The Daily Editorial Analysis – English Vocabulary Building – 17 December 2025

Learn English Vocabulary – Daily Editorial Analysis – 17 December 2025

This blog post by Veranda RACE helps competitive exam aspirants learn 60+ high-level vocabulary English words with meanings, synonyms, antonyms and usage examples — perfect for Bank Exam, Insurance Exam, Intelligence Bureau, SSC Exam, Railways/RRB Exam, TNTET and UPSC Exam preparation.

This December 2025, Veranda RACE brings a focused learning guide to help competitive exam aspirants strengthen high-level English vocabulary with meanings, synonyms, antonyms and usage examples. This will be ideal for Bank Exams, Insurance Exams, SSC Exams, Railways/RRB Exams, TNTET, UPSC and Intelligence Bureau preparation. With major exams lined up this month such as the IBPS RRB PO Prelims, IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims, IBPS PO Mains and IBPS Clerk Mains, mastering strong vocabulary and comprehension has never been more important for both Prelims and Mains exams.

Reading the Daily Editorial Analysis curated by Veranda RACE every day builds your reading comprehension, critical thinking and vocabulary recall. It sharpens your ability to handle descriptive papers, mains answer writing and tricky prelims passages. Designed for clarity, accuracy and exam relevance, this English vocabulary series helps aspirants stay ahead of the curve. Prepare smarter with contextual learning from trusted sources, only at Veranda RACE.

Daily Editorial Vocabulary Analysis – 17 December 2025

1. Indigenous

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

Tamil Meaning: உள்நாட்டு / சுதேசி

Malayalam Meaning: സ്വദേശീയ

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ವದೇಶೀಯ

Synonyms: native, domestic, local, homegrown, aboriginal

Antonyms: foreign, imported, alien, exotic, external

Usage in Sentence: The administration is promoting indigenous technology to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers in the defence sector.

2. Modular

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Employing or involving a module or modules as the basis of design or construction

Tamil Meaning: தொகுதி அடிப்படையிலான

Malayalam Meaning: ഘടകാധിഷ്ഠിത

Kannada Meaning: ಘಟಕ ಆಧಾರಿತ

Synonyms: standardised, sectional, component-based, unit-based, compartmentalised

Antonyms: integrated, unified, monolithic, indivisible, whole

Usage in Sentence: Modular reactors offer greater flexibility in construction and can be deployed more quickly than traditional nuclear plants.

3. Propose

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To put forward an idea or plan for consideration or discussion

Tamil Meaning: முன்மொழிதல்

Malayalam Meaning: നിർദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪಿಸುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: suggests, recommends, presents, offers, advances

Antonyms: withdraws, opposes, rejects, refuses, vetoes

Usage in Sentence: The new legislation proposes significant reforms to streamline the regulatory framework for renewable energy projects.

4. Entities

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Things with distinct and independent existence, especially organisations or businesses

Tamil Meaning: நிறுவனங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: സ്ഥാപനങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಘಟಕಗಳು

Synonyms: organisations, bodies, institutions, establishments, corporations

Antonyms: individuals, persons, units (in opposite context), components

Usage in Sentence: Both public and private entities are encouraged to participate in the administration’s infrastructure development programme.

5. Intended

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Planned or meant to be done or achieved

Tamil Meaning: உத்தேசிக்கப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: ഉദ്ദേശിച്ചത്

Kannada Meaning: ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ

Synonyms: planned, proposed, designed, aimed, projected

Antonyms: unintended, accidental, unplanned, inadvertent, unforeseen

Usage in Sentence: The intended beneficiaries of the welfare scheme include farmers with landholdings below two hectares.

6. Mobilisation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of making something movable or capable of movement; the act of assembling and making resources ready for use

Tamil Meaning: திரட்டுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: സമാഹരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಗ್ರಹಣೆ

Synonyms: assembly, marshalling, organisation, deployment, gathering

Antonyms: demobilisation, dispersal, disbandment, dissolution, scattering

Usage in Sentence: Effective capital mobilisation is essential for funding large-scale infrastructure projects across the country.

