Improving vocabulary is one of the most important aspects of mastering English especially for competitive exams like SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, Bank PO, IBPS, SBI, and other government tests. Among various vocabulary topics, Synonyms and Antonyms play a crucial role. Questions based on synonyms and antonyms are frequently asked in SSC previous year papers, bank exams, and other entrance tests. Therefore, aspirants must focus on practicing lists, rules, and Synonyms and Antonyms PDFs with answers to perform well.
What Are Synonyms and Antonyms?
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Synonyms are words that carry the same or similar meaning. Example: Happy – Joyful.
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Antonyms are words with opposite meanings. Example: Brave – Coward.
Understanding these helps improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, and sentence formation.
Importance in Competitive Exams
In SSC, Bank, and Railway exams, questions on synonyms and antonyms test not just vocabulary but also contextual understanding. For example, a question might ask you to choose the correct synonym or antonym of a word used in a passage. Many aspirants search for Synonyms and Antonyms previous year questions (PYQs) and downloadable PDF lists to prepare effectively.
Rules and Tips for Learning Synonyms and Antonyms
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Context Matters – The same word may have multiple meanings, so practice with usage in sentences.
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Group Learning – Study words in pairs or sets (e.g., Begin – Start, End – Finish).
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Flashcards & Quizzes – Use Synonyms and Antonyms MCQs with answers for daily revision.
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Spaced Repetition – Revise regularly to retain words for the long term.
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Previous Year Questions – Practice SSC and Bank exam Synonyms & Antonyms PDFs to understand exam patterns.
Practice Questions with Answers
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Synonym of "Abundant" – (a) Rare (b) Plenty (c) Empty (d) Short → Answer: Plenty
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Antonym of "Benevolent" – (a) Cruel (b) Kind (c) Generous (d) Helpful → Answer: Cruel
Such MCQs for synonyms and antonyms are common in SSC and banking exams.
Free Synonyms and Antonyms PDF Download
Many students prefer PDF lists of synonyms and antonyms with answers to revise offline. These resources include:
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Topic-wise word lists (basic to advanced).
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Previous year SSC Synonyms & Antonyms questions.
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MCQs with answers for Bank exams.
Tricks to Remember Synonyms and Antonyms Quickly
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Relate words to daily life usage.
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Learn root words (e.g., tele means distance: telephone, telegraph).
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Attempt online quizzes and mock tests regularly.
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Write and revise difficult pairs like Affect–Effect or Accept–Except.
Synonyms and Antonyms for English are not just vocabulary-building tools but also a scoring section in SSC, Bank, and other competitive exams. With the help of rules, practice sets, quizzes, and free PDF downloads, aspirants can master this topic and boost exam performance. The key is consistent practice with previous year questions and regular revision using word lists.
Part A: Synonyms (Q.1–50)
Q1. ABANDON
(A) Leave
(B) Protect
(C) Guard
(D) Retain
Answer: (A) Leave
Explanation: "Abandon" means to leave something/someone permanently. "Protect/Guard/Retain" are opposite ideas.
Q2. ACCLAIM
(A) Blame
(B) Praise
(C) Hate
(D) Deny
Answer: (B) Praise
Explanation: "Acclaim" means public praise and applause.
Q3. ADROIT
(A) Clever
(B) Foolish
(C) Clumsy
(D) Lazy
Answer: (A) Clever
Explanation: "Adroit" = skillful, clever with hands or mind.
Q4. AFFLUENT
(A) Rich
(B) Poor
(C) Hungry
(D) Weak
Answer: (A) Rich
Explanation: "Affluent" means wealthy, prosperous.
Q5. AMBIGUOUS
(A) Clear
(B) Confusing
(C) Transparent
(D) Simple
Answer: (B) Confusing
Explanation: "Ambiguous" means unclear or having multiple meanings.
Q6. ANNIHILATE
(A) Destroy
(B) Create
(C) Support
(D) Build
Answer: (A) Destroy
Explanation: "Annihilate" = to completely destroy.
