12th English Public 2026 | MOST Expected Antonyms to Score 95%+
The countdown to the 12th English Public Exam 2026 has begun. For many students, English is the "easiest" subject, but it is often the difference between a 90% aggregate and a 95%+ distinction. With the right preparation, particularly in vocabulary, you can secure those extra marks that push your percentage over the top.
Based on an analysis of previous years' question papers and the latest 2026 exam pattern, vocabulary questions—specifically antonyms—are a guaranteed way to score full marks, provided you have prepared the right words.
In this post, we reveal the 53 most expected antonym questions for the 2026 exams. Mastering this list will help you ace the reading comprehension section, improve your writing skills, and boost your overall score.
Quick Link: Download the Free 53 AntonymsPDF
Why Antonyms Are Your Secret Weapon for 95%+ Marks
Before we dive into the list, it is crucial to understand why focusing on antonyms is a high-yield strategy for the 2026 exam .
Direct Questions in Reading Comprehension: The unseen passage almost always asks for words similar in meaning to a given word from the text.
Enhances Writing Skills: In the Writing Section (Letters, Articles, Reports), using high-level vocabulary instead of repetitive words impresses the examiner .
Literature Answers: Using precise synonyms while explaining themes or character sketches shows a strong command of the language.
Most Expected Synonyms in 2026 12th English Public Exam
1.
A
reasonable consideration for the rights or feelings of others
is the foundation of social conduct.
a) neglect b) scrutiny c) review d) analysis
2.
The
snow was dangerous but they persisted in their efforts.
a) persevere b) ceased c) continued d) endured
3.
Not
that flat, shallow type
a) narrow b) wide c) deep d) direct
4.
I
could scarcely believe my eyes
a) sufficiently b) barely c) hardly d) narrowly
5.
The anticipation of
this imagined separation only increases their fondness
a) expectancy b) contemplation c) outlook d) ignorance
6.
The
end of such liberty would be universal chaos
a) normalcy b) confusion c) orderly d) dozy
7.
He
greeted me with his usual smile and banter.
a) flattery b) small talk c) chitchat d) repartee
8.
Suffering
seems so cruelly prevalent in the world today.
a) common b) widespread c) attacked d) uncommon
9.
We
made frequent change of lead.
a) seldom b) sometimes c) nowhere d) often
10.
Predicting
the arrival of visitors...
a) journey b) migration c) departure d) perusal
11.
He
was sitting in splendour on his chair.
a) negativity b) simplicity c) pride d) blunder
12.
He
picks up the parcel gingerly.
a) carefully b) lethargically c) slowly d) smoothly
13.
They
were childish enough, and in many ways quite artless.
a) innocent b) humble c) cunning d) generous
14.
....
and with no small peril to herself.
a) worth b) safety c) profit d) delight
15.
Maamanaar
was unmatched.
a) inferior b) incomparable c) excellent d) supreme
16.
He
had returned to the hospital because he had a benign tumour.
a) common b) bad c) malignant d) profound
17.
Tenzing
wriggled his way up the crack and finally collapsed.
a) twisted b) turn c) assist d) relax
18.
The
best manner of making tea is the subject of violent disputes.
a) gentle b) rough c) clear d) harsh
19.
We
can't appreciate light if we haven't known darkness.
a) reduce b) praise c) condemn d) forget
20.
The
liberties of everybody must be curtailed.
a) increased b) reduced c) limited d) covered
21.
He
had a malignant tumour of the bone.
a) harmful b) moderate c) benign d) terminal
22.
and
set ourselves to the task of safely descending the ridge.
a) ascending b) proceeding c) expanding d) treading
23.
I
experienced not only agony, fear but also anger.
a) surprise b) pleasure c) sorrow d) pain
24.
China
tea has virtues which are not to be despised nowadays...
a) hated b) liked c) respected d) defeated
25.
One
does not feel wise, braver or optimistic.
a) aware b) stupid c) clever d) method
26.
From
here, the ridge narrowed to a knife edge.
a) broadened b) contracted c) decreased d) reduced
27.
We
have a whole kingdom in which we rule alone... be wise or ridiculous.
Conventional or odd.
a) inhuman b) unskilful c) abnormal d) illogical
28.