7. Roster

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A list or plan showing turns of duty or leave for individuals or groups

Tamil Meaning: பட்டியல்

Malayalam Meaning: പട്ടിക

Kannada Meaning: ಪಟ್ಟಿ

Synonyms: list, register, roll, schedule, catalogue

Antonyms: exclusion, omission, removal

Usage in Sentence: The expanded roster of approved contractors will help accelerate the completion of pending development works.

8. Scope

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant

Tamil Meaning: எல்லை / நோக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: വ്യാപ്തി

Kannada Meaning: ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿ

Synonyms: range, extent, reach, breadth, span

Antonyms: limitation, restriction, narrowness, confinement

Usage in Sentence: The scope of the environmental impact assessment must include all potential effects on local biodiversity.

9. Relevant

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered

Tamil Meaning: தொடர்புடைய

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രസക്തമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಬಂಧಿತ

Synonyms: pertinent, applicable, appropriate, germane, material

Antonyms: irrelevant, unrelated, inapplicable, immaterial, extraneous

Usage in Sentence: Policymakers must consider all relevant factors before implementing new taxation measures.

10. Proliferation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Rapid increase in numbers or spread; particularly used in the context of nuclear weapons

Tamil Meaning: பெருக்கம் / பரவல்

Malayalam Meaning: വ്യാപനം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಸರಣ

Synonyms: spread, expansion, multiplication, increase, escalation

Antonyms: reduction, decrease, diminution, containment, limitation

Usage in Sentence: International treaties aim to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and ensure global security.

11. Mitigate

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To make less severe, serious or painful

Tamil Meaning: தனித்தல் / குறைத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ലഘൂകരിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ತಗ್ಗಿಸು

Synonyms: alleviate, reduce, diminish, lessen, moderate

Antonyms: aggravate, intensify, worsen, exacerbate, increase

Usage in Sentence: The administration must take immediate steps to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural productivity.

12. Ambiguity

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness

Tamil Meaning: தெளிவின்மை

Malayalam Meaning: അവ്യക്തത

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸ್ಪಷ್ಟತೆ

Synonyms: uncertainty, vagueness, obscurity, doubtfulness, equivocation

Antonyms: clarity, certainty, precision, definiteness, explicitness

Usage in Sentence: Legal ambiguity in the regulatory framework can deter potential investors from entering the market.

13. Enforcement

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The act of compelling observance of or compliance with a law, rule or obligation

Tamil Meaning: அமலாக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: നടപ്പാക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಜಾರಿ

Synonyms: implementation, execution, application, administration, imposition

Antonyms: neglect, disregard, abandonment, non-enforcement, violation

Usage in Sentence: Strict enforcement of environmental regulations is necessary to prevent industrial pollution.

14. Dispute

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one

Tamil Meaning: தகராறு / பூசல்

Malayalam Meaning: തർക്കം

Kannada Meaning: ವಿವಾದ

Synonyms: conflict, disagreement, controversy, argument, contention

Antonyms: agreement, accord, harmony, consensus, concord

Usage in Sentence: The dispute between the two states over water sharing rights requires urgent resolution through dialogue.

15. Statute

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A written law passed by a legislative body

Tamil Meaning: சட்டம்

Malayalam Meaning: നിയമം

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನು

Synonyms: law, act, legislation, enactment, regulation

Antonyms: repeal, abolition, invalidation

Usage in Sentence: The new statute provides a comprehensive framework for regulating digital transactions and protecting consumer rights.

16. Shrink

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To become or make smaller in size or amount

Tamil Meaning: சுருங்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ചുരുങ്ങുക

Kannada Meaning: ಕುಗ್ಗು

Synonyms: reduce, decrease, diminish, contract, lessen

Antonyms: expand, increase, grow, enlarge, extend

Usage in Sentence: Streamlined procedures will shrink the time required for obtaining regulatory approvals for business ventures.