Q7. ARDUOUS
(A) Easy
(B) Simple
(C) Difficult
(D) Soft
Answer: (C) Difficult
Explanation: "Arduous" means very hard or requiring great effort.
Q8. BENEVOLENT
(A) Kind
(B) Cruel
(C) Harsh
(D) Angry
Answer: (A) Kind
Explanation: "Benevolent" = showing kindness and goodwill.
Q9. CANDID
(A) Honest
(B) False
(C) Secret
(D) Biased
Answer: (A) Honest
Explanation: "Candid" means truthful, straightforward.
Q10. CHAOTIC
(A) Orderly
(B) Confused
(C) Organized
(D) Calm
Answer: (B) Confused
Explanation: "Chaotic" = disorderly, confused situation.
Antonyms (Q.51–100)
Q51. ABUNDANT
(A) Plenty
(B) Scarce
(C) Huge
(D) Sufficient
Answer: (B) Scarce
Explanation: "Abundant" = plenty; opposite is "scarce" = lacking.
Q52. ACCEPT
(A) Deny
(B) Approve
(C) Allow
(D) Receive
Answer: (A) Deny
Explanation: "Accept" means agree/receive; opposite is "deny/reject."
Q53. ACCURATE
(A) Exact
(B) Wrong
(C) Correct
(D) Proper
Answer: (B) Wrong
Explanation: "Accurate" = correct, exact; opposite is wrong.
Q54. ACTIVE
(A) Energetic
(B) Dull
(C) Busy
(D) Smart
Answer: (B) Dull
Explanation: "Active" = energetic; opposite is "dull/lazy."
Q55. ADVANCE
(A) Retreat
(B) Improve
(C) Promote
(D) Develop
Answer: (A) Retreat
Explanation: "Advance" = move forward; opposite is retreat = move back.
Q56. AFFECTION
(A) Hatred
(B) Love
(C) Care
(D) Concern
Answer: (A) Hatred
Explanation: "Affection" = love; opposite is hatred.
Q57. ALERT
(A) Watchful
(B) Careless
(C) Attentive
(D) Aware
Answer: (B) Careless
Explanation: "Alert" = watchful; opposite is careless.
Q58. ANCIENT
(A) Old
(B) Modern
(C) Historic
(D) Antique
Answer: (B) Modern
Explanation: "Ancient" = old; opposite is modern = new.
Q59. ANXIETY
(A) Peace
(B) Fear
(C) Worry
(D) Stress
Answer: (A) Peace
Explanation: "Anxiety" = worry/tension; opposite is peace = calmness.
Q60. ARRIVAL
(A) Departure
(B) Landing
(C) Entry
(D) Reach
Answer: (A) Departure
Explanation: "Arrival" = coming; opposite is departure = leaving.
Q1. Choose the synonym of "Abundant"
a) Scarce
b) Plentiful
c) Rare
d) Limited
Answer: (b) Plentiful
Explanation: "Abundant" means available in large quantity. Its synonym is "Plentiful". Opposites would be scarce, rare, or limited.
Q2. Choose the antonym of "Benevolent"
a) Kind
b) Generous
c) Malevolent
d) Helpful
Answer: (c) Malevolent
Explanation: "Benevolent" means kind and generous. Its antonym is "Malevolent", which means having ill will or evil intentions.
Q3. Synonym of "Candid"
a) Honest
b) Secretive
c) Clever
d) Reserved
Answer: (a) Honest
Explanation: "Candid" means truthful and straightforward. Synonym: Honest. Others (secretive, clever, reserved) do not convey openness.
Q4. Antonym of "Diligent"
a) Industrious
b) Hardworking
c) Careless
d) Persistent
Answer: (c) Careless
Explanation: "Diligent" means hardworking and attentive. The opposite is careless or negligent.
Q5. Synonym of "Fragile"
a) Strong
b) Weak
c) Delicate
d) Firm
Answer: (c) Delicate
Explanation: "Fragile" means easily broken or delicate. Opposites would be strong or firm.
Q6. Antonym of "Harmony"
a) Peace
b) Agreement
c) Conflict
d) Unity
Answer: (c) Conflict
Explanation: "Harmony" means peace, agreement, and unity. Its opposite is "Conflict".
