Antonyms are words that have the opposite meaning of a given word. The study of antonyms will not only help you choose the most appropriate word as you write; it will also sharpen your overall sense of language.
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Which of these words is most nearly the opposite of the word provided?
1. Withdraw
a. reduce
b. need
c. advance
d. want
Correct Answer – c.
Explanation – to withdraw means to remove or retreat; to advance is the opposite of retreat
2. Secret
a. friendly
b. covert
c. hidden
d. overt
Correct Answer – d.
Explanation – secret means hidden or covert; overt means open to view
3. Heartfelt
a. loving
b. insincere
c. unhealthy
d. humorous
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – heartfelt means expressing genuine feeling, or sincere, so insincere is its opposite
4. Impartial
a. hostile
b. biased
c. dislike
d. worried
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – impartial means to be without prejudice or bias, therefore biased is the opposite
5. Luminous
a. clear
b. dim
c. brittle
d. clever
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – luminous means radiating or reflecting light, or glowing; dim means dark or dull
6. Awe
a. borrow
b. shallow
c. low
d. contempt
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – awe means a sense of deep respect or veneration; contempt means a lack of respect, or disdain
7. Pit
a. group
b. peak
c. select
d. marry
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – a pit is a hole and a peak is the top of a hill or mountain
8. Rotund
a. round
b. unimportant
c. thin
d. dull
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – rotund means rounded or plump, therefore thin is the opposite
9. Talent
a. ungrateful
b. silent
c. show
d. inability
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – a talent is a special creative or artistic ability, therefore inability is the opposite
10. Common
a. strange
b. uneasy
c. quick
d. fast
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – common means ordinary or familiar; strange means unfamiliar
11. Brazen
a. bashful
b. boisterous
c. noisy
d. heated
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – brazen means to be defiant or insolent; bashful means to be shy or timid
12. Expect
a. attend
b. regret
c. despair
d. loathe
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to expect is to wait for or to look forward to; to despair is to lose all hope
13. Malodorous
a. acrid
b. pungent
c. fragrant
d. delicious
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – malodorous means to have a bad smell; fragrant means smelling sweet or delicate
14. Expound
a. besmirch
b. confuse
c. confine
d. condemn
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to expound means to explain; to confuse, or confound, is the opposite of expound
15. Pique
a. value
b. gully
c. smooth
d. soothe
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to pique means to excite or irritate; to soothe means to calm
16. Abate
a. free
b. augment
c. provoke
d. wane
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to abate means to reduce in degree or intensity; to augment means to increase
17. Dearth
a. lack
b. poverty
c. abundance
d. foreign
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – dearth means an inadequate supply or lack of something; abundance means an ample quantity, or wealth
18. Peaked
a. tired
b. arrogant
c. pointy
d. ruddy
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to be peaked is to appear pale or wan; to be ruddy is to have a healthy, red complexion
19. Abridge
a. shorten
b. extend
c. stress
d. easy
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to abridge means to shorten and to extend means to lengthen
20. Kindle
a. smother
b. detest
c. enemy
d. discourage
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to kindle means to start burning or ignite; to smother means to stifle or suppress
21. Meager
a. kind
b. generous
c. thoughtful
d. copious
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – meager means lacking in quality or quantity; copious means present in large quantity, or abundant
22. Philistine
a. novice
b. intellectual
c. pious
d. debutante
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – philistine is used disparagingly to describe a person guided by material rather than intellectual values; an intellectual is a person who engages in creative use of his or her intellect
23. Zenith
a. worst
b. apex
c. nadir
d. past
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – zenith means the highest point or the apex; nadir means the lowest point
24. Germane
a. irrelevant
b. indifferent
c. impartial
d. improvident
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – germane means to be appropriate or relevant, therefore irrelevant is the opposite
25. Irascible
a. determined
b. placid
c. reasonable
d. pliant
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – irascible means easily angered; placid means calm or serene
26. Approbate
a. ingratitude
b. condemn
c. dissatisfaction
d. master
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to approbate means to approve or sanction; to condemn means to declare wrong or to convict
27. Supercilious
a. unimportant
b. relevant
c. serious
d. meek
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – supercilious means coolly or patronizingly haughty; meek means enduring injury with patience and without resentment
