Can you score full marks in TNPSC English? Try these important TNPSC Previous Year Synonyms and Antonyms questions and put your vocabulary skills to the test. Many similar Synonyms And Antonyms questions have appeared in past exams, making this quiz a valuable practice resource. Let’s see how many you can answer correctly!
Note: Detailed explanations for all questions are available below the test, allowing you to review your responses and strengthen your subject knowledge.
TNPSC Previous Year Synonyms And Antonyms – Learn, Revise & Practice
Did you notice a pattern in this quiz? Most TNPSC Synonyms and Antonyms questions are based on simple everyday words. By learning the meanings of common words and their opposites, you can answer these questions quickly and score easy marks in the TNPSC English section. Let’s review some important vocabulary concepts and memory tips.
1. Choose the synonym of “Abundant”:
(TNPSC Group 4 – 2016)
Answer: B. Plentiful
Detailed Explanation : The word “Abundant” means available or existing in a large quantity. Therefore, “Plentiful” is its correct synonym because both words indicate something that is available in more than sufficient quantity.
For example: India has abundant sunlight throughout the year.
Here, “abundant” means plentiful or available in large amounts.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Scarce – Means available in very small quantities; it is the opposite of abundant.
- B. Plentiful – Correct. It means available in large quantities.
- C. Rare – Means uncommon or not frequently found.
- D. Limited – Means restricted or available only in a small amount.
2. Choose the antonym of “Ancient”:
(TNPSC Group 4 – 2017)
Answer: C. Modern
Detailed Explanation : The word “Ancient” means belonging to a very old period or existing for a long time in the past. Its antonym is “Modern,” which refers to something belonging to the present time or a recent period.
For example: The museum displays ancient sculptures alongside modern artworks.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Old – Has a similar meaning to ancient.
- B. Antique – Refers to something old, especially an object of historical or artistic value.
- C. Modern – Correct. It means relating to the present or recent times.
- D. Past – Refers to a time that has already occurred.
3. Choose the synonym of “Brave”:
Answer: B. Bold
Detailed Explanation : The word “Brave” means having courage and being willing to face danger, difficulty or fear. “Bold” is a synonym because it describes someone who is courageous, confident and willing to take risks.
For example: The brave soldier faced the difficult situation without fear.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Coward – Means a person who lacks courage; it is opposite in meaning to brave.
- B. Bold – Correct. It means courageous and confident.
- C. Weak – Means lacking physical or mental strength.
- D. Lazy – Means unwilling to work or make an effort.
4. Choose the antonym of “Expand”:
(TNPSC VAO – 2014)
Answer: C. Contract
Detailed Explanation : The word “Expand” means to become larger, wider or greater in size, amount or scope. Its antonym is “Contract,” which means to become smaller or decrease in size or extent.
For example: Metals expand when heated and contract when cooled.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Increase – Means to become greater; it is similar in meaning to expand.
- B. Grow – Means to increase in size or develop; it is related to expand.
- C. Contract – Correct. It means to become smaller or decrease in size.
- D. Develop – Means to grow, progress or improve; it is not the opposite of expand.
5. Choose the synonym of “Happy”:
Answer: B. Joyful
Detailed Explanation
The word “Happy” means feeling or showing pleasure, satisfaction or joy. “Joyful” is its synonym because it describes a person who feels or expresses great happiness.
For example: The children were happy and joyful during the celebration.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Sad – Means feeling unhappy; it is opposite in meaning to happy.
- B. Joyful – Correct. It means full of happiness and joy.
- C. Angry – Means feeling strong displeasure or irritation.
- D. Tired – Means lacking energy or feeling exhausted.
6. Choose the antonym of “Strong”:
(TNPSC Group 4 – 2018)
Answer: D. Weak
Detailed Explanation : The word “Strong” means having great physical or mental power, strength or force. Its antonym is “Weak,” which means lacking strength, power or physical force.
For example: The strong bridge can withstand heavy loads, while a weak structure may not.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Powerful – Means having great strength or power; similar to strong.
- B. Tough – Means strong, durable or able to withstand difficult conditions.
