Ultimate 250 Vocabulary Master List for Competitive Exams
Preparing for competitive exams requires a strategic approach to building your vocabulary. At CSCE TUTORIAL, we have curated this definitive 250-word master list specifically for students aiming to master high-frequency vocabulary. Whether you are tackling reading comprehension, sentence completion, or synonym/antonym sections, these words are essential for achieving a high score. Each entry includes the word, its precise meaning, commonly used synonyms, and clear antonyms, providing you with a complete study resource to boost your verbal reasoning skills.
Synonyms and Antonyms
| Word | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | |
| Abate | To lessen/reduce | Diminish, Decrease | Aggravate, Intensify | |
| Abbreviate | To shorten | Condense, Abridge | Expand, Lengthen | |
| Abduct | To kidnap | Kidnap, Seize | Release, Deliver | |
| Abhor | To hate intensely | Detest, Loathe | Love, Admire | |
| Abject | Extremely miserable | Wretched, Hopeless | Noble, Proud | |
| Abjure | To give up/renounce | Forsake, Relinquish | Claim, Assert | |
| Abode | A dwelling place | Home, Residence | – | |
| Abolish | To end officially | Annul, Abrogate | Establish, Create | |
| Abominate | To hate or loathe | Detest, Abhor | Love, Cherish | |
| Abridge | To shorten text | Condense, Shorten | Expand, Lengthen | |
| Abrupt | Sudden and unexpected | Sudden, Blunt | Gradual, Polite | |
| Abscond | To leave secretly | Flee, Escape | Appear, Stay | |
| Absolve | To clear of guilt | Exonerate, Pardon | Condemn, Convict | |
| Abstain | To refrain from | Desist, Avoid | Indulge, Consume | |
| Abstruse | Hard to understand | Obscure, Complex | Simple, Lucid | |
| Abundant | Existing in plenty | Plentiful, Ample | Scarce, Limited | |
| Accede | To agree to | Consent, Comply | Deny, Refuse | |
| Acclimatize | To adjust to climate | Adapt, Adjust | – | |
| Acme | The highest point | Zenith, Peak | Nadir, Bottom | |
| Acumen | Keen insight | Brilliance, Shrewdness | Stupidity, Ignorance | |
| Adamant | Stubborn/Inflexible | Firm, Unyielding | Flexible, Soft | |
| Adherent | A follower/supporter | Disciple, Follower | Opponent, Rival | |
| Admonish | To warn or scold | Counsel, Rebuke | Approve, Applaud | |
| Adroit | Skillful or clever | Dexterous, Skilled | Inept, Clumsy | |
| Adulation | High praise | Flattery, Worship | Criticism, Abuse | |
| Adulterate | To make impure | Corrupt, Contaminate | Purify, Cleanse | |
| Adversity | Hardship/Misfortune | Calamity, Trouble | Prosperity, Success | |
| Affable | Friendly/Good-natured | Genial, Amiable | Surly, Hostile | |
| Affluence | Wealth/Riches | Prosperity, Wealth | Poverty, Penury | |
| Aggrandize | To increase power/rank | Exalt, Magnify | Degrade, Humiliate | |
| Agile | Able to move quickly | Nimble, Lithe | Clumsy, Slow | |
| Alacrity | Brisk eagerness | Zeal, Readiness | Apathy, Hesitation | |
| Alienate | To make unfriendly | Estrange, Separate | Unite, Reconcile | |
| Alleviate | To make less severe | Relieve, Ease | Aggravate, Worsen | |
| Aloof | Distant or reserved | Detached, Cold | Friendly, Sociable | |
| Altruistic | Unselfishly generous | Benevolent, Kind | Selfish, Greedy | |
| Amalgamate | To mix or combine | Blend, Merge | Separate, Split | |
| Ambiguous | Not clear/Vague | Obscure, Doubtful | Explicit, Lucid | |
| Ameliorate | To improve | Enhance, Amend | Worsen, Deteriorate | |
| Amenable | Willing to follow | Docile, Pliable | Stubborn, Obstinate | |
| Amicable | Characterized by friendship | Friendly, Cordial | Hostile, Bitter | |
| Animosity | Strong hostility | Hatred, Enmity | Friendship, Amity | |
| Anomalous | Abnormal | Irregular, Peculiar | Standard, Normal | |