17. Commissioning

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The process of bringing equipment or a system into operation

Tamil Meaning: இயக்கத்தில் கொண்டுவருதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രവർത്തനക്ഷമമാക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾರಂಭ

Synonyms: activation, inauguration, operationalisation, launching, starting

Antonyms: decommissioning, shutdown, closure, termination, discontinuation

Usage in Sentence: The commissioning of new power plants has been delayed due to challenges in land acquisition and environmental clearances.

18. Liability

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The state of being legally responsible for something

Tamil Meaning: பொறுப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ബാധ്യത

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊಣೆಗಾರಿಕೆ

Synonyms: responsibility, obligation, accountability, debt, burden

Antonyms: asset, exemption, immunity, freedom, release

Usage in Sentence: Clear liability provisions are essential to protect both operators and affected communities in case of industrial accidents.

19. Governance

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action or manner of governing a state, organisation or people

Tamil Meaning: நிர்வாகம்

Malayalam Meaning: ഭരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಡಳಿತ

Synonyms: management, administration, regulation, control, supervision

Antonyms: mismanagement, anarchy, disorder, chaos, misrule

Usage in Sentence: Good governance requires transparency, accountability and responsiveness to the needs of citizens.

20. Provisions

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Conditions or requirements in a legal document; clauses or stipulations

Tamil Meaning: விதிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: വ്യവസ്ഥകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಬಂಧನೆಗಳು

Synonyms: clauses, stipulations, terms, conditions, requirements

Antonyms: omissions, exclusions, exemptions (in context)

Usage in Sentence: The provisions of the new legislation aim to strengthen the rights of workers in the unorganised sector.

21. Warrant

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To justify or necessitate a certain course of action

Tamil Meaning: தேவைப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ആവശ്യപ്പെടുക

Kannada Meaning: ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರು

Synonyms: justify, necessitate, require, merit, call for

Antonyms: preclude, prevent, prohibit, forbid, disallow

Usage in Sentence: The severity of the drought conditions warrant immediate intervention to provide relief to affected farmers.

22. Capped

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Limited or restricted to a particular amount or level

Tamil Meaning: வரம்பிடப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: പരിമിതപ്പെടുത്തിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಮಿತಿಗೊಳಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: limited, restricted, constrained, fixed, maximum

Antonyms: unlimited, unrestricted, uncapped, infinite, boundless

Usage in Sentence: The capped compensation amount may prove insufficient to cover the full extent of damages in a major nuclear accident.

23. Adequate

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity

Tamil Meaning: போதுமானது

Malayalam Meaning: മതിയായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು

Synonyms: sufficient, satisfactory, acceptable, suitable, enough

Antonyms: inadequate, insufficient, deficient, lacking, meagre

Usage in Sentence: Ensuring adequate financial resources is crucial for the successful implementation of public welfare programmes.

24. Remediation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of remedying something, especially reversing or stopping environmental damage

Tamil Meaning: சரி செய்தல் / தீர்வு காணுதல் / சீர்திருத்தம்

Malayalam Meaning: പരിഹാരം

Kannada Meaning: ಪರಿಹಾರ

Synonyms: restoration, repair, correction, rectification, rehabilitation

Antonyms: damage, destruction, contamination, pollution, degradation

Usage in Sentence: Environmental remediation of contaminated sites requires substantial financial investment and technical expertise.

25. Exempts

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To free from an obligation or liability imposed on others

Tamil Meaning: விலக்கு அளிக்கிறது

Malayalam Meaning: ഒഴിവാക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ವಿನಾಯಿತಿ ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: excuses, releases, frees, absolves, spares

Antonyms: includes, obligates, requires, mandates, compels

Usage in Sentence: The new policy exempts small-scale industries from certain regulatory requirements to encourage entrepreneurship.