- C. Solid – Means firm, strong or not easily broken.
- D. Weak – Correct. It means lacking strength or power.
7. Choose the synonym of “Difficult”:
(TNPSC Group 4 – 2019)
Answer: B. Hard
Detailed Explanation : The word “Difficult” means not easy to do, understand or deal with. “Hard” is its synonym because both words describe something that requires effort or is not easy to accomplish.
For example: The mathematics problem was difficult because it required careful calculation.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Easy – Means requiring little effort; it is opposite in meaning to difficult.
- B. Hard – Correct. It means difficult or requiring effort.
- C. Simple – Means easy to understand or do.
- D. Clear – Means easy to understand or perceive; it is not a synonym for difficult.
8. Choose the antonym of “Victory”:
Answer: C. Defeat
Detailed Explanation : The word “Victory” means success in a competition, battle or struggle. Its antonym is “Defeat,” which means failure to win or overcome an opponent.
For example: The team celebrated its victory after winning the final match.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Success – Means achieving the desired result; it is similar to victory.
- B. Achievement – Means something successfully accomplished.
- C. Defeat – Correct. It means failure to win.
- D. Win – Means to achieve victory; it is similar in meaning to victory.
9. Choose the synonym of “Clean”:
(TNPSC VAO – 2016)
Answer: B. Pure
Detailed Explanation: The word “Clean” can mean free from dirt, impurities or unwanted substances. In the sense of being free from impurities, “Pure” is a suitable synonym. Therefore, Pure is the correct answer.
For example: We should drink clean and pure water.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Dirty – Means covered with dirt or impurities; it is opposite to clean.
- B. Pure – Correct. It means free from impurities.
- C. Messy – Means untidy or disorganised.
- D. Dusty – Means covered with dust.
10. Choose the antonym of “Early”:
(TNPSC Group 4 – 2017)
Answer: D. Late
Detailed Explanation : The word “Early” means before the expected, usual or scheduled time. Its antonym is “Late,” which means after the expected or scheduled time.
For example: She arrived early for the examination, while her friend arrived late.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Soon – Means in a short time; it is related to early, not its opposite.
- B. Quick – Means moving or happening at a fast speed.
- C. Fast – Means moving or operating at high speed.
- D. Late – Correct. It means after the expected or scheduled time.
11. Choose the synonym of “Danger”:
Answer: B. Risk
Detailed Explanation : The word “Danger” means the possibility of harm, injury, loss or an undesirable outcome. “Risk” is its synonym because it refers to the possibility that something harmful or undesirable may happen.
For example: Driving without following traffic rules can put a person in danger.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Safety – Means being protected from danger; it is opposite in meaning.
- B. Risk – Correct. It means the possibility of harm or loss.
- C. Peace – Means a state without conflict or disturbance.
- D. Calm – Means being peaceful and free from agitation.
12. Choose the antonym of “Accept”:
(TNPSC Group 4 – 2018)
Answer: C. Reject
Detailed Explanation : The word “Accept” means to agree to receive, take or approve something. Its antonym is “Reject,” which means to refuse to accept or consider something.
For example: She accepted the invitation, but he rejected it.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Agree – Means to have the same opinion or accept something; it is related to accept.
- B. Receive – Means to take or get something; it can be a meaning of accept.
- C. Reject – Correct. It means to refuse to accept something.
- D. Take – Can mean to receive or accept something.
13. Choose the synonym of “Begin”:
Answer: A. Start
Detailed Explanation : The word “Begin” means to start or commence something. Therefore, “Start” is its synonym because both words indicate the point at which an activity, event or process begins.
For example: The examination will begin at 10 a.m. → The examination will start at 10 a.m.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Start – Correct. It means to begin something.
- B. End – Means to bring something to a conclusion; it is opposite to begin.
- C. Finish – Means to complete something.
- D. Close – Means to shut or bring something to an end.
14. Choose the antonym of “Full”:
( TNPSC VAO – 2015)
Answer: D. Empty
Detailed Explanation: The word “Full” means containing as much as possible or filled to capacity. Its antonym is “Empty,” which means containing nothing or having no contents.
