GRE 1 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary: Antonyms Quiz

acumen (noun) /ˈakjʊmən/
Definition: The ability to make good judgments and decisions quickly and effectively, especially in practical or business matters.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of acumen.
Options: acuity; astuteness; cleverness; ineptitude
Answer: ineptitude
Example sentence: "He possessed a rare blend of intelligence and acumen."

adroit (adjective) /əˈdrɔɪt/
Definition: Having or showing great skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of adroit.
Options: adept; artful; astute; clumsy
Answer: clumsy
Example sentence: "The chef was adroit in his use of spices, creating dishes that were flavorful and balanced."

ascribe (verb) /əˈskrʌɪb/
Definition: To attribute or assign something to a particular cause, source, or person.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of ascribe.
Options: accredit; associate; attach; disassociate
Answer: disassociate
Example sentence: "Some individuals ascribe magical properties to certain gemstones."

avuncular (adjective) /əˈvʌŋkjʊlə/
Definition: Resembling or characteristic of an uncle, especially in being friendly and helpful.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of avuncular.
Options: affectionate; approachable; benevolent; unfriendly
Answer: unfriendly
Example sentence: "He assumed an avuncular role with his student prodigy."

boorish (adjective) /ˈbʊərɪʃ/
Definition: Behaving in a rude, crude, or uncultured manner, lacking social graces and displaying a lack of consideration for others.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of boorish.
Options: churlish; coarse; loutish; refined
Answer: refined
Example sentence: "Boorish conduct is not tolerated in our workplace."

bucolic (adjective) /bjuːˈkɒlɪk/
Definition: Rustic, rural, or characteristic of the countryside, particularly in a charming and picturesque way.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of bucolic.
Options: agrarian; agrestic; agricultural; urban
Answer: urban
Example sentence: "The bucolic charm of the farmhouse made it a serene retreat."

censure (noun) /ˈsɛnʃə/
Definition: The act of criticizing or reprimanding someone severely, often as a formal or official rebuke.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of censure.
Options: condemn; reproach; blame; praise
Answer: praise
Example sentence: "The editorial included a scathing censure of the government's policies."

clemency (noun) /ˈklɛmənsi/
Definition: Leniency or mercy shown to someone who is facing punishment or adverse consequences for their actions.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of clemency.
Options: amnesty; compassion; forbearance; harshness
Answer: harshness
Example sentence: "The president's clemency granted a pardon to the convicted criminal."

cogent (adjective) /ˈkəʊdʒ(ə)nt/
Definition: Clear, logical, and convincing, of an argument, reasoning or evidence.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of cogent.
Options: coherent; compelling; conclusive; weak
Answer: weak
Example sentence: "She provided cogent evidence to support her claims in court."

contemptuous (adjective) /kənˈtɛmp tʃu əs/
Definition: Characterized by a deep disdain, scorn, or disrespect towards someone or something.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of contemptuous.
Options: arrogant; condescending; degrading; respectful
Answer: respectful
Example sentence: "His contemptuous remarks about her appearance revealed his shallow nature."

diatribe (noun) /ˈdʌɪətrʌɪb/
Definition: A speech or written passage that is marked by bitter, harsh, or condemnatory language, often directed against a particular person or group.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of diatribe.
Options: criticism; denunciation; fulmination; praise
Answer: praise
Example sentence: "The politician's diatribe drew strong reactions from the audience."

disparate (adjective) /ˈdɪsp(ə)rət/
Definition: Fundamentally different or distinct in nature, kind, or character.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of disparate.
Options: contrary; contrasting; different; similar
Answer: similar
Example sentence: "They held disparate views on the controversial topic."

ersatz (adjective) /ˈɛrˌsɑts/
Definition: Made or used as a substitute or imitation, often intended to resemble or replace something else, but ultimately lacking in authenticity or genuine quality.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of ersatz.
Options: artificial; bogus; counterfeit; authentic
Answer: authentic
Example sentence: "The fashion industry is known for producing a lot of ersatz luxury products."

exhort (verb) /ɪɡˈzɔːt/
Definition: To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something, typically by giving them advice or making a persuasive argument.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of exhort.
Options: advise; bid; caution; discourage
Answer: discourage
Example sentence: "The motivational speaker would exhort the audience to chase their dreams."

foist (verb) /fɔɪst/
Definition: To impose or force something unwanted or unnecessary onto someone else, often through deception or manipulation.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of foist.
Options: burden; dump; force; reject
Answer: reject
Example sentence: "The teacher tried to foist the outdated teaching methods onto the students."

halcyon (adjective) /ˈhalsɪən/
Definition: Characterized by a very happy and successful period in the past.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of halcyon.
Options: blissful; carefree; contented; turbulent
Answer: turbulent
Example sentence: "She missed the halcyon days before the technological revolution."

hedonist (noun) /ˈhɛd(ə)nɪst/
Definition: A person who is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of hedonist.
Options: debauchee; debaucher; decadent; ascetic
Answer: ascetic
Example sentence: "The hedonist sought pleasure at every opportunity."

