NDA Antonyms previous year questions with solutions

Answer: (d) degrade

Method. optimize = make best; opposite degrade

Upgrade, rationalize and maximize are in the same direction; degrade (make worse) is the opposite.

Answer: (b) carelessly

Method. conscientiously = carefully; opposite carelessly

Assiduously, painstakingly, scrupulously are synonyms; carelessly is the opposite.

Answer: (a) exacerbate

Method. counteract = neutralise; opposite exacerbate

Foil, thwart and contravene all mean to work against; exacerbate (make worse) is the one that goes the other way.

Answer: (a) give up

Method. persevere = keep trying; opposite give up

Persist, carry on and stand firm are synonyms; 'give up' is the opposite.

Answer: (d) manage

Method. squander = waste; opposite manage (use wisely)

Fritter away and splurge are synonyms; 'squabble' means quarrel and is unrelated; 'manage' (handle one's money prudently) is the only option that contrasts with wasting.

Answer: (c) regard

Method. neglect = disregard; opposite regard

Disregard, ignore, overlook are synonyms of neglect; 'regard' (heed) is the opposite.

Answer: (a) weaken

Method. fortify = strengthen; opposite weaken

'Fortify' (make strong) is matched by brace, strengthen, encourage; 'weaken' is its opposite.

Answer: (c) originates

Method. culminate = end; opposite originate

The river ends (culminates, concludes, merges) in the Bay; 'originates' is the opposite. 'Flows' is not.

Answer: (a) shrivel

Method. grow opposed by shrivel

Grow = increase in size; shrivel = shrink and wither. Stretch, spread and enlarge point the same way.

Answer: (d) frequently

Method. rarely opposed by frequently

Rarely = not often; its direct opposite is 'frequently'. Seldom and never are near-synonyms; 'always' is the opposite of 'never', not of 'rarely', so it is the weaker candidate.

Answer: (b) alertly

Method. absently = inattentively; opposite = alertly

In the sentence, 'absently' means with the mind elsewhere. Its opposite is 'alertly' (attentive). 'Dreamily' is a near-synonym; 'capably' and 'agitatedly' do not oppose the sense.

Answer: (c) prohibit

Method. 'permit' vs 'prohibit'

'Permit' = allow; opposite is 'prohibit' (forbid).

Answer: (d) unlinked to

Method. 'geared to' = adapted/⁠linked to

'Geared to' means adjusted/⁠linked to requirements; the contrary is 'unlinked to'. 'Related to' and 'adjusted to' are synonyms.

Answer: (c) repel

Method. 'attract' vs 'repel'

'Attract' = draw towards; opposite is 'repel' (push away).

Answer: (b) energetic

Method. 'run down' = tired, exhausted

'Feels run down' means exhausted; the contrary is 'energetic'. 'Exhausted' is the synonym.

Answer: (c) restraint

Method. 'violence' = use of force; contrary: restraint

'Violence' is unrestrained force; of the options 'restraint' (self-control, holding back) is the opposite. 'Instigation' encourages violence; 'sobriety' is soberness, not its contrary.

Answer: (d) called off

Method. 'carry on' = continue

'Carried on the search' = continued it; the opposite is 'called off' (cancelled/⁠stopped). 'Broke up' means ended a gathering, not a search.

Answer: (c) denied

Method. 'corroborate' = confirm with evidence

To corroborate a statement is to support/⁠confirm it; the contrary is 'denied'. 'Confirmed' is the synonym, 'accepted' and 'repeated' are not opposites.

Answer: (d) steadfast

Method. capricious = changeable; opposite steadfast

Erratic and whimsical are synonyms; steadfast (unwavering) is the opposite. Ceremonial is irrelevant.

Answer: (c) pragmatic

Method. idealistic = guided by ideals; opposite pragmatic

Visionary, utopian and romantic are near synonyms; pragmatic (practical) is the opposite.