| Antipathy | Strong dislike | Aversion, Disgust | Liking, Affinity | |
| Ardent | Very enthusiastic | Passionate, Zealous | Apathetic, Cold | |
| Arduous | Difficult/Tiring | Laborious, Tough | Easy, Effortless | |
| Assiduous | Showing great care | Diligent, Sedulous | Lazy, Negligent | |
| Audacious | Bold/Daring | Fearless, Bold | Timid, Cowardly | |
| Augment | To increase | Enlarge, Expand | Decrease, Diminish | |
| Auspicious | Showing future success | Favorable, Propitious | Ominous, Luckless | |
| Austere | Severe or strict | Harsh, Simple | Luxurious, Mild | |
| Avarice | Extreme greed | Greed, Cupidity | Generosity, Charity | |
| Banal | Boring/Commonplace | Trite, Ordinary | Original, Fresh | |
| Belligerent | Hostile/Aggressive | Pugnacious, Warlike | Peaceful, Friendly | |
| Benevolent | Kind and generous | Charitable, Altruistic | Malevolent, Spiteful | |
| Benign | Gentle and kind | Harmless, Mild | Malignant, Cruel | |
| Boisterous | Noisy and energetic | Rowdy, Clamorous | Quiet, Calm | |
| Brusque | Abrupt in speech | Blunt, Short | Polite, Courteous | |
| Callous | Cruel/Insensitive | Heartless, Unfeeling | Kind, Compassionate | |
| Candid | Truthful/Straightforward | Frank, Honest | Deceptive, Evasive | |
| Capricious | Sudden mood changes | Fickle, Whimsical | Stable, Consistent | |
| Castigate | To punish severely | Scold, Reprimand | Praise, Laud | |
| Caustic | Sarcastic/Scathing | Acerbic, Mordant | Gentle, Mild | |
| Chastise | To scold or punish | Reprove, Discipline | Reward, Praise | |
| Chronological | Arranged in time order | Sequential, Timed | Random, Unordered | |
| Circumspect | Cautious/Wary | Prudent, Careful | Rash, Reckless | |
| Clandestine | Secret or hidden | Surreptitious, Furtive | Overt, Open | |
| Clemency | Mercy or lenience | Mercy, Forgiveness | Severity, Cruelty | |
| Cogent | Logical and convincing | Persuasive, Sound | Weak, Incoherent | |
| Coherent | Logical and consistent | Lucid, Rational | Confused, Irrational | |
| Collusion | Secret agreement/conspiracy | Conspiracy, Plot | Honesty, Openness, Legal Cooperation | |
| Complacent | Self-satisfied | Smug, Satisfied | Humble, Modest | |
| Concise | Brief and to the point | Succinct, Short | Verbose, Long | |
| Condone | To overlook or forgive | Forgive, Ignore | Condemn, Punish | |
| Conspicuous | Easily seen/Noticeable | Obvious, Clear | Hidden, Subtle | |
| Copious | Abundant in quantity | Plentiful, Profuse | Meager, Sparse | |
| Corpulent | Fat/Obese | Fleshy, Stout | Thin, Lean | |
| Corroborate | To confirm or support | Verify, Authenticate | Contradict, Deny | |
| Curtail | To reduce or shorten | Diminish, Abbreviate | Extend, Prolong | |
| Dearth | A lack or scarcity | Shortage, Paucity | Abundance, Glut | |
| Debilitate | To make weak | Enfeeble, Weaken | Strengthen, Vitalize | |
| Decipher | To decode/understand | Interpret, Decode | Encode, Scramble | |
| Decorum | Proper behavior | Etiquette, Modesty | Impropriety, Rudeness | |
| Deference | Polite respect | Respect, Homage | Disrespect, Contempt | |
| Defile | To make dirty/unholy | Corrupt, Pollute | Purify, Sanctify | |
| Deleterious | Harmful/Damaging | Injurious, Toxic | Beneficial, Healthy | |
| Demure | Quiet and modest | Shy, Reserved | Bold, Aggressive | |
| Denounce | To criticize publicly | Condemn, Attack | Praise, Applaud | |
| Depict | To describe/show | Portray, Illustrate | – | |
| Deprecate | To express disapproval | Belittle, Criticize | Commend, Approve | |
| Deride | To mock or ridicule | Mock, Jeer | Respect, Honor | |
| Desecrate | To treat with disrespect | Violate, Profane | Honor, Sanctify | |
| Desolate | Lonely and empty | Barren, Bleak | Populated, Full | |
| Despondent | Feeling extreme hope | Gloomy, Dejected | Cheerful, Optimistic | |
