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Synonyms and Antonyms

This is a lecture on the topic Synonyms and Antonyms. It is designed according to the 2025 Jamb Syllabus for the Use of English. It is very detailed on the topic.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
953 views14 pages

Synonyms and Antonyms

This is a lecture on the topic Synonyms and Antonyms. It is designed according to the 2025 Jamb Syllabus for the Use of English. It is very detailed on the topic.

Uploaded by

okoyerossy7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Synonyms

A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in the
same language. Synonyms can be used interchangeably in many contexts, though subtle
differences in connotation, tone, or usage often exist. They enrich language by providing
variety and precision.

Abundant – Plentiful, Copious, Profuse

Critical – Analytical, Judgmental, Evaluative

Elaborate – Detailed, Intricate, Comprehensive

Ephemeral – Transient, Temporary, Fleeting

Innovative – Original, Novel, Groundbreaking

Importance in Academic Context

Synonyms enhance academic writing by reducing repetition.

They help refine arguments or articulate nuances.

Misuse of synonyms can lead to ambiguity or incorrect interpretations, so context is critical.

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Antonyms

An antonym is a word with a meaning that is opposite to another word. Antonyms are
essential for showing contrast, emphasizing ideas, and explaining concepts.

Examples at a University Level

Abstract – Concrete, Tangible

Complex – Simple, Straightforward

Inherent – Extrinsic, Acquired

Optimistic – Pessimistic, Cynical

Profound – Superficial, Shallow


Importance in Academic Context

Antonyms help clarify arguments by defining opposing ideas.

They are valuable in debates, critical analyses, and comparative essays.

Using precise antonyms can highlight contradictions or contrasts effectively.

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In both cases, understanding the subtle variations in meaning, connotation, and context is
crucial l, as these distinctions often form the basis of critical thinking and effective
communication in academic work.

