Learn English Vocabulary – Daily Editorial Analysis – 18 October 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.
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1. Alleged
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Said or believed to be true, but not yet proven or confirmed
Tamil Meaning: ஆதாரமில்லாமல் குற்றம் சாட்டுதல்
Malayalam Meaning: ആരോപിക്കപ്പെട്ട
Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪಿಸಲಾದ
Synonyms: supposed, claimed, purported, asserted, professed
Antonyms: proven, confirmed, verified, established, authenticated
Usage in Sentence: The alleged agreement between the two countries has not been officially documented.
2. Assurance
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise or guarantee
Tamil Meaning: உறுதிமொழி
Malayalam Meaning: ഉറപ്പ്
Kannada Meaning: ಭರವಸೆ
Synonyms: guarantee, pledge, promise, commitment, word
Antonyms: doubt, uncertainty, denial, refusal, rejection
Usage in Sentence: The administrator gave an assurance that the policy would be implemented by next quarter.
3. Halt
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: To bring or come to an abrupt stop
Tamil Meaning: நிறுத்துதல்
Malayalam Meaning: നിർത്തുക
Kannada Meaning: ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸು
Synonyms: stop, cease, terminate, discontinue, suspend
Antonyms: continue, proceed, advance, resume, persist
Usage in Sentence: The administration decided to halt all imports from the sanctioned country.
4. Utterance
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A spoken word, statement or vocal expression
Tamil Meaning: உரை / சொல்லுதல்
Malayalam Meaning: പ്രസ്താവന
Kannada Meaning: ಉಚ್ಚಾರಣೆ
Synonyms: statement, remark, declaration, pronouncement, expression
Antonyms: silence, muteness, quietness
Usage in Sentence: The US President's utterance caused considerable diplomatic tension between the two nations.
5. Heightened
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Made more intense or increased in degree
Tamil Meaning: உயர்த்தப்பட்ட
Malayalam Meaning: ഉയർത്തിയ
Kannada Meaning: ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸಿದ
Synonyms: increased, intensified, elevated, amplified, enhanced
Antonyms: reduced, decreased, diminished, lowered, lessened
Usage in Sentence: There was heightened security across the capital following the intelligence report.
6. Bilateral
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Involving two parties, countries or sides
Tamil Meaning: இருதரப்பு
Malayalam Meaning: ഉഭയകക്ഷി
Kannada Meaning: ದ್ವಿಪಕ್ಷೀಯ
Synonyms: two-sided, mutual, reciprocal, joint
Antonyms: unilateral, multilateral, one-sided
Usage in Sentence: The bilateral trade agreement was signed after months of negotiation.
7. Abrupt
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Sudden and unexpected
Tamil Meaning: திடீர் / எதிர்பாராமல்
Malayalam Meaning: പെട്ടെന്നുള്ള
Kannada Meaning: ಹಠಾತ್
Synonyms: sudden, unexpected, hasty, precipitate, swift
Antonyms: gradual, smooth, expected, gentle, anticipated
Usage in Sentence: The abrupt end to the military operation surprised regional observers.
8. Ceasefire
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A temporary suspension of fighting; a truce
Tamil Meaning: போர் நிறுத்தம்
Malayalam Meaning: വെടിനിർത്തൽ
Kannada Meaning: ಕದನ ವಿರಾಮ
Synonyms: truce, armistice, peace, suspension of hostilities
Antonyms: warfare, combat, hostilities, conflict, battle
Usage in Sentence: Both nations agreed to a ceasefire after international mediation efforts.
9. Mediated
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: Intervened in a dispute to bring about an agreement or reconciliation
Tamil Meaning: மத்தியஸ்தம் செய்யப்பட்டது
Malayalam Meaning: മദ്ധ്യസ്ഥത വഹിച്ചു
Kannada Meaning: ಮಧ್ಯಸ್ಥಿಕೆ ವಹಿಸಿದರು
Synonyms: arbitrated, negotiated, intervened, reconciled, facilitated
Antonyms: obstructed, hindered, complicated, aggravated
Usage in Sentence: The United Nations mediated the peace talks between the warring factions.
