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← Index: Vocabulary, Idioms & One-Word Substitutions — Complete GuideChapter 29
Study Guide · Chapter 29

Quick Revision Glossary — 200 Must-Know Words

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How to Use This Glossary

This chapter is the single most reusable reference in the book. It gathers 200 of the highest-yield words that repeatedly appear across SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, RRB NTPC, Group D and banking clerk/PO English sections — drawn in combination from synonym lists, antonym lists, and one-word substitution sets, since real papers mix all three freely within a single vocabulary section. Words are arranged alphabetically for fast lookup during last-week revision. Each entry gives a precise meaning and a short usage note that tells you how the word is normally tested — as a synonym match, an antonym match, a one-word substitution, or simply a word worth knowing because it shows up constantly in Reading Comprehension passages. Treat this chapter as your final revision sweep two or three days before the exam: read the whole table start to finish in one sitting, marking any word whose meaning does not come back to you instantly, and revisit only those flagged words the night before the paper.

WordMeaningUsage Note
AbateTo reduce in intensity or amountSynonym of "subside," "diminish"; antonym of "intensify."
AbdicateTo formally give up a position of power or responsibilityCommon in RC passages about monarchs and resignations; also a standalone vocabulary word.
AbhorTo detest thoroughly; regard with disgustSynonym of "loathe," "despise"; antonym of "adore."
AbjectExtremely bad, degrading, or hopelessFrequently paired with "poverty" — "abject poverty" is a standard collocation.
AbolitionThe act of formally ending a system, practice or institutionCommon in history-linked RC passages; noun form of "abolish."
AbrogateTo repeal or do away with a law formallyFrequent in current-affairs passages about constitutional articles.
AbstemiousSparing or moderate in eating and drinkingAntonym of "gluttonous"; tests precise vocabulary depth.
AbundantExisting in large quantities; plentifulSynonym of "ample," "copious"; antonym of "scarce."
AcclaimEnthusiastic public praiseSynonym of "applaud," "commend"; often used as both noun and verb.
AccompliceA person who helps another commit a crimeFrequent one-word substitution answer for "a partner in wrongdoing."
AcumenKeen insight or sharp judgment, especially in businessCommon in "business acumen," "political acumen" collocations.
AdamantRefusing to change one's mind; firmly resoluteSynonym of "obstinate," "unyielding"; antonym of "flexible."
AdeptVery skilled or proficient at somethingSynonym of "proficient," "skilled"; antonym of "inept."
AdmonishTo warn or reprimand firmlySynonym of "reprove," "chide"; antonym of "praise."
AdroitClever and skilful, especially with the hands or in speechSynonym of "deft," "dexterous"; antonym of "clumsy."
AdulterateTo make impure by adding an inferior substanceCommon in food-safety RC passages; frequent standalone vocabulary word.
AdversaryAn opponent or enemySynonym of "rival," "opponent"; antonym of "ally."
AestheticConcerned with beauty or artistic tasteFrequent in art and design-related passages; watch spelling.
AffableFriendly, good-natured, easy to talk toSynonym of "amiable," "cordial"; antonym of "surly."
AffluentHaving a great deal of money; wealthySynonym of "prosperous," "opulent"; antonym of "destitute."
AggregateA total formed by combining several elementsCommon in banking numerical-cum-vocabulary contexts; also means "total."
AlacrityBrisk, cheerful readiness or eagernessOften tested as "with alacrity" meaning promptly and willingly.
AllegeTo claim something without proofCommon in news-style cloze passages: "alleged corruption."
AltercationA noisy, heated argument or disputeSynonym of "quarrel," "wrangle"; frequent RC passage word.
AmassTo gather together a large quantity, especially wealthSynonym of "accumulate"; common in business/finance passages.
AmbivalentHaving mixed or contradictory feelings about somethingDistinct from "ambiguous" (unclear meaning) — a frequent confusable pair.
AmiableFriendly and pleasant in natureSynonym of "affable," "genial"; antonym of "hostile."
AmnestyAn official pardon for people convicted of offencesOne-word substitution: "a general pardon granted by a government."
AnarchyA state of disorder due to absence of authorityOne-word substitution: "absence of government and law."
