SYNONYMS
Be mindful that these are synonyms and not actual meanings
Practice Test 1
Deify: worship
Amenities: privileges
Disparity: unlikeness
Gruesome: frightful
Tyranny: cruelty
Obligatory: required
Impetuous: rash
Nebulous: vague
Wrath: anger
Garner: collect
Lethargy: laxity
Berate: scold
Rebate: discount
Bemoan: lament
Spite: malice
Prolific: fertile
Debilitate: weaken
Ostentatious: showy
Deflect: pervert
Dawdle: loiter
Exorbitant: excessive
Lucas Scott
1
SYNONYMS
Vulgar: coarse
Obverse: opposite
Mirth: merriment
Terrific: terrible
Diligent: industrious
Whim: fancy
Dissolute: immoral
Anathema: curse
Niggard: miser
Abnegation: self-denial
Supervene: interfere
Abrade: wear-off
Sanguine: hopeful
Practice Test 2
Affluent: prosperous
Limp: falter
Infrequent: sometimes
Massacre: slaughter
Belittle: disparage
Revise: alter
Distinguish: differentiate
Accuse: impeach
Lucas Scott
2
SYNONYMS
Recover: recoup
Admonish: threaten
Gratify: pacify
Penchant: like
Barter: exchange
Unconscionable: excessive
Dank: damp
Bounty: gift
Divvy: pioneer
Object: disapprove
Range: expanse
Bash: strike
Haggle: bargain
Abstruse: profound
Yob: aggressive
Apogee: climax
Morose: gloomy
Adversity: misfortune
Candid: frank
Ephemeral: short-living
Stubborn: obstinate
Prognosis: forecast the course of an event
Lucas Scott
3
SYNONYMS
Engender: beget
Glib: smooth
Taciturnity: reserve
Apparel: clothing
Doleful: mournful
Efface: wipe out
Blithe: joyous
Errand: mission
Ribald: vulgar
Pertinacious: determined
Staid: sedate
Lavish: profuse
Elicit: extract
Grave: solemn
Dud: failure
Portray: draw
Invidious: unpopular
Practice Test 3
Alert: watchful
Majestic: grand
Faith: trust
Tarnish: blemish
Lucas Scott
4
SYNONYMS
Artefact: man-made
Vestige: evidence
Ample: sufficient
Ogle: stare
Pilfer: steal
Deplete: exhaust
Apportionment: allotment
Dear: costly
Predict: foretell
Ludicrous: absurd
Nemesis: punishment
Gambit: trick
Fad: fashion
Bowdlerise: censor
Fade: wither
Baulk: prevent
Ferry: transport
Loquacious: talkative
Tedious: tiresome
Celibate: bachelor
Dearth: scarcity
Expose: reveal
Lucas Scott
5
SYNONYMS
Obscene: indecent
Deleterious: harmful
Elude: dodge
Authentic: factual
Uniformity: consistency
Docile: gentle
Parochial: narrow-minded
Kid: cheat
Mystique: admirable quality
Genre: kind
Resilient: flexible
Dubious: doubtful
Cavil: quibble
Infernal: devilish
Equivocal: ambiguous
Obfuscate: confuse
Reprisal: retaliation
Festal: merry
Asperity: harshness
Concise: brief
Traduce: betray
Practice Test 4
Lucas Scott
6
SYNONYMS
Adept: proficient
Lurid: shocking
Buff: enthusiast
Bluster: threat
Preen: groom
Brash: aggressive
Onerous: burdensome
Reticence: reserve
Impinge: strike
Tentative: provisional
Obtuse: blunt
Renegade: rebel
Recollect: remember
Thrift: economy
Teeming: abounding with
Stringent: strict
Prevent: stop
Gorgeous: dazzling
Humbug: deceit
Improvement: betterment
Restitute: repair
Entangle: trap
Lucas Scott
7
SYNONYMS
Retribution: punishment
Intrinsic: introvert
Appraisal: estimation
Luminary: famous
Stringent: rigorous
Exotic: unusual
Estrange: alienate
Jeremiad: trouble
Whimper: cry
Harass: annoy
Gadfly: nuisance
Hybrid: crossbred
Maim: disfigure
Minimum: minimal
Excruciate: torture
Outré: eccentric
Assimilate: absorb
Coterie: group
Obeisance: obedience
Fatigue: weariness
Perfidy: treachery
Masticate: chew
Lucas Scott
8
SYNONYMS
Practice Test 5
Indict: accuse
Superannuated: retired
Endorsement: commendation
Brash: rude
Decry: disparage
Mollify: appease
Recall: remember
Jeopardy: danger
Economise: save
Juvenile: young
Venture: risk
Impertinent: impudent
Impediment: obstruction
Lurid: sensational
Masterpiece: model
Alert: watchful
Articulate: distinct
Veer: shift
Supercilious: haughty
Demit: resign
Berserk: wild
Lucas Scott
9
SYNONYMS
Grotesque: fantastic
Counsel: advise
Succulent: juicy
Testify: witness
Ascend: mount
Ostracize: cut off
Forlorn: uncared for
Rile: annoy
Lase: rest
Ugly: repulsive
Effete: feeble
Sloppy: careless
Harbinger: messenger
Indolence: laziness
Accentuated: sharpened
Disrupt: break
Sumptuous: lavish
Latent: concealed
Numinous: awful
Bucolic: rustic
Groggy: unsteady
Vie: compete
Lucas Scott
10
SYNONYMS
Console: pacify
Genesis: relevant
Sultry: hot & oppressive
Hedge: evade
Wan: tired
Practice Test 6
Ingenious: frank
Erotic: sexual
Cruel: merciless
Dodge: avoid
Inexplicable: unaccountable
Obstreperous: noisy
Chimerical: imaginary
Conundrum: question
Irk: annoy
Muffle: soften
Sustain: support
Scour: search
Lachrymose: mournful
Forage: search
Ulterior: imposed
Wary: cautious
Lucas Scott
11
SYNONYMS
Welter: confusion
Retrieve: recover
Garnish: decorate
Allow: permit
Caveat: warning
Liability: debt
Amalgamate: mix
Condemn: blame
Fickle: changeable
Congregation: assembly
Hassle: wrangle
Rotund: fat
Delirious: insane
Extravaganza: spectacular show
Detect: discover
Countervail: equalise
Languor: weariness
Fiddle: trifle
Benefactor: do-gooder
Enthuse: excite
Grubby: unwashed
Aromatic: fragrant
Lucas Scott
12
SYNONYMS
Ambit: scope
Quell: supress
Ominous: foreboding
Indomitable: unconquerable
Lug: drag
Levitate: float
Rancour: hatred
Practice Test 7
Combat: fight
Subside: subdue
Abscond: flee
Gainsay: contradict
Profound: deep
Soporific: soothing
Anneal: temper
Abomination: disgust
Burlesque: mock
Foster: nurture
Enigma: puzzle
Filthy: dirty
Nostalgic: homesick
Oversee: supervise
Lucas Scott
13
SYNONYMS
Deceive: mislead
Compunction: regret
Prerogative: privilege
Aficionado: enthusiast
Solicit: beseech
Radiant: bright
Prune: reduce
Dilettante: amateur
Flak: praise
Hoodlum: criminal
Spasmodic: intermittent
Paramour: lover
Refectory: dining room
Assent: agreement
Baffle: puzzle
Confidential: secret
Loathe: detest
Vendetta: revenge
Pressed: urge
Promulgate: proclaim
Insidious: treacherous
Ubiquitous: inescapable
Lucas Scott
14
SYNONYMS
Wilt: collapse
Handsome: good-looking
Nincompoop: fool
Convened: summoned
Addle: confuse
Explicit: clear
Animosity: indifference
Befuddled: stupid
Vent: opening
Teeter: hesitate
Yank: pull
Cavort: jump
Practice Test 8
Irruption: bursting in
Echelon: rank
Prevaricate: lie
Exude: ooze
Precarious: critical
Malaise: sickness
Vogue: fashion
Impregnate: affect
Delegate: representative
Lucas Scott
15
SYNONYMS
Abandon: forsake
Aver: assert
Yaw: drift
Delectable: delightful
