The Daily Editorial Analysis – English Vocabulary Building – 9 January 2026

Learn English Vocabulary – Daily Editorial Analysis – 9 January 2026

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 January 2026, 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 Mains, IBPS RRB 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 – 9 January 2026

1. Violations

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Acts of breaking or failing to comply with a rule, law, or agreement

Tamil Meaning: அத்துமீறல் / விதிமீறல்

Malayalam Meaning: ലംഘനങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಉಲ್ಲಂಘನೆಗಳು

Synonyms: Breaches, infringements, transgressions, contraventions, offences

Antonyms: Compliance, observance, adherence, obedience, conformity

Usage in Sentence: The pharmaceutical company was penalised for multiple violations of safety standards in its manufacturing process.

2. Operationalise

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To put into operation or make something functional; to implement a plan or system

Tamil Meaning: செயல்படுத்து

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രവർത്തനക്ഷമമാക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾರ್ಯಗತಗೊಳಿಸು

Synonyms: Implement, execute, activate, establish, effectuate

Antonyms: Discontinue, suspend, halt, terminate, abolish

Usage in Sentence: The administration plans to operationalise the new healthcare policy by the end of this financial year.

3. Non-compliance

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Failure or refusal to comply with rules, regulations, or standards

Tamil Meaning: இணங்காமை

Malayalam Meaning: അനുസരണക്കേട്

Kannada Meaning: ಅನುಸರಣೆಯಿಲ್ಲದಿರುವಿಕೆ

Synonyms: Disobedience, defiance, violation, breach, infringement

Antonyms: Compliance, adherence, obedience, conformity, observance

Usage in Sentence: The factory was shut down due to persistent non-compliance with environmental regulations.

4. Invoked

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Called upon or cited as an authority; brought into use or effect

Tamil Meaning: பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: ആഹ്വാനം ചെയ്തു

Kannada Meaning: ಆಹ್ವಾನಿಸಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: Cited, applied, implemented, summoned, called upon

Antonyms: Ignored, dismissed, waived, overlooked, disregarded

Usage in Sentence: The emergency provisions were invoked by the authorities to deal with the natural disaster.

5. Compounding

Part of speech: Noun; Verb (gerund)

Meaning: The settlement of an offence by payment of a fine instead of prosecution

Tamil Meaning: சமரசம்

Malayalam Meaning: പിഴ അടച്ച് തീർപ്പാക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ದಂಡ ಪಾವತಿಯ ಮೂಲಕ ಇತ್ಯರ್ಥ

Synonyms: Settlement, resolution, composition

Antonyms: Prosecution, litigation, trial

Usage in Sentence: The new rules allow for compounding of minor regulatory offences through monetary penalties.

6. Discretion

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation; individual choice or judgement

Tamil Meaning: விருப்புரிமை

Malayalam Meaning: വിവേചനാധികാരം

Kannada Meaning: ವಿವೇಚನೆ

Synonyms: Judgement, choice, volition, prudence, latitude

Antonyms: Obligation, compulsion, indiscretion, recklessness, carelessness

Usage in Sentence: The officer was given full discretion to decide whether to impose the penalty or issue a warning.

7. Litigating

Part of speech: Verb (gerund)

Meaning: Engaging in legal proceedings; taking a dispute to court

Tamil Meaning: வழக்காடுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: വ്യവഹാരം നടത്തൽ

Kannada Meaning: ವ್ಯಾಜ್ಯ ನಡೆಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Suing, prosecuting, disputing, contesting, adjudicating

Antonyms: Settling, mediating, negotiating, compromising, conciliating

Usage in Sentence: The company is litigating against the regulatory body's decision to impose heavy fines.

8. Rationalising

Part of speech: Verb (gerund)

Meaning: Making something more logical, efficient, or consistent; attempting to explain or justify behaviour in a logical manner

Tamil Meaning: பகுத்தறிவுபடுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: യുക്തിസഹമാക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ತರ್ಕಬದ್ಧಗೊಳಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Streamlining, justifying, explaining, systematising, organising

Antonyms: Complicating, confusing, mystifying, obfuscating, muddling

Usage in Sentence: The administration is rationalising the tax structure to reduce the burden on small businesses.