10. Narrative
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A spoken or written account of connected events; a story or version of events
Tamil Meaning: விவரிப்பு / விளக்கக்கூற்று
Malayalam Meaning: വിവരണം
Kannada Meaning: ನಿರೂಪಣೆ
Synonyms: account, story, description, version, portrayal
Antonyms: fact, reality, truth (in context of false narrative)
Usage in Sentence: The administration challenged the opposition's narrative about the economic crisis.
11. Unaware
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Having no knowledge of a situation or fact
Tamil Meaning: அறியாத / தெரியாத
Malayalam Meaning: അറിയാത്ത
Kannada Meaning: ತಿಳಿದಿಲ್ಲದ
Synonyms: ignorant, oblivious, uninformed, unconscious, unknowing
Antonyms: aware, conscious, informed, knowledgeable, cognisant
Usage in Sentence: The spokesperson claimed to be unaware of any such conversation between the leaders.
12. Unequivocally
Part of speech: Adverb
Meaning: In a way that leaves no doubt; clearly and unambiguously
Tamil Meaning: தெளிவாக
Malayalam Meaning: സംശയമില്ലാതെ
Kannada Meaning: ನಿಸ್ಸಂದಿಗ್ಧವಾಗಿ
Synonyms: clearly, definitely, categorically, absolutely, unmistakably
Antonyms: ambiguously, vaguely, uncertainly, doubtfully, equivocally
Usage in Sentence: The administrator did not unequivocally deny the allegations made by the leader.
13. Aftermath
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: The consequences or after-effects of a significant unpleasant event
Tamil Meaning: பின்விளைவு
Malayalam Meaning: അനന്തരഫലം
Kannada Meaning: ಪರಿಣಾಮ
Synonyms: consequences, results, effects, outcome, repercussions
Antonyms: cause, origin, precursor, beginning
Usage in Sentence: The diplomatic tensions persisted in the aftermath of the military operation.
14. Quandary
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation
Tamil Meaning: குழப்பம்
Malayalam Meaning: ആശയക്കുഴപ്പം
Kannada Meaning: ಗೊಂದಲ
Synonyms: dilemma, predicament, difficulty, puzzle, confusion
Antonyms: certainty, clarity, solution, resolution
Usage in Sentence: The foreign ministry found itself in a quandary over how to respond to the US President's claims.
15. Chimerical
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Wildly fanciful; highly unrealistic or unrealisable
Tamil Meaning: கற்பனையான
Malayalam Meaning: സാങ്കൽപ്പിക
Kannada Meaning: ಕಾಲ್ಪನಿಕ
Synonyms: fanciful, illusory, imaginary, unrealistic, fantastical
Antonyms: realistic, practical, achievable, feasible, actual
Usage in Sentence: The leader's chimerical nature made it difficult for diplomats to predict his next move.
16. Trait
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A distinguishing quality or characteristic
Tamil Meaning: பண்பு
Malayalam Meaning: സവിശേഷത
Kannada Meaning: ಲಕ್ಷಣ
Synonyms: characteristic, feature, quality, attribute, property
Antonyms: whole, entirety (no direct antonym)
Usage in Sentence: Unpredictability has become a defining trait of the administration's foreign policy.
17. Impulsive
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Acting or done without forethought or consideration
Tamil Meaning: உந்துதல் சார்ந்த / உணர்ச்சி வசப்பட்ட / அவசரமான
Malayalam Meaning: ആവേശപൂർണ്ണമായ
Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಚೋದನಾತ್ಮಕ
Synonyms: hasty, rash, spontaneous, impetuous, reckless
Antonyms: cautious, deliberate, thoughtful, careful, calculated
Usage in Sentence: The leader’s impulsive statements often create diplomatic complications.
18. Counterparts
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: People or things that have the same function or characteristics as others in a different place or situation
Tamil Meaning: சமமானவர்கள்
Malayalam Meaning: സമകക്ഷർ
Kannada Meaning: ಸಮಾನರು
Synonyms: equivalents, equals, peers, matches, opposites
Antonyms: superiors, subordinates, inferiors
Usage in Sentence: The officials met with their American counterparts to discuss trade issues.
