HSPT Verbal : Antonyms
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #63 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Jocular is the opposite of __________.
jovial
humorous
cheerful
gloomy
gloomy
"Jovial," "cheerful," and "humorous" are synonyms of jocular. "Jocular" means to be characterized by jokes or good humor, while "gloomy" means to be characterized by a sad or dejected nature.
Example Question #64 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Jubilant is the opposite of __________.
euphoric
joyous
triumphant
depressed
depressed
"Joyous," "euphoric," and "triumphant" are synonyms of jubilant. "Jubilant" means full of high-spirited delight, while "depressed" means dejected or downcast.
Example Question #65 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Laudable means the opposite of __________.
unworthy
creditable
commendable
praiseworthy
unworthy
"Creditable," "commendable," and "praiseworthy" are synonyms of laudable. "Laudable" means to be worthy of high praise, while "unworthy" means lacking worth or excellence.
Example Question #66 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Mundane is the opposite of __________.
humdrum
abnormal
prosaic
banal
abnormal
"Prosaic," "banal," and "humdrum" are synonyms of mundane. "Mundane" means found in the ordinary course of events, while "abnormal" means not normal or typical.
Example Question #67 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Odious is the opposite of __________.
attractive
abhorrent
loathsome
vile
attractive
"Abhorrent," "vile," and "loathsome" are synonyms of odious. Odious means unequivocally detestable, while "attractive" means providing pleasure or delight.
Example Question #68 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Paragon is the opposite of __________.
exemplar
apotheosis
epitome
flaw
flaw
"Epitome," "apotheosis," and "exemplar" are synonyms of paragon. "Paragon" means an ideal instance or a perfect embodiment of a concept, while "flaw" is a feature that mars the perfection of something.
Example Question #69 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Petty is the opposite of __________.
minor
lesser
greater
frivolous
greater
"Minor," "lesser," and "frivolous" are synonyms of petty. "Petty" means of little or no importance, while "greater" means to be of a high degree or importance.
Example Question #11 : Antonyms
An antonym for sapid is __________.
bland
exciting
filled
drained
exhausted
bland
Something that is sapid has a strong, pleasant taste. The best antonym for this word would be “bland,” which means uninteresting or—more appropriate for this antonym—mildly flavored or flavorless. Do not confuse “sapid” with “sapped,” which can mean “drained of energy.”
Example Question #11 : Antonyms
An antonym for dull is __________.
whittled
stimulating
foolish
stupid
rounded
stimulating
Something that is dull lacks excitement. The meaning is often transferred to apply to a person who is “plodding” or unexciting, generally implying that such a person does not have much in the way of intellectual capacities. There is nothing among the options provided that given an antonym for this latter sense of “dull,” so it must be used in the former. (Note that “foolish” and “stupid” are trap answers trying to get you to choose a potential synonym—not an antonym). The opposite of “lacking excitement” is well captured by the common word “stimulating,” which means “arousing interest or excitement.”
Example Question #12 : Antonyms
An antonym for ebony is __________.
gelatinous
organic
white
viscous
skeletal
white
Ebony is a very dark brown or black type of tree or the timber taken from it, though it is often used as a noun that means “a very dark brown or black color.” Thus, the best antonym for this word is “white”—as simple as that might seem! Definitely do not read “ebony” as having anything to do with “bones.” Otherwise, you will start to consider all of the other trap answers, which are far from correct.
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