Hinder: obstruct
Reiterate: repeat
Feign: pretend
Vituperate: abuse
Nauseate: sicken
Iniquitous: wicked
Ecstatic: enraptured
Replenish: restore
Wallow: luxuriate
Innate: inborn
Furtive: stealthy
Accolade: award
Indigence: poverty
Stalemate: deadlock
Requite: repay
Compendium: reference
Vapid: dull
Control: restrain
Lucas Scott
16
SYNONYMS
Overstrung: too sensitive
Fraternise: associate
Nugatory: worthless
Aid: assistance
Deride: mock
Savvy: understand
Commiserate: sympathise
Rein: control
Gooey: sentimental
Foray: raid
Absolute: limitless
Glitzy: glamorous
Venality: corruption
Wary: vigilant
Pique: irritate
Icon: painting
Hanker: desire
Condone: pardon
Practice Test 9
Cite: quote
Besiege: surround
Bandit: robber
Lucas Scott
17
SYNONYMS
Melee: brawl
Marvellous: wonderful
Morbid: diseased
Insolvent: bankrupt
Paradigm: example
Augur: signify
Maunder: wander
Jink: dodge
Admit: confess
Dowdy: unstylish
Assuage: ease
Catapult: shoot
Mutation: variation
Contemplative: thoughtful
Brook: tolerate
Deference: respect
Nepotism: favouritism
Bifurcated: forked
Liberal: generous
Interim: temporary
Hood-wink: deceive
Imprecation: oath
Lucas Scott
18
SYNONYMS
Jaunty: cheerfulness
Leeway: course
Sizzled: drunk
Affiliate: associate
Gawk: stare
Hegemony: domination
Encumbrance: burden
Surreptitious: secret
Capitulate: surrender
Hock: pledge
Dynamic: active
Heretical: impious
Obdurate: adamant
Ironic: disguisedly sarcastic
Liberty: freedom
Virile: manly
Legitimate: correct
Ambition: desire
Flabby: loose
Demise: end
Pristine: original
Practice Test 10
Lucas Scott
19
SYNONYMS
Turn up: come up
Edify: instruct
Rotund: round
Apologue: moral fable
Candid: plain-spoken
Incensed: incited
Incontinent: unrestrained
Reciprocate: interchange
Abstain: resist
Nimble: agile
Offal: refuse
Colossus: towering
Helm: head
Occult: mysterious
Repercussion: reaction
Civil: polite
Adjure: entreat
Pander: encourage
Rancous: encourage [Google defines raucous as a loud and harsh
noise]
Browse: examine
Privy: secret
Acerb: harsh
Lucas Scott
20
SYNONYMS
Inanition: passivity
Spectators: onlookers
Entice: tempt
Severe: rigid
Restoration: renovation
Modish: stylish
Impeccable: faultless
Internecine: deadly
Umbrage: offence
Paramount: supreme
Licentious: immoral
Covetous: grasping
Simon-pure: genuine
Vilify: defame
Yammer: lament
Stridency: harshness
Drowsy: sleepy
Lissom: graceful
Gaffe: blunder
Intimidate: frighten
Denounce: talk publicly against
Rap: criticise
Lucas Scott
21
SYNONYMS
Abstemious: moderate
Exclusive: sole
Specious: insincere
Mellifluous: sweet
Blithe: joyous
Practice Test 11
Cantankerous: quarrelsome
Malign: harmful
Tenebrous: gloomy
Obloquy: defamation
Sordid: dirty
Abash: embarrass
Numinous: inspiring
Contumacy: resistance
Insipid: flat
Knavery: dishonesty
Truncate: cut off
Graphic: pictorial
Intrepid: fearless
Lamentable: deplorable
Defy: skilful
Hoard: store
Lucas Scott
22
SYNONYMS
Waft: float
Quibble: argue
Meld: merge
Divulge: reveal
Scuttle: sabotage
Indigenous: native
Opulent: wealthy
Sabulous: sandy
Mere: only
Immanent: inherent
Surfeit: satiate
Destitution: poverty
Moot: controversial
Predilection: preference
Competence: ability
Adjunct: addition
Whittle: decrease
Moronic: imbecile
Synthetic: artificial
Ersatz: imitation
Magnanimous: generous
Jovial: merry
Lucas Scott
23
SYNONYMS
Excerpt: Extract
Eradicate: eliminate
Ostentatious: showy
Enervate: weaken
Contrite: repentant
Timid: cowardly
Tutelage: protection
Botch: bungle
Convivial: jovial
Acuity: sharpness
Celerity: quickness
Practice Test 12
Error: blunder
Ebullient: enthusiastic
Acrid: bitter
Pow-wow: meeting
Badger: pester
Cautiously: carefully
Truculent: ferocious
Requite: repay
Supernal: heavenly
Plush: luxurious
Lucas Scott
24
SYNONYMS
Sporadic: irregular
Largesse: liberal
Decimate: destroy
Belligerent: aggressive
Battle: fight
Rebate: discount
Vernal: spring like
Esculent: edible
Morose: gloomy
Wholesome: healthy
Ennui: weariness
Desultory: aimless
Stymie: hinder
Ethnic: racial
Audacious: daring
Infernal: devilish
Magnanimous: benevolent
Myopic: short-sighted
Motley: variegated
Wallow: delight
Conjure: invoke
Acolyte: assistant
Lucas Scott
25
SYNONYMS
Untie: undo
Wry: twisted
Eschew: avoid
Knuckle: surrender
Rival: competitor
Prowess: bravery
Vulpine: crafty
Imbroglio: confusion
Impasse: stalemate
Fiasco: failure
Perky: buoyant
Rant: preach noisily
Cozen: cheat
Schism: split
Terse: compact
Brace: support
Baffle: frustrate
Practice test 13
Hallowed: sacred
Credence: credit
Vilify: defame
Empirical: practical
Lucas Scott
26
SYNONYMS
Mollify: appease
Pastime: recreation
Charter: document
Thwarted: opposed
Vocation: occupation
Prattle: chatter
Flounder: stumble
Coy: shy
Erudite: learned
Gripe: complaint
Extraneous: irrelevant
Procure: obtain
Maverick: unorthodox
Commensurate: proportionate
Adage: proverb
Daunt: intimidate
Impassioned: ardent
Immaculate: spotless
Lugubrious: mournful
Disparage: belittle
Hideous: loathsome
Proliferate: generate
Lucas Scott
27
SYNONYMS
Impede: hinder
Mundane: worldly
Extricate: free
Graphic: vivid
Deprecate: condemn
Interrogate: to question
Wrangle: dispute
Quip: joke
Knave: rogue
Jeopardy: danger
Repugnance: disinclination
Pettifogging: unimportant
Troth: faithful
Perspicacity: shrewd
Enthral: charm
Bewail: lament
Epistle: letter
Absolve: exonerate
Ken: knowledge
Construe: interpret
Kibitz: interfere
Inordinate: excessive
Lucas Scott
28
SYNONYMS
Balmy: soothing
Simulate: imitate
Practice Test 14
Insolent: rude
Inspire: encourage
Extravagant: wasteful
Inebriate: drunken
Proscribe: banish
Egregious: exceptional
Abbreviate: shorten
Abominable: shorten
Placid: calm
Predict: foretell
Mull: think
Whirl: turn
Vindictive: revengeful
Alacrity: eagerly
Proem: preface
Ferocious: fierce
Mediocre: average
Surfeit: satiate
Dogma: tenet
Lucas Scott
29
SYNONYMS
Zany: thief
Languish: decline
Rakish: immoral
Diligent: industrious
Ricochet: rebound
Scintillating: glittering
Musty: stale
Regale: entertain
Lascivious: lustful
Emphasise: stress
Obligatory: required
Slake: quench
Barge: enter
Appurtenance: privilege
Sycophant: flatterer
Dodge: avoid
Receptive: observant
Welsh: default
Vindicate: justify
Overtures: offers
Crass: insensitive
Besieged: encircled
Lucas Scott
30
SYNONYMS
Sternutation: sneezing
