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Choose the word closest in meaning to EXPEDITE.
Correct answer: A. Speed up
To expedite is to make a process happen faster, as in "The office will expedite the release of the permits." Its opposite is to delay or hinder.
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Vocabulary for Public Service: Synonyms and Antonyms MCQs
Civil Service Exam English reviewer with synonyms and antonyms of words common in government work: expedite, disburse, rescind, concur, stringent, lenient, frugal and more.
20 MCQsUpdated 3 November 2026
Government memos, policies and reports use a formal vocabulary that also appears in the Civil Service Exam. This set covers words such as expedite, disburse, rescind, concur, solicit and stringent, and asks for the word closest or opposite in meaning.
When you are unsure, try each option in a short office sentence, such as "The office will ___ the release of the funds", and see which keeps the meaning. Words already covered in our other vocabulary sets are not repeated here.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to DISBURSE.
Correct answer: C. Pay out
To disburse is to pay out money, especially from a fund. A disbursement officer releases payments; a collecting officer receives them.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to RESCIND.
Correct answer: B. Revoke
To rescind an order or contract is to revoke or cancel it, making it no longer in effect. For example, "The council rescinded the earlier resolution."
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Choose the word closest in meaning to CONCUR.
Correct answer: D. Agree
To concur is to agree with an opinion or decision. In the Senate, treaties need the concurrence, or agreement, of at least two-thirds of all senators.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to SOLICIT.
Correct answer: C. Ask for
To solicit is to ask for or try to obtain something. RA 6713 prohibits public officials from soliciting gifts in connection with their official duties.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to STRINGENT.
Correct answer: C. Strict
Stringent rules are strict, precise and demanding, such as stringent safety standards. Its opposite is lenient or lax. For example, government procurement follows stringent bidding rules.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to PROFICIENT.
Correct answer: B. Skilled
A proficient worker is skilled and competent, for example "proficient in spreadsheet software". Proficiency is gained through training and practice.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to AUGMENT.
Correct answer: A. Increase
To augment is to make larger by adding to, as in "The city augmented its relief funds with donations." Its opposite is to diminish or reduce.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to DETRIMENTAL.
Correct answer: B. Harmful
Something detrimental causes harm or damage, such as habits that are detrimental to health. Its opposite is beneficial. For example, smoking is detrimental to health.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to AMICABLE.
Correct answer: C. Friendly and peaceful
An amicable settlement is one reached in a friendly and peaceful way. The Katarungang Pambarangay aims at amicable settlement of disputes between neighbours.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to CANDID.
Correct answer: B. Frank and honest
A candid answer is frank and honest, even when the truth is uncomfortable. Candour is valued in performance discussions and audits.
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Choose the word closest in meaning to VERBATIM.
Correct answer: C. Word for word
A verbatim record repeats the exact words that were spoken or written, as in verbatim minutes of a hearing. A summary gives only the main points.
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Choose the word opposite in meaning to LENIENT.
Correct answer: D. Strict
A lenient person or rule is mild and tolerant, while a strict one demands exact compliance. A lenient penalty is light; a strict one is heavy.
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Choose the word opposite in meaning to FRUGAL.
Correct answer: A. Extravagant
Frugal means careful and economical with money, like the "simple living" norm of RA 6713. Its opposite, extravagant, means spending far more than necessary.
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Choose the word opposite in meaning to CONFIDENTIAL.
Correct answer: B. Public
Confidential information is meant to be kept private or secret. Its opposite is public, meaning open to everyone. The other options are similar in meaning, not opposite.
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Choose the word opposite in meaning to REDUNDANT.
Correct answer: A. Necessary
Redundant means unnecessary because it repeats something or is no longer needed. Its opposite is necessary or essential.
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Choose the word opposite in meaning to PRECARIOUS.
Correct answer: D. Secure
A precarious situation is unstable and dangerous, like a house built on an eroding slope. Its opposite is secure or stable.
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Choose the word opposite in meaning to CONSOLIDATE.
Correct answer: D. Separate
To consolidate is to combine several things into one, such as consolidating reports into a single summary. Its opposite is to separate or divide.
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Choose the word opposite in meaning to CONCEAL.
Correct answer: D. Reveal
To conceal is to hide. Its opposite is to reveal or disclose. Under RA 6713, public officials must not conceal their assets but disclose them in their SALN.
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Choose the word opposite in meaning to SCRUPULOUS.
Correct answer: A. Careless and dishonest
A scrupulous person is careful to do what is right and attends to every detail. The opposite describes someone who is careless or willing to act dishonestly, which is "unscrupulous".
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