For example: The bottle is full of water, but the glass is empty.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Complete – Means whole or having all necessary parts; it is related to full.
- B. Filled – Means containing something; it is similar to full.
- C. Packed – Means completely filled or crowded.
- D. Empty – Correct. It means containing nothing.
15. Choose the synonym of “Smart”:
( TNPSC Group 4 – 2019)
Answer: A. Intelligent
Detailed Explanation : The word “Smart” can mean having a good ability to learn, understand and think quickly. In this context, “Intelligent” is its synonym because both words describe someone who has good mental ability.
For example: She is a smart student who understands difficult topics quickly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Intelligent – Correct. It means having good mental ability and understanding.
- B. Foolish – Means lacking good judgment or wisdom; it is opposite in meaning.
- C. Dull – Can mean lacking intelligence or interest.
- D. Slow – Can refer to someone who takes more time to understand or respond.
16. Choose the antonym of “Generous”:
Answer: D. Selfish
Detailed Explanation : The word “Generous” means willing to give or share freely, especially with others. Its antonym is “Selfish,” which describes someone who is mainly concerned with their own needs, interests or possessions rather than sharing with others.
For example: A generous person shares what they have, while a selfish person may be unwilling to share.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Kind – Means caring and considerate towards others; it is related to generosity.
- B. Helpful – Means willing to assist others; it is related to generosity.
- C. Honest – Means truthful and sincere; it is not the opposite of generous.
- D. Selfish – Correct. It means caring mainly about oneself and being unwilling to share.
17. Choose the synonym of “Fast”:
(TNPSC Group 4 – 2016)
Answer: B. Quick
Detailed Explanation: The word “Fast” means moving, happening or operating at high speed. “Quick” is its synonym because it describes something that happens or moves with speed.
For example: The fast runner completed the race quickly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Slow – Means moving or happening at a low speed; it is opposite to fast.
- B. Quick – Correct. It means moving or happening rapidly.
- C. Late – Means happening after the expected time.
- D. Weak – Means lacking strength or power.
18. Choose the antonym of “Beautiful”:
Answer: C. Ugly
Detailed Explanation : The word “Beautiful” means pleasing to the senses or attractive in appearance. Its antonym is “Ugly,” which describes something that is unpleasant or unattractive in appearance.
For example: The garden looks beautiful in spring, while the neglected area looks ugly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Pretty – Means attractive or beautiful; it is similar in meaning.
- B. Attractive – Means pleasing or appealing; it is a synonym of beautiful.
- C. Ugly – Correct. It means unpleasant or unattractive in appearance.
- D. Nice – Can mean pleasant or agreeable; it is not the opposite of beautiful.
19. Choose the synonym of “Big”:
( TNPSC VAO – 2014)
Answer: C. Large
Detailed Explanation: The word “Big” means large in size, amount or extent. “Large” is its synonym because both words describe something that is greater than usual in size or quantity.
For example: They live in a big house. → They live in a large house.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Small – Means little in size; it is opposite to big.
- B. Tiny – Means extremely small.
- C. Large – Correct. It means big in size or amount.
- D. Little – Means small in size or quantity.
20. Choose the antonym of “Love”:
(TNPSC Group 4 – 2017)
Answer: D. Hate
Detailed Explanation : The word “Love” means a strong feeling of affection, care or deep liking towards someone or something. Its antonym is “Hate,” which means to strongly dislike or feel intense dislike towards someone or something.
For example: Love brings people together, while hate creates feelings of strong dislike.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Like – Means to have a positive feeling towards someone or something; it is related to love.
- B. Enjoy – Means to take pleasure in something.
- C. Care – Means to feel concern or affection; it is related to love.
- D. Hate – Correct. It means to strongly dislike someone or something.
Futher Reading:
Strengthen your TNPSC English preparation by exploring more Synonyms and Antonyms through the Cambridge Dictionary. It offers clear definitions, pronunciation, example sentences, and related words to help you understand vocabulary in context.
To understand word meanings more clearly, refer to trusted sources like the Cambridge Dictionary for accurate definitions and usage examples.
