One Word Substitution MCQs with Answers & Explanations

A stupor is a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility, a heavy, unnatural slumber from which it is difficult to rouse a person. A coma is a state of prolonged unconsciousness. Insomnia is the inability to sleep. A nap is a short, light sleep.

Vacillation is the inability to decide between different opinions or actions; it implies wavering or indecisiveness. Versatility and adaptability are positive traits of being able to change. Instability is a lack of firmness.

A pilgrim is a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons. A hermit is a person living in solitude as a religious discipline. A saint is a person recognized as holy. A mendicant is a beggar.

To abrogate a rule or law means to repeal or do away with it formally. This is a stronger, more formal term than 'cancel'. Repeal is very similar but 'abrogate' is often used for customs or rights as well as laws. Obliterate means to destroy completely.

A reserved person is slow to reveal emotion or opinions; they tend to be quiet. 'Reserved' is the best general fit. Mute means unable to speak. Phlegmatic and stoic refer to a lack of emotional reaction, not necessarily a lack of talking.

A whip is an official in a political party appointed to maintain parliamentary discipline, ensure attendance, and manage tactics. A statesman is a respected political leader. A diplomat represents their country abroad. A defector abandons their party.

Palatable means (of food or drink) pleasant to taste. Edible simply means it is safe to eat, not necessarily tasty. Pungent means having a sharp smell or taste. Sensuous relates to the senses.

Democracy is a system of government where the whole population or all the eligible members of a state vote for elected representatives. Autocracy is government by one person with absolute power. Socialism is a political and economic theory of social organization. Diplomacy is the management of international relations.

A memorandum (or 'memo') is a written message, often brief and informal, used in a business or organization. Agendum is an item on a list (agenda). Corrigendum is an error to be corrected. Plagiarism is stealing ideas.

A bibliophile is a person who collects or has a great love of books. A bibliophobe fears or hates books. A bibliographer compiles lists of books. A bibliophagist is a person who 'devours' (reads) books.

Omniscient means all-knowing. Omnipotent means all-powerful. Omnipresent means present everywhere at the same time. Learned means having great knowledge, but 'omniscient' implies complete, total knowledge.

A ballad is a poem or song, often in verse, that narrates a story. An elegy is a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead. A hymn is a religious song. A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme.

A truism is a statement that is so obviously true that it needs no further discussion or proof. A proverb is a short saying stating a general truth or piece of advice. A precept is a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.

A menu is a list of dishes available in a restaurant or at a meal. An agenda is a list of items to be discussed at a meeting. A catalogue is a list of items for sale. Biodata is a document with biographical details.

The hinterland is the remote or less-developed area behind a coast or the banks of a river. An archipelago is a group of islands. An isthmus is a narrow strip of land connecting two larger landmasses. Swamps are wetlands.

An obituary is a notice of a death, typically in a newspaper, that includes a brief biography of the deceased person. Condolence is an expression of sympathy. Calumny is a false and defamatory statement. Ouija is a board used to 'contact spirits'.

An anteroom (or antechamber) is a small room that leads into a larger, more important room. A lobby is the main entrance area of a building. A lounge is a public waiting room. A pantry is a small room for storing food.

Nemesis refers to the inescapable agent of someone's or something's downfall, often seen as a just punishment for wrongdoing or hubris (arrogance). Wrath is extreme anger. Purgation and catharsis refer to purification or emotional release.

A novice is a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation; a beginner. An apprentice is a person learning a trade from a skilled employer. A foreman is a supervisor. An accomplice is a person who helps another commit a crime.

Cyclone is the general meteorological term for a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure. Typhoons (in the Northwest Pacific) and hurricanes (in the North Atlantic) are specific types of tropical cyclones. A tornado is a much smaller, more violent rotating column of air.