Answer: (b) conciliatory

Method. caustic = bitingly harsh; opposite conciliatory

Sarcastic, acerbic and acrimonious are biting; conciliatory (soothing, placating) is the opposite.

Answer: (b) credulous

Method. sceptical = doubting; opposite credulous

Credulous means ready to believe; guarded and restrained are not opposed.

Answer: (d) buoyant

Method. sombre = gloomy; opposite buoyant (cheerful)

Shady and dingy are dark, restrained is subdued; only buoyant is the opposite mood after a mishap.

Answer: (a) scrupulous

Method. disingenuous = insincere; opposite scrupulous (honest)

Duplicitous, mendacious and perfidious are all deceitful, close to disingenuous; scrupulous (honest, principled) is the opposite.

Answer: (a) composed

Method. excitable = easily roused; opposite composed

Agitated, aggrieved and alarmed are states of disturbance; composed (calm) is the opposite.

Answer: (b) enlightened

Method. perplexed = puzzled; opposite enlightened

Confused, befuddled and misled are close to perplexed; enlightened (given clear understanding) is the opposite.

Answer: (a) reverential

Method. disdainful = scornful; opposite reverential

Derisive, supercilious, insolent express contempt; reverential (full of respect) is the opposite.

Answer: (b) modest

Method. ostentatious = showy; opposite modest

Tawdry and gaudy are showy; modest is the opposite.

Answer: (c) normal

Method. eccentric opposed by normal

Eccentric = unconventional, odd; normal = conventional. Strange is the synonym.

Answer: (b) refined

Method. crude (unrefined) opposed by refined

A crude person = coarse, ill-mannered; refined = cultured. Coarse is the synonym.

Answer: (c) malevolent

Method. benevolent opposed by malevolent

Benevolent = well-wishing; malevolent = wishing harm.

Answer: (a) flexible

Method. obdurate (stubborn) opposed by flexible

Obdurate = stubbornly unyielding; flexible = willing to bend. Callous and insensible are nearer synonyms (hard-hearted); obnoxious is unrelated.

Answer: (b) amenable

Method. dogmatic opposed by amenable

Dogmatic = rigidly asserting one's opinions; amenable = open to persuasion. Assertive and rigid are near-synonyms.

Answer: (a) stable

Method. fickle opposed by stable

Fickle = changeable; capricious, mercurial and vacillating are synonyms; 'stable' is the odd one and the antonym.

Answer: (a) stingy

Method. generous opposed by stingy

Generous = giving freely; stingy = unwilling to give.

Answer: (c) lazy

Method. industrious opposed by lazy

Industrious = hard-working; lazy = unwilling to work. Active and productive are near-synonyms.

Answer: (c) straightforward

Method. crooked (dishonest) opposed by straightforward

With a woman as subject, 'crooked' = dishonest/⁠devious; the opposite is 'straightforward' (honest, open).

Answer: (c) amenable

Method. 'obstinate' vs 'amenable'

'Obstinate' = stubborn; opposite is 'amenable' (willing to yield). Stubborn, dogged, rigid are synonyms.

Answer: (c) trustworthy

Method. 'dubious' = suspect, not to be trusted

A 'dubious character' is shady/⁠suspect; the opposite is 'trustworthy'. Other three are near-synonyms (odd one out).

Answer: (a) vigilant

Method. 'unmindful' = heedless

'Unmindful activities' = careless acts; the opposite is 'vigilant' (watchful). 'Careless', 'stupid', 'fatuous' are near-synonyms.

Answer: (a) modest

Method. 'vain' = conceited

'Vain person' = conceited, self-admiring; the opposite is 'modest'. Arrogant, conceited, proud are synonyms.

Answer: (d) impartial

Method. 'biased' vs 'impartial'

'Biased' = prejudiced; opposite is 'impartial'. 'Prejudiced' is the synonym.

Answer: (b) coward

Method. 'brave' vs 'coward'

'Brave' = courageous; opposite is 'coward'. 'Weak person' is not the exact contrary of bravery.

