TNPSC Synonyms and Antonyms Test 2 (21–50)

TNPSC Synonyms and Antonyms Test 2 (21–50) – Concept Booster

Many words in this TNPSC Synonyms and Antonyms Test 2 describe personality, emotions, knowledge, and actions. Understanding the relationship between a word and its synonym or antonym can help you answer TNPSC English vocabulary questions more accurately and confidently.

21. Abundant → Plentiful

Meaning:

The word abundant means available in large quantities or more than enough. Therefore, Plentiful is the correct synonym because it has a similar meaning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Scarce → Means not available in sufficient quantity.
• Rare → Means uncommon or not frequently found.
• Limited → Means restricted in amount.

Example:

After heavy rainfall, the farmers had an abundant supply of water for their crops.

22. Ancient → Modern

Meaning:

The word ancient means very old or belonging to a distant past. Therefore, Modern is the correct antonym because it refers to something current or present-day.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Old → Similar in meaning to ancient.
• Antique → Refers to an old collectible object.
• Past → Means a previous period of time, not the opposite of ancient.

Example:

Many ancient monuments stand alongside modern buildings in large cities.

23. Baffle → Confuse

Meaning:

The word baffle means to puzzle or confuse someone. Therefore, Confuse is the correct synonym because both words convey the idea of causing uncertainty or difficulty in understanding.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Explain → Means to make something clear.
• Clarify → Means to remove confusion.
• Teach → Means to give knowledge or instruction.

Example:

The complex instructions baffled many students during the examination.

24. Clever → Foolish

Meaning:

The word clever means intelligent, quick to learn, or skillful. Therefore, Foolish is the correct antonym because it means lacking good sense or judgment.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Smart → Similar in meaning to clever.
• Intelligent → Means having good understanding.
• Bright → Means intelligent or quick-witted.

Example:

A clever student can solve problems efficiently, whereas a foolish person may make careless mistakes.

25. Diminish → Reduce

Meaning:

The word diminish means to make or become smaller, less, or weaker. Therefore, Reduce is the correct synonym because both words indicate a decrease.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Increase → Means to become greater.
• Expand → Means to grow larger.
• Grow → Means to develop or become bigger.

Example:

Regular maintenance can diminish the chances of machine failure.

26. Elegant → Clumsy

Meaning:

The word elegant means graceful, stylish, and attractive in appearance or manner. Therefore, Clumsy is the correct antonym because it refers to awkward or ungraceful movement.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Graceful → Similar in meaning to elegant.
• Stylish → Means fashionable and attractive.
• Neat → Means tidy and orderly.

Example:

The dancer’s elegant performance impressed the audience.

27. Feeble → Weak

Meaning:

The word feeble means lacking strength, energy, or effectiveness. Therefore, Weak is the correct synonym because both words describe a lack of power or force.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Strong → Means having great power.
• Powerful → Means very strong or influential.
• Tough → Means strong and able to endure hardship.

Example:

After the illness, the patient felt feeble and tired for several days.

28. Generous → Selfish

Meaning:

The word generous means willing to give, share, or help others without expecting anything in return. Therefore, Selfish is the correct antonym because it describes someone who thinks only about their own needs and interests.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Kind → Means caring and considerate.
• Helpful → Means willing to assist others.
• Honest → Means truthful and sincere.

Example:

The generous donor contributed a large amount to support the charity.

29. Hostile → Aggressive

Meaning:

The word hostile means unfriendly, opposing, or showing anger towards others. Therefore, Aggressive is the correct synonym because both words can describe threatening or confrontational behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Friendly → Means kind and pleasant.
• Kind → Means caring and helpful.
• Gentle → Means calm and mild in behavior.

Example:

The manager faced a hostile reaction from some employees during the meeting.