| Destitute | Extremely poor | Indigent, Needy | Affluent, Wealthy | |
| Deterrent | Something that discourages | Hindrance, Obstacle | Incentive, Stimulus | |
| Detrimental | Causing harm | Harmful, Damaging | Helpful, Beneficial | |
| Devout | Deeply religious | Pious, Sincere | Impious, Insincere | |
| Dexterous | Skillful with hands | Adroit, Nimble | Clumsy, Inept | |
| Diatribe | Bitter verbal attack | Tirade, Harangue | Praise, Eulogy | |
| Diffident | Lacking self-confidence | Shy, Timid | Confident, Bold | |
| Dilatory | Tending to delay | Sluggish, Late | Prompt, Quick | |
| Diligent | Hardworking | Industrious, Assiduous | Lazy, Slothful | |
| Diminish | To become less | Decline, Wane | Increase, Grow | |
| Discord | Lack of agreement | Conflict, Friction | Harmony, Accord | |
| Discreet | Careful/Secretive | Prudent, Cautious | Reckless, Public | |
| Discrepancy | Lack of similarity | Difference, Variance | Similarity, Accord | |
| Disdain | Feeling of contempt | Scorn, Contempt | Respect, Admiration | |
| Disingenuous | Not candid/sincere | Dishonest, Deceitful | Sincere, Honest | |
| Dismal | Depressing/Gloomy | Bleak, Sad | Cheerful, Bright | |
| Disseminate | To spread widely | Scatter, Circulate | Gather, Hide | |
| Divergent | Moving in different directions | Different, Deviating | Convergent, Similar | |
| Docile | Easy to manage | Submissive, Pliable | Stubborn, Obstinate | |
| Dogmatic | Arrogantly certain | Opinionated, Rigid | Flexible, Open | |
| Dormant | Inactive/Sleeping | Latent, Quiescent | Active, Awake | |
| Dubious | Doubtful/Hesitating | Uncertain, Fishy | Certain, Reliable | |
| Duplicity | Double-dealing/Deceit | Deception, Fraud | Honesty, Sincerity | |
| Ebullient | Full of energy/Cheer | Lively, Exuberant | Gloomy, Depressed |
| Eclectic | From diverse sources | Diverse, Varied | Narrow, Uniform |
| Edify | To instruct morally | Teach, Enlighten | Corrupt, Mislead |
| Efface | To erase or wipe out | Expunge, Erase | Create, Build |
| Effervescent | Bubbly/Lively | Vivacious, Fizzy | Flat, Dull |
| Efficacy | Ability to produce result | Power, Success | Inefficiency, Failure |
| Egregious | Outstandingly bad | Shocking, Awful | Excellent, Good |
| Eloquent | Fluent in speech | Persuasive, Vivid | Inarticulate, Dull |
| Elucidate | To make clear | Explain, Clarify | Confuse, Obscure |
| Elusive | Hard to find/catch | Evasive, Slippery | Found, Plain |
| Emancipate | To set free | Liberate, Free | Enslave, Bind |
| Embellish | To decorate/Add detail | Adorn, Garnish | Simplify, Strip |
| Emulate | To match or surpass | Imitate, Copy | – |
| Endorse | To support publicly | Approve, Support | Oppose, Reject |
| Enervate | To weaken someone | Exhaust, Drain | Energize, Revive |
| Enigma | A mystery or puzzle | Riddle, Puzzle | Clue, Solution |
| Enmity | State of hostility | Hatred, Animosity | Friendship, Amity |
| Ephemeral | Lasting a short time | Transient, Brief | Eternal, Lasting |
| Epitome | A perfect example | Summary, Essence | – |
| Equanimity | Mental calmness | Composure, Peace | Anxiety, Agitation |
| Equitable | Fair and impartial | Honest, Just | Unfair, Biased |
| Equivocal | Ambiguous/Uncertain | Vague, Unclear | Definite, Clear |
| Eradicate | To destroy completely | Uproot, Eliminate | Plant, Create |
| Erratic | Unpredictable | Inconsistent, Fickle | Consistent, Stable |
| Erudite | Having great knowledge | Learned, Scholarly | Ignorant, Unlearned |
| Esoteric | Intended for a few | Private, Obscure | Common, Public |
| Eulogy | Speech of praise | Tribute, Acclaim | Criticism, Slur |
| Euphemism | Mild term for harsh one | Delicacy, Politeness | – |
| Exacerbate | To make worse | Aggravate, Inflame | Alleviate, Soothe |