Answer: (b) trivial

Method. 'serious' (temperament) = earnest, grave

'Serious by temperament' = grave, earnest. 'Grave' and 'sober' are synonyms; of the rest, 'trivial' (light, unimportant) is the contrary of serious.

Answer: (a) niggard

Method. 'generous' = giving freely; opposite miserly

'Niggard' = a stingy person/⁠miserly. 'Spendthrift' is wasteful, not opposed to generous giving; 'selfish' is a general fault, 'niggard' is the exact contrary.

Answer: (c) industrious

Method. 'idle' = not working, lazy

'Idle by temperament' = lazy; the opposite is 'industrious'. 'Employed' and 'occupied' describe a state at a time, not temperament.

Answer: (c) diffident

Method. 'confident' = self-assured; opposite diffident

'Diffident' = lacking self-confidence, shy; the exact opposite of 'confident'.

Answer: (a) reserved

Method. 'affable' = friendly, approachable

'Affable' means friendly and easy to talk to; the contrary is 'reserved' (distant, cold). 'Irritable' is bad-tempered, a weaker opposite in this sense; 'lovable' is near-synonymous, 'gullible' unrelated.

Answer: (b) cadaverous

Method. ruddy = healthy reddish; opposite cadaverous (deathly pale)

A ruddy face is red and healthy; cadaverous means gaunt and corpse-pale. Cacophonous (sound), nauseous (sickening) and bumptious (conceited) are not about complexion.

Answer: (d) scintillating

Method. listless = lacking energy; opposite scintillating

A listless performance is dull; scintillating means sparkling and brilliant. Wearying and unengaging are close to it, not opposed.

Answer: (a) consecutive

Method. concurrent = happening at the same time; opposite consecutive

Four fairs held simultaneously; consecutive means one after another. The other options (distributive, aberrative, abstersive) do not relate to time.

Answer: (b) beautiful

Method. hideous = very ugly; opposite beautiful

Appalling, grotesque and macabre are ugly or horrible; beautiful is the opposite.

Answer: (a) hard

Method. malleable = pliable, can be shaped; opposite hard (unyielding)

Malleable metals yield to hammering; of the options only 'hard' (rigid, not easily shaped) is opposed. Strong and weak concern strength, not pliancy; 'tender' is nearer a synonym (soft).

Answer: (d) mild

Method. excruciating = intensely painful; opposite mild

Gnawing, gruelling, harrowing all mean severe; mild is the opposite.

Answer: (b) wearying

Method. refreshing = reviving; opposite wearying

Revivifying and rejuvenating are synonyms; wearying (tiring) is the opposite. 'Conniving' is irrelevant.

Answer: (b) murky

Method. dazzling = brilliant; opposite murky

Dazzling is splendid, fulgent (shining); murky (dark, dim) is the opposite. 'Dazing' is a distractor, not an antonym.

Answer: (b) verdant

Method. bleak = barren, cheerless; opposite verdant

Cheerless, desolate and bare are synonyms; verdant (green, lush) is the opposite of a bleak countryside.

Answer: (c) meager

Method. exponential growth = very rapid; opposite meagre

Aggressive, rampant, augmented suggest rapid increase; meagre (scanty) is opposite.

Answer: (d) unimpressive

Method. monumental opposed by unimpressive

Monumental achievements = huge and striking; unimpressive is the opposite. Enormous, memorable and striking are close in sense.

Answer: (c) sturdy

Method. frail opposed by sturdy

Frail = physically weak; sturdy = strong and robust. Weak and delicate are synonyms.

Answer: (c) wet

Method. parched opposed by wet

Parched = very dry; wet is the opposite. Dry, desiccated and scorched are synonyms.

Answer: (a) rutted

Method. smooth opposed by rutted

A smooth road has an even surface; a rutted road is full of ruts/⁠grooves. Silken is a synonym of smooth.

Answer: (d) balanced

Method. lopsided (one-sided) opposed by balanced

'Lopsided' opinion = biased/⁠uneven; 'balanced' is its opposite. Partial, crooked and unequal are near-synonyms.