Q7. Synonym of "Hostile"
a) Friendly
b) Aggressive
c) Neutral
d) Supportive
Answer: (b) Aggressive
Explanation: "Hostile" means unfriendly or aggressive. Opposite: Friendly or supportive.
Q8. Antonym of "Ignorant"
a) Illiterate
b) Knowledgeable
c) Careless
d) Weak
Answer: (b) Knowledgeable
Explanation: "Ignorant" means lacking knowledge. The opposite is "Knowledgeable".
Q9. Synonym of "Jovial"
a) Cheerful
b) Serious
c) Angry
d) Boring
Answer: (a) Cheerful
Explanation: "Jovial" means joyful, happy, and cheerful.
Q10. Antonym of "Kindle"
a) Ignite
b) Extinguish
c) Burn
d) Spark
Answer: (b) Extinguish
Explanation: "Kindle" means to ignite or set on fire. Its opposite is "Extinguish".
Q11. Synonym of "Lethargic"
a) Energetic
b) Lazy
c) Active
d) Enthusiastic
Answer: (b) Lazy
Explanation: "Lethargic" means lazy or lacking energy. Opposite: Energetic or active.
Q12. Antonym of "Meticulous"
a) Careful
b) Detailed
c) Negligent
d) Thorough
Answer: (c) Negligent
Explanation: "Meticulous" means extremely careful with details. The opposite is "Negligent".
Q13. Synonym of "Novel" (context: new)
a) Old
b) Unique
c) Common
d) Usual
Answer: (b) Unique
Explanation: "Novel" means new, original, or unique.
Q14. Antonym of "Optimistic"
a) Hopeful
b) Cheerful
c) Pessimistic
d) Positive
Answer: (c) Pessimistic
Explanation: "Optimistic" means hopeful about the future. The opposite is "Pessimistic".
Q15. Synonym of "Peril"
a) Danger
b) Safety
c) Comfort
d) Protection
Answer: (a) Danger
Explanation: "Peril" means serious danger. Its opposite: Safety or protection.
Q16. Antonym of "Rigid"
a) Strict
b) Flexible
c) Hard
d) Solid
Answer: (b) Flexible
Explanation: "Rigid" means stiff, unbending. Opposite: Flexible.
Q17. Synonym of "Serene"
a) Calm
b) Disturbed
c) Angry
d) Noisy
Answer: (a) Calm
Explanation: "Serene" means peaceful, calm, and untroubled.
Q18. Antonym of "Transparent"
a) Clear
b) Opaque
c) See-through
d) Glassy
Answer: (b) Opaque
Explanation: "Transparent" means allowing light to pass through, easy to see. The opposite is "Opaque".
Q19. Synonym of "Valiant"
a) Brave
b) Cowardly
c) Weak
d) Afraid
Answer: (a) Brave
Explanation: "Valiant" means courageous or brave. Opposite: Cowardly.
Q20. Antonym of "Wisdom"
a) Intelligence
b) Knowledge
c) Foolishness
d) Understanding
Answer: (c) Foolishness
Explanation: "Wisdom" means the quality of having good judgment and knowledge. The opposite is "Foolishness".
Q21. Synonym of "Adversity"
a) Misfortune
b) Fortune
c) Happiness
d) Success
Answer: (a) Misfortune
Explanation: "Adversity" means hardship or misfortune. Opposites are fortune, success, or happiness.
Q22. Antonym of "Amiable"
a) Friendly
b) Hostile
c) Pleasant
d) Gentle
Answer: (b) Hostile
Explanation: "Amiable" means friendly and kind. Its opposite is "Hostile".
Q23. Synonym of "Brisk"
a) Slow
b) Lively
c) Lazy
d) Dull
Answer: (b) Lively
Explanation: "Brisk" means quick, active, and lively. Opposite: Slow or dull.
Q24. Antonym of "Compassion"
a) Sympathy
b) Cruelty
c) Kindness
d) Care
Answer: (b) Cruelty
Explanation: "Compassion" means sympathy and concern for others. Its opposite is "Cruelty".