One
night, we came upon them in the windy and deserted square.
a) inhabited b) isolated c) uninhabited d) emptied
29.
My
father rejected it, saying it wouldn't be sturdy.
a) strong b) weak c) tough d) robust
30.
A
stout old lady was walking down the middle of a street ... with no small peril to
herself.
a) safety b) reward c) danger d) mild
31.
I
opened it the way I had the first and its contents vanished.
a) developed b) appeared c) shattered d) overflowed
32.
Nor
can I see any nobility in the crying of a lonely child in a
ward at night.
a) dishonour b) royalty c) elite d) grandeur
33.
Everything
is so difficult now, food is so scarce and dear.
a) nutritious b) expensive c) important d) adequate
34.
I
shall not inquire of you whether I may eat mustard with my
mutton.
a) respond b) ask c) investigate d) interrogate
35.
Suffering ennobles you,
makes you a better person.
a) flatters b) humiliates c) honours d) exalts
36.
One
does not feel wiser, braver or more optimistic
a) opportunistic b) systematic c) realistic d) pessimistic
37.
In
those days, they didn't have sophisticated heart surgery
a) critical b) artificial c) primitive d) dangerous
38.
His
shoulder and arm was amputated.
a) short b) connected c) removed d) cutoff
39.
A
few people from a house of bereavement stood outside.
a) bliss b) distress c) sorrowing d) grief
40.
Your
car pulled up by his insolence of office.
a) softness b) kindness c) rudeness d) politeness
41.
Kanchenjunga loomed on
the horizon.
a) appeared b) emerged c) arose d) vanished
42.
Their devotion had
touched me deeply.
a) loyalty b) insincerity c) sincerity d) gentleness
43.
The
milk can bring forward some strong arguments.
a) sturdy b) weak c) fat d) fragile
44.
The
celebration of being alive.
a) living b) lovely c) dead d) death
45.
Silverware
teapots produce inferior tea.
a) superior b) substandard c) junior d) high quality
46.
We
scrambled cautiously.
a) Struggled b) Toggle c) Rushed d) Organized
47.
It
has just been hauled from the sea after a struggle.
a) lifted b) carried c) pushed d) pulled
48.
One
is liable to put in too much milk.
a) accountable b) Irresponsible c) bound d) subject
49.
Don't
buy", warned Luigi our cautious driver.
a) honourable b) careful c) respectful d) careless
50.
The
ridge continued as before.
a) discontinued b) moved on c) curved d) passed on
51.
The
story of the ascent of Everest is one of comradeship and
teamwork
a) dissent b) descent c) decent d) climb
52.
He
had full confidence in the mechanic
a) difference b) indifference c) trust d) repent
53.
Our
father rejected it, saying it wouldn't be sturdy
a) disliked b) refused c) proposed d) agreed
How to Use This List for Maximum Retention
Learning 56 words is not enough; you must know how to use them. Follow this 3-step strategy to integrate these words into your exam answers :
Step 1: The "Active Recall" Method
Don't just read the list. Cover the synonym column and try to recall the meaning of the word. This helps in strengthening memory.
Step 2: Write Them in Context
Take 10 words from the list and write a practice paragraph for your Article or Speech (Section B). For example, if you are writing an article on "Environment," use words like Advocate, Significant, Benevolent, Inevitable.
Bad: "We should save trees."
Good: "We must advocate for the significant role of trees, as deforestation has inevitable consequences."
Step 3: Revise with a Peer
On the day before the exam (March 03/04, 2026), quickly go through this list with a friend. Quiz each other. This is the best way to keep them fresh in your mind .
Final Exam Tips for English 2026
As you prepare for the exam scheduled for March 12, 2026, keep these final points in mind :
Time Management: Allocate 45-50 minutes for the Reading Section, 40-45 minutes for Writing, and 60-65 minutes for Literature. Keep 10 minutes for revision .
Presentation Matters: Use a black pen for headings and underline key points (keywords/antonyms) in your answers. This draws the examiner's eye to your vocabulary .
Attempt All Questions: Even if you are unsure, attempt the question. You might get partial marks, whereas a blank question gets zero .
Download Your FREE PDF: Click Here to Download the "53 Must-Know Antonyms" PDF for 12th English 2026
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