Jingoistic: dashing
Yokel: simple-minded
Germane: relevant
Countermand: cancel
Aplomb: self-control
Abrogation: annulation
Magniloquent: boastful
Practice test 15
Catalogue: list
Overstrung: sensitive
Gregarious: sociable
Accost: address
Defunct: extinct
Sagacity: wisdom
Angst: anxiety
Kulak: farmer
Salacity: indecency
Vulgar: coarse
Umbrage: resentment
Emulate: trying to do as well
Amnesty: pardon
Lucas Scott
31
SYNONYMS
Hiatus: gap
Kitty: pooled fund
Fragment: scrap
Cadge: beg
Exorcise: expel
Ambition: desire
Taint: corrupt
Promiscuous: casual
Kemp: champion
Uncanny: strange
Undulate: wave
Voracious: hungry
Pester: disturb
Redundant: superfluous
Inevitable: unavoidable
Vendetta: feud
Smear: mark
Calumniate: slander
Parvenu: pretender
Grand: splendid
Attrition: friction
Murky: ugly
Lucas Scott
32
SYNONYMS
Lapidary: dignified
Moving: shifting
Mordant: sarcastic
Foment: incite
Daub: paint
Consolidate: unite
Bawdy: vulgar
Jeer: ridicule
Cognoscente: critic
Buff: polish
Fanciful: unreal
Avaricious: greedy
Bizarre: grotesque
Demure: retiring
Kowtow: respect
Practice test 16
Deepak has a penchant/liking for fine poetry.
The defendant was grateful for the judge’s clemency/mercy.
He hardly/scarcely works.
This machine was fabricated/designed in our own workshop.
The number of aboriginal/primitive inhabitants in Australia is
considerable.
The quiz game comprises/’consist of’ three rounds.
Lucas Scott
33
SYNONYMS
Harish ran/completed the marathon in less than two hours.
Since he promised to do so, I presume/suppose he will come.
The inspector was a vigilant/watchful young man.
The American policy did much to escalate/’to scale up’ the policy.
Ashish did not admit/accept his mistake in the beginning.
Man has to encounter/face many hardships in life.
His wife enjoined/urged him to change his ways.
He would have been very successful, but for his lack of
audacity/temerity.
That was a time when there was a hunger/desire for foreign thought
and foreign knowledge.
I could achieve success with conscious/’efforts made with critical
awareness’ efforts.
He is quite meticulous/careful in his dealings with others.
Sanjay is going to foot/pay the bill for the repairs.
He used to regale/entertain us with anecdotes.
Different races follow different modes/ways of living.
The operator was commended for his dexterity/skill.
Millionaires become eccentric/peculiar in old age.
She would take a deep sigh and lapse/pass into silence.
His judicious/sensible handling of the matter saved the situation
from going out of control.
The prisoners of war were subjected to bestial atrocities/cruelties.
Lucas Scott
34
SYNONYMS
We didn’t believe in his statement, but subsequent/later events
proved that he was right.
The lurid/ghastly details of the murder in broad day light sent chilling
sensations down the spine of everybody.
The sight moved him to pity and compunction/regret.
Few teachers have been spared the problem of an
obstreperous/unruly pupil in the class.
Radhey Shyam does unpaid/honorary work for the charity for the
foundation.
The host looked quite jaded/exhausted by the time the party was
over.
Many people buy charms and talismans/amulets because they think
they will bring them luck.
How beautiful! This is really something to ponder/think over.
Too many drugs are apt to cause distress/depression.
Drinking is a vice/evil which ultimately ruins a person.
Ritu asked Rashmi not to meddle/interfere in her affairs.
His speech was full of affectation/pretence.
Cross-examination could not elicit/’draw out’ any reason for his
being absent.
Many people feel queasy/uneasy while traveling on a bus on hilly
roads.
I wrote to him as lately/recently as last week.
He listened to my request with indifference/disinterest.
Lucas Scott
35
SYNONYMS
The patient began to rave/’talk wildly’ incoherently in a fit of high
fever.
His grandparents had grown feeble/weak and helpless.
Incensed/enraged by hi rude behaviour, the manager suspended the
worker.
Foolhardiness/foolishness is the result of constant strains.
Physical courage urges/persuades a man to risk injury or death.
Even the loss of her jewels did not disturb the lady’s
equanimity/composure.
Many cities were incinerated/burnt during the war.
The Japanese have introduced a nippy/quick little car for joy riders.
The data compiled/collected by the organisation was very useful.
Practice Test 17
Sporadic/irregular rise in his temperature has caused us much worry.
Ant is believed to be the most industrious/diligent creature.
The tour was cancelled on account of incessant/constant rain.
I disdain/hate those who tell lies.
The benevolence/kindness of the God of Rain has seen a very
successful monsoon this year too.
The country’s resources should be judiciously/reasonably used.
Everyone tries to avoid his company because he is in the habit of
using too many jibes/taunts.
The story is too fantastic to be credible/believable.
Lucas Scott
36
SYNONYMS
A government rocked by frequent scandals is an effete/exhausted
set of people with no credibility.
She does not get her work done punctually and properly because she
is always dawdling/loitering.
The little coy/shy bride was admired by everyone.
The small boy was able to give a graphic/vivid description of the
thief.
He was dismissed/removed from service because they found him
dishonest.
If you waver/hesitate at the last minute, you shall face failure.
Reading of poetry is not congenial/suited to his taste.
Gandhiji always advocated the cause of indigenous/native industries.
Kamini could not recollect/recall the incident that had happened in
her childhood.
He was warned at the outset/beginning of his career.
The bounties/gifts of nature are being exploited by man.
There is no efficacious/effective remedy to unemployment problem
in a country which has no ideological convictions.
A bone got stuck in his gullet/throat.
India is still a virgin/unexplored land exploring its tourism potential.
The need of the hour is to initiate the renaissance/revival of moral
conscience and halt the rampant corruption, for it could even hasten
the end of our civilization.
I have told him many/several times not to do that.
Lucas Scott
37
SYNONYMS
Methods of spreading the family planning message have been as
fecund/fruitful as they have been abortive.
