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: Select the correct option for the underlined words in the following sentence.

The water is too hot to bathe in.

  1. It is the case of the adverb plus an infinitive.

  2. It is the case of the noun plus an infinitive.

  3. It is the case of an adjective plus an infinitive.

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The structure 'too hot to bathe in' consists of the adjective 'hot' followed by an infinitive 'to bathe'. This is a classic example of an adjective plus infinitive construction where the infinitive completes the meaning of the adjective.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, the word in bold is used in four different ways, numbered 1 to 4. Choose the option in which the usage of word is incorrect or inappropriate. Crown

  1. The colonies revolted against the Crown.

  2. He was crowned the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Emperor of Japan.

  3. Mr. Jenkins crowned his performance with a show-stealing display on the musical glasses.

  4. A wonderful flower wreath crowned her head.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In the second sentence, 'Order' means a group of people upon whom a government or sovereign has formally conferred honor for unusual service or merit. Therefore, the verb should be awarded. Crowned means enthrone. Hence, (2) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, the word in bold is used in four different ways, numbered 1 to 4. Choose the option in which the usage of word is incorrect or inappropriate.

Scrape

  1. He hurriedly scraped a note before he ran to his car.

  2. They scraped a letter into the stone.

  3. She had scraped together enough money for college.

  4. She fell down and scraped her knee.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The process of writing quickly without any attention to detail is scribbling and not scraping. Hence (1) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, the word in bold is used in four different ways, numbered 1 to 4. Choose the option in which the usage of word is incorrect or inappropriate.

Drift

  1. That argument has caused a drift between the two families.

  2. His actions nevertheless suggest certain openness to the positivist drift to the times.

  3. The boat had drifted away into the night.

  4. Did you get the drift of his argument?
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The word in (1) should be 'rift', not 'drift'. Hence (1) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: In the following question, the word in bold is used in four different ways, numbered 1 to 4. Choose the option in which the usage of word is incorrect or inappropriate. Point

  1. Her resignation letter was short and to the point.

  2. Her point was well taken by the interview panel.

  3. There is no point in going over it once again.

  4. Though he is a politician, tact is not one of his strong point.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

As a politician, he must have some strong points and tact if not one of them. So 'points' would be the correct grammatical usage in this context. Hence (4) is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: For the following word, a contextual usage is provided. Pick the word from the alternatives given that is most inappropriate in the given context.

Mangy: This piece of cloth has become too mangy to be used in cleaning.

  1. Dirty

  2. Shabby

  3. Scruffy

  4. Stiff

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Mangy means shabby and filthy, sordid, squalid. Therefore, 'dirty' in (1), 'shabby' in (2) and 'scruffy' (shabby, unkempt, or untidy) in (3) are all synonyms of mangy. 'Stiff' is the only option that is not related to mangy. Hence, option (4) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: For the following word, a contextual usage is provided. Pick the word from the alternatives given that is most inappropriate in the given context.

Lurid: The lurid stories left the children scared.

  1. Shocking

  2. Sensational

  3. Garish

  4. Ordinary

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Lurid means vivid in a harsh or shocking way, hence, 'shocking', 'sensational' and 'garish'(too bright or gaudy, showy) will be it's synonyms. Hence, 'ordinary' in option (4) is the answer.

Multiple choice

Directions: For the following word, a contextual usage is provided. Pick the word from the alternatives given that is most inappropriate in the given context.

Revile: He does not hesitate to revile and abuse others.

  1. Praise

  2. Berate

  3. Disparage

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

Revile is to use abusive or contemptuous language in speaking to or about or call bad names. A look at the options would give us the right answer. 'Praise' in option (1) is opposite of revile which forms the answer.