SSC CGL synonyms
429 entries. Each headword with the synonyms that tend to appear as options, plus a short meaning to help you decide when two options look close.
| Word | Synonyms | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Abandon | desert, forsake, relinquish | Leave completely |
| Abate | subside, diminish, lessen | Become less intense |
| Abhor | detest, loathe, despise | Hate intensely |
| Abject | wretched, miserable, pitiful | Extremely bad or hopeless |
| Abstain | refrain, forgo, desist | Keep oneself from doing something |
| Abundant | plentiful, ample, copious | Existing in large quantity |
| Accord | agreement, harmony, concord | Agreement |
| Acumen | shrewdness, insight, sharpness | Ability to make good judgements |
| Adamant | unyielding, obstinate, inflexible | Refusing to change one’s mind |
| Adversity | misfortune, hardship, calamity | A difficult or unpleasant situation |
| Affluent | wealthy, rich, prosperous | Having plenty of money |
| Aggravate | worsen, intensify, exacerbate | Make a problem worse |
| Alacrity | eagerness, readiness, promptness | Brisk and cheerful readiness |
| Allay | calm, soothe, alleviate | Reduce fear or suspicion |
| Aloof | distant, detached, reserved | Not friendly or involved with others |
| Altercation | quarrel, squabble, argument | A noisy, angry dispute |
| Amass | accumulate, gather, collect | Pile up a large quantity |
| Ambiguous | vague, equivocal, unclear | Open to more than one meaning |
| Ameliorate | improve, better, amend | Make something better |
| Amiable | friendly, pleasant, genial | Having a friendly manner |
| Anguish | agony, torment, distress | Severe mental or physical pain |
| Animosity | hostility, enmity, antagonism | Strong dislike or ill will |
| Annoy | irritate, bother, pester | Make slightly angry |
| Annul | cancel, nullify, revoke | Declare something no longer valid |
| Antiquated | outdated, old-fashioned, archaic | Too old to be useful or fashionable |
| Apathy | indifference, unconcern, lethargy | Lack of interest or enthusiasm |
| Appease | placate, mollify, conciliate | Calm someone by giving what is wanted |
| Apprehend | arrest, capture, detain | Catch and take into custody |
| Ardent | passionate, fervent, eager | Full of strong feeling |
| Arduous | difficult, strenuous, laborious | Needing great effort |
| Arrogant | conceited, proud, overbearing | Having an exaggerated sense of one’s importance |
| Ascertain | determine, establish, verify | Find out for certain |
| Assuage | relieve, soothe, alleviate | Make pain or distress less severe |
| Astute | clever, sharp, canny | Quick to see how to gain an advantage |
| Audacious | bold, daring, fearless | Willing to take bold risks |
| Augment | increase, enlarge, boost | Make greater in size or amount |
| Auspicious | favourable, promising, propitious | Suggesting future success |
| Austere | severe, stern, plain | Strict in manner; simple and without luxury |
| Avarice | greed, cupidity, covetousness | Extreme desire for wealth |
| Aversion | dislike, antipathy, repugnance | A strong feeling of dislike |
| Baffle | puzzle, perplex, bewilder | Confuse completely |
| Banal | commonplace, trite, hackneyed | Lacking originality |
| Bashful | shy, diffident, coy | Easily embarrassed in company |
| Benevolent | kind, charitable, generous | Well-meaning and kindly |
| Bereft | deprived, devoid, lacking | Robbed of something; without |
| Bestow | confer, grant, award | Give as an honour or gift |
| Bizarre | weird, strange, peculiar | Very strange or unusual |
| Blatant | obvious, flagrant, glaring | Done openly and shamelessly |
| Bleak | dreary, gloomy, cheerless | Lacking warmth or hope |
| Blunder | error, gaffe, slip | A stupid or careless mistake |
| Boisterous | rowdy, noisy, unruly | Noisy and full of rough energy |
