60+ One Word Substitution [MCQs] – Best for English CE
One word substitution MCQs are commonly included in almost all competitive exams like conducted by FPSC, SPSC, PPSC, KPPSC, BPSC and others. Examiners test a candidate’s vocabulary strength and language efficiency. These questions require replacing a phrase or sentence with a single, precise word, reflecting the aspirant’s command over English usage. A strong grasp of one word substitutions not only helps in cracking the verbal section but also demonstrates clarity of thought and effective communication skills—qualities essential for any officer-level position. In real-world administrative roles, using concise and appropriate vocabulary during official correspondence is highly valued. Understanding the practical importance of this topic, our team has thoughtfully compiled a list of one word substitution MCQs to support aspirants in their preparation and boost their confidence.
1. What should be the one word substitution for “One who is well-versed in any subject; a critical judge of any art, particularly fine arts”?
Correct Answer: C. Connoisseur
Explanation: A connoisseur is a person with expert knowledge or refined taste in a particular subject, especially fine arts.
2. An office or post with no work but high pay
Correct Answer: B. Sinecure
Explanation: A sinecure is a position that requires little or no work but provides financial benefit.
3. What should be the one word substitution for “Mania for stealing articles”?
Correct Answer: C. Kleptomania
Explanation: Kleptomania is a psychological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to steal.
4. Person who is indifferent to both pleasure and pain
Correct Answer: D. Stoic
Explanation: A stoic is someone who remains unaffected by pleasure or pain.
5. A person who is against the standards of ordinary society especially in dressing
Correct Answer: B. Hippy
Explanation: A hippy is a person who rejects conventional norms, especially in lifestyle and appearance.
6. Murder of a brother
Correct Answer: C. Fratricide
Explanation: Fratricide means the act of killing one’s own brother.
7. A person living permanently in a certain place
Correct Answer: A. Resident
Explanation: A resident is a person who lives permanently in a particular place.
8. Mental weariness for want of occupation
Correct Answer: B. Ennui
Explanation: Ennui refers to a feeling of boredom or mental weariness due to lack of activity.
9. One who loves all and sundry
Correct Answer: C. Philanthropist
Explanation: A philanthropist is someone who loves mankind and works for the welfare of others.
10. Mania for travel
Correct Answer: B. Dromomania
Explanation: Dromomania is an excessive urge or obsession with traveling.
11. Paying back injury with injury
Correct Answer: C. Reprisal
Explanation: Reprisal means retaliating or paying back injury with injury.
12. Acutely affected by external impressions
Correct Answer: B. Impressionable
Explanation: Impressionable refers to someone easily influenced or affected by external impressions.
13. What should be the one word substitution for “To slap with a flat object”?
Correct Answer: B. Swat
Explanation: Swat means to hit sharply with a flat object or hand.
14. An assembly of hearers
Correct Answer: A. Audience
Explanation: An audience is a group of people gathered to listen or watch something.
15. An associate in an office or institution
Correct Answer: C. Colleague
Explanation: A colleague is a person one works with in a profession or institution.
16. One who is unrelenting and cannot be moved by entreaties
Correct Answer: B. Inexorable
Explanation: Inexorable describes someone or something that cannot be persuaded or stopped.
17. Regard for others as a principle of action
Correct Answer: D. Altruism
Explanation: Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others.
18. Person who claims to have great love and understanding of what is beautiful in nature, art, etc.
Correct Answer: B. Aesthete
Explanation: An aesthete is someone who has a deep appreciation for beauty and art.
19. What should be the one word substitution for “A disease which spreads by contact”?
Correct Answer: B. Contagious
Explanation: Contagious diseases are those that spread through direct or indirect contact.
20. An animal story with a moral
Correct Answer: A. Fable
Explanation: A fable is a short story, often with animals as characters, that conveys a moral lesson.
21. What should be the one word substitution for “To change shape, nature or substance of”?
Correct Answer: C. Transmute
Explanation: Transmute means to change the form, nature, or substance of something.
22. Person who believes that God is everything and everything is God
Correct Answer: C. Pantheist
Explanation: A pantheist believes that God and the universe are identical.
23. Person who pilots or travels in a balloon, airship or other aircraft
Correct Answer: A. Aeronaut
Explanation: An aeronaut is a person who travels in or operates an aircraft such as a balloon or airship.
24. Witty, clever retort
Correct Answer: B. Repartee
Explanation: Repartee refers to quick, witty, and clever replies in conversation.
25. Words different in meaning but similar in sound
Correct Answer: A. Homonym
Explanation: Homonyms are words that sound alike but have different meanings.
26. Simplest and smallest form of plant life, present in air, water and soil; essential to life but may cause disease
Correct Answer: D. Bacteria
Explanation: Bacteria are microscopic organisms found everywhere; some are beneficial while others can cause disease.
27. A girl or woman who flirts, that is, tries to attract people and make advances in love simply to satisfy her vanity
Correct Answer: A. Coquette
Explanation: A coquette is a woman who flirts to gain admiration without serious intent.
28. A person who regards the whole world as his country
Correct Answer: C. Cosmopolitan
Explanation: A cosmopolitan is someone who sees themselves as a citizen of the world.
29. Relationship by blood or birth
Correct Answer: C. Consanguinity
Explanation: Consanguinity refers to a relationship by blood or common ancestry.
30. A story in which ideas are symbolized as people
Correct Answer: B. Allegory
Explanation: An allegory is a story where characters and events symbolize deeper meanings or ideas.