| Exalt | To praise highly | Glorify, Honor | Humiliate, Degrade |
| Exemplary | Serving as a model | Perfect, Ideal | Worthless, Bad |
| Exonerate | To clear from blame | Absolve, Vindicate | Convict, Accuse |
| Exorbitant | Unreasonably high | Excessive, Pricey | Cheap, Moderate |
| Expedite | To speed up | Quicken, Accelerate | Delay, Hinder |
| Explicit | Stated clearly | Plain, Definite | Vague, Implicit |
| Expunge | To remove completely | Erase, Delete | – |
| Extol | To praise enthusiastically | Laud, Exalt | Criticize, Blame |
| Extraneous | Irrelevant | Unrelated, Foreign | Relevant, Essential |
| Extravagant | Spending excessively | Lavish, Wasteful | Frugal, Thrifty |
| Fabricate | To invent or forge | Create, Invent | Destroy, Demolish |
| Facetious | Treating serious issues with humour | Flippant, Witty | Serious, Grave |
| Fallacy | A mistaken belief | Error, Delusion | Truth, Reality |
| Fastidious | Very attentive to detail | Fussy, Exacting | Careless, Sloppy |
| Feasible | Possible to do | Practical, Viable | Impossible, Vague |
| Fervent | Passionate/Intense | Ardent, Zealous | Apathetic, Indifferent |
| Fickle | Changing frequently | Inconstant, Capricious | Loyal, Constant |
| Flabbergasted | Greatly surprised | Astonished, Amazed | Calm, Indifferent |
| Flagrant | Obviously offensive | Glaring, Shamelss | Subtle, Mild |
| Flamboyant | Noticeable/Stylish | Showy, Vibrant | Plain, Simple |
| Flippant | Not showing respect | Shallow, Glib | Respectful, Serious |
| Florid | Red-faced/Overly fancy | Red, Ornate | Pale, Plain |
| Fortitude | Courage in pain | Bravery, Endurance | Cowardice, Fear |
| Fortuitous | Happening by luck | Lucky, Accidental | Planned, Unlucky |
| Fragile | Easily broken | Delicate, Frail | Strong, Tough |
| Frugal | Thrifty with money | Economical, Stingy | Lavish, Wasteful |
| Furtive | Attempting to avoid notice | Secretive, Sly | Open, Honest |
| Futile | Pointless/Useless | Vain, Fruitless | Useful, Productive |
| Garrulous | Excessively talkative | Chatty, Loquacious | Silent, Taciturn |
| Generic | Common/Not specific | General, Common | Specific, Unique |
| Germane | Relevant to a subject | Pertinent, Related | Irrelevant, Random |
| Giddy | Having vertigo/Playful | Dizzy, Lightheaded | Serious, Steady |
| Glib | Fluent but shallow | Smooth, Easy | Inarticulate, Deep |
| Gluttony | Habitual greed (food) | Excess, Greed | Frugal, Moderation |
| Gratuitous | Uncalled for/Free | Unearned, Free | Justified, Paid |
| Gregarious | Fond of company | Sociable, Outgoing | Reclusive, Shy |
| Guile | Sly or cunning | Cunning, Deceit | Honesty, Candor |
| Gullible | Easily persuaded | Naive, Trusting | Shrewd, Cynical |
| Hackneyed | Lacking significance (trite) | Cliche, Overused | Original, New |
| Haughty | Arrogantly superior | Proud, Pompous | Humble, Modest |
| Hedonist | Pleasure seeker | Epicure, Sensualist | Ascetic, Hermit |
| Heinous | Utterly wicked | Evil, Atrocious | Virtuous, Kind |
| Heresy | Belief against doctrine | Dissent, Unorthodoxy | Conformity, Faith |
| Hiatus | A pause or gap | Break, Interval | Continuity, Link |
| Homogeneous | Of the same kind | Uniform, Alike | Varied, Mixed |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration | Overstatement | Understatement |
| Hypocrisy | Faking virtue | Deceit, Insincerity | Sincerity, Honesty |
| Iconoclast | One who attacks beliefs | Rebel, Radical | Believer, Traditionalist |
| Idiosyncrasy | A peculiar habit | Quirk, Oddity | Normality, Standard |
| Ignominious | Deserving public shame | Shamelss, Disgraceful | Glorious, Noble |
| Imminent | About to happen | Impending, Looming | Distant, Future |
| Immutable | Unchangeable | Fixed, Rigid | Mutable, Variable |
| Impair | To damage or weaken | Harm, Worsen | Improve, Heal |