After his graduation, he had to pass through a period of
privation/hardship.
Now the fury/rage of the demonstrators turned against the
machines.
His commands were so peremptory/dictatorial that we felt
humiliated.
He would have been his close associate/colleague had he not been
disloyal.
Everybody laughed at the puerility/childishness of his statement.
All the streets looked just/exactly the same.
At the Hardy house, there was great consternation/surprise when
Aunt Gertrude saw Joe helping Frank up the stairs.
He is a candid/frank politician.
The purpose of his speech was to lampoon/ridicule the leading
politicians of the day.
Sagacity/Wisdom increases with age.
She has an insatiable/unsatisfiable love for music.
I was shocked to see my friend lying at the edge/side of the road.
He is very discreet/prudent while deciding such matters.
Science has revealed/disclosed the mysteries of nature to man.
It is a scandal/’disgraceful action’ that the murderer was declared
innocent.
Lucas Scott
38
SYNONYMS
Ever since the death of his mother, my friend is utterly forlorn/lonely
and wretched.
The raucous/harsh shouts of the audience forced the management
to call off the show.
He was admonished/censured for the delay.
What is the ultimate/final goal of life?
Everyone who has worked for him has hammers/stresses home the
point because they feel that it is widely unappreciated.
We must eradicate/uproot corruption.
During his stay in Canada, he had quite a few
frustrating/disappointing experiences.
I tried to persuade him to change his mind, but he remained
adamant/stubborn.
The weavers have to do monotonous/repetitive work.
There was always an imminent/impending danger of the falling of
that damaged roof.
Practice Test 18
She is really a fantastic/wonderful girl.
In present day society, money plays the only dominant role in almost
all transactions/proceedings.
The old man was fond of giving homilies/sermon whenever we went
to him with a problem.
He enjoyed the salubrious/healthful climate of the place.
The soldier displayed exceptional/unusual courage and saved the
Major from the enemy’s hand.
Lucas Scott
39
SYNONYMS
The house cannot accommodate/hold any more people.
If you want the quality of your writings to improve, then avoid
redundant/repetitive words.
Catching snakes can be hazardous/dangerous for people untrained in
the art.
In order to tarnish the public image of his opponent, he has got a
mendacious/false story planted in the local newspaper.
The sentiments expressed by him in the speech were odious/hateful.
A civilised Roman banquet/feast was a thing of great richness, style
and decorum.
The troops were mobilised/’collected hurriedly’ to take control of the
tensed situation.
He listened to her mellifluous music under the genial/stressing
influence of wine.
His lascivious/lustful habits brought him nothing but bad name.
The fishing boat pulled away from the wharf/quay and chugged
smoothly down the bay.
The people attending the carnival/revelry looked gay and happy.
The aberration/deviation in the Indian economy can be attributed to
short-sightedness of its political masters.
Feeling drowsy/sluggish may be a side effect of too many antibiotics.
India has too often tried to fulminate/protest against Pakistan’s role
in aiding and abetting acts of militancy on her soil.
Everyone was listening to the news of the earthquake with mounting
anxiety/uneasiness.
Lucas Scott
40
SYNONYMS
The accident occurred due to his lapse/error.
Courtesy/Civility does not cost one anything.
It was incumbent/pressing on him to report the matter at once.
The intruders strangled/throttled the lady to death.
Only my neighbour succoured/aided me during my illness.
That case is not amenable/applicable to ordinary rules.
As they whispered, I felt awkward/embarrassed in their company.
Lost in his own revelry, he forgot that vicissitudes/’changed of
fortune’ can change the course of man’s life.
He tried to cajole/coax her, but it was in vain.
Pakistan has been vigorously pursuing a clandestine/secretive
nuclear weapons programme.
He was annoyed at his flippant/discourteous remark.
Some people are extremely fastidious/fussy in their choice of dress.
The magazine was embellished/adorned with amusing articles.
His views on children and their upbringing are indeed
outlandish/strange.
Sumit neglected to remit the fees in time and therefore had to pay a
fine.
His credulous/’willing to believe easily’ nature often landed him in
trouble.
‘To be or not to be’ was the dilemma/confusion of Hamlet.
You should have watched that glint/sparkle in her eyes when
speaking of her husband.
Lucas Scott
41
SYNONYMS
War always has a baneful/pernicious effect on the people of a
nation.
People refuse to pay obeisance/obedience to people whom they do
not accept as their leaders.
His endeavours proved fruitful/productive.
The newly found drug on the epidemic was not at all
deleterious/noxious.
The boy was chided/rebuked for his impertinence.
People of different persuasions/convictions have met on the same
platform.
The problem is tedious/tiring to tackle.
We were touched/impressed by the honesty of the beggar.
The time I spent in the library was the most rewarding/profitable
one.
The food we had to eat was incompatible/unsuitable to our needs.
The kingdom suffered a constant threat from certain
predatory/plundering tribes.
He decided to accost/approach a big financier for his new scheme.
Practice Test 19
Many species of animals have become extinct/non-existent during
the last hundred years.
Fifty years after independence there can be no alibi/plea for not
providing basic amenities to every citizen.
The community is agog/excited with speculation about the fate of
the money collected.
Lucas Scott
42
SYNONYMS
The President of the party deprecated/protested the move of the
Government to introduce electoral reforms in a haste.
He was a drawn to the vortex/whirlpool of politics at a very early
age.
Quite often parents have to cut a sorry figure when their children
display factitious/irritable reaction over trifles.
He enjoys vicarious/delegated authority.
He has propensity/natural tendency for getting into debt.
If you lack in magnanimity/generosity, all your wealth and luxury is
useless.
Seeds need sufficient water and air to germinate/sprout.
They tolerated him though they disliked his craven/cowardly
behaviour.
For quick promotion, he hit on a plan to propitiate/conciliate the
Manager.
The antidote/’remedy for’ to these problems is hard to find.
Poets and writers are sensuous/sensitive by nature.
I am quite content/happy to stay here.
The petals of the flower are usually conspicuous/prominent to
attract birds for pollination.
The man vehemently/forcefully denied all the charges of corruption
that were levelled against him.
The artists worked with tremendous felicity/happiness in expressive
poetic language.
Lucas Scott
43
SYNONYMS
Those who man/operate government-run shops also have their
palms greased.
The cyclone had blown some of the cars on to funny/odd places.
Despite his pompous style and gestures, the audience failed to
evince/display any interest in his lecture.
I have worked in this organization for five years trying to check the
erosion/corruption of ethical values.
When he returned, he was accompanied by a sprightly/lively young
girl.
The story which Gaurav narrated/told was very interesting.
It was very presumptuous/self-confident of him to make a remark in
the assembly.
The earth from here is a grand oasis/waterhole in the vastness of the
space.
It is quite unseemly/improper that person should so behave with his
elders.
The police need tangible/clear and certain proof of his guilt before
they can against him.
It is a popular fallacy/belief that all man-eaters are old and mangy.
Her new glasses make her look rather owlish/solemn.
Malice/Spite is a feeling that we should always avoid.
He spent his whole life caught up in mundane/worldly matters.
He deserved the accolade/appreciation he received.
He was given a severe/stern warning for coming late.
Lucas Scott
44
SYNONYMS
The notice said that the meeting would begin precisely/exactly at
9.00 am.
All incoming and outgoing mail is censored/supervised by the
Government during the times of war.
The ascending/rising temperature in many parts of the world
confirms global warming which is an environmental hazard.
