One Word Substitution is an important topic in the English section of competitive exams like SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, and others. It is high scoring and easy to master with regular practice. Here, we have included important one word substitution questions to help aspirants strengthen their vocabulary and improve their performance in the exam.
SSC CGL One Word Substitution Questions Download PDF
Download the SSC CGL One Word Substitution Questions PDF for free and boost your English preparation. This free E-book includes 701 important one word substitutions for SSC CGL 2026 along with practice questions. You can also attempt sample questions given below in a quiz format to test yourself live and improve your accuracy.
SSC CGL One Word Substitution Quiz (Live)
These questions are useful for SSC CGL and other exams. Attempt them live to improve your English and do well in the vocabulary part.
Q1) A person who studies human societies and cultures:
Q2) A place where birds are kept:
Q3) A person who never tells the truth:
Q4) A person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain:
Q5) A person who pretends to be what he is not:
Q6) A person who loves and supports his country:
Q7) One who is all powerful:
Q8) A person who is excessively concerned with minor details:
Q9) The study of animals:
Q10) One who is always ready to fight:
Q11) A person who speaks for others:
Q12) The act of killing one’s brother:
Q13) A place where clothes are washed and ironed:
Q14) A government ruled by a king or queen:
Q15) A person who is unable to pay his debts:
Quiz Summary
Sign Up
Or, register with email
Email Id
Mobile Number
Password
Login
Email Id
Password
Forgot Password
Please enter the Email ID we will send you a Email with the link to reset the password.
Email Id
Or, login with
Q16) One who lives on others’ earnings:
Q17) An official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offences:
Q18) A place where bees are kept:
Q19) A record of one’s own life written by oneself:
Q20) One who can speak two languages fluently:
Q21) A person who is a lover of books:
Q22) A speech delivered without prior preparation:
Q23) One who eats everything:
Q24) A person who loves to be alone:
Q25) A man who treats women with respect:
Q26) A room where dead bodies are kept before burial:
Q27) A person who takes part in a conversation:
Q28) That which cannot be read:
Q29) An arrangement of events in the order of their occurrence:
Q30) A person who looks after horses at a stable:
Quiz Summary
Sign Up
Or, register with email
Email Id
Mobile Number
Password
Login
Email Id
Password
Forgot Password
Please enter the Email ID we will send you a Email with the link to reset the password.
Email Id
Or, login with
What is One Word Substitution in SSC CGL Exams?
One Word Substitution is a common vocabulary-based question format where a full phrase is replaced with a single word. It appears frequently in SSC CGL, CHSL, and other Tier 1 & Tier 2 exams. These questions test your ability to understand meaning, synonyms, and precise vocabulary.
How many substitutions should you practice daily?
Aim to solve 10–15 one‑word substitutions every day for optimal retention without burnout.
- Allocate 15–20 minutes each session
- Review yesterday’s words before adding new ones
- Use short, timed quizzes to build speed
Which One‑Word Substitutions are most repeated in SSC CGL?
Words like “fratricide,” “omnivorous,” and “amnesty” recur frequently in past SSC CGL papers.
- Fratricide – repeated in 2019 & 2022 exams
- Omnivore/Omnivorous – seen in 2020 & 2023
- Amnesty – appeared in 2021 & 2024
One Word Substitution: Important Categories & Examples
Below are a categorized list of the most expected one-word substitutions based on SSC trends and previous year papers.
1. People, Professions & Personality Types
This category includes common one-word substitutions used to describe people, professions, or individual traits often asked in SSC exams.
| Definition | One Word |
| One who speaks many languages | Polyglot |
| A person who collects books | Bibliophile |
| A person who speaks during conversations | Interlocutor |
| One who pretends to be what he is not | Hypocrite |
| One who hates mankind | Misanthrope |
| One who attacks traditional beliefs | Iconoclast |
| A person indifferent to pleasure/pain | Stoic |
| One who talks while asleep | Somnambulist |
| One who is recovering from illness | Convalescent |
| One who is hard to please | Fastidious |
| One who lives in solitude | Recluse |
| A person excessively worried about health | Hypochondriac |
| One who is always a center of attraction | Cynosure |
| A critical judge of art/literature | Connoisseur |
| A person who doesn’t believe in God | Atheist |
| A person with strong patriotism (excessive) | Chauvinist |
| A wise person with reasoning ability | Intellectual |
2. Fear and Phobia Related Words
Phobia-related one-word substitutions are regularly featured in SSC exams and cover irrational fears of places, situations, or objects.
| Definition | One Word |
| Fear of confined spaces | Claustrophobia |
| Fear of heights | Acrophobia |
| Fear of public places | Agoraphobia |
| Fear of blood/disease | Haematophobia |
| Fear of dogs | Cynophobia |
3. Types of Government or Rule
These terms describe different forms of government and political control and are commonly seen in static GK and English sections.
| Definition | One Word |
| Government by the wealthy | Plutocracy |
| Government by a single person | Autocracy |
| Government by nobles | Aristocracy |
| Government with strong bureaucracy | Bureaucracy |
| Rule by no authority, disorder | Anarchy |
4. Places or Locations
These are nouns that denote specific places where activities occur or particular purposes are served. Many have been asked in SSC PYQs.
| Definition | One Word |
| Place where birds are kept | Aviary |
| Place where bees are kept | Apiary |
| Place for slaughtering animals | Abattoir |
| Room for keeping dead bodies | Mortuary |
| A place of conflict or public discussion | Arena |
| A place storing public documents | Archives |
FAQs
Ans. One Word Substitution is a type of vocabulary question where a phrase or definition is replaced by a single word. It appears in SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, and other competitive exams.
Ans. Read newspapers and novels, revise SSC PYQs, use flashcards, and solve daily vocabulary quizzes to boost your one-word substitution skills.
Ans. Yes, many questions are repeated or rephrased. Practicing previous year questions can help you identify commonly repeated words.
Q4. Where can I practice one word substitution online for free?
Ans. You can practice for free on platforms like Oliveboard which offer topic-wise quizzes and mock tests.
Ans. Use mnemonics, real-life examples, and write short sentences using the word. Repetition and daily revision are key.
- Delhi Police Exam Shift Timings 2026, Check Exam Timings
- SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Question Papers, Shift-Wise PYPs, Download PDFs
- SSC CHSL Marks Calculator 2026, Calculate Tier 1 & 2 Scores Online
- SSC CPO Final Answer Key 2025 Out, Download PDF Now
- SSC CGL AIR 70 Strategy: Mock Analysis & Prep Tips
- How did AIR 1 use Oliveboard to crack SSC CGL 2026? Mock Data Analysis
Hello, I’m a content writer working at Oliveboard. I focus on creating blogs, articles, and educational content that’s simple, clear, and saves time for readers. I believe in writing that adds real value without overcomplicating things. I also have strong knowledge of banking and government exams, which helps me create content that is both accurate and easy to understand. With experience and consistency, I aim to make preparation smoother for every learner.