Answer: (a) broad-based

Method. microscopic (narrow) opposed by broad-based

Applied to views, 'microscopic' = extremely narrow/⁠small in scope; the opposite is 'broad-based'. Minute and fine are synonyms in the sense of tiny.

Answer: (d) superficial

Method. profound opposed by superficial

Profound respect = deep respect; superficial = shallow. Deep, extreme and sincere are near-synonyms.

Answer: (c) calm

Method. turbulent opposed by calm

Turbulent times = unsettled, stormy; calm is the opposite. Unstable and stormy are synonyms.

Answer: (c) repulsive

Method. attractive opposed by repulsive

Attractive = pleasing to the eye; repulsive = causing disgust.

Answer: (d) finite

Method. boundless opposed by finite

Boundless = without limits; finite = having limits. High, vast and expansive are close in sense to boundless.

Answer: (d) shallow

Method. deep opposed by shallow

Deep (of water) = extending far down; shallow = of little depth.

Answer: (b) colder

Method. warmer opposed by colder

Warmer (higher in temperature) vs colder; the other options are not temperature words.

Answer: (c) tiny

Method. huge opposed by tiny

Huge = very large; tiny = very small. Significant, major (large in amount) are near-synonyms; 'dormant' means inactive.

Answer: (b) one-sided

Method. 'reciprocal' = mutual

'Friendship is reciprocal' = mutual; opposite is 'one-sided'. Mutual, shared, corresponding are near-synonyms.

Answer: (c) boring

Method. 'stimulating' vs 'boring'

A 'stimulating debate' is interesting and arousing; opposite is 'boring'. Arousing, invigorating, stirring are synonyms.

Answer: (d) rare

Method. 'widespread' vs 'rare'

'Widespread' = found over a large area; opposite is 'rare'. Endemic, pervasive, common are near-synonyms.

Answer: (c) terminal

Method. 'curable' vs 'terminal'

'Curable' = can be cured; opposite is 'terminal' (incurable, ending in death). Remediable, treatable, operable are synonyms.

Answer: (a) exciting

Method. 'monotonous' vs 'exciting'

'Monotonous' = dull, unvaried; opposite is 'exciting'. Dreary, tedious, uneventful are near-synonyms.

Answer: (b) attractive

Method. 'repulsive' vs 'attractive'

'Repulsive' = causing aversion; opposite is 'attractive'. Abominable, obnoxious, ugly are near-synonyms.

Answer: (d) turbulent

Method. 'serene' vs 'turbulent'

'Serene' = calm, peaceful; opposite is 'turbulent'. Placid, tranquil (and pleasing in the sentence) are synonyms.

Answer: (c) eternal

Method. 'transient' vs 'eternal'

'Transient' = lasting only briefly; opposite is 'eternal'. Brief, momentary, short-lived are synonyms.

Answer: (c) homogenous

Method. 'miscellaneous' = of mixed kinds

Miscellaneous = made of various kinds; the opposite is 'homogenous' (of one kind). 'Mixed' is a synonym.

Answer: (b) incoming

Method. 'outgoing' vs 'incoming'

'Outgoing mail' goes out; the opposite is 'incoming' mail.

Answer: (b) effortless

Method. 'arduous' = requiring great effort

'Arduous' means laborious, needing great effort; opposite is 'effortless'. 'Pleasant' says nothing about effort and 'risky' is not its contrary.

Answer: (c) explicit

Method. equivocal = ambiguous; opposite explicit

Ambiguous, evasive, guarded are synonyms in the sentence; explicit (clear and direct) is the opposite.

Answer: (a) veracious

Method. fallacious = false, based on error; opposite veracious (truthful)

Misleading and erroneous are synonyms; procedural is unrelated.

Answer: (c) substantiated

Method. speculative = based on conjecture; opposite substantiated (backed by evidence)

Conjectural and hypothetical are synonyms; interpretive is neutral.