hiatus (noun) /hʌɪˈeɪtəs/
Definition: A pause, break, or gap in something that is usually continuous or ongoing.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of hiatus.
Options: breach; break; chasm; continuation
Answer: continuation
Example sentence: "The project experienced a brief hiatus due to technical issues."

innocuous (adjective) /ɪˈnɒkjʊəs/
Definition: Harmless, causing no damage or injury, and not posing any threat.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of innocuous.
Options: anodyne; banal; benign; dangerous
Answer: dangerous
Example sentence: "The spider in the corner was innocuous and harmless."

inscrutable (adjective) /ɪnˈskruːtəb(ə)l/
Definition: Mysterious, enigmatic, or impossible to understand or interpret.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of inscrutable.
Options: cryptic; enigmatic; hidden; clear
Answer: clear
Example sentence: "The inscrutable painting left viewers pondering its true meaning for hours."

insurgent (noun) /ɪnˈsəːdʒ(ə)nt/
Definition: A person or group who is actively engaged in a rebellion or resistance against an established government or authority.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of insurgent.
Options: agitator; dissident; guerrilla; loyalist
Answer: loyalist
Example sentence: "As an insurgent, his life was constantly on the line, hiding from authorities."

jingoism (noun) /ˈdʒɪŋɡəʊɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A strong and aggressive nationalism or patriotism that often includes aggressive foreign policy, particularly in the form of military intervention.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of jingoism.
Options: aggressiveness; bellicosity; belligerence; internationalism
Answer: internationalism
Example sentence: "The politician's speech was filled with jingoism, appealing to the country's sense of superiority."

jobbery (noun) /ˈdʒɒb(ə)ri/
Definition: The act of using one's power or influence to obtain personal benefits or advantages, typically in the form of financial gain.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of jobbery.
Options: bribery; crime; crookedness; meritocracy
Answer: meritocracy
Example sentence: "The discovery of jobbery in the police department caused widespread outrage."

jurisdiction (noun) /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃn/
Definition: The official power of a court or government agency to interpret and enforce the law within a particular geographic area or over a specific group of people.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of jurisdiction.
Options: authority; command; control; powerlessness
Answer: powerlessness
Example sentence: "The state court has jurisdiction over cases involving state law."

lobby (verb) /ˈlɒbi/
Definition: To seek to influence public officials, policymakers, or legislators in favor of a particular cause or interest.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of lobby.
Options: advocate; appeal; campaign; neglect
Answer: neglect
Example sentence: "She passionately lobbies for educational reforms."

lustre (noun) /ˈlʌstə/
Definition: The brightness or sheen of a surface, often used to describe the appearance of materials such as metals or gems.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of lustre.
Options: brilliance; dazzle; gleam; dullness
Answer: dullness
Example sentence: "The old photograph had lost its lustre over the years, fading into sepia tones."

malady (noun) /ˈmalədi/
Definition: A physical or mental disorder, ailment, or illness that affects the health or well-being of an individual.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of malady.
Options: affliction; ailment; complaint; health
Answer: health
Example sentence: "The village was plagued by a widespread malady that affected the crops."

misconstrue (verb) /ˌmɪskənˈstruː/
Definition: To interpret or understand something in the wrong way.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of misconstrue.
Options: confound; distort; garble; comprehend
Answer: comprehend
Example sentence: "Please don't misconstrue my words; I was merely expressing a different perspective."

nascent (adjective) /ˈneɪsnt/
Definition: In the early stages of development or existence, often in the process of emerging or being born.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of nascent.
Options: blossoming; budding; burgeoning; declining
Answer: declining
Example sentence: "The nascent light of dawn seeped through the curtains."

nefarious (adjective) /nɪˈfɛːrɪəs/
Definition: Extremely wicked, morally reprehensible and characterized by deliberate, malevolent intent.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of nefarious.
Options: corrupt; degenerate; depraved; virtuous
Answer: virtuous
Example sentence: "The king's advisor was known for his nefarious activities."

neurotic (adjective) /nʊˈrɒt ɪk/
Definition: Characteristic of being overly anxious, worrisome, or excessively preoccupied with one's own thoughts and emotions.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of neurotic.
Options: agitated; anxious; fretful; stable
Answer: stable
Example sentence: "Jane’s neurotic tendencies made every decision feel like a monumental task."

obsequious (adjective) /əbˈsiːkwɪəs/
Definition: Excessively eager to please or comply with others, especially those in positions of authority.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of obsequious.
Options: cringing; deferential; fawning; assertive
Answer: assertive
Example sentence: "She was disgusted by the obsequious flattery from her admirers, craving for genuine friendship instead."

odious (adjective) /ˈəʊdɪəs/
Definition: Extremely repulsive, detestable, or deserving of intense hatred or strong aversion.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of odious.
Options: abhorrent; abominable; contemptible; appealing
Answer: appealing
Example sentence: "I had to tolerate his odious remarks during the whole meeting."

opprobrium (noun) /əˈprəʊbrɪəm/
Definition: Public disgrace, shame, or contempt arising from shameful or dishonorable conduct or actions.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of opprobrium.
Options: censure; condemnation; contempt; honor
Answer: honor
Example sentence: "He tried to avoid the opprobrium of his peers by distancing himself from the controversial decision."