30. Ignorant → Knowledgeable

Meaning:

The word ignorant means lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something. Therefore, Knowledgeable is the correct antonym because it refers to a person who is well-informed and educated.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Unaware → Similar in meaning to ignorant.
• Foolish → Means lacking good judgment.
• Simple → Means plain or uncomplicated.

Example:

A knowledgeable teacher can explain difficult concepts in an easy way.

31. Jovial → Cheerful

Meaning:

The word jovial means happy, friendly, and full of good humor. Therefore, Cheerful is the correct synonym because both words describe a positive and pleasant mood.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Sad → Means unhappy.
• Angry → Means feeling strong displeasure.
• Serious → Means thoughtful rather than cheerful.

Example:

His jovial nature made him popular among his colleagues.

32. Kind → Cruel

Meaning:

The word kind means caring, compassionate, and considerate towards others. Therefore, Cruel is the correct antonym because it refers to causing pain or suffering without concern for others.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Gentle → Similar in meaning to kind.
• Helpful → Means willing to assist others.
• Soft → Means not hard; it is not the opposite of kind.

Example:

The kind doctor treated every patient with patience and respect.

33. Lethargic → Lazy

Meaning:

The word lethargic means lacking energy, enthusiasm, or activity. Therefore, Lazy is the correct synonym because both words describe a state of inactivity or low energy.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Energetic → Means full of energy.
• Active → Means physically engaged or busy.
• Fast → Means moving quickly.

Example:

The hot weather made everyone feel lethargic during the afternoon.

34. Modern → Ancient

Meaning:

The word modern means relating to the present time or recent developments. Therefore, Ancient is the correct antonym because it refers to something very old or from a distant past.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• New → Similar in meaning to modern.
• Recent → Means occurring not long ago.
• Current → Means happening now.

Example:

Modern technology has changed the way people communicate.

35. Notorious → Infamous

Meaning:

The word notorious means famous for something bad or negative. Therefore, Infamous is the correct synonym because it also refers to being well-known for undesirable reasons.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Famous → Can be famous for good reasons.
• Unknown → Means not recognized or identified.
• Good → Refers to positive qualities.

Example:

The criminal became notorious for his repeated offenses.

36. Optimistic → Pessimistic

Meaning:

The word optimistic means having a positive outlook and expecting good results. Therefore, Pessimistic is the correct antonym because it means expecting negative outcomes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Hopeful → Similar in meaning to optimistic.
• Positive → Means confident and encouraging.
• Cheerful → Means happy and pleasant.

Example:

Despite the challenges, she remained optimistic about her future.

37. Precise → Exact

Meaning:

The word precise means accurate, exact, and clearly defined. Therefore, Exact is the correct synonym because both words indicate correctness and accuracy.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Rough → Means not exact or detailed.
• Vague → Means unclear or uncertain.
• Loose → Means not firmly fixed or precise.

Example:

The scientist recorded precise measurements during the experiment.

38. Quick → Slow

Meaning:

The word quick means moving, acting, or happening with great speed. Therefore, Slow is the correct antonym because it refers to something that takes more time or moves at a lower speed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Fast → Similar in meaning to quick.
• Rapid → Means very fast.
• Swift → Means moving quickly.

Example:

The quick response from the rescue team helped save many lives.

39. Robust → Strong

Meaning:

The word robust means strong, healthy, and capable of withstanding difficulties. Therefore, Strong is the correct synonym because both words indicate power and durability.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Weak → Means lacking strength.
• Fragile → Means easily broken or damaged.
• Soft → Means not hard or firm.

Example:

The company has a robust system to protect customer data.

40. Simple → Complex

Meaning:

The word simple means easy to understand or do. Therefore, Complex is the correct antonym because it refers to something complicated or difficult to understand.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Easy → Similar in meaning to simple.
• Clear → Means easy to understand.
• Plain → Means simple or ordinary.

Example:

The teacher explained the concept in a simple manner so that everyone could understand it.