| Bolster | support, strengthen, reinforce | Give extra strength to |
| Bountiful | generous, plentiful, abundant | Given or given in large quantity |
| Bravado | bluster, swagger, boldness | A show of boldness to impress others |
| Breach | violation, infringement, gap | A break in a rule or a wall |
| Brevity | conciseness, briefness, terseness | Use of few words; shortness |
| Brisk | quick, lively, energetic | Active and fast |
| Brittle | fragile, breakable, delicate | Hard but easily broken |
| Brusque | curt, blunt, abrupt | Rudely short in manner |
| Burly | stout, sturdy, strapping | Large and strongly built |
| Cajole | coax, wheedle, persuade | Persuade by flattery or gentle pressure |
| Calamity | disaster, catastrophe, misfortune | A sudden event causing great damage |
| Callous | heartless, insensitive, unfeeling | Showing cruel disregard for others |
| Camaraderie | fellowship, comradeship, companionship | Friendship and trust among a group |
| Candid | frank, open, outspoken | Truthful and straightforward |
| Capricious | fickle, whimsical, erratic | Given to sudden changes of mood |
| Castigate | reprimand, rebuke, chastise | Criticise severely |
| Cease | stop, halt, terminate | Come or bring to an end |
| Celestial | heavenly, divine, ethereal | Of the sky or heaven |
| Censure | condemn, reprimand, criticise | Express strong disapproval |
| Cherish | treasure, prize, hold dear | Value and care for deeply |
| Clandestine | secret, covert, surreptitious | Kept secret, often because illicit |
| Clumsy | awkward, ungainly, bungling | Lacking skill in movement or handling |
| Coerce | compel, force, pressurise | Make someone act by using force or threats |
| Cogent | convincing, compelling, persuasive | (Of an argument) clear and logical |
| Coherent | logical, consistent, clear | Well organised and easy to follow |
| Collaborate | cooperate, team up, work together | Work jointly on a task |
| Commence | begin, start, initiate | Begin formally |
| Commodious | spacious, roomy, capacious | Having plenty of space |
| Compassion | sympathy, pity, mercy | Concern for the suffering of others |
| Complacent | self-satisfied, smug, contented | Uncritically satisfied with oneself |
| Conceal | hide, cover, disguise | Keep from sight or knowledge |
| Concise | brief, succinct, terse | Giving much information in few words |
| Condone | excuse, overlook, forgive | Accept or allow wrong behaviour |
| Consolidate | strengthen, reinforce, unite | Make stronger or more solid |
| Conspicuous | noticeable, obvious, prominent | Easily seen |
| Contempt | scorn, disdain, derision | The feeling that something is worthless |
| Contend | compete, struggle, argue | Strive against rivals or difficulties |
| Corroborate | confirm, verify, substantiate | Support a statement with further evidence |
| Covet | crave, desire, long for | Yearn to possess what belongs to another |
| Credulous | gullible, naive, trusting | Too ready to believe things |
| Culminate | end, conclude, climax | Reach the highest or final point |
| Cunning | crafty, sly, wily | Skilled at deceiving |
| Cursory | hasty, superficial, perfunctory | Done quickly without attention to detail |
| Dainty | delicate, elegant, petite | Small and pretty |
| Daunt | intimidate, discourage, dismay | Make someone feel afraid or less confident |
| Dawdle | loiter, dally, linger | Waste time by moving slowly |
| Dearth | scarcity, shortage, lack | A scarcity of something |
| Debacle | fiasco, collapse, disaster | A sudden and humiliating failure |
| Debase | degrade, lower, devalue | Reduce in quality or value |
| Decipher | decode, interpret, unravel | Work out the meaning of something unclear |
| Decorum | propriety, etiquette, dignity | Proper and polite behaviour |
| Decree | order, edict, command | An official order |
| Defer | postpone, delay, adjourn | Put off to a later time |