Answer: (d) perfect

Method. fallible = liable to err; opposite perfect

Frail, erring and mortal describe human weakness; perfect (faultless) is the opposite.

Answer: (c) precise

Method. vague = unclear; opposite precise

Obscure is a synonym of vague; precise (exact) is the opposite. Identical and imperceptible do not contrast.

Answer: (a) essential

Method. incidental = occurring by chance, not central; opposite essential

Adventitious, serendipitous and subsidiary are synonyms in the sense of non-essential; essential is the opposite.

Answer: (d) commendable

Method. deplorable = shameful; opposite commendable

Reprehensible, opprobrious, despicable are all blameworthy; commendable (praiseworthy) is the opposite.

Answer: (d) public

Method. clandestine = secret; opposite public

Secret, covert and sneaky all mean hidden; held in the open, 'public'.

Answer: (c) obvious

Method. obscure opposed by obvious

Obscure = unclear; murky, vague and uncertain are synonyms; 'obvious' = clear, plain, the opposite.

Answer: (d) fortunate

Method. hapless opposed by fortunate

Hapless = unlucky, wretched; fortunate is the opposite. Wretched and miserable are synonyms.

Answer: (d) questionable

Method. irrefutable opposed by questionable

Irrefutable = cannot be disproved; questionable = open to doubt. Overwhelming, undeniable and certain are synonyms.

Answer: (a) unstylish

Method. sartorial (relating to clothes) opposed by unstylish

'Sartorial' = relating to clothes or style of dress; it has no exact antonym, and the question takes a 'sartorial manner' to be a smart way of dressing. Of the options only 'unstylish' opposes that; uncompromising, common and crude do not concern dress.

Answer: (d) fake

Method. authentic opposed by fake

Authentic = genuine; fake = counterfeit. Genuine is the synonym; expensive and rare are unrelated.

Answer: (b) condemnable

Method. praiseworthy opposed by condemnable

Admirable, commendable and creditable are synonyms of praiseworthy; 'condemnable' (deserving blame) is the opposite.

Answer: (a) progressive

Method. retrograde (backward-moving) opposed by progressive

Retrograde = going backwards, regressive; 'progressive' is the opposite. Retreating and reverse are synonyms.

Answer: (c) unacceptable

Method. palatable (acceptable) opposed by unacceptable

Of solutions, 'palatable' = acceptable; the opposite is 'unacceptable'. Acceptable, agreeable and pleasant are synonyms.

Answer: (c) ignorant

Method. educated opposed by ignorant

'Educated' here means well-informed. Cerebral, enlightened and erudite are all near-synonyms; 'ignorant' is the odd one out and the opposite (standard dictionary sense).

Answer: (b) trivial

Method. important opposed by trivial

'Important' = of great significance; 'trivial' = of little importance. Significant and basic are synonyms; 'probable' is unrelated.

Answer: (d) rational

Method. 'absurd' vs 'rational'

'Absurd' = senseless, irrational; opposite is 'rational'. Farcical, foolish, preposterous are synonyms.

Answer: (a) vague

Method. 'incisive' = sharp, clear and direct

An 'incisive article' is penetrating and sharply analytical; of the options, 'vague' is the opposite. 'Penetrating', 'trenchant' are synonyms, and 'precise' is also close in sense.

Answer: (b) apathetic

Method. 'vehement' = forceful, intense

'Vehement resistance' = intense, passionate; opposite is 'apathetic' (showing no feeling). Fervent, vigorous, animated are synonyms.

Answer: (d) unknown

Method. 'prominent' vs 'unknown'

'Prominent' = well known; opposite is 'unknown'. Renowned, eminent, distinguishable are near-synonyms.

Answer: (c) ominous

Method. 'auspicious' vs 'ominous'

'Auspicious' = of good omen; opposite is 'ominous'. The other three are near-synonyms.

Answer: (c) correct

Method. 'unjust' = not fair; opposite just/⁠right

'Unjust' decisions are unfair; the opposite is 'correct' (right, fair). 'Lenient' is mild, not the contrary of unjust.

