Antonym & Synonym – MBA CET questions with solutions

Approach: Synonym — recall the core meaning.

Solution: 'Foster' means to encourage the development of, to nurture (e.g. fostering talent, fostering a child). 'Nurturing' carries the same idea of caring for and helping grow — D.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Safeguarding = protecting from harm, not developing.
B: Neglecting is an antonym.
C: Ignoring is an antonym.
E: Destroying is an antonym.

Cetking shortcut: Three options (B, C, E) are opposites — eliminate them, then pick 'grow' over 'protect'.

Answer: D

Approach: Synonym — direct meaning.

Solution: 'Massive' = very large and heavy; huge. E 'Huge' is the exact synonym.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: 'Lump sum' is a single payment — unrelated phrase.
B: Strong refers to power, not size.
C: Little is the antonym.
D: Gaping means wide open (a gaping hole), not large in general.

Answer: E

Approach: Antonym — find the word meaning the reverse of mass departure.

Solution: 'Exodus' = a mass departure or going out of people. The opposite movement is coming in — 'entry' (B).

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Invasion adds hostility/force; it is not the neutral opposite.
C: Emigration = leaving one's country — a synonym.
D: Expulsion = forcing out — still outward movement.
E: Departure is a synonym.

Cetking shortcut: 'Ex-' = out; its opposite direction is 'in' — entry.

Answer: B

Approach: Antonym — direct meaning.

Solution: 'Malleable' = able to be shaped or bent without breaking; adaptable. The opposite is 'rigid' (unbending, inflexible) — C.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Adaptable is a synonym.
B: Flexible is a synonym.
D: Plastic (= easily moulded) is a synonym.
E: Pliable is a synonym.

Cetking shortcut: Four options are synonyms of each other — the lone odd word is the antonym.

Answer: C

Approach: Antonym — direct meaning.

Solution: 'Voracious' = wanting or devouring great quantities (a voracious eater/reader). The opposite is 'moderate' — restrained, not excessive (C).

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Greedy is a synonym.
B: Insatiable is a synonym.
D: Ravenous is a synonym.
E: Gluttonous is a synonym.

Cetking shortcut: Four synonyms + one odd word = antonym.

Answer: C

Approach: Synonym — direct word meaning.

Solution: Ludicrous = ridiculous, laughably foolish. Absurd means the same.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Apprise — to inform.
B Gruesome — horrifying, grisly.
D Outstanding — excellent.
E Circumspect — cautious.

Answer: C

Approach: Synonym — pick the closest meaning when no exact match exists.

Solution: Vituperative = harshly abusive, insulting, scornful in speech. Insolent = rudely disrespectful and insulting — the closest available meaning.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Devious — sly, dishonest.
B Absudity (absurdity) — a noun meaning foolishness; wrong meaning and wrong part of speech.
D Dynamic — energetic.
E Clamorous — noisy, loud; loudness is not abuse.

Cetking shortcut: Root 'vitup-' (from Latin vituperare, to blame/scold) — think 'scolding, insulting'.

Answer: C

Approach: Antonym — know the word, then reject its synonyms.

Solution: Paucity = scarcity, insufficiency. Opposite = abundance, excess. Surfeit = an excessive amount — the antonym.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Dearth, B Insufficient, D Want — all mean shortage (synonyms).
E Vague — unclear; unrelated.

Cetking shortcut: Three options mean 'shortage' — the odd one meaning 'excess' is the antonym.

Answer: C

Approach: Antonym — direct word meaning.

Solution: Peculiar = strange, odd, unusual. Opposite = ordinary, normal.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Strange, B Uncanny, E Anomalous — synonyms of peculiar.
D Dubious — doubtful; not an opposite.

Answer: C

Approach: Antonym — eliminate synonyms.

Solution: Devoid (of) = entirely lacking, without. Opposite = full, complete.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Without, C Sans, D Lacking, E Void — all mean 'lacking/empty', synonyms of devoid.

Cetking shortcut: Four options share one meaning; the single different one is the antonym.

