Synonyms & Antonyms • Topic 2 of 4

Antonyms

An antonym is a word opposite in meaning. Many antonyms are formed by prefixes — un-, in-, dis-, non-, mis-. For root words, recall the meaning and pick the option that reverses it. Watch out for options that are merely different (not opposite).

Negative prefixes build many antonyms

PrefixEffectExample
un-nothappy → unhappy
in- / im- / il- / ir-notvisible → invisible; possible → impossible
dis-opposite ofhonest → dishonest
mis-wronglyunderstand → misunderstand

Common antonym pairs

WordAntonym
Artificialnatural
Expandcontract
Transparentopaque
Generousstingy / miserly
Permanenttemporary
Opposite, not just different. The antonym of "expand" is "contract", not "shrink-wrap". Reject options that are merely unrelated or weaker — choose the true reversal.

✅ Solved examples

1. Antonym of ARTIFICIAL.
Natural.
2. Antonym of EXPAND.
Contract.
3. Antonym of VICTORY.
Defeat.
4. Antonym of TRANSPARENT.
Opaque.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. Antonym of ANCIENT.
Time.
—
—
Modern
2. Antonym of GENEROUS.
Money/giving.
—
—
Stingy / miserly
3. Antonym of PERMANENT.
Duration.
—
—
Temporary
4. Antonym of OPTIMIST.
Outlook.
—
—
Pessimist
5. Antonym of VISIBLE.
Prefix in-.
—
—
Invisible

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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