, or flourish rapidly, especially of plants or businesses. "Dampen," "weaken," "wilt," and "vanish" are antonyms indicating decline.

Bumptious describes someone who is arrogantly self-assertive or conceited. "Courteous," "simple," "affable," and "adorable" describe positive, modest traits that are opposite in meaning.

Bleak can describe a landscape that's bare and desolate, or a situation that seems hopeless and gloomy. "Unhopeful" captures the figurative meaning. Positive words like "warm" and "comfort" are opposites.

 Bulwark is a type of fortification, that is ...a protective wall or embankment.

Blandish means to coax or influence through gentle flattery. "Press," "compel," and "defraud" imply force or deception, which are different from subtle persuasion through flattery.

Bicker refers to petty arguing or quarreling over minor issues. Unlike "discuss" or "conclude," it carries a sense of conflict and triviality.

Beseech means to ask urgently or fervently for something, often implying desperation. Unlike "demand," "order," or "command," beseeching conveys humility and need.

Benign means harmless, gentle, or not dangerous, especially in medical contexts. "Malign," "malicious," and "destructive" are its direct opposites.

Beleaguer means to besiege, surround, or harass continuously. Unlike "fortify," "help," or "protect," it implies an ongoing assault or pressure.

A behemoth is an enormous creature, specifically a huge animal. "Saintly" and "angelic" describe moral qualities, while "tiny creature" is the opposite.

Buoyant primarily means able to float, but figuratively means cheerful and optimistic. While the word's literal sense relates to floating, "hopeful" captures the figurative meaning of being optimistic.

Boisterous means rough, energetic, and noisy in behavior. 'Violent' is the closest match among the options, as it conveys a similar sense of intensity and forcefulness, unlike calm or composed alternatives.

Beguile means to deceive, mislead, or charm someone into thinking something that isn't true. 'Deceive' directly captures this meaning of tricking or misleading someone.

A bastion is a strong defensive position or fortified area. 'Stronghold' is the perfect synonym, as it directly refers to a fortified place that provides protection.

Bogus refers to something fake, counterfeit, or not genuine. 'Sham' correctly captures this meaning, as it describes something designed to deceive or imitate the real thing.

Bane refers to a cause of great distress, annoyance, or harm - something that can ruin or destroy. 'Destruction' captures the destructive consequence that a bane brings.

To balk means to obstinately refuse to proceed or to avoid an obligation. 'Shirk' captures the sense of evading or avoiding what one should do, making it the closest match among the options.

Baleful means threatening, menacing, or causing harm. 'Malignant' correctly captures this sense of something dangerous or harmful, making it the perfect synonym among the options.

Bestow means to give or present something as an honor or gift. 'Grant' correctly captures this meaning of giving or conferring something, making it the right choice.

Blatant means completely obvious, open, and unashamed. 'Noisy' relates to the original meaning of something that cannot be ignored, similar to how blatant behavior draws attention through its obviousness.

Bestial refers to brutal, savage, or beastly behavior and qualities. 'Nasty' captures the unpleasant and cruel nature associated with such behavior, making it an appropriate synonym.

A bevy refers to a group, particularly of birds (like quail) or a collection of people or things. 'Group' directly captures this meaning of a collection or gathering.