Opposite in Meaning 1
From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is opposite in meaning to the underlined expression as it is used in the sentence.
1. There is no doubt that pride is less desirable a quality than………….
A. arrogance.
B. honesty.
C. tenderness.
D. humility.
2. Few people prefer the rural to the………..areas
A. urban.
B. pastoral.
C. rustic.
D. central.
3. Emeka is quite refined in his manners but his colleague is rather…………
A. arrogant.
B. crude.
C. courtly.
D. cultured.
4. Instead of helping to preserve our culture, the youth engage in activities that it………
A. denounce.
B. alter.
C. conserve.
D. destroy.
5. We should regard donations as……….and not compulsory
A. mandatory.
B. necessary.
C. voluntary.
D. gratuitous.
6. The affluence of the politicians contrasts with the……….of the masses
A. poverty.
B. paucity.
C. misery.
D. plenty.
7. The importation of rice is permitted while that of wheat is……..
A. allowed.
B. suspended.
C. licensed
D. prohibited.
8. The goal lifted the team from the agony of defeat to the………….of victory
A. hope:
B. desire.
C. celebration.
D. ecstasy.
9. One species of the animal has gone into extinction while the other is still in………
A. antiquity
B. execution.
C. oblivion.
D. existence.
10. The Council ratified the controversial recommendation which we thought would be……….
A. refuted.
B. rejected.
C. authenticated.
D. corroborated.
11. The measures that were introduced to accelerate the process of national development have in actual fact……………. it.
A. accentuated.
B. retarded.
C. promoted.
D. neutralized.
12. I thought that the comments made by the secretary were quite innocuous but the chairman considered them………
A. polite.
B. inappropriate.
C. antagonistic.
D. harmful.
13. The……………of the few rich in our society contrasts with the poverty of the masses.
A. arrogance.
B. authority
C. influence.
D. affluence.
14. Bola was vocal in protesting against the high-handedness of the police unlike Sola who was…………
A. mute.
B. shouting.
C. arguing.
D. sober
15. The rather insignificant effort he made yielded………..results
A. exorbitant.
B. absolute.
C. unimaginable.
D. tremendous
16. Ibrahim's flamboyant lifestyle contrasts sharply with Aminu’s……….. attitude
A. austere
B. ostentatious
C. serious.
D. lavish.
17. The young man was advised to be……………… and not rigid on critical issues if he wanted to make a good career in politics.
A. wavering.
B. evasive.
C. cautious.
D. flexible
18. At the end of the crisis, the leaders declared that there was neither victor nor……………..
A. winner
B. oppressor.
C. vanquished.
D. originator.
19. Rather than show remorse for his offence, he remained.............
A. calculated.
B. unpleasant
C. apathetic.
D. unrepentant.
20. The workers expected management to be……… rather than indifferent to their welfare
A. different from.
B. interested in.
C. opposed to.
D. careful of
21. Words spoken in the heat of an argument could offend rather than……….
A. pacify.
B. amuse.
C. inspire.
D. irritate.
22. Although they have declared the student a suspect he may turn out to be.................
A. culpable.
B. innocent.
C. safe.
D. ignorant
23. Some outspoken social critics live a..........family life.
A. reserved.
B. happy.
C. boisterous.
D. still.
24. Polygamy is very common in Africa, were as the only acceptable form of marriage in Europe is...........
A. celibacy.
B. polyandry.
C. ordination.
D. monogamy
25. While the manager was prudent in his expenditure, his deputy was............
A. miserly.
B. careful.
C. thoughtful.
D. extravagant.
26. The principal wants us to............the motion, so don't oppose it
A. sustain.
B. support.
C. defame.
D. applaud.
27. He denied that he ever.............committing the offence in his earlier statement
A. admitted.
B. argued.
C. emphasized.
D. negated.
28. The cultured and the................are known by their conduct.
A. barbaric.
B. Ignorant.
C. clean.
D. lazy.
29. The brevity of the Guest-of-honour's address contrasts with the...........of the Chairman's opening remarks
A. intensity.
B. propensity.
C. solidity.
D. verbosity.
30. The long trek exhausted him so he needed to rest to...........himself
A. repose.
B. remake.
C. recuperate.
D. replace.
31. Many Africans now live in abject poverty Instead of enjoying the...............of their countries
A. comfort.
B. greatness.
C. possessions.
D. affluence.
32. The motorists said the splashing of the waters was..............not deliberate
A. incidental.
B. intentional.
C. accidental.
D. avoidable.
33. One of the aims of the structural adjustment policy is to make us...............rather than consumers
A. parasites.
B. developers.
C. designers.
D. producers.
34. Tunde seldom asks questions in class and was............very careful when he did
A. hardly.
B. sometimes.
C. often.
D. never.
35. The computerized services of the new bank contrast with the........operations of the old ones
A. mechanical.
B. electrical.
C. aerial.
D. manual.
36. Tunde says he always looks sober because there is nothing to be............. about
A. serious.
B. excited,
C. happy.
D. witty.
37. I felt as if I was in an oven throughout my stay in the Sahara, while our room here in Jos is like a...................
A. freezer.
B. chimney.
C. ventilator.
D. furnace.
38. The minister was accused of making utterances that anxiety among the could increase rather than.......... citizen
A. modify.
B. diminish.
C. intensify.
D. remove.
39. At the end of the crisis, the leader declared that there was no victor and no.........
A. winner.
B. rebel
C. patriot.
D. vanquished.
40. I was impressed by the man's eagerness but was rather put off by his wife's..............
A. anxiety.
B. impatience.
C. indifference.
D. negligence.
41. He is a famous artist but has a................ drinking habit
A. remarkable.
B. admirable.
C. notorious.
D. wicked
42. The first twin is so vain and the second so.............. that one would think they were not brothers
A. proud.
B. complacent.
C. selfish.
D. selfish.
43. Mary: "I wonder why armed robbers are so hard-hearted" John: "The fact is that to be an armed robber you cannot be........."
