Synonyms and Antonyms: Exam Vocabulary

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Choose the word closest in meaning to "rapid".

   • A.slow
   • B.heavy
   • C.quiet
   • D.swift✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: "Rapid" means moving at great speed, so "swift" is its synonym.

2. Q2.Choose the word closest in meaning to "commence".

   • A.conclude
   • B.avoid
   • C.delay
   • D.begin✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: "Commence" means to begin or start.

3. Q3.Choose the word opposite in meaning to "ancient".

   • A.historic
   • B.aged
   • C.old
   • D.modern✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: "Ancient" means very old; its opposite is "modern". The other options are close in meaning to "ancient".

4. Q4.Choose the word opposite in meaning to "generous".

   • A.kind
   • B.stingy✓ Correct Answer
   • C.liberal
   • D.noble

   Explanation: "Generous" means willing to give freely; "stingy" means unwilling to spend or give.

5. Q5.Choose the word closest in meaning to "enormous".

   • A.tiny
   • B.narrow
   • C.weak
   • D.huge✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: "Enormous" means very large, the same as "huge".

6. Q6.Choose the word opposite in meaning to "victory".

   • A.triumph
   • B.success
   • C.defeat✓ Correct Answer
   • D.conquest

   Explanation: "Victory" is winning; its opposite is "defeat".

7. Q7.Choose the word closest in meaning to "abundant".

   • A.scarce
   • B.plentiful✓ Correct Answer
   • C.rare
   • D.limited

   Explanation: "Abundant" means existing in large quantities, i.e. plentiful.

8. Q8.Choose the word closest in meaning to "candid".

   • A.frank✓ Correct Answer
   • B.deceitful
   • C.hesitant
   • D.formal

   Explanation: "Candid" means truthful and straightforward, so "frank".

9. Q9.Choose the word closest in meaning to "diligent".

   • A.lazy
   • B.careless
   • C.hardworking✓ Correct Answer
   • D.clever

   Explanation: "Diligent" means showing steady, careful effort, i.e. hardworking.

10. Q10.Choose the word opposite in meaning to "optimistic".

    • A.pessimistic✓ Correct Answer
    • B.hopeful
    • C.cheerful
    • D.confident

    Explanation: An optimist expects good outcomes; a pessimist expects bad ones.

11. Q11.Choose the word closest in meaning to "meagre".

    • A.scanty✓ Correct Answer
    • B.ample
    • C.rich
    • D.heavy

    Explanation: "Meagre" means small in quantity, so "scanty".

12. Q12.Choose the word opposite in meaning to "transparent".

    • A.clear
    • B.thin
    • C.glassy
    • D.opaque✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: A transparent substance lets light through; an opaque one does not.

13. Q13.Choose the word closest in meaning to "obstinate".

    • A.flexible
    • B.stubborn✓ Correct Answer
    • C.gentle
    • D.humble

    Explanation: "Obstinate" means refusing to change one's mind, i.e. stubborn.

14. Q14.Choose the word opposite in meaning to "expand".

    • A.contract✓ Correct Answer
    • B.grow
    • C.extend
    • D.widen

    Explanation: To expand is to become larger; to contract is to become smaller.

15. Q15.Choose the word closest in meaning to "eminent".

    • A.distinguished✓ Correct Answer
    • B.unknown
    • C.humble
    • D.ordinary

    Explanation: "Eminent" means famous and respected within a field.

16. Q16.Choose the word opposite in meaning to "benevolent".

    • A.kind
    • B.malevolent✓ Correct Answer
    • C.charitable
    • D.generous

    Explanation: "Benevolent" means well-meaning; "malevolent" means wishing harm to others.

17. Q17.Choose the word closest in meaning to "ephemeral".

    • A.eternal
    • B.fragile
    • C.short-lived✓ Correct Answer
    • D.harmful

    Explanation: "Ephemeral" describes something that lasts only a very short time.

18. Q18.Choose the word opposite in meaning to "zenith".

    • A.summit
    • B.peak
    • C.nadir✓ Correct Answer
    • D.apex

    Explanation: The zenith is the highest point; the nadir is the lowest point.

19. Q19.Choose the word closest in meaning to "pragmatic".

    • A.idealistic
    • B.theoretical
    • C.practical✓ Correct Answer
    • D.emotional

    Explanation: "Pragmatic" means dealing with things sensibly and realistically.

20. Q20.Choose the word opposite in meaning to "verbose".

    • A.wordy
    • B.concise✓ Correct Answer
    • C.eloquent
    • D.lengthy

    Explanation: "Verbose" means using more words than needed; "concise" means brief and to the point.