Q25. Synonym of "Deceive"
a) Cheat
b) Help
c) Protect
d) Guide
Answer: (a) Cheat
Explanation: "Deceive" means to mislead or cheat.
Q26. Antonym of "Elegant"
a) Graceful
b) Stylish
c) Clumsy
d) Beautiful
Answer: (c) Clumsy
Explanation: "Elegant" means graceful and stylish. The opposite is "Clumsy".
Q27. Synonym of "Foe"
a) Enemy
b) Friend
c) Partner
d) Ally
Answer: (a) Enemy
Explanation: "Foe" directly means an enemy. Opposite: Friend or ally.
Q28. Antonym of "Gratitude"
a) Thankfulness
b) Respect
c) Ingratitude
d) Love
Answer: (c) Ingratitude
Explanation: "Gratitude" means being thankful. Opposite: Ingratitude.
Q29. Synonym of "Hinder"
a) Obstruct
b) Help
c) Support
d) Assist
Answer: (a) Obstruct
Explanation: "Hinder" means to obstruct or delay progress. Opposites: Help, support, assist.
Q30. Antonym of "Illusion"
a) Reality
b) Fantasy
c) Dream
d) Magic
Answer: (a) Reality
Explanation: "Illusion" means false belief or appearance. The opposite is "Reality".
Q31. Synonym of "Jeopardy"
a) Safety
b) Danger
c) Security
d) Calm
Answer: (b) Danger
Explanation: "Jeopardy" means exposure to danger or risk. Opposites: Safety, security.
Q32. Antonym of "Lenient"
a) Strict
b) Gentle
c) Forgiving
d) Soft
Answer: (a) Strict
Explanation: "Lenient" means tolerant, not harsh. Its opposite is "Strict".
Q33. Synonym of "Marvel"
a) Wonder
b) Ordinary
c) Usual
d) Normal
Answer: (a) Wonder
Explanation: "Marvel" means something wonderful or astonishing.
Q34. Antonym of "Nurture"
a) Care
b) Neglect
c) Support
d) Raise
Answer: (b) Neglect
Explanation: "Nurture" means to care for or encourage growth. Opposite: Neglect.
Q35. Synonym of "Obsolete"
a) Modern
b) Outdated
c) New
d) Current
Answer: (b) Outdated
Explanation: "Obsolete" means no longer in use, outdated. Opposites: Modern, current.
Q36. Antonym of "Prosperity"
a) Success
b) Wealth
c) Poverty
d) Growth
Answer: (c) Poverty
Explanation: "Prosperity" means success and wealth. The opposite is "Poverty".
Q37. Synonym of "Quarrel"
a) Argument
b) Peace
c) Agreement
d) Harmony
Answer: (a) Argument
Explanation: "Quarrel" means argument or fight. Opposites: Peace, harmony.
Q38. Antonym of "Robust"
a) Weak
b) Strong
c) Healthy
d) Fit
Answer: (a) Weak
Explanation: "Robust" means strong and healthy. The opposite is "Weak".
Q39. Synonym of "Sacred"
a) Holy
b) Evil
c) Unholy
d) Dirty
Answer: (a) Holy
Explanation: "Sacred" means holy or associated with God. Opposites: Evil, unholy.
Q40. Antonym of "Tranquil"
a) Calm
b) Noisy
c) Peaceful
d) Quiet
Answer: (b) Noisy
Explanation: "Tranquil" means peaceful and calm. Opposite: Noisy or disturbed.
Q41. Synonym of "Abundant"
a) Scarce
b) Plentiful
c) Rare
d) Limited
Answer: (b) Plentiful
Explanation: "Abundant" means existing in large quantities, synonym is "Plentiful". Opposite: Scarce, rare.
Q42. Antonym of "Brave"
a) Cowardly
b) Courageous
c) Bold
d) Fearless
Answer: (a) Cowardly
Explanation: "Brave" means courageous and fearless. Opposite: Cowardly.