A. considerate.
B. intolerant.
C. revengeful.
D. soft-spoken.
44. To ascend this steep hill is the problem, to............is quite easy
A. depart.
B. decline,
C. drop.
D. descend.
45. Working in the field is easy when your machete is sharp and not when it is..........
A. jagged.
B. coarse.
C. sound.
D. abrupt.
46. The gradual process of transition to civil rule came to an.............end
A. unnecessarily
B. anticipated.
C. invidious.
D. abrupt.
47. The exterior and the parts of the............fruit remain very hard even after it is ripe
A. inward.
B. inner
C. intrinsic.
D. peripheral.
48. Ibrahim was full of admiration for Amina but she treated him with.............
A. amusement.
B. freedom.
C. disdain.
D. disgrace.
49. The economist argued that the apparently Inconsequential rise in the price of petrol had a............effect on the cost of living
A. capricious.
B. frivolous.
C. dangerous.
D. drab.
50. The exotic bird looked resplendent; its bright plumage contrasted with the rather......
undergrowth
A. immobile.
B. foreign.
C. extraneous
D. drab.
Opposite in Meaning 2
From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is opposite in meaning to the underlined expression as it is used in the sentence.
1. Femi is very presumptuous quite unlike his late father who was a rather...............man
A. chaste.
B. pure.
C. honesty.
D. honest.
2. My uncle is a prosperous businessman; my aunt, unfortunately, is quite...
A. unskillful.
B. dishonest..
C. unsuccessful.
D. unqualified.
3. The new manager found the bustle and excitement of city life difficult to adjust to after living for almost a decade in a relatively.............village
A. lively.
B. quiet.
C. rustic.
D. beautiful.
4. One of the armed robbers was as daring in his words at the stake as the other was
A. morose.
B. secretive.
C. reckless.
D. timid
5. The policeman's statement was explicit while that of the suspect was......
A. vague.
B. suspicious
C. illogical.
D. wicked.
6. The university has a large yearly intake: very few..........take place
A. turnouts.
B. rejections.
C. expulsions.
D. obstructions,
7. His outspokenness contrasts with the............of the father
A. humour.
B. sobriety.
C. deafness.
D. taciturnity
8. The post-war generation were born in an era of scarcity but grew up in a period of..........
A. abundance.
B. accumulation.
C. poverty.
D. austerity.
9. A gully, which is a natural phenomenon, could not be mistaken for a tunnel, which is........
A. supernatural
B. false
C. artificial
D. Imitative
10. It is curious how Bayo can be so carefree in his ways when his brother is so............
A. meticulous
B. eccentric
C. easy-going
D. lovable
11. Rather than make derogatory remarks about the host, a guest should make...........ones
A. polite
B. complementary
C. interesting
D. honest
12. The minister warned his officers to be frugal and avoid................expenditure
A. gigantic
B. capital
C. recurrent
D. wasteful
13. Personally, I give in rather easily when it comes to arguments, but Emeka will always............ to his opinions.
A. hold in
B. held on
C. give out.
D. hold off
14. Our mechanized services contrast sharply with the ....................operations we had before
A. electrical
B. controlled.
C. original
D. manual
15. He intentionally threw the documents away and somebody................... burnt them
A. carelessly
B. willingly
C. accidentally
D. foolishly
16. The crops the farmer planted were...............by some naughty boys
A. sowed
B. weeded.
C. destroyed
D. uprooted
17. The deputy's loyalty to the boss unalloyed but the confidence of the boss in him is..............
A. credible.
B. half-hearted.
C. incredible
D. certain
18. The man refused to accept the offer of a job in the rural areas; he preferred one in the.............. area
A. local.
B. urban.
C. municipal.
D. township.
19. After Ade had listened to some advice, his rigid ideas became more ....................
A. friendly
B. compromising
C. flexible.
D. democratic.
20. The eventual implementation of the plan deviated much from the............. conception
A. consequent
B. subsequent,
C. initial.
D. agreed.
21. The policies of this government favour the elite rather than the..............
A. masses.
B. oppressed.
C. public.
D. unemployed.
22. God opposes the proud and rewards the...............................
A. poor.
B. honest.
C. humble.
D. faithfull
23. The pilot says that it is easier to take off from the airport than to............on the tarmac
A. land.
B. come down.
C. alight.
D. drop.
24. Although Chide's manners are quite refined, his colleague's are rather.................
A. bold.
B. crude,
C. hostile.
D. rash.
25. I am quite outspoken but my brother is........
A. dumb.
B. indolent.
C. taciturn.
D. modest.
26. The runners-up trophy which our school ate won was cold comfort for all the efforts we made
A. befitting reward.
B. wet comfort.
C. an affectionate consideration.
D. a poor consolation.
27. "Hello Musa" is a.............opening for a friendly letter, but it is inappropriate for a formal letter
A. casual.
B. serious.
C. happy.
D. suitable.
28. We blamed Obi for breaking the door, but when Ade confessed that he did it, Obi was..........
A. rewarded.
B. exonerated.
C. released.
D. jailed
29. Parking on this street is..............on weekdays, but permitted at weekends
A. rejected.
B. sanctioned.
C. abolished.
D. prohibited.
30. They had to...................the old buildings to construct the five-star hotel
A. close.
B. remove
C. demolish.
D. damage.
31. If we can commence the meeting on time, we should be able to................ by 4.00 pm
A. return
B. vacate
C. convene.
D. adjourn
32. The children expected to be praised for putting out the fire, but they were...........for taking such as risk
A. rebuked
B. accused.
C. despised.
D. sentenced
33. A child got stuck trying to squeeze through an iron fence, but some adults managed to..............him.
A. extract
B. push
C. save
D. extricate
34. They ended the discussion on amicable terms though they were.............to each other at the beginning.
A unacceptable.
