Vocabulary

Ample means more than enough, so plenty is the closest synonym. Scarce and meagre are opposites.

Hasten means to move or act quickly, so hurry is the closest synonym. Delay and postpone are opposites.

An optimist expects good outcomes, so the opposite is a pessimist. The other options are not opposites.

An aviary is a large enclosure for keeping birds. An apiary is for bees.

Difficult means hard to do, so hard is the closest synonym. Easy and simple are opposites.

Eloquent means fluent and persuasive in speech, so articulate is the closest synonym. Inarticulate is the opposite.

Adversity means a difficult situation, so hardship is the closest synonym. Prosperity and fortune are opposites.

Compassion means sympathetic concern for others, so sympathy is the closest synonym. Cruelty and indifference are opposites.

Transient means lasting only a short time. Its opposite is permanent.

Naive means lacking experience or judgement, so innocent is the closest synonym. Sophisticated and worldly are opposites.

Inferior means lower in rank or quality, so lower is the closest synonym. Superior and higher are opposites.

Departure means the act of leaving, so its opposite is arrival. The other options are near-synonyms of departure.

An autobiography is a life story written by its subject. The prefix auto- means self.

Wise means having good judgement, so its opposite is foolish. The other options are near-synonyms of wise.

Bliss means perfect happiness, so joy is the closest synonym. Misery and sorrow are opposites.

A lexicographer compiles dictionaries. A cartographer makes maps.

Liberty means freedom, so its opposite is bondage. The other options are near-synonyms of liberty.

A cartographer draws maps. The term comes from words meaning map and writing.

Lucid means expressed clearly and easy to understand, so clear is the closest synonym. Obscure and vague are opposites.

Democracy is government by the people. A monarchy is ruled by a king or queen.

Lethal means capable of causing death, so deadly is the closest synonym. Harmless and safe are opposites.

Quaint means attractively unusual or old-fashioned, so charming is the closest synonym. Modern and ordinary are opposites.

Innocent means not guilty, so its opposite is guilty. The other options are near-synonyms of innocent.

A mint is a place where coins are manufactured. A treasury stores public funds.

Audible means able to be heard. Visible means able to be seen.

A deficit is an amount by which something falls short, so shortfall is the closest synonym. Surplus and excess are opposites.

Tranquil means calm and quiet, so peaceful is the closest synonym. Noisy and chaotic are opposites.

Rigid means unable to bend, so its opposite is flexible. The other options are near-synonyms of rigid.

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail, so careful is the closest synonym. Careless and sloppy are opposites.

Begin means to start, so commence is the closest synonym. End and finish are opposites.

Opulent means rich and luxurious, so luxurious is the closest synonym. Poor and plain are opposites.

Major means greater in importance, so its opposite is minor. The other options are near-synonyms of major.

A novice is a person new to an activity, so beginner is the closest synonym. Expert and master are opposites.

Cautious means careful to avoid danger, so its opposite is reckless. The other options are near-synonyms of cautious.

Diligent means showing careful and persistent effort, so hardworking is the closest synonym. Lazy and idle are opposites.

Ancient means belonging to the distant past, so old is the closest synonym. Modern and new are opposites.

Arrogant means having an exaggerated sense of one’s importance, so haughty is the closest synonym. Humble and modest are opposites.

A biography is an account of a person’s life written by someone else. An autobiography is written by the subject.

An epitaph is an inscription on a tombstone. An elegy is a mournful poem.

Endure means to bear patiently, so withstand is the closest synonym. Surrender and quit are opposites.

Omnipresent means present everywhere at once. Omnipotent means all-powerful.

Incredible means impossible to believe. Its opposite is credible.

Accept means to receive willingly, so its opposite is reject. The other options are near-synonyms of accept.

Cease means to come to an end, so stop is the closest synonym. Continue and persist are opposites.

Dense means closely packed, so thick is the closest synonym. Sparse and scattered are opposites.

Urge means to strongly encourage, so encourage is the closest synonym. Discourage and deter are opposites.

Jovial means cheerful and friendly, so cheerful is the closest synonym. Sad and gloomy are opposites.

