Synonyms And Antonyms List For English Language Section


Synonyms and Antonyms form an important part of competitive exams. Candidates frequently face questions related to synonyms and antonyms in the English language section of various Government exams such as SSC, RRB, Bank, IBPS and more.

Candidates tend to lose marks in the English section if their vocabulary is not up to the mark. The usage of Synonyms and Antonyms is essential in day to day communication as well. Hence, we are providing the list of Synonyms and Antonyms containing more than 400 English synonym and antonym words. 

Candidates will also get sample questions on synonyms and antonyms asked in the examination and will be able to download the list of Synonyms and Antonyms in PDF Format for preparation at ease.

Synonyms And Antonyms List:-Download PDF Here

Synonyms And Antonyms – Meanings

Before learning various words of synonyms and antonyms, let us first understand the meaning of both the words.

What is a Synonym?

A synonym is a word/phrase, the meaning of which is the same or nearly the same as another word or phrase. Words that are synonyms are described as synonymous.

Synonym examples:

  • Artful – Crafty
  • Ballot – Poll
  • Chorus – Refrain
  • Deceptive – Misleading
  • Enormous – Immense

What is an Antonym?

An antonym is a word/phrase that means the opposite of another word or phrase. Check the examples.

Antonym examples:

  • Admire – Detest
  • Bravery – Cowardice
  • Crooked – Straight
  • Dainty – Clumsy
  • Economise – Waste

To understand the concept of English Root Words candidates can visit the linked page.

Synonyms And Antonyms List

Now that you are familiar with the meanings of both synonyms and antonyms, go through the table below comprising 400 plus English Synonyms and Antonyms.