28. Improvident
a. cautious
b. fortunate
c. proven
d. intelligent
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – improvident means lacking prudent foresight, or careless; cautious means to be wary or to exercise forethought
29. Demur
a. embrace
b. crude
c. boisterous
d. falter
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to demur means to delay or hesitate; to embrace means to accept readily or gladly; demure means coy
30. Fatuous
a. crafty
b. frugal
c. sensible
d. inane
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – fatuous means inanely foolish; sensible is its nearest opposite
31. Quiescent
a. lackadaisical
b. active
c. dull
d. prescient
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – quiescent means marked by inactivity or repose, therefore active is the opposite
32. Sartorial
a. cheerful
b. sincere
c. inelegant
d. homespun
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – sartorial means of or relating to tailored clothes; homespun means homemade
33. Sapient
a. hunched
b. strong
c. simple
d. simian
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – sapient means possessing great wisdom, or sage; one meaning of simple is deficient in intelligence
34. Matutinal
a. paternal
b. crepuscular
c. maritime
d. marsupial
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – matutinal means of or relating to the morning; crepuscular means relating to or resembling twilight
35. Impecunious
a. wealthy
b. cautious
c. hungry
d. tardy
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – impecunious means having little or no money, therefore wealthy is the opposite
36. Detain is most opposite to
a. release
b. silence
c. forget
d. prosper
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to detain means to hold or keep back; to release means to let go
37. Famous is most opposite to
a. boring
b. poor
c. obscure
d. untalented
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – famous means widely known; obscure means little known
38. Colossal is most opposite to
a. easy
b. tiny
c. graceful
d. roof
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – colossal means incredibly large, therefore tiny is the opposite
39. Fluid is most opposite to
a. solid
b. liquid
c. afraid
d. decent
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – a fluid is a substance that flows; a solid does not flow
40. continue is most opposite to
a. curve
b. argue
c. carry
d. pause
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to continue means to act without interruption; to pause means to stop temporarily
41. Labor is most opposite to
a. amuse
b. cat
c. rest
d. strive
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to labor means to work; to rest means to cease working
42. Brawny is most opposite to
a. swift
b. weak
c. strong
d. pale
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – brawny means muscled or strong, therefore weak is the opposite
43. Fickle is most opposite to
a. steady
b. kind
c. please
d. finagle
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – fickle means to lack steadiness, therefore steady is the opposite
44. Inept is most opposite to
a. clumsy
b. infer
c. competent
d. foolish
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – inept means to lack competence, therefore competent is the opposite
45. Pivotal is most opposite to
a. turning
b. wavy
c. unimportant
d. clear
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – pivotal means very important, or crucial, therefore unimportant is the opposite
46. Cursed is most opposite to
a. swore
b. pious
c. unfortunate
d. lucky
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – cursed means to be the subject of misfortune, or to be unlucky, therefore lucky is the opposite
47. Candid is most opposite to
a. unkind
b. blunt
c. valid
d. dishonest
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – candid means to be frank, or honest, therefore dishonest is the opposite
48. Flaunt is most opposite to
a. regard
b. sink
c. hide
d. propose
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to flaunt means to display showily, or to show off, therefore hide is the opposite
49. Heal is most opposite to
a. sew
b. foot
c. good
d. maim
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to heal means to restore to health; to maim means to injure
50. Pacify is most opposite to
a. excite
b. land
c. coddle
d. unhand
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to pacify means to soothe, or calm, therefore excite is the opposite
51. Sullen is most opposite to
a. dirty
b. cheerful
c. clean
d. risen
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – sullen means showing a disagreeable mood, or lacking cheer, therefore cheerful is the opposite
52. assure is most opposite to
a. alarm
b. reassure
c. quiet
d. unsure
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to assure means to make sure by removing doubt or worry; alarm means to give warning or to arouse fear
53. Fallacious is most opposite to
a. perfect
b. truthful
c. accidental
d. disarming
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – fallacious means tending to deceive; truthful means disposed to tell the truth
54. Gumption is most opposite to
a. seriousness
b. apathy
c. levity
d. despair
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – gumption means initiative, or drive; apathy means a lack of interest or concern
55. Ecstasy is most opposite to
a. hate
b. agony
c. languor
d. fatigue