26. Rendering

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To cause to be or become; to make

Tamil Meaning: ஆக்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ആക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: making, causing, converting, transforming, turning

Antonyms: preventing, hindering, obstructing, blocking

Usage in Sentence: The absence of proper oversight mechanisms is rendering the regulatory system ineffective in curbing violations.

27. Recourse

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A source of help in a difficult situation; the legal right to demand compensation or payment

Tamil Meaning: உதவி நாடுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: സഹായം തേടൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಆಶ್ರಯ

Synonyms: resort, remedy, option, alternative, redress

Antonyms: abandonment, surrender, helplessness (in context)

Usage in Sentence: Consumers should have effective recourse to legal remedies when they face defective products or unfair trade practices.

28. Omission

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Someone or something that has been left out or excluded; a failure to do something

Tamil Meaning: விடுபடுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഒഴിവാക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಲೋಪ

Synonyms: exclusion, deletion, neglect, oversight, failure

Antonyms: inclusion, addition, insertion, commission, action

Usage in Sentence: Any omission in reporting critical information can lead to serious consequences for regulatory compliance.

29. Statutory

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Required, permitted or enacted by statute; relating to law

Tamil Meaning: சட்டப்பூர்வமான

Malayalam Meaning: നിയമപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನು ಪ್ರಕಾರದ

Synonyms: legal, legislative, lawful, juridical, mandated

Antonyms: voluntary, optional, discretionary, informal, unofficial

Usage in Sentence: The company must comply with all statutory requirements for financial reporting and disclosure.

30. Vests

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To confer or bestow power, authority or property on someone

Tamil Meaning: வழங்குகிறது

Malayalam Meaning: നൽകുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: confers, bestows, grants, endows, entrusts

Antonyms: removes, withdraws, divests, strips, takes away

Usage in Sentence: The Constitution vests executive power in the President, who exercises it on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

31. Conducive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; contributing to

Tamil Meaning: சாதகமான

Malayalam Meaning: അനുകൂലം

Kannada Meaning: ಅನುಕೂಲಕರ

Synonyms: favourable, helpful, beneficial, advantageous, supportive

Antonyms: unfavourable, detrimental, harmful, adverse, counterproductive

Usage in Sentence: A stable political environment is conducive to attracting long-term foreign investment in infrastructure projects.

32. Deter

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of consequences

Tamil Meaning: தடுத்தல் / நிறுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പിന്തിരിപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ತಡೆಯು

Synonyms: discourage, dissuade, prevent, inhibit, restrain

Antonyms: encourage, promote, persuade, motivate, stimulate

Usage in Sentence: Stringent penalties are necessary to deter corporate entities from engaging in fraudulent practices.

33. Hostile

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Showing or feeling opposition or dislike; unfriendly or antagonistic

Tamil Meaning: விரோதமானது / எதிர்க்கின்றது

Malayalam Meaning: ശത്രുതാപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತಿಕೂಲ

Synonyms: antagonistic, aggressive, unfriendly, adverse, opposed

Antonyms: friendly, amicable, cooperative, supportive, welcoming

Usage in Sentence: The country's hostile trade policies have strained diplomatic relations with its neighbours.

34. Extrajudicial

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not legally authorised; outside the normal judicial system

Tamil Meaning: நீதிமன்றத்திற்கு அப்பாற்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: നീതിന്യായത്തിനു പുറത്തുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯದ ಹೊರಗಿನ

Synonyms: unlawful, illegal, unauthorised, illegitimate, arbitrary

Antonyms: judicial, legal, authorised, legitimate, lawful

Usage in Sentence: Extrajudicial killings violate fundamental human rights and undermine the rule of law in any democracy.

35. Executions

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The carrying out of a sentence of death on a condemned person; the performance or carrying out of an action

Tamil Meaning: மரணதண்டனை

Malayalam Meaning: വധശിക്ഷകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಮರಣದಂಡನೆಗಳು

Synonyms: killings, deaths, implementation, performance, accomplishment

Antonyms: pardons, reprieves, clemency, mercy, acquittals

Usage in Sentence: International human rights organisations have condemned executions carried out without due process or fair trials.