B. hostile
C. unknown
D. annoying
35. Angela is a very indolent but her sister Mary is one of the most..............girls in the school
A perfect
B. trustworthy
C. diligent
D. devoted
36. Rather than support the Chairman, the members of his board expressed...............to his plans
A. denial
B. opposition
C indifference.
D. doubt.
37. In any group there are people who display apathy and others who show a lot of............
A. enthusiasm
B. patience.
C. respect.
D. tolerance.
38. By nature armed robbers are ruthless I have never seen a.............. one among them
A. humane.
B. barbarous
C. ferocious.
D. decent.
39. Femi was very.............about his political ambition but his sister was open about it
A. silent.
B. withdrawn
C. closed.
D. secretive.
40. The taxi driver slowed while overtaking the lorry when the proper thing to do was for him to have...........................
A. throttled.
B. dispatched.
C. expedited
D. accelerated.
41. The probationary workers do not have the same rights as.....................staff
A. approved
B. dismissed.
C. postponed.
D. confirmed.
42. Ngozi's beauty is natural but her sister's is rather................
A. unnatural.
B. artificial
C. awkward.
D. fake.
43. The journey by road..................where the rail journey ended
A. concluded.
B. originated.
C. commenced.
D. established.
44. Instead of laughing about this serious matter, you should be
A. whimpering.
B. sober.
C. bitter.
D. indifferent.
45. After years of hostility the two communities now live in..............
A. bondage.
B. security.
C enmity.
D. amity.
46. The testimony of the witness was so vague that it was difficult to learn the..........details of the case
A. specific.
B. minute.
C. transparent.
D. hidden
47. Mrs. Apata is always moody while her husband is forever.................
A. cheerful.
B. willing
C. tender.
D. loving.
48. It is amazing how Jide became so proud, his parents have always been............
A. humble.
B. friendly.
C. generous.
D. reserved.
49. The judge ruled that the first transaction was vague while the second was...............
A. abnormal.
B. legal
C. valueless.
D. void.
50. The workshop was intended to............the workers who had been confused by management's decisions
A. train.
B. enlighten.
C. address
D. confound.
Opposite in Meaning 3
From the words lettered A to below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is opposite In meaning to the underlined expression as it is used in the sentence.
1. Ebere’s ..............contrasts with his brother's indolence
A. indulgence
B. laziness
C. labour.
D. diligence
2. Johnson is consistently assertive but his twin brother is rather .................
A. cautious.
B. cowardly.
C. reserved.
D. respectful.
3. Elders are expected to be.............. where youths are green
A. rash
B. red.
C. experienced.
D. callous.
4. In many ways my parents are very conservative but there are times when they surprise me with their................. Ideas on family planning.
A. orthodox
B. critical,
C. modern.
D. Siberal
5. My brother adores dogs but he has a very strong..............for cats
A. love.
B. annoyance.
C. attitude.
D. dislike.
6. On our way to Tarkwa Bay the sea was turbulent but fortunately it was quite..............on our way back
A. calm.
B. pleasant.
C. motionless,
D. placid.
7. Though payment of the levy is voluntary it is............ for all students to pay tuition fees
A. essential.
B. important.
C. necessary.
D. mandatory.
8. The director left strict instructions regarding the running of the office but his deputy was most.......... in his absence
A. vague.
B. lary
C. lax.
D. accurate.
9. Emeka complained that while his colleagues were elevated he was ........................
A. Interdicted.
B. prompted.
C. suspended.
D. downgraded
10. The taxi driver pleaded that the splashing of water was accidental but the lady insisted that it was..........................
A. thoughtful.
B. deliberate,
C. directed.
D. mischievous.
11. The government was accused of implementing policies that favoured the elite instead of the...........................
A. masses.
B. oppressed.
C. executive,
D. worker.
12. To encourage productivity we must reward industry and..........laziness
A. withhold.
B. withdraw
C. punish.
D. oppose.
13. I took the drug to relieve my headache only for it to ............... my condition
A. alleviate
B. provoke
C. abate.
D. aggravate.
14. An optimist wears a smile most of the time but.......... goes about with a long face
A. an oculist.
B. an activist.
C. a pacifist.
D. a pessimist.
15. You will make a good counsellor, by listening to your clients rather than............... them
A. offending
B. ignoring.
C. mishandling
D. threatening
16. The management has neither..................... nor denied
A. pronounced.
B. confirmed.
C. rejected.
D. advertised.
17. Tell Chike something confidential and he makes it............. the next minute
A. public.
B. personal,
C. popular.
D. private.
18. You will succeed fairly well with adolescents if you coax rather than.............. them
A. coerce
B. punish,
C. pamper.
D. curse.
19. While Adjoa is attentive to her duties. Kofi is...............
A. curious.
B. negligent.
C. punctual.
D, realistic.
20. Life has become a misery for many due to the harsh economic conditions, but a few are still able to live in.............
A. satisfaction
B. extravagance
C. peace.
D. comfort.
21. Instead of ...........the issue, the speaker digressed to unimportant matters
A. summarizing
B. describing
C. revealing
D. addressing
22. The telephone booths were all............. and I had to wait for more than ten minutes for one to become vacant
A. locked.
B. busy.
C. occupied.
D. ringing
23. While the first battalion halted its march at nightfall, the second.............to the barracks
A. returned
B. set out.
C. proceeded.
D. turned up.
24. His father is an................
driver but he is only a novice
A. enlightened.
B. aged.
C. excellent.
D. experience
25. The arrival of the police at the scene..............rather than mitigated tension
A. provoked.
B. heightened.
C. created.
D. prolonged.
26. Roses are common in May but...............in November
A. dead
B. strange
C. rare
D. extinct
27. A bank clerk should be able to tell easily the difference between........... notes and counterfeit one
A. crisp.
B. good.
C. correct.
D. genuine.
22. Last night, Uncle Joe was blind drunk but this morning he is as as................ a judge
A. alert.
B. saintly.
C. strong.
D. sober.
29. What I have is only a.............. of the famous painting; the original is in the National Museum
A. duplicate.
B. model.
C. fake,
D, drawing.