AnecdoteA short, amusing or interesting story about a real eventFrequent in RC passage openings; distinguish from "antidote."
AnimosityStrong hostility or hatredSynonym of "hostility," "enmity"; antonym of "goodwill."
AnnihilateTo destroy completelySynonym of "obliterate," "eradicate"; strong-intensity word, often overused as a distractor.
AnomalySomething that deviates from what is standard or expectedCommon in data/report-based RC passages.
AntipathyA deep-seated feeling of dislikeAntonym of "affinity"; synonym of "aversion."
ApathyLack of interest, enthusiasm or concernAntonym of "zeal," "enthusiasm"; frequent in civic/voting-related passages.
AppeaseTo pacify or placate someone by giving in to their demandsCommon in diplomatic and political RC passages.
ArbitraryBased on random choice rather than reason or systemFrequent in governance passages: "arbitrary decision-making."
ArbitrateTo settle a dispute between parties as an impartial judgeRoot of "arbitrator," a frequent one-word substitution answer.
ArdentEnthusiastic or passionateSynonym of "fervent," "zealous"; antonym of "apathetic."
ArduousInvolving great effort; difficult and tiringSynonym of "strenuous," "laborious"; antonym of "effortless."
ArticulateAble to express oneself clearly and fluentlyAlso a verb meaning "to express clearly"; frequent in both forms.
AsceticA person who practises strict self-denial for spiritual reasonsOne-word substitution answer for "one who leads a simple, austere life."
AssiduousShowing great care and perseverance in workSynonym of "diligent," "industrious"; antonym of "lazy."
AstuteHaving sharp judgment; shrewdSynonym of "shrewd," "perceptive"; antonym of "naive."
AudaciousShowing a willingness to take bold risksSynonym of "daring"; antonym of "timid."
AugmentTo make something greater by adding to itSynonym of "increase," "enhance"; antonym of "diminish."
AusteritySternness or severity; also, strict economic restraintCommon in economic RC passages: "austerity measures."
AuthenticGenuine; of undisputed originSynonym of "genuine," "bona fide"; antonym of "fake."
AutonomyThe right to self-govern; independenceCommon in governance passages: "regional autonomy."
AversionA strong dislike or unwillingnessSynonym of "antipathy," "repugnance"; antonym of "fondness."
BelligerentHostile and aggressive; ready to fightSynonym of "combative"; antonym of "peaceable."
BenevolentKind and generous in natureSynonym of "charitable"; antonym of "malevolent."
BenignGentle and kindly; also, not harmful (medically)Antonym of "malignant"; watch dual usage in RC passages.
BereavedDeprived of a close relative through deathFrequent in obituary-style Reading Comprehension.
BigotA person intolerant of opinions different from their ownOne-word substitution answer; also frequent standalone word.
BlatantCompletely obvious, in an unpleasant or offensive waySynonym of "flagrant," "glaring"; antonym of "subtle."
BolsterTo support or strengthenSynonym of "reinforce"; antonym of "undermine."
BoycottTo refuse to deal with a person, organisation or product as a protestBoth noun and verb; frequent in current-affairs passages.
BuoyantCheerful and optimistic; also, able to floatAntonym of "despondent"; watch dual usage.
CallousInsensitive and cruel; showing no care for others' feelingsSynonym of "unfeeling," "heartless"; antonym of "compassionate."
CandidTruthful and straightforward; frankSynonym of "forthright"; antonym of "evasive."
CapriciousGiven to sudden, unpredictable changes in mood or behaviourSynonym of "fickle," "whimsical"; antonym of "steadfast."
CatastropheA sudden, large-scale disasterSynonym of "calamity"; frequent in news-based RC passages.
CensureStrong formal disapproval or criticismSynonym of "reprimand"; antonym of "commend." Distinguish from "censor."
ChronicPersisting for a long time; long-lasting (often of illness or problems)Antonym of "acute" (in medical contexts) or "temporary."
CoherentLogical and consistent; easy to followSynonym of "logical"; antonym of "incoherent," "disjointed."
CoincideTo occur at the same time; to correspondCommon in event-scheduling RC passages; noun form "coincidence."
ComplacentExcessively self-satisfied; unaware of dangerFrequent trap word confused with "complaisant" (eager to please).
