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CSS 2005 — Synonyms & Antonyms (Solved)

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2005 had 5 synonyms and 5 antonyms of classic GRE-style vocabulary. The option sets did not survive, so each question shows the word and the correct answer.

(a) Synonyms

1. TOUCHSTONE

✅

Answer: Criterion / standard

Urdu: کسوٹی، معیار
Meaning (n.): a standard or criterion by which something is judged
Synonyms: criterion, standard, benchmark, yardstick, gauge, test
Antonyms: (none)
Sentences:
1. Honesty is the touchstone of good governance.
2. The Objectives Resolution became a touchstone for later constitutions.
🔁 Also asked in 2010.

2. SEQUESTER

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Answer: Isolate / seclude

Urdu: الگ تھلگ کرنا؛ ضبط کرنا
Meaning (v.): to isolate or hide away; (law) to take legal possession of assets
Synonyms: isolate, seclude, separate, segregate, confiscate, impound
Antonyms: release, free, integrate, return, mix
Sentences:
1. The jury was sequestered during the trial.
2. The court sequestered the tycoon's properties.

3. DÉNOUEMENT

✅

Answer: Conclusion / final outcome

Urdu: انجام، کہانی کا آخری حصہ جہاں گرہ کھلے
Meaning (n.): the final part of a play or story in which matters are explained or resolved
Synonyms: conclusion, outcome, resolution, climax, finale, culmination
Antonyms: beginning, introduction, prologue, exposition, opening
Sentences:
1. The dénouement of the drama surprised everyone.
2. The crisis reached its dénouement with the resignation.

4. TORPOR

✅

Answer: Lethargy / inactivity

Urdu: سستی، کاہلی، بے حسی
Meaning (n.): a state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy
Synonyms: lethargy, inertia, sluggishness, apathy, languor, stupor
Antonyms: energy, vigour, activity, liveliness, alertness
Sentences:
1. The afternoon heat induced a pleasant torpor.
2. Bureaucratic torpor delayed the project for years.

5. ANATHEMA

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Answer: Something detested / a curse

Urdu: نفرت انگیز شے، ملعون، لعنت
Meaning (n.): something or someone one vehemently dislikes; a formal curse
Synonyms: abomination, bane, curse, taboo, bugbear, pariah
Antonyms: blessing, favourite, delight, benediction
Sentences:
1. Dictatorship is anathema to democrats.
2. Cheating is anathema to a true sportsman.

(b) Antonyms

6. DELETERIOUS

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Answer: Beneficial / healthy

Urdu: مضر، نقصان دہ
Meaning (adj.): causing harm or damage
Synonyms: harmful, damaging, detrimental, injurious, pernicious, toxic
Antonyms: beneficial, healthy, advantageous, salutary, wholesome
Sentences:
1. Smog has deleterious effects on health.
2. Regular exercise is beneficial for the heart.

7. SEDENTARY

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Answer: Active

Urdu: بیٹھک والا (کام)، جسمانی حرکت کے بغیر
Meaning (adj.): involving much sitting and little physical exercise
Synonyms: inactive, desk-bound, seated, stationary, idle, sluggish
Antonyms: active, mobile, energetic, vigorous, lively
Sentences:
1. A sedentary lifestyle raises the risk of diabetes.
2. Farmers lead active, outdoor lives.

8. TURBID

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Answer: Clear / transparent

Urdu: گدلا، مٹیالا
Meaning (adj.): (of a liquid) cloudy or muddy; (of thought) confused
Synonyms: muddy, murky, cloudy, opaque, thick, unclear
Antonyms: clear, transparent, limpid, pure, lucid
Sentences:
1. The river turns turbid after heavy rain.
2. The spring water was clear and cold.
Trap: "muddy" is a synonym, so don't pick it in an antonym question.

9. PHLEGMATIC

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Answer: Excitable / lively

Urdu: ٹھنڈے مزاج کا، بے جذبات
Meaning (adj.): having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition
Synonyms: calm, unemotional, stolid, placid, impassive, cool
Antonyms: excitable, lively, emotional, passionate, enthusiastic
Sentences:
1. The phlegmatic captain never showed panic.
2. Excitable fans stormed the pitch.

10. VALEDICTORY

✅

Answer: Welcoming / introductory

Urdu: الوداعی
Meaning (adj.): serving as a farewell
Synonyms: farewell, parting, goodbye, final, leaving
Antonyms: welcoming, introductory, salutatory, inaugural, opening
Sentences:
1. The retiring judge gave a valedictory address.
2. The new VC delivered an inaugural speech.
Trap: "parting" is a synonym.

Source: CSS Exam Desk list