| Deficient | lacking, inadequate, insufficient | Not having enough of something |
| Defunct | dead, extinct, inoperative | No longer existing or functioning |
| Delegate | assign, entrust, depute | Hand over a task or authority to another |
| Delude | deceive, mislead, fool | Make someone believe something untrue |
| Demise | death, end, downfall | The end of existence or of an enterprise |
| Denounce | condemn, accuse, criticise | Publicly declare to be wrong or evil |
| Depict | portray, illustrate, represent | Show or describe in a picture or words |
| Deplete | exhaust, drain, use up | Reduce the quantity of |
| Deplore | lament, regret, condemn | Feel or express strong disapproval |
| Derelict | abandoned, neglected, deserted | In very poor condition from lack of care |
| Deride | mock, ridicule, scoff | Express contempt for |
| Desolate | barren, deserted, bleak | Empty, lonely and without comfort |
| Despise | scorn, disdain, detest | Regard with contempt |
| Destitute | penniless, impoverished, needy | Without the basic necessities of life |
| Detrimental | harmful, damaging, injurious | Causing harm |
| Devious | cunning, sly, crafty | Using dishonest or indirect methods |
| Dexterity | skill, adroitness, deftness | Skill in using the hands or mind |
| Digress | deviate, stray, wander | Move away from the main subject |
| Diligent | industrious, hardworking, assiduous | Showing care and effort in work |
| Dilute | weaken, thin, water down | Make less strong by adding liquid |
| Diminutive | tiny, small, minute | Extremely small |
| Discern | perceive, distinguish, detect | Recognise or notice |
| Discord | conflict, disharmony, strife | Disagreement between people |
| Disdain | scorn, derision, contempt | Feeling that someone is unworthy of respect |
| Dismal | gloomy, dreary, cheerless | Causing gloom; depressing |
| Disperse | scatter, dissipate, disband | Spread in different directions |
| Dissent | disagree, differ, object | Hold or express opinions different from the majority |
| Distort | twist, misrepresent, deform | Change the true shape or meaning |
| Divulge | reveal, disclose, expose | Make a secret known |
| Docile | obedient, submissive, tractable | Easily managed or controlled |
| Dogmatic | opinionated, assertive, inflexible | Insisting that one’s views are the only correct ones |
| Dubious | doubtful, uncertain, questionable | Not to be relied upon; hesitating |
| Eccentric | odd, peculiar, quirky | Unconventional and slightly strange |
| Elated | overjoyed, delighted, thrilled | Very happy and proud |
| Eloquent | fluent, articulate, expressive | Speaking or writing forcefully and well |
| Elucidate | explain, clarify, illuminate | Make something clear |
| Elusive | evasive, slippery, hard to catch | Difficult to find, catch or remember |
| Emancipate | liberate, free, release | Set free from restriction |
| Embark | begin, commence, set out | Start a journey or a new venture |
| Embellish | decorate, adorn, ornament | Make more attractive by adding details |
| Eminent | distinguished, renowned, famous | Respected and well known |
| Empathy | compassion, fellow-feeling, understanding | Ability to share another’s feelings |
| Endeavour | attempt, strive, try | Try hard to achieve something |
| Endure | bear, tolerate, withstand | Suffer patiently |
| Enhance | improve, boost, heighten | Increase quality or value |
| Enigma | mystery, puzzle, riddle | Something hard to understand |
| Enmity | hostility, antagonism, ill will | A state of deep-rooted hatred |
| Enormous | huge, immense, vast | Very large |
| Enthral | captivate, fascinate, charm | Hold someone’s attention completely |
| Entreat | beg, implore, plead | Ask earnestly |
| Envy | jealousy, resentment, grudge | Discontent at another’s success or possessions |