19. Negotiating
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: Trying to reach an agreement through discussion and compromise
Tamil Meaning: பேச்சுவார்த்தை நடத்துதல்
Malayalam Meaning: ചർച്ച നടത്തുക
Kannada Meaning: ಮಾತುಕತೆ ನಡೆಸುವುದು
Synonyms: bargaining, discussing, deliberating, mediating, conferring
Antonyms: refusing, rejecting, dictating, demanding
Usage in Sentence: The two countries have been negotiating a trade deal for several months.
20. Frustrating
Part of speech: Verb/Adjective
Meaning: Causing annoyance or upset because of inability to change or achieve something
Tamil Meaning: விரக்தியூட்டும்
Malayalam Meaning: നിരാശപ്പെടുത്തുന്ന
Kannada Meaning: ಹತಾಶೆಗೊಳಿಸುವ
Synonyms: annoying, exasperating, irritating, vexing, disappointing
Antonyms: satisfying, pleasing, encouraging, fulfilling, gratifying
Usage in Sentence: The lack of clear communication was frustrating for the diplomatic team.
21. Predictability
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: The quality of being regarded as likely to happen or behave in a particular way
Tamil Meaning: முன்னறிவிப்புத்தன்மை
Malayalam Meaning: പ്രവചനീയത
Kannada Meaning: ಮುಂಗಾಣುವಿಕೆ
Synonyms: consistency, reliability, certainty, stability, regularity
Antonyms: unpredictability, uncertainty, inconsistency, variability, randomness
Usage in Sentence: Diplomats seek predictability in their engagements with foreign leaders.
22. Interlocutors
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: People who take part in a dialogue or conversation
Tamil Meaning: உரையாடுபவர்கள்
Malayalam Meaning: സംഭാഷണപങ്കാളികൾ
Kannada Meaning: ಸಂವಾದಕರು
Synonyms: conversationalists, discussants, negotiators, participants, speakers
Antonyms: listeners, observers, bystanders
Usage in Sentence: Our officials found it challenging to anticipate the responses of their American interlocutors.
23. Knee-jerk
Part of speech: Adjective/Idiom
Meaning: An immediate and automatic reaction without thought or consideration
Tamil Meaning: உடனடியான எதிர்வினை
Malayalam Meaning: തൽക്ഷണ പ്രതികരണം
Kannada Meaning: ತಕ್ಷಣದ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆ
Synonyms: automatic, reflexive, instinctive, spontaneous, impulsive
Antonyms: considered, thoughtful, deliberate, measured, calculated
Usage in Sentence: The administration avoided a knee-jerk reaction to the controversial statement.
24. Outlandish
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar; strikingly unconventional
Tamil Meaning: விசித்திரமான
Malayalam Meaning: വിചിത്രമായ
Kannada Meaning: ವಿಚಿತ್ರವಾದ
Synonyms: bizarre, strange, odd, eccentric, extraordinary
Antonyms: ordinary, conventional, normal, typical, familiar
Usage in Sentence: The leader’s outlandish claims often lacked supporting evidence.
25. Posture
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A particular approach or attitude towards something; a stance
Tamil Meaning: நிலைப்பாடு
Malayalam Meaning: നിലപാട്
Kannada Meaning: ನಿಲುವು
Synonyms: stance, position, attitude, approach, stand
Antonyms: flexibility, indecision, uncertainty
Usage in Sentence: The country needs to clarify its posture on oil purchases from sanctioned nations.
26. Aggression
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Hostile or violent behaviour or attitudes; an unprovoked attack
Tamil Meaning: ஆக்கிரமிப்பு
Malayalam Meaning: ആക്രമണം
Kannada Meaning: ಆಕ್ರಮಣಶೀಲತೆ
Synonyms: hostility, violence, attack, belligerence, assault
Antonyms: peace, pacifism, defence, passivity, friendliness
Usage in Sentence: The international community condemned the aggression against the neighbouring country.
