Synonyms: JAMB English Language Questions, Answers & Notes

What Synonyms covers in the JAMB English Language syllabus

A synonym is a word with the same or nearly the same meaning as another. In the UTME you are asked to pick the option 'nearest in meaning' to a given (often underlined) word. Read all four options, and where a word can have shades of meaning, let the sentence's context guide you to the best fit. Building a wide vocabulary — through reading and word lists — is the key to scoring well on synonyms.

For Synonyms, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Identify words closest in meaning to a given word
• Build vocabulary across common UTME word lists
• Use context to choose the best synonym

Key facts & revision notes: Synonyms

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

• 'Elated' means extremely happy; 'overjoyed' is its closest synonym.
• 'Abundant' means existing in large quantities — 'plentiful'.
• 'Commence' means to begin or start.
• 'Fragile' means easily broken — 'delicate'.
• 'Diligent' means showing careful, persistent effort — 'hardworking'.
• 'Terminate' means to bring to an end.
• 'Vital' means absolutely necessary — 'essential'.
• 'Conceal' means to keep out of sight — 'hide'.
• 'Obstinate' means refusing to change one's mind — 'stubborn'.
• 'Lucid' means expressed clearly and easy to understand — 'clear'.
• 'Adequate' means enough for the purpose — 'sufficient'.
• 'Genuine' means truly what it is said to be — 'real'.
• 'Persuade' means to make someone agree through reasoning — 'convince'.
• 'Ferocious' means savagely fierce — 'fierce'.
• 'Ample' means more than enough — 'plentiful'.
• 'Candid' means honest and straightforward — 'frank'.
• 'Mitigate' means to make less severe — 'lessen'.
• 'Prominent' means important and widely known — 'well-known'.
• 'Reluctant' means unwilling and hesitant.
• 'Scrutinise' means to examine closely and carefully.
• 'Arduous' means demanding great effort; 'difficult' is closest.
• 'Benevolent' means well-meaning and kindly.
• 'Courteous' means polite and well-mannered.
• 'Deplete' means to use up or reduce sharply; 'exhaust' is closest.

Worked examples

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

How Synonyms is tested in JAMB English Language

Our Synonyms bank holds 40 questions (12 easy, 21 medium, 7 hard). JAMB English Language typically returns to Synonyms 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 Synonyms 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 Synonyms. 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 Synonyms is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Synonyms

The errors that cost marks on Synonyms 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 Synonyms actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Synonyms part of the JAMB English Language syllabus?

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

How many Synonyms questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Synonyms 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 Synonyms?

A synonym is a word with the same or nearly the same meaning as another. In the UTME you are asked to pick the option 'nearest in meaning' to a given (often underlined) word. Read all four options, and where a word can have shades of meaning, let the sentence's context guide you to the best fit. Bui…

How do I answer Synonyms questions quickly in JAMB?

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

Are these JAMB English Language Synonyms 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 Synonyms questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Synonyms 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.