Solved Examples Set 3 (Antonyms)

1. NEBULOUS

   1. astronomical
   2. distinct
   3. eccentric
   4. hopeful
   5. moribund

   (B. distinct) Nebulous means vague or hazy. Choice B distinct means clear, single, particular, or discrete. The adjective moribund, choice E, means dying.

2. MODERATE

   1. calm
   2. reason
   3. whisper
   4. intensify
   5. lead

   (D. intensify.) Moderate means to make less intense. Choice D intensify means to make more intense.

3. PURITANIC

   1. controlled by hand
   2. making fast
   3. imposing
   4. freewheeling
   5. obtuse

   (D. freewheeling) The adjective puritanic means excessively strict in morals. The most nearly opposite choice here is choice D freewheeling. Choice E obtuse means dull-witted, dense, or ignorant.

4. 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.

5. IRONIC

   1. literary
   2. figurative
   3. analogous
   4. mysterious
   5. literal

   (E. literal) Ironic means using words to express the opposite of their literal meaning. Choice B figurative means metaphoric, a kind of literary comparison. Choice C analogous means a resemblance between two things that are otherwise unlike. Choice E literal means exact or verbatim.

6. PRECURSOR

   1. sequel
   2. pointer
   3. tyro
   4. claimant
   5. afterthought

   (A. sequel) A precursor is a thing or person that precedes, but a sequel, choice A, is something that comes after. A tyro, choice C, is a novice or beginner. A claimant, choice D, is one who makes a claim.

7. 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.

8. HUGGER-MUGGER

   1. incarcerate
   2. eat heartily
   3. dance wildly
   4. keep watch
   5. publicize

   (E. publicize) As a verb, hugger-mugger means to hush up. Choice E publicize means to announce, promote, or advertise. To incarcerate, choice A, is to imprison.

9. PALPABLE

   1. pliable
   2. facetious
   3. evident
   4. intangible
   5. careful

   (D. intangible) Palpable means easily perceived, obvious, tangible. Choice A pliable means flexible, easily influenced. Choice B facetious means intending to be funny. Choice D intangible means not tangible.

10. CAPTIOUS

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

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

11. 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.

12. KUDOS

    1. reward
    2. regrets
    3. obloquy
    4. freedom
    5. glorification

    (C. obloquy) Kudos is a singular noun meaning glory, fame, or prestige. The opposite of kudos is obloquy, which means disgrace, discredit, or dishonor.

13. ABSTEMIOUS

    1. self-indulgent
    2. on the dole
    3. self-sacrificing
    4. off the mark
    5. self-satisfied

    (A. self-indulgent) Abstemious means self-denying, temperate.

14. SCRUTINIZE

    1. skim
    2. devour
    3. elaborate
    4. comprehend
    5. question

    (A. skim.) Scrutinize means to examine something thoroughly and carefully. Choice A skim means to glance at or read quickly. Choice B devour means to hungrily or greedily consume.

15. OVERWROUGHT

    1. relaxed
    2. restrained
    3. underutilized
    4. flawed
    5. underestimated

    (A. relaxed.) Overwrought means overcome by nervous agitation or being overexcited. Choice A relaxed means an absence of tension or tightness.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. INFAMOUS

    1. eager for praise
    2. criminal
    3. with a good reputation
    4. heinous
    5. appearing often

    (C. with a good reputation) Infamous means having a bad reputation. The adjective heinous, choice D, means evil, abominable.

19. ELEVATED

    1. grounded
    2. raised
    3. excited
    4. subterranean
    5. moody

    (D. subterranean.) Elevated means above the ground. Choice A grounded means connected to the earth. Choice D subterranean means beneath the surface.

20. 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.

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