36. Subsidised

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Supported financially by a subsidy; provided at reduced cost

Tamil Meaning: மானியத்துடன் கூடியது

Malayalam Meaning: സബ്‌സിഡിയുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಸುಂಕದೊಂದಿಗೆ

Synonyms: reduced, supported, funded, sponsored, underwritten

Antonyms: unsubsidised, full-price, market-rate, unsupported

Usage in Sentence: The administration provides subsidised food grains to economically vulnerable sections through the public distribution system.

37. Seizure

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of capturing someone or something using force; confiscation

Tamil Meaning: கைப்பற்றுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പിടിച്ചെടുക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ವಶಪಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವಿಕೆ

Synonyms: capture, confiscation, appropriation, takeover, commandeering

Antonyms: release, return, relinquishment, surrender, restoration

Usage in Sentence: The seizure of illegal assets is an important tool in combating organised crime and corruption.

38. Escalation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An increase in the intensity or seriousness of something

Tamil Meaning: தீவிரமாக்கல்

Malayalam Meaning: വർദ്ധനവ്

Kannada Meaning: ಹೆಚ್ಚಳ

Synonyms: intensification, increase, expansion, rise, aggravation

Antonyms: de-escalation, reduction, decrease, decline, mitigation

Usage in Sentence: The escalation of tensions between the two countries has raised concerns about regional stability and peace.

39. Hawk

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A person who advocates an aggressive or warlike policy, especially in foreign affairs

Tamil Meaning: போர்வெறியர் / சண்டைக்காரர்

Malayalam Meaning: യുദ്ധോത്സുകൻ

Kannada Meaning: ಯುದ್ಧೋತ್ಸಾಹಿ

Synonyms: warmonger, militarist, aggressor, hardliner, extremist

Antonyms: dove, pacifist, peacemaker, moderate, conciliator

Usage in Sentence: Foreign policy hawks in the administration are pushing for more confrontational approaches towards rival nations.

40. Sought

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Past tense of seek; attempted to find, obtain or achieve something

Tamil Meaning: நாடுதல் / கேட்பது

Malayalam Meaning: ശ്രമിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸಿದರು

Synonyms: attempted, tried, pursued, endeavoured, strived

Antonyms: avoided, shunned, neglected, ignored, abandoned

Usage in Sentence: The opposition parties sought clarification from the administration on the allocation of funds for rural development programmes.

41. Disrupt

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To interrupt by causing a disturbance or problem; to break apart

Tamil Meaning: சீர்குலைத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: തടസ്സപ്പെടുത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ಅಡ್ಡಿಪಡಿಸು

Synonyms: interrupt, disturb, interfere, upset, obstruct

Antonyms: facilitate, assist, enable, support, continue

Usage in Sentence: Frequent policy changes can disrupt business operations and reduce investor confidence in the economy.

42. Regime

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A government, especially an authoritarian one; a system or planned way of doing things

Tamil Meaning: ஆட்சி

Malayalam Meaning: ഭരണകൂടം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಡಳಿತ

Synonyms: government, administration, leadership, authority, system

Antonyms: anarchy, disorder, chaos, democracy (in authoritarian context)

Usage in Sentence: The international community has imposed sanctions on the regime for its violations of human rights and democratic principles.

43. Brazen

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Bold and without shame; carried out in an obvious way without attempting to hide it

Tamil Meaning: திமிர்த்தனமான / வெட்கமற்ற / நாணமற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: ലജ്ജയില്ലാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ನಾಚಿಕೆಯಿಲ್ಲದ

Synonyms: shameless, audacious, bold, blatant, flagrant

Antonyms: modest, ashamed, discreet, subtle, timid

Usage in Sentence: The brazen disregard for environmental regulations by industrial units has led to severe pollution in the region.