27. Strident
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Loud and harsh; presenting a point of view in an excessively forceful way
Tamil Meaning: கடுமையான
Malayalam Meaning: ശക്തമായ
Kannada Meaning: ಕಠೋರವಾದ
Synonyms: harsh, loud, forceful, vociferous, shrill
Antonyms: gentle, soft, quiet, mild, moderate
Usage in Sentence: The strident criticism from Western nations did not influence the country’s policy decisions.
28. Brazen
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Bold and without shame; showing no embarrassment about behaviour that others would find unacceptable
Tamil Meaning: வெட்கமற்ற
Malayalam Meaning: ലജ്ജയില്ലാത്ത
Kannada Meaning: ನಾಚಿಕೆಯಿಲ್ಲದ
Synonyms: shameless, audacious, bold, barefaced, impudent
Antonyms: ashamed, modest, timid, bashful, discreet
Usage in Sentence: The leader’s brazen admission of covert operations shocked the international community.
29. Covert
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret
Tamil Meaning: இரகசியமான
Malayalam Meaning: രഹസ്യമായ
Kannada Meaning: ರಹಸ್ಯ
Synonyms: secret, clandestine, hidden, undercover, concealed
Antonyms: overt, open, public, obvious, visible
Usage in Sentence: The intelligence agency conducted covert operations in several countries.
30. Escalation
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: An increase in the intensity or seriousness of something
Tamil Meaning: தீவிரமாக்கல் / அதிகரித்தல்
Malayalam Meaning: വർദ്ധന
Kannada Meaning: ಉಲ್ಬಣಗೊಳ್ಳುವಿಕೆ
Synonyms: intensification, increase, expansion, amplification, rise
Antonyms: de-escalation, reduction, decrease, decline, lessening
Usage in Sentence: The military escalation in the region raised concerns about regional stability.
31. Strikes
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Sudden attacks, typically military ones
Tamil Meaning: தாக்குதல்கள்
Malayalam Meaning: ആക്രമണങ്ങൾ
Kannada Meaning: ದಾಳಿಗಳು
Synonyms: attacks, raids, assaults, bombardments, offensives
Antonyms: defences, retreats, withdrawals
Usage in Sentence: The naval strikes in Caribbean waters threatened regional security.
32. Destabilise
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: To upset the stability of; to cause to become unstable
Tamil Meaning: ஸ்திரத்தன்மையை குலைத்தல்
Malayalam Meaning: അസ്ഥിരമാക്കുക
Kannada Meaning: ಅಸ್ಥಿರಗೊಳಿಸು
Synonyms: unsettle, undermine, weaken, disrupt, upset
Antonyms: stabilise, strengthen, secure, steady, balance
Usage in Sentence: The military intervention threatened to destabilise the entire region.
33. Violating
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: Breaking or failing to comply with a rule or law
Tamil Meaning: மீறுதல்
Malayalam Meaning: ലംഘിക്കുക
Kannada Meaning: ಉಲ್ಲಂಘಿಸುವುದು
Synonyms: breaking, breaching, infringing, transgressing, contravening
Antonyms: obeying, following, respecting, honouring, observing
Usage in Sentence: The military operations were accused of violating international law.
34. Prospective
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Expected or likely to happen or become something in the future
Tamil Meaning: எதிர்பார்க்கப்படும்
Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്ന
Kannada Meaning: ನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿತ
Synonyms: potential, future, anticipated, expected, forthcoming
Antonyms: past, former, previous, retrospective, current
Usage in Sentence: The prospective military action would have serious international repercussions.
35. Grim
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Forbidding or uninviting; depressing or worrying
Tamil Meaning: கடுமையான
Malayalam Meaning: ഭയാനകമായ
Kannada Meaning: ಕಠಿಣವಾದ
Synonyms: bleak, harsh, severe, dire, forbidding
Antonyms: pleasant, cheerful, encouraging, bright, optimistic
Usage in Sentence: The organisation’s actions followed a grim pattern of historical interventions.