| Impeccable | Faultless | Flawless, Perfect | Imperfect, Bad |
| Impecunious | Having little money | Poor, Penniless | Wealthy, Rich |
| Impede | To delay or prevent | Hinder, Block | Aid, Facilitate |
| Impetuous | Acting without thought | Rash, Hasty | Cautious, Careful |
| Implausible | Not seeming reasonable | Unlikely, Absurd | Likely, Realistic |
| Implicit | Suggested though not plain | Implied, Hinted | Explicit, Stated |
| Impoverished | Made poor | Needy, Destitute | Wealthy, Rich |
| Impromptu | Done without rehearsal | Offhand, Spontaneous | Planned, Prepared |
| Inadvertent | Not resulting from planning | Accidental, Unintentional | Planned, Intentional |
| Inane | Silly/Stupid | Foolish, Mindless | Wise, Serious |
| Inarticulate | Unable to speak clearly | Mumbled, Blurred | Fluent, Clear |
| Incapacitate | To prevent from functioning | Disable, Weaken | Enable, Empower |
| Incessant | Never stopping | Constant, Non-stop | Intermittent, Rare |
| Inchoate | Just beginning/Not developed | Early, Nascent | Developed, Ripe |
| Incisive | Intelligently analytical | Acute, Sharp | Dull, Vague |
| Incorrigible | Beyond reform | Hopeless, Incurable | Amendable, Reformable |
| Incredulous | Unwilling to believe | Skeptical, Doubtful | Trusting, Believing |
| Indict | To formally charge | Accuse, Charge | Exonerate, Clear |
| Indifferent | Having no interest | Apathetic, Neutral | Concerned, Biased |
| Indolent | Wanting to avoid work | Lazy, Slothful | Active, Busy |
| Inept | Having no skill | Clumsy, Awkward | Skilled, Adroit |
| Inevitable | Certain to happen | Unavoidable, Sure | Avoidable, Doubtful |
| Inexorable | Impossible to stop | Relentless, Harsh | Yielding, Kind |
| Infamous | Well known for bad quality | Notorious, Bad | Famous, Good |
| Ingenious | Clever/Original | Creative, Brilliant | Stupid, Dull |
| Ingenuous | Innocent and unsuspecting | Naive, Simple | Sly, Deceitful |
| Inherent | Existing as a natural part | Innate, Natural | External, Acquired |
| Innocuous | Not harmful | Safe, Harmless | Toxic, Harmful |
| Inscrutable | Impossible to understand | Mysterious, Hidden | Clear, Open |
| Insipid | Lacking flavor or vigor | Dull, Tasteless | Zesty, Tasty |
| Instigate | To bring about/provoke | Incite, Urge | Discourage, Stop |
| Insular | Narrow-minded/Ignorant | Petty, Narrow | Broad, Global |
| Intangible | Unable to be touched | Ethereal, Abstract | Physical, Tangible |
| Intermittent | Not continuous | Sporadic, Periodic | Continuous, Constant |
| Intrepid | Fearless | Bold, Brave | Timid, Cowardly |
| Inundate | To overwhelm with things | Flood, Swamp | Drain, Empty |
| Inveterate | Habitual | Chronic, Ingrained | Temporary, New |
| Irascible | Easily angered | Irritable, Grouchy | Calm, Even |
| Jaded | Tired/Bored from excess | Weary, Bored | Fresh, New |
| Jargon | Technical language | Slang, Lingo | – |
| Jovial | Cheerful and friendly | Happy, Merry | Gloomy, Sad |
| Judicious | Done with good judgment | Wise, Prudent | Rash, Foolish |
| Juxtapose | Place side by side | Compare, Contrast | Separate, Divide |
| Kindle | To set fire/Arouse | Light, Stir | Extinguish, Calm |
| Knell | Sound of a bell (death) | Toll, Ring | – |
| Laconic | Using few words | Brief, Terse | Verbose, Wordy |
| Lament | To mourn | Grieve, Weep | Celebrate, Rejoice |
| Languid | Weak or slow moving | Listless, Slow | Energetic, Fast |
| Latent | Existing but hidden | Dormant, Hidden | Active, Open |
| Laud | To praise highly | Extol, Hail | Criticize, Blame |
| Lavish | Rich or elaborate | Luxurient, Lush | Sparse, Cheap |
| Lethargic | Drowsy/Lacking energy | Sluggish, Slow | Active, Lively |
| Lithe | Thin and graceful | Agile, Flexible | Rigid, Clumsy |
