Synonyms and Antonyms: How to Approach Them — MCQs with Answers (Set 2)

‘Generous’ means giving freely; its opposite is ‘stingy’, unwilling to give or spend.

‘Alleviate’ means to make suffering or a problem less severe, close to ‘ease’.

‘Coerce’ means to pressure someone into doing something through force or threats.

‘Zealous’ means having great energy for a cause, similar to ‘enthusiastic’.

Here ‘viable’ means capable of working successfully, so ‘feasible’ is the closest synonym.

‘Austere’ describes something severe or strict in manner, matching ‘strict’.

‘Enigmatic’ means difficult to understand or interpret, close to ‘mysterious’.

‘Concur’ means to have the same opinion, similar to ‘agree’.

‘Vigilant’ means keeping careful watch for danger, similar to ‘watchful’.

‘Gregarious’ describes a person who is fond of company, similar to ‘sociable’.

‘Obsolete’ means no longer in use or out of date.

In this context, ‘candid’ means direct and honest, similar to ‘straightforward’.

‘Tenacious’ describes someone who holds firmly to a purpose, similar to ‘persistent’.

‘Prudent’ means acting with care and good judgment, similar to ‘wise’.

‘Candor’ means the quality of being open and truthful, matching ‘honesty’.

‘Adversity’ refers to difficult or unfortunate circumstances, close in meaning to ‘hardship’.

‘Frugal’ means being careful with money and avoiding waste; ‘thrifty’ means the same.

‘Diligent’ describes someone who works with care and persistent effort.

‘Ambiguous’ means open to more than one interpretation, so ‘unclear’ is the best synonym.

‘Meticulous’ means showing great attention to detail; ‘careful’ is the closest match.

‘Candid’ means open and honest in expression; ‘frank’ is its closest synonym.

The answer is admonished. To reprimand is to tell someone officially that you disapprove of their actions. To admonish is to tell someone strongly that you disapprove. Why the others fail: appreciated and praised show approval. Disliked is a feeling, not an official scolding. Memory hook: reprimand and admonish both scold.

The answer is malevolent. It comes from Latin male, meaning ill, plus a word for wishing. It is the opposite of benevolent. Why the others fail: benevolent, benign and benefactor all carry a kind or helpful sense. Memory hook: male means ill, bene means well.

“Benevolent” means kind and well-meaning. Its closest synonym is “Kind.” Root words like “bene-,” meaning good, can help you guess similar words.