English Language
Vocabulary and Synonyms
18,261 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
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medicine to induce sleep or deaden pain
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(of a person or book) learned
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insolent
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wretch
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brazen means bold, insolent, or shameless in behavior. Option A (medicine to induce sleep) is the definition of 'anesthetic'. Option B (learned) describes 'erudite'. Option D (wretch) could be 'villain' or 'reprobate'. The word suggests audacity without shame.
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individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage of circumstances
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avoid habitually
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width
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stingy
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Breadth means width, the extent from side to side. Option A refers to 'opportunist'. Option B (avoid habitually) could be 'shun'. Option D (stingy) means 'parsimonious'. The word is often used metaphorically for scope or comprehensiveness.
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infamy
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hard to understand
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produce young
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doubts
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Breed as a verb means to produce young or offspring through reproduction. Option A (infamy) might be 'disgrace'. Option B (hard to understand) is 'obscure'. Option D (doubts) could be 'qualms' or 'reservations'. The word refers to procreation in animals or plants.
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person who looks on the bright side
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adopt
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harness fitted about a horse's head (used to restrain)
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wrong or improper name
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Bridle is a harness fitted about a horse's head, used to restrain and control the animal. Option A (optimist) might be confused with 'bright'. Option B (adopt) is not related. Option D (wrong name) is 'misnomer'. The word also appears metaphorically as 'bridling' at someone's behavior.
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most favorable
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respect
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uppermost edge of a cup
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hatred of marriage
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brim means the uppermost edge of a cup, vessel, or hat. Option A (most favorable) might be 'optimal'. Option B (respect) is 'deference' or 'regard'. Option D (hatred of marriage) is 'misogamy' combined with other concepts. Think of the phrase 'brim-full' or 'to the brim'.
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not compulsory
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(of a person) worthy of esteem
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tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)
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hater of woman
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brindled describes an animal (especially a dog or cat) with tawny or grayish fur featuring streaks or spots. Option A (not compulsory) is 'optional'. Option B (worthy of esteem) is 'estimable'. Option D (hater of women) is 'misogynist'. The term specifically describes coat patterns in animals.
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one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects
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separated
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edge (at the top of a cliff)
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object to be thrown or projected
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brink means the edge, especially at the top of a cliff or precipice - a point of danger or transition. Option A (eye doctor) is 'optometrist'. Option B (separated) is 'apart'. Option D (projectile) might be 'missile'. Think of 'on the brink of war' or 'brinkmanship'.
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extreme wealth
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like a spirit or fairy
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quick and active
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letter
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brisk means quick, active, and energetic. It describes movement or manner that is lively and swift. Option A is incorrect because extreme wealth would be described as affluent, not brisk. Option B refers to ethereal qualities unrelated to quickness. Option D is unrelated to the concept.
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work (esp. musical composition)
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relating to races
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short stiff hair
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very small object or insect-like creature
C
Correct answer
Explanation
A bristle is a short, stiff hair or fiber. Bristles are found on animals like boars and on items like toothbrushes. Option A refers to composition, not hair structure. Option B suggests racial connections which are incorrect. Option D describes small entities, not the specific stiff hair structure.
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of an oracle
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study of humankind
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rising like bristles
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appease
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Bristling means rising up like bristles - standing stiffly or erect. It describes hair, feathers, or spines that are raised upright. Option A refers to prophetic speech. Option B is anthropology, the study of humans. Option D means to calm or satisfy, the opposite of the tense state bristling implies.
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public speaker
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underlying character of a culture, group, etc.
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hard but easily broken
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pertaining to memory
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brittle describes something hard but easily broken or cracked. Materials like glass, dry wood, and某些 plastics are brittle - they shatter under stress rather than bending. Option A is an orator, unrelated to material properties. Option B refers to cultural ethos. Option D relates to memory function.
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dramatic poem set to music
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study of word parts
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introduce as a subject
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movable
C
Correct answer
Explanation
To broach means to introduce a subject, especially a delicate or difficult one for discussion. It means bringing up a topic for conversation or consideration. Option A is an opera or dramatic musical work. Option B is morphology, the study of word forms. Option D means capable of being moved.
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decree or command
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pertaining to the improvement of race
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rich, figured(patterned) fabric
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ridicule
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brocade is a rich, figured fabric with raised patterns woven into it. It's a heavy decorative cloth often used in formal clothing and upholstery. Option A is an authoritative order. Option B refers to eugenics or racial improvement theories. Option D means to mock or criticize humorously.
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severe trial or affliction
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praising
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pamphlet
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prevailing style
C
Correct answer
Explanation
A brochure is a pamphlet or small booklet providing information or advertising. It's a printed promotional material, often folded, that presents product or service information. Option A means hardship or suffering. Option B is the act of commending or giving praise. Option D refers to current fashion trends.
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decree
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expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone's death
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cook by direct heat
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limited quantity
C
Correct answer
Explanation
To broil means to cook by direct heat, typically from above like in a broiler or oven. It's a cooking method that exposes food directly to high radiant heat. Option A is an official proclamation or order. Option B is a eulogy, praise given at someone's death. Option D means a restricted or small amount.