A mute person is unable to speak. Deaf refers to inability to hear.

An antidote counteracts the effects of a poison. It restores normal function.

Postpone means to put off to a later time, so delay is the closest synonym. Advance and hasten are opposites.

Adequate means enough for a purpose, so sufficient is the closest synonym. Insufficient and lacking are opposites.

Mock means to tease or laugh at scornfully, so ridicule is the closest synonym. Praise and admire are opposites.

Herbivorous describes animals that eat plants. Carnivorous animals eat meat.

Famous means widely known, so its opposite is obscure. The other options are near-synonyms of famous.

Bitter, as a taste, is opposed by sweet. The other options are near-synonyms of bitter.

Fiction means invented narrative, so its opposite is fact. The other options are near-synonyms of fiction.

Omnipotent means having unlimited power. The prefix omni- means all.

Feeble means lacking strength, so weak is the closest synonym. Strong and powerful are opposites.

Vivid means producing strong, clear images, so bright is the closest synonym. Dull and faded are opposites.

Inevitable means certain to happen and impossible to avoid. Its opposite is avoidable.

Prosperity means a state of flourishing, so its opposite is poverty. The other options are near-synonyms.

Happy means feeling pleasure, so joyful is the closest synonym. The other words convey negative feelings.

Vigilant means keeping careful watch, so watchful is the closest synonym. Careless and inattentive are opposites.

Pacify means to soothe or quieten, so calm is the closest synonym. Provoke and enrage are opposites.

Abundant means existing in large quantities, so plentiful is the closest synonym. Scarce and rare are opposites.

Calm means free from disturbance, so its opposite is agitated. The other options are near-synonyms of calm.

Permanent means lasting indefinitely, so its opposite is temporary. The other options are near-synonyms.

Fertile means capable of producing abundantly, so productive is the closest synonym. Barren and infertile are opposites.

Peril means serious danger, so danger is the closest synonym. Safety and security are opposites.

Generous means willing to give, so giving is the closest synonym. Selfish and stingy are opposites.

A unanimous decision is one in which all agree. The prefix un- here relates to one.

Fragile means easily broken, so delicate is the closest synonym. Sturdy and strong are opposites.

Eager means strongly wanting to do something, so keen is the closest synonym. Reluctant and unwilling are opposites.

Delicate means easily damaged, so its opposite is sturdy. The other options are near-synonyms of delicate.

A polyglot is a person who knows many languages. The prefix poly- means many.

Victory means success in a contest, so its opposite is defeat. The other options are near-synonyms of victory.

A soliloquy is a speech in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud when alone. It is common in drama.

Transparent means allowing light through, so its opposite is opaque. The other options are near-synonyms.

A philanthropist seeks to promote the welfare of others. It contrasts with a misanthrope.

An arbitrator is chosen to settle a dispute. An advocate argues on behalf of a party.

An immigrant is a person who arrives in a country to settle. An emigrant is one who departs.

A menace is a threatening quality or danger, so threat is the closest synonym. Comfort and safety are opposites.

Candid means open and honest, so frank is the closest synonym. Secretive and reserved convey the opposite.

Obstinate means refusing to change one’s mind, so stubborn is the closest synonym. Flexible and yielding are opposites.

Weary means very tired, so tired is the closest synonym. Energetic and fresh are opposites.

Vacant means not occupied, so empty is the closest synonym. Occupied and full are opposites.

Superior means higher in quality, so its opposite is inferior. The other options are near-synonyms of superior.

Cruel means causing suffering, so its opposite is kind. The other options are near-synonyms of cruel.

Honest means telling the truth, so truthful is the closest synonym. The other options describe the opposite.

Legible means clear enough to read. Its opposite is illegible.

Unite means to bring together, so its opposite is divide. The other options are near-synonyms of unite.

An apiary is a place where bees are kept. An aviary is for birds.

Omniscient means knowing everything. It combines omni- with a root meaning knowing.

Immense means extremely large, so vast is the closest synonym. Tiny and minute are opposites.

