Example 1
Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Encourage".
Answer: A) Discourage
"Discourage" is the opposite of "Encourage".
Antonyms questions for competitive exams: rules, worked examples and practice
Antonym questions ask for the word opposite in meaning to a given word.
Key rules and formulas
- Fix the meaning of the word first, then think of its opposite before reading the options.
- Eliminate synonyms of the word; they are common distractors.
- Prefixes change meaning: "un-", "in-", "dis-", "mal-".
- Match the part of speech (an adjective's antonym is an adjective).
Common traps
- Choosing a synonym by mistake when reading fast.
- Picking a word that is merely different rather than opposite.
Where Antonyms is asked
- IBPS Clerk Prelims (English Language)
- IBPS PO Prelims (English Language)
- SBI Clerk Prelims (English Language)
- SBI PO Prelims (English Language)
- SSC CGL Tier 1 (English Comprehension)
- SSC CGL Tier 2 (English Language & Comprehension)
- SSC CHSL Tier 1 (English Language)
Worked examples
Example 2
Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Lenient".
Answer: A) Strict
"Strict" is the opposite of "Lenient".
Example 3
Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Verbose".
Answer: C) Concise
"Concise" is the opposite of "Verbose".
More Antonyms practice questions
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Valiant".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Barren".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Shallow".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Ally".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Hostile".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Transparent".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Artificial".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Humble".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Rigid".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Courage".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Vague".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Inferior".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Obedient".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Exterior".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Ancient".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Ascend".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Scarcity".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Conceal".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Prosperity".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Zenith".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Expand".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Optimist".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Temporary".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Frugal".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Acquit".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Augment".
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to "Generous".
Frequently asked questions
What is Antonyms in competitive exams?
Antonym questions ask for the word opposite in meaning to a given word.
Which exams ask Antonyms questions?
On MockBazaar, Antonyms questions appear in IBPS Clerk Prelims, IBPS PO Prelims, SBI Clerk Prelims, SBI PO Prelims, SSC CGL Tier 1, SSC CGL Tier 2, SSC CHSL Tier 1.
What is the most common mistake in Antonyms?
Choosing a synonym by mistake when reading fast.