44. Interventionist

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Favouring intervention, especially by an administration in the economy or by one country in the affairs of another

Tamil Meaning: தலையீட்டுவாத

Malayalam Meaning: ഇടപെടൽ അനുകൂലമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಸ್ತಕ್ಷೇಪವಾದಿ

Synonyms: interfering, meddlesome, intrusive, involved, activist

Antonyms: non-interventionist, isolationist, passive, hands-off, withdrawn

Usage in Sentence: An interventionist foreign policy often leads to complex geopolitical entanglements and long-term commitments.

45. Alleged

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Said, without proof, to have taken place or to have a specified quality

Tamil Meaning: குற்றம்சாட்டப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ആരോപിക്കപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: claimed, supposed, purported, suspected, reported

Antonyms: proven, confirmed, verified, established, substantiated

Usage in Sentence: The alleged corruption in the procurement process is currently under investigation by the central vigilance commission.

46. Traffickers

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: People who deal or trade in something illegal

Tamil Meaning: கடத்தல்காரர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: കടത്തുകാർ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಳ್ಳಸಾಗಣೆದಾರರು

Synonyms: smugglers, dealers, traders, runners, bootleggers

Antonyms: law enforcers, authorities, officials, inspectors

Usage in Sentence: Law enforcement agencies are working to dismantle networks of drug traffickers operating across international borders.

47. Constitute

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To be a part of a whole; to amount to; to establish legally

Tamil Meaning: உருவாக்குகின்றன

Malayalam Meaning: രൂപീകരിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ರೂಪಿಸುತ್ತವೆ

Synonyms: comprise, form, represent, establish, amount to

Antonyms: dissolve, dismantle, destroy, abolish, disband

Usage in Sentence: These actions constitute a serious breach of diplomatic protocol and international conventions.

48. Authorisation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Official permission or approval to do something

Tamil Meaning: அங்கீகாரம்

Malayalam Meaning: അനുമതി

Kannada Meaning: ಅಧಿಕಾರ

Synonyms: permission, approval, sanction, consent, clearance

Antonyms: prohibition, ban, refusal, denial, rejection

Usage in Sentence: Any military action without proper legislative authorisation raises serious questions about constitutional propriety.

49. Credible

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Able to be believed; convincing

Tamil Meaning: நம்பத்தகுந்த

Malayalam Meaning: വിശ്വസനീയമായ

Kannada Meaning: ನಂಬಲರ್ಹ

Synonyms: believable, convincing, plausible, reliable, trustworthy

Antonyms: incredible, unbelievable, implausible, doubtful, unreliable

Usage in Sentence: Policymakers must rely on credible scientific evidence when formulating responses to public health crises.

50. Cartels

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Associations of manufacturers or suppliers formed to maintain high prices and restrict competition

Tamil Meaning: கூட்டமைப்புகள் / கூட்டணி

Malayalam Meaning: കാർട്ടലുകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಘಗಳು

Synonyms: syndicates, consortiums, combines, monopolies, trusts

Antonyms: competitors, rivals, independents

Usage in Sentence: Regulatory authorities must prevent the formation of cartels that manipulate prices and harm consumer interests.

51. Accused

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Charged with a crime or offence

Tamil Meaning: குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: കുറ്റപ്പെടുത്തിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: charged, indicted, blamed, implicated, arraigned

Antonyms: acquitted, exonerated, cleared, vindicated, absolved

Usage in Sentence: Those accused of corruption must be given a fair trial in accordance with principles of natural justice.

52. Manipulating

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Controlling or influencing something or someone cleverly or unscrupulously

Tamil Meaning: கையாளுதல் / திரித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: കൃത്രിമം കാണിക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಕುಶಲತೆಯಿಂದ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: controlling, influencing, rigging, distorting, exploiting

Antonyms: respecting, honouring, maintaining, preserving, upholding

Usage in Sentence: Manipulating electoral processes undermines democratic institutions and erodes public trust in governance.

