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    Synonyms, Antonyms and Contextual Vocabulary PYQs for GATE CS

    Solve 7+ Synonyms, Antonyms and Contextual Vocabulary previous year questions for GATE CS with answers and detailed solutions. Free sample questions below.

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    Question 1
    2026 Slot Set2 PYQ
    Level 3: Exam Standard
    Expedite, Hasten, Hurry, __________

    Fill the blank by choosing a word with a meaning similar to that of the words given above.
    Question 2
    2026 Slot Set1 PYQ
    Level 3: Exam Standard

    The antonym of the word protagonist is ________.

    Question 3
    2025 Slot Set2 PYQ
    Level 3: Exam Standard
    Despite his initial hesitation, Rehman’s _________ to contribute to the success of the project never wavered.

    Select the most appropriate option to complete the above sentence.
    Question 4
    2025 Slot Set1 PYQ
    Level 3: Exam Standard

    The CEO’s decision to downsize the workforce was considered myopic because it sacrificed long-term stability to accommodate short-term gains.

    Select the most appropriate option that can replace the word “myopic” without changing the meaning of the sentence.

    Question 5
    2024 Slot Set2 PYQ
    Level 3: Exam Standard
    If ‘’ denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words
    [walk jog sprint] is analogous to [bothered ________ daunted].

    Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?
    Question 6
    2024 Slot Set1 PYQ
    Level 3: Exam Standard
    If ‘→’ denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words

    [dry → arid → parched] is analogous to [diet → fast → ________ ].

    Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?
    Question 7
    2022 PYQ
    Level 3: Exam Standard

    The _________ is too high for it to be considered _________.

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    Synonyms, Antonyms and Contextual Vocabulary PYQs for GATE CS

    Solve 7+ Synonyms, Antonyms and Contextual Vocabulary previous year questions for GATE CS with answers and detailed solutions. Free sample questions below.

    Chapter Roadmap: Verbal Aptitude Essentials

    Chapter Journey: Verbal Aptitude

    This chapter builds your linguistic precision for the GATE General Aptitude section. The focus is on logic within language, not just memorization.

    01
    Contextual Vocabulary & Sentence Completion
    Deducing meaning from context. Current Topic.
    02
    Word Intensity & Semantic Gradation
    Understanding degrees of meaning (e.g., warm vs. scorching).
    03
    Synonyms, Antonyms & Homophones
    Precise word relationships and common confusions.
    Why this matters: In GATE, verbal questions test your ability to process information logically. A strong grasp of context allows you to eliminate options even if you do not know every word's exact definition.

    Topic Hero: The Logic of Context

    What is Contextual Vocabulary?

    In competitive exams, vocabulary is not tested in isolation. It is tested through context. The meaning of a specific word is constrained and clarified by the surrounding text.

    The Two Main Question Types

    1. Sentence Completion: A blank is left in a sentence. You must choose the word that best fits the logical flow.
    2. Word Replacement: A word is underlined. You must choose the option that preserves the original meaning.

    The Core Principle: Logical Clues

    Every sentence contains logical markers that dictate what kind of word fits in the blank.

    • Contrast Markers but, however, despite, although, yet.
      These signal that the blank will have a meaning opposite to the clue provided.
    • Support Markers and, also, furthermore, because, since.
      These signal that the blank will have a meaning similar to or caused by the clue.
    Example: "Despite his initial hesitation, Rehman’s _________ to contribute never wavered."
    • Clue: "Despite hesitation" implies a contrast.
    • Logic: Even though he hesitated at first, his commitment or desire remained strong.
    • Result: We look for a positive word indicating dedication.

    Synonyms, Antonyms and Contextual Vocabulary: Solved Questions with Step-by-Step Explanations (7 Problems)

    Question 1 · Verbal Aptitude · 2026_Set2 MCQ
    Expedite, Hasten, Hurry, __________

    Fill the blank by choosing a word with a meaning similar to that of the words given above.
    1. A.

      Accelerate

    2. B.

      Retard

    3. C.

      Provide

    4. D.

      Disable

    Correct Answer:

    A

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Insight: This is a synonym series question testing semantic clustering, not just random vocabulary.

    Exam route: "Expedite", "Hasten", and "Hurry" all mean to make something happen faster. We need a fourth word in this cluster. "Accelerate" means to increase speed. "Retard" is the opposite. "Provide" and "Disable" are unrelated.

    Learning route:

    Step 1: Identify the core shared meaning of the given words. "Expedite", "Hasten", and "Hurry" all share the core meaning of increasing speed or making an action occur sooner.