Answer: B

Approach: Synonym: find the word with the same meaning as DERIDE.

Solution: DERIDE = to laugh at, mock or ridicule with contempt (e.g. 'critics derided the plan as naive').
JEER = to shout rude, mocking remarks at someone. Both describe mocking someone, so Jeer is the synonym.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Stimulate: to excite or encourage, unrelated.
B Comfort: to console, the opposite in spirit.
D Inspire: to motivate, unrelated.
E Praise: the antonym of deride.

Cetking shortcut: Positive words (Stimulate, Comfort, Inspire, Praise) all cluster together; deride is negative, so the lone negative word wins.

Answer: C

Approach: Synonym: find the word with the same meaning as GARRULOUS.

Solution: GARRULOUS = talking too much, usually about unimportant things (from Latin garrire, to chatter). TALKATIVE is the direct synonym.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Guttural / B Throaty: describe a harsh sound produced in the throat, not the amount of talking.
C Concise: brief and to the point, opposite in spirit.
E Taciturn: reserved and silent, the antonym.

Cetking shortcut: When an option pair is exact opposites (Talkative vs Taciturn), the answer is usually one of them.

Answer: D

Approach: Synonym: find the word with the same meaning as BEMOAN.

Solution: BEMOAN = to complain about or express grief over something ('he bemoaned the lack of facilities').
LAMENT = to express sorrow or regret. Same meaning.

Why the other options are wrong:
B Soothe: to calm, opposite in tone.
C Denounce: to publicly condemn; that is criticism, not sorrow.
D Loathe: to hate intensely; a feeling, not an expression of grief.
E Ghoul: a noun (an evil spirit), not even the same part of speech.

Cetking shortcut: 'Moan' sits inside bemoan; a moan is a sound of grief, and lament is grief expressed.

Answer: A

Approach: Antonym: find the word nearest to the opposite of VAGRANT.

Solution: VAGRANT = a person without a settled home or job who wanders from place to place. The opposite idea is someone with a fixed home, i.e. SETTLED.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Vagabond, D Tramp, E Wayfarer: all are synonyms (wanderers), not opposites.
B Biased: means prejudiced, unrelated.

Cetking shortcut: Three options are synonyms of the word, so they cancel out; only one option is about 'staying in one place'.

Answer: C

Approach: Antonym: find the word nearest to the opposite of HAUGHTY.

Solution: HAUGHTY = arrogant, looking down on others. The opposite is HUMBLE = modest, not thinking oneself superior.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Pitiable: deserving pity, not the opposite of pride.
B Scared / D Cowardly: about fear, not about pride.
E Insolent: rude and disrespectful, close to haughty, so a synonym trap.

Answer: C

Approach: Synonym — direct vocabulary.

Solution: Stipulation (noun) = a condition laid down as part of an agreement, e.g. 'The contract has a stipulation that payment be made in 30 days.' Closest: requirement.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: imitation — copying.
B: signal — sign.
C: excitement — thrill.
E: dislike — aversion.

Cetking shortcut: Stipulate = specify as a condition → stipulation = requirement.

Answer: D

Approach: Synonym — direct vocabulary.

Solution: Eloquent = expressing ideas fluently and persuasively. Articulate = able to express ideas clearly and effectively.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: elusive — hard to catch.
C: best — superlative, unrelated.
D: meaningful — significant, not about expression.
E: mantle — a cloak/role.

Cetking shortcut: Root 'loqu' = speak (loquacious, soliloquy) → eloquent is about speech.

Answer: B

Approach: Synonym — legal vocabulary.

Solution: Defendant = the person against whom a charge or claim is brought in court → the accused.

Why the other options are wrong:
B: appellant — one who appeals a decision.
C: arrogant — proud.
D: defoliant — chemical that strips leaves (sound-alike trap).
E: pill — tablet.

Answer: A

Approach: Synonym — choose the closest of two near options.

