Contextual antonyms depend on how the word is used in the sentence. First, read the line and identify the exact meaning/sense. Once you are sure of the meaning, pick the option that is the opposite of that sense, not the word’s other meanings.
Question 1. The committee decided to sanction the proposal.
a) Approve
b) Endorse
c) Reject
d) Ratify
Answer:
c) Reject — Here sanction means approve, not punish.
Question 2. The officer will sanction the player for misconduct.
a) Punish
b) Penalize
c) Exonerate
d) Fine
Answer:
c) Exonerate — Here sanction means punish, not approve.
Question 3. He gave a temperate response despite the provocation.
a) Calm
b) Moderate
c) Rash
d) Restrained
Answer:
c) Rash — Temperate = controlled; rash = impulsive.
Question 4. The manager was partial to her favourites.
a) Biased
b) Fair
c) Inclined
d) Attached
Answer:
b) Fair — Partial here means biased.
Question 5. The witness gave a candid account of the incident.
a) Honest
b) Guarded
c) Open
d) Frank
Answer:
b) Guarded — Candid = frank; guarded = cautious.
Question 6. The scientist offered a tentative explanation.
a) Uncertain
b) Preliminary
c) Definitive
d) Trial
Answer:
c) Definitive — Tentative = not final; definitive = final.
Question 7. The policy aims to curb inflation.
a) Restrain
b) Encourage
c) Check
d) Limit
Answer:
b) Encourage — Curb = restrain; encourage = promote.
Question 8. He gave an implicit threat.
a) Indirect
b) Hidden
c) Explicit
d) Unspoken
Answer:
c) Explicit — Implicit = implied; explicit = stated.
Question 9. The company’s success was attributed to strong leadership.
a) Ascribed
b) Credited
c) Disclaimed
d) Assigned
Answer:
c) Disclaimed — Attribute = credit; disclaim = deny credit.
Question 10. The novel was absorbing from start to finish.
a) Engaging
b) Dull
c) Captivating
d) Riveting
Answer:
b) Dull
Question 11. The CEO gave a stern warning.
a) Strict
b) Lenient
c) Severe
d) Harsh
Answer:
b) Lenient
Question 12. Her apology sounded genuine.
a) Sincere
b) Fake
c) Earnest
d) Heartfelt
Answer:
b) Fake
Question 13. The detective found the suspect’s alibi plausible.
a) Credible
b) Convincing
c) Absurd
d) Reasonable
Answer:
c) Absurd — Plausible = believable; absurd = ridiculous.
Question 14. The lawyer tried to vindicate his client.
a) Justify
b) Clear
c) Accuse
d) Defend
Answer:
c) Accuse — Vindicate = clear blame; accuse = blame.
Question 15. The speaker was succinct and persuasive.
a) Brief
b) Verbose
c) Clear
d) Concise
Answer:
b) Verbose — Succinct = brief; verbose = wordy.
Question 16. The charity’s benevolent work helped many families.
a) Kind
b) Malicious
c) Generous
d) Helpful
Answer:
b) Malicious — Benevolent = kind; malicious = harmful.
Question 17. The judge remained impartial throughout the trial.
a) Neutral
b) Biased
c) Fair
d) Objective
Answer:
b) Biased
Question 18. The patient’s condition began to deteriorate.
a) Worsen
b) Decline
c) Improve
d) Degrade
Answer:
c) Improve
Question 19. The teacher’s feedback was constructive.
a) Helpful
b) Destructive
c) Practical
d) Useful
Answer:
b) Destructive
Question 20. The politician made an eloquent speech.
a) Fluent
b) Inarticulate
c) Persuasive
d) Expressive
Answer:
b) Inarticulate — Eloquent = expressive; inarticulate = unclear speech.
Question 21. The solution is feasible within this budget.
a) Practical
b) Impossible
c) Doable
d) Viable
Answer:
b) Impossible
Question 22. His answer was ambiguous.
a) Vague
b) Clear
c) Uncertain
d) Obscure
Answer:
b) Clear
Question 23. She remained reluctant to speak.
a) Hesitant
b) Eager
c) Unwilling
d) Reserved
Answer:
b) Eager
Question 24. The captain was complacent after early success.
a) Self-satisfied
b) Vigilant
c) Content
d) Relaxed
Answer:
b) Vigilant — Complacent = too satisfied; vigilant = alert.
Question 25. The report was comprehensive.
a) Thorough
b) Detailed
c) Superficial
d) Extensive
Answer:
c) Superficial