53. Substantial

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Of considerable importance, size or worth

Tamil Meaning: கணிசமான

Malayalam Meaning: ഗണ്യമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಗಣನೀಯ

Synonyms: considerable, significant, large, sizeable, major

Antonyms: insignificant, minor, negligible, trivial, small

Usage in Sentence: The administration has allocated substantial resources to improve healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.

54. Crippling

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Causing severe damage or problems; extremely harmful

Tamil Meaning: முடமாக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: തളർത്തുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ದುರ್ಬಲಗೊಳಿಸುವ

Synonyms: devastating, debilitating, damaging, destructive, ruinous

Antonyms: strengthening, beneficial, helpful, supportive, constructive

Usage in Sentence: The crippling debt burden has severely limited the administration's ability to invest in development projects.

55. Disproportionate

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Too large or too small in comparison with something else

Tamil Meaning: விகிதாசாரமற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: അനുപാതരഹിതമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸಮಾನವಾದ

Synonyms: excessive, unbalanced, unequal, unreasonable, extreme

Antonyms: proportionate, balanced, appropriate, suitable, equal

Usage in Sentence: The disproportionate use of force by authorities during peaceful protests has drawn widespread criticism.

56. Covert

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret

Tamil Meaning: இரகசியமான

Malayalam Meaning: രഹസ്യമായ

Kannada Meaning: ರಹಸ್ಯ

Synonyms: secret, clandestine, concealed, hidden, undercover

Antonyms: overt, open, public, obvious, transparent

Usage in Sentence: Intelligence agencies often conduct covert operations to gather information on national security threats.

57. Ill-conceived

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Badly planned or thought out

Tamil Meaning: தவறாக திட்டமிடப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: തെറ്റായി ആസൂത്രണം ചെയ്ത

Kannada Meaning: ತಪ್ಪಾಗಿ ಯೋಜಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: poorly planned, misguided, unwise, imprudent, foolish

Antonyms: well-planned, thoughtful, wise, prudent, judicious

Usage in Sentence: The ill-conceived policy led to unintended consequences and had to be withdrawn after public outcry.

58. Tantamount

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Equivalent in seriousness to; virtually the same as

Tamil Meaning: சமமான

Malayalam Meaning: തുല്യമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಮಾನವಾದ

Synonyms: equivalent, equal, comparable, synonymous, similar

Antonyms: different, unequal, dissimilar, distinct, unlike

Usage in Sentence: Denial of basic rights to citizens is tantamount to a violation of constitutional guarantees.

59. Flouting

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Openly disregarding a rule, law or convention

Tamil Meaning: மீறுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ലംഘിക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಉಲ್ಲಂಘಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: violating, defying, disregarding, ignoring, disobeying

Antonyms: obeying, following, respecting, complying, observing

Usage in Sentence: Industries flouting environmental norms should face stringent penalties and possible closure.

60. Purports

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To appear to be or do something, especially falsely; to claim

Tamil Meaning: பாசாங்கு செய்கிறது

Malayalam Meaning: അവകാശപ്പെടുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಹೇಳಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: claims, professes, alleges, pretends, maintains

Antonyms: denies, disclaims, disavows, rejects, refutes

Usage in Sentence: The document purports to be an official record, but its authenticity needs to be verified.

61. Uphold

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To maintain, support or defend a principle, law or decision

Tamil Meaning: நிலைநிறுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഉയർത്തിപ്പിടിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಎತ್ತಿಹಿಡಿಯು

Synonyms: maintain, support, sustain, defend, preserve

Antonyms: overturn, reject, abandon, violate, discard

Usage in Sentence: The judiciary must uphold constitutional values and protect fundamental rights of all citizens.

62. Embargo

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country

Tamil Meaning: தடை

Malayalam Meaning: വ്യാപാര നിരോധനം

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಷೇಧ

Synonyms: ban, prohibition, sanction, blockade, restriction

Antonyms: allowance, permission, authorisation, approval, freedom

Usage in Sentence: The international embargo has severely affected the country's economy and caused hardship for ordinary citizens.