Solution: Abase (verb) = to lower someone in dignity, rank or esteem. Degrade = to lower in rank or dignity — exact match.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: adjourn — postpone.
C: humble — near, but milder and also an adjective; degrade is the direct sense of 'lower in dignity'.
D: pacify — calm.
E: tablet — unrelated noun.

Cetking shortcut: a-base → bring to a 'base' (low) level → degrade.

Answer: B

Approach: Synonym — direct vocabulary.

Solution: Aplomb = self-confidence and calmness in a demanding situation, e.g. 'She handled the press with aplomb.' Closest: composure.

Why the other options are wrong:
B: ribald — vulgar, coarse humour.
C: repose — rest, sleep; not poise under pressure.
D: concern — worry, the opposite feel.
E: cast away — discard.

Answer: A

Approach: Word meaning recall.

Solution: CONVALESCENT = (a person) recovering from illness or injury; in recovery.
Closest option: 'Healing'.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Convergent — meeting at a point; look-alike trap.
B Pertinent — relevant.
D Acute — severe/sharp; nearly opposite in medical sense.
E Blend — to mix.

Cetking shortcut: Link to 'convalescent home' — a place where patients recover.

Answer: C

Approach: Word meaning recall.

Solution: RUMBUSTIOUS (British, = rambunctious) = boisterous, noisy and full of energy.
Closest option: 'Boisterous'.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Antithesis — direct opposite; a noun.
B Slow — opposite in spirit.
C Playful — fun-loving but not noisy/unruly.
E Cheerful — happy mood, not rowdiness.

Cetking shortcut: Rumbustious ≈ rambunctious ≈ boisterous — all describe loud, energetic behaviour.

Answer: D

Approach: Word meaning recall.

Solution: DEBILITATE = to weaken (body, person or system); related to 'debility' = weakness.
Closest option: 'Weaken'.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Debate — argue.
B Disperse — scatter.
C Meditate — think deeply.
D Anticipate — expect.

Cetking shortcut: Debility = weakness → debilitate = make weak.

Answer: E

Approach: Find the meaning, then its opposite in the same part of speech.

Solution: DISMAL (adjective) = gloomy, depressing, bleak.
Opposite = bright, happy → 'Cheerful' (adjective).

Why the other options are wrong:
A Despair — a noun with similar (gloomy) meaning.
C Trivial — unimportant; unrelated.
D Ordinary — unrelated.
E Smiling — describes a facial action; 'cheerful' is the direct mood opposite.

Cetking shortcut: Match part of speech: an adjective of mood needs an adjective of opposite mood.

Answer: B

Approach: Meaning first, then the direct opposite.

Solution: PLIABLE = flexible, easily bent; (of a person) easily influenced.
Direct opposite = stiff, unbending → 'Rigid'.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Convenient — unrelated.
B Easy — unrelated.
C Brittle — hard but breaks easily; contrasts with 'tough', not exactly with 'flexible'.
D Arrogant — unrelated personality trait.

Cetking shortcut: Pliable ≈ flexible ↔ rigid — the textbook antonym pair.

Answer: E

Approach: Word meaning — Imminent.

Solution: "Imminent" means about to happen very soon (an imminent storm). Closest: likely to occur soon.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Delayed is the opposite.
B: Pending means awaiting a decision — not necessarily soon.
D: Avoidable is unrelated.
E: Uncertain is unrelated.

Answer: C

Approach: Word meaning — Sycophant.

Solution: A "sycophant" is a person who flatters powerful people to gain advantage — a flatterer, a yes-man.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Critic is nearly the opposite.
C: Rebel is the opposite attitude.
D: Enemy is unrelated.
E: Leader is unrelated.

Answer: B

Approach: Word meaning — Ephemeral.

Solution: "Ephemeral" means lasting a very short time — short-lived (from Greek "lasting a day").

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Permanent is the antonym.
B: Lasting is the antonym.
D: Eternal is the antonym.
E: Bountiful means plentiful — unrelated.

Cetking shortcut: Three options (permanent, lasting, eternal) mean the same thing, so they cancel out — the odd one is the answer.