9. Broadened

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Made wider or more extensive; expanded in scope or application

Tamil Meaning: விரிவாக்கப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: വിപുലമാക്കി

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: Expanded, widened, extended, enlarged, increased

Antonyms: Narrowed, restricted, limited, reduced, confined

Usage in Sentence: The new legislation broadened the scope of consumer protection to include digital services.

10. Breach

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct

Tamil Meaning: வரம்புமீறுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ലംഘനം

Kannada Meaning: ಉಲ್ಲಂಘನೆ

Synonyms: Violation, infringement, contravention, transgression, infraction

Antonyms: Compliance, observance, adherence, fulfilment, obedience

Usage in Sentence: The data leak constituted a serious breach of privacy regulations.

11. Non-spurious

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Genuine or authentic; not fake or counterfeit

Tamil Meaning: உண்மையான

Malayalam Meaning: യഥാർത്ഥമായ

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಜವಾದ

Synonyms: Genuine, authentic, legitimate, real, bona fide

Antonyms: Spurious, fake, counterfeit, fraudulent, bogus

Usage in Sentence: The regulator confirmed that the drug sample was non-spurious and met quality standards.

12. Non-adulterated

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Pure and not mixed with inferior or harmful substances

Tamil Meaning: கலப்படமற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: മായം കലർന്നിട്ടില്ലാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಕಲಬೆರಕೆಯಿಲ್ಲದ

Synonyms: Pure, unadulterated, uncontaminated, genuine, unmixed

Antonyms: Adulterated, contaminated, impure, tainted, polluted

Usage in Sentence: The laboratory test confirmed that the food product was non-adulterated and safe for consumption.

13. Immunity

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or penalty

Tamil Meaning: விலக்கு / சட்டவிலக்களிப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ഒഴിവ്

Kannada Meaning: ವಿನಾಯಿತಿ

Synonyms: Exemption, protection, impunity, privilege, indemnity

Antonyms: Liability, vulnerability, susceptibility, exposure, accountability

Usage in Sentence: The witness was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying against the accused.

14. Regulatory

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or involving the regulation or control of an activity or process by rules or laws

Tamil Meaning: ஒழுங்குமுறை

Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രണപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಯಂತ್ರಕ

Synonyms: Supervisory, controlling, governing, administrative, legislative

Antonyms: Unregulated, uncontrolled, unrestricted, deregulated, free

Usage in Sentence: The regulatory framework for financial institutions has been strengthened to prevent fraud.

15. Implement

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Put a decision, plan or agreement into effect; executes or carries out

Tamil Meaning: செயல்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: നടപ്പിലാക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾರ್ಯಗತಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: Executes, enforces, applies, carries out, fulfils

Antonyms: Abandons, neglects, ignores, discontinues, suspends

Usage in Sentence: The administration implements various schemes to improve rural healthcare infrastructure.

16. Disclosure

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The act of making new or secret information known; revelation of facts

Tamil Meaning: வெளிப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: വെളിപ്പെടുത്തൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಬಹಿರಂಗಪಡಿಸುವಿಕೆ

Synonyms: Revelation, announcement, exposure, divulgence, declaration

Antonyms: Concealment, secrecy, suppression, withholding, cover-up

Usage in Sentence: The company's failure in disclosure of financial irregularities led to a major investigation.

17. 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: നിർവ്വഹണം

Kannada Meaning: ಜಾರಿ

Synonyms: Implementation, execution, administration, application, imposition

Antonyms: Neglect, abandonment, disregard, non-enforcement, laxity

Usage in Sentence: Stricter enforcement of traffic rules has led to a reduction in road accidents.

18. Direr

Part of speech: Adjective (comparative form of dire)

Meaning: More extremely serious or urgent; more terrible or dreadful

Tamil Meaning: மிகவும் தீவிரமான

Malayalam Meaning: കൂടുതൽ ഗുരുതരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಗಂಭೀರವಾದ

Synonyms: More severe, graver, more critical, more urgent, more serious

Antonyms: Less serious, milder, less severe, trivial, minor

Usage in Sentence: The authorities must focus on direr public health threats rather than minor infractions.