30. The leader of the delegation was commended for the manner in which he handled the matter, while their hosts were.............
A. applauded.
B. praised.
C. criticized.
D. sanctioned.
31. Musa is very frugal, whereas his friend Audu is..............
A miserly.
B. thrifty.
C. precocious.
D. extravagant.
32. Taiwo's flamboyance and Kehinde's....................often keep people wondering if they are really twins.
A. modesty
B. arrogance.
C. timidity.
D. pretention.
33. People enjoy stories with.................settings rather than those with far-fetched backgrounds, A. practical.
B. realistic.
C. artificial
D. undefined
34. We were asked to reach a compromise and not start another.............
A. accusation.
B. concession.
C. controversy.
D. issue.
35. He was promoted for his efficiency, while his colleague was demoted for...................
A. ability.
B. lateness
C. incompetence
D. capability
36. Okon's business is flourishing while his father's is...................
A. declining.
B. progressing
C. withering.
D. vanishing
37. You should be..............so as not to be caught unawares
A. serious.
B. sober.
C. ready.
D. alert.
38. The manager who was sacked last month has been..................
A. retired
B. suspended.
C. reinstated.
D. promoted.
39. The school authorities expected the contributions to be................rather than compulsory.
A. willful.
B. voluntary.
C. deliberate.
D. outright.
40. The students were advised to register for all the compulsory subjects before considering any.................ones.
A. allow
B. request
C. accept
D. condemn.
41. The shopkeeper will reject your offer if you do not......................his terms
A. allow.
B. request.
C. accept.
D. condemn.
42. Abbas was completely sapped after running the marathon race so he needed something to..................him
A. relieve.
B. enliven.
C. release.
D. invigorate.
43. Most people thought the accused would be convicted but surprisingly he was.................
A. acquitted
B. released
C. sentenced
D. jailed
44. While Emeka received a.............for doing his work well, Eno was given a reprimand for poor performance
A. gift
B. scholarship
C. promotion
D. compliment
45. His review of the new book was a blend of condemnation and.............
A. recommendation.
B. renunciation.
C. commendation.
D. criticism.
46. The leader denied that he held very rigid opinions and mentioned instances when he had been.......................
A. tolerant.
B. compromising
C. friendly.
D. flexible.
47. The economy that was once buoyant is now.....................
A bleak.
B. gloomy.
C unfavourable.
D. depressed.
48. The old car is durable while the new one looks..............
A. haggard.
B. fragile.
C. strong.
D. unreliable.
49. The man refused to accept the offer of a job in the rural area; he preferred one in the.................area
A. local
B. urban.
C. township.
D. municipal.
50. He is quite an outspoken young man but his father is..............
A. humorous.
B. sober.
C. taciturn.
D. silent.
Opposite in Meaning 4
From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is opposite in meaning to the underlined expression as it is used in the sentence.
1. One of the twins was as daring as the other was........
A. morose.
B. timid.
C. secretive.
D. rational.
2. A gully, which is a natural phenomenon should not be mistaken for a tunnel, which is...........
A. supernatural.
B. false.
C. artificial.
D. modern.
3. The crops the farmer planted will be.................in three months' time
A. sold.
B. weeded.
C. uprooted.
D. harvested.
4. He intentionally hid the document but his secretary...................burnt them
A. carelessly.
B. willingly
C. accidentally.
D. foolishly.
5. It is curious how Bayo can be so carefree in his ways while his younger brother is so................
A meticulous.
