Example 1
Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Meticulous".
Answer: D) Careful
"Meticulous" means careful.
Synonyms questions for competitive exams: rules, worked examples and practice
Synonym questions ask for the word closest in meaning to a given word. Think of the word in a sentence, then find the option that fits the same sentence.
Key rules and formulas
- Use a short sentence to fix the meaning before reading the options.
- Eliminate antonyms and words of the wrong part of speech.
- Roots help: "bene" = good, "mal" = bad, "loqu" = speak.
- Choose the closest meaning, even if it is not exact.
Common traps
- Picking a word that is related but not similar in meaning.
- Falling for the antonym placed among the options.
Where Synonyms 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 most similar in meaning to "Diligent".
Answer: C) Hardworking
"Diligent" means hardworking.
Example 3
Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Abundant".
Answer: C) Plentiful
"Abundant" means plentiful.
More Synonyms practice questions
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Eminent".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Impeccable".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Haughty".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Scrutinize".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Mitigate".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Elated".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Deter".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Pragmatic".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Lethargic".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Gregarious".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Reticent".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Vindicate".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Cordial".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Obstinate".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Ubiquitous".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Fallacy".
- Choose the word most similar in meaning to "Gullible".
Frequently asked questions
What is Synonyms in competitive exams?
Synonym questions ask for the word closest in meaning to a given word. Think of the word in a sentence, then find the option that fits the same sentence.
Which exams ask Synonyms questions?
On MockBazaar, Synonyms 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 Synonyms?
Picking a word that is related but not similar in meaning.