19. Pitfalls

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Hidden or unsuspected dangers or difficulties; traps or hazards

Tamil Meaning: ஆபத்துகள்

Malayalam Meaning: അപകടങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪಾಯಗಳು

Synonyms: Hazards, dangers, traps, snares, risks

Antonyms: Safeguards, protections, advantages, benefits, securities

Usage in Sentence: Investors must be aware of the pitfalls associated with speculative trading.

20. Regressing

Part of speech: Verb (gerund)

Meaning: Returning to a former or less developed state; deteriorating or declining

Tamil Meaning: பின்னடைவு

Malayalam Meaning: പിന്നോട്ട് പോകുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಹಿಮ್ಮೆಟ್ಟುವುದು

Synonyms: Declining, deteriorating, reverting, backsliding, relapsing

Antonyms: Progressing, advancing, developing, improving, evolving

Usage in Sentence: The economy is regressing due to poor policy decisions and lack of investment.

21. Redacted

Part of speech: Adjective (past participle used as adjective)

Meaning: Edited or censored for publication; having sensitive information removed or obscured

Tamil Meaning: திருத்தப்பட்ட / மறைத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: എഡിറ്റ് ചെയ്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಪಾದಿಸಿದ

Synonyms: Censored, edited, revised, expurgated, obscured

Antonyms: Disclosed, revealed, published, uncensored, unedited

Usage in Sentence: The administration released a redacted version of the report with classified information removed.

22. Underlying

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Lying beneath or at the basis of something; fundamental or basic

Tamil Meaning: அடிப்படையான

Malayalam Meaning: അന്തർലീനമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಮೂಲಭೂತವಾದ

Synonyms: Fundamental, basic, elementary, root, foundational

Antonyms: Superficial, surface, apparent, obvious, overlying

Usage in Sentence: Addressing the underlying causes of poverty requires comprehensive social reform.

23. Avail

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To use or take advantage of an opportunity or available resource

Tamil Meaning: பயன்படுத்திக்கொள்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രയോജനപ്പെടുത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಯೋಜನ ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳು

Synonyms: Use, utilise, exploit, benefit from, take advantage of

Antonyms: Waste, neglect, ignore, forfeit, disregard

Usage in Sentence: Citizens can avail themselves of free health check-ups at publichospitals.

24. Auditable

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Capable of being examined and verified by an independent authority; suitable for audit

Tamil Meaning: தணிக்கை செய்யக்கூடிய

Malayalam Meaning: ഓഡിറ്റ് ചെയ്യാവുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಲೆಕ್ಕಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ ಮಾಡಬಹುದಾದ

Synonyms: Verifiable, examinable, inspectable, reviewable, accountable

Antonyms: Unverifiable, opaque, hidden, unaccountable, untraceable

Usage in Sentence: All financial transactions must be properly documented to ensure they are auditable.

25. Trail

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A record or series of marks left behind; a documented sequence of events or actions

Tamil Meaning: தடம்

Malayalam Meaning: പാത

Kannada Meaning: ಜಾಡು

Synonyms: Record, track, trace, path, evidence

Antonyms: Concealment, erasure, obliteration, removal

Usage in Sentence: The investigation followed the money trail to uncover the corruption network.

26. Emphasis

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Special importance, value, or prominence given to something

Tamil Meaning: வலியுறுத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഊന്നൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಒತ್ತು

Synonyms: Stress, importance, focus, weight, prominence

Antonyms: De-emphasis, neglect, disregard, understatement, minimisation

Usage in Sentence: The new policy places greater emphasis on environmental sustainability.

27. Substitute

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To use or put in place of another; to replace one thing with another

Tamil Meaning: மாற்று

Malayalam Meaning: പകരം വയ്ക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಬದಲಿಸು

Synonyms: Replace, exchange, swap, supplant, displace

Antonyms: Retain, keep, maintain, preserve, continue

Usage in Sentence: Transparency cannot substitute for proper regulatory oversight and accountability.

28. Whistle-blowers

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: People who expose wrongdoing, corruption or illegal activities within an organisation

Tamil Meaning: முறைகேடு அம்பலப்படுத்துபவர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: വിസിൽബ്ലോവേഴ്സ്

Kannada Meaning: ಅಕ್ರಮ ಬಹಿರಂಗಪಡಿಸುವವರು

Synonyms: Informants, exposers, informers, reporters, revelators

Antonyms: Accomplices, collaborators, concealers, suppressors

Usage in Sentence: Whistle-blowers play a crucial role in exposing corporate fraud and protecting public interest.