Synonyms And Antonyms List
WordsSynonyms – Same MeaningAntonyms – Opposites
AbateModerate, decreaseAggravate
AdhereComply, observeCondemn, disjoin
AbolishAbrogate, annulSetup, establish
AcumenAwareness, brillianceStupidity, ignorance
AbashDisconcert, rattleUphold, Discompose
AbsolvePardon, forgiveCompel, Accuse
AbjureForsake, renounceApprove, Sanction
AbjectDespicable, servileCommendable, Praiseworthy
AboundFlourish, proliferateDeficient, Destitute
AbortiveVain, unproductiveProductive
AcrimonyHarshness, bitternessCourtesy, Benevolence
AccordAgreement, harmonyDiscord
AdjunctJoined, AddedSeparated, Subtracted
AdversityMisfortune, calamityProsperity, Fortune
AdherentFollower, discipleRival, Adversary
AdamantStubborn, inflexibleFlexible, Soft
AdmonishCounsel, reproveApprove, Applaud
AllayPacify, sootheAggravate, Excite
AlienForeigner, outsiderNative, Resident
AscendClimb EscalateDescend, Decline
AlleviateAbate, relieveAggravate, Enhance
AllureEntice, fascinateRepulse, Repel
ArraignIncriminate, indictExculpate, Pardon
AmplifyAugment, deepenLessen, Contract
AxiomAdage, truismAbsurdity, Blunder
AudacityBoldness, CourageMildness, Cowardice
AuthenticAccurate, credibleFictitious, unreal
AwkwardRude, blunderingAdroit, clever
BarbarousFrustrate, perplexCivilized
BleakGrim, AustereBright, Pleasant
BewitchingAlluring, charmingRepulsive, Repugnant
BaroqueFlorid, giltPlain, unadorned
BrittleBreakable, crispTough, Enduring
BarrierBarricade, ObstacleLink, Assistance
BaffleAstound, FazeFacilitate, Clarify
BustleCommotion, TumultSlowness, Quiet
BarrenDesolate, SterileDamp, Fertile
BawdyErotic, CoarseDecent, Moral
BindPredicamentRelease
BattyInsane, sillySane
BenevolentBenign, GenerousMalevolent, Miserly
BefoggedBecloud, DimClear headed, Uncloud
BaseVulgar, CoarseSummit, Noble
BenignFavorable, friendlyMalignant, Cruel
BusyActive, EngagedIdle, Lazy
BleakAustere, BlankBright, Cheerful
BoldAdventurousTimid
BoisterousClamorous, rowdyPlacid, Calm
BluntDull, InsensitiveKeen, Sharp
Callousobdurate, unfeelingCompassionate, Tender
Capablecompetent, ableIncompetent, Inept
Calamityadversity, misfortuneFortune
CalculatingCanny, DeviousArtless, honest
Calumnydefamation, aspersionCommendation, Praise
Captivityimprisonment, confinementFreedom, Liberty
CaptivateCharm, fascinateDisillusion offend
Chastevirtuous, pureSullied, Lustful
Ceaseterminate, desistBegin, Originate
Compassionkindness, sympathyCruelty, Barbarity
Chastisepunish, admonishCheer, encourage
Concedeyield, permitDeny, reject
Compriseinclude, containReject, lack
Consentagree, permitObject Disagree
Concurapprove, agreeDiffer, disagree
Consolidatesolidify, strengthenSeparate, Weaken
Consequenceeffect, outcomeOrigin, Start
Contemptscorn, disregardRegard, Praise
Conspicuousprominent, obviousConcealed, hidden
Contrarydissimilar, conflictingSimilar, Alike
Contradictdeny, opposeApprove, Confirm
CallousInsensitive, induratedKind, merciful
CalmHarmonious, unruffledStormy, turbulent
CandidBlunt, bluffEvasive
CamouflageCloak, disguiseReveal
CarnalEarthly, fleshlySpiritual
CaptivateBeguile, bewitchRepel
CelebratedAcclaimed, lionizedUnknown, Inglorious
CatholicGeneric, liberalNarrow- minded
CensureRebuke, reprimandPraise, Acceptance
CementPlaster, mortarDisintegrate
ClandestineCovert, furtiveOpen, Legal
CheapCompetitive, InexpensiveDear, unreasonable
CoarseBawdy, BoorishFine, Chaste
ClassicSimple, TypicalRomantic, Unusual
CompactBunched, thickLoose, Diffuse
ComicClown, JesterTragic, tragedian
ConceitEgotism, ImmodestyModesty
CompressAbbreviate, ShrinkAmplify, Expand
CondemnCastigate, ChideApprove, Praise
ConcordAgreement, accordDiscord
ConsolidateCentralize, FortifyWeaken
ConfidentBold, UndauntedDiffident, cowardly
CreationFormation, foundationDestruction
CourtesyGenerosity, ReverenceDisdain, Rudeness
CunningAcute, SmartNaive, Coarse
Decipherinterpret, revealMisinterpret, distort
DecayCollapse, decomposeFlourish, Progress
Deceitdeception, artificeVeracity, Sincerity
Defrayspend, payDisclaim, Repudiate
Defilecontaminate, pollutePurify, sanctity
DemolishRuin, devastateRepair, construct
Deliberatecautious, intentionalRash, Sudden
Deridemock, tauntInspire, Encourage
