UPSC vocabulary isn’t just about knowing “big words”; it’s about understanding the nuance of words used in administrative, legal, and social contexts. The examiners often pick words from The Hindu or Indian Express editorials.
Here is a targeted list of UPSC vocabulary with synonyms and antonyms that bridge the gap between “common English” and “UPSC English.”
High-Frequency Vocabulary Practice
Part A: Synonyms (Choose the word nearest in meaning)
- Abstain
- (a) Pursue (b) Refrain (c) Accept (d) Indulge
- Pragmatic
- (a) Theoretical (b) Practical (c) Idealistic (d) Arrogant
- Anomalous
- (a) Regular (b) Peculiar (c) Predictable (d) Normal
- Mitigate
- (a) Aggravate (b) Alleviate (c) Intensify (d) Ignore
- Exacerbate
- (a) Worsen (b) Improve (c) Heal (d) Pacify
Part B: Antonyms (Choose the word opposite in meaning)
- Ephemeral
- (a) Short-lived (b) Eternal (c) Fleeting (d) Fragile
- Opaque
- (a) Transparent (b) Cloudy (c) Solid (d) Dark
- Venerate
- (a) Respect (b) Despise (c) Worship (d) Admire
- Benevolent
- (a) Kind (b) Generous (c) Malevolent (d) Friendly
- Ambiguous
- (a) Vague (b) Clear (c) Uncertain (d) Obscure
UPSC Vocabulary | Answers
1. Abstain
Synonym
(b) Refrain
“India chose to abstain from the UN vote.”
2. Pragmatic
Synonym
(b) Practical
“The government needs a pragmatic approach to trade.”
3. Anomalous
Synonym
(b) Peculiar
“An anomalous data spike was noted in the census.”
4. Mitigate
Synonym
(b) Alleviate
“The policy aims to mitigate the effects of poverty.”
5. Exacerbate
Synonym
(a) Worsen
“Shortages will exacerbate the existing crisis.”
6. Ephemeral
Antonym
(b) Eternal
Used for transient issues vs. permanent solutions.
7. Opaque
Antonym
(a) Transparent
Vital for discussions on “Accountability and Transparency.”
8. Venerate
Antonym
(b) Despise
To treat a constitution or figure with deep respect.
9. Benevolent
Antonym
(c) Malevolent
Describing a “Welfare State” (Benevolent governance).
10. Ambiguous
Antonym
(b) Clear
UPSC Vocabulary | Why Vocabulary Matters for the Essay
While you are tested on these words in the 50-mark section, using them correctly in your Short Essay (100 Marks) shows the evaluator that you possess the sophisticated “bureaucratic tone” required for the job.
