These WAEC questions on Antonyms are all from its sub-topics in the WAEC ENGLISH SYLLABUS.
We have also covered each Antonyms sub-topic with detailed explanation in our WAEC English lesson online.
- SEE LESSON ON ANTONYMS NOW
WAEC Antonym questions
Attempt each question before checking its correct answer and explanation.
Choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will at the same time correctly fill the gap in the sentence.
WAEC English 1996 (1)
1. The handsome profit from her fish business made Mrs Uba stop complaining about her husband's _____ salary.
A. ugly
B. meagre
C. modest
D. lowly
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
If “handsome” had described a person or thing, the opposite would have been “ugly”. But since it is used to describe “profit” (money or gains) in abundance, the correct opposite is “meagre”, meaning very little or not enough.
WAEC English 2010 (2)
2. Chief Osa prefers fame in the village to _____ in the city.
A. neglect
B. ignorance
C. poverty
D. obscurity
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
Since “fame” means to be known, the correct opposite is to be unknown (obscurity).
WAEC English 2010 (3)
3. The media houses should employ both novice and the _____ journalists.
A. apprentice
B. probationer
C. newcomer
D. veteran
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
Since “novice” means beginner or someone inexperienced, the correct opposite is “veteran” (a person with enough experience).
WAEC English 2010 (4)
4. While the registrar considers the matter insignificant, his deputy sees it as _____.
A. minute
B. crucial
C. compulsory
D. marvellous
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
Since “insignificant” means unimportant, the correct opposite is “crucial” (extremely important). “Compulsory” is wrong because its opposite is “optional” which means ‘still an option to be considered’. But insignificant is so unimportant that it is not even considered an option at all.
WAEC English 2010 (5)
5. It pays to be firm rather than _____ in a case like this.
A. flexible
B. frank
C. irresponsible
D. careless
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
Since “firm” (as used in the sentence) means to insist or stand strong on a decision without bending or changing it for any reason, the correct opposite is “flexible” (easily influenced to change).
WAEC English 2010 (6)
6. Usually, Joseph is articulate in his speech, but today he sounds _____.
A. clear
B. turgid
C. timid
D. incoherent
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
Since “articulate” (as used in the sentence) means to speak clearly in a manner that make sense and is easy to understand, the correct opposite is “incoherent” (not making any logical sense). “Timid” just means to be afraid which has no connection with logic.
WAEC English 2010 (7)
7. The man's first wife is loyal, while his second is _____.
A. unfaithful
B. unkind
C. selfish
D. hostile
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
Since “loyal” means faithful, the correct opposite is “unfaithful” (disloyal).
WAEC English 2010 (8)
8. Rather than convict him, the impartial judge _____ him.
A. blamed
B. dismissed
C. upheld
D. acquitted
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
Since “convict” (verb) means to find someone guilty of an offence, the correct opposite is “acquitted” (found innocent).
WAEC English 2010 (9)
9. Instead of reconciling her parents, Roxanne worked hard at _____ them.
A. dividing
B. destroying
C. separating
D. isolating
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
In a relationship, SEPARATION is about physical distance while DIVISION is more of emotional and mental distance. Since it is about “her parents’ relationship”, the correct opposite of “reconciling” would be “dividing”, not “separating”.
WAEC English 2010 (10)
10. We thought that Uncle Sam's health had improved but it had rather _____.
A. persisted
B. deteriorated
C. deepened
D. decreased
SEE EXPLANATION ✅
“Improved” (as used in the sentence) means “got better”. So, the correct opposite is “deteriorated” (got worse).
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