Antonyms: JAMB English Language Questions, Answers & Notes

What Antonyms covers in the JAMB English Language syllabus

An antonym is a word opposite in meaning to another. In the UTME you choose the option 'most nearly opposite' to the given word. A common trap is including synonyms among the options — read every choice and reject words that mean the same as, or are only loosely related to, the key word. Wide reading and steady vocabulary practice make antonym questions much easier.

For Antonyms, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Identify words most nearly opposite in meaning to a given word
• Distinguish true opposites from mere near-synonyms among options
• Apply context to select the best antonym

Key facts & revision notes: Antonyms

These are the recurring points our Antonyms questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• 'Generous' means giving freely; its opposite is 'stingy' (unwilling to give).
• 'Ancient' means very old; its opposite is 'modern'.
• 'Expand' means to increase in size; its opposite is 'contract'.
• 'Victory' means winning; its opposite is 'defeat'.
• 'Transparent' means see-through; its opposite is 'opaque'.
• 'Permanent' means lasting forever; its opposite is 'temporary'.
• 'Humble' means modest; its opposite is 'proud' (arrogant).
• 'Accept' means to receive or agree to; its opposite is 'reject'.
• 'Scarce' means in short supply; its opposite is 'plentiful'.
• 'Artificial' means man-made; its opposite is 'natural'.
• 'Courageous' means brave; its opposite is 'cowardly'.
• 'Increase' means to make larger; its opposite is 'decrease'.
• 'Optimistic' means hopeful; its opposite is 'pessimistic'.
• 'Abundance' means a large amount; its opposite is 'scarcity'.
• 'Condemn' means to express strong disapproval; its opposite is 'praise'.
• 'Fertile' means able to produce much; its opposite is 'barren'.
• 'Conceal' means to hide; its opposite is 'reveal'.
• 'Rigid' means unable to bend; its opposite is 'flexible'.
• 'Vague' means unclear; its opposite is 'precise' (exact).
• 'Depart' means to leave; its opposite is 'arrive'.
• 'Ascend' means to go up; its opposite is 'descend'.
• 'Benefit' means advantage/help; its opposite is 'harm'.
• 'Cautious' means careful; its opposite is 'reckless'.
• 'Dilute' means to make weaker/thinner; its opposite is 'concentrate'.

Worked examples

Three Antonyms questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Antonyms is tested in JAMB English Language

Our Antonyms bank holds 40 questions (18 easy, 17 medium, 5 hard). JAMB English Language typically returns to Antonyms year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Antonyms questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Antonyms. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one English Language item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Antonyms is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Antonyms

The errors that cost marks on Antonyms are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Antonyms actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Antonyms part of the JAMB English Language syllabus?

Yes. Antonyms is a recognised topic in the JAMB English Language syllabus, covering identify words most nearly opposite in meaning to a given word. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Antonyms questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Antonyms questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Antonyms?

An antonym is a word opposite in meaning to another. In the UTME you choose the option 'most nearly opposite' to the given word. A common trap is including synonyms among the options — read every choice and reject words that mean the same as, or are only loosely related to, the key word. Wide readin…

How do I answer Antonyms questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Antonyms. Practising timed Antonyms questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB English Language Antonyms questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Antonyms questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Antonyms practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME English Language syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.