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – ecstasy means a state of rapturous delight; agony means intense pain of mind or body
56. Astute is most opposite to
a. distraught
b. careful
c. generous
d. gullible
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – astute means shrewd or showing acute mental vision; gullible means easily duped or cheated
57. Winsome is most opposite to
a. dour
b. attractive
c. mysterious
d. clever
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – winsome means cheerful and engaging; dour means gloomy or sullen
58. Droll is most opposite to
a. forget
b. charm
c. sedate
d. absurd
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – droll means to have a humorous or odd quality; sedate means unruffled or serious
59. Enigmatic is most opposite to
a. healthy
b. watchful
c. disastrous
d. obvious
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – enigmatic means mysterious or obscure, therefore obvious is the opposite
60. Obtuse is most opposite to
a. slim
b. acute
c. opaque
d. thick
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – obtuse means insensitive or stupid; acute means marked by keen perception or shrewd
61. Obsequious is most opposite to
a. clear
b. clever
c. domineering
d. dandified
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – obsequious means subservient or fawning; domineering means exercising overbearing control
62. Doleful is most opposite to
a. empty
b. rich
c. witty
d. vivacious
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – doleful means full of grief or cheerless; vivacious means full of life and spirit
63. Wanton is most opposite to
a. merciful
b. repast
c. brilliant
d. vicious
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – one meaning of wanton is malicious or merciless, therefore merciful is the opposite
64. Banal is most opposite to
a. sincere
b. wealthy
c. extraordinary
d. trustworthy
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – banal means trite or commonplace, therefore extraordinary is the opposite
65. Lugubrious is most opposite to
a. quick
b. cheerful
c. salubrious
d. dry
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – lugubrious means mournful, or dismal, therefore cheerful is the opposite
66. Perspicacious is most opposite to
a. calm
b. easy
c. dull
d. winsome
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – perspicacious means keen or astute, therefore dull is the opposite
67. Élan is most opposite to
a. inelegance
b. stupidity
c. obscure
d. despair
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – elan means vigorous spirit or enthusiasm; despair means an utter loss of hope
68. Recondite is most opposite to
a. manifest
b. flexible
c. provident
d. sociable
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – recondite means difficult for one of ordinary understanding to comprehend; manifest means easily understood or recognized
69. Gainsay is most opposite to
a. regret
b. own
c. prudent
d. prude
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to gainsay means to deny; one meaning of to own is to admit
70. Effluvium is most opposite to
a. land
b. essential
c. fragrance
d. solid
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – effluvium means an offensive smell; fragrance means a sweet or delicate odor
71. Parsimony is most opposite to
a. generosity
b. sinfulness
c. verbosity
d. tenderness
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – parsimony means thrift or stinginess, therefore generosity is the opposite
72. Truculent is most opposite to
a. faltering
b. gentle
c. facile
d. submissive
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – truculent means cruel or savage, therefore gentle is the opposite
73. Spurious is most opposite to
a. disingenuous
b. thoughtless
c. placid
d. genuine
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – spurious means lacking genuine qualities, or false, therefore genuine is the opposite
74. Welter is most opposite to
a. order
b. freeze
c. patron
d. sustain
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – welter means a state of wild disorder, or turmoil, therefore order is the opposite
75. Eclat is most opposite to
a. apathy
b. dullness
c. silence
d. disinterest
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – eclat means a dazzling effect, or brilliance, therefore dullness is the opposite
76. Gracious
a. cordial
b. rude
c. furious
d. tactile
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – gracious means to be pleasant in a social situation, or cordial; rude means to be unpleasant
77. Valor
a. cowardice
b. false
c. drop
d. heavy
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – valor means strength of mind or spirit, or courage; cowardice means lack of courage
78. Severe
a. lenient
b. cautious
c. join
d. one
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – one meaning of severe is strict; lenient means mild or indulgent
79. Imaginative
a. playful
b. written
c. small
d. dull
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – imaginative means having imagination; dull means lacking imagination
80. Knowing
a. wasteful
b. dense
c. clumsy
d. fast
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – knowing means having information or knowledge; dense means dull or stupid
81. Animosity
a. love
b. plantlike
c. barren
d. tiny
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – animosity means resentment or hostility, therefore love is the opposite