| Ephemeral | transient, fleeting, momentary | Lasting a very short time |
| Equitable | fair, just, impartial | Treating everyone reasonably and equally |
| Eradicate | eliminate, uproot, exterminate | Destroy completely |
| Erratic | unpredictable, irregular, inconsistent | Not following a regular pattern |
| Erudite | learned, scholarly, knowledgeable | Having great knowledge |
| Esteem | respect, regard, admire | Great respect and liking |
| Evade | avoid, dodge, elude | Escape or avoid cleverly |
| Exacerbate | worsen, intensify, inflame | Make a problem or pain more severe |
| Exemplary | ideal, model, commendable | Serving as a good example |
| Exhilarate | thrill, invigorate, elate | Make someone feel very happy and lively |
| Exonerate | acquit, absolve, clear | Declare free from blame |
| Exorbitant | excessive, extravagant, steep | (Of a price) unreasonably high |
| Expedite | hasten, accelerate, speed up | Make a process happen sooner |
| Explicit | clear, definite, precise | Stated openly and in detail |
| Exquisite | delicate, refined, beautiful | Extremely beautiful and carefully made |
| Extol | praise, laud, glorify | Praise enthusiastically |
| Fabricate | invent, concoct, manufacture | Make up something false |
| Facilitate | ease, aid, simplify | Make an action easier |
| Fallacy | misconception, error, delusion | A mistaken belief |
| Famine | scarcity, hunger, starvation | Extreme shortage of food |
| Fastidious | fussy, meticulous, finicky | Very attentive to detail; hard to please |
| Fatal | deadly, lethal, mortal | Causing death |
| Feeble | weak, frail, infirm | Lacking strength |
| Feign | pretend, fake, simulate | Pretend to be affected by |
| Ferocious | fierce, savage, violent | Savagely fierce |
| Fickle | changeable, unstable, inconstant | Changing often in loyalty or mood |
| Flaw | defect, fault, blemish | A mark or fault that spoils something |
| Flourish | thrive, prosper, bloom | Grow and develop well |
| Foe | enemy, adversary, opponent | A person who is hostile to another |
| Forlorn | lonely, abandoned, miserable | Sad and left alone |
| Formidable | daunting, fearsome, intimidating | Causing fear or respect because of size or power |
| Fortitude | courage, endurance, resilience | Courage in pain or adversity |
| Fortunate | lucky, blessed, favoured | Having good luck |
| Fragile | delicate, frail, flimsy | Easily broken or damaged |
| Frantic | frenzied, wild, hectic | Wildly excited or worried |
| Frivolous | silly, flippant, shallow | Not serious; lacking sense |
| Frugal | thrifty, economical, sparing | Careful in spending |
| Futile | useless, vain, fruitless | Incapable of producing a result |
| Gallant | brave, chivalrous, noble | Courageous and polite, especially to women |
| Garrulous | talkative, loquacious, chatty | Excessively talkative |
| Gaudy | flashy, garish, showy | Bright and tastelessly showy |
| Gaunt | thin, skinny, emaciated | Lean and bony from hunger or illness |
| Gaze | stare, gape, look fixedly | Look steadily for a long time |
| Genial | friendly, cordial, affable | Warm and cheerful in manner |
| Gigantic | huge, colossal, massive | Extremely large |
| Gist | essence, core, substance | The main point of something |
| Glimpse | glance, peek, sight | A brief or partial view |
| Grapple | wrestle, struggle, tackle | Struggle to deal with a difficulty |
| Gratify | please, satisfy, delight | Give pleasure to |
| Gregarious | sociable, outgoing, companionable | Fond of company |
| Grim | stern, harsh, forbidding | Severe, gloomy and without cheer |
| Grudge | resentment, spite, bitterness | A persistent feeling of ill will |
| Gullible | naive, trusting, easily fooled | Easily persuaded to believe things |
| Haggard | gaunt, drawn, worn | Looking exhausted and thin |
| Hamper | hinder, obstruct, impede | Hold back progress |
