Synonym and antonym questions are some of the most common in the 11+ — in verbal reasoning, in CEM-style verbal ability sections, and hidden inside comprehension. They look simple, but they're designed to catch children out. This guide explains the question types, the traps, and gives you a free list of 11+ words with their synonyms and antonyms.
Synonyms and antonyms: a quick refresher
- A synonym has the same or a similar meaning: reluctant → unwilling, hesitant.
- An antonym has the opposite meaning: reluctant → eager, willing.
Synonyms are rarely exact matches. Brilliant can mean clever, dazzling or excellent — so the right synonym depends on the context. That's where many 11+ marks are lost.
How synonyms and antonyms are tested in the 11+
Closest in meaning (from a list)
Which word is closest in meaning to obstinate? (kind · stubborn · lazy · clever)
Answer: stubborn
Most opposite in meaning
Which word is most opposite in meaning to frequent? (regular · rare · quick · busy)
Answer: rare
One word from each group
Choose one word from each group that are most similar in meaning:
(vague · quick · loud) (hazy · bright · angry)
Answer: vague and hazy
In context (comprehension)
"The sombre music filled the hall." Which word could replace sombre? (loud · gloomy · cheerful · fast)
Answer: gloomy
Five techniques for tricky questions
- Define it first. Before looking at the options, say what the word means in your own words.
- Check the word class. Synonyms are usually the same part of speech — an adjective matches an adjective. If the question word is a verb, the answer will almost always be a verb.
- Try it in a sentence. Swap each option into a simple sentence using the original word. The right one keeps the meaning.
- Watch for words with two meanings. Fair (just / light-coloured / a funfair), bark, light, match. The options often include a trap for the "other" meaning.
- Beware "nearly opposite". For antonyms, the trap is a word that's different but not opposite. The antonym of hot is cold, not wet.
Prefixes make antonyms
Many antonyms are formed by adding a prefix — a quick way to build vocabulary:
- un-: necessary → unnecessary, suitable → unsuitable
- in- / im- / il- / ir-: sufficient → insufficient, possible → impossible, legal → illegal, relevant → irrelevant
- dis-: agree → disagree, honest → dishonest
- mis-: understand → misunderstand
More in our guide to prefixes, suffixes and word roots.
11+ synonyms and antonyms list
These words are from the free tier of the Elevenplus FC app. Cover one column and test your child — or pick five a day to learn.
| Word | Synonyms (similar) | Antonyms (opposite) |
|---|---|---|
| Abnormal | Unusual, Atypical, Irregular | Normal, Typical, Ordinary |
| Abstain | Refrain, Forgo, Desist | Indulge, Partake, Consume |
| Accompany | Escort, Attend, Chaperone | Abandon, Leave, Desert |
| Adapt | Adjust, Modify, Alter | Preserve, Retain, Fix |
| Appetite | Hunger, Craving, Desire | Aversion, Distaste, Revulsion |
| Aromatic | Fragrant, Perfumed, Scented | Odourless, Rank, Foul |
| Astute | Clever, Shrewd, Perceptive | Naive, Foolish |
| Baleful | Menacing, Sinister, Ominous | Benign, Kindly, Harmless |
| Bewildered | Confused, Perplexed, Baffled | Clear-headed, Certain, Enlightened |
| Boisterous | Rowdy, Noisy, Lively | Quiet, Calm, Sedate |
| Bother | Annoy, Pester, Disturb | Soothe, Comfort, Please |
| Brilliant | Dazzling, Radiant, Outstanding | Dull, Dim, Mediocre |
| Brooding | Sullen, Moody, Pensive | Cheerful, Carefree, Lighthearted |
| Catastrophic | Disastrous, Devastating, Calamitous | Fortunate, Harmless, Beneficial |
| Ceremonial | Formal, Ritual, Stately | Casual, Informal, Ordinary |
| Circumspect | Wary, Prudent, Guarded | Reckless, Rash, Impulsive |
| Clandestine | Secretive, Covert, Furtive | Open, Overt, Public |
| Clarify | Explain, Elucidate, Simplify | Confuse, Obscure, Muddle |
| Combine | Merge, Unite, Blend | Separate, Divide, Split |
| Comely | Attractive, Handsome, Fair | Unsightly, Plain, Homely |
| Complacent | Smug, Self-satisfied, Untroubled | Concerned, Dissatisfied, Vigilant |
| Complicated | Complex, Intricate, Involved | Simple, Straightforward, Easy |
| Conclude | Finish, Close, Terminate | Begin, Commence, Open |
| Contrived | Artificial, Forced, Laboured | Natural, Spontaneous, Unaffected |
| Conversational | Informal, Chatty, Colloquial | Formal, Literary, Stilted |
| Convince | Persuade, Assure, Sway | Dissuade, Deter, Discourage |
| Cosmopolitan | Worldly, Sophisticated, Multicultural | Provincial, Insular, Parochial |
| Covert | Secret, Concealed, Clandestine | Overt, Open, Public |
| Critical | Disapproving, Faultfinding, Censorious | Complimentary, Approving, Flattering |
| Crooned | Hummed, Warbled, Murmured | Bellowed, Shouted, Screeched |
| Decelerate | Slow, Brake, Retard | Accelerate, Hasten, Quicken |
| Demonstrate | Show, Illustrate, Exhibit | N, A |
| Diffidence | Shyness, Timidity, Reserve | Confidence, Assurance, Boldness |
| Dubious | Doubtful, Uncertain, Suspicious | Certain, Trustworthy |
| Eloquent | Articulate, Expressive | Inarticulate, Tongue-tied, Halting |