    Step 2: Determine the required relationship. The prompt asks for a word with a "similar" meaning, placing it in the same semantic cluster.

    Step 3: Evaluate options against the cluster. "Accelerate" means to gain speed or cause something to happen faster, fitting the cluster perfectly. "Retard" means to delay or slow down (antonym). "Provide" and "Disable" have entirely different meanings.

    Step 4: Conclude that "Accelerate" is the only logically consistent choice.

    Question 2 · Verbal Aptitude · 2026_Set1 MCQ

    The antonym of the word protagonist is ________.

    1. A.

      agnostic

    2. B.

      antagonist

    3. C.

      arsonist

    4. D.

      anarchist

    Correct Answer:

    B

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Insight: The word "protagonist" refers to the main character or primary advocate, so its direct functional and literary opposite is the adversary.

    Exam route: Protagonist = hero/lead. Antonym = villain/opponent. "Antagonist" is the exact literary opposite. The other options (agnostic, arsonist, anarchist) are unrelated nouns ending in "-ist".

    Learning route:

    Step 1: Identify the target word and required relationship. The word is "protagonist" and we need its "antonym".

    Step 2: Define the target word in context. In literature, a protagonist is the leading character or the primary advocate of a cause.

    Step 3: Formulate the opposite. We need a word meaning the primary opponent, adversary, or one who actively opposes the main character.

    Step 4: Evaluate the options.

    • "Agnostic" refers to someone who believes nothing can be known about the existence of God. (Unrelated)
    • "Antagonist" refers to a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone; in literature, the opponent of the protagonist. (Exact opposite)
    • "Arsonist" refers to someone who deliberately sets fire to property. (Unrelated)
    • "Anarchist" refers to someone who believes in or tries to bring about anarchy. (Unrelated)

    Step 5: Conclude that "antagonist" is the only logically and semantically correct antonym.

    Question 3 · Verbal Aptitude · 2025_Set2 MCQ
    Despite his initial hesitation, Rehman’s _________ to contribute to the success of the project never wavered.

    Select the most appropriate option to complete the above sentence.
    1. A.

      ambivalence

    2. B.

      satisfaction

    3. C.

      resolve

    4. D.

      revolve

    Correct Answer:

    C

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Insight: The pivot word "Despite" signals a contrast between the first part of the sentence and the blank.

    Exam route: "Initial hesitation" is negative. The blank must be a positive noun showing steady dedication to contrast it. "Resolve" fits perfectly. "Revolve" is a verb. "Ambivalence" matches hesitation.

    Learning route:

    Step 1: Identify the logical pivot. "Despite" establishes a contrast relationship.

    Step 2: Analyze the known clause. "Initial hesitation" implies reluctance or uncertainty.

    Step 3: Predict the blank. We need a noun representing positive, unwavering dedication. The phrase "never wavered" confirms this consistency.

    Step 4: Evaluate options. "Ambivalence" means mixed feelings, aligning with hesitation. "Satisfaction" does not logically connect to "never wavered". "Revolve" is a verb, making it grammatically incorrect. "Resolve" means firm determination, fitting both the grammatical requirement and the logical contrast.

    Question 4 · Verbal Aptitude · 2025_Set1 MCQ

    The CEO’s decision to downsize the workforce was considered myopic because it sacrificed long-term stability to accommodate short-term gains.

    Select the most appropriate option that can replace the word “myopic” without changing the meaning of the sentence.

    1. A.

      visionary

    2. B.

      shortsighted

    3. C.

      progressive

    4. D.

      innovative

    Correct Answer:

    B

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Insight: The word "because" provides the exact definition of the target word "myopic" within the sentence itself.

    Exam route: The sentence states the decision "sacrificed long-term stability to accommodate short-term gains." This is the definition of lacking foresight. "Shortsighted" is the direct synonym for this concept. "Visionary", "progressive", and "innovative" are positive traits, contradicting the negative context.

    Learning route:

    Step 1: Identify the logical clue. The word "because" introduces the explanation for why the decision was considered "myopic".

    Step 2: Analyze the explanation. The explanation is "sacrificed long-term stability to accommodate short-term gains." This describes a focus on the immediate future while ignoring distant consequences.

    Step 3: Predict the meaning. We need a word that means "lacking long-term vision" or "focused only on the immediate".

    Step 4: Evaluate options. "Visionary" means thinking about the future with imagination (the opposite). "Shortsighted" means lacking imagination or foresight, matching our prediction perfectly. "Progressive" and "innovative" are positive descriptors, contradicting the negative consequence described.

