English Language

Vocabulary and Synonyms

17,324 Questions

Vocabulary and synonyms are essential components of English language sections across competitive exams. This topic tests word associations, context meanings, and precise vocabulary skills. Regular practice helps test takers score higher in SSC, banking, and railway recruitment tests.

Finding exact synonymsWord substitutionVocabulary in contextAssociated word groups

Vocabulary and Synonyms Questions

Multiple choice

Directions: Answer the following question.

Which word is most similar in meaning to Squander?

  1. Collect

  2. Consume

  3. Fritter away

  4. Sprained
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Squander means to waste something, especially money or time, in a reckless or foolish manner. 'Fritter away' is an idiom with the same meaning - to waste or dissipate resources gradually. Collect is the opposite. Consume is neutral (using something, not wasting). Sprained is an injury, unrelated.

Multiple choice

Directions: Answer the following question.

Which word means 'to make greater'?

  1. Subdue

  2. Dilute

  3. Augment

  4. Entail
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'to make greater' means to increase in size, amount, or degree. Augment is the correct answer - it means to make something larger or greater. Subdue means to conquer or quieten (opposite of making greater). Dilute means to weaken or reduce strength. Entail means to involve or necessitate.

Multiple choice

Directions: Answer the following question.

Which word does not have a similar meaning to Forestall?

  1. Hinder

  2. Thwart

  3. Facilitate

  4. Impede
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Forestall means to prevent or obstruct something by taking advance action; synonyms include hinder, thwart, and impede. Facilitate is the correct answer as it means to make easier or help accomplish - the opposite of forestalling. Options A, B, and D are all synonyms of forestall.

Multiple choice

Directions: Answer the following question.

Which word does not have a similar meaning to Annihilate?

  1. Ratify

  2. Abolish

  3. Annul

  4. Revoke
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Annihilate means to destroy completely or utterly. Abolish, Annul, and Revoke all mean to cancel, put an end to, or invalidate - similar to destroy. Ratify means to formally approve or confirm, which is the opposite of destroying. Option A is the only word not similar in meaning.

Multiple choice

Directions: Answer the following question.

Which word means 'shorten'?

  1. Expand

  2. Contort

  3. Sneeze

  4. Compress
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The word 'shorten' means to make something brief or reduce its length. Compress is the correct answer - it means to press together or reduce in size/volume. Expand means to make larger (opposite). Contort means to twist. Sneeze is a bodily action, unrelated.

Multiple choice

Directions: Answer the following question.

Which word means 'open'?

  1. Bound

  2. Trendy

  3. Surround

  4. Ajar
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The word 'open' in this context refers to not being completely closed. Ajar is the correct answer - it means slightly open or partially open (like a door). Bound means tied or constrained. Trendy means fashionable. Surround means to encircle on all sides.

Multiple choice

Directions: Answer the following question.

Which word means 'worthy of respect'?

  1. Secular

  2. Venerable

  3. Temporal

  4. Provoke
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The word 'venerable' specifically means deserving of respect, especially due to age, wisdom, or character. 'Secular' means non-religious, 'temporal' means related to time rather than spiritual matters, and 'provoke' means to deliberately annoy or stimulate someone.

Multiple choice

Directions: For the word given above the table, match the dictionary definitions on the left (1, 2, 3, 4) with their corresponding usage on the right (A, B, C, D). Out of the four possibilities given in the boxes below the table, select the one that has all the definitions and their usage correctly matched.

ADHEREMeaning| Usage| | 1. to stick firmly| (A) You must adhere to all the rules.| | 2. glue or other substance used for sticking objects together| (B) He is an adherent of the religious sect.| | 3. to abide by, heed or keep to| (C) Tiles adhere to the wall.| | 4. a follower or supporter| (D) Contact adhesive is known for its strong adhesion.|
  1. 1. D
    2. B
    3. A
    4. C
  2. 1. C
    2. B
    3. D
    4. A
  3. 1. C
    2. D
    3. A
    4. B
  4. 1. A
    2. B
    3. D
    4. C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The usage (A), 'You must adhere to all rules' can be termed as to stick firmly or to abide i.e. either (1) or (3). This automatically deletes option (2) from answers. Now, (B) 'He is an adherent to the religions sect', only has ussage of (4) 'follower or supporter'. This combination is provided only in option (3). This marks it as correct answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: For the word given above the table, match the dictionary definitions on the left (1, 2, 3, 4) with their corresponding usage on the right (A, B, C, D). Out of the four possibilities given in the boxes below the table, select the one that has all the definitions and their usage correctly matched.

ADDRESSMeaning| Usage| | 1. a place where one lives or works| (A) He addressed himself to the chairman.| | 2. to indicate to whom and where something is to be sent| (B) We must address ourselves to the problem of unemployment.| | 3. to direct a speech to people| (C) Out address is 25 Church street, Centreville.| | 4. a formal word meaning to direct one's efforts or attention| (D) Address the parcel to my wife.|
  1. 1. A
    2. B
    3. C
    4. D
  2. 1. D
    2. B
    3. C
    4. A
  3. 1. C
    2. D
    3. A
    4. B
  4. 1. A
    2. B
    3. D
    4. C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Look at statement (A), 'He addressed himself to the chairman'. It refers neither to place of living nor indicates to whom and where something is sent. Also, it is not a formal word instead it depicts directing a speech. This marks usage of meaning (A) as (3). Only in option (3), this combination has been provided which marks it as correct answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the word that best expresses the meaning of the given word.

QUENCH

  1. Ignite

  2. Extinguish

  3. Arouse

  4. Light
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Quench means to satisfy a thirst, to extinguish or put out (fire/light), or to suppress. 'Extinguish' is the direct synonym when referring to putting out fire, light, or a burning sensation. 'Ignite', 'arouse', and 'light' are all antonyms - they mean to start or stimulate, not to stop or satisfy.