82. Exact
a. join
b. sympathetic
c. incorrect
d. whole
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – exact means in complete accordance with fact, or correct, therefore incorrect is the opposite
83. Extravagant
a. unknown
b. homebody
c. punctual
d. moderate
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – extravagant means lacking in restraint and moderation, therefore moderate is the opposite
84. Stamina
a. weakness
b. clear
c. decisive
d. calmness
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – stamina means strength or endurance, therefore weakness is the opposite
85. Rough
a. tumble
b. sleek
c. fast
d. distant
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – rough means having an uneven, coarse surface; sleek means having a smooth, bright surface
86. Garner
a. unravel
b. mar
c. squander
d. tarnish
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to garner means to gather or to store; to squander means to cause to disperse or to scatter
87. Prodigal
a. thrifty
b. secondary
c. distant
d. squalid
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – prodigal means wasteful or extravagant; thrifty means thriving by industry and frugality
88. Tacit
a. grand
b. dictated
c. illicit
d. messy
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – tacit means unspoken, or implied; dictated means spoken
89. Repudiate
a. argue
b. soften
c. slander
d. admit
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to repudiate means to reject or deny, therefore to admit is the opposite
90. Pristine
a. free
b. sullied
c. wide
d. thorough
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – pristine means unspoiled or pure; sullied means spoiled or tarnished
91. Concede
a. sit
b. withstand
c. dismiss
d. elaborate
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to concede means to yield; to withstand means to successfully resist
92. Placate
a. appease
b. strip
c. tremendous
d. enrage
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to placate means to soothe or calm; to enrage means to anger
93. Popular
a. empty
b. uncommon
c. famous
d. feisty
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – popular means frequently encountered or accepted, or common, therefore uncommon is the opposite
94. Felicitous
a. morbid
b. boorish
c. inopportune
d. delightful
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – felicitous means very well-suited or apt; inopportune means inconvenient or not well-suited
95. Austere
a. lavish
b. unfavorable
c. light
d. devout
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – austere means simple and unadorned; lavish means produced or expended in abundance
96. Insipid
a. cold
b. brave
c. exciting
d. bashful
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – insipid means lacking in qualities that interest or excite, therefore exciting is the opposite
97. Wastrel
a. sober
b. spendthrift
c. mute
d. miser
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – a wastrel is someone who spends foolishly or self-indulgently; a miser is someone who hoards his or her wealth
98. Temperate
a. Celsius
b. inordinate
c. lukewarm
d. safely
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – temperate means moderate; inordinate means excessive or immoderate
99. Nebulous
a. cloudy
b. dim
c. distinct
d. desirable
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – nebulous means vague or indistinct, therefore distinct is the opposite
100. Adroit
a. clumsy
b. left
c. diplomatic
d. unpersuasive
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – adroit means skillful in the use of the hands, therefore clumsy is the opposite
101. Mite
a. weakness
b. tend
c. bulk
d. drive
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – mite means a very small or insignificant part; bulk means the main or greater part
102. Supernal
a. nocturnal
b. special
c. despicable
d. hellish
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – supernal means coming from on high, or heavenly; infernal is a synonym for hellish
103. Reprobate
a. sage
b. elevated
c. possess
d. dismiss
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – reprobate means morally debased or depraved; one meaning of elevated is to be on a moral or intellectual high plane
104. Specious
a. genuine
b. logical
c. common
d. deliberate
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – specious means having a false look of truth or genuineness, therefore genuine is the opposite
105. Effete
a. conquer
b. proper
c. prosperous
d. civilized
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – effete means weak or decadent; one meaning of proper is virtuous or respectable
106. Rabble
a. order
b. clear
c. open
d. union
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – a rabble is a disorderly or disorganized crowd of people; a union is a group of individuals joined in an organized manner
107. Protean
a. unformed
b. unchanging
c. elaborate
d. selective
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – protean means showing great diversity or variability, or versatile, therefore unchanging is the opposite
108. Vertiginous
a. horizontal
b. litigious
c. constant
d. lowly
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – vertiginous means inclined to frequent change, or inconstant, therefore constant is the opposite
109. Parvenu
a. wallflower
b. highway
c. melody
d. plan