CompliantWilling to follow rules or requestsAntonym of "defiant"; common in regulatory RC passages.
ComprehensiveComplete and including everything necessarySynonym of "exhaustive," "thorough"; antonym of "partial."
ConciliateTo bring peace to a dispute; to placateRoot of "conciliatory"; common in negotiation passages.
ConcurTo agree; to have the same opinionAntonym of "dissent"; frequent in formal report-style passages.
CondoneTo accept or overlook wrongdoing without objectionAntonym of "condemn"; frequent confusion pair.
ConduciveMaking a certain outcome likely; favourableCommon collocation: "conducive to growth/learning."
CongenialPleasant, friendly, agreeable in atmosphere or companySynonym of "amiable"; antonym of "unpleasant."
ConnoisseurAn expert judge in matters of taste, especially art or foodOne-word substitution answer for "an expert in fine arts, food or wine."
ConsensusGeneral agreement among a groupFrequent in policy and cloze passages: "reach a consensus."
ConstrainTo severely restrict the scope or freedom of somethingSynonym of "restrict"; noun form "constraint."
ContemplateTo think about something deeply and at lengthSynonym of "ponder," "deliberate."
ContentiousLikely to cause disagreement or argumentSynonym of "controversial"; frequent in debate-style RC passages.
ContriteFeeling genuine remorse for wrongdoingSynonym of "repentant"; antonym of "unrepentant."
ConundrumA confusing and difficult problem or puzzleCommon in RC passage headers about dilemmas.
CorroborateTo confirm or give supporting evidence for a statementSynonym of "substantiate"; antonym of "contradict."
CredibleBelievable; capable of being trustedSynonym of "plausible"; antonym of "dubious." Distinguish from "creditable."
CulpableDeserving blame for a wrongful actSynonym of "blameworthy"; antonym of "innocent."
CursoryHasty and without attention to detailSynonym of "perfunctory"; antonym of "thorough."
DeceptiveGiving an appearance or impression different from the true oneSynonym of "misleading"; antonym of "honest."
DeferenceHumble respect and submission to another's wishesCommon collocation: "in deference to."
DeficientLacking in some necessary quality or elementAntonym of "adequate," "sufficient."
DeleteriousCausing harm or damageSynonym of "harmful," "detrimental"; frequent scientific-passage word.
DepleteTo use up the supply or resources of somethingCommon in environment-related passages: "deplete natural resources."
DeprivationThe state of lacking basic necessitiesFrequent in social-issues RC passages.
DespondentIn low spirits from loss of hope or courageSynonym of "dejected"; antonym of "buoyant."
DeterTo discourage someone from doing something through fear of consequencesNoun form "deterrent"; common in crime/policy passages.
DiligentShowing careful, persistent effort in workSynonym of "assiduous"; antonym of "negligent."
DiscernTo perceive or recognise something clearlyAdjective form "discerning" — one with good judgment.
DisdainA feeling of contempt for someone considered unworthySynonym of "scorn"; antonym of "admiration."
DisparageTo speak of someone or something in a belittling waySynonym of "belittle," "denigrate"; antonym of "praise."
DisparityA great difference or inequalityCommon in economic RC passages: "income disparity."
DissentDisagreement with an official or majority opinionAntonym of "consensus"; frequent in governance passages.
DissuadeTo persuade someone not to do somethingAntonym of "persuade"; frequent confusable pair.
DivulgeTo reveal private or secret informationSynonym of "disclose"; antonym of "conceal."
DocileReady to accept control or instruction; submissiveSynonym of "compliant," "tractable"; antonym of "rebellious."
DogmaticInclined to lay down principles as undeniably trueFrequent in opinion-based RC passages describing rigid thinkers.
DubiousDoubtful; of questionable value or truthSynonym of "questionable"; antonym of "certain."
EccentricUnconventional and slightly strange in behaviourFrequent in character-description RC passages.
EgregiousOutstandingly bad; shockingSynonym of "flagrant"; strong-intensity word, common distractor.
ElatedExtremely happy and excitedSynonym of "jubilant"; antonym of "dejected."
ElicitTo draw out a response or reactionConfusable with "illicit" (unlawful) — frequent exam trap.
EloquentFluent and persuasive in speaking or writingSynonym of "articulate"; antonym of "inarticulate."