29. Lapses

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Temporary failures or slips; minor errors or oversights

Tamil Meaning: குறைபாடுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: വീഴ്ചകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ತಪ್ಪುಗಳು

Synonyms: Errors, mistakes, oversights, failures, slips

Antonyms: Accuracies, successes, achievements, precision, diligence

Usage in Sentence: The report identified several lapses in the quality control procedures at the manufacturing plant.

30. Substantive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Having a firm basis in reality and being important or meaningful; substantial

Tamil Meaning: முக்கியமான

Malayalam Meaning: സാരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಮಹತ್ವದ

Synonyms: Substantial, significant, meaningful, considerable, important

Antonyms: Trivial, insignificant, superficial, minor, insubstantial

Usage in Sentence: The committee demanded substantive changes to the proposed legislation rather than cosmetic amendments.

31. Deterrence

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of discouraging an action or event through fear of consequences

Tamil Meaning: தடுப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതിരോധം

Kannada Meaning: ತಡೆಗಟ್ಟುವಿಕೆ

Synonyms: Prevention, discouragement, hindrance, dissuasion, restraint

Antonyms: Encouragement, incentive, motivation, inducement, promotion

Usage in Sentence: Strict penalties serve as a deterrence against environmental pollution by industries.

32. Falter

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To lose strength or momentum; to become weaker or less effective

Tamil Meaning: தடுமாறுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ദുർബലപ്പെടുക

Kannada Meaning: ದುರ್ಬಲಗೊಳ್ಳು

Synonyms: Weaken, waver, stumble, hesitate, deteriorate

Antonyms: Strengthen, persist, continue, endure, flourish

Usage in Sentence: The economic recovery may falter if the administration does not address unemployment.

33. Durable

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Able to withstand wear, pressure or damage; lasting over time

Tamil Meaning: நீடித்த

Malayalam Meaning: ദൈർഘ്യമേറിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಬಾಳಿಕೆಯಾಗುವ

Synonyms: Lasting, enduring, permanent, long-lasting, resilient

Antonyms: Temporary, fragile, ephemeral, transient, short-lived

Usage in Sentence: The reforms must lead to durable improvements in public health outcomes.

34. Crossfire

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A situation in which opposing sides direct criticism or hostility at someone caught between them

Tamil Meaning: குறுக்கு தாக்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഇടയ്ക്ക് കുടുങ്ങൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಡ್ಡ ಬೆಂಕಿ

Synonyms: Conflict, dispute, contention, clash, confrontation

Antonyms: Agreement, harmony, peace, cooperation, accord

Usage in Sentence: Innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire between the two warring political factions.

35. Ties

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Connections or relationships between people, groups, or countries

Tamil Meaning: உறவுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ബന്ധങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಬಂಧಗಳು

Synonyms: Connections, relationships, bonds, links, associations

Antonyms: Disconnections, separations, divisions, estrangements, breaks

Usage in Sentence: Diplomatic ties between the two nations have strengthened through increased trade cooperation.

36. Scourge

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering; a widespread affliction

Tamil Meaning: வாதை / கேடு

Malayalam Meaning: ബാധ

Kannada Meaning: ಪೀಡೆ

Synonyms: Affliction, plague, bane, curse, torment

Antonyms: Blessing, benefit, advantage, boon, godsend

Usage in Sentence: Terrorism remains a scourge that threatens peace and stability across the region.

37. Turbulence

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A state of conflict, disorder or confusion; instability

Tamil Meaning: கொந்தளிப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രക്ഷോഭം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಕ್ಷುಬ್ಧತೆ

Synonyms: Disorder, instability, upheaval, turmoil, chaos

Antonyms: Stability, calm, peace, tranquillity, order

Usage in Sentence: The country experienced political turbulence following the controversial election results.