    Question 5 · Verbal Aptitude · 2024_Set2 MCQ
    If ‘’ denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words
    [walk jog sprint] is analogous to [bothered ________ daunted].

    Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?
    1. A.

      phased

    2. B.

      phrased

    3. C.

      fazed

    4. D.

      fused

    Correct Answer:

    C

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Insight: The arrow denotes a strict, unidirectional escalation in intensity. "Bothered" is mild distress, "daunted" is severe distress, so the missing word must represent medium distress.

    Exam route: Walk -> jog -> sprint is increasing physical effort. Bothered -> ? -> daunted is increasing emotional distress. "Fazed" means disconcerted, fitting perfectly between bothered and daunted. The others are homophone traps.

    Learning route:

    Step 1: Analyze the reference sequence. "walk -> jog -> sprint" shows a linear escalation of physical speed and exertion.

    Step 2: Identify the dimension of the target sequence. "bothered -> ? -> daunted" tests the dimension of emotional distress or being unsettled.

    Step 3: Define the endpoints. "Bothered" means mildly annoyed or concerned. "Daunted" means feeling intimidated, overwhelmed, or severely discouraged.

    Step 4: Evaluate options for the middle step.

    • "Phased": done in gradual stages. (Unrelated meaning)
    • "Phrased": expressed in particular words. (Unrelated meaning)
    • "Fazed": disconcerted, perturbed, or unsettled. This represents a medium level of emotional distress, stronger than "bothered" but weaker than "daunted".
    • "Fused": joined or blended together. (Unrelated meaning)

    Step 5: Conclude that "fazed" is the correct word to complete the intensity sequence, while the others are homophone distractors.

    Question 6 · Verbal Aptitude · 2024_Set1 MCQ
    If ‘→’ denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words

    [dry → arid → parched] is analogous to [diet → fast → ________ ].

    Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?
    1. A.

      starve

    2. B.

      reject

    3. C.

      feast

    4. D.

      deny

    Correct Answer:

    A

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Insight: The arrow '→' denotes a strict, unidirectional escalation in intensity within a specific semantic dimension.

    Exam route: "dry → arid → parched" shows increasing lack of moisture. "diet → fast → ?" shows increasing food restriction. The next step after voluntary abstinence (fast) is extreme, involuntary deprivation (starve). "Feast" is the opposite. "Reject" and "deny" are actions, not states of deprivation.

    Learning route:

    Step 1: Analyze the reference sequence. "dry" (lacking moisture) → "arid" (very dry) → "parched" (extremely dry). The dimension is "physical state of moisture", and the direction is strictly increasing intensity of lack.

    Step 2: Identify the dimension of the target sequence. "diet" (restricted eating) → "fast" (complete voluntary abstinence from food). The dimension is "physical state of food restriction".

    Step 3: Measure the gap and replicate. The gap is a severe escalation in the severity of food deprivation. We need a word representing a more extreme, often involuntary, state of lacking food than "fast".

    Step 4: Evaluate options. "Starve" means to suffer or die from hunger, representing the extreme end of food deprivation. It fits perfectly. "Reject" and "deny" are verbs describing actions. "Feast" means to eat sumptuously, which is the exact opposite.

    Question 7 · Verbal Aptitude · 2022 MCQ

    The _________ is too high for it to be considered _________.

    1. A.

      fair / fare

    2. B.

      faer / fair

    3. C.

      fare / fare

    4. D.

      fare / fair

    Correct Answer:

    D

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Insight: This is a classic homophone and commonly confused words question, testing the distinction between "fare" (price) and "fair" (just/reasonable).

    Exam route: The sentence needs a noun for the first blank (something that can be "too high") and an adjective for the second blank (a judgment of that thing). "Fare" is the price charged for a journey. "Fair" means just or reasonable. "The fare is too high for it to be considered fair."

    Learning route:

    Step 1: Analyze the grammatical and logical requirements of the blanks. The first blank is the subject, requiring a noun representing a cost or value. The second blank follows "considered", requiring an adjective describing a judgment of that cost.

    Step 2: Define the candidate words. "Fare" (noun): The money a passenger on public transportation has to pay. "Fair" (adjective): Treating people equally without favouritism; just or reasonable.

    Step 3: Test the combinations. "fair / fare" places an adjective in the noun slot. "faer" is not a standard English word. "fare / fare" makes no logical sense. "fare / fair" creates a logically sound sentence: "The fare (price) is too high for it to be considered fair (reasonable)."

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