HSPT Verbal : Antonyms
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Antonyms
Jocular is the opposite of __________.
humorous
jovial
gloomy
cheerful
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 #12 : Antonyms
Jubilant is the opposite of __________.
triumphant
depressed
euphoric
joyous
depressed
"Joyous," "euphoric," and "triumphant" are synonyms of jubilant. "Jubilant" means full of high-spirited delight, while "depressed" means dejected or downcast.
Example Question #13 : Antonyms
Laudable means the opposite of __________.
commendable
unworthy
creditable
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 #14 : Antonyms
Mundane is the opposite of __________.
humdrum
banal
prosaic
abnormal
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 #15 : Antonyms
Odious is the opposite of __________.
vile
loathsome
attractive
abhorrent
attractive
"Abhorrent," "vile," and "loathsome" are synonyms of odious. Odious means unequivocally detestable, while "attractive" means providing pleasure or delight.
Example Question #16 : Antonyms
Paragon is the opposite of __________.
flaw
epitome
exemplar
apotheosis
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 #17 : Antonyms
Petty is the opposite of __________.
greater
frivolous
minor
lesser
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 #18 : Antonyms
An antonym for sapid is __________.
bland
drained
filled
exciting
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 #19 : Antonyms
An antonym for dull is __________.
whittled
rounded
foolish
stimulating
stupid
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 #20 : Antonyms
An antonym for ebony is __________.
gelatinous
organic
skeletal
white
viscous
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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