Benevolent means well meaning and kindly, so kind is the closest synonym. Cruel and hostile are opposites.

Rapid means happening quickly, so swift is the closest synonym. Slow and gradual are opposites.

Visible means able to be seen, so its opposite is invisible. The other options are near-synonyms.

Ascend means to go up, so its opposite is descend. The other options are near-synonyms of ascend.

Wither means to dry up or shrink, so shrivel is the closest synonym. Flourish and bloom are opposites.

Genuine means truly what it is said to be, so authentic is the closest synonym. Fake and false are opposites.

Frugal means economical and sparing, so thrifty is the closest synonym. Wasteful and extravagant are opposites.

An agnostic holds that the existence of God is unknowable. This differs from an atheist.

Humble means having a modest opinion of oneself, so modest is the closest synonym. Proud and arrogant are opposites.

Scatter means to throw in various directions, so its opposite is gather. The other options are near-synonyms.

Crude means rough and unrefined, so its opposite is refined. The other options are near-synonyms of crude.

Prohibit means to formally forbid, so forbid is the closest synonym. Permit and allow are opposites.

Timid means lacking courage or confidence, so shy is the closest synonym. Bold and confident are opposites.

Assist means to give support, so help is the closest synonym. Hinder and obstruct are opposites.

Scanty means insufficient in amount, so meagre is the closest synonym. Abundant and plentiful are opposites.

A glutton is a person who eats to excess. An ascetic practises severe self-discipline.

Absurd means wildly unreasonable, so its opposite is sensible. The other options are near-synonyms of absurd.

Radiant means shining brightly, so glowing is the closest synonym. Dull and dark are opposites.

Brave means showing courage, so courageous is the closest synonym. The other options describe the opposite.

Narrow means of small width, so its opposite is wide. The other options are near-synonyms of narrow.

An autocracy is rule by one person with unlimited power. It contrasts with democracy.

An emigrant is a person who leaves their country to settle elsewhere. An immigrant is one who arrives.

A menu lists the dishes available. A recipe gives instructions for cooking.

Stern means serious and strict, so strict is the closest synonym. Lenient and gentle are opposites.

A bibliophile is a lover or collector of books. The suffix -phile means loving.

Gloomy means dark or depressing, so dismal is the closest synonym. Cheerful and bright are opposites.

Carnivorous describes animals that eat meat. Herbivorous animals eat plants.

Wealthy means having great wealth, so rich is the closest synonym. Poor and needy are opposites.

Wicked means morally wrong, so evil is the closest synonym. Virtuous and good are opposites.

Mourn means to feel sorrow, especially for a death, so grieve is the closest synonym. Celebrate and rejoice are opposites.

Enormous means very large, so huge is the closest synonym. Tiny and small are opposites.

Triumph means a great victory, so its opposite is failure. The other options are near-synonyms of triumph.

Expand means to become larger, so its opposite is contract. The other options are near-synonyms of expand.

Hostile means unfriendly and antagonistic, so its opposite is friendly. The other options are near-synonyms of hostile.

Zeal means great energy or enthusiasm, so enthusiasm is the closest synonym. Indifference and apathy are opposites.

Yield means to give way, so surrender is the closest synonym. Resist and oppose are opposites.

Terminate means to bring to an end, so end is the closest synonym. Begin and start are opposites.

Artificial means made by humans rather than occurring naturally, so its opposite is natural. The other options are near-synonyms.

A misanthrope dislikes humankind. A philanthropist, by contrast, loves and helps people.

Praise means to express approval, so its opposite is criticise. The other options are near-synonyms of praise.

Courage means the ability to face danger, so bravery is the closest synonym. Cowardice and fear are opposites.

Obedient means willing to obey, so its opposite is defiant. The other options are near-synonyms of obedient.

An atheist denies the existence of God. An agnostic holds that it cannot be known.

Conceal means to keep from being seen, so hide is the closest synonym. Reveal and show are opposites.

An illiterate person cannot read or write. The prefix il- negates literate.

Plentiful means existing in great quantity, so its opposite is scarce. The other options are near-synonyms of plentiful.