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – a parvenu is an upstart or a social climber; a wallflower is someone who refrains from socializing
110. Lapidarian
a. square
b. secular
c. pasture
d. inelegant
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – lapidarian means having elegance or precision and comes from the word lapidary, which means a cutter or engraver of precious stones, therefore inelegant is the opposite
111. Tragic
a. boring
b. mysterious
c. comic
d. incredulous
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – tragic means regrettably serious or sorrowful; comic means humorous
112. Able
a. willful
b. inept
c. careful
d. feasible
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – able means having skill or ability; inept means lacking skill
113. Tireless
a. exhausted
b. unfailing
c. broke
d. driving
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – tireless means filled with energy; exhausted means depleted of energy
114. Wean
a. flourish
b. flush
c. strengthen
d. addict
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to wean means to detach from a dependence; to addict means to make dependent
115. Haste
a. delay
b. frugal
c. debauchery
d. solemnity
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – haste means hurry; delay means postponement or procrastination
116. Malice
a. goodwill
b. bitterness
c. coddle
d. distress
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – malice means a desire to see another suffer; goodwill means desire to see another benefit
117. Permanent
a. loose
b. fierce
c. fleeting
d. unhappy
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – permanent means lasting; fleeting means passing quickly or temporary
118. Attain
a. crave
b. lose
c. harbor
d. credit
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to attain means to achieve or to gain, therefore to lose is the most dissimilar
119. Taint
a. cheer
b. worry
c. clear
d. purify
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to taint means to contaminate or corrupt; to purify means to make pure
120. Belittle
a. plain
b. detract
c. magnify
d. torment
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to belittle means to make seem little or less; to magnify means to enlarge
121. Tedious
a. unwavering
b. frightening
c. horrible
d. pleasurable
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – tedious means boring; pleasurable means enjoyable or delightful
122. License
a. restriction
b. allow
c. join
d. gather
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – one meaning of a license is permission; restriction means limitation
123. Frivolous
a. pious
b. inexpensive
c. serious
d. contemptuous
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – frivolous means lacking seriousness, therefore serious is the most dissimilar
124. Plain
a. meadow
b. ugly
c. lovely
d. unadorned
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – plain means lacking in beauty; lovely means beautiful
125. Denounce
a. covet
b. condemn
c. blame
d. deplore
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – one meaning of to denounce is to speak out against; to covet means to wish for enviously
126. Contrary
a. urbane
b. agreeable
c. unpleasant
d. despicable
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – contrary means unwilling to accept control or advice; agreeable means ready or willing to agree
127. Glower
a. prairie
b. smile
c. raise
d. throw
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – glower means a sullen brooding look, therefore smile is the most dissimilar
128. Exacting
a. upright
b. lenient
c. sober
d. general
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – exacting means severe; lenient means indulgent
129. Curtail
a. remain
b. detain
c. placate
d. prolong
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to curtail means to cut short; to prolong means to lengthen or extend
130. Eminent
a. imminent
b. obscure
c. retire
d. unsure
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – eminent means prominent, or famous; obscure means not prominent, or unknown
131. Abdicate
a. deny
b. usurp
c. blame
d. renounce
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to abdicate means to renounce power or high office; to usurp means seize power or high office
132. Indolent
a. industrious
b. complimentary
c. native
d. smooth
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – indolent means lazy; industrious means hardworking
133. Fortuitous
a. undefended
b. gratuitous
c. deliberate
d. impoverished
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – fortuitous means occurring by chance, or accidental; deliberate means resulting from careful consideration, or voluntary
134. Disparage
a. hesitate
b. settle
c. trouble
d. applaud
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to disparage means to speak slightingly about; to applaud means to express approval
135. Dubious
a. reliable
b. pleasing
c. rhythmic
d. careful
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – dubious means questionable or unreliable, therefore reliable is the most dissimilar
136. Interdict
a. continue
b. abstain
c. wallow
d. sanction
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to interdict means to forbid; to sanction means to approve
137. Mendacious
a. bashful
b. capacious
c. veracious
d. quiet
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – mendacious means dishonest; veracious means truthful or honest
138. Lassitude
a. release
b. demure
c. fatigue
d. vigor
