English Vocabulary & Synonyms/Antonyms
By Home Academy
This practice set focuses on high-level vocabulary, idioms, and contextual usage to help you master competitive exams by home academy
1. The senator's apology was widely viewed as "too little, too late" after months of public outrage. The idiom "too little, too late" most precisely conveys that the apology:
A) Was insincere and strategically calculated
B) Failed to address the full extent of the controversy
C) Was inadequate in both substance and timing to be effective
D) Was overshadowed by more pressing political developments
Solution: C. The phrase refers to a response that is insufficient and comes after the damage is already done.
2. The committee's proposal, though ambitious, was dismissed as "a bridge too far." In this context, "a bridge too far" suggests that the proposal was:
A) Poorly structured
B) Conceptually sound but politically unpopular
C) Excessively ambitious beyond what was feasible
D) Intentionally provocative
Solution: C. An overambitious step that results in failure because it is beyond reach.
3. The scholar was known for his perspicacious analysis of complex philosophical texts. Which option is the closest synonym of perspicacious?
A) Methodical
B) Astute
C) Meticulous
D) Circumspect
Solution: B. Perspicacious means having ready insight; astute is the closest synonym.
4. The editor criticized the article for its prolix treatment of an otherwise simple topic. Which word is the most appropriate synonym of prolix?
A) Discursive
B) Redundant
C) Verbose
D) Diffuse
Solution: C. Prolix means using too many words; verbose is the direct synonym.
5. Her argument was praised for being cogent and logically compelling. Which option is the best antonym of cogent?
A) Specious
B) Tentative
C) Ambiguous
D) Superficial
Solution: A. Cogent is convincing; specious describes something that looks correct but is actually false.
6. The professor was admired for his equanimous response to harsh criticism. Which word is the most precise antonym of equanimous?
A) Volatile
B) Indifferent
C) Impulsive
D) Belligerent
Solution: A. Equanimous means calm; volatile refers to an unpredictable or explosive temperament.
7. Despite the chaotic environment, the leader remained imperturbable. Which word is a synonym for imperturbable?
A) Stoic
B) Agitated
C) Resilient
D) Composed
Solution: D. Imperturbable means unable to be upset or excited; calm.
8. The detective found the suspect's alibi to be quite tenuous. What is the antonym of tenuous?
A) Fragile
B) Substantial
C) Dubious
D) Vague
Solution: B. Tenuous means weak or slight; substantial means solid and strong.
9. The CEO's speech was full of platitudes that failed to inspire the staff. A platitude is:
A) A complex technical term
B) A profound philosophical insight
C) A dull or trite remark used as if it were original
D) An aggressive demand
Solution: C. Platitudes are overused statements.
10. His proclivity for adventure often led him to dangerous places. Synonym of proclivity?
A) Aversion
B) Hesitation
C) Penchant
D) Ignorance
Solution: C. Both words mean a natural tendency or liking.
11. The scientist’s theories were once considered heretical but are now mainstream. Antonym of heretical?
A) Orthodox
B) Radical
C) Erroneous
D) Esoteric
Solution: A. Orthodox means following traditional or accepted beliefs.
12. The village was known for its idyllic setting. Idyllic means:
A) Urban and crowded
B) Picturesque and peaceful
C) Harsh and unforgiving
D) Modern and high-tech
Solution: B. Usually used to describe a perfect, peaceful rural scene.
13. He was an ephemeral star, famous for a week and then forgotten. Synonym of ephemeral?
A) Eternal
B) Transitory
C) Notable
D) Consistent
Solution: B. Both words mean short-lived.
14. The negotiations reached an impasse after neither side would compromise. What is an impasse?
A) A breakthrough
B) A preliminary agreement
C) A deadlock
D) A heated argument
Solution: C. A situation in which no progress is possible.
15. She is known for her acerbic wit. Which word is a synonym of acerbic?
A) Sweet
B) Sharp
C) Mild
D) Kind
Solution: B. Acerbic means sharp and forthright (usually in a sarcastic way).
16. The young man was quite precocious for his age. Precocious means:
A) Physically strong
B) Developing certain abilities at an earlier age than usual
C) Shy and reserved
D) Prone to making mistakes
Solution: B. Often used for children who are unusually smart.
17. The judge’s ruling was based on a capricious whim rather than the law. Antonym of capricious?
A) Fickle
/B) Arbitrary
C) Steadfast
D) Impulsive
Solution: C. Capricious means unpredictable; steadfast means constant and firm.
