SSC CGL Vocabulary: 50 Must-Know Words for 2025
A strong vocabulary is essential for cracking the SSC CGL exam, especially for sections like General Awareness and English Comprehension. Knowing the right words can help you ace questions on synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and reading comprehension. To make your preparation easier, we’ve compiled a list of 50 must-know words for SSC CGL 2025, along with their meanings and usage examples.
Why Vocabulary is Important for SSC CGL?
- Boosts Reading Comprehension – Understanding passages becomes easier.
- Helps in Synonyms & Antonyms – Commonly asked in the English section.
- Improves Descriptive Writing – Essential for essays and reports.
- Enhances Communication Skills – Useful beyond the exam.
50 Must-Know Words for SSC CGL 2025
1. Commonly Asked Words
- Abate – To reduce in intensity (e.g., “The storm abated after an hour.”)
- Abridge – To shorten (e.g., “The book was abridged for younger readers.”)
- Acumen – Keen insight (e.g., “His business acumen led to success.”)
- Adroit – Skillful (e.g., “She is adroit at handling tough situations.”)
- Austere – Strict or plain (e.g., “His austere lifestyle impressed many.”)
2. High-Scoring Words for Synonyms & Antonyms
- Benevolent – Kind and generous
- Cajole – To persuade with flattery
- Candor – Honesty and openness
- Debilitate – To weaken
- Efficacious – Effective in producing results
3. Words from Previous SSC CGL Papers
- Ephemeral – Short-lived
- Fortuitous – Happening by chance
- Garner – To collect or gather
- Heinous – Shockingly wicked
- Immutable – Unchangeable
4. Idioms & Phrases Vocabulary
- Jump the gun – To act too soon
- Burn the midnight oil – Work late into the night
- Hit the sack – Go to sleep
- Bite the bullet – To endure a painful experience
- Throw in the towel – To give up
5. Confusing Word Pairs
- Elicit vs. Illicit – Draw out information vs. Illegal
- Affect vs. Effect – Influence vs. Result
- Emigrate vs. Immigrate – Leave a country vs. Enter a country
- Stationary vs. Stationery – Not moving vs. Office supplies
- Principal vs. Principle – Head of school vs. Fundamental belief
6. Essential Words for Cloze Test & Fill in the Blanks
- Pragmatic – Practical approach
- Lethargic – Lacking energy
- Voracious – Having a big appetite
- Meticulous – Paying close attention to detail
- Nostalgic – Feeling sentimental about the past
7. Advanced Words to Impress Examiners
- Obfuscate – To confuse or obscure
- Proclivity – A natural tendency
- Quixotic – Unrealistically optimistic
- Rescind – To revoke or cancel
- Sycophant – Someone who flatters for personal gain
8. Frequently Used Words in Passages
- Transient – Temporary
- Ubiquitous – Present everywhere
- Vehement – Showing strong emotion
- Wane – To decrease in strength
- Zeal – Enthusiasm or passion
9. Words for Parajumbles & Sentence Correction
- Aberration – A deviation from the norm
- Belie – To contradict
- Conundrum – A difficult problem
- Disparate – Fundamentally different
- Esoteric – Understood by only a few
10. Words for Essay & Report Writing
- Juxtapose – To place side by side for contrast
- Myriad – A large number
- Nefarious – Evil or wicked
- Obsolete – No longer in use
- Pernicious – Harmful in a gradual way
How to Learn These Words Effectively?
- Use Flashcards – Review words daily.
- Read Newspapers – Identify words in context.
- Practice Quizzes – Test your memory regularly.
- Use Mnemonics – Create fun associations.
- Write Daily – Use new words in sentences.
Final Thoughts
Mastering vocabulary is a game-changer for SSC CGL aspirants. The more words you know, the easier it becomes to tackle comprehension-based questions and score high in the English section.
Want to boost your vocabulary faster? Download NetPractice for daily quizzes, mock tests, and personalized learning plans!
Keep practicing, stay consistent, and ace your SSC CGL exam!