Deprivedespoil, divestRestore, Renew
DissuadeRemonstrate, CounselInsite, Persuade
Disdaindetest, despiseApprove, praise
DenseOpaque, piledSparse, brainy
DenounceBlame, boycottDefend
DespairDepression, miseryContentment, Hope
DerogatorySarcastic, criticalLaudatory, appreciative
DocilePliable, pliantHeadstrong, obstinate
DestructiveCatastrophic, perniciousCreative, Constructive
DwarfDiminutive, PetiteHuge, Giant
EclipseDiminution, DimmingShine, eclipse
EagerKeen, acquisitiveIndifferent, apathetic
Ecstasydelight, exultationDespair, Calamity
Eccentricstrange, abnormalNatural, Conventional
Encumbrancehindrance, obstacleIncentive, stimulant
Effacedestroy, obliterateRetain, Maintain
Eloquenceexpression, fluencyHalting, Stammering
Enormouscolossal, mammothDiminutive, negligible
Endeavourundertake, aspireCease, quit
Equivocaluncertain, hazyObvious, lucid
Epitomeprecise, exampleIncrement, expansion
Eradicatedestroy, exterminateSecure, plant
Fallacydelusion, mistakeVeracity, Truth
Fabricateconstruct, produceDestroy, Dismantle
Fanaticalnarrow-minded, biasedLiberal, Tolerant
Falterstumble, demurPersist, Endure
Ferociouscruel, fierceGentle, Sympathetic
Feebleweak, frailStrong, Robust
Fluctuatedeflect, vacillateStabilize, resolve
Feudstrife, quarrelHarmony, fraternity
Fragileweak, infirmEnduring, Tough
Forsakedesert, renounceHold, maintain
Frivolouspetty, worthlessSolemn, significant
Franticviolent, agitatedSubdued, gentle
Frugalityeconomy, providenceLavishness, extravagance
Gloomobscurity, darknessDelight, mirth
GatherConverge, huddleDisperse, Dissemble
Gorgeousmagnificent, dazzlingDull, unpretentious
Glutstuff, satiateStarve, abstain
Grislydisgusting, atrociousPleasing, attractive
Graciouscourteous, beneficentRude, Unforgiving
Guilecunning, deceitHonesty, frankness
Grudgehatred, aversionBenevolence, Affection
GenuineAbsolute, FactualSpurious
GenerosityAltruism, bountyStinginess, greed
GloryDignity, renownShame, Disgrace
GloomyBleak, cloudyGay, Bright
Harassirritate, molestAssist, comfort
Hamperretard, preventPromote, facilitate
HazardPeril, dangerConviction, security
Haplessunfortunate, ill-fatedFortunate, Lucky
Haughtyarrogant, pompousHumble, Submissive
Hideousfrightful, shockingAttractive, alluring
Hereticnon-conformist, secularistConformable, religious
HarmonyConformity, AmicabilityDiscord, discord
HamstrungCripple DebilitateStrengthen, Encourage
HonorAdoration, ReverenceDenunciation, Shame
HastyAbrupt, ImpetuousLeisurely, Cautious
HumilityResignation, FawningBoldness, Pride
HumbleMeek, TimidProud, Assertive
ImpenitentUncontrite, ObdurateRepentant
HypocrisyDeception, PharisaismSincerity, frankness
IndifferentEquitable, HaughtyPartial, Biased
ImpulsiveFlaky, ImpetuousCautious, Deliberate
InfernalDamned, AccursedHeavenly,
IndigentDestitute, ImpoverishedRich, Affluent
InterestingEnchanting, RivetingDull, Uninteresting
InsipidTedious, ProsaicPleasing, appetizing
Immensehuge, enormousPuny, Insignificant
Immaculateunsullied, spotlessDefiled, Tarnished
Imminentimpending, brewingDistant, Receding
Immersesubmerge, involveEmerge, uncover
Impairdiminish, deteriorateRestore, Revive
Immunityprerogative, privilegeBlame, Censure
Impedimenthurdle, obstructionAssistant, Concurrence
Impartialjust, unbiasedPrejudiced, Biased
Imputeattribute, ascribeExculpate, support
Impiousirreligious, unholyPious, Devout
Incompetentinefficient, unskilledDexterous, Skilled
Inclinationdisposition, affectionIndifference, Disinclination
Inevitableunavoidable, ascertainedUnlikely, Doubtful
Incongruousinappropriate, absurdCompatible, harmonious
Ingenuousundisguised, naiveWily, Craftly
Infringeviolate, encroachComply, Concur
Insipidtasteless, vapidDelicious, luscious
Insinuateallude, hintConceal, Camouflage
Instillinculcate, injectEradicate, extract
Insolventindigent, destituteWealthy, solvent
Intriguescheme, conspiracyCandor, Sincerity
Intricatetangled, complicatedRegulated, Orderly
Invectiveaccusation, censureApproval, acclamation
Intrinsicgenuine, fundamentalExtraneous, incidental
ImmaculateExquisite, ImpeccableDefiled, Tarnished
Invincibleunconquerable, impregnableEffeminate, languid
Irrepressibleirresistible, unconfinedComposed, hesitant
