Vocabulary For All Competitive Exams 09-08-2026
Winnow (verb)
Meaning: to remove less desirable choices from a group or list (छाँटना)
Synonyms: cull, pare, trim
Antonyms: pick, choose, take
Sentence: They winnowed the pool of applicants down to a few of the strongest candidates.
Querulous (adj.)
Meaning: complaining in a petulant or whining manner. (विलापी)
Synonyms: petulant, complaining, pettish
Antonyms: patient, uncomplaining, amiable
Sentence: He became increasingly dissatisfied and querulous in his old age.
Paraphernalia (noun)
Meaning: miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity. (सामान)
Synonyms: equipment, stuff, things
Sentence: We sell pots, gloves, seeds and other gardening paraphernalia.
Allege (verb)
Meaning: claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof that this is the case. (आरोप)
Synonyms: claim, assert, declare
Antonyms: deny, abandon, reject
Sentence: The police allege that the man was murdered but they have given no proof.
Tawdry (adj.)
Meaning: showy but cheap and of poor quality. (दिखलावटी)
Synonyms: showy, gaudy, flashy
Antonyms: elegant, refined
Sentence: Everything seemed strange, so tawdry and grotesque.
Blarney (noun)
Meaning: talk that aims to charm, pleasantly flatter, or persuade. (चापलूसी)
Synonyms: blandishments, flattery, praise
Sentence: Don’t listen to any of his blarney!
ilk (noun)
Meaning: a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common (श्रेणी)
Synonyms: kind, type, sort
Sentence: We’re looking for chestnuts and other items of that ilk for our autumn decorations.
Descry (verb)
Meaning: to come upon after searching, study, or effort (पता लगा लेना)
Synonyms: find, discover, spot
Antonyms: miss, overlook
Sentence: We couldn’t descry the reasons for his sudden departure.
Digression (noun)
Meaning: a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing. (विषयांतर)
Synonyms: deviation, detour, diversion
Sentence: Talking about money now would be a digression from the main purpose of this meeting.
Mercenary (adj.)
Meaning: having or marked by an eager and often selfish desire especially for material possessions (लालच)
Synonyms: greedy, avaricious, acquisitive
Antonyms: altruistic, charitable, liberal
Sentence: She’s interested in him for purely mercenary reasons.
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Frequently Asked Questions :
1. Why is vocabulary important for competitive exams?
Vocabulary is crucial because it directly impacts performance in English sections, including reading comprehension, error detection, cloze tests, and sentence improvement across most competitive exams.
2. What is the best way to improve vocabulary for competitive exams?
The most effective approach is daily reading, learning high-frequency exam words, practicing synonyms–antonyms, and revising through mock tests and previous years’ questions.
3. Which vocabulary topics are most important for competitive exams?
Important topics include synonyms and antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms and phrases, root words, phrasal verbs, and frequently confused words.
4. How many words should be learned daily for competitive exam preparation?
Learning 10–15 new words daily with proper usage, examples, and revision is ideal for steady and long-term vocabulary improvement.
5. How can vocabulary be remembered for a long time?
Regular revision, using words in sentences, practising quizzes, and applying vocabulary in writing and speaking help in long-term retention.