B. eccentric.
C. indifferent.
D. active.
6. Personally, I give in rather easily when it comes to arguments, but Emeka will always to his opinion
A. hold in.
B. hold on.
C. hold up.
D. hold back.
7. He didn't lose the fight because of his bravery but ..............for his
A. ignorance.
B. strength.
C. cowardice.
D. rashness.
8. If you do not drive with care you may be charged for.............
A. recklessness.
B. drunkenness.
C. over speeding.
D. ignorance.
9. The handsome profit from her fish business made Mrs. Uba stop complaining about her husband's salary.
A. ugly.
B. meagre.
C. modest.
D. lowly.
10. Chief Osa prefers fame in the village to................ ..in the city.
A. neglect.
B. ignorance.
C. poverty.
D. obscurity.
11. The media houses should employ both the novice and the journalist.
A. apprentice.
B. probationer.
C. newcomer.
D. Veteran.
12. While the Registrar considers the matter insignificant, his deputy sees it as A. minute.
B. crucial.
C. compulsory.
D. marvelous.
13. It pays to be firm rather than............... in a case like this.
A. flexible.
B. frank.
C. Irresponsible.
D. careless.
14. Usually, Joseph is articulate in his speech, but today he sounds...........
A. clear.
B. turgid.
C. timid.
D. Incoherent.
15. The man's first wife is loyal while the second is......
A. unfaithful.
B. unkind.
C. selfish.
D. hostile.
16. Rather than convict him, the impartial Judge..................him.
A. blamed.
B. dismissed.
C. upheld.
D. acquitted.
17. Instead of reconciling her parents, Roxanne worked hard at................. them.
A. dividing.
B. destroying
C. separating.
D. isolating
18. We thought that Uncle Sam's health had improved but it had rather
A. persisted.
B. deteriorated.
C. deepened.
D. decreased.
19. Tom is refined but his brother is rather....................
A. arrogant.
B. crude.
C. unskillful.
D. foolish.
20. Lions are in extinction in The Gambia but monkeys are still in......................
A. action.
B. existence.
C. vogue.
D. custody.
21. Mary's explanation was explicit but mine was.......................
A. long.
B. winding.
C. vague.
D. irrelevant.
22. The Major demanded an unalloyed, and not an.......................loyalty from his soldiers
A. strict.
B. wavering
C. clumsy.
D. alterable.
23. The brevity of the President's speech contrasts with the...........................of the Secretary's
A. accuracy.
B. vagueness.
C. clarity.
D. verbosity.
24. I can vouch that he broke the glass accidentally and not.
A. forcefully.
B. directly.
C. carefully.
D. deliberately.
25. Only question one is compulsory; therefore, the rest are.
A. easy.
B. clear.
C. confusing.
D. optional.
26. The magistrate convicted the hardened criminal but.................and discharged the first offender.
A. acquitted.
B. jailed.
C. released.
D. sentenced.
27. Houses built with bricks are sturdy while those built with glass are
A. temporary.
B. fragile.
C. beautiful.
D. cosy.
28. The principal is very strict but his vice is
A. peaceful.
B. lenient.
C. kind.
D. efficient.
29. The officer was expecting to be.................by his boss, but he was censured.
A. questioned.
B. praised.
C. decorated.
D. guided.
30. The honour that was conferred on the general has been.
A. withdrawn.
B. confirmed.
C. rejected.
D. destroyed.
31. The modest young man was rewarded while his............... brother was punished. A. intelligent.
B. handsome.
C. conceited.
D. wicked.
32. Young people are known for their................which contrasts with the composure of adults.
A. ability.
B. instability.
C. activity.
D. credibility.
33. It is a fact that pride is a less admirable quality than..............
A. Humility
B. Honesty.
C. Affection.
D. tenderness.
34. It is obvious that many people prefer affluence to................
A. scarcity.
B. thrift.
C. waste.
D. poverty.
35. While some workers felt that the terms were amicable; others thought that they were.............
A. strange.
B. disagreeable.
C. bad.
D. hostile
36. Now that the people of this community are living in comfort. I don't think they will want to go back to their days of.........................
A. disappointment.
B. hardship.
C. strife.
D. starvation
37. False witnesses castigate rather than..............the accused.
A expose.
B. appease.
C. punish.
D. exonerate.
38. Some teachers dissuade students from studying Mathematics, but others.............. them.
A. motivate.
B. lure.
C. instruct.
D. reward.
39. There isn't enough rice, so its importation is permitted whereas the importation of cement is....................
A. suspended.
B. licensed.
C. unaccepted.
D. prohibited.
40. The cast consisted of many famous actors and a few....................ones.
A. humble.
B. infamous.
C. unknown.
D. unpopular.
41. My grandfather, rather than being........................ was often quite prejudiced in his opinion.
A. subjective.
B. discriminating
C. impartial.
D. strict.
42. Both sides are very hopeful about the outcome of the peace talks, but observers are still very....................
A. realistic
B. emphatic.
C. explicit.
D. pessimistic
43. The clever lawyer exposed the facts that were obscure in the case, making the judge see beyond the................
A. open.
B. obvious.
C. illustrated.
D. reflected
44. It took me the whole day to summarize the lecturer's copious notes having been used to.............ones
A. scanty
B. illegible.
C. Inaccurate.
D. coherent
45. The principal of that school was demoted for his incompetence while several others were
commended for their.............................
A. punctuality
B. honesty,
C. efficiency.
D. sincerity.
46. The official who disclosed the information he was supposed to was sacked.
A. cover.
B. protect.
C. conceal.
D. allow.
47. That road which used to be wide now appears..................because of the new drainage.
A. winding
B. limited.
C. narrow.
D. reduced
48. The prosecutor argued his case vehemently but the defense lawyer responded.
A constantly.
B. feebly.
C. roughly.
D. hurriedly.
49. In the past, any person who angered the gods was made to........................... them.
A. appease.
B. reward.
C. settle.
D. beg.
50. While we expected it to be gradual, the process of transition to civilian rule came to an............... end.
A. abrupt.
B. anticipated.
C. unhappy.
D. unpleasant
Opposite in Meaning 5
From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is opposite in meaning to the underlined expression as it is used in the sentence.
1. Rather than being sensitive to the plight of the workers, the manager remained............
A disdainful.