| Hapless | unlucky, unfortunate, luckless | Having no good fortune |
| Harbinger | herald, precursor, forerunner | A sign that something is about to happen |
| Hasten | hurry, rush, speed up | Move or act quickly |
| Haughty | arrogant, proud, disdainful | Arrogantly superior |
| Hilarious | funny, comical, uproarious | Extremely amusing |
| Hoax | trick, deception, prank | A deliberate false story meant to deceive |
| Homage | respect, tribute, reverence | Public honour paid to someone |
| Hostile | unfriendly, antagonistic, belligerent | Showing opposition or dislike |
| Humble | modest, meek, unassuming | Not proud or arrogant |
| Hurdle | obstacle, barrier, hindrance | Something that makes progress difficult |
| Illicit | illegal, unlawful, forbidden | Not allowed by law or custom |
| Illustrious | distinguished, celebrated, renowned | Well known and respected for achievements |
| Imitate | copy, mimic, emulate | Follow as a model |
| Immaculate | spotless, pure, flawless | Perfectly clean and neat |
| Imminent | impending, approaching, forthcoming | About to happen |
| Impartial | unbiased, neutral, fair | Not favouring either side |
| Impeccable | flawless, faultless, perfect | Without fault |
| Imperative | essential, vital, urgent | Of the greatest importance; must be done |
| Impetuous | rash, impulsive, hasty | Acting without thought |
| Impudent | cheeky, rude, brazen | Showing no respect; shamelessly bold |
| Incentive | motive, stimulus, inducement | Something that encourages action |
| Incessant | ceaseless, constant, unending | Continuing without pause |
| Incite | provoke, instigate, stir up | Encourage violent or unlawful behaviour |
| Indolent | lazy, idle, slothful | Avoiding activity or effort |
| Inept | incompetent, clumsy, unskilled | Lacking skill |
| Inevitable | unavoidable, certain, inescapable | Certain to happen |
| Infamous | notorious, disreputable, scandalous | Well known for something bad |
| Infer | deduce, conclude, gather | Reach an opinion from evidence |
| Ingenious | clever, inventive, resourceful | Skilful at thinking up new ideas |
| Inhabit | live in, occupy, reside in | Dwell in a place |
| Innate | inborn, inherent, natural | Present from birth |
| Innocuous | harmless, safe, inoffensive | Not harmful or offensive |
| Inquisitive | curious, probing, nosy | Eager to learn or find out |
| Insipid | bland, tasteless, dull | Lacking flavour or interest |
| Insolent | rude, impudent, disrespectful | Showing a rude lack of respect |
| Integrity | honesty, probity, uprightness | Being honest and having strong moral principles |
| Intrepid | fearless, bold, courageous | Not afraid of danger |
| Intricate | complex, elaborate, complicated | Having many small, connected parts |
| Invigorate | energise, refresh, revitalise | Give strength and life to |
| Irate | angry, furious, enraged | Very angry |
| Jeopardy | danger, peril, risk | Danger of loss or harm |
| Jovial | cheerful, merry, jolly | Friendly and in good humour |
| Jubilant | joyful, exultant, triumphant | Feeling great happiness |
| Keen | eager, enthusiastic, sharp | Having or showing great interest |
| Lament | mourn, grieve, bewail | Express deep sorrow |
| Languid | listless, sluggish, drooping | Slow and without energy |
| Laudable | praiseworthy, commendable, admirable | Deserving praise |
| Lavish | extravagant, abundant, generous | Given or spent in great quantity |
| Lenient | merciful, tolerant, forgiving | Not strict in punishment |
| Lethargic | sluggish, inactive, drowsy | Lacking energy |
| Loath | unwilling, averse, disinclined | Not wanting to do something |
| Lofty | high, tall, elevated | Of imposing height |
| Lucid | clear, intelligible, transparent | Easy to understand |
| Lucrative | profitable, gainful, remunerative | Producing much profit |