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – lassitude means weariness; vigor means strength or force
139. Verdant
a. dishonest
b. suspicious
c. moldy
d. arid
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – one meaning of verdant is green, especially with plant life; arid means dry, or lacking enough rainfall for agriculture
140. Ductile
a. unfeeling
b. arrogant
c. precious
d. rigid
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – one meaning of ductile is easily led or influenced; one meaning of rigid is inflexible, set in opinion
141. Asperity
a. moistness
b. amenity
c. sour
d. generosity
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – asperity means roughness of surface or manner; amenity means pleasantness or smoothness of manner
142. Epicurean
a. ascetic
b. slovenly
c. imprecision
d. providential
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – epicurean means having sensitive and self-indulgent taste especially in food and wine; ascetic means practicing self-denial and austerity
143. Traduce
a. deduce
b. laud
c. presuppose
d. converge
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to traduce means to expose to shame or blame; to laud means to praise or extol
144. Bridle
a. heckle
b. dissuade
c. vent
d. persist
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to bridle means to restrain or keep under control; to vent means to relieve by means of an outlet
145. Spare
a. rotund
b. pacify
c. impolite
d. impose
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – one meaning of spare is lean; rotund means round or fleshy
146. Proclivity
a. calm
b. antipathy
c. desire
d. dearth
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – proclivity means inclination or predisposition; antipathy means settled aversion or dislike
147. Vituperation
a. alacrity
b. alertness
c. reparation
d. acclaim
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – vituperation means bitter condemnation; acclaim means praise
148. Gambol
a. trudge
b. hedge
c. crone
d. misplace
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to gambol means to skip about in play; to trudge means to march steadily and laboriously
149. Quixotic
a. simple
b. staid
c. passe
d. unpredictable
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – quixotic means foolishly impractical and marked by extravagantly romantic ideals; staid means sedate and marked by prim self-restraint
150. Lachrymose
a. quick
b. loquacious
c. blithe
d. plentiful
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – lachrymose means given to weeping, or morose; blithe means of a happy or lighthearted character, or merry
151. Prudent is most dissimilar to
a. simple
b. rapid
c. foolish
d. verbose
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – prudent means marked by wisdom or good judgment; foolish means marked by a lack of good sense or prudence
152. Forced is most dissimilar to
a. quick
b. solid
c. trusting
d. natural
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – forced means produced with effort; natural means uncultivated or spontaneous
153. Acquaint is most dissimilar to
a. alienate
b. luxurious
c. bleach
d. stall
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to acquaint means to get to know or to become friendly; to alienate means to cause unfriendliness or hostility
154. Expansive is most dissimilar to
a. generous
b. honest
c. narrow
d. troublesome
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – expansive means sizeable or extensive; narrow means restricted
155. Benign is most dissimilar to
a. malignant
b. converse
c. cautious
d. malicious
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – one meaning of benign is of a gentle disposition; malicious means marked by mischievous impulse
156. Foster is most dissimilar to
a. discourage
b. believe
c. heal
d. brag
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to foster means to encourage; to discourage means to deprive of courage or confidence
157. Ample is most dissimilar to
a. complete
b. insufficient
c. quiet
d. supple
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – ample means more than adequate in size, scope, or capacity, or sufficient, therefore, insufficient is the most dissimilar
158. Deviant is most dissimilar to
a. winding
b. careful
c. normal
d. sad
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – deviant means departing from the established norm, or abnormal, therefore normal is the most dissimilar
159. Abolish is most dissimilar to
a. vote
b. punish
c. avoid
d. establish
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to abolish means to do away with entirely; to establish means to bring into existence
160. Forsake is most dissimilar to
a. craft
b. embrace
c. shun
d. infer
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – to forsake means to renounce; one meaning of to embrace is to welcome or include
161. Tractable is most dissimilar to
a. invisible
b. stubborn
c. unadvisable
d. special
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – tractable means easily handled or managed; stubborn means difficult to handle or manage
162. Dexterous is most dissimilar to
a. clumsy
b. saline
c. cunning
d. precious
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – dexterous means skillful with the hands; clumsy means lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace
163. Aerate is most dissimilar to
a. argue
b. placate
c. suffocate
d. destroy
