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Vocabulary for SSC CGL, Important Vocab for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Exam

Vocabulary for SSC CGL: Enhance your vocabulary for the SSC CGL Exam with important words, meanings, synonyms, and antonyms. Learning these words will help in improving your comprehension and verbal ability.
authorImageParul Rishi3 Sept, 2025
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Vocabulary for SSC CGL

Vocabulary for SSC CGL: The SSC CGL exam is conducted in two tiers, i.e., Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both the tiers are important for the candidates' selection. A strong vocabulary is essential for scoring well in the English sections of both tiers. This article provides an elaborate overview of Vocabulary for SSC CGL for Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams, covering important aspects and strategies to enhance your vocabulary skills.

Also Read: SSC CGL Exam Date

Vocabulary for SSC CGL

Vocabulary plays a significant role in the English Language section of the SSC CGL exam. A strong command of vocabulary helps in understanding and answering these questions accurately and quickly. It is tested through various types of questions, including:
  1. Synonyms and Antonyms
  2. Fill in the Blanks
  3. Cloze Test
  4. Reading Comprehension
  5. One-word Substitution
  6. Idioms and Phrases
  7. Spelling Correction

Important Vocab for SSC CGL Exam

This table includes essential vocabulary words, their meanings, synonyms, and antonyms that are useful for the SSC CGL Exam preparation. Here's a table of important vocabulary for the SSC CGL Exam:
Important Vocab for SSC CGL Exam
Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms
Abate To reduce in intensity Lessen, Decrease, Diminish Increase, Intensify, Enhance
Benevolent Well-meaning and kindly Kind, Charitable, Compassionate Malevolent, Unkind, Cruel
Candid Truthful and straightforward Frank, Honest, Sincere Deceptive, Dishonest, Insincere
Dauntless Showing fearlessness and determination Fearless, Brave, Intrepid Cowardly, Fearful, Timid
Efficacious Effective, producing the desired result Effective, Successful, Potent Ineffective, Useless, Ineffectual
Frugal Sparing or economical with resources Economical, Thrifty, Prudent Wasteful, Extravagant, Lavish
Garrulous Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters Talkative, Loquacious, Chatty Taciturn, Reticent, Silent
Harbinger A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another Forerunner, Herald, Precursor Follower, Successor
Impetuous Acting quickly and without thought or care Rash, Hasty, Impulsive Cautious, Considerate, Deliberate
Juxtapose To place side by side for contrast Compare, Contrast, Place Separate, Divide, Isolate
Keen Having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm Eager, Enthusiastic, Sharp Apathetic, Indifferent, Blunt
Lucid Expressed clearly; easy to understand Clear, Comprehensible, Intelligible Confusing, Ambiguous, Obscure
Mitigate To make less severe, serious, or painful Alleviate, Reduce, Ease Aggravate, Intensify, Exacerbate
Nefarious Wicked or criminal Wicked, Evil, Sinful Virtuous, Honorable, Ethical
Obsolete No longer in use; outdated Outdated, Archaic, Antiquated Modern, Current, Contemporary
Pragmatic Dealing with things sensibly and realistically Practical, Realistic, Sensible Impractical, Idealistic, Unrealistic
Quintessential Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class Typical, Archetypal, Perfect Atypical, Uncharacteristic, Imperfect
Recalcitrant Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude Uncooperative, Defiant, Rebellious Cooperative, Compliant, Submissive
Soporific Tending to induce drowsiness or sleep Sleep-inducing, Sedative, Hypnotic Stimulating, Invigorating, Energizing
Taciturn Reserved or uncommunicative in speech Silent, Reserved, Reticent Talkative, Garrulous, Loquacious

Vocabulary for SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2

Important vocabulary topics for SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 are provided below for candidates' reference.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms are words that have similar meanings, while antonyms are words with opposite meanings. These questions test your understanding of word meanings and their usage.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Example Preparation Tips
Synonym : Happy - Joyful

Antonym : Happy - Sad

Read Regularly : Read newspapers, magazines, and books to encounter new words.

Use Flashcards : Create flashcards for new words with their meanings and practice regularly.

Practice Tests : Take online quizzes by PW and practice tests to reinforce your learning.

Fill in the Blanks

These questions require you to choose the correct word to complete a sentence. It tests your understanding of context and vocabulary.
Fill in the Blanks
Example Preparation Tips
He is very ______ in his work. (a) diligent (b) lazy (c) indifferent (d) casual Contextual Learning : Learn words in the context of sentences to understand their usage better.

