[5 Tips] How to answer questions on Synonyms (+Video and Quiz)

Eliminating duplicated and irrelevant options are some ways on how to answer questions on synonyms.

Meanwhile.

Synonyms are words with similar meaning. They are also called “nearest in meaning” — unlike ANTONYMS (OPPOSITE).

Some examples of synonyms

Synonyms are always interchangeable in a sentence without changing the meaning of that sentence.

• same, identical, exact
• similar, alike, related
• take, collect, receive
• happy, glad, excited
• buy, purchase

See how to answer questions on synonyms

1. Identify the given word

The word is often either in italic, bold, underlined or CAPITALIZED (as the instruction says).

After identifying the word, move to step (2).

2. Get the meaning of the word

If you know the meaning of the given word, move to step (3).

Otherwise: SEE HOW TO UNDERSTAND WORDS WITHOUT DICTIONARY

3. Choose the most similar option

Selecting the nearest in meaning to that given word is often easier said than done.

So, here are (5) quick tips.

Tip #1: Eliminate irrelevant option(s)

For example.

The chairman observed that Andrew was the most qualified for the job.

✅ Qualified here refers to meeting the standards or requirements.

• accommodating
• responsible
• suitable
• interesting

So options (A) (B) (D) are irrelevant to the context of being “qualified”.

Eliminate irrelevant option(s) and be left with either the correct answer or fewer options to worry about.

Tip #2: Eliminate duplicated options

For example.

Matthew surmounted myriad of obstacles on his way to success.

🤷‍♂️ Even without the meaning of “myriad”

• few
• many
• little
• some

Options (A) (C) (D) are duplicated options (have the same meaning).

And since two or more options cannot be chosen, eliminate duplicated options and be left with the answer or fewer options.

Tip #3: Select the same charge

For example.

I woke up feeling rather queer.

🥴 Queer (as a word) has a negative connotation.

• fine
• strange
• strong
• tired

So its synonym must also carry the same negative charge and options (A) (C) are positive words.

Tip #4: Pick the NEAREST in meaning

For example.

The teacher’s face broke into an incredulous smile when he heard Adamu’s reason for coming late.

💯 Some options can be near or even nearer in meaning but only one is NEAREST.

• irritating
• artificial
• unbelieving
• fake

(B) (C) (D) are similar to “incredulous” but from the context, only (C) is NEAREST in meaning to it.

Tip #5: Beware of tricky options

For example.

Though there is no riot on campus, the students are restive.

😀 Restive should be related to “rest”, right?

• calm
• busy
• restless
• resting

❌ WRONG❗

In fact, it is the opposite of “rest” which makes options (A) and (D) wrong.

Always use context to confirm any answer from the other tips before choosing it.

Practice questions on synonyms

Do you have something to say about this lesson on how to answer synonyms questions? Let me know in the comments below.