EmaciatedAbnormally thin, especially from illness or hungerFrequent in famine/health-related RC passages.
EmbezzleTo steal money placed in one's trustCommon in financial-crime RC passages.
EminentFamous and respected within a particular fieldConfusable with "imminent" (about to happen) — frequent trap.
EmpathyThe ability to understand and share the feelings of anotherDistinguish from "sympathy" (feeling pity for another).
EncroachTo intrude gradually on someone's territory or rightsCommon in land-dispute and rights-based RC passages.
EndorseTo publicly approve of or support somethingSynonym of "sanction," "back"; antonym of "denounce."
EnervateTo drain someone of energy or vitalityFrequently confused with "energise," its near-opposite in sound.
EnigmaticMysterious and difficult to interpretAdjective from "enigma"; frequent in character-description passages.
EphemeralLasting for a very short timeSynonym of "transient," "fleeting"; antonym of "permanent."
EquanimityMental calmness, composure, especially in difficult situationsSynonym of "composure"; frequent high-register RC word.
EquivocalOpen to more than one interpretation; ambiguousAntonym of "unequivocal," "categorical."
ErraticNot consistent or regular in patternSynonym of "unpredictable"; antonym of "consistent."
EruditeHaving or showing great knowledge; learnedSynonym of "scholarly"; frequent in academic RC passages.
EuphoricFeeling intense excitement and happinessSynonym of "elated"; antonym of "despondent."
ExacerbateTo make a problem or situation worseSynonym of "aggravate"; antonym of "alleviate."
ExemplaryServing as a desirable model; outstandingCommon collocation: "exemplary conduct."
ExorbitantUnreasonably high, especially of a priceSynonym of "excessive"; antonym of "reasonable."
ExtolTo praise enthusiasticallySynonym of "laud"; antonym of "denounce."
FabricateTo invent or construct something falseCommon in news-integrity RC passages: "fabricated evidence."
FacetiousTreating serious matters with inappropriate humourAntonym of "earnest"; frequent tone-related trap word.
FallacyA mistaken belief based on unsound reasoningCommon in argumentative RC passages and logical-reasoning overlap.
FeasiblePossible to do easily or convenientlySynonym of "practicable"; antonym of "impractical."
FeignTo pretend to feel or be affected by somethingCommon collocation: "feign ignorance/illness."
FerventHaving or showing intense feeling; passionateSynonym of "ardent"; antonym of "indifferent."
FickleChanging frequently, especially in loyalties or affectionsSynonym of "capricious"; antonym of "constant."
FlagrantConspicuously and shockingly wrong or badSynonym of "blatant"; common in rule-violation contexts.
FloutTo openly disregard a rule or conventionConfusable with "flaunt" (to show off) — a very frequent exam trap.
FortuitousHappening by chance, especially a lucky oneDistinct from "fortunate" — tests precision of meaning.
FrivolousNot having any serious purpose or valueSynonym of "trivial"; antonym of "grave," "serious."
FrugalSparing or economical in the use of resourcesSynonym of "thrifty"; antonym of "extravagant."
FurtiveAttempting to avoid notice; secretiveSynonym of "surreptitious"; antonym of "open."
GarrulousExcessively talkative, especially about trivial mattersSynonym of "loquacious"; antonym of "taciturn."
GenuineTruly what it is said to be; authenticAntonym of "fake," "spurious."
GregariousFond of company; sociableAntonym of "reclusive," "solitary."
GullibleEasily deceived or trickedSynonym of "credulous"; antonym of "sceptical."
HackneyedOverused and lacking originalitySynonym of "trite," "clichéd"; antonym of "original."
HaphazardLacking order or organisation; randomSynonym of "random"; antonym of "systematic."
HedonismThe pursuit of pleasure as life's chief goalAdjective form "hedonistic"; frequent in philosophy-linked RC passages.
HegemonyDominance of one group or state over othersCommon in geopolitics-based RC passages.
HereticA person holding beliefs contrary to established doctrineOne-word substitution answer for "one who opposes established beliefs."
HierarchyA system in which members are ranked according to statusFrequent in organisational/administrative RC passages.
HypocrisyThe practice of claiming standards one does not follow oneselfFrequent one-word substitution answer.