Jejunedull, boringInteresting, exciting
Jadedtired, exhaustedRenewed, recreated
Jubilantrejoicing, triumphantMelancholy, depressing
Jovialfrolicsome, cheerfulSolemn, morose
Justhonest, impartialUnequal, unfair
Judiciousthoughtful, prudentIrrational, foolish
Juvenileyoung, tenderDotage, antiquated
Justifydefend, exculpateImpute, arraign
Knavedishonest, scoundrelParagon, innocent
Knottycomplicated difficultSimple, manageable
Kindredrelation, speciesUnrelated, dissimilar
Keensharp, poignantVapid, insipid
Knelldeath knell, last blowReconstruction, rediscovery
Laxslack, carelessFirm, reliable
Lavishabundant, excessiveScarce, deficient
Liableaccountable, boundUnaccountable, apt to
Lenientcompassionate, mercifulCruel, severe
Lucidsound, rationalObscure, hidden
Lureattract, enticeRepel, dissuade
Lingerloiter, prolongHasten, quicken
Liberalmagnanimous, generousStingy, malicious
Lunacydelusion, insanityNormalcy, sanity
Luxuriantprofuse, abundantScanty, meagre
Lusciouspalatable, deliciousUnsavory, tart
LanguidSluggish, apatheticEnergetic, spirited
MandatoryImperative, requisiteOptional
MaliceVengefulness, grudgeGoodwill, Kindness
MeritStature, AssetDemerit, dishonor
MasculineGallant, strappingFeminine, meek
Mitigatealleviate, relieveAugment enhance
Miraculousmarvelous, extraordinaryOrdinary, trivial
Molestharass, teaseConsole, soothe
Modesthumble, courteousArrogant, pompous
Momentousnotable, eventfulTrivial, insignificant
Mollifyappease, assuageIrritate, infuriate
MorbidNasty, MacabreHealthy, Cheerful
Monotonousirksome, tediousVaried, pleasant
Murkydusky, drearyBright, shining
Munificentliberal, hospitableFrugal, penurious
Mutualjoint, identicalSeparate, distinct
Mutinousrecalcitrant, insurgentSubmissive, faithful
Nimbleprompt, briskSluggish, languid
Niggardlymiser, covetousGenerous, profuse
Noxiousbaneful, injuriousHealing, profitable
NotionConceit, ApprehensionReality, Concrete
Novicetyro, beginnerVeteran, ingenious
Nonchalantindifferent, negligentAttentive, considerate
Nullifycancel, annualConfirm, Uphold
Numerousprofuse, variousScarce, deficient
ObligingComplaisant, WillingMulish, Obstinate
Obstructimpede, preventHasten, encourage
ObstinateStubborn, AdamantPliable, flexible
ObscureArcane, VagueProminent
ObviousEvident, apparentObscure, ambiguous
ObtainAccess, InheritForfeit
OffensiveAbhorrent, obnoxiousEngaging, fascinating
OdiousMalevolent, obnoxiousEngaging, fascinating
Offspringdescendant, siblingAncestor, forefather
Occultlatent, ambiguousIntelligible, transparent
Opaqueobscure, shadyTransparent, bright
OminousMenacing, ForebodingAuspicious
Oracularcryptic, vagueLucid, distinct
OptimistIdealistPessimist
Ornamentaldecorative, adornedUnseemly, plain
OrdainOrder, imposeRevoke abolish
Outrageoffence, maltreatmentPraise, favour
Outbreakeruption, insurrectionCompliance, subjection
PersuadeCajole, ImpressDissuade, halt
PacifyAppease, ChastenIrritate, worsen
PropagateInseminate, fecundateSuppress, deplete
PerturbedFlustered, anxiousCalm
PromptPrecise, PunctualSlow, Negligent
ProgressPace, BettermentRetrogress, worsening
PamperFlatter, indulgeDeny, disparage
PrudenceVigilance, DiscretionIndiscretion
Peerlessmatchless, unrivalledMediocre, commonplace
Paramountforemost, eminentTrivial, inferior
Pertnessflippancy, impudenceModesty, diffidence
Peevishperverse, sullenSuave, amiable
Placidtranquil, calmTurbulent, hostile
Perversepetulant, obstinateComplacent, docile
Precariousdoubtful, insecureAssured
Pompoushaughty, arrogantUnpretentious, humble
Predicamentplight, dilemmaResolution, confidence
QuaintQueer, strangeFamiliar, usual
QuackImpostor, deceiverUpright, unfeigned
Quellsubdue, reduceExacerbate, agitate
Quarantineseclude, screenBefriend, socialize
Quibbleequivocate, prevaricateUnfeigned, plain
RapidityQuickness, VelocityInertia, lanquidity
RaidIncursion, ForayRetreat, release
RebelliousRestless, attackingSubmissive, Compliant
ReasonAcumen, BoundsFolly, Speculation
ReluctantCautious, Averseanxious, Eager
RectifyAmend, RemedyFalsify, Worsen
RavageDestroy, ruinReconstruct, renovate
RemnantResidue, pieceEntire, whole
Ratifyconsent, approveDeny, dissent
RestrainDetain, ConfineIncite