Q43. Synonym of "Candid"
a) Honest
b) Secretive
c) Fake
d) Hidden
Answer: (a) Honest
Explanation: "Candid" means truthful, open, and honest.
Q44. Antonym of "Diligent"
a) Hardworking
b) Active
c) Careless
d) Industrious
Answer: (c) Careless
Explanation: "Diligent" means hardworking and attentive. Its opposite is "Careless".
Q45. Synonym of "Enormous"
a) Huge
b) Tiny
c) Small
d) Little
Answer: (a) Huge
Explanation: "Enormous" means very large in size. Opposite: Tiny, small.
Q46. Antonym of "Faithful"
a) Loyal
b) Trustworthy
c) Unfaithful
d) Devoted
Answer: (c) Unfaithful
Explanation: "Faithful" means loyal or devoted. Its opposite is "Unfaithful".
Q47. Synonym of "Genuine"
a) Authentic
b) Fake
c) False
d) Unreal
Answer: (a) Authentic
Explanation: "Genuine" means real or authentic. Opposite: Fake, false.
Q48. Antonym of "Hostile"
a) Friendly
b) Aggressive
c) Angry
d) Unkind
Answer: (a) Friendly
Explanation: "Hostile" means unfriendly or aggressive. Opposite: Friendly.
Q49. Synonym of "Ignorant"
a) Unaware
b) Knowledgeable
c) Wise
d) Educated
Answer: (a) Unaware
Explanation: "Ignorant" means lacking knowledge or awareness. Opposite: Knowledgeable.
Q50. Antonym of "Joyful"
a) Cheerful
b) Happy
c) Sad
d) Glad
Answer: (c) Sad
Explanation: "Joyful" means very happy. The opposite is "Sad".
Q51. Synonym of "Keen"
a) Eager
b) Dull
c) Uninterested
d) Lazy
Answer: (a) Eager
Explanation: "Keen" means eager or enthusiastic. Opposite: Dull, uninterested.
Q52. Antonym of "Liberty"
a) Freedom
b) Independence
c) Bondage
d) Free will
Answer: (c) Bondage
Explanation: "Liberty" means freedom or independence. Opposite: Bondage.
Q53. Synonym of "Magnify"
a) Enlarge
b) Reduce
c) Decrease
d) Lower
Answer: (a) Enlarge
Explanation: "Magnify" means to enlarge or make bigger. Opposites: Reduce, decrease.
Q54. Antonym of "Noble"
a) Honorable
b) Ignoble
c) Generous
d) Dignified
Answer: (b) Ignoble
Explanation: "Noble" means honorable and good. Its opposite is "Ignoble".
Q55. Synonym of "Obvious"
a) Clear
b) Hidden
c) Secret
d) Unclear
Answer: (a) Clear
Explanation: "Obvious" means easily seen or understood. Opposite: Hidden.
Q56. Antonym of "Polite"
a) Courteous
b) Respectful
c) Rude
d) Gentle
Answer: (c) Rude
Explanation: "Polite" means well-mannered and respectful. Opposite: Rude.
Q57. Synonym of "Rare"
a) Uncommon
b) Common
c) Usual
d) Frequent
Answer: (a) Uncommon
Explanation: "Rare" means not common or unusual. Opposite: Common, frequent.
Q58. Antonym of "Silent"
a) Quiet
b) Noisy
c) Peaceful
d) Calm
Answer: (b) Noisy
Explanation: "Silent" means quiet, opposite is "Noisy".
Q59. Synonym of "Timid"
a) Shy
b) Bold
c) Brave
d) Daring
Answer: (a) Shy
Explanation: "Timid" means shy or lacking courage. Opposites: Bold, brave, daring.
Q60. Antonym of "Vacant"
a) Empty
b) Filled
c) Hollow
d) Open
Answer: (b) Filled
Explanation: "Vacant" means empty or unoccupied. Its opposite is "Filled".
Q61. Synonym of "Ancient"
a) Old
b) Modern
c) New
d) Fresh
Answer: (a) Old
Explanation: "Ancient" means very old or from the past. Opposite: Modern, new.