| Loquacious | Tending to talk a lot | Talkative, Chatty | Silent, Taciturn |
| Lucid | Easy to understand | Clear, Plain | Vague, Obscure |
| Luminous | Full of light | Bright, Glowing | Dim, Dull |
| Magnanimous | Very generous/forgiving | Kind, Noble | Mean, Selfish |
| Malevolent | Wishing evil | Malicious, Cruel | Kind, Benevolent |
| Malign | Speak evil of | Slander, Harm | Praise, Honor |
| Malleable | Able to be shaped | Flexible, Pliable | Inflexible, Rigid |
| Mendacious | Untruthful | Lying, False | Honest, Truthful |
| Mercurial | Subject to mood swings | Fickle, Erratic | Constant, Steady |
| Meticulous | Very careful/precise | Thorough, Exact | Sloppy, Careless |
| Mitigate | To make less severe | Soothe, Ease | Worsen, Intensify |
| Mollify | To appease or soothe | Calm, Pacify | Anger, Enrage |
| Morose | Sullen and ill-tempered | Gloomy, Sad | Happy, Cheerful |
| Munificent | Very generous | Liberal, Rich | Mean, Stingy |
| Nadir | The lowest point | Bottom, Base | Zenith, Peak |
| Nascent | Just beginning | Emerging, Young | Mature, Dying |
| Nefarious | Wicked or criminal | Evil, Sinful | Kind, Virtuous |
| Negligent | Failing to take care | Careless, Lax | Careful, Attentive |
| Nonchalant | Feeling calm/relaxed | Cool, Casual | Anxious, Concerned |
| Notorious | Famous for something bad | Infamous, Bad | Famous, Good |
| Novice | A beginner | Learner, Rookie | Expert, Veteran |
| Noxious | Harmful/Poisonous | Lethal, Toxic | Healthy, Safe |
| Nuance | Subtle difference | Shade, Tone | – |
| Obdurate | Stubbornly refusing | Rigid, Hard | Pliable, Kind |
| Oblivious | Not aware of surroundings | Heedless, Blind | Alert, Aware |
| Obscure | Not discovered/Unclear | Hidden, Vague | Lucid, Clear |
| Obsequious | Obedient to a servile degree | Servile, Fawning | Independent, Proud |
| Obstinate | Stubbornly holding opinion | Tenacious, Rigid | Yielding, Docile |
| Obviate | To remove/Prevent | Preclude, Block | Aid, Allow |
| Odious | Extremely unpleasant | Hateful, Vile | Pleasant, Lovely |
| Officious | Asserting authority (annoying) | Meddlesome, Bossy | Shy, Retiring |
| Ominous | Giving impression of evil | Gloomy, Threatening | Hopeful, Bright |
| Onerous | Burdensome | Heavy, Tough | Easy, Light |
| Opulent | Wealthy and luxurious | Rich, Grand | Poor, Destitute |
| Ostentatious | Designed to impress | Showy, Pretentious | Plain, Modest |
| Pacify | To quell anger/Excitement | Calm, Soothe | Agitate, Provoke |
| Palpable | Able to be felt/touched | Clear, Tangible | Subtle, Hidden |
| Panacea | A solution for all | Remedy, Cure | – |
| Paradigmn | A typical example | Pattern, Model | – |
| Parsimonious | Very unwilling to spend | Stingy, Frugal | Generous, Liberal |
| Paucity | Smallness of quantity | Dearth, Lack | Plenty, Surplus |
| Pedantic | Obsessed with minor rules | Formal, Stiff | Simple, Plain |
| Penitent | Feeling sorrow/regret | Sorry, Contrite | Proud, Callous |
| Pensive | Engaged in deep thought | Thinking, Dreamy | Carefree, Shallow |
| Perfunctory | Done with minimum effort | Cursory, Careless | Thorough, Careful |
| Pernicious | Having a harmful effect | Harmful, Deadly | Kind, Healthy |
| Perspicacious | Having keen insight | Shrewd, Sharp | Dull, Slow |
| Pertinent | Relevant to the matter | Related, Germane | Irrelevant, Random |
| Pervasive | Spreading widely | Common, General | Rare, Scarce |
| Petulant | Childishly sulky | Peevish, Irritable | Patient, Calm |
| Philanthropic | Seeking to help others | Generous, Kind | Selfish, Mean |
| Placate | To make less angry | Calm, Appease | Enrage, Upset |
| Plethora | An excessive amount | Surplus, Glut | Scarcity, Lack |
| Pragmatic | Dealing with things sensibly | Realistic, Logical | Idealistic, Visionary |