Answer: C

Approach: Synonym–antonym pair — find the option whose two words are a synonym and an antonym of the given word.

Solution: "Initial" means first, at the beginning. Primary (first in order) is a synonym; final (last) is its antonym. So "primary–final" is the required pair.

Why the other options are wrong:
A: fundamental, major — neither is a direct synonym or antonym of initial.
B: personalise, unique — unrelated (a play on "initials").
C: foremost can mean first, but lone is unrelated.
D: leading is close, but solitary is unrelated.

Cetking shortcut: Look for the antonym first — "final" is the only clear opposite of "initial".

Answer: E

Approach: Word meaning — Soporific (antonym).

Solution: "Soporific" means causing sleep or drowsiness (sopor = deep sleep). Its antonym is stimulating (rousing, energizing).

Why the other options are wrong:
A: Sleep-inducing is the synonym.
B: Boring is close to the meaning, not opposite.
D: Dull is close to the meaning.
E: Monotonous is close to the meaning.

Cetking shortcut: Four options (sleep-inducing, boring, dull, monotonous) are all on the same side; the only opposite-side word is the answer.

Answer: C

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Mendacious (from Latin mendax, liar) = untruthful, lying. Closest: false.

Why the other options are wrong:
A truthful: antonym.
B misleading: may be unintentional; mendacious is outright lying — weaker match.
C harmful, E sober: unrelated.

Answer: D

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Pernicious = having a harmful or destructive effect. Baneful (from 'bane') = harmful, destructive.

Why the other options are wrong:
A scientific, D radical, E sturdy: unrelated.
C negative: too general; does not mean destructive.

Answer: B

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Rigmarole = a long, rambling, meaningless story or procedure. Hokum = nonsense, meaningless talk.

Why the other options are wrong:
A cordon: a protective line.
C apposite: apt, appropriate.
D weary: tired — an adjective.
E erudite: learned.

Cetking shortcut: If both words are unknown, eliminate the known ones — cordon, apposite, weary, erudite all have clear meanings that don't fit.

Answer: B

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Ostracized = excluded from society or a group. Closest: Exclude.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Initiate: to begin/admit — near opposite.
B Summarized, D Command: unrelated.
C Dispelled: driven away (doubts, fears), not people from a group.

Answer: E

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Buoyant literally = able to float; figuratively = cheerful, optimistic (a buoyant mood, buoyant market).

Why the other options are wrong:
B tired, D anxious: near opposites.
C empire: a noun, unrelated.
E sturdy: strong, not light or cheerful.

Answer: A

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Retribution = punishment inflicted as vengeance for a wrong. Opposite: forgiveness (pardoning the wrong).

Why the other options are wrong:
B grudge, C contempt: close to the same vengeful feeling.
D pretend: unrelated verb.
E compensation: making amends — not the opposite of punishment.

Answer: A

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Abominate = to detest, loathe. Opposite: love.

Why the other options are wrong:
B respect: opposite of contempt, weaker than love.
C control, D let go: unrelated.
E despise: synonym, not antonym.

Cetking shortcut: Spot the synonym trap (despise) first; the antonym is its opposite.

Answer: A

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Sanguine = cheerfully optimistic. Opposite: gloomy (pessimistic).

Why the other options are wrong:
A bloody: from root sanguis (blood) — a root trap, not the meaning.
B thin, E dangerous: unrelated.
C optimistic: synonym.

Answer: D

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Chimerical (from the mythical Chimera) = imaginary, fanciful. Opposite: real.

Why the other options are wrong:
A exact, C obvious, D particular: not opposites of 'imaginary'.
E talkative: unrelated.

Answer: B

Approach: Vocabulary — recall the exact meaning, then match the option with the same (or opposite) sense.

Solution: Verbose = using more words than needed. Opposite: laconic (brief, terse).

Why the other options are wrong:
B talkative: synonym.
C vent, D suspense, E obvious: unrelated.

Answer: A

Approach: Word meaning — find the synonym.