41. Timid → Fearful

Meaning:

The word timid means shy, nervous, or lacking confidence. Therefore, Fearful is the correct synonym because both words describe a person who is easily frightened or hesitant.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Brave → Means showing courage.
• Bold → Means confident and fearless.
• Strong → Means having power or strength.

Example:

The timid child was hesitant to speak in front of the class.

42. Unity → Division

Meaning:

The word unity means togetherness, harmony, and agreement among people. Therefore, Division is the correct antonym because it refers to separation or disagreement.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Union → Similar in meaning to unity.
• Togetherness → Means harmony and closeness.
• Agreement → Means having the same opinion.

Example:

Unity among team members helped them achieve success.

43. Vain → Worthless

Meaning:

The word vain means having no result, value, or purpose. Therefore, Worthless is the correct synonym because both words describe something that lacks usefulness or value.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Useful → Means serving a purpose.
• Important → Means having significance.
• Valuable → Means having worth or usefulness.

Example:

All his efforts were in vain because the project had already been cancelled.

44. Wise → Foolish

Meaning:

The word wise means having good judgment, knowledge, and experience. Therefore, Foolish is the correct antonym because it means lacking wisdom or good sense.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Smart → Similar in meaning to wise.
• Intelligent → Means having the ability to learn and understand.
• Clever → Means quick to understand or learn.

Example:

It was a wise decision to save money for future needs.

45. Zealous → Enthusiastic

Meaning:

The word zealous means showing great energy, passion, and enthusiasm for a cause or activity. Therefore, Enthusiastic is the correct synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Lazy → Means unwilling to work.
• Careless → Means not paying attention.
• Weak → Means lacking strength or determination.

Example:

The volunteers were zealous in helping the community during the flood relief efforts.

46. Accept → Reject

Meaning:

The word accept means to receive, agree to, or approve something. Therefore, Reject is the correct antonym because it means to refuse or decline.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Take → Means to receive something.
• Receive → Similar in meaning to accept.
• Agree → Means to have the same opinion or consent.

Example:

She decided to accept the job offer after careful consideration.

47. Bold → Brave

Meaning:

The word bold means confident, courageous, and willing to take risks. Therefore, Brave is the correct synonym because both words describe courage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Weak → Means lacking strength or courage.
• Timid → Means shy or fearful.
• Fearful → Means afraid or anxious.

Example:

The firefighter made a bold attempt to rescue the trapped family.

48. Bright → Dull

Meaning:

The word bright means shining, full of light, or intelligent. Therefore, Dull is the correct antonym because it means lacking brightness or interest.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Shiny → Similar in meaning to bright.
• Clear → Means easy to see or understand.
• Smart → Can also mean intelligent.

Example:

The bright sunlight filled the room through the windows.

49. Calm → Peaceful

Meaning:

The word calm means free from excitement, anger, or disturbance. Therefore, Peaceful is the correct synonym because both words describe a quiet and relaxed state.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Angry → Means feeling strong displeasure.
• Loud → Means producing a lot of noise.
• Rough → Means uneven or harsh.

Example:

The lake remained calm even during the early morning hours.

50. Dangerous → Safe

Meaning:

The word dangerous means likely to cause harm, injury, or damage. Therefore, Safe is the correct antonym because it means free from danger or risk.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Risky → Similar in meaning to dangerous.
• Harmful → Means causing damage or injury.
• Unsafe → Means not safe.

Example:

Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle helps keep you safe.

Final Revision Tips

• Learn words in pairs: Abundant → Plentiful, Generous → Selfish, Optimistic → Pessimistic.
• Focus on understanding the meaning rather than memorizing answers.
• Revise difficult words regularly and use them in simple sentences.
• In TNPSC English, many vocabulary questions are based on common synonym and antonym relationships.
• Consistent practice of Synonyms and Antonyms can improve both accuracy and speed in the exam.

To understand word meanings more clearly, refer to trusted sources like the Cambridge Dictionary for accurate definitions and usage examples.