Synonyms & Antonyms
Choosing words with the same or opposite meaning. A key vocabulary skill tested across English and VR papers.
What is Synonyms & Antonyms?
Synonyms are words with the same or very similar meaning (big/large, happy/joyful). Antonyms are words with opposite meanings (hot/cold, big/small). This skill is tested in both English and verbal reasoning papers.
Step-by-Step Method
Think about the meaning first
Before looking at the options, think about what the word means. Picture it in a sentence.
Consider shades of meaning
Words can be close but not exact. “Furious” is stronger than “annoyed” – both mean angry but to different degrees.
Try each option in a sentence
Replace the original word with each option. The best synonym will fit most naturally.
For antonyms, think of the exact opposite
The opposite of “hot” is “cold”, not “warm”. Find the most direct opposite.
Use prefixes for antonyms
Many antonyms are formed by adding un-, dis-, im-, in-, ir-, il-: happy/unhappy, agree/disagree, possible/impossible.
Worked Examples
Find the synonym of “enormous”: (a) big (b) tiny (c) heavy (d) immense
Working
- Enormous means very large.
- big = large but not as strong.
- tiny = opposite.
- heavy = about weight, not size.
- immense = very large, closest match.
Find the antonym of “generous”: (a) kind (b) wealthy (c) mean (d) careful
Working
- Generous means giving freely.
- The opposite would be unwilling to give = mean/stingy.
Rank these words from mildest to strongest: furious, irritated, annoyed.
Working
- All mean angry but to different degrees.
- Mildest: irritated (slightly bothered).
- Middle: annoyed (more bothered).
- Strongest: furious (extremely angry).
Common Mistakes
Choosing a word that is related but not a synonym (e.g. “sun” for “hot”).
A synonym must mean the SAME thing, not just be associated with it.
Forgetting about prefixes when looking for antonyms.
Try adding un-, dis-, im-, in- to the word. Many antonyms are formed this way.
Not considering the exact shade of meaning.
Choose the CLOSEST match. “Enormous” is closer to “immense” than to “big”.
Top Tips
- Read widely to build your vocabulary – the more words you know, the easier this becomes.
- Common prefix antonyms: un- (happy/unhappy), dis- (agree/disagree), im- (possible/impossible), in- (visible/invisible).
- If you are unsure, try putting each option into a sentence with the original word’s context.
- Learn words in pairs: synonyms together and antonyms together.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise English Questions