It is risky/hazardous to go beyond this barricade.
He was sentenced/punished to four year’s imprisonment.
The art movie I watched this evening has put me in a
pensive/reflective mood.
He died as an impecunious/’having no money’ man in a charitable
hospitable.
He was punished for shirking/avoiding his official work.
The British levied/imposed unusually high taxes on export of Indian
goods.
The one who is rich possesses many superfluous/needless things.
Many of his acquaintances avoid him because he is so
garrulous/talkative.
He has been living his life according to set pattern/model.
Your explanation that your social commitments/obligations tie you
down, does not convince me.
Absolute silence reigned in the whole necropolis/cemetery.
Her today’s story was merely an exaggeration/overstatement of
what happened before my eyes.
When kept in water, grapes become turgid/bloated.
Lucas Scott
45
SYNONYMS
Practice Test 20
The facade/front of our school building got a face-lift recently.
The stratospheric ozone layer plays an important protective role for
life on earth and its disruption is obviously fraught/involving with
dangerous consequences.
There is not a single word that is redundant/’not needed’ in the
report.
In the company of smart and crafty felloes, a gaby/simpleton finds
himself out of place.
Being a member of this club, he has certain rights/privileges.
How I envy/begrudge the man who can always produce his reading
glasses at a moment’s notice.
The munificence/generosity of the businessman was great.
The next day she pacified/quitened the teacher explaining her the
reason for the previous day’s leave.
He could not suppress his resentment /displeasure against that
decision.
We did not expect such a judicious/sagacious remark from him.
Despite a full one hour meeting, they could not arrive at any
consensus/agreement.
During his meeting with the owners of the company he made a
number of overtures/offers.
You cannot befool your mother by these pretences/excuses.
The eyewitness testimony was incontrovertible/unquestionable.
Lucas Scott
46
SYNONYMS
I realised that they wanted to be alone together, so I felt very
awkward/embarrassed.
He was punished to rigorous imprisonment for larceny/stealing.
The drugs were innocuous/harmless and had no side-effect.
He is being treated for his somnolence/sleepiness.
The pupil was asked to rectify/correct the mistake.
I used to skate quite well but I have lost the knack/skill now.
The criterion/standard of judgement would be fixed soon.
He did not hesitate to pester/disturb the sleeping mother when he
wanted money.
In spite of their efforts, the team of scientists could not make much
headway/progress to solve the problem.
The speech he made on the day was quite exhilarating/lively.
After that tiresome long journey, he felt drowsy/sluggish.
The terminus/’last point’ of his progress would be reached when he
accomplishes that honour.
Several ancillary/subordinate units were patronized by that large
store.
I don’t see why he should be so obsequious/’excessively respectful’
to his brother just because the latter is rich.
An issue of the highest sensitivity, which required the greatest
finesse/tact and delicacy, was handled in the most slapdash manner.
Corruption stalks/pervades every sphere of national life.
The militant was nabbed/caught at the airport.
Lucas Scott
47
SYNONYMS
I am afraid I cannot relate/recount the details now.
Both young sleuths/detectives felt sure there was a link between the
two.
He did not succeed in his endeavour/effort.
Five year plans have been put into operation to mitigate/lessen the
sufferings of the poor.
These recent developments seem to be quite adverse/opposed to
our interests.
He gave such a vivid/clear description of the house we wanted to
rent that we did not have to look at it.
If you don’t care for the blemishes/faults of his style, you will find
that the writer has a powerful message to convey.
He gave an expeditious/prompt reply.
He does not know how to husband/manage his resources.
Brevity/Conciseness pays in debate.
The Border Security Force intercepted/stopped yesterday a truck
carrying arms and ammunition.
His style is quite transparent/lucid.
Your present statement has allayed/relieved my fears.
Because of a family feud/quarrel, he never spoke to his wife’s
parents.
The speaker drew examples copiously/plentifully from various books.
The attitude of the Western countries towards the Third World
countries is rather callous/unfeeling to say the least.
Lucas Scott
48
SYNONYMS
Hearing the news, the workers were in a state of euphoria/pleasant
excitement.
He kindled/provoked the spirit of revenge in him and used it to his
advantage.
He was the only reckless/rash worker in the entire staff.
Practice Test 21
He had the nerve/audacity to suggest that I was cheating.
Your despicable/contemptible remarks call for no reply.
He earns enough to satisfy his wants/needs.
The merchant was renowned/noted for his simple way of living.
“I have learnt a great deal working in factories, and for a time I’ve
been a weaver. Here are my testimonials/credentials, Mr Davis.”
The Director leaves on Tuesday on tour/’official visit’ of the overseas
branches of the company.
He is gregarious/sociable, he is loner, he loves argument, he cannot
bear to lose one.
The base of Indian politicians is the group of sycophants/flatterers
around them who earn bad name for their leaders.
Twenty people were killed as the boat foundered/capsized in the
storm.
The oppressive/unbearable weather made the work difficult for
them.
The Opposition made a stident/vociferous demand for putting the
bill to vote. [1stnot recognized]
It was his practice/habit to go for a walk every morning.
Lucas Scott
49
SYNONYMS
She was not the one who committed the crime, but she was culpable
too.
He adopted quite a diffident/unassuming stand when it was a matter
of his son’s career.
Eventually/Ultimately vision is affected and the patient is only able to
see if the light is present.
He has saved money because his wife is frugal/economic.
His craven/cowardly behaviour makes him a subject of mockery.
Before finalising this transaction, I had to sign an indemnity bond/a
security bond.
Feeling humiliated and frustrated, he could no longer brook/tolerate
the indifferent attitude of the government.
The incident was a grim reflection/picture of the bizarre things that
go on in the village.
The District Collector made clear that the Government cannot
sustain/continue for long the support for such claims.
The most common type of colour blindness involves inability to
tell/distinguish red from green.
The collection of poems, in a slim volume, is gleaned/gathered from
several anthologies of ancient Indian poetry.
Even today, many people are guided by abstruse/obscure moral
values.
As the jockey tried to ride the horse, it suddenly ‘went
berserk’/’became uncontrollably wild’.
His visit to foreign countries brought a ‘sea change’/’complete
change’ in his outlook and his attitude to the people.
Lucas Scott
50
SYNONYMS
The cordial talks between the two foreign ministers cover the entire
gamut/range of their relations.
He could not tolerate his friend rejoicing in his ignominy/dishonour.
It is difficult to ‘authenticate’/’establish the genuineness of’ these old
manuscripts.
The teacher felt nettled/annoyed at the rowdiness of the boys.
He is a disinterested/unbiased investigator.
The indiscriminate/desperate demand for mass consumption goods
is deplorable.
The boy was fired/dismissed for continually coming late to school.
They venerated/respected the old teacher.
Nobody has yet seen the peregrination/travelling of heavenly beings
on earth.
The prisoner has been languishing/suffering in the jail for the last
many years.
Some people adopt excellent manners only to camouflage/hide their
real character.
The new scheme was aimed at prohibiting all people from
imbibing/drinking alcoholic drinks.
The guests were offended by his uncouth/ungracious manners.
Persons with abstemious/moderate habits can adjust themselves in
any social set up.
He did not make any attempt to placate/pacify her.
The actor with many graces/charms leaves the stage and becomes
only a memory in the world of happy memories.
Lucas Scott
51
SYNONYMS
An enquiry was ordered to ascertain/determine the actual cause of
the accident.