RedeemRecover, liberateConserve lose
RemorseRegret, penitenceRuthlessness, obduracy
RemonstrateCensure, protestAgree, loud
ResentmentDispleasure, wrathContent, Cheer
RescindAnnul, abrogateDelegate, permit
ReverenceRespect, esteemDisrespect, affront
RetractRecant, withdrawConfirm, assert
RusticRural, uncivilizedCultured, Refined
RoutVanquish, overthrowSuccumb, withdraw
RuthlessRemorseless, inhumaneCompassionate, lenient
SavageWild, untamedPolished, Civilized
SacredCherish, DivineUngodly, Profane
SteepCourse, loftyFlat, gradual
StartledFrightened, ShockedWaveringly
SublimeMagnificent, eminentRidiculous
StrangerImmigrant, guestAcquaintance, national
SympathyTenderness, harmonyAntipathy, Discord
SuccinctConcise, TerseLengthy, polite
SarcasticIronical, derisiveCourteous, gracious
SystemScheme, EntityChaos, Disorder
ShrewdCunning, craftlySimple, imbecile
SaucyImpudent, insolentModest, humble
ServileSlavish, DocileAggressive, Dominant
Scantyscarce, insufficientLavish, multitude
Slanderdefame, malignApplaud, approve
Shabbymiserable, impoverishedProsperous, thriving
Solicitentreat, imploreProtest oppose
Sneermock, scornFlatter, praise
Stainblemish, tarnishHonor, purify
SubterfugeDeceit, StratagemFrankness, Openness
Sporadicintermittent, scatteredIncessant, frequent
SpuriousFake, CounterfeitGenuine, Authentic
Squaliddirty, filthyTidy, Attractive
SpryNimble, BriskLethargic, Sluggish
SterileBarren, ImpotentProfitable, Potent
SuccessfulPropitious, FelicitousDestitute, Untoward
Subsequentconsequent, followingPreceding, previous
Stuporlethargy, unconsciousnessSensibility, Consciousness
SubvertDemolish, sabotageGenerate, organize
SubstantialConsiderable, solidTenuous, fragile
SycophantParasite, flattererDevoted, loyal
SuperficialPartial, shallowProfound, discerning
TaciturnReserved, silentTalkative, extrovert
TabooProhibit, banPermit, consent
TemperateCool, moderateBoisterous, violent
TediousWearisome. IrksomeExhilarating, lively
TenaciousStubborn, DodgeDocile, non- resinous
TenementApartment, DigsBreakeven, dislodge
TimidDiffident, cowardBold, intrepid
ThrongAssembly, crowdDispersion, sparsity
TransientTemporal, transitoryLasting, enduring
TranquilPeaceful, composedViolent, furious
TreacherousDishonest, duplicitousForthright, reliable
TrenchantAssertive, forcefulFeeble, ambiguous
TumultuousViolent, riotousPeaceful, harmonious
TrivialTrifling, insignificantSignificant, veteran
TameCompliant, SubduedWild, untamed
TyroBeginner, riotousProficient, veteran
ThickChunky, massiveThin, attenuated
TerseIncisive, CompactDiffuse, Gentle
TranquilAmicable, CalmAgitated, Fierce
ThriftyFrugal, prudentExtravagant
TrembleVibrateSteady
TransparentDiaphanousOpaque
UtterlyCompletely, entirelyDeficiently, incomplete
UncouthAwkward, ungracefulElegant, Compensate
UncouthBoorish, ClownishElegant, Compensate
UmbrageChagrin, offenseSympathy, goodwill
UrgeIncite, ImploreAbhorrence, Abomination
UrchinFoundling, OrphanCreep, Knave
VagrantWander, roamingSteady, settled
VainArrogant, egoisticModest
VanityConceit, pretensionModesty, Humility
ValorBravery, prowessFear, cowardice
VenomPoison, malevolenceAntidote, Benevolent
VenerableEsteemed, honoredUnworthy, immature
ViciousCorrupt, obnoxiousNoble, Virtuous
VeteranIngenious, experiencedNovice, tyro
VivaciousSpirited, EnergeticDispirited, Unattractive
VigilantCautious, alertCareless, negligent
VouchConfirm, consentRepudiate, prohibit
VilifyMalign, Slur, DefameCherish, Commend
VividEloquent, lucidDull, Dim
VirtueEthic, moralityVice, dishonesty
WanPale, fadedBright, healthy
WaiveRelinquish, removeImpose, Clamp
Warycautious, circumspectHeedless, negligent
WaneDecline, DwindleAmeliorate, Rise
Wickedvicious, immoralVirtuous, Noble
Wedmarry, combineDivorce, Separate
WileTrickery, ArtificeNaivety, honor
WieldExert, employForgo, avoid
Wiltwither, perishRevive, bloom
WinsomeBeautiful, ComelyAlluring, Rapturous
Yieldsurrender abdicateResist, protest
Yellshout, shriekWhisper muted
Yokeconnect, harnessLiberate, Release
Yearnlanguish, craveContent, satisfy
Zenithsummit, apexNadir, base
Zealeagerness, fervorApathy, lethargy
Zig -zagoblique, waywardStraight, unbent
Zestdelight, enthusiasmDisgust, passive