HypotheticalBased on a suggested idea rather than known factAntonym of "factual"; common in scientific/logical RC passages.
ImpartialTreating all sides equally; unbiasedSynonym of "unbiased"; antonym of "partisan."
ImpedeTo delay or obstruct progressSynonym of "hinder"; antonym of "facilitate."
ImperativeExtremely important; urgentAlso a grammatical term for commands; watch for dual usage.
ImpetuousActing quickly without thought; impulsiveSynonym of "rash"; antonym of "cautious."
InadvertentNot resulting from careful thought; unintentionalAntonym of "deliberate."
IncessantContinuing without pause or interruptionSynonym of "continuous," "ceaseless"; antonym of "intermittent."
InciteTo encourage someone to act, especially violentlyCommon in law-and-order RC passages: "incite violence."
IndigenousOriginating naturally in a particular place; nativeAntonym of "foreign," "alien."
IndignantFeeling anger at unfair treatmentSynonym of "outraged"; noun form "indignation."
IndolentHabitually lazySynonym of "lethargic"; antonym of "industrious."
InevitableCertain to happen; unavoidableAntonym of "avoidable."
InfamousWell known for a negative reasonDistinguish from "famous" (neutral/positive) — a frequent nuance trap.
IngenuousInnocent and unsuspecting; artlessConfusable with "ingenious" (clever) — a classic exam trap.
InnateInborn; natural rather than acquiredAntonym of "acquired," "learned."
InsolentShowing rude and disrespectful lack of respectSynonym of "impertinent"; antonym of "respectful."
InsurgentA person fighting against an established governmentOne-word substitution answer for "a rebel."
IntrepidFearless; adventurousSynonym of "audacious," "bold"; antonym of "timid."
IntrinsicBelonging naturally; essentialAntonym of "extrinsic," "external."
InundateTo overwhelm with things or people to be dealt withCommon collocation: "inundated with requests."
IrrevocableNot possible to change or reverseSynonym of "irreversible"; antonym of "reversible."
JubilantFeeling or expressing great happiness after a successSynonym of "elated"; antonym of "despondent."
JudiciousHaving or showing good judgment; sensibleAntonym of "injudicious," "rash."
LaconicUsing very few words; terseAntonym of "verbose," "loquacious."
LamentTo express grief or sorrow, often loudlyCommon in obituary and loss-related RC passages.
LanguishTo lose strength or vitality, especially over timeCommon collocation: "languish in prison."
LethargicLacking energy; sluggishSynonym of "indolent"; antonym of "energetic."
LitigationThe process of taking legal actionCommon in legal/court-related RC passages.
LucidEasy to understand; clearSynonym of "clear"; antonym of "obscure," "murky."
MagnanimousGenerous or forgiving, especially toward a rivalAntonym of "petty," "vindictive."
MaliciousIntending to do harmSynonym of "spiteful"; antonym of "benevolent."
MeagreSmall in amount; scantySynonym of "scanty"; antonym of "abundant."
MeticulousShowing great attention to detail; very carefulSynonym of "scrupulous"; antonym of "careless."
MitigateTo make a problem less severeSynonym of "alleviate"; antonym of "aggravate."
MundaneLacking interest or excitement; ordinarySynonym of "banal"; antonym of "extraordinary."
NefariousWicked or criminalSynonym of "villainous"; strong-register RC word.
NostalgiaA sentimental longing for the pastFrequent in memoir-style RC passages.
NotoriousFamous for some bad quality or deedSimilar nuance trap as "infamous" — negative connotation only.
NoviceA person new to and inexperienced in a fieldOne-word substitution answer; antonym of "veteran," "expert."
ObsoleteNo longer produced or used; outdatedSynonym of "outdated"; antonym of "current."
ObstinateStubbornly refusing to change one's opinionSynonym of "adamant"; antonym of "compliant."
OminousGiving the impression something bad is about to happenSynonym of "foreboding"; frequent in narrative RC passages.
OpulentGrand and luxurious; wealthy in displaySynonym of "affluent," "lavish"; antonym of "austere."
OstentatiousDesigned to impress; showySynonym of "flamboyant"; antonym of "understated."
PanaceaA solution supposed to cure all problemsFrequent in argumentative RC passages, often used critically: "no panacea."