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to aerate means to supply with oxygen; to suffocate means to deprive of oxygen
164. Venerable is most dissimilar to
a. impervious
b. constant
c. sophomoric
d. infirm
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – venerable means impressive by reason of age; sophomoric means poorly informed and immature
165. Rancor is most dissimilar to
a. ritual
b. argument
c. collect
d. accord
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – rancor means bitter ill-will; one meaning of accord is balanced interrelationship, or harmony
166. Daunt is most dissimilar to
a. calm
b. believe
c. inspirit
d. dispel
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to daunt means to lessen the courage of; to inspirit means to give vigor or courage
167. Paucity is most dissimilar to
a. excess
b. certainty
c. timidity
d. beauty
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – paucity means smallness of number; excess means ample quantity
168. Heedless is most dissimilar to
a. heartless
b. attentive
c. speedy
d. unaware
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – heedless means inconsiderate or thoughtless; attentive means heedful or mindful of the comfort of others
169. Abound is most dissimilar to
a. rest
b. discourage
c. bless
d. dwindle
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to abound means to be present in great numbers; to dwindle means to become steadily less
170. Confederate is most dissimilar to
a. enemy
b. confuse
c. wander
d. cluster
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – a confederate is an ally or accomplice; an enemy is an opponent
171. Resplendent is most dissimilar to
a. illuminated
b. disarming
c. dowdy
d. delightful
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – resplendent means characterized by glowing splendor; dowdy means not neat or attractive in appearance, or shabby
172. Onerous is most dissimilar to
a. permissive
b. easy
c. unforgiving
d. public
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – onerous means burdensome or troublesome, therefore easy is the most dissimilar
173. Sagacity is most dissimilar to
a. incredulity
b. belligerence
c. stupidity
d. tolerance
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – sagacity means wisdom; stupidity means a lack of wisdom
174. Dilettante is most dissimilar to
a. puritan
b. professional
c. aesthete
d. conniver
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – a dilettante is a person having a superficial interest in an art or branch or knowledge; a professional is a person who engages in a pursuit as a profession
175. Unalloyed is most dissimilar to
a. dismayed
b. impure
c. circumspect
d. disastrous
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – unalloyed means pure, therefore impure is the most dissimilar
176. Banner is most dissimilar to
a. forgettable
b. casual
c. unrestrained
d. unwitting
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – banner means distinguished from all others in excellence, or unforgettable, therefore forgettable is the most dissimilar
177. Discalced is most dissimilar to
a. calculated
b. measured
c. inclined
d. shod
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – discalced means barefoot; shod means wearing shoes
178. Scurrilous is most dissimilar to
a. honest
b. decent
c. peaceful
d. satisfactory
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – scurrilous means given to using foul language, or crass; decent means conforming to standards of propriet
179. Pulchritudinous is most dissimilar to
a. pacifist
b. rare
c. smooth
d. unsightly
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – pulchritudinous means marked by physical beauty; unsightly means not pleasing to the sight, or ugly
180. Dyspeptic is most dissimilar to
a. trusting
b. functional
c. euphoric
d. talented
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – dyspeptic means showing a sour disposition; euphoric means marked by feeling or well-being
181. Reliction is most dissimilar to
a. dedication
b. demolition
c. flood
d. problem
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – reliction means the gradual recession of water leaving the land dry; flood means the rising and overflow of a body of water onto dry land
182. Villenage is most dissimilar to
a. nobility
b. lineage
c. directness
d. dullness
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – villenage means the peasant or commoner class; nobility means the noble class, or gentry
183. Craven is most dissimilar to
a. stalwart
b. release
c. distinguished
d. comfortable
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – craven means cowardly; stalwart means marked by outstanding strength or vigor
184. Prolix is most dissimilar to
a. brief
b. exquisite
c. reasonable
d. distinct
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – prolix means unduly prolonged, therefore brief is the most dissimilar
185. Lambent is most dissimilar to
a. praise
b. present
c. dull
d. rough
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – lambent means softly bright or radiant; dull means lacking in brightness or shine
186. Subsequent
a. aloof
b. previous
c. following
d. dismissive
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – subsequent means following in time or order; previous means going before in time or order
187. Abrupt
a. continue
b. laudable
c. anticipated
d. careless