Practice Worksheets : Solve practice worksheets and previous years' papers.

Cloze Test

A cloze test is a passage with certain words removed, and you have to fill in the blanks. This tests your overall vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  • Read Comprehensively : Read passages from various sources to improve your understanding of context and vocabulary.
  • Practice Regularly : Solve cloze tests from previous years' papers and practice books.

Reading Comprehension

Reading comprehension passages are some what difficult in Tier 2, requiring a good grasp of vocabulary to understand and answer the questions accurately. Some preparation tips are as follows:
  • Read Various Material : Read articles, essays, and reports on different subjects to enhance your reading skills.
  • Summarize Passages : Practice summarizing passages in your own words to improve understanding.
  • Vocabulary Lists : Maintain a list of new words encountered while reading and revise them regularly.
One-word Substitution One-word substitution questions require you to replace a phrase with a single word. This tests your vocabulary and knowledge of precise word usage.
One-word Substitution
Example Preparation Tips
A person who speaks many languages - Polyglot Word Lists : Study lists of commonly used one-word substitutions.

Practice Exercises : Solve exercises and quizzes on one-word substitutions.

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms and phrases are expressions with figurative meanings different from their literal meanings. These questions test your understanding of commonly used expressions.
Idioms and Phrases
Example Preparation Tips
Idiom : A blessing in disguise - Something good that is not recognized at first. Learn Common Idioms : Memorize commonly used idioms and their meanings.

Use in Sentences : Practice using idioms in sentences to understand their contextual meaning.

Spelling Correction

Spelling correction questions test your ability to identify and correct misspelled words. This requires a good command of vocabulary and spelling rules. Preparation Tips are as follows:
  • Spell-check Tools : Use spell-check tools while practicing writing to identify common mistakes.
  • Spelling Lists : Maintain a list of commonly misspelled words and practice them regularly.
  • Reading Aloud : Read aloud to improve your ability to recognize correct spellings.

Strategies to Enhance Vocabulary for SSC CGL Exam

Regular Reading: Reading regularly from various sources such as newspapers, novels, academic articles, and online content helps you encounter new words and understand their usage in different contexts.

Vocabulary Journal: Maintain a vocabulary journal where you note down new words along with their meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences. Review this journal regularly to reinforce your learning.

Use of Mnemonics: Mnemonics are memory aids that help you remember words better. Create associations or visual imagery to remember the meanings of new words. Example being:

  • Word : Garrulous - Excessively talkative
  • Mnemonic : Imagine a 'parrot' (which sounds like 'gar') talking non-stop.

Word Games: Engage in word games like Scrabble, crossword puzzles, and word searches. These games make learning vocabulary fun and interactive.

Group Study: Studying in groups allows you to learn from others. Discuss new words, quiz each other, and share mnemonics to enhance your collective vocabulary.

A diverse vocabulary is essential for success in the SSC CGL Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. It not only helps in scoring well in the English Language section but also enhances overall comprehension and communication skills. Regular reading, maintaining a vocabulary journal, using mnemonics, engaging in word games are effective strategies to build a strong vocabulary. By following these tips and practicing regularly, candidates can significantly improve their vocabulary and increase their chances of success in the SSC CGL exam.
To succeed in upcoming exams, candidates should consider exploring PW SSC Books We provide high-quality content at an affordable price, including sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more to ensure aspirants secure their selection. Also, enroll today on SSC Online Coaching to turn your dreams into reality.

Vocabulary for SSC CGL FAQs

Q: Why is vocabulary important for the SSC CGL Exam?

A: A strong vocabulary aids in understanding comprehension passages, improving verbal ability, and scoring higher in the English section of the SSC CGL Exam.

Q: How can I effectively learn these vocabulary words?

A: Use flashcards, read extensively, practice with sample questions, and engage in regular revision to effectively retain and recall these vocabulary words.

Q: Are these words frequently asked in the SSC CGL Exam?

A: Yes, many of these words are commonly featured in the English section of the SSC CGL Exam, making them essential for thorough preparation.

Q: Can improving vocabulary also help in other competitive exams?

A: Absolutely, a strong vocabulary is beneficial not only for SSC CGL but also for other competitive exams like CHSL, Steno, CPO and various state-level exams also.
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