Whatever the verdict/judgement of history may be, Chaplin will
occupy a unique place in its pages.
Miss Universe pageant/show was really worth seeing.
Shobha painted some delightful/charming pictures of children.
During negotiations, the Managing Director remained
obdurate/adamant.
He kept his eyes peeled and his ears pricked for some important
clue/hint.
He was reasonable/sensitive enough to behave according to the
circumstances.
She overruled/disallowed her son’s demand of a motorbike.
Practice Test 22
The claims of students look hollow when they attribute/impute their
poor performances to difficulty of the examination.
He is known for his compliant/yielding nature.
I found his crude manners abominable/detestable.
Most of the politicians these days have a large number of
toadies/sycophants around them.
Social reformers and thinkers abominate/detest every type of
discrimination and injustice practised anywhere in the world.
He was a very docile/’very manageable’ person and thus a favourite
of his neighbours.
We cherish/’hold dear’ the tradition of bravery.
Lucas Scott
52
SYNONYMS
On scrutiny, the police officer found out that the documents
provided by the landlord were totally fabricated/forged.
The man did not relish/enjoy his nearness to the tigress.
Nearly half of India’s population is still living in abject/wretched
poverty.
The fetid/stinking mound of waste near the town was a major cause
of the epidemic.
They are cautiously/carefully optimistic about the effects of the new
medicine.
His trite/hackneyed remarks failed to cut any ice with the audience.
In the meeting, the minister floated/presented a couple of new
ideas.
Some army units were decimated/destroyed during the surprise
attack.
Everybody in the Assembly shouted and there was a
pandemonium/’disorderly scene’ in the hall.
Please sound/caution the Principal about the reaction of the
students.
People who hold unorthodox views are sometimes ostracized/’shut
out from society’.
Indian economy has always shown enough resilience/elasticity in
crisis.
Defection/Desertion is quite common in our present day political life.
Speaking in a tremulous/trembling tone, he took everyone to task.
His judicious/caution handling of the matter saved the situation from
going out of control.
Lucas Scott
53
SYNONYMS
The prince fell in love with a comely/pretty young maiden.
The bedroom is at the rear/back side of this house.
The boy was incorrigible/’bad beyond correction’ and a constant
source of trouble for his mother.
Dr S Radhakrishnan has written an erudite/scholarly commentary on
the Bhagwad Gita.
The river level was rising drastically/greatly after that heavy rain.
It was very perspicacious/discerning of the judicial investigator
officer.
The parade route was down the main boulevard/avenue.
He gave me a detailed account/report of the meeting.
The only way to subvert/overthrow the money power and let the
truth triumph is by enhancing the perks or income of the individual.
A conscientious/sincere worker is always admired by his employers.
The employee was ousted/expelled from the office.
A factory manufacturing illicit/unlawful liquor was unearthed by the
police yesterday.
A pervading sense of ennui/weariness grips Gaurav.
The demand for an autonomous/self-governed state is responsible
for insurgence of terrorism in Punjab.
He could not supress his resentment/displeasure against the
decision.
It is so gratifying/satisfying to know that there are not many smallpox cases these days.
Lucas Scott
54
SYNONYMS
Without science and the scientific spirit, we shall just drift/’move
aimlessly’ along.
He was given to fanaticism/’unreasonable enthusiasm’ in his political
beliefs.
No civilized society can allow the subversion/destruction of its
institutions by extremists.
It is the Prime Minister’s prerogative/privilege to appoint or dismiss a
minister.
He cast a cursory/hurried glance over the papers before signing
them.
He had to curtail/shorten his leave as a lot of work was pending in his
office.
In the absence of the Chief Guest, the host himself acted as his
surrogate/substitute and presided over the function.
The incident affected/influenced him so much that he could not
forget it for a few days.
The traditional methods of doing things have become
obsolescent/out of date.
This was his maiden/first performance on stage and he did very well.
It is the inherent/natural quality of matter to expand on being
heated.
The isolated and dilapidated palace has become a
rendezvous/’meeting place’ for the unsocial elements.
Practice Test 23
The poem is written in a very lucid/clear style.
Lucas Scott
55
SYNONYMS
It goes against my grain/nature to be running around the courts for
justice.
The man lived in a dilapidated/crumbling house made of mud and
bricks.
Whatever opinion he gives is sane.
The workers struck work asking for interim/provisional relief.
He is urbane/civil in his manners.
He has won great admiration amongst students because of his
verdant/fresh outlook.
The great dancer impressed the appreciative crowd by his
nimble/quickening movements.
Wisdom seems to have got lost in a welter/confusion of knowledge.
The story began in an eerie/strange situation.
He was a vulpine/crafty person and so avoided by his neighbours.
The prisoner made an abortive/futile attempt to escape from the jail.
A reliable/dependable friend is a gift of God.
War was not the only inevitable/unavoidable means to decide that
dispute.
The tinned food that we bought in the way was all
tainted/contaminated and spoiled.
We must not take his facetious/’flippantly humorous’ remarks very
carefully.
My uncle was so chagrined/disappointed that he avoided mentioning
the incident.
Lucas Scott
56
SYNONYMS
He was ingenious/clever enough to know how to get out of the
clutches of law.
The recent acts of vandalism/violence in the country cannot be
ignored.
Hearing to the complaints of the villagers, the father would come
and box his ears and cuff/slap him.
Everyone on the bazaar turned to stare at the visitor and his
preposterous/absurd dress.
Vishal had got ‘an indication’/’a hint’ from his friend about the
changes in the export market.
Those who acquire quick money are impatient to flaunt/show off
their wealth and material possessions.
India’s attitude towards China has all along been
pusillanimous/cowardly.
Parents should cultivate/foster in their children the habit of helping
train.
A person unrestrained by the rules of morality or tradition is called a
licentious/libertine person.
The Principal’s advice will prove salutary/beneficial for the students.
The child merits/deserves serious attention at this age.
The sententious/meaningful reply impressed the visitor.
She looked gorgeous/splendid in her new dress.
Scientific knowledge is an intoxicating draught/drink, and it may be
one in which the human race is unable to sustain.
He is deluding/misleading himself with false hopes.
Lucas Scott
57
SYNONYMS
There has been considerable furore/uproar both within parliament
and without about the purposed hike in telecommunication tariff.
The obstacles seem to be insurmountable/’too difficult to
overcome’, but no one should doubt what this fearless woman can
accomplish.
Article 26 of the Constitution is, in fact, a corollary/deduction to
Article 26.
The father advised his errant son not to maunder/wander about but
to do something worthwhile.
The scheme failed for want of adequate/sufficient funds.
No one will invite her to a tea for she is so garrulous/talkative.
The meeting was called to ruminate/ponder on recent events in the
subcontinent.
Slangs in a language are usually ephemeral/transient in nature.
On the stage of this world, the drama of life is transitory/fleeting as
well as traumatic.
He has always been an elusive/clever customer.
The new government decided to rescind/revoke most of the
decisions by its predecessor.
The man succumbed/yielded to his injuries the day following the day
of the accident.
The slump/fall in business made Ratanlal bankrupt.
They feel that we should be fully aware of our own
environment/surroundings.
The two brothers should not vie/compete with each other but work
in co-operation.
Lucas Scott
58
SYNONYMS
The rebels turned home under an amnesty/’general pardon’.
The ship was caught in the tempest/’violent storm’ and all but the
captain were drowned.