63. Condemn

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To express complete disapproval of; to censure

Tamil Meaning: கண்டனம் செய்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: അപലപിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಖಂಡಿಸು

Synonyms: denounce, criticise, censure, reproach, disapprove

Antonyms: praise, approve, commend, applaud, support

Usage in Sentence: The international community must condemn all violations of human rights, regardless of where they occur.

64. Critique

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A detailed analysis and assessment of something

Tamil Meaning: விமர்சனம்

Malayalam Meaning: വിമർശനം

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಮರ್ಶೆ

Synonyms: analysis, assessment, evaluation, review, examination

Antonyms: praise, approval, endorsement, commendation, acceptance

Usage in Sentence: Academic freedom allows scholars to engage in rigorous critique of administrative policies without fear of reprisal.

65. Imperative

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An essential or urgent thing; something of vital importance

Tamil Meaning: கட்டாயம்

Malayalam Meaning: അനിവാര്യത

Kannada Meaning: ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯತೆ

Synonyms: necessity, requirement, obligation, essential, priority

Antonyms: option, choice, luxury, non-essential, unnecessary

Usage in Sentence: Ensuring food security for all citizens is a moral imperative that administrations cannot ignore.

66. Descend

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To move or fall downwards; to deteriorate or decline

Tamil Meaning: இறங்குதல் / நோக்கி செல்லுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: താഴുക

Kannada Meaning: ಇಳಿಯು

Synonyms: decline, deteriorate, sink, fall, degenerate

Antonyms: ascend, rise, improve, elevate, advance

Usage in Sentence: Without effective international cooperation, the world risks descending into a state of lawlessness and conflict.

67. Anarchy

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority

Tamil Meaning: சட்டமில்லா நிலை

Malayalam Meaning: അരാജകത്വം

Kannada Meaning: ಅರಾಜಕತೆ

Synonyms: chaos, disorder, lawlessness, turmoil, confusion

Antonyms: order, peace, stability, governance, law

Usage in Sentence: The breakdown of institutional mechanisms can lead to anarchy and undermine the very foundations of civil society.

Idiom of the Day: 17 December 2025

Next to Nothing

Formal / Neutral

Meaning: An amount so small that is almost negligible; very little or nearly zero.

Explanation of the Idiom:

The idiom ‘next to nothing’ is deceptively simple, yet precise in its force. To be ‘next to’ something is to stand beside it, not quite touching, not fully there. In this phrase, nothing becomes a reference point and whatever lies beside it is barely distinguishable from absence itself.

This expression captures the idea of scarcity so extreme that it verges on nonexistence.

By the late 18^th and 19^th centuries, ‘next to nothing’ had entered common discourse as a practical way to describe meagre costs, minimal effort or vanishingly small quantities.

Today, this phrase appears frequently in economic reporting, political commentary and cultural criticism.

Example Sentences:

The company paid next to nothing for land that would later be worth millions.

Despite weeks of negotiation, the agreement offered workers next to nothing in real wage growth.

He survived on next to nothing, relying more on resilience than resources.

With today’s Editorial Vocabulary Analysis from 17 December 2025, you've learned 60+ powerful English vocabulary words with their meaning, meaning in English, meaning in Tamil, meaning in Kannada, meaning in Malayalam, synonyms, antonyms and example sentences.

Through Veranda RACE’s ‘Idiom of the Day’ series you learned the idiom ‘next to nothing’ by understanding its meaning, explanation, origin and practical usage.

With example sentences and common use cases, this Idiom of the Day section from Veranda RACE helped you strengthen your vocabulary and use idiomatic expressions effectively in both writing and conversation.

Consistent practice with vocabulary and idiom of the day like these builds every day not just your word bank but also sharpens your comprehension and expression for competitive exams and real-world communication.

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