38. Stumbling

Part of speech: Adjective (present participle used as adjective)

Meaning: Causing difficulty or hindrance; creating an obstacle

Tamil Meaning: தடுமாறல்

Malayalam Meaning: തടസ്സമാകുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಅಡ್ಡಿಯಾಗುವ

Synonyms: Hindering, obstructing, impeding, blocking, hampering

Antonyms: Facilitating, helping, assisting, enabling, aiding

Usage in Sentence: Lack of infrastructure remains a stumbling block to economic development in rural areas.

39. Ghastly

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Causing great horror or fear; extremely unpleasant or bad

Tamil Meaning: பயங்கரமான

Malayalam Meaning: ഭയാനകമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಭಯಾನಕ

Synonyms: Horrifying, dreadful, appalling, terrible, shocking

Antonyms: Pleasant, delightful, wonderful, lovely, agreeable

Usage in Sentence: The ghastly attack on civilians drew widespread international condemnation.

40. Lynching

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The killing of someone by a mob without legal trial

Tamil Meaning: சட்டப்படி விசாரணையில்லாமல் ஒருவரை கொல்வது

Malayalam Meaning: ജനകീയ കൊലപാതകം

Kannada Meaning: ಜನಸಮೂಹದ ಹತ್ಯೆ

Synonyms: Mob killing, vigilante justice, extra-judicial killing

Antonyms: Legal execution, due process, trial, judicial punishment

Usage in Sentence: The lynching of innocent people based on rumours has become a serious law and order issue.

41. Condemnation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The expression of very strong disapproval; censure

Tamil Meaning: கண்டனம்

Malayalam Meaning: അപലപനം

Kannada Meaning: ಖಂಡನೆ

Synonyms: Denunciation, criticism, censure, disapproval, reproach

Antonyms: Approval, praise, commendation, endorsement, acclaim

Usage in Sentence: The violent incident drew swift condemnation from human rights organisations worldwide.

42. Reflexive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Done without conscious thought; automatic or instinctive

Tamil Meaning: தன்னியல்பான

Malayalam Meaning: തൽക്ഷണമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತಿವರ್ತಿ

Synonyms: Automatic, instinctive, involuntary, spontaneous, mechanical

Antonyms: Deliberate, conscious, calculated, intentional, thoughtful

Usage in Sentence: The reflexive response to criticism often prevents meaningful dialogue and understanding.

43. Churn

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A state of turbulent change or agitation; disruption

Tamil Meaning: குழப்பம்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രക്ഷോഭം

Kannada Meaning: ಕದಲಿಕೆ

Synonyms: Turmoil, upheaval, disruption, agitation, disturbance

Antonyms: Stability, calm, peace, stillness, tranquillity

Usage in Sentence: The leadership churn in the organisation has affected employee morale and productivity.

44. Prematurely

Part of speech: Adverb

Meaning: Before the usual or proper time; too early

Tamil Meaning: முன்கூட்டியே

Malayalam Meaning: അകാലത്തിൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಕಾಲಿಕವಾಗಿ

Synonyms: Early, hastily, too soon, untimely, precipitately

Antonyms: Belatedly, tardily, late, eventually, finally

Usage in Sentence: The administration prematurely announced success before the project was fully completed.

45. Commencing

Part of speech: Verb (gerund)

Meaning: Beginning or starting

Tamil Meaning: தொடங்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ആരംഭിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಆರಂಭಗೊಳ್ಳುವುದು

Synonyms: Beginning, starting, initiating, launching, opening

Antonyms: Ending, concluding, finishing, terminating, ceasing

Usage in Sentence: The new academic session is commencing next month with revised curriculum guidelines.

46. Rejoinder

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A sharp or witty reply; a response to a reply

Tamil Meaning: மறுப்பறிக்கை

Malayalam Meaning: മറുപടി

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತ್ಯುತ್ತರ

Synonyms: Reply, response, retort, answer, riposte

Antonyms: Silence, question, query, ignoring

Usage in Sentence: The administrator’s statement drew a sharp rejoinder from the opposition leader.

47. Missive

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A letter, especially a long or official one

Tamil Meaning: கடிதம்

Malayalam Meaning: ലേഖനം

Kannada Meaning: ಪತ್ರ

Synonyms: Letter, communication, dispatch, message, correspondence

Antonyms: Verbal communication, speech, conversation

Usage in Sentence: The diplomatic missive outlined the country's concerns regarding border security.

