A strong vocabulary is a game-changer in the SSC CGL exam, especially in the English Comprehension section. Questions related to synonyms, antonyms, cloze tests, and reading comprehension demand a good grasp of frequently asked words.
If you want to score high in SSC CGL English, building a strong vocabulary is non-negotiable. In this blog, we’ll provide 100 high-frequency words, their meanings, and practical memory techniques to help you retain them effectively.
Why is Vocabulary Important for SSC CGL?
- Boosts Marks in English Section – Direct vocabulary-based questions appear in synonyms, antonyms, fill-in-the-blanks, and idioms & phrases.
- Speeds Up Reading Comprehension – A strong vocabulary helps in quickly understanding RC passages without re-reading.
- Reduces Negative Marking – Knowing words well prevents guesswork and unnecessary mistakes.
- Useful for Descriptive Paper (Tier 3) – Good vocabulary enhances essay and letter writing skills.
Now, let’s dive into the 100 must-know words for SSC CGL vocabulary preparation.
100 High-Frequency Words for SSC CGL
1. Commonly Asked Synonyms & Antonyms
| Word | Meaning | Synonym | Antonym |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abundant | Plentiful | Ample | Scarce |
| Benevolent | Kind-hearted | Generous | Malevolent |
| Candid | Honest | Frank | Dishonest |
| Dauntless | Fearless | Brave | Timid |
| Eccentric | Unusual | Odd | Conventional |
| Fluctuate | Vary | Waver | Stabilize |
| Gullible | Easily fooled | Naïve | Shrewd |
| Hypocrisy | Pretending | Deception | Sincerity |
| Jubilant | Overjoyed | Elated | Depressed |
| Lethargic | Lazy | Sluggish | Energetic |
2. Must-Know Words from SSC CGL Previous Year Papers
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Apathy | Lack of interest or concern |
| Cajole | Persuade someone through flattery |
| Deference | Respect towards someone |
| Embellish | Decorate or add details |
| Furtive | Secretive or stealthy |
| Gregarious | Social and friendly |
| Haughty | Arrogant and proud |
| Indolent | Lazy or unwilling to work |
| Jeopardize | Put in danger |
| Kinship | Relationship or connection |
3. Power Words for Cloze Test & Fill-in-the-Blanks
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lucrative | Profitable |
| Mitigate | Reduce severity |
| Obsolete | No longer in use |
| Pragmatic | Practical approach |
| Quell | Suppress or calm down |
| Resilient | Able to recover quickly |
| Scrutinize | Examine closely |
| Transient | Temporary or short-lived |
| Ubiquitous | Found everywhere |
| Vindicate | Prove right |
4. Advanced Words to Impress in SSC CGL Tier 3 (Descriptive Exam)
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ambiguous | Having multiple meanings |
| Blatant | Obvious or done openly |
| Capricious | Unpredictable |
| Disparage | To belittle or criticize |
| Exacerbate | Make a problem worse |
| Fastidious | Paying attention to details |
| Heinous | Shockingly wicked |
| Inept | Clumsy or unskilled |
| Jargon | Specialized technical language |
| Kowtow | Act in an excessively subservient manner |
Tricks to Memorize Vocabulary Easily
Learning 100+ words might seem overwhelming, but memory techniques can make the process fun and effective:
Mnemonics (Memory Aids)
- “Benevolent (Bene- means good) → A benevolent king is generous and kind.”
- “Haughty (sounds like ‘hot tea’) → A person who spills hot tea on others acts arrogantly.”
Word Association
- Fluctuate → Think of “fluctuating stock market prices.”
- Lethargic → Imagine a person feeling sleepy after a heavy meal.
Root Word Method
- Ambiguous (ambi- means both) → Meaning is unclear because it has two meanings.
- Eccentric (ec- means out, centric means center) → A person who is “out of center” behaves unusually.
Daily Usage & Contextual Learning
- Try using 5 new words daily in conversations or writing exercises.
Final Tips for SSC CGL Vocabulary Preparation
Make a Vocabulary Notebook – Note down new words, meanings, and examples.
Take Daily Quizzes – Test yourself with NetPractice’s vocabulary quizzes to reinforce learning.
Read Editorials & Novels – This helps understand word usage in context.
Revise Frequently – Spaced repetition helps in long-term retention.
Final Thoughts!
Building a strong vocabulary for SSC CGL is essential to score well in English Comprehension. Instead of rote learning, use mnemonics, root words, and regular practice to retain and recall words effectively.
Boost Your SSC CGL Prep with NetPractice!
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Also Read –
SSC CGL Important Idioms and Phrases
How to avoid silly mistakes in SSC CGL Exam?