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.
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Vocabulary and Synonyms Questions
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illicit lover
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advocate of the extension of voting rights (for women)
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subside or moderate
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invioably sacred
C
Correct answer
Explanation
To abate means to become less intense or widespread. 'Subside or moderate' correctly defines the term. The other options describe a lover (paramour), a suffragette, or something sacred (sacrosanct).
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psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or persecution
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spread through or over (with a color or liquid)
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shorten
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inclined to cruelty
C
Correct answer
Explanation
To abbreviate is to make a word, phrase, or story shorter by omitting parts of it. 'Shorten' is the correct definition. The other options describe paranoia, suffusion, or sadism.
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restate a passage in one's own words while retaining thought of author
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silently showing ill humor or resentment
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abnormal or deviant
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wise
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Aberrant means departing from an accepted standard or what is normal. 'Abnormal or deviant' is the correct definition. The other options describe paraphrasing, being sullen, or being wise (sagacious).
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extremely dry
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(of weather) hot
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assist usually in doing something wrong
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lascivious
C
Correct answer
Explanation
To abet is to encourage or assist someone to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime. The other options describe dryness (arid), heat, or lustfulness (lascivious), which are unrelated to the verb 'abet'.
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cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a knife)
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grand suggesting great expense
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detest
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salty
C
Correct answer
Explanation
To abhor something is to regard it with disgust and hatred. 'Detest' is a synonymous verb. The other options describe peeling (pare), expensive/grand (sumptuous), or salty (briny), which do not match the definition.
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social outcast
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separate
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dwell
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(of the skin) yellowish and unhealthy-looking
C
Correct answer
Explanation
While 'abide' often means to tolerate or follow (abide by), its archaic or formal meaning is to 'dwell' or reside in a place. The other options (outcast, separate, yellowish skin) are definitions for other words like 'pariah' or 'sallow'.
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area in the care of a single priest and served by one main church
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miscellaneous
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(of a condition) wretched
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healthful
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Abject describes a situation or condition that is extremely bad, unpleasant, or degrading. '(of a condition) wretched' is an accurate definition. It is not related to parishes, miscellaneous items, or healthfulness.
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language
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haughty
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washing
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rescue (goods or property) from loss
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C. 'Ablution' refers to the act of washing oneself, often in a religious or ceremonial context. Option A refers to 'language', B describes 'haughty', and D means 'salvage' - none of which match the meaning of ablution.
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conference (between opponents)
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superfluous
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renunciation
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displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Abnegation is defined as the act of renouncing or rejecting something, typically a right, possession, or belief. 'Renunciation' is a direct synonym. The other options describe a conference, superfluity, or hypocrisy, which are unrelated.
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humorous imitation
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excessive
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cancel
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place of refuge
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C. 'Abolish' means to officially end or do away with a system, practice, or institution - to cancel or revoke it completely. Option A describes 'burlesque', B means 'inordinate', and D refers to 'asylum' - none of which match the meaning of abolish.
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fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage
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place over something else
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detestable
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bloody
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C. 'Abominable' means detestable, repulsive, or causing strong dislike - something utterly unpleasant. Option A describes 'paroxysm', B means 'superimpose', and D refers to 'sanguinary' - none of which match the meaning of abominable.
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floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosaic like matter
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person or thing excess of what is necessary
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loathe
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optimistic
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C. 'Abominate' means to loathe, detest, or hate intensely - to feel strong abhorrence toward something. Option A describes 'parquet', B refers to 'surplus', and D means 'sanguine' - none of which match the meaning of abominate.
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play with someone's socks
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to irritate someone
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to surprise someone completely
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none of the above
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The idiom 'knock someone's socks off' means to impress or surprise someone greatly with your performance, action, or achievement. It does not literally involve socks or playing with them. Option A incorrectly interprets it literally, while option B suggests irritation which is opposite to the positive connotation of this expression.
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potato on the couch
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someone who is happy to sit on the sofa and do nothing
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someone who is always brisk
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none of the above
B
Correct answer
Explanation
'Couch potato' refers to a person who spends much time sitting or lying down, typically watching television, and is generally inactive or lazy. The term describes a lifestyle, not an actual potato. Option A interprets it literally, while option C suggests being 'brisk' which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
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waste sock
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sounding happy
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sounding angry
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none of the above
C
Correct answer
Explanation
This Australian idiom describes someone who is agitated, aggressive, or angry - like a frog trapped in a sock trying to escape. The phrase captures energy and agitation in a humorous way. It's not about wasting socks or happiness, but specifically about sounding angry or worked up.