Q62. Antonym of "Appear"
a) Vanish
b) Show
c) Arrive
d) Exist
Answer: (a) Vanish
Explanation: "Appear" means to come into view. Its opposite is "Vanish" or disappear.
Q63. Synonym of "Bright"
a) Shiny
b) Dull
c) Dark
d) Faded
Answer: (a) Shiny
Explanation: "Bright" means shining or full of light. Opposite: Dull, dark.
Q64. Antonym of "Complex"
a) Complicated
b) Difficult
c) Simple
d) Hard
Answer: (c) Simple
Explanation: "Complex" means complicated or hard. Its opposite is "Simple".
Q65. Synonym of "Defeat"
a) Victory
b) Loss
c) Beat
d) Win
Answer: (c) Beat
Explanation: "Defeat" means to beat someone in a contest. Opposite: Victory, win.
Q66. Antonym of "Expand"
a) Increase
b) Stretch
c) Contract
d) Enlarge
Answer: (c) Contract
Explanation: "Expand" means to increase in size. Opposite is "Contract".
Q67. Synonym of "Fragile"
a) Weak
b) Strong
c) Tough
d) Solid
Answer: (a) Weak
Explanation: "Fragile" means delicate or easily broken. Opposites: Strong, tough.
Q68. Antonym of "Generous"
a) Kind
b) Selfish
c) Helpful
d) Noble
Answer: (b) Selfish
Explanation: "Generous" means giving and kind. Its opposite is "Selfish".
Q69. Synonym of "Humble"
a) Modest
b) Proud
c) Arrogant
d) Haughty
Answer: (a) Modest
Explanation: "Humble" means modest or not proud. Opposites: Proud, arrogant, haughty.
Q70. Antonym of "Increase"
a) Grow
b) Decrease
c) Expand
d) Add
Answer: (b) Decrease
Explanation: "Increase" means to grow or add more. Its opposite is "Decrease".
Q71. Synonym of "Jolly"
a) Cheerful
b) Sad
c) Serious
d) Gloomy
Answer: (a) Cheerful
Explanation: "Jolly" means happy and cheerful. Opposite: Sad, gloomy.
Q72. Antonym of "Knowledge"
a) Awareness
b) Ignorance
c) Learning
d) Wisdom
Answer: (b) Ignorance
Explanation: "Knowledge" means information and awareness. Opposite is "Ignorance".
Q73. Synonym of "Loyal"
a) Faithful
b) Betrayer
c) False
d) Dishonest
Answer: (a) Faithful
Explanation: "Loyal" means faithful and true. Opposite: Betrayer, dishonest.
Q74. Antonym of "Mature"
a) Grown-up
b) Adult
c) Immature
d) Developed
Answer: (c) Immature
Explanation: "Mature" means fully developed. Opposite: Immature.
Q75. Synonym of "Neat"
a) Clean
b) Messy
c) Dirty
d) Untidy
Answer: (a) Clean
Explanation: "Neat" means tidy and clean. Opposite: Messy, dirty, untidy.
Q76. Antonym of "Optimistic"
a) Cheerful
b) Hopeful
c) Pessimistic
d) Positive
Answer: (c) Pessimistic
Explanation: "Optimistic" means hopeful and positive. Its opposite is "Pessimistic".
Q77. Synonym of "Precious"
a) Valuable
b) Worthless
c) Cheap
d) Ordinary
Answer: (a) Valuable
Explanation: "Precious" means valuable or treasured. Opposite: Worthless, cheap.
Q78. Antonym of "Quick"
a) Fast
b) Rapid
c) Slow
d) Swift
Answer: (c) Slow
Explanation: "Quick" means fast or rapid. Its opposite is "Slow".
Q79. Synonym of "Reliable"
a) Trustworthy
b) Doubtful
c) False
d) Uncertain
Answer: (a) Trustworthy
Explanation: "Reliable" means dependable or trustworthy. Opposite: Doubtful, uncertain.
Q80. Antonym of "Strong"
a) Weak
b) Powerful
c) Energetic
d) Tough
Answer: (a) Weak
Explanation: "Strong" means powerful and tough. Opposite is "Weak".