He is just dabbling/participating in politics to promote his business
interests.
Practice Test 24
My philosophy lecturer is unfailingly bombastic/pompous.
Work that does not engage a person will never seem rewarding, no
matter how lucrative/profitable it becomes.
The scheme failed for want of adequate/sufficient funds.
The leader’s charisma/’magnetic appeal’ attracted many followers.
The growth in agriculture has a very salutary/good effect because we
also offer food aid to the less fortunate masses in Asia and Africa.
The lovers met in a sylvan/wooden setting.
He took a momentous/important decision in this case.
The young leader was reluctant/unwilling to shoulder the
responsibilities of the managerial office.
He corroborated/confirmed the statement of his brother.
He is averse/opposed to the idea of holding elections now.
To the mother’s surprise, the soup had gone completely
mouldy/stale.
Tired and weary/exhausted he returned home late that night.
He was adjudged as the best orator/speaker of the college.
Lucas Scott
59
SYNONYMS
His forthright/straightforward behaviour shows that he is honest but
he seems rude to some people.
Prashant like his friend Rishabh, in spite of his little
frailties/weaknesses.
Ramlal is quite parsimonious/miserly by nature.
The device which measures/gauges earthquakes is called the Richter
scale.
He did not continue for long with his murky/dishonest intentions.
Success is achieved by the degree to which the society is prepared to
police/control itself.
The Government must do something about the
runaway/uncontrollable increase in prices.
He tried to mollify/soften my hurt feelings.
All his friends marvelled at his power of ratiocination/reasoning.
His singing enthralled/captivated the entire audience.
A rupture/break in the relationship of the two brothers is quite
apparent.
The Pandavas led an austere/harsh life in the mountains.
At the yesterday’s meeting, he adopted a recalcitrant/obstinate
attitude.
The committee did not find him fit/suitable for the job.
After a dynamic speech by the Prime Minister, one often hears
repercussions/’far-reaching effects’ abroad.
The army has laid out an entire army of agents to detect the
surreptitious/secret activities of the enemy.
Lucas Scott
60
SYNONYMS
The value of some shares has appreciated/increased considerably
after the last budget.
The court had to reprieve/delay the hanging of the condemned
prisoner.
Fed up of social atrocities, she finally decided to lead a
sequestered/secluded life.
After the dismal/poor performance of the team in the series
concluded yesterday, the captain offered his resignation to the
President of the Club.
Some people enjoy hobnobbing/associating with the rich and
famous.
He is in the habit of talking superfluously/needlessly.
Quite unabashed/unashamed, he began his scholarly lecture on what
was obvious to everyone.
When the editor refused to publish my first article, I was totally
disheartened/discouraged.
He was a contemplative/thoughtful person.
The intrepid/bold mountaineers who scaled the peak in winter
should be specially congratulated.
The ubiquity/omnipresence of God cannot be questioned.
Our posterity/successors shall hold us responsible for the
devastation caused by cutting of trees.
He whirled round in a trice/’an instant’, with a revolver in his hand.
The pickpocket was brandishing/waving a knife.
The manager was not present at the inception/beginning of the
programme.
Lucas Scott
61
SYNONYMS
The old man shows no sign of infirmity/feebleness even though he is
eighty years old.
Ambition is subdues/diluted by poverty.
Her hazel/’reddish brown’ eyes are really attractive.
He is considered by everyone as a man of integrity/character.
The man had transformed the courtyard into a junkyard, all he ever
planted in it was trash/nonsense.
We should abstain from ‘casting aspersions’/’passing slanderous
remarks’ on the character of our colleagues.
Practice Test 25
Ramnath is such a sham/pretender that it is difficult to get along
with him.
Of all the indignities/insult man has suffered at the hands of man,
slavery is perhaps the most degrading.
For want of adequate funds, non-plan expenditure has been further
pruned/reduced in this year’s budget.
The school took us on a three-day excursion/trip to Goa.
One who despises/hates his colleagues can never be successful.
Lack of occupation is not necessarily revealed by manifest/’easily
perceived’ idleness.
He did his job with scrupulous/marvellous care.
It was on the behest/orders of the officer that he made those
improvements.
Your master will like if you are diligent/hard-working.
Lucas Scott
62
SYNONYMS
One of the most tenacious/strong and dangerous legends about the
shark that he has poor eyesight.
The poetic art of Keats reached consummation/completion at the
end of his poetic career.
Adverse/Unfavourable remarks against the leader provoked his
followers.
Gandhiji had proposed/suggested the path of non-violence.
What India hankers/desires for most at this moment is security and
stability.
Before I could expostulate/protest, he had spoken again.
The wail of the call to prayer floated/hovered over the darkened
streets.
The police arrested the thief but his accomplice/partner escaped.
We should always try to maintain and promote communal
amity/friendship.
The meeting was adjourned/postponed after discussing on the
matter for about two hours.
The old man asserted that whole art of medicine lay in
judicious/discreet poisoning.
It was a fabulous/handsome idea.
Some of the Asian countries have been enmeshed/entangled in an
inescapable debt trap.
The thieves left her tied up with rope but she wriggled/shook herself
free.
You will have to arrange for a provisional/temporary license.
Lucas Scott
63
SYNONYMS
His project was merely meant to stall/obstruct the road construction
in the village.
Plants that grow and exist in deserts have highly specialized means of
adapting themselves to the arid/dry environment.
The kings’ palace was really a magnificent/splendid one.
Ganpat finds it difficult to rear/supply his family with the present
income.
The agility/briskness of the body of the athlete was very much
appreciated by the spectators.
Babur’s memoirs/life are contained in ‘Tazuk-i-Baburi’.
He is in the habit of thriving/prospering on other’s money.
All the characters in the novel are fictitious/imaginative.
He has travelled all over the continent by hitchhiking/’getting free
rides on request’ most of the time.
After the acrimonious/bitter debate in the Lok Sabha, some
members walked out.
A stray dog kept whimpering/whining all night.
Our talks with the foreign delegation were really productive/fruitful.
Miss Margaret is a genteel/well-bred lady.
ISI marked goods are always pure/unmixed.
I don’t mean to be flippant/frivolous but there is no nice way to kill
somebody in a war.
The arguments of the lawyer of the accused were so
persuasive/convincing that the judge acquitted him.
He had a strange quirk/habit of hitting his sister every now and then.
Lucas Scott
64
SYNONYMS
I found myself befogged/puzzled in that situation.
He declined/refused to speak about the problem when I asked him.
The appointments were made quite judiciously/impartially.
Nowadays, pollution is rampant/excessive in all major urban centres.
The young man is quite sanguine/about the result of his competitive
examination.
One could see the magnitude of tragedy in the limpid/translucent
eyes of the earthquake victims.
The affluence/wealth of most visiting Arabs is astonishing.
He has implicated/involved them in the conspiracy.
Practice Test 26
Even though Akshay does not study hard, he always comes/stands
first in his class.
The minister tried to assure/convince the people regarding their
safety.
He had a catastrophic/disastrous defeat.
The international community may begin to doubt the
credentials/trustworthiness of the largest democracy in the world.
He failed to savvy/understand the full implications of the agreement
that he had signed.
Nathuram’s desire to help the villagers is genuine/real.
The election campaign brings out the reality of the country in its
most articulate/distinct form.
Weird/Unnatural noises came from the haunted houses.
Lucas Scott
65
SYNONYMS
The country has a potential/’hidden possibility’ to exploit more
mineral resources.
