Exam Prep: 120 Synonyms & Antonyms
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Graduate & University Entrance
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Master 120 high-frequency synonyms and antonyms for 2026/2027 university and graduate
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, 2026 Vocabulary Exam: 120 Synonyms & Antonyms
Subject: Advanced English Language & Vocabulary Proficiency
Section A: Synonyms (Words Most Nearly Meaning the Same)
This section tests your ability to identify the closest synonym for a given word in standard
academic and professional contexts.
Question 1
"Negligent" most nearly means:
A. Careful
B. Remiss
C. Punctual
D. Meticulous
Answer: B. Remiss
Explanation: Negligent describes a failure to take proper care or show necessary attention.
"Remiss" is a direct synonym, meaning lacking care or attention to duty.
Question 2
"Innocuous" most nearly means:
A. Poisonous
B. Harmful
C. Harmless
D. Toxic
Answer: C. Harmless
Explanation: Innocuous refers to something that is not likely to cause injury, offense, or harm.
"Harmless" is the closest and most direct synonym.
Question 3
"Superfluous" most nearly means:
A. Essential
B. Scarce
,C. Unnecessary
D. Abundant
Answer: C. Unnecessary
Explanation: Superfluous means exceeding what is sufficient or required; therefore,
"unnecessary" captures its core meaning effectively.
Question 4
"Compensate" most nearly means:
A. Ignore
B. Forfeit
C. Remunerate
D. Penalize
Answer: C. Remunerate
Explanation: To compensate someone is to give them something, typically money, in
recognition of loss, suffering, or service. "Remunerate" is a formal synonym for paying or
rewarding.
Question 5
"Tantalize" most nearly means:
A. Satisfy
B. Please
C. Vex
D. Comfort
Answer: C. Vex
Explanation: To tantalize means to torment or tease with the sight or promise of something
unattainable. "Vex" captures the sense of provoking or frustrating, though "tantalize" carries a
specific nuance of unfulfilled desire. (Note: In some contexts, "torment" might be closer, but
"vex" is the best among the options provided.)
, Question 6
"Skittish" most nearly means:
A. Confident
B. Steady
C. Uneasy
D. Aggressive
Answer: C. Uneasy
Explanation: Skittish describes a person or animal that is nervous, easily frightened, or
unpredictable. "Uneasy" is an appropriate synonym for this state of restlessness.
Question 7
"Rebuke" most nearly means:
A. Praise
B. Reprimand
C. Encourage
D. Ignore
Answer: B. Reprimand
Explanation: A rebuke is an expression of sharp disapproval or criticism. "Reprimand" is a
formal synonym that matches this meaning precisely.
Question 8
"Lavish" most nearly means:
A. Sparse
B. Luxurious
C. Frugal
D. Plain
Answer: B. Luxurious
Explanation: Lavish describes something marked by excess, richness, or abundance, often in a
way that is extremely generous or ornate. "Luxurious" captures this sense of high cost and
comfort.