opulent (adjective) /ˈɒpjʊl(ə)nt/
Definition: Lavish displays of wealth and abundance, typically of property and goods.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of opulent.
Options: deluxe; expensive; fancy; modest
Answer: modest
Example sentence: "The opulent decor of the restaurant reflected its five-star rating."

pacifist (noun) /ˈpasɪfɪst/
Definition: A person who is strongly opposed to war and violence, and advocates for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of pacifist.
Options: antimilitarist; antiwar; conchie; militarist
Answer: militarist
Example sentence: "He was often criticized for his pacifist views in a world that glorified violence."

panacea (noun) /ˌpanəˈsiːə/
Definition: A supposed universal remedy or solution that can cure or alleviate all ills, problems, or difficulties.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of panacea.
Options: balm; cure; drug; detriment
Answer: detriment
Example sentence: "The party's manifesto is no panacea for the country's turmoil."

paradigm (noun) /ˈparədʌɪm/
Definition: A distinct pattern, model, or framework that serves as the basis for understanding and interpreting a particular subject or phenomenon.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of paradigm.
Options: archetype; blueprint; example; anomaly
Answer: anomaly
Example sentence: "Traditional educational paradigms no longer meet modern needs."

pejorative (adjective) /pɪˈdʒɒrətɪv/
Definition: Having a negative or derogatory connotation, often intended to belittle, insult, or criticize someone or something.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of pejorative.
Options: abusive; belittling; contemptuous; complimentary
Answer: complimentary
Example sentence: "The review was filled with pejorative remarks about the film."

perfunctory (adjective) /pəˈfʌŋ(k)t(ə)ri/
Definition: Done in a routine, cursory, or mechanical way, without much care, interest or attention.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of perfunctory.
Options: apathetic; automatic; careless; thorough
Answer: thorough
Example sentence: "He gave the document a perfunctory glance before signing it."

pique (verb) /piːk/
Definition: To arouse or stimulate a feeling of interest, curiosity, or irritation in someone.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of pique.
Options: excite; galvanize; incite; bore
Answer: bore
Example sentence: "This documentary might pique your appetite for historical knowledge."

platitude (noun) /ˈplatɪtjuːd/
Definition: A statement or remark that is so overused that it has lost its power to be meaningful or interesting.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of platitude.
Options: banality; bromide; cliché; profundity
Answer: profundity
Example sentence: "The book offered little more than shallow platitudes."

pontificate (verb) /pɒnˈtɪfɪkeɪt/
Definition: To speak in a dogmatic, arrogant or self-important way, particularly on a subject one is not an expert in or on a subject that is not of importance.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of pontificate.
Options: bluster; declaim; dogmatize; listen
Answer: listen
Example sentence: "During the meeting, the CEO would pontificate about the company's future strategies."

protagonist (noun) /prəˈtaɡ(ə)nɪst/
Definition: An advocate or champion of a particular cause, idea, or movement.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of protagonist.
Options: adherent; advocate; champion; antagonist
Answer: antagonist
Example sentence: "She was a vehement protagonist for female equality."

sentient (adjective) /ˈsɛnʃnt/
Definition: Possessing consciousness, the ability to perceive and experience sensations, emotions, or awareness of its own existence.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of sentient.
Options: alive; awake; aware; insentient
Answer: insentient
Example sentence: "The alien race was known for its highly sentient nature."

stalwart (adjective) /ˈstɔːlwət/
Definition: Resolutely loyal, dependable, and unwavering in one’s support or commitment to a particular cause, group, or individual.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of stalwart.
Options: dedicated; devoted; faithful; disloyal
Answer: disloyal
Example sentence: "He has been a stalwart supporter of the socialist party for many years."

surreptitious (adjective) /ˌsʌrɪpˈtɪʃəs/
Definition: Done secretly or covertly, in order to avoid detection or avoid drawing attention to oneself.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of surreptitious.
Options: clandestine; concealed; covert; open
Answer: open
Example sentence: "Her surreptitious movements made me suspicious of her intentions."

temporize (verb) /ˈtɛmpərʌɪz/
Definition: To delay or avoid making a decision or taking action, often in order to gain time or avoid confrontation.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of temporize.
Options: dawdle; dodge; equivocate; decide
Answer: decide
Example sentence: "The politician would often temporize to maintain public support."

travail (noun) /ˈtraveɪl/
Definition: A difficult and painful experience or labor, often associated with physical or mental exertion.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of travail.
Options: drudgery; effort; grind; ease
Answer: ease
Example sentence: "Her academic travail paid off when she received a scholarship to her dream college."

woebegone (adjective) /ˈwəʊbɪɡɒn/
Definition: Appearing extremely sad, distressed, or forlorn, often characterized by a haggard and dejected appearance.
Antonyms quiz: Choose the opposite meaning of woebegone.
Options: crestfallen; dejected; depressed; cheerful
Answer: cheerful
Example sentence: "The woebegone child clutched a tattered teddy bear for comfort."