Answer: (b) foreign

Method. 'indigenous' = native to the place

Indigenous components are locally made, i.e. native; the opposite is 'foreign'.

Answer: (b) ominous

Method. 'auspicious' = favourable, of good omen

'Auspicious' = promising good fortune; opposite is 'ominous' (portending ill).

Answer: (a) communicativeness

Method. reticence = reluctance to speak; opposite communicativeness

Reserve, restraint and diffidence are synonyms of reticence; communicativeness (talkativeness) is the opposite.

Answer: (a) iniquity

Method. righteousness = moral uprightness; opposite iniquity

Iniquity is wickedness. Ingenuity, absorptivity and incredulity are unrelated.

Answer: (c) timidness

Method. audaciousness = boldness; opposite timidness

Boldness and fearlessness are synonyms; timidness is the opposite. Insightfulness is unrelated.

Answer: (d) Ambiguity

Method. lucidity = clarity; opposite ambiguity

Felicity and facility are look-alike distractors; ambiguity (unclearness) is the antonym.

Answer: (a) quietude

Method. commotion = disturbance; opposite quietude

Uproar, tempest and stir are all disturbance; quietude is calm, the opposite.

Answer: (d) politeness

Method. audacity = boldness, even impudence; opposite politeness

Boldness and temerity are synonyms; in 'had the audacity to blame him' audacity is rude daring, whose opposite is politeness. Vigour is not its opposite.

Answer: (c) accumulation

Method. abatement = reduction; opposite accumulation

Subsidence, ebbing and mitigation all mean lessening; accumulation is a building up, the opposite.

Answer: (c) ignorance

Method. sagacity = wisdom; opposite ignorance

Prudence, wisdom and sapience are synonyms; ignorance is the opposite.

Answer: (b) dislike

Method. craving opposed by dislike

Craving = strong desire; 'dislike' is the opposite. 'Discomfort' opposes 'comfort', the object of the craving, not 'craving' itself.

Answer: (b) insufficiency

Method. plenitude opposed by insufficiency

Plenitude = abundance; insufficiency = shortage. Abundance, ample and plethora are synonyms.

Answer: (a) diffidence

Method. confidence opposed by diffidence

Confidence = self-assurance; diffidence = lack of self-confidence.

Answer: (d) dishonesty

Method. integrity opposed by dishonesty

Integrity = honesty, moral uprightness; dishonesty is the opposite. Dependability is only a loose synonym.

Answer: (b) drought

Method. deluge (flood) opposed by drought

Deluge = great flood; drought = prolonged lack of water. Cloudburst is a near-synonym; drizzle is only light rain, and drought (too little water) is the true opposite of a flood.

Answer: (c) apathy

Method. dedication opposed by apathy

Dedication = commitment to a cause; apathy = lack of interest or concern.

Answer: (b) dullness

Method. perspicacity opposed by dullness

Perspicacity = keen mental insight; dullness = lack of mental sharpness. Smartness is the synonym.

Answer: (d) dislike

Method. penchant opposed by dislike

Penchant = strong liking; dislike is the opposite. Tendency and affinity are synonyms.

Answer: (b) scarcity

Method. plenty opposed by scarcity

Plenty = abundance; scarcity = shortage.

Answer: (d) agreement

Method. debate opposed by agreement

A debate is a dispute; contend, moot and wrangle are its synonyms, so 'agreement' is the odd one out and the antonym.

Answer: (a) imperviousness

Method. sensitivity (responsiveness) opposed by imperviousness

In the sentence 'sensitivity' = degree of responsiveness to a change; the opposite is 'imperviousness' (unresponsiveness, not affected). 'Responsiveness' is the synonym.

Answer: (c) conformist

Method. 'dissident' vs 'conformist'

A 'dissident' disagrees with official policy; the opposite is a 'conformist'. Agitator, rebel, revolutionary are near-synonyms.