I tried to persuade him to change his mind, but he remained
adamant/stubborn.
Grandfather has been getting feeble/weak of late.
A feeling of brotherhood should be nurtured/’brought up’ in the
masses.
Seeing the room in a disorderly state, Ravi concluded that someone
had ransacked/searched the place.
The courage shown by the soldiers at this moment of crisis is
exemplary/admirable.
The dispute between India and Pakistan can only be settled through
negotiations/’mutual discussions’.
His style is quite transparent/lucid.
Elsie is seventy years old and a fanatical/’excessively enthusiastic’
gardener.
He murdered the man without any qualms/pang of conscience.
The novel was so interesting that I was oblivious/unmindful of my
surroundings.
Her extraordinary stage performance should not be attributed to
sheer fluke/stroke only.
It is not for lay/ordinary readers to evaluate a great poet.
The examination is going to commence/begin on the 10th of this
month.
The invasion force had no artillery and was completely
annihilated/destroyed.
Lucas Scott
66
SYNONYMS
Tax evasion amounts to larcenous/theft accumulation of public
money by some unscrupulous individuals.
It was a facetious/’witty joking’ remark which totally failed to make
any impression.
The eyewitness testimony was incontrovertible/unquestionable.
The tendency to act becomes ingrained/fixed in us only in proportion
to the frequency with which such actions actually occur.
Jawaharlal Nehru was an outstanding/prominent personality.
When youngsters do not have good role-models to emulate/imitate
they start searching for them among sportsmen or film stars.
This group is quite heterogeneous/varied some are very rich while
some are very poor.
There was nothing casual/ordinary about my father’s interests.
I was shocked at his crass/stupid behaviour.
The state finds itself in a bind/nuisance in this matter as on many
other issues.
John Milton wrote ‘Paradise Lost’ to vindicate/justify the ways of
God to man.
The man looked at the poor boy with contempt/disrespect.
He couldn’t comprehend/grasp the details of the document.
True religion does not require one to proselytise/convert through
guile or force.
The press man’s question provokes the minister and the latter
reaches apoplexy/’loss of feeling’ in his reaction.
Lucas Scott
67
SYNONYMS
I had a terrible dream last night and I was very much
scared/frightened.
Due to the long lapse/duration of time, I could not recognise my old
friend.
Power went to her head and she could not stand/bear even minor
criticism.
He was enticed/tempted into entering into this deal.
We don’t know how we are to recompense/reward you for the
trouble you have taken.
The book shows in poor light the execrable/abominable regime of
corruption, falsehood and destruction of institutions by the ruler.
He was not able to unearth/discover his secret to the last.
The growing disparity/inequality between the rich and the poor has
been a cause of global concern.
Peace keeping for the United Nations is, at best of times an
arduous/difficult task.
I had to disclose/expose the information due to some reason.
Before my work on the writer appeared there were many vague
ideas afloat/circulating about him.
The teacher felt that the student lacked discrimination/’good
judgement’ in the study of his data.
Practice Test 27
He was sad that his seniority had been overlooked/neglected.
Vanity is often noticeable/visible in a great leader.
Lucas Scott
68
SYNONYMS
In his lust for wealth, he had reached zenith/acme of criminal
activity.
It was pure fabrication with an eye/aim for a sensation.
A reliable/dependable friend is a gift of God.
Public opinion will pillory/scorn these agents of crime.
All his colleagues bore an innate reverence for his immaculate/pure
behaviour.
His adulatory/appreciate remarks surprised us.
For New Delhi, it is time to re-examine its Pakistan policy and reduce
suspicion that it is trying to torpedo/attack the talks.
The rapacious/avaricious plunderers did not spare even the people
living in the slums.
To avoid future complications, the boundary between neighbours
should be properly defined/demarcated.
Indian economy has always shown enough resilience/elasticity in
crisis.
His physician has proscribed/forbidden non-vegetarian diet.
Long illness has macerated/’eaten into’ his body so much that he is
reduced to flesh and bones.
He remonstrated/protested with his father about his decision of
donating the entire property to the society for the disabled.
We walked down a precipitous/steep slope.
This is blatant/’openly hostile’ justice done to him.
Some of the members of the Board indulged in highly
scurrilous/abusive talk at the meeting.
Lucas Scott
69
SYNONYMS
It is compulsory/obligatory for all the students to join this tour.
Decay is an immutable/unchangeable factor of human life.
Some of the discoveries of modern science are simply
marvellous/amazing.
The cordial talks between the two foreign ministers cover the entire
gamut/range of their relations.
AIDS is a chronic/deep-rooted disease.
We heard him asseverate/affirm his good intentions but his actions
belied his words.
His unscrupulous act would only tantamount/equal to ravage and
destruction.
The medicine was aperient/laxative.
It was an ignominious/shameful defeat for the team.
There must be lively discussion of Indian authors if we are to
foster/promote our national literature.
His conjecture/guess was better than mine.
The problem of unemployment is emasculating/’making weak’ our
youth from making concrete innovations.
Forgetting their old enmity, they joined hands with a spirit of
camaraderie/friendliness.
She leaned back, feeling enervated/weakened.
All his documents were confiscated/seized.
The speech was filled with rigmarole/nonsense.
Deepak employed my friend only when I agreed to avouch/affirm for
his honesty.
Lucas Scott
70
SYNONYMS
The boy gave a vivid/picturesque description of all that happened.
We cherish/’hold dear’ the tradition of bravery.
He was the most disputatious/argumentative student I ever had.
The relics of the Roman rule are still extant/existent in England.
Most of the staff is restive/obstinate under the new manager’s rule.
Instead of being arraigned/’called upon to answer a charge’ in public,
the child should be quietly interviewed in private.
They knew by his sophomoric/immature remarks that he was still
knave in the field.
Last fortnight, the rains came to the parched soils of India after the
merciless drought had already sapped/’drained away’ the vitality and
livelihood of millions of peasants.
His impertinence and his salacious/indecent remarks spoke volumes
of his degradation.
Buoyed by these visions of the future of his son, the artist
soldiered/’continued bravely’ on.
They all shunned him because he was a lecherous/lustful man always
looking for an opportunity to cheat others.
A million cinemas a year bring the same stale balderdash/nonsense.
After the severe riots, the police continued the curfew lest there was
no recrudescence/’new outburst’ of disorder.
Whenever I go by that shop, the diamond necklace in the window
tantalizes/teases me.
The army has laid out an entire web of secret agents to detect the
surreptitious/secret activities of the enemy.
Lucas Scott
71
SYNONYMS
Practice Test 28
Glowing in the heart of the Thar, the burnished sandstone toda is an
intricately/difficultly moulded wonderland. Once, what was
formidable/’great, causing fear’ desert island, toda is a place of
gilded/’covered with gold’ magic. The sunset has a peculiar/strange
glow there. As the night descends/falls slowly the sky goes up in
flames, which then fades/’lose strength’ leaving a few embers/’hot
pieces of wood’ till it becomes coal black. The sun and the sky
together create a new monument/building here every day, leaving
behind an exhilaration/joyful. Here the blazing sun creates
illusions/’not true’ of shimmering lakes on the wide expanse.
During the last year, the business ‘ran into’/encountered
unanticipated/unforeseen difficulties and this had an
adverse/negative effect on the trading position. As a result, the
profit for that year was less than forecast/expected. But the business
‘picked up’/increased this year.
Lucas Scott
72