Solution: Taciturnity means the habit of saying very little — reserve, quietness. The synonym is Calmness.

Why the other options are wrong:
B Strength, D Courage: qualities of character unrelated to speech.
C Precious: an adjective (valuable), wrong part of speech too.
E Beauty: unrelated.

Cetking shortcut: Taciturn = silent/reserved; of the options only "calmness" carries the quiet, composed sense.

Answer: A

Approach: Word meaning — find the synonym.

Solution: Attenuate means to make thin or weak, to reduce in force. The synonym is Make Thin.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Repent: to feel regret.
C Force: the opposite idea (strength).
D Divide: to split.
E Rule: to govern.

Cetking shortcut: Root "tenuis" (Latin) = thin, as in tenuous.

Answer: B

Approach: Word meaning — find the synonym.

Solution: Haughty means arrogantly proud, looking down on others. The synonym is Imperious.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Cemetery: a burial ground (noun).
B Adamant: refusing to change one's mind — stubborn, not proud.
D Recover: a verb, get back.
E Deadly: causing death.

Answer: C

Approach: Word meaning — find the synonym.

Solution: Reprisal means an act of retaliation, paying back an injury. The synonym is Retribution.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Indulgence: allowing oneself pleasure.
C Expanse: a wide area.
D Reluctance: unwillingness.
E Cautious: careful (adjective).

Answer: B

Approach: Word meaning — find the synonym.

Solution: Condescend means to behave as if one is superior; to look down on someone. The synonym is Disdain.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Mystery / C Joy / E Comprehend: unrelated meanings.
B Deride: to mock or ridicule openly — an act of scorn, while condescension is a superior attitude; "disdain" (to regard as beneath oneself) is the closer match.

Answer: D

Approach: Word meaning — find the antonym.

Solution: Axiom means a self-evident truth, an accepted principle. The antonym is Absurdity.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Scenic: having beautiful views.
B Flashy: showy.
D Subtle: delicate, hard to notice.
E Dark: lacking light.

Cetking shortcut: Only C is a noun about truth/sense — a self-evident truth vs. something plainly unreasonable.

Answer: C

Approach: Word meaning — find the antonym.

Solution: Repudiate means to reject, disown or refuse to accept. The antonym is Emphasize.

Why the other options are wrong:
B Abandon / C Decline: close to the meaning of repudiate (synonym-type distractors).
D Modest: an adjective, humble.
E Orient: to position or align.

Cetking shortcut: Strike out the synonyms first (abandon, decline); "emphasize" — to stress and affirm — is the only opposite-direction verb left.

Answer: A

Approach: Word meaning — find the antonym.

Solution: Remonstrate means to protest or object forcefully. The antonym is Endorse.

Why the other options are wrong:
A Dictate: to order.
B Neglect / E Abandon: to ignore or leave — not the opposite of protesting.
D Strengthen: to make stronger.

Answer: C

Approach: Synonym — find the word closest in meaning to DESECRATE.

Solution: Desecrate = to violate or spoil something sacred (de- = remove + sacred).
Defile = to make something holy impure or dishonour it — the same meaning.

Why the other options are wrong:
B. Protect — guarding something sacred; opposite in spirit.
C. Purify — making clean/holy; an antonym.
D. Honour — showing respect; an antonym.
E. Sanctify — making holy; the direct antonym.

Cetking shortcut: Four options (Protect, Purify, Honour, Sanctify) are all 'positive/holy' words — the odd negative one is the synonym.

Answer: A

Approach: Synonym — find the word closest in meaning to CANTANKEROUS.

Solution: Cantankerous = bad-tempered, argumentative, uncooperative.
Quarrelsome = inclined to argue or fight — the same meaning.

Why the other options are wrong:
B. Cheerful — happy; opposite.
C. Easygoing — relaxed, tolerant; opposite.
D. Pleasant — agreeable; opposite.
E. Nice — kind; opposite.

Cetking shortcut: B, C, D, E are all positive words with the same flavour — the only negative word must be the synonym.

Answer: A