| Precarious | Not securely held | Risky, Unsafe | Safe, Secure |
| Preclude | To prevent | Block, Hinder | Allow, Assist |
| Precocious | Early developer | Gifted, Bright | Slow, Backward |
| Predilection | A preference for | Liking, Bias | Dislike, Aversion |
| Pretentious | Attempting to impress | Showy, Grand | Sincere, Modest |
| Prodigal | Spending money freely | Wasteful, Lavish | Thrifty, Frugal |
| Prolific | Producing much | Fruitful, Rich | Barren, Empty |
| Prudent | Acting with care | Wise, Careful | Rash, Foolish |
| Pugnacious | Eager to fight | Warlike, Hostile | Friendly, Kind |
| Quaint | Attractively old-fashioned | Sweet, Odd | Modern, Plain |
| Quandary | State of uncertainty | Dilemma, Puzzle | Certainty, Ease |
| Querulous | Complaining/Whining | Petulant, Sad | Happy, Content |
| Quiescent | In a state of rest | Dormant, Still | Active, Busy |
| Quixotic | Idealistic/Impractical | Visionary, Dreamy | Realistic, Practical |
| Rancor | Bitterness/Resentfulness | Spite, Hatred | Amity, Love |
| Recalcitrant | Resisting authority | Unruly, Wild | Obedient, Calm |
| Rectify | To put right | Correct, Fix | Worsen, Break |
| Redundant | Not needed/Superfluous | Extra, Surplus | Essential, Necessary |
| Refute | Prove to be wrong | Disprove, Deny | Confirm, Agree |
| Reiterate | To say again | Repeat, Restate | – |
| Relegate | To lower in rank | Demote, Lower | Promote, Raise |
| Relinquish | Give up voluntarily | Resign, Abandon | Keep, Retain |
| Remorse | Deep regret | Guilt, Sorrow | Satisfaction, Pride |
| Renounce | Formally abandon | Reject, Quit | Claim, Accept |
| Replete | Full/Well-supplied | Full, Loaded | Empty, Vague |
| Reprehensible | Deserving blame | Guilty, Bad | Noble, Good |
| Repudiate | Refuse to accept | Reject, Deny | Accept, Believe |
| Resilient | Able to recover quickly | Tough, Strong | Weak, Soft |
| Resolute | Admirably purposeful | Firm, Sure | Wavering, Weak |
| Respite | A short rest | Break, Pause | Work, Strain |
| Reticent | Not revealing thoughts | Shy, Silent | Talkative, Bold |
| Robust | Strong and healthy | Sturdy, Tough | Fragile, Weak |
| Salubrious | Health-giving | Healthy, Good | Unhealthy, Toxic |
| Sanction | Permission/Penalty | Support, Law | Ban, Veto |
| Sanguine | Optimistic/Positive | Hopeful, Happy | Gloomy, Sad |
| Sardonic | Mocking/Cynical | Sarcastic, Harsh | Kind, Sincere |
| Scrupulous | Diligent and thorough | Precise, Honest | Careless, Lazy |
| Sedentary | Sitting much | Inactive, Idle | Active, Mobile |
| Serene | Calm and peaceful | Placid, Quiet | Chaotic, Noisy |
| Skeptical | Not easily convinced | Doubtful, Cynical | Trusting, Sure |
| Sporadic | Happening at intervals | Random, Occasional | Continuous, Regular |
| Spurious | Not being what it claims | Fake, False | Genuine, Real |
| Stoic | Enduring pain without complaint | Calm, Firm | Emotional, Weak |
| Suave | Charming and elegant | Smooth, Polite | Rude, Clumsy |
| Superfluous | Unnecessary | Surplus, Extra | Needed, Basic |
| Surreptitious | Kept secret | Hidden, Sly | Open, Honest |
| Sycophant | Person acting obsequiously | Flatterer, Toady | – |
| Taciturn | Reserved in speech | Silent, Quiet | Chatty, Loud |
| Tangible | Perceptible by touch | Real, Solid | Abstract, Vague |
| Tantamount | Equivalent in value | Equal, Alike | Different, Unequal |
| Tenable | Able to be maintained | Valid, Sound | Unsound, Weak |
| Tenuous | Very weak or slight | Thin, Flimsy | Strong, Firm |
| Terse | Sparing in words | Brief, Short | Wordy, Verbose |
| Timid | Lacking courage | Shy, Fearful | Bold, Brave |
| Tirade | Long, angry speech | Harangue, Rant | – |
| Torpid | Mentally/physically inactive | Dull, Slow | Lively, Active |
| Tranquil | Free from disturbance | Calm, Peaceful | Stormy, Loud |