18. The politician was accused of being a demagogue. A demagogue is someone who:
A) Appeals to prejudices rather than rational argument
B) Fights for the rights of the minority
C) Is an expert in economic policy
D) Remains neutral in all conflicts
Solution: A.
19. The smell of the old library was evocative of his childhood. Evocative means:
A) Bringing strong images or feelings to mind
B) Causing an allergic reaction
C) Smelling of damp and dust
D) Boring and repetitive
Solution: A.
20. The storm caused a myriad of problems for the small town. Synonym for myriad?
A) Few
B) Specific
C) Countless
D) Avoidable
Solution: C.
21. He gave a laconic reply to the lengthy question. What is the antonym of laconic?
A) Brief
B) Terse
C) Garrulous
D) Concise
Solution: C. Laconic means using few words; garrulous means excessively talkative.
22. The mountain air was incredibly salubrious. Salubrious means:
A) Health-giving
B) Cold and biting
C) Thin and difficult to breathe
D) Polluted
Solution: A.
23. The contract was null and void. Which word is a synonym of void?
A) Valid
B) Invalid
C) Binding
D) Important
Solution: B.
24. Her ubiquitous presence at every meeting was noted. Ubiquitous means:
A) Rare
B) Annoying
C) Found everywhere
D) Helpful
Solution: C.
25. The teacher’s pedantic style bored the students. Pedantic means:
A) Inspiring and creative
B) Overly concerned with minor details or rules
C) Easy-going and relaxed
D) Loud and aggressive
Solution: B.
26. He faced the challenge with great fortitude. Synonym of fortitude?
A) Cowardice
B) Intelligence
C) Courage
D) Indifference
Solution: C. Fortitude is courage in pain or adversity.
27. The evidence was incontrovertible. What is the antonym of incontrovertible?
A) Indisputable
B) Questionable
C) Clear
D) Final
Solution: B. Incontrovertible means not able to be denied.
28. The artist lived a parsimonious life despite his wealth. Parsimonious means:
A) Very generous
B) Very stingy
C) Very colorful
D) Very public
Solution: B. Unwilling to spend money.
29. The document was written in an abstruse language. Abstruse means:
A) Difficult to understand
B) Simple and clear
C) Modern and trendy
D) Rude and offensive
Solution: A. Obscure or complex.
30. He was exonerated after new evidence came to light. Antonym of exonerated?
A) Acquitted
B) Convicted
C) Released
D) Praised
Solution: B. Exonerated means cleared of blame.
31. The food at the party was insipid. Insipid means:
A) Delicious
B) Spicy
C) Lacking flavor
D) Expensive
Solution: C. Also means lacking vigor or interest.
32. The city was a melting pot of disparate cultures. Disparate means:
A) Identical
B) Essential
C) Essentially different in kind
D) Dangerous
Solution: C.
33. He is an inveterate liar. An inveterate habit is:
A) New and experimental
B) Long-established and unlikely to change
C) Easily broken
D) Secretive
Solution: B.
34. The news was a catalyst for the protest. A catalyst is:
A) A person who stops an event
B) A substance or event that increases the rate of change
C) A type of heavy machinery
D) A peaceful conclusion
Solution: B.
35. She has a loquacious personality. Synonym for loquacious?
A) Quiet
B) Talkative
C) Mean
D) Brave
Solution: B.
36. His insolent behavior led to his suspension. Antonym of insolent?
A) Disrespectful
B) Polite
C) Brave
D) Lazy
Solution: B. Insolent means showing a rude lack of respect.
37. The museum houses a vestige of the ancient civilization. A vestige is:
A) A complete record
B) A small trace or remnant
C) A modern recreation
D) A prophecy of the future
Solution: B.
38. The heavy rain was incessant. Incessant means:
A) Occasional
B) Never-ending
C) Welcome
D) Destructive
Solution: B.
39. He made a meticulous search of the room. Meticulous means:
A) Sloppy
B) Showing great attention to detail
C) Quick and careless
D) Unsuccessful
Solution: B.
40. The politician gave an equivocal answer. An equivocal answer is:
A) Clear and direct
B) Ambiguous or open to interpretation
C) Angry and loud
D) Correct and factual
Solution: B. Used to hide the truth or avoid committing to an opinion.