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – abrupt means occurring without warning, or sudden; anticipated means expected
188. Conserve
a. waste
b. silence
c. liberal
d. complicate
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to conserve means to keep safe or preserve, which is the opposite of to waste
189. Waive
a. retain
b. snub
c. imprison
d. display
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – to waive means to give up voluntarily; to retain means to keep
190. Erode
a. compost
b. clarify
c. ignore
d. restore
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to erode means to wear away; to restore means to bring back to an original state
191. recall
a. rebate
b. demonstrate
c. forget
d. despise
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to recall means to remember, which is the opposite of to forget
192. Dormant
a. clever
b. active
c. dreamy
d. invisible
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – dormant means temporarily inactive, which is the opposite of active
193. Procrastinate
a. lengthen
b. soothe
c. hurry
d. demolish
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to procrastinate means to delay or put off, which is the opposite of to hurry
194. Docile
a. intelligent
b. unruly
c. unreachable
d. pale
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – docile means easily taught; unruly means not easily managed or disciplined
195. Impromptu
a. rehearsed
b. bizarre
c. foolish
d. disarming
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – impromptu means unplanned or unrehearsed; rehearsed means trained or practiced
196. Denigrate
a. blame
b. hide
c. query
d. uphold
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – to denigrate means to deny the importance of something, or to belittle; to uphold means to support or to elevate
197. Bent
a. curved
b. disinclination
c. careful
d. lustrous
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – a bent is a strong inclination or capacity; disinclination is a slight aversion
198. Solvent
a. soggy
b. confusing
c. broke
d. critical
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – one meaning of solvent is able to pay all debts; broke means penniless
199. Disconsolate
a. joyful
b. inhospitable
c. anguished
d. rude
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – disconsolate means cheerless or dejected, which is the opposite of joyful
200. Brusque
a. cold
b. opulent
c. gracious
d. suspect
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – brusque means blunt in manner or speech to the point of being ungracious; gracious means marked by charm and good taste
201. Callow
a. kind
b. urbane
c. sensitive
d. gentle
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – callow means unsophisticated; urbane means sophisticated
202. Countenance
a. force
b. genuine
c. deny
d. verify
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to countenance means to extend approval or sanction; to deny means to refuse to grant
203. Cachet
a. release
b. explanation
c. thinness
d. ignominy
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – cachet means prestige; ignominy means disgrace
204. evince
a. convince
b. hallow
c. hide
d. interpret
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – to evince means to display clearly or reveal, which is the opposite of to hide
205. Vainglorious
a. horrible
b. fierce
c. greedy
d. modest
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – vainglorious means boastful, which is the opposite of modest
206. Iniquitous
a. virtuous
b. complacent
c. equal
d. virulent
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – iniquitous means wicked; virtuous means morally excellent
207. Obstreperous
a. short
b. tame
c. strict
d. distant
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – obstreperous means stubbornly resistant to control or unruly; tame means docile or submissive
208. Ebullient
a. aggressive
b. acrid
c. unjust
d. glum
Correct Answer – d
Explanation – ebullient means lively or enthusiastic; glum means dreary or gloomy
209. Halcyon
a. obtrusive
b. advanced
c. tempestuous
d. unscientific
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – halcyon means calm or peaceful; tempestuous means turbulent or stormy
210. Imprimatur
a. servant
b. teacher
c. disapproval
d. rustic
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – imprimatur means sanction or approval, therefore disapproval is the most dissimilar
211. Odium
a. fragrance
b. ease
c. admiration
d. trust
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – odium means hatred and condemnation; admiration means a feeling of delighted approval
212. Mephitic
a. honest
b. healthy
c. simple
d. rural
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – mephitic means relating to a foul, noxious exhalation from the earth; a mephitic environment would be unhealthy, so healthy is its opposite
213. Platitudinous
a. hilly
b. exhilarating
c. confounded
d. advantageous
Correct Answer – b
Explanation – platitudinous means full of or characterized by banal, trite remarks; exhilarating means refreshing or exciting
214. Facultative
a. compulsory
b. insipid
c. pending
d. decisive
Correct Answer – a
Explanation – facultative means optional; compulsory means mandatory, or not optional
215. Persiflage
a. coddle
b. admiration
c. silence
d. clarity
Correct Answer – c
Explanation – persiflage means frivolous talk; therefore silence is the most dissimilar
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