Solved Examples Set 2 (Antonyms)

1. APPROBATION

   1. probation
   2. guilt
   3. disapproval
   4. disavowal
   5. disaffected

   (C. disapproval) Approbation means approval. Choice A probation is a period of time for examination or evaluation. Choice C disapproval means objection, and is the opposite of approbation. Choice D disavowal means a denial of responsibility. Choice E disaffection means discontent.

2. ORNERY

   1. with many faults
   2. odorless
   3. agreeable in disposition
   4. fetid
   5. highly decorated

   (C. agreeable in disposition) Ornery means disagreeable, mean, crotchety. The adjective fetid, choice D, means noisome, stinking.

3. SUCCULENT

   1. harshly astringent
   2. axiomatic
   3. quietly reclusive
   4. parched
   5. highly spiced

   (D. parched) Succulent means full of juice, juicy. Choice D parched means dried out. Choice B axiomatic means self-evident.

4. PATHOLOGICAL

   1. Sick
   2. Healthy
   3. Unrealizable
   4. Selective
   5. Chemicals

   (B. Healthy) Pathological here refers to a negative characteristic, the correct choice is positive, Healthy.

5. IMBROGLIO

   1. imbibition
   2. proviso
   3. fracas
   4. clarification
   5. settlement

   (E. settlement) Imbroglio means a noisy fight or a dispute. Choice E settlement is the best opposite. Choice A imbibition means to absorb ideas into the mind. Choice B proviso means something insisted on as part of an agreement, with each side giving up some of its demands. Choice C fracas is also a noisy dispute or brawl.

6. LABYRINTHINE

   1. flowery
   2. direct
   3. amazing
   4. dark
   5. towering

   (B. direct) Labyrinthine means mazelike. The best opposite is direct, which means straightforward.

7. LOUCHE

   1. inflexible
   2. manifest
   3. reputable
   4. wolflike
   5. gloomy

   (C. reputable) Louche means shady, disreputable. Choice B manifest means evident. Choice C reputable means having a good reputation.

8. RECONDITE

   1. obvious
   2. plane
   3. fit
   4. cryptic
   5. cabalistic

   (A. obvious) Recondite means mystical or profound. Obvious means apparent. Plane means flat. Fit means trim. Ambiguous means cryptic. Cabalistic means abstruse or incomprehensible.

9. TRAVAIL

   1. fetters
   2. repose
   3. smear
   4. illumination
   5. remainder

   (B. repose) The noun travail means toil, hard labor; its opposite here is repose, which means to rest.

10. ALTRUISTIC

    1. selfish
    2. below sea level
    3. interdisciplinary
    4. nonalcoholic
    5. self-reliant

    (A. selfish) Altruistic means benevolent, generous, or unselfishly concerned for others. Choice A is the best opposite.

11. FERVENT

    1. intermittent
    2. parietal
    3. bland
    4. resonant
    5. sublime

    (C. bland) The adjective fervent means ardent, intensely felt, the opposite of bland, which means dull or tasteless. Choice A intermittent means periodic or recurrent. Choice B parietal means pertaining to a wall. Choice D resonant means resounding or vibrant. Choice E sublime means elevated, outstanding, or lofty.

12. BOMB

    1. inception
    2. task
    3. divot
    4. storm
    5. hit

    (E. hit) A bomb is American theater terminology for a failure, the opposite of hit.

13. EUPHORIA

    1. mandate
    2. intoxicant
    3. life
    4. euthanasia
    5. gloom

    (E. gloom.) Euphoria means a feeling of well-being or elation. Choice A mandate means an order or command. Choice B intoxicant means a mind-altering substance. Choice D euthanasia means mercy killing. Choice E gloom means sadness or depression.

14. PROCEED

    1. secede
    2. succeed
    3. impede
    4. lead
    5. recede

    (E. recede.) Proceed means move forward, go ahead as planned. Choice E recede means to move backward. Choice A secede means to withdraw or quit. Choice C impede means to slow down.

15. INTERCEDE

    1. intercept
    2. disrupt
    3. supersede
    4. intervene
    5. question

    (B. disrupt) Intercede means to mediate, to help two sides reach an agreement. Choice A intercept means to take something away. Choice B disrupt means to push apart. Choice C supersede means to replace or overrule. Choice D intervene means to intercede.

16. BOMBASTIC

    1. Creative
    2. Selfish
    3. Artistic
    4. Polite
    5. Overbearing

    (D. Polite) Bombastic is a very strong word that means boastful. Notice that it simply sounds like a strong word. The best opposite here is Polite.

17. CAPTIOUS

    1. eager
    2. deprived
    3. indulgent
    4. free
    5. anxious

    (C. indulgent) Captious means quick to find fault, carping. The opposite is indulgent.

18. PRETERNATURAL

    1. customary
    2. naturalistic
    3. adventitious
    4. unnatural
    5. pernicious

    (A. customary) Preternatural means extraordinary. Customary means normal or regular. Naturalistic means based on natural desires or events. Adventitious means fortuitous. Unnatural means artificial or abnormal. Pernicious means harmful or wicked.

19. CHIVALROUS

    1. gallant
    2. discourteous
    3. civilized
    4. armored
    5. vainglorious

    (B. discourteous.) Chivalrous means positive or high-minded. Choice A gallant means brave or courageous. Choice B discourteous means not courteous. Choice E vainglorious means marked by excessive pride and vanity.

20. HERETICAL

    1. skeptical
    2. orthodox
    3. unorthodox
    4. ethereal
    5. insincere

    (B. orthodox) Heretical means challenging conventional beliefs. Choice A skeptical means inclined not to believe. Choice B orthodox means to accept conventional beliefs. Choice C unorthodox means unconventional. Choice D ethereal means light and delicate or heavenly. Choice E insincere means hypocritical, not sincere.

Solved Examples Set 1
Solved Examples Set 2
Solved Examples Set 3