| Lurk | skulk, hide, prowl | Wait out of sight, often with bad intent |
| Magnanimous | generous, noble, big-hearted | Generous, especially to a rival |
| Malevolent | malicious, spiteful, evil | Wishing harm to others |
| Mar | spoil, impair, damage | Reduce the quality of |
| Meagre | sparse, paltry, inadequate | Lacking in quantity or quality |
| Meek | gentle, submissive, mild | Quiet and easily imposed on |
| Menace | threat, danger, peril | Something likely to cause harm |
| Mend | repair, fix, restore | Put right something broken |
| Meticulous | careful, precise, painstaking | Showing great attention to detail |
| Mirth | laughter, merriment, glee | Amusement shown in laughter |
| Mitigate | alleviate, ease, lessen | Make less severe |
| Moderate | restrained, reasonable, mild | Neither too much nor too little |
| Morose | sullen, gloomy, sulky | Bad-tempered and silent |
| Mundane | ordinary, routine, commonplace | Dull; lacking interest |
| Mutual | shared, reciprocal, common | Felt or done by each toward the other |
| Myriad | countless, innumerable, multitudinous | A very great number |
| Naive | innocent, artless, unworldly | Lacking experience and judgement |
| Nefarious | wicked, villainous, evil | (Of an act) wicked or criminal |
| Negligent | careless, neglectful, remiss | Failing to take proper care |
| Negligible | insignificant, trifling, minor | So small as to be not worth considering |
| Noble | aristocratic, honourable, dignified | Of high birth or fine moral character |
| Novel | new, original, fresh | New and unlike anything known before |
| Novice | beginner, learner, tyro | A person new to an activity |
| Nurture | nourish, foster, rear | Care for and encourage the growth of |
| Obliterate | destroy, erase, wipe out | Destroy utterly |
| Oblivious | unaware, heedless, unmindful | Not aware of what is happening |
| Obscure | unclear, vague, hidden | Not clearly seen or understood |
| Obsolete | outdated, outmoded, archaic | No longer in use |
| Obstinate | stubborn, headstrong, obdurate | Refusing to change one’s opinion |
| Odious | hateful, detestable, repugnant | Extremely unpleasant |
| Ominous | threatening, sinister, menacing | Suggesting that something bad will happen |
| Opulent | luxurious, lavish, sumptuous | Rich and luxurious |
| Ordeal | trial, hardship, suffering | A painful or difficult experience |
| Ostentatious | showy, pretentious, flamboyant | Designed to impress others |
| Ostracise | exclude, banish, boycott | Shut out from a group |
| Oust | expel, evict, dismiss | Drive out from a position or place |
| Overt | open, public, obvious | Done openly, not secretly |
| Pacify | calm, appease, placate | Quell anger or agitation |
| Pamper | indulge, coddle, spoil | Treat with excessive kindness |
| Paramount | supreme, chief, foremost | More important than anything else |
| Paucity | scarcity, dearth, shortage | The presence of something in small quantity |
| Peculiar | odd, strange, unusual | Different from what is normal |
| Pensive | thoughtful, reflective, meditative | Deep in sad or serious thought |
| Perilous | dangerous, hazardous, risky | Full of danger |
| Perpetual | endless, eternal, everlasting | Never ending or changing |
| Pertinent | relevant, apt, appropriate | Directly related to the matter in hand |
| Pinnacle | peak, summit, apex | The highest point |
| Pious | devout, religious, reverent | Showing deep respect for God |
| Placid | calm, tranquil, serene | Not easily upset |
| Plausible | credible, believable, reasonable | Seeming reasonable or probable |
| Pledge | promise, vow, oath | A solemn promise |
| Plight | predicament, dilemma, quandary | A bad or difficult situation |
| Poignant | touching, moving, affecting | Causing a keen feeling of sadness |
| Ponder | consider, contemplate, reflect | Think about carefully |