Candidates are advised to download the list of synonym and antonym words for their convenience.

Synonyms And Antonyms List:-Download PDF Here

Candidates preparing for competitive exams must update themselves with the basic differences between the confusing but common words in the English Language. Check the links given below:

More such articles on various concepts of English as well as other subjects, important topics, etc are given on the 100 Difference Between Articles in the given link.

Check other important topics for the preparation of the English language section in these exams. 

For more articles based on the concepts, rules and sample questions check General English For Competitive exams page.

Government Exam 2020

English Synonyms And Antonyms Words – Sample Questions

To understand the prominence of synonyms and antonyms in the English language section of various competitive exams, it is important to know the type of questions asked in the examination, based on the same.

Hence, given below are sample questions on synonyms and antonyms asked in the English language section of various government examinations:

Directions – From the given options, choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the highlighted words in the paragraphs given below. 

Q.1. .. in the coming decades will likely see more intense clustering of jobs, innovation and productivity in a smaller number of bigger cities and city-regions.

  1. Concentrated
  2. Forceful
  3. Passionate 
  4. Energetic

Answer (1) Concentrated

Q.2. Most of human history has been the Paleolithic period or the old stone age. The exponential change in the development of human civilization came in the recent few centuries.

  1. Great
  2. Fast
  3. Tremendous
  4. Increasing

Answer (3) Tremendous

Q.3. “I can’t stand this any more,” said Lalit, noticing that Rustam did not relish Zuker’s conversation.

  1. Gaiety
  2. Savour
  3. Vindicate
  4. Desire

Answer (2) Savour

Directions – From the given options, choose the option that is the most opposite in the meaning to the highlighted words in the paragraphs given below. 

Q.4. Neither the Gods nor the Kings have anything to say in a politically enlightened community.

  1. Civilised
  2. Uneducated
  3. Stupid
  4. Uncivilised

Answer (Uneducated)

Q.5. These bottles are harrowing. How could she spend so much money on something that is so drab?

  1. Distressing
  2. Attractive
  3. Gruesome
  4. Adorable

Answer (2) Attractive

Apart from the above-given MCQ type questions, synonyms and antonyms are asked in reading comprehension sections as well. Candidates can go through the exercise on Synonyms Questions and Answers for practice and revision. 

Candidates will also enhance the vocabulary skills that will help them in descriptive sections such as Essay/Letter writing or precis writing.

Also, go through the questions and answers of other relevant topics of English Language covered in the syllabus of various competitive exams.

For more such articles on the questions and answers on various English topics, check the Verbal Ability page.

Candidates who are preparing for the upcoming government exams must go through the list of Synonyms and Antonyms very carefully as candidates tend to score the least in the English Language section.

Candidates preparing for the various government exams can refer to the detailed syllabus in the links given below:

For further questions or information regarding competitive exams, study material or best books for preparation, candidates can turn to CoolGyan’S. 

Bank Exams 2020