| Enigma | Mystery, Puzzle, Riddle | Certainty, Clarity |
| Environment | Surroundings, Habitat, Setting | N, A |
| Erroneous | Incorrect, Mistaken, Inaccurate | Correct, Accurate, Right |
| Evasive | Elusive, Shifty, Equivocal | Direct, Forthright, Candid |
| Exempt | Excused, Released, Immune | Liable, Obliged, Answerable |
| Existence | Being, Life, Actuality | Nonexistence, Absence, Extinction |
| Fluctuate | Vary, Waver, Oscillate | Stabilise, Steady, Settle |
| Forbidden | Prohibited, Banned, Outlawed | Permitted, Allowed, Authorised |
| Frequent | Regular, Recurrent, Habitual | Rare, Occasional, Infrequent |
| Guarantee | Warranty, Pledge, Assurance | N, A |
| Hesitate | Pause, Waver, Falter | Proceed, Decide, Plunge |
| Hilarious | Uproarious, Comical, Side-splitting | Serious, Solemn, Unfunny |
| Hypothesis | Theory, Supposition, Conjecture | Fact, Certainty, Proof |
| Impressive | Striking, Remarkable, Imposing | Unimpressive, Ordinary, Forgettable |
| Indirect | Roundabout, Circuitous, Meandering | Direct, Straight, Immediate |
| Inquire | Ask, Query, Enquire | N, A |
| Interpret | Explain, Decipher, Clarify | Confuse, Obscure, Misread |
| Interspersed | Scattered, Dotted, Sprinkled | Gathered, Concentrated, Clustered |
| Jubilant | Elated, Overjoyed, Triumphant | Downcast, Dejected, Miserable |
| Knowledge | Understanding, Learning, Expertise | Ignorance, Inexperience, Unawareness |
| Lethargic | Sluggish, Listless, Torpid | Energetic, Lively, Alert |
| Literature | Writings, Works, Prose | N, A |
| Motivate | Inspire, Encourage, Spur | Discourage, Deter, Dishearten |
| Motivation | Incentive, Drive, Impetus | Apathy, Discouragement, Indifference |
| Objection | Protest, Complaint, Opposition | Approval, Agreement, Consent |
| Obstinate | Stubborn, Headstrong, Unyielding | Flexible, Compliant |
| Offensive | Insulting, Hurtful, Objectionable | Inoffensive, Pleasing, Agreeable |
| Perplexed | Baffled, Confused, Puzzled | Clear-headed, Certain |
| Persuade | Convince, Coax, Sway | Dissuade, Deter, Discourage |
| Proficient | Skilled, Adept, Accomplished | Inept, Incompetent, Unskilled |
| Prudent | Sensible, Wise, Careful | Reckless, Foolish |
| Reckon | Calculate, Suppose, Judge | Doubt, Miscalculate, Disbelieve |
| Relevant | Pertinent, Applicable, Related | Irrelevant, Unrelated, Immaterial |
| Reluctant | Unwilling, Hesitant, Loath | Eager, Willing |
| Renowned | Famous, Celebrated, Eminent | Unknown, Obscure, Anonymous |
| Reside | Dwell, Inhabit, Live | Leave, Depart, Vacate |
| Resilience | Toughness, Hardiness, Buoyancy | Fragility, Brittleness, Vulnerability |
| Resilient | Tough, Adaptable | Fragile, Weak |
| Reveal | Disclose, Divulge, Uncover | Conceal, Hide, Withhold |
| Rigid | Stiff, Inflexible, Unbending | Flexible, Pliable, Supple |
| Sagacious | Wise, Astute, Shrewd | Foolish, Naive |
| Sequence | Order, Series, Succession | Disorder, Randomness, Jumble |
| Significant | Important, Notable, Meaningful | Trivial, Insignificant, Minor |
| Speculate | Conjecture, Hypothesise, Surmise | Verify, Prove, Establish |
| Sufficient | Adequate, Enough, Ample | Insufficient, Inadequate, Lacking |
| Tangible | Touchable, Concrete, Palpable | Intangible, Abstract, Imaginary |
| Temper | Moderate, Soften, Tone down | Intensify, Aggravate, Heighten |
| Tenacious | Persistent, Resolute, Determined | Weak-willed, Irresolute |
| Tolerate | Endure, Bear, Permit | Forbid, Reject, Oppose |
| Toxic | Poisonous, Venomous, Noxious | Harmless, Safe, Wholesome |
| Transform | Convert, Alter, Reshape | Preserve, Maintain, Retain |
| Unique | Singular, Distinctive, Unmatched | Common, Ordinary, Typical |
| Unnecessary | Needless, Superfluous, Redundant | Necessary, Essential, Vital |
| Unsuitable | Inappropriate, Unfit, Improper | Suitable, Appropriate, Fitting |
| Utility | Usefulness, Practicality, Benefit | Uselessness, Futility, Worthlessness |
| Vague | Unclear, Indistinct, Hazy | Precise, Definite, Clear |
| Vivacious | Lively, Animated, Spirited | Dull, Lifeless |
| Witness | Observer, Bystander, Onlooker | N, A |
| Zealous | Enthusiastic, Passionate, Fervent | Apathetic, Indifferent |
Every word above is free in Elevenplus FC with flashcards, quizzes and "use it in a sentence" practice — and Premium adds over 1,400 more. See 11+ vocabulary practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a synonym and an antonym?
A synonym is a word with the same or a similar meaning (happy and joyful). An antonym is a word with the opposite meaning (happy and miserable).
Where do synonyms and antonyms appear in the 11+?
In verbal reasoning (choose the word closest or most opposite in meaning), in CEM-style verbal ability sections, in comprehension vocabulary questions, and in cloze tests. They also help children vary their word choice in creative writing.
How can my child learn more synonyms and antonyms?
Learn words in families rather than alone — each new word with two or three synonyms and an antonym. Use a thesaurus when writing, play word games, and review new words regularly with spaced repetition.