B. curious.
C. negligent.
D. indifferent.
2. A keen student makes progress but the........................one hardly does well.
A. inactive.
B. lowly.
C. nervous.
D. reluctant.
3. Unlike you, I thought the message was quite....................not ambiguous.
A. reasonable.
B. clear.
C. apt.
D. persuasive
4. Good policies alleviate poverty whereas bad ones...................it.
A. prolong.
B. activate.
C. aggravate.
D. provoke.
5. One expects books in a library to be well................................ not jumbled.
A. numbered.
B. documented.
C. arranged.
D. listed.
6. Despite everything I chose to keep rather than................the secret.
A. renounce.
B. show.
C. reveal.
D. display.
7. Though the teachers..................the idea, the principal was averse to it.
A. welcomed.
B. recognized.
C. admitted.
D. greeted.
8. It is only natural to feel nervous when you first take the stage but you soon become............. A. balanced.
B. peaceful.
C. normal.
D. composed.
9. Many parents wrongly assume that their children are ignorant whereas they are..............
A. enthusiastic.
B. hardworking
C. brilliant.
D. knowledgeable
10. Industrious workers should be promoted and...................ones should be dismissed.
A. indolent.
B. dishonest.
C. inactive.
D. sluggish.
11. While some people.................... jollof rice, others enjoy it.
A. rebuff.
B. abhor.
C. ignore.
D. condemn.
12. The haughty, and not the.....................are usually unpopular.
A. friendly.
B. carefree.
C. timid.
D. humble.
13. Rather than heed the advice, the children.............................it.
A. defied.
B. countered.
C. ignored.
D. spurned.
14. Dishonest traders sell fake products instead of ones.
A. costly.
B. durable.
C. genuine.
D. perfect.
15. The judge expected direct answers but the accused was................
A. illusive.
B. secretive.
C. delusive.
D. evasive.
16. Parents should persuade their children to do chores, not.................. them.
A. Implore.
B. coerce.
C. enjoin.
D. cajole.
17. Rather than accept the blame, the manager................ the accusation.
A. criticized.
B. refused.
C. addressed.
D. denied.
18. It is often easier to start a riot than to....................it.
A. complete.
B. suppress.
C. quench.
D. quell.
19. It was a very harmonious meeting, without one...............note.
A. divergent.
B. adverse.
C. discordant.
D. strident.
20. At first we found life in the town very exciting, but soon it became rather...........
A. tiring.
B. disturbing.
C. burdensome.
D. boring.
21. By working hard, Benjamin outshone his elder brother instead of being..............
A. overshadowed.
B. defeated.
C. demoted.
D. submerged.
22. The man was accused of premeditated murder but he pleaded that it was..............
A. determined.
D. accidental.
C. planned
D. contrived.
23. We nearly lost the trend of his argument because of its complexity but the................of his language was our saving grace.
A. simplicity.
B. correctness.
C. openness.
D. naivety.
24. Uche achieved ultimate success after overcoming many................ difficulties.
A. grave.
B. challenging
C. first.
D. initial.
25. When we were busy discussing weighty matters, James Introduced a............issue
A. light.
B. meaningless.
C. common.
D. trivial.
26. I should know what to do in normal circumstances but this is a very.................situation.
A. different.
B. unlikely.
C. unusual.
D. improbable.
27. Bola is quite extravagant whereas his wife is............
A. considerate.
B. ordinary
C. wasteful.
D. thrifty.
28. The delegates found it better to resort to consultation rather than................
A. conflict.
B. confrontation.
C. reconciliation.
D. consent.
29. This is quite surprising; you cannot differentiate between the authentic and the..........receipt.
A. false.
B. fake.
C. wrong.
D. illegal.
30. Many people objected to the demolition of the toll gates whose...........cost millions of dollars.
A. construction.
B. formation.
C. maintenance.
D. design.
31. This house which was sealed off years ago has now been.............
A. re-opened.
B. rebuilt.
C. re-roofed.
D. restored.
32. To some people, that custom is repugnant but to others it is...........
A. captivating.
B. delightful.
C. popular.
D. acceptable.
33. The government has decided that, from next year military service will no longer be compulsory; it will be...............
A. free.
B. optional.
C. open.
D. conditional
34. While the armed robber remained unruffled after he had been arrested, his wife became.......
A. defiant.
B. rude.
C. agitated.
D. energetic.
35. Co-operating with teachers promotes learning, it does not help to be..............
A. destructive.
B. confrontational.
C. defensive.
D. irrational.
36. Only two months after the honour was conferred on the Minister, his dishonesty made the Head of state.............................it
A. recall.
B. reverse.
C. revoke.
D. reclaim.
37. Despite all my attempts to refute the charges against me, my sister tried to.............them
A. defend.
B. prove.
C. investigate.
D. maintain.
38. The government's efforts to improve the economy of the country rather...............it
A. destroyed.
B. spoiled.
C. complicated.
D. worsened.
39. Although the atmosphere was hostile, the meeting ended on.........................terms.
A. gentle.
B. unacceptable.
C. suspicious.
D. amicable
40.The company had to.............the restaurant in order to construct a hotel.
A. demolish.
B. abandon.
C. damage.
D. relocate.
41. Five years ago the economy of our country was buoyant but nowadays it has become..........
A. profitable.
B. distressed.
C. unbearable.
D. low.
42. We enjoy real stories not those that are...............
A. imaginary.
D. practical.
C. vague.
D. undefined.
43. Ann's efficiency earned her a promotion while Jane's............caused her dismissal.
A. lateness.
B. capability.
C. Incompetence.
D. laziness.
44. While Rashida's business is flourishing, Ida's is
A. declining.
B. diminishing.
C. vanishing.
D. withering
45. Clara is full of admiration for Lena but she treats me with..............
A. despair.
B. callousness.
C. carelessness.
D. disdain.
46. The contributions should be.............not compulsory.
A. willful.
B. voluntary.
C. deliberate.
D. outright
47. In those societies, the...................... and the cultured lived together.
A. ignorant.
B. rich.
C. barbaric.
D. arrogant.
48. Some people live in abject poverty while others live in...............
A. affluence.
B. greatness.
C. fame.
D. peace.
49. Good teaching stimulates the interest of-students, whereas bad teaching................. it
A. dampens.
B. encourages.
C. supersedes.
D. retracts.
50. Some youths of this generation are often hard-hearted compared to those of past generations who were..............
A. indifferent.
B. fastidious.
C. proficient.
D. compassionate.
Opposite in Meaning 6
From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is opposite in meaning to the underlined expression as it is used in the sentence.
