One Word Substitution Questions for SSC CGL: One Word Substitution is an important topic in the English section of competitive exams like SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, and others. It’s high scoring and easy to master with regular practice. Here, we’ve included important one word substitution questions to help aspirants strengthen their vocabulary and improve their performance in the exam.
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
Here’s 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 |
SSC CGL One Word Substitution Questions
These questions are useful for SSC CGL and other exams. Practice them to improve your English and do well in the vocabulary part.
Q1) A person who studies human societies and cultures:
a) Philologist
b) Anthropologist
c) Zoologist
d) Botanist
Answer: b) Anthropologist
Q2) A place where birds are kept:
a) Aviary
b) Aquarium
c) Apiary
d) Stable
Answer: a) Aviary
Q3) A person who never tells the truth:
a) Optimist
b) Pessimist
c) Liar
d) Hypocrite
Answer: c) Liar
Q4) A person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain:
a) Agnostic
b) Ascetic
c) Stoic
d) Fatalist
Answer: c) Stoic
Q5) A person who pretends to be what he is not:
a) Optimist
b) Pessimist
c) Hypocrite
d) Egoist
Answer: c) Hypocrite
Q6) A person who loves and supports his country:
a) Cosmopolitan
b) Nationalist
c) Patriot
d) Fanatic
Answer: c) Patriot
Q7) One who is all powerful:
a) Omniscient
b) Omnipotent
c) Omnipresent
d) Almighty
Answer: b) Omnipotent
Q8) A person who is excessively concerned with minor details:
a) Optimist
b) Perfectionist
c) Pedant
d) Realist
Answer: c) Pedant
Q9) The study of animals:
a) Botany
b) Zoology
c) Anthropology
d) Entomology
Answer: b) Zoology
Q10) One who is always ready to fight:
a) Pacifist
b) Aggressor
c) Belligerent
d) Mercenary
Answer: c) Belligerent
Q11) A person who speaks for others:
a) Translator
b) Spokesperson
c) Interpreter
d) Reporter
Answer: b) Spokesperson
Q12) The act of killing one’s brother:
a) Patricide
b) Fratricide
c) Homicide
d) Matricide
Answer: b) Fratricide
Q13) A place where clothes are washed and ironed:
a) Laundry
b) Pantry
c) Drapery
d) Tailor
Answer: a) Laundry
Q14) A government ruled by a king or queen:
a) Democracy
b) Autocracy
c) Monarchy
d) Plutocracy
Answer: c) Monarchy
Q15) A person who is unable to pay his debts:
a) Debtor
b) Pauper
c) Insolvent
d) Lender
Answer: c) Insolvent
Q16) One who lives on others’ earnings:
a) Dependent
b) Parasite
c) Beggar
d) Scavenger
Answer: b) Parasite
Q17) An official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offences:
a) Parole
b) Amnesty
c) Bail
d) Acquittal
Answer: b) Amnesty
Q18) A place where bees are kept:
a) Apiary
b) Aviary
c) Hatchery
d) Kennel
Answer: a) Apiary
Q19) A record of one’s own life written by oneself:
a) Memoir
b) Biography
c) Autobiography
d) Diary
Answer: c) Autobiography
Q20) One who can speak two languages fluently:
a) Bilingual
b) Multilingual
c) Linguist
d) Interpreter
Answer: a) Bilingual
Q21) A person who is a lover of books:
a) Philatelist
b) Bibliophile
c) Grammarian
d) Scholar
Answer: b) Bibliophile
Q22) A speech delivered without prior preparation:
a) Manuscript
b) Dialogue
c) Extempore
d) Recitation
Answer: c) Extempore
Q23) One who eats everything:
a) Carnivore
b) Herbivore
c) Omnivore
d) Devourer
Answer: c) Omnivore
Q24) A person who loves to be alone:
a) Recluse
b) Introvert
c) Solitary
d) Monk
Answer: a) Recluse
Q25) A man who treats women with respect:
a) Gentleman
b) Nobleman
c) Feminist
d) Gallant
Answer: d) Gallant
Q26) A room where dead bodies are kept before burial:
a) Cemetery
b) Mortuary
c) Graveyard
d) Crematorium
Answer: b) Mortuary
Q27) A person who takes part in a conversation:
a) Debater
b) Orator
c) Interlocutor
d) Commentator
Answer: c) Interlocutor
Q28) That which cannot be read:
a) Indelible
b) Ineligible
c) Illegible
d) Invisible
Answer: c) Illegible
Q29) An arrangement of events in the order of their occurrence:
a) Classification
b) Timeline
c) Chronology
d) Catalog
Answer: c) Chronology
Q30) A person who looks after horses at a stable:
a) Jockey
b) Farrier
c) Groom
d) Shepherd
Answer: c) Groom
Check out Courses for All Govt Exams
Recommended Books to improve Vocabulary
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh
- Kiran’s SSC One Word Substitution PDF / Book
- SSC Previous Year Papers (English Section)
Key Takeaways – SSC English Vocabulary
- One Word Substitution is a high-frequency topic in SSC CGL, CHSL, and CPO.
- Most questions are direct and based on common vocabulary or past year papers.
- Regular practice of 10–15 questions daily boosts speed and accuracy.
- Using words in context (sentences) improves retention.
- Flashcards and revision notebooks help recall confusing or similar words.
- SSC repeats many questions – Download SSC CGL Previous Year Papers.
- Don’t ignore elimination techniques while solving tough questions.
One Word Substitution for SSC Exams – 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.
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