36. Coup
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A sudden, violent and illegal seizure of power from a government
Tamil Meaning: ஆட்சிக்கவிழ்ப்பு
Malayalam Meaning: അട്ടിമറി
Kannada Meaning: ದಂಗೆ
Synonyms: overthrow, takeover, rebellion, uprising, revolt
Antonyms: election, peaceful transition, continuity
Usage in Sentence: The military organisation orchestrated a coup that toppled the democratically elected government.
37. Orchestration
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: The planning or coordination of elements to achieve a desired effect
Tamil Meaning: திட்டமிடல்
Malayalam Meaning: ആസൂത്രണം
Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಯೋಜನೆ
Synonyms: arrangement, organisation, planning, coordination, management
Antonyms: disorganisation, chaos, disorder, confusion
Usage in Sentence: The orchestration of the political change was evident from declassified documents.
38. Interventions
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Actions taken to interfere in another's affairs, especially by a government in another country's internal matters
Tamil Meaning: தலையீடுகள்
Malayalam Meaning: ഇടപെടലുകൾ
Kannada Meaning: ಹಸ್ತಕ್ಷೇಪಗಳು
Synonyms: interference, involvement, intrusion, meddling, intercession
Antonyms: non-interference, neutrality, withdrawal, abstention
Usage in Sentence: Military interventions have historically led to long-term regional instability.
39. Catastrophic
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; disastrous
Tamil Meaning: பேரழிவுகரமான
Malayalam Meaning: വിനാശകരമായ
Kannada Meaning: ವಿನಾಶಕಾರಿ
Synonyms: disastrous, calamitous, devastating, tragic, ruinous
Antonyms: beneficial, fortunate, successful, favourable, advantageous
Usage in Sentence: The foreign intervention had catastrophic consequences for the civilian population.
40. Instability
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Lack of stability; the state of being unstable or insecure
Tamil Meaning: உறுதியின்மை
Malayalam Meaning: അസ്ഥിരത
Kannada Meaning: ಅಸ್ಥಿರತೆ
Synonyms: volatility, insecurity, unpredictability, uncertainty, unsteadiness
Antonyms: stability, security, steadiness, reliability, balance
Usage in Sentence: Decades of foreign interference resulted in political instability across the region.
41. Backsliding
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A relapse into bad ways or error; regression to a worse condition
Tamil Meaning: பின்னடைவு
Malayalam Meaning: തിരിച്ചുപോക്ക്
Kannada Meaning: ಹಿಂದಕ್ಕೆ ಸರಿಯುವಿಕೆ
Synonyms: regression, relapse, deterioration, decline, reversal
Antonyms: progress, advancement, improvement, development, evolution
Usage in Sentence: The country experienced democratic backsliding following the military takeover.
42. Authoritarian
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Favouring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom
Tamil Meaning: சர்வாதிகாரம் சார்ந்த
Malayalam Meaning: സ്വേച്ഛാധിപത്യപരമായ
Kannada Meaning: ಸರ್ವಾಧಿಕಾರಿ
Synonyms: dictatorial, autocratic, tyrannical, despotic, totalitarian
Antonyms: democratic, liberal, permissive, free, libertarian
Usage in Sentence: The authoritarian regime suppressed all forms of political dissent.
43. Disputed
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Questioned or contested; not accepted as valid
Tamil Meaning: சர்ச்சைக்குரிய
Malayalam Meaning: തർക്കമുള്ള
Kannada Meaning: ವಿವಾದಾತ್ಮಕ
Synonyms: contested, controversial, challenged, debated, questionable
Antonyms: accepted, undisputed, recognised, acknowledged, confirmed
Usage in Sentence: The disputed election results led to widespread protests.
44. Compounded
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: Made something bad worse by adding to it
Tamil Meaning: அதிகரித்தது
Malayalam Meaning: വർദ്ധിപ്പിച്ചു
Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಯುಕ್ತಗೊಳಿಸಿದರು
Synonyms: worsened, aggravated, intensified, exacerbated, increased
Antonyms: alleviated, eased, reduced, lessened, improved
Usage in Sentence: Economic sanctions compounded the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
45. Mismanagement
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: The process of managing something badly or wrongly
Tamil Meaning: தவறான நிர்வாகம் / தவறாக வழி நடத்துதல் / திறமையற்ற செயலாண்மை
Malayalam Meaning: തെറ്റായ മാനേജ്മെന്റ്
Kannada Meaning: ಅವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಿತ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ
Synonyms: maladministration, incompetence, mishandling, negligence, inefficiency
Antonyms: management, administration, efficiency, competence, organisation
Usage in Sentence: Economic mismanagement led to hyperinflation and widespread poverty.