Words and their antonyms

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Verbs and Antonyms

1. Reiterate – Revoke

2. Elevate – Demote

3. Validate – Nullify

4. Consolidate – Fragment

5. Amplify – Minimize

6. Adorn – Blemish

7. Disperse – Collect

8. Dictate – Follow
9. Refute – Confirm

10. Suppress – Express

11. Facilitate – Obstruct

12. Augment – Diminish

13. Rescind – Enforce

14. Deteriorate – Enhance

15. Alleviate – Aggravate

16. Subdue – Incite

17. Authenticate – Forge

18. Compensate – Deprive

19. Fabricate – Dismantle

20. Rectify – Corrupt

21. Propagate – Repress

22. Mitigate – Intensify

23. Neglect – Prioritize

24. Diversify – Simplify


25. Acquiesce – Oppose

26. Commend – Condemn

27. Evade – Confront

28. Undermine – Strengthen

29. Transcend – Succumb

30. Improvise – Plan

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Adjectives and Antonyms

1. Vague – Clear

2. Obsolete – Modern

3. Important – Inconsequential

4. Enormous – Infinitesimal

5. Akin – Unrelated

6. Usual – Queer

7. Unfamiliar – Acquainted

8. Benevolent – Malevolent
9. Intrinsic – Extrinsic

10. Pristine – Corrupt

11. Finite – Infinite

12. Intrepid – Timid

13. Ephemeral – Permanent

14. Plausible – Implausible

15. Candid – Deceptive

16. Tangible – Abstract

17. Arduous – Effortless

18. Lucid – Obscure

19. Mandatory – Optional

20. Inevitable – Avoidable

21. Proficient – Inept

22. Frivolous – Grave

23. Elusive – Apparent

24. Exuberant – Subdued


25. Comprehensive – Narrow

26. Astute – Naive

27. Mundane – Extraordinary

28. Dynamic – Static

29. Robust – Frail

30. Meticulous – Careless

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Nouns and Antonyms

1. Allegiance – Betrayal

2. Apathy – Passion

3. Parity – Inequality

4. Solitude – Companionship

5. Ambiguity – Certainty

6. Fidelity – Disloyalty

7. Integrity – Corruption

8. Conundrum – Solution
9. Heresy – Orthodoxy

10. Virtue – Vice

11. Sanctity – Profanity

12. Fraternity – Estrangement

13. Stability – Instability

14. Euphoria – Misery

15. Prosperity – Adversity

16. Stagnation – Progress

17. Austerity – Indulgence

18. Eloquence – Inarticulateness

19. Tranquility – Turmoil

20. Equanimity – Anxiety

21. Conceit – Humility

22. Mediocrity – Excellence

23. Oblivion – Renown

24. Frugality – Extravagance


25. Fervor – Indifference

26. Ambition – Complacency

27. Innovator – Follower

28. Pioneer – Imitator

29. Paragon – Flaw

30. Diligence – Neglect

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Words and their synonyms

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Verbs and Synonyms

1. Reiterate – Repeat, Restate

2. Elevate – Raise, Uplift

3. Validate – Confirm, Authenticate

4. Consolidate – Strengthen, Merge

5. Amplify – Magnify, Expand

6. Adorn – Embellish, Beautify

7. Disperse – Scatter, Dissipate


8. Dictate – Command, Prescribe

9. Refute – Disprove, Debunk

10. Suppress – Restrain, Stifle

11. Facilitate – Enable, Expedite

12. Augment – Increase, Enhance

13. Rescind – Revoke, Cancel

14. Deteriorate – Decline, Worsen

15. Alleviate – Ease, Mitigate

16. Subdue – Conquer, Tame

17. Authenticate – Verify, Validate

18. Compensate – Reimburse, Redress

19. Fabricate – Invent, Forge

20. Rectify – Correct, Amend

21. Propagate – Disseminate, Spread

22. Mitigate – Lessen, Moderate

23. Neglect – Overlook, Ignore


24. Diversify – Vary, Broaden

25. Acquiesce – Comply, Yield

26. Commend – Praise, Applaud

27. Evade – Avoid, Elude

28. Undermine – Weaken, Subvert

29. Transcend – Surpass, Exceed

30. Improvise – Devise, Ad-lib

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Adjectives and Synonyms

1. Vague – Ambiguous, Indistinct

2. Obsolete – Outdated, Antiquated

3. Important – Significant, Crucial

4. Enormous – Immense, Colossal

5. Akin – Similar, Related

6. Usual – Commonplace, Routine

7. Unfamiliar – Unknown, Unacquainted


8. Benevolent – Kind, Altruistic

9. Intrinsic – Inherent, Innate

10. Pristine – Untouched, Unspoiled

11. Finite – Limited, Restricted

12. Intrepid – Fearless, Bold

13. Ephemeral – Fleeting, Transient

14. Plausible – Credible, Believable

15. Candid – Frank, Honest

16. Tangible – Concrete, Palpable

17. Arduous – Strenuous, Grueling

18. Lucid – Clear, Coherent

19. Mandatory – Compulsory, Obligatory

20. Inevitable – Unavoidable, Certain

21. Proficient – Skilled, Adept

22. Frivolous – Trivial, Superficial

23. Elusive – Evasive, Slippery


24. Exuberant – Enthusiastic, Spirited

25. Comprehensive – Extensive, All-inclusive

26. Astute – Shrewd, Perceptive

27. Mundane – Ordinary, Prosaic

28. Dynamic – Energetic, Vibrant

29. Robust – Strong, Sturdy

30. Meticulous – Thorough, Precise

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Nouns and Synonyms

1. Allegiance – Loyalty, Devotion

2. Apathy – Indifference, Lethargy

3. Parity – Equality, Uniformity

4. Solitude – Isolation, Seclusion

5. Ambiguity – Uncertainty, Vagueness

6. Fidelity – Faithfulness, Loyalty

7. Integrity – Honesty, Uprightness


8. Conundrum – Puzzle, Enigma

9. Heresy – Blasphemy, Dissent

10. Virtue – Morality, Goodness

11. Sanctity – Holiness, Sacredness

12. Fraternity – Brotherhood, Fellowship

13. Stability – Steadiness, Balance

14. Euphoria – Bliss, Elation

15. Prosperity – Wealth, Affluence

16. Stagnation – Inertia, Idleness

17. Austerity – Severity, Strictness

18. Eloquence – Articulacy, Persuasion

19. Tranquility – Peace, Serenity

20. Equanimity – Composure, Calmness

21. Conceit – Arrogance, Vanity

22. Mediocrity – Ordinary, Averageness

23. Oblivion – Forgetfulness, Anonymity


24. Frugality – Thrift, Prudence

25. Fervor – Passion, Zeal

26. Ambition – Aspiration, Drive

27. Innovator – Pioneer, Trailblazer

28. Pioneer – Forerunner, Pathfinder

29. Paragon – Ideal, Exemplar

30. Diligence – Industry, Perseverance

GMG LearningEdge

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