| Potent | powerful, strong, mighty | Having great power or effect |
| Pragmatic | practical, realistic, sensible | Dealing with things sensibly |
| Precarious | risky, unstable, insecure | Not safe or firmly held |
| Precise | exact, accurate, specific | Marked by exactness |
| Prevalent | widespread, common, rife | Existing widely at a particular time |
| Prodigal | wasteful, extravagant, lavish | Spending money recklessly |
| Profound | deep, intense, heartfelt | Very great; showing deep insight |
| Prompt | quick, swift, punctual | Done without delay |
| Provoke | irritate, anger, goad | Deliberately make someone angry |
| Prudent | wise, cautious, judicious | Acting with care for the future |
| Quaint | old-fashioned, charming, curious | Attractively unusual or old-fashioned |
| Quarrel | dispute, squabble, wrangle | An angry argument |
| Quell | suppress, subdue, crush | Put an end to, usually by force |
| Radiant | bright, shining, glowing | Sending out light or joy |
| Rampant | unchecked, widespread, uncontrolled | Spreading in an uncontrolled way |
| Rancour | bitterness, resentment, spite | Long-lasting bitterness |
| Rash | reckless, hasty, careless | Acting without thinking of the results |
| Ravage | destroy, devastate, ruin | Cause severe damage |
| Rebel | revolt, mutiny, resist | Rise against authority |
| Rebuke | reprimand, reproach, scold | Express sharp disapproval |
| Rectify | correct, amend, remedy | Put right |
| Reluctant | unwilling, hesitant, loath | Unwilling and hesitant |
| Remorse | regret, repentance, contrition | Deep regret for a wrong |
| Renowned | famous, celebrated, eminent | Known and admired by many |
| Resilient | flexible, tough, hardy | Able to recover quickly from difficulty |
| Resolute | determined, firm, steadfast | Admirably purposeful and unwavering |
| Reticent | reserved, taciturn, uncommunicative | Not revealing one’s thoughts readily |
| Reverence | respect, awe, homage | Deep respect mixed with wonder |
| Ridicule | mock, jeer, taunt | Make fun of someone |
| Robust | strong, sturdy, vigorous | Strong and healthy |
| Rudimentary | basic, elementary, fundamental | Involving only basic principles |
| Rustic | rural, countrified, pastoral | Of or like country life |
| Ruthless | merciless, cruel, pitiless | Having no pity |
| Sagacious | wise, shrewd, judicious | Having keen judgement |
| Sanguine | optimistic, hopeful, confident | Cheerful and positive about the future |
| Savage | wild, brutal, ferocious | Fierce and cruel |
| Scanty | meagre, insufficient, sparse | Small or insufficient in amount |
| Scarce | rare, sparse, insufficient | Not available in enough quantity |
| Scrutinise | examine, inspect, study | Examine closely |
| Serene | calm, tranquil, peaceful | Calm and untroubled |
| Sever | cut, split, detach | Cut off or break apart |
| Shabby | worn, ragged, dilapidated | In poor condition through long use |
| Shatter | break, smash, splinter | Break suddenly into pieces |
| Shrewd | astute, clever, sharp | Having sharp practical judgement |
| Slender | slim, thin, lean | Gracefully thin |
| Sober | serious, solemn, temperate | Not drunk; serious in manner |
| Solace | comfort, consolation, relief | Comfort in time of sorrow |
| Solitary | lone, isolated, single | Done or living alone |
| Sombre | gloomy, dark, grave | Dark or serious in mood |
| Spacious | roomy, capacious, ample | Having plenty of space |
| Sparse | thin, scattered, scanty | Thinly spread or scattered |
| Spontaneous | impulsive, unplanned, voluntary | Done freely without planning |
| Sporadic | occasional, irregular, intermittent | Happening at irregular intervals |
| Spurious | fake, counterfeit, false | Not genuine |
| Squander | waste, dissipate, fritter away | Waste in a foolish way |
| Steadfast | loyal, firm, faithful | Firmly fixed in purpose or loyalty |