48. Forthcoming

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: About to happen or appear; upcoming

Tamil Meaning: வரவிருக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: വരാനിരിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಮುಂಬರುವ

Synonyms: Upcoming, approaching, imminent, future, prospective

Antonyms: Past, previous, former, bygone, completed

Usage in Sentence: The forthcoming elections will be crucial for determining the country's political direction.

49. Scrambling

Part of speech: Verb (gerund)

Meaning: Struggling or competing with others in a hurried or disorganised manner

Tamil Meaning: அவசரமாக முயற்சித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: തിടുക്കത്തിൽ ശ്രമിക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಆತುರದಿಂದ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Rushing, hurrying, struggling, competing, hustling

Antonyms: Relaxing, strolling, leisuring, dawdling, planning

Usage in Sentence: The organisers were scrambling to make last-minute arrangements for the international conference.

50. Slotted

Part of speech: Verb (past participle)

Meaning: Assigned to a particular place or time; scheduled

Tamil Meaning: ஒதுக்கப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: നിശ്ചയിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಗದಿಪಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ

Synonyms: Scheduled, assigned, allocated, designated, appointed

Antonyms: Unscheduled, cancelled, removed, withdrawn, unassigned

Usage in Sentence: The important meeting has been slotted for next Tuesday afternoon.

51. Conundrum

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A confusing and difficult problem or question

Tamil Meaning: புதிர்

Malayalam Meaning: കടമ്പ

Kannada Meaning: ಗೊಂದಲ

Synonyms: Puzzle, dilemma, problem, enigma, mystery

Antonyms: Solution, answer, clarity, certainty, simplicity

Usage in Sentence: The ethical conundrum of balancing economic growth with environmental protection requires careful consideration.

52. Hostile

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Unfriendly and antagonistic; showing opposition

Tamil Meaning: விரோதமான

Malayalam Meaning: ശത്രുതാപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತಿಕೂಲವಾದ

Synonyms: Unfriendly, antagonistic, aggressive, adverse, opposed

Antonyms: Friendly, welcoming, amicable, cordial, hospitable

Usage in Sentence: The hostile atmosphere in the parliament prevented any constructive debate on the bill.

53. Frayed

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Damaged or strained to the point of breaking; worn or tattered

Tamil Meaning: சேதமடைந்த

Malayalam Meaning: തേയ്മാനമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಾಳಾದ

Synonyms: Strained, damaged, worn, tattered, deteriorated

Antonyms: Strong, intact, healthy, undamaged, solid

Usage in Sentence: Years of border disputes have left bilateral relations frayed and difficult to repair.

54. Interplay

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The way in which two or more things interact and affect each other

Tamil Meaning: ஊடாட்டம்

Malayalam Meaning: പരസ്പരപ്രവർത്തനം

Kannada Meaning: ಪರಸ್ಪರ ಕ್ರಿಯೆ

Synonyms: Interaction, exchange, reciprocity, interconnection, give-and-take

Antonyms: Isolation, separation, independence, disconnection

Usage in Sentence: The interplay between economic policies and social welfare programmes determines development outcomes.

55. Pragmatism

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A practical approach to problems based on dealing with things in a realistic way

Tamil Meaning: நடைமுறைவாதம்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രായോഗികത

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಾಯೋಗಿಕತೆ

Synonyms: Practicality, realism, sensibility, common sense, levelheadedness

Antonyms: Idealism, impracticality, dogmatism, inflexibility, theory

Usage in Sentence: The administration’s foreign policy reflects a balance between principles and pragmatism.

56. Deposed

Part of speech: Adjective (past participle used as adjective)

Meaning: Removed from power or position, especially by force

Tamil Meaning: வலுக்கட்டாயமாக அகற்றப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: സ്ഥാനഭ്രഷ്ടനാക്കപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ಪದಚ್ಯುತಗೊಳಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: Ousted, overthrown, dethroned, removed, displaced

Antonyms: Installed, appointed, enthroned, established, crowned

Usage in Sentence: The deposed leader sought asylum in a neighbouring country after the coup.

