In the competitive English sections of NDA, CDS, and AFCAT exams, vocabulary mastery is essential — and one of the most frequently tested yet often misunderstood areas is Antonyms. While direct word-based antonyms are common in AFCAT, the NDA and CDS exams increasingly favor sentence-based antonym questions, where candidates must select the correct opposite of an underlined word within a sentence.
This is exactly what we tackled in our Antonym MCQ Live Class 2, where we trained candidates to interpret the meaning of a word in context before identifying its correct antonym.
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
Q) I worship him as my ideal.
(A) Abuse
(B) Deify
(C) Despise
(D) Neglect
Ans. (C)
Q) When asked whether he was an atheist, he simply quibbled.
(A) Affirmed
(B) Denied
(C) Frowned
(D) Wavered
Ans. (A)
Q) I think you should undertake this job; it would really be a profitable venture for you.
(A) Leave
(B) Conceal
(C) Refrain
(D) Retrieve
Ans. (A)
Q) I opened the door and saw a deceased man.
(A) Old
(B) Weak
(C) Sick
(D) Living
Ans. (D)
Q) There is a deep lake between these two villages.
(A) Good looking
(B) Handsome
(C) Charming
(D) Shallow
Ans. (D)
For more questions, check out NDA-CDS-AFCAT 2 2025 Exam English Live – Antonyms – MCQ Class 2
Why Sentence-Based Antonym Questions Matter
Unlike direct word antonyms, sentence-based questions require:
- 📖 Contextual Understanding: Understanding how the word functions in the sentence
- 🧩 Vocabulary + Grammar Skills: Applying knowledge of word meanings and sentence structure
- 🎯 Accuracy in Elimination: Rejecting options that are unrelated or too similar
Such questions are particularly relevant in CDS and NDA, where the English paper is not just a test of memory, but also of language application.
Takeaways from the Class
- Identify Tone of Sentence: Whether positive or negative, tone helps narrow down antonym choices.
- Look for Clues: Words like “despite,” “although,” or “however” can change the meaning of the sentence.
- Eliminate Close Synonyms: Several distractors may appear similar to the original word — knowing their meanings helps eliminate them.
- Practice Regularly: Exposure to various sentence structures helps develop contextual fluency.
Why This Format Is Important for Defence Aspirants
- Improves Comprehension: Helps in reading and interpreting official communication or reports during service.
- Sharpens Decision-Making: Choosing the right word in the right context is crucial for clarity in communication.
- Boosts Scores in English Section: Sentence-based vocabulary questions are scoring, once mastered.
Recommended Strategy for Sentence-Based Antonym Preparation
- Read Editorials: Focus on underlining adjectives and verbs and think of their opposites.
- Use a Vocabulary Journal: Note antonyms learned in context with a sample sentence.
- Revise in Themes: E.g., emotions, traits, behaviors — understanding antonyms within themes aids retention.
- Practice MCQs Weekly: Focus on 10–15 questions daily from previous years or mocks.
Conclusion
Our Antonym MCQ Live Class 2 focused on sentence-based antonym questions, which are not only essential for CDS and NDA aspirants but also help AFCAT candidates in improving their contextual vocabulary. Learning how to spot antonyms within a sentence format teaches both vocabulary and verbal reasoning, making this topic a dual-skill booster.
For serious defence aspirants, mastering antonyms in context isn’t optional — it’s essential.