ParadoxA statement that seems self-contradictory but may be trueCommon in RC passage titles and logical-reasoning overlap.
PertinentRelevant to the matter at handSynonym of "relevant"; antonym of "irrelevant."
PervasiveSpreading widely throughout an area or groupCommon in social-issue passages: "pervasive inequality."
PlacateTo make someone less angry; appeaseSynonym of "appease," "conciliate."
PlausibleSeeming reasonable or probableAntonym of "implausible," "far-fetched."
PrecariousNot securely held or placed; riskySynonym of "unstable"; antonym of "secure."
PrecedentAn earlier event used as an example for later casesCommon in legal and policy-related RC passages.
PretentiousAttempting to impress by affecting greater importance than is realSynonym of "affected"; antonym of "modest."
PrevalentWidespread in a particular area or group at a timeSynonym of "widespread," "common."
ProdigiousRemarkably or impressively great in extent or sizeCommon collocation: "prodigious talent."
ProlificProducing a large quantity of works or resultsCommon collocation: "prolific writer."
PrudentActing with care and thought for the futureSynonym of "judicious"; antonym of "reckless."
PungentHaving a sharply strong smell or tasteAlso used figuratively of criticism: "pungent remark."
QuandaryA state of uncertainty over what to doSynonym of "dilemma"; frequent RC passage word.
RampantWidespread in an uncontrollable wayCommon collocation: "rampant corruption."
RebukeTo express sharp disapproval; reprimandSynonym of "reprimand"; antonym of "commend."
RedundantNot needed or useful; superfluousSynonym of "superfluous"; antonym of "essential."
RenounceTo formally give up a title, claim or beliefCommon in abdication/resignation RC passages.
ResilientAble to recover quickly from difficultiesAntonym of "fragile," "vulnerable."
ReticentNot revealing one's thoughts readily; reservedSynonym of "taciturn"; antonym of "forthcoming."
RigorousExtremely thorough and carefulCommon collocation: "rigorous testing/analysis."
ScrupulousDiligent and careful about details and doing things properlyAntonym of "unscrupulous," "careless."
SedentaryInvolving much sitting; not physically activeAntonym of "active"; frequent in health-related RC passages.
SquanderTo waste money or resources carelesslySynonym of "waste"; antonym of "conserve."
StaunchLoyal and committed in attitudeCommon collocation: "staunch supporter."
StringentStrict and precisely controlledCommon collocation: "stringent regulations."
SubsideTo become less intense or violentSynonym of "abate"; antonym of "intensify."
SubstantiateTo provide evidence to support a claimSynonym of "corroborate"; antonym of "refute."
SuperfluousMore than what is needed; unnecessarySynonym of "redundant"; antonym of "essential."
SurreptitiousKept secret because it would not be approved ofSynonym of "furtive"; antonym of "open."
TenaciousHolding firmly to a course of action; persistentSynonym of "persistent"; antonym of "irresolute."
TentativeNot certain or fixed; provisionalAntonym of "definite," "conclusive."
TransientLasting only a short timeSynonym of "ephemeral"; antonym of "permanent."
UbiquitousPresent or found everywhereCommon in technology-related RC passages: "ubiquitous smartphones."
VindicateTo clear someone of blame after being suspectedCommon in court-verdict RC passages.
VolatileLiable to change rapidly and unpredictablyCommon in market/economy RC passages: "volatile stock prices."
ZealousHaving great energy in pursuit of a causeSynonym of "ardent," "fervent"; antonym of "apathetic."

How to Turn This List Into Marks

Reading a glossary passively rarely produces exam-day recall; the words that stick are the ones you have actively tested yourself on. A practical three-day plan works well with a list this size: on the first day, read the full table once and mark every word you did not recognise instantly. On the second day, cover the "Meaning" column with a sheet of paper and try to recall each marked word's definition from the word alone, checking yourself against the table. On the third day, cover the "Word" column instead and try to produce the correct word from its meaning and usage note — this direction is closer to how one-word substitution and cloze questions actually present the challenge, since you are usually given a description and asked to supply or recognise the word, not the reverse. Repeating this final drill once more the night before the exam is normally enough to keep the full 200-word set fresh through the following morning's paper.

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