57. Sought

Part of speech: Verb (past tense of seek)

Meaning: Attempted to find or obtain something; requested or pursued

Tamil Meaning: தேடினார்

Malayalam Meaning: അന്വേഷിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಹುಡುಕಿದರು

Synonyms: Searched, pursued, requested, looked for, hunted

Antonyms: Avoided, ignored, shunned, abandoned, rejected

Usage in Sentence: The refugees sought protection under international humanitarian law.

58. Refuge

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A place or state of safety from danger or trouble; shelter or protection

Tamil Meaning: அடைக்கலம்

Malayalam Meaning: അഭയം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಶ್ರಯ

Synonyms: Shelter, sanctuary, asylum, haven, protection

Antonyms: Danger, exposure, peril, threat, vulnerability

Usage in Sentence: Thousands of displaced people sought refuge in temporary camps set up by aid agencies.

59. Arch-rival

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A principal or long-standing rival or opponent

Tamil Meaning: தலைமை எதிரி

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രധാന എതിരാളി

Kannada Meaning: ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪ್ರತಿಸ್ಪರ್ಧಿ

Synonyms: Main rival, chief opponent, principal adversary, nemesis

Antonyms: Ally, partner, friend, supporter, collaborator

Usage in Sentence: The two political parties have been arch-rivals for control of the state for decades.

60. Unenviable

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Difficult, unpleasant, or undesirable

Tamil Meaning: விரும்பத்தகாத

Malayalam Meaning: അസൂയാർഹമല്ലാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಅನಪೇಕ್ಷಿತ

Synonyms: Unpleasant, undesirable, disagreeable, difficult, thankless

Antonyms: Enviable, desirable, pleasant, attractive, appealing

Usage in Sentence: The mediator faces the unenviable task of reconciling deeply opposed positions.

61. Shrill

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Loud and high-pitched; excessively forceful or insistent

Tamil Meaning: கூச்சலிடும்

Malayalam Meaning: രൂക്ഷമായ

Kannada Meaning: ತೀಕ್ಷ್ಣವಾದ

Synonyms: Piercing, harsh, strident, loud, high-pitched

Antonyms: Soft, gentle, quiet, melodious, calm

Usage in Sentence: The shrill rhetoric from both sides has made rational discussion almost impossible.

62. Tempered

Part of speech: Verb (past participle)

Meaning: Moderated or restrained; made less extreme

Tamil Meaning: மிதப்படுத்தப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: മയപ്പെടുത്തിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಮಿತಗೊಳಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: Moderated, softened, restrained, mitigated, lessened

Antonyms: Intensified, exacerbated, heightened, aggravated, inflamed

Usage in Sentence: The leader's aggressive stance needs to be tempered with diplomatic wisdom.

63. Handcuffed

Part of speech: Verb (past participle)

Meaning: Restricted or constrained in action; prevented from functioning freely

Tamil Meaning: கைவிலங்கிடப்படுத்தல் / கட்டுப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രിതമാക്കപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ನಿರ್ಬಂಧಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: Restricted, constrained, limited, hindered, shackled

Antonyms: Freed, liberated, unrestricted, unshackled, empowered

Usage in Sentence: Cultural exchanges should not be handcuffed by temporary political tensions.

Idiom of the Day: 9 January 2026

Water Under the Bridge

Formal / Neutral

Meaning: To refer to past events or mistakes that are no longer important or worth worrying about, because time has passed and the situation has moved on.

Explanation of the Idiom:

The idiom ‘water under the bridge’ draws its imagery from a flowing river passing beneath a bridge and continuing onward without stopping or returning. Once water has flowed under the bridge, it cannot be retrieved or reversed, symbolising moments, decisions and disagreements that belong firmly to the past.

This phrase emerged in English usage in the early twentieth century, rooted in older European expressions that connected rivers with the irreversible passage of time.

Over the decades, this idiom has become a widely accepted metaphor for emotional closure and personal growth. It reflects the human capacity to acknowledge past difficulties without allowing them to define the present.

Example Sentences:

Their bitter argument during the campaign is now water under the bridge as they work together again.

She considers the misunderstandings from their years as water under the bridge now.

The financial losses of the first venture are water under the bridge after sustained profitability.

With today’s Editorial Vocabulary Analysis from 9 January 2026, 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 ‘Water Under the Bridge’ 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.

Keep reading, keep learning English with Veranda RACE! 💪📖

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