| Transient | Lasting short time | Brief, Passing | Permanent, Fixed |
| Trepidation | Feeling of fear | Alarm, Fear | Calm, Security |
| Trite | Overused/Lacking originalty | Banal, Dull | New, Fresh |
| Trivial | Of little value | Petty, Small | Vital, Major |
| Ubiquitous | Present everywhere | Common, Global | Rare, Unique |
| Uncouth | Lacking manners | Rude, Vulgar | Polite, Refined |
| Undermine | To weaken | Damage, Erode | Support, Strengthen |
| Unilateral | Done by one side | Single, One-way | Bilateral, Mutual |
| Urbane | Courteous/Sophisticated | Suave, Refined | Boorish, Rude |
| Usurp | Take position illegally | Seize, Grab | Relinquish, Give |
| Vacillate | Wavering between choices | Hesitate, Dither | Decide, Resolve |
| Vacuous | Lacking intelligence | Empty, Silly | Bright, Full |
| Vague | Uncertain/Unclear | Obscure, Dim | Clear, Sharp |
| Venerate | Regard with respect | Revere, Honor | Despise, Scorn |
| Veracity | Conformity to facts | Truth, Accuracy | Lying, Falsehood |
| Verbose | Using too many words | Wordy, Talkative | Concise, Terse |
| Vex | Make someone annoyed | Irritate, Bother | Please, Soothe |
| Viable | Capable of working | Feasible, Possible | Impossible, Vague |
| Vicarious | Experienced through others | Indirect, Secondhand | Direct, Personal |
| Vigilant | Keeping careful watch | Alert, Wary | Careless, Lax |
| Vilify | Speak ill of | Slander, Abuse | Praise, Laud |
| Vindicate | Clear of blame | Exonerate, Absolve | Accuse, Blame |
| Virtuoso | Highly skilled person | Expert, Master | Amateur, Rookie |
| Virulent | Bitterly hostile | Toxic, Deadly | Kind, Healthy |
| Volatile | Liable to change easily | Erratic, Fickle | Stable, Steady |
| Voracious | Wanting great quantities | Greedy, Hungry | Full, Satisfied |
| Wane | To decrease in power | Decline, Sink | Wax, Grow |
| Wary | Showing caution | Careful, Alert | Rash, Blind |
| Waver | Become unsteady | Falter, Shake | Stay, Fix |
| Wily | Skilled at gaining advantage | Sly, Crafty | Honest, Simple |
| Winsome | Attractive in appearance | Sweet, Lovely | Ugly, Plain |
| Wistful | Having regretful longing | Sad, Dreamy | Happy, Joyful |
| Wither | Become dry and shrivelled | Fade, Shrivel | Bloom, Grow |
| Wrath | Extreme anger | Rage, Fury | Love, Calm |
| Zealous | Great energy/enthusiasm | Ardent, Eager | Indifferent, Lazy |
| Zenith | The highest point | Apex, Peak | Nadir, Bottom |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long should I take to master this 250-word vocabulary list?
Consistency is key. We recommend the “25 Words a Day” method. By dedicating 30 minutes daily to learning, reviewing, and using these words in sentences, you can master the entire list in just 10 days.
2. Why is it important to learn synonyms and antonyms together?
Competitive exams often test your ability to understand word relationships. Learning a word alongside its synonym and antonym helps you build “contextual anchors,” allowing you to recall the word’s meaning more easily during high-pressure testing.
3. Will this list cover all topics in my competitive English paper?
This list focuses on high-frequency vocabulary, which appears most often in entrance exams. While this builds a strong foundation for synonyms and antonyms, we recommend supplementing this with regular practice of RC (Reading Comprehension) and grammar exercises to maximize your overall English score.
4. What is the best way to memorize these 250 words?
Do not just rote-memorize. Try creating your own sentences using each word, use flashcards for active recall, and try to spot these words in newspapers or academic journals. Seeing them in real-world contexts significantly improves retention.
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