1. The doctor does not think the patient will recover; the signs are ominous rather than............. A. encouraging.
B. feasible.
C. oblivious.
D. gloomy.
2. The purpose of education is to enhance progress and not to.................it
A. proscribe.
B. intercept.
C. Impede.
D. confuse.
3. The teacher gave him high marks and wrote complimentary remarks in the margin, which
surprisingly gave him......... feelings
A. doubtful.
B. secret.
C. unpleasant.
D. serious.
4. Many people find cod liver oil disgusting but soldiers find it............
A. refreshing.
B. medicinal.
C. pleasant.
D. bitter.
5. The investigators relied solely on conjectures, which were not as reliable as.............
A. facts.
B. hearsay.
C. figures.
D. fabrications.
6. It was obvious that Modou committed the crime, but his friends were still..............
A. unhappy.
B. doubtful.
C. suspicious.
D. confident.
7. The government was blamed for implementing policies that favoured the elite at the expense of the....................
A. workers.
B. wealthy.
C. masses.
D. oppressed.
8. His suggestion on how to deal with the thief was invaluable, but the police considered it........
A. useless.
B. impossible.
C. necessary.
D. timely.
9. Binetou's inquisitiveness is in sharp contrast with her sister's.......................
A. indifference.
B. noisiness.
C. calmness.
D. dullness.
10. Though at first it appeared an insignificant idea, it turned out to be quite...........
A. outstanding
B. successful.
C. remarkable.
D. interesting
11. After grasping the fundamental aspects of his job, Kwesi had to cope with more...........procedures.
A. advanced.
B. academic.
C. subsidiary.
D. secondary.
12. The youth prefer discussing contemporary issues to ones.
A. archaic.
B. uninteresting.
C. stale.
D. political.
13. As erroneous as it might sound, the Headmaster's assumption was quite..................
A. wise.
B. correct.
C. precise.
D. faulty.
14. Halima likes to dwell on trivial, rather than matters.
A. strong.
B. popular.
C. weighty.
D. heavy.
15. We all know that Bola is insolent whereas Ade is.............
A. cowardly.
B. respectful.
C. humble.
D. modest.
16. A few days after Musa's............his sister longed for his departure.
A. coming.
B. entrance.
C. arrival.
D. welcome.
17. Algebra seems complicated, but with practice it becomes
A solved.
B. simple.
C. accessible.
D. achievable.
18. Mrs. Agide is unassuming whereas her twin sister is................
A. cheerful.
B. boastful.
C. loud.
D. rude.
19. Michael is stingy but his brother is..............
A. generous
B. kind.
C. humane.
D. hospitable.
20. Success is the reward of.............. not
indolence.
A. prudence.
B. attentiveness.
C. diligence.
D. sharpness
21. I don't know how Yusuf became so proud; his parents have always been..............
A. gentle.
B. noble.
C. humble.
D. simple.
22. The once unknown musician became............. in a very short time.
A. popular.
B. accepted.
C. respected.
D. admirable.
23. Issa is very much interested in education while his sister is..............
A. dull.
B. indifferent.
C. uncertain.
D. serious.
24. The comment I made at the conference was general: being.........would have hurt some people
A. ordinary.
B. specific.
C. tactful.
D. candid.
25. Buba was purposeful in his search for a job but Bala was rather............about his.
A. patient.
B. slow.
C. lazy.
D. casual.
26. In recent tournaments I have seen amateurs play better than so-called..............
A. experts.
B. veterans.
C. specialists.
D. professionals.
27. The student appeared...............but we were all confident in his ability.
A. afraid.
B. nervous.
C. unconvinced.
D. ignorant.
28. Giraffes are attractive animals but snakes are..................
A. repulsive.
B. ugly.
C. poisonous.
D. offensive.
29. You will incur your father's wrath if you do that
A. debt.
B. expenditure.
C. anger.
D. favour.
30. The devastation caused by the earthquake was shocking
A. devaluation.
B. dilapidation.
C. desecration.
D. destruction.
31. I have implicit confidence in Abass' ability to win the race.
A. partial.
B. absolute.
C. correct.
D. impervious.
32. The points he made are germane to the me
A. irregular.
B. convincing
C. helpful.
D. relevant
33. Tunde purchased various articles at the big near Kingsway and, surprisingly enough, he...............them all before he reached home that day.
A. destroys
B. bought
C. sold
D. distributed.
34. In this argument, Ade was my supporter even though he is often my............in other matters
A. opponent
B. ally
C. opposite
D. proposer
35. People who are normally..................often turn to be dauntless heroes in the face of real danger
A. unsteadily
B. colourless
C. cowardly
D. Bashfu
36. I encouraged my younger brother to take on Law a profession while .................my sister from doing so.
A. financed
B. warned
C. dissuaded
D. persuaded
37. It is quite customary to introduce the guest speaker but...to insult him.
A. illegal
B. impolite
C. unusual
D. useless
38. Olu was able to kindle the fire which my father had to......................later
A. kill
B. switch
C. extinguish
D. destroy
39. The young engineer is good at terminating other people's projects but has not been capable of..................any of his own