| Stern | strict, severe, harsh | Serious and demanding |
| Stringent | strict, rigorous, severe | (Of rules) strict and precise |
| Stubborn | headstrong, mulish, obdurate | Unwilling to change one’s mind |
| Subtle | delicate, faint, understated | So slight as to be hard to notice |
| Succumb | yield, surrender, give in | Fail to resist pressure or illness |
| Superficial | shallow, surface-level, cursory | Existing only on the surface |
| Suppress | crush, restrain, subdue | Put an end to by force |
| Surplus | excess, remainder, extra | An amount left over |
| Swift | fast, rapid, speedy | Happening quickly |
| Sycophant | flatterer, toady, bootlicker | One who flatters to gain advantage |
| Tacit | implied, unspoken, understood | Understood without being stated |
| Tardy | late, slow, delayed | Delayed beyond the expected time |
| Tedious | boring, monotonous, tiresome | Too long and dull |
| Tenacious | persistent, dogged, firm | Holding on firmly and not giving up |
| Tentative | provisional, hesitant, uncertain | Not definite or final |
| Thrifty | economical, careful, sparing | Using money and resources carefully |
| Timid | shy, fearful, diffident | Lacking courage or confidence |
| Transient | temporary, fleeting, momentary | Lasting only a short time |
| Tremor | shake, quiver, shiver | A slight trembling movement |
| Trepidation | fear, anxiety, dread | A feeling of fear about what may happen |
| Tribulation | trouble, suffering, hardship | A state of great trouble |
| Trivial | insignificant, petty, trifling | Of little value or importance |
| Truce | ceasefire, armistice, peace | An agreement to stop fighting for a time |
| Turmoil | chaos, confusion, unrest | A state of great disturbance |
| Tyrant | despot, dictator, oppressor | A cruel and oppressive ruler |
| Ubiquitous | omnipresent, pervasive, universal | Found everywhere |
| Unruly | disorderly, wild, rebellious | Difficult to control |
| Urbane | suave, polished, refined | Courteous and sophisticated in manner |
| Vacant | empty, unoccupied, void | Not occupied or filled |
| Valiant | brave, courageous, heroic | Showing courage |
| Vanquish | defeat, conquer, overcome | Defeat thoroughly |
| Vast | huge, immense, extensive | Of very great extent |
| Vehement | forceful, passionate, intense | Showing strong feeling |
| Venerate | revere, worship, honour | Regard with great respect |
| Verbose | wordy, long-winded, prolix | Using more words than needed |
| Verge | edge, brink, border | The extreme edge of something |
| Vex | annoy, irritate, trouble | Make annoyed or worried |
| Vicinity | neighbourhood, proximity, locality | The area near a place |
| Vigilant | watchful, alert, wary | Keeping careful watch for danger |
| Vindictive | revengeful, spiteful, vengeful | Having a strong wish for revenge |
| Vivacious | lively, spirited, animated | Attractively lively |
| Vulnerable | exposed, susceptible, defenceless | Open to attack or harm |
| Waive | relinquish, forgo, give up | Choose not to insist on a right |
| Wander | roam, stray, rove | Move about without a fixed course |
| Wane | decline, decrease, fade | Become weaker or smaller |
| Wary | cautious, careful, watchful | Feeling or showing caution |
| Weary | tired, exhausted, fatigued | Feeling in need of rest |
| Weep | cry, sob, wail | Shed tears |
| Wicked | evil, sinful, immoral | Morally bad |
| Wither | shrivel, wilt, fade | Become dry and lifeless |
| Woe | sorrow, grief, misery | Great sadness |
| Wrath | anger, fury, rage | Extreme anger |
| Zeal | enthusiasm, passion, fervour | Great energy for a cause |
| Zenith | peak, summit, pinnacle | The highest point |
| Zest | enthusiasm, relish, gusto | Great energy and enjoyment |
Meanings are short study notes written for revision, not dictionary entries. When an option in the exam fits the sentence better, trust the sentence.