46. Sanctions
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Official orders or measures imposed by countries to influence another's policies, typically by restricting trade
Tamil Meaning: (பொருளாதார) தடைகள்
Malayalam Meaning: ഉപരോധങ്ങൾ
Kannada Meaning: ನಿರ್ಬಂಧಗಳು
Synonyms: penalties, restrictions, embargoes, bans, prohibitions
Antonyms: approvals, permissions, allowances, authorisations
Usage in Sentence: International sanctions severely affected the country's oil exports.
47. Devastated
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: Destroyed or ruined something completely
Tamil Meaning: அழித்தது
Malayalam Meaning: നശിപ്പിച്ചു
Kannada Meaning: ಧ್ವಂಸಗೊಳಿಸಿದರು
Synonyms: destroyed, ruined, demolished, ravaged, wrecked
Antonyms: built, constructed, created, restored, developed
Usage in Sentence: The combined effect of corruption and sanctions devastated the national economy.
48. Perilous
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Full of danger or risk
Tamil Meaning: ஆபத்தான
Malayalam Meaning: അപകടകരമായ
Kannada Meaning: ಅಪಾಯಕಾರಿ
Synonyms: dangerous, hazardous, risky, precarious, unsafe
Antonyms: safe, secure, protected, harmless, risk-free
Usage in Sentence: Migrants undertook perilous journeys across treacherous terrain to reach safety.
49. Dreaded
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Regarded with great fear or apprehension
Tamil Meaning: அஞ்சப்படும்
Malayalam Meaning: ഭയപ്പെടുന്ന
Kannada Meaning: ಭಯಾನಕ
Synonyms: feared, frightening, terrible, awful, formidable
Antonyms: welcomed, desired, loved, pleasant, enjoyable
Usage in Sentence: Thousands risked crossing the dreaded jungle despite knowing the dangers.
50. Refugee
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who has been forced to leave their country to escape war, persecution or natural disaster
Tamil Meaning: அகதி
Malayalam Meaning: അഭയാർഥി
Kannada Meaning: ನಿರಾಶ್ರಿತ
Synonyms: asylum seeker, displaced person, exile, emigrant, evacuee
Antonyms: citizen, resident, native, inhabitant
Usage in Sentence: The refugee crisis strained the resources of neighbouring countries.
51. Influx
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: An arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things
Tamil Meaning: வருகை
Malayalam Meaning: കുത്തൊഴുക്ക്
Kannada Meaning: ಒಳಹರಿವು
Synonyms: inflow, arrival, flood, rush, stream
Antonyms: outflow, exodus, departure, exit, emigration
Usage in Sentence: The influx of migrants created significant political tensions.
52. Ammunition
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Consideration or information that can be used to support one's case in an argument; material used to attack or criticise
Tamil Meaning: ஆயுதம்
Malayalam Meaning: വെടിക്കോപ്പ്
Kannada Meaning: ಯುದ್ಧಸಾಮಗ್ರಿ
Synonyms: material, evidence, fuel, information, grounds
Antonyms: defence, protection, shield
Usage in Sentence: The refugee crisis provided political ammunition to those opposing open border policies.
53. Immigration
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: The action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country
Tamil Meaning: குடியேற்றம்
Malayalam Meaning: കുടിയേറ്റം
Kannada Meaning: ವಲಸೆ
Synonyms: migration, settlement, relocation, entry, movement
Antonyms: emigration, departure, exodus
Usage in Sentence: The administration used the immigration crisis to justify stricter border controls.
