Fri, 29-Nov-2024

Mastering 11Plus Vocabulary - Antonyms & Synonyms

Antonyms and synonyms are key elements of the English language, especially in the 11+ exams. A solid grasp of these can significantly improve your child's vocabulary and comprehension skills, ensuring they excel in this section.

This guide will help your child understand the concepts better, practice effectively, and build their vocabulary. Let's dive into the basics, followed by examples and a list of 20 medium-to-advanced words with meanings, antonyms, and synonyms.


What Are Synonyms and Antonyms?

  • Synonyms: Words that have similar meanings.
    Example: HappyJoyful, Cheerful
  • Antonyms: Words with opposite meanings.
    Example: HappySad, Miserable

Tips to Excel in Antonym and Synonym Questions

  1. Context Matters: Always read the sentence carefully to understand the context in which the word is used.
  2. Eliminate Options: Narrow down choices by eliminating words that clearly don’t fit.
  3. Learn Root Words: Understanding prefixes, suffixes, and roots can help decode unfamiliar words.

Practice Examples

Example Question: What is the synonym of abundant?
a) Scarce
b) Plentiful
c) Limited
d) Rare

Answer: b) Plentiful
Explanation: Abundant and Plentiful both mean a large quantity, making them synonyms.


20 Medium-to-Advanced Words with Meanings, Synonyms, and Antonyms

Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms
Abundant Present in large quantities Plentiful, Ample Scarce, Sparse
Eloquent Fluent and persuasive in speech Articulate, Expressive Mumbled, Inarticulate
Benevolent Kind and generous Compassionate, Charitable Malevolent, Cruel
Diligent Showing hard work and effort Industrious, Persistent Lazy, Negligent
Frivolous Lacking seriousness Trivial, Superficial Serious, Meaningful
Imminent About to happen Approaching, Impending Distant, Remote
Obstinate Stubbornly refusing to change Stubborn, Headstrong Flexible, Compliant
Serene Calm and peaceful Tranquil, Placid Agitated, Chaotic
Tenacious Persistent and determined Resolute, Stubborn Weak, Yielding
Vigorous Strong, healthy, and full of energy Energetic, Robust Feeble, Weak
Ambiguous Open to more than one interpretation Vague, Unclear Clear, Explicit
Candid Truthful and straightforward Honest, Frank Deceptive, Dishonest
Futile Incapable of producing results Useless, Pointless Effective, Useful
Hostile Unfriendly or antagonistic Aggressive, Opposed Friendly, Agreeable
Jovial Cheerful and friendly Merry, Jolly Gloomy, Miserable
Meek Quiet, gentle, and submissive Humble, Submissive Bold, Assertive
Opulent Rich and luxurious Lavish, Wealthy Poor, Sparse
Prudent Acting with care and thought Wise, Sensible Reckless, Careless
Reluctant Unwilling and hesitant Hesitant, Resistant Eager, Willing
Subtle Delicate and understated Nuanced, Faint Obvious, Blatant

Practice Activity

Encourage your child to create their own sentences using the words above. This will help reinforce their understanding of meanings, synonyms, and antonyms while also improving sentence construction skills.


By mastering antonyms and synonyms, your child will be well-prepared to tackle any vocabulary-related question in the 11+ exam. Encourage daily practice, use flashcards, and try fun activities like word games to make learning engaging.

Good luck with your 11+ preparation! ????


Let’s Test Your Knowledge: A Quick Quiz!

Synonyms & Antonyms Quiz:

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