Answer: (d) thrifty

Method. 'prodigal' = wastefully extravagant

'Prodigal' = spendthrift; opposite is 'thrifty'. Extravagant, profligate, wasteful are synonyms.

Answer: (d) friendship

Method. 'hostility' vs 'friendship'

'Hostility' = enmity; opposite is 'friendship'. Animosity, belligerence, malice are near-synonyms.

Answer: (d) heterodox

Method. 'orthodox' vs 'heterodox'

'Orthodox' = conforming to accepted belief; 'heterodox' = departing from it.

Answer: (c) dissimilarity

Method. 'likeness' = resemblance; opposite dissimilarity

Sense fixed by the sentence: likeness = resemblance between brothers. Its contrary is 'dissimilarity'. 'Unlikeliness/⁠unlikelihood' mean improbability (a different word from 'unlikeness'), and 'disaffinity' is a rare, non-standard word.

Answer: (a) uniformity

Method. 'diversity' = variety; opposite uniformity

'Diversity' = variety; the contrary is 'uniformity' (sameness). 'Conformity', 'identity', 'similarity' are weaker/⁠other senses; uniformity is the exact antonym.

Answer: (d) disgust

Method. 'delight' = great pleasure

'Delight' in one's children is joy; the contrary is 'disgust'. 'Enjoyment' is the synonym; 'dissatisfaction' is a weaker lack of satisfaction, whereas disgust is the true emotional opposite of delight.

Answer: (a) success

Method. fiasco = total failure

'Fiasco' means a complete failure; its opposite is 'success'. 'Disaster' is a synonym. Sense: Collins/⁠Oxford.

Answer: (c) amateur

Method. professional (one who works for pay, skilled) vs amateur

Amateur is the standard antonym: one who pursues an art without it being his occupation. Dilettante also means a dabbler, but implies a casual or superficial interest, a nearer synonym of amateur than the contrasting term; apprentice and aspirant describe stages of training, not the opposite of professional status.

Answer: (b) opaque

Method. clear (transparent/⁠free of cloud) opposed by opaque

'Clear' as in free of haze; the only option that opposes it is 'opaque' (not transparent). Bright, cloudless and blue are synonyms or associations.

Answer: (c) stall

Method. move (in an orbit) opposed by stall

In the sentence 'move' means keep in motion; 'stall' = stop moving. Push, rotate and flow are motion words, not opposites.

Answer: (d) concealed

Method. expressed = stated/⁠made known; opposite = concealed

Used as 'stated' (made known) in the sentence, 'expressed' is opposed by 'concealed' (hidden). 'Told' is a synonym.

Answer: (b) indifferent

Method. concerned (worried) opposed by indifferent

In the sentence 'concerned' = worried/⁠anxious about; the opposite is 'indifferent' (unconcerned). Worried, curious and puzzled are near-synonyms or unrelated.

Answer: (c) embellish

Method. 'spoil' vs 'embellish'

'Spoil' = ruin; the opposite is 'embellish' (make better, adorn). 'Wreck', 'upset', 'tarnish' are synonyms in this sense.

Answer: (d) uninvolved

Method. 'concerned' (noun use) = involved, affected

'The people concerned' = those involved in the party; the opposite is 'uninvolved'. The other options use different senses of care/⁠attention.

Answer: (c) coarse

Method. 'fine' (ear for music) = delicate, sensitive

A 'fine ear' is a delicate, sensitive one; the opposite is 'coarse' (rough, insensitive). 'Smooth' is not the contrary of this sense.

Answer: (c) flourishing

Method. 'liquidated' (company) = wound up

A company 'liquidated' has been closed down because of insolvency; the contrary is 'flourishing'. 'Bankrupt' and 'closed down' are synonyms; 'privatised' is a change of ownership, not a contrary.

Answer: (b) indifferent

Method. 'concerned' = anxious, caring

'Concerned about his son's career' = caring/⁠worried; the opposite is 'indifferent'. 'Dispassionate' means unemotional/⁠impartial, a weaker fit.