54. Contradicted
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: Denied the truth of a statement by asserting the opposite
Tamil Meaning: மறுத்தது
Malayalam Meaning: എതിർത്തു
Kannada Meaning: ವಿರೋಧಿಸಿದರು
Synonyms: denied, disputed, refuted, challenged, opposed
Antonyms: confirmed, supported, agreed, verified, corroborated
Usage in Sentence: Intelligence agencies contradicted the leader’s claims about drug trafficking.
55. Ascertain
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: Find something out for certain; make sure of
Tamil Meaning: உறுதிப்படுத்துதல்
Malayalam Meaning: ഉറപ്പാക്കുക
Kannada Meaning: ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸು
Synonyms: determine, establish, discover, verify, identify
Antonyms: guess, assume, suppose, speculate
Usage in Sentence: It was easy to ascertain the real motives behind the military intervention.
56. Substantial
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Of considerable importance, size or worth
Tamil Meaning: கணிசமான
Malayalam Meaning: ഗണ്യമായ
Kannada Meaning: ಗಣನೀಯ
Synonyms: considerable, significant, sizeable, large, ample
Antonyms: insignificant, small, negligible, minor, trivial
Usage in Sentence: The country possesses substantial natural resources that attract foreign interest.
57. Bête noire
Part of speech: Noun/Idiom
Meaning: A person or thing that one particularly dislikes or dreads
Tamil Meaning: வெறுக்கப்படும் நபர்
Malayalam Meaning: വെറുക്കപ്പെടുന്ന വ്യക്തി
Kannada Meaning: ದ್ವೇಷಿಸುವ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ
Synonyms: nemesis, bugbear, pet hate, anathema, enemy
Antonyms: favourite, beloved, darling, preference
Usage in Sentence: Cuba remained the West’s bête noire in the Caribbean region.
58. Hegemony
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group over others
Tamil Meaning: மேலாதிக்கம்
Malayalam Meaning: ആധിപത്യം
Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಾಬಲ್ಯ
Synonyms: dominance, supremacy, control, leadership, authority
Antonyms: subjugation, subordination, weakness, submission
Usage in Sentence: The country sought to maintain its hegemony over the region through military presence.
59. Hostility
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Hostile behaviour; unfriendliness or opposition
Tamil Meaning: விரோதம்
Malayalam Meaning: ശത്രുത
Kannada Meaning: ಶತ್ರುತ್ವ
Synonyms: antagonism, animosity, enmity, opposition, aggression
Antonyms: friendship, goodwill, warmth, hospitality, kindness
Usage in Sentence: The hostility towards the regime was shared by successive administrations.
60. Preceding
Part of speech: Adjective
Meaning: Coming before something in time, order or position
Tamil Meaning: முந்தைய
Malayalam Meaning: മുൻപത്തെ
Kannada Meaning: ಹಿಂದಿನ
Synonyms: previous, earlier, former, prior, foregoing
Antonyms: following, subsequent, succeeding, later, next
Usage in Sentence: The preceding administrations had also attempted regime change but with more discretion.
61. Absolve
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: Declare someone free from blame, guilt or responsibility
Tamil Meaning: விடுவித்தல்
Malayalam Meaning: കുറ്റവിമുക്തനാക്കുക
Kannada Meaning: ಮುಕ್ತಗೊಳಿಸು
Synonyms: exonerate, clear, acquit, pardon, excuse
Antonyms: blame, condemn, accuse, charge, convict
Usage in Sentence: Acknowledging West’s interference does not absolve the regime of its own failures.
62. Trajectory
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: The path followed by a projectile; the course or direction of development
Tamil Meaning: பாதை
Malayalam Meaning: പാത
Kannada Meaning: ಮಾರ್ಗ
Synonyms: path, course, direction, route, progression
Antonyms: stagnation, stillness (no direct antonym)
Usage in Sentence: The regime's authoritarian trajectory has alarmed international observers.
63. Manipulation
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: The action of manipulating something in a skilful manner; controlling or influencing something or someone cleverly or unscrupulously
Tamil Meaning: கையாளுதல் / சூழ்ச்சித் திறமுடன் செயல்படுதல்
Malayalam Meaning: കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്യൽ
Kannada Meaning: ಕುಶಲತೆ
Synonyms: control, exploitation, influence, handling, tampering
Antonyms: honesty, fairness, transparency, straightforwardness
Usage in Sentence: The manipulation of electoral processes undermined democratic legitimacy.