A. integrating
B. finishing
C. completing
D. initiating.
40. The manager who expected to be given respect was treated with..............
A. dignity
B. scorn
C. shame
D. cruelty.
41. Those who had invitation cards were admitted to the party while those who had none were............
A. barred
B. repelled
C. expelled
D. compelled.
42. Too many theories will not help us; we need to be
A. bookish
B. practical
C. antithetical
D. shrewd
43. Nobody expects him to show................for his children but he certainly bestows too much affection on them
A. love
B. concern
C. hatred
D. devotion
44. The challenger was crude and inexperienced in contrast to the champion who was...
A great
B. exposed
C. celebrated
D. refined.
45. What should have been a source of motivation for him proved a terrible source of..............
A. failure
B. harm
C. discouragement
D. uncertainty.
46. Ade is very conservative in his political ideas whereas Bala expresses.............views always A. radical
B. heretical
C. conventional
D. fanatical.
47. The government has been spending more money on preventive rather than on..........medicine.
A. curative
B. protective
C. diagnostic
D. traditional.
48. The minister warned his officers to be frugal and "avoid...............Expenditure
A. gigantic
B. wasteful
C. recurrent
D. unplanned.
49. The minister was accused of making utterances that could increase rather than..............anxiety among the citizen
A. modify
B. diminish
C. intensify
D. remove
50. Some out-spoken social critics live a................ family life.
A. reserved
B. happy
C. boisterous
D. still.
Opposite in Meaning 7
1. Though my mother was convinced about the success of the business, her manager remained A. skeptical
B. serious
C. confused
D. concerned.
2. Judgement should always be in favour of the innocent and not the
A. guilty
B. accused
C. weak
D. elderly.
3. Layi is quite reliable but his sister is
A. unswerving
B. untrustworthy
C. deceptive
D. pretentious.
4. The gullible and not the usually fall prey to tricksters.
A. unfriendly
B. carefree
C. brave
D. discerning.
5. Tom's humility contrasts with his brother's
A. haughtiness
B. stubbornness
C. gentleness
D. quietness.
6. The life of man appears long but, in reality, it is
A. brief
B. quick
C. shortened
D. stunted.
7. In the interest of peace, it is better to dialogue than to be.
A. controversial
B. rational
C. confrontational
D. forceful.
8. All the wealth amassed by a greedy father is often..................by undisciplined children.
A. destroyed
B. scattered
C. squandered
D. ruined.
9. Many people find cod liver oil disgusting but soldiers find it
A. refreshing
B. medicinal
C. pleasant
D. bitter.
10. The arrival of the riot police at our campus the tension rather than mitigate it.
A. lengthened
B. heightened
C. prolonged
D. created.
11. A guest should not make derogatory remarks about what he is offered by his host but......... statements.
A. candid
B. appealing
C. polite
D. complimentary.
12. The audience applauded the last speaker, but the first was.................
A. booed
B. rejected
C. abused
D. scorned.
13. The commander said that raw recruits could not dislodge the enemies; he needed................ men.
A. skilled
B. practical
C. learned
D. seasoned.
14. John gave a fictitious account of the incident but his son's account was..................
A. probable
B. compelling
C. factual
D. necessary.
15. While the refuse dump smelled fetid, the orchard exuded a ............ smell.
A. fragrant
B. spicy
C. clean
D. dry.
16. Only some of the accused were acquitted; the rest were..............
A. remanded
B. convicted
C. detained
D. interdicted.
17. The principal chastised Ben for his use of coarse language and advised him to emulate his sister's behaviour.
A. pure
B. neat
C. refined
D. organized.
18. It would have been my pleasure to accept your invitation but I have to it because of a previous engagement.
A. jettison
B. defer
C. suspend
D. decline.
19. Older people are expected to be..........where youths are green.
A. experienced
B. cautious
C. equipped
D. considerate
20. I accidentally stepped on my brother but he told Mummy I did it
A. thoughtfully
B. intuitively
C. deliberately
D. annoyingly.
21. While Mr. Ade is.............. his son is a novice.
A. enlightened
B. competent
C. clever
D. experienced
22. It is better to use persuasion rather than to get witnesses to court.
A. effort
B. coercion
C. influence
D. pressure
23. The animosity between Fatou and Sheku is shocking considering the............they once shared.
A. company
B. friendship
C. peace
D. understanding
24. The reckless driver was admonished to be
A. cautious
B. responsible
C. reliable
D. considerate
25. The old man rebuked the thug and his children........him for doing so.
A. commended
B. embraced
C. thanked
D. supported
26. All drivers were enjoined to obtain genuine and not............licenses.
A. artificial
B. fraudulent
C. fake
D. substandard
27. There was an agitation for the..............law on libel to be re-enacted.
A. enforced
B. repealed
C. rejected
D. cancelled
28. The two political parties live today in after four years of hostility.
A. happiness
B. amity
C. agreement
D. freedom
29. The champions were elated after the tournament while their opponents looked...........
A. baffled
B. dejected
C. pitiful
D. frightened
30. That engineer was said to have used inferior rather than.............. materials in the construction of the collapsed building.
A. excellent
B. recommended
C. quality
D. exceptional
31. Obi's family is known for their audacity, so one is surprised at his..................
A. cowardice
B. irritability
C. Moodiness
D. insolence
32. Bayo is careless in his ways while Tayo is.............
A. lovable
B- meticulous
C. difficult
D. reserved
33. In this country, the law against armed robbery is stringent whereas that against smoking in public places is................
A. accurate
B. complex
C. lax
D. easy
34. The purpose of education is to facilitate progress, not to........... it.
A. prevent
B. impede
C. stampede
D. restrain
35. These days, many people concentrate on temporal things to the detriment of the...........
A. tangible
B. durable
C. unchanging
D. spiritual
36. While your parents are........... mine are liberal in their views.
A. strict
B. intimidating
C. conservation
D. discerning
37. The judge expected direct answers but the accused was.........
A. illusive
B. secretive
C. delusive
D. evasive
38. Kofi is generous, whereas his wife is..........
A. sparing
B. stingy
C. unkind
D. harsh
39. His manners are uncouth, while his wife's are................
A. clever
B. classic
C. refined
D. purified
40. The peak of Mount Everest is about six miles from it’s...............
A. base
B. depth
C. source
D. root
41. The posh cars were sandwiched between two............... ones.
A. dented
B. rugged
C. rickety
D. modest
42. A trivial issue often becomes............ when it is not properly handled.
A. valuable
B. serious
C. unbearable
D. ordinary
43. The rockstar's stellar performance contrasted sharply with the..................showing of the amateur group.
A. routine
B. woeful
C. mundane
D. awkward
44. Tolu was sanctioned for late coming but his friend was……..
A pardoned
B. ignored
C. exempted .
D. released.
45. While other teachers' support for the action was …….Victor's was dogged.
A. declining
B. woeful
C. disappointing
D. wavering
46. Some people are good at terminating other people's projects but are not capable of theirs.
A. initiating
B. organizing
C. executing
D. designing
47. The precarious terraces of the stadium have been transformed into a……….. walkway.
A. durable
B. secure
C. smooth
D. narrow
48. If one thing irritates you, it might...............an another
A. delight
B. concern
C. invigorate
D. bother
49. Jane was loud as a teenager but........ as an adult.
A. peaceful
B. reserved
C. humble
D. respectful
50. Do not always reprimand your children; it is good to…........ them at times.
A. advise
B. forgive
C. compliment
D. pamper