64. Censure
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Express severe disapproval of something, typically in a formal statement
Tamil Meaning: கண்டனம்
Malayalam Meaning: അപലപിക്കൽ
Kannada Meaning: ಖಂಡನೆ
Synonyms: condemnation, criticism, disapproval, denunciation, rebuke
Antonyms: praise, approval, commendation, acclaim, endorsement
Usage in Sentence: The administration’s actions deserve international censure for violating democratic norms.
65. Resist
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: Withstand the action or effect of; oppose or refuse to accept
Tamil Meaning: எதிர்த்தல்
Malayalam Meaning: എതിർക്കുക
Kannada Meaning: ವಿರೋಧಿಸು
Synonyms: oppose, withstand, combat, fight, defy
Antonyms: accept, yield, surrender, submit, comply
Usage in Sentence: Nations must resist illegal interventions that violate sovereignty.
66. Recourse
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: A source of help in a difficult situation; the use of someone or something as a source of help
Tamil Meaning: உதவி
Malayalam Meaning: സഹായം
Kannada Meaning: ಆಶ್ರಯ
Synonyms: resort, option, remedy, alternative, refuge
Antonyms: independence, self-reliance
Usage in Sentence: The administration's recourse to military intervention violated international law.
Set the cat among the pigeons
Informal / Neutral
Meaning: To cause trouble, confusion or excitement by saying or doing something that shocks or upsets a group of people.
Explanation of the Idiom:
The idiom ‘set the cat among the pigeons’ comes from a vivid and literal image. Imagine a peaceful group of pigeons suddenly thrown into panic when a cat appears, the calm turns instantly into chaos. This idiom first appeared in British English in the late 19th century and it has since been used figuratively to describe any action or remark that disturbs an otherwise calm situation.
When someone sets the cat among the pigeons, they introduce a statement, decision or revelation that provokes strong reactions such as anger, surprise, debate or fear. It can happen in politics, workplaces, classrooms or even families.
This idiom often implies that the person causing the stir either did so deliberately to expose the truth or unintentionally by revealing something controversial.
Writers and journalists frequently use this phrase to describe moments when peace is disrupted, for instance, a whistleblower revealing corruption, a journalist publishing a bold report or a student making an unexpected announcement that changes the tone of a discussion.
Example Sentences:
The minister’s sudden resignation set the cat among the pigeons in the ruling party.
Her questions about missing funds set the cat among the pigeons during the board meeting.
The teacher’s surprise test announcement set the cat among the pigeons in the classroom.
When the celebrity revealed the truth about the contract, it really set the cat among the pigeons.
With today’s Editorial Analysis from 18 October 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 ‘set the cat among the pigeons’ 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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My parents suggested me to join Veranda RACE and prepare for Bank Exams. Within 8 months, I've achieved a Bank job in Central Bank of India. I used to attend tests in the computer lab at my offline branch for more than 6 hours. My mentors cleared all my doubts and my faculty motivated me and taught focus strategies to clear the IBPS Clerk Exam.
Thanks to Veranda RACE, I've cracked three Bank Exams - IBPS PO, SBI PO and IBPS Clerk. Coming a village in Tuticorin, Veranda RACE faculty helped me understand the syllabus and topics of Bank Exams. With full focus on Bank exams, I used to prepare daily in the computer lab and library with constant support from my Bank mentors. They cleared all my doubts without any hesitation.
I prepared for Bank Exams in Veranda RACE’s Tambaram branch. They trained me specifically for the ‘Agriculture Insurance Company’ Exam. I’m happy that I could contribute more to the profession of my choice! Thanks to the faculty and mentors of Veranda RACE!
Preparing from Tirunelveli, I want to thank my faculty for the constant support and motivation to crack the LIC ADO Exam. The lab facilities were top notch and I used to prepare writing online mock tests at the computer lab. This was the major reason for cracking the exam in the first attempt. Thanks, Veranda RACE!