Daily Vocabulary – 28 May 2026
Daily Vocabulary
Important English Words for SSC, Banking & All Competitive Exams Daily vocabulary plays a crucial role in current affairs comprehension, editorial reading, essay writing, and objective English sections. Today’s vocabulary list includes high-frequency words repeatedly seen in newspapers, PIB releases, editorials, and exam questions.
Most Important Vocabulary for Bank, SSC & Government Exams (With Meaning, Synonyms, Antonyms, Examples, Quiz)
1. PLACATE (VERB): (शांत करना / मनाना): to stop someone from feeling angry
Synonyms:
- mollify
- pacify
- soothe
- calm
Antonyms:
- infuriate
- anger
- enrage
Example Sentence:
They attempted to placate the students with promises.
Hindi Explanation:
“Placate” का अर्थ किसी गुस्से में व्यक्ति को शांत करना या मनाना होता है।
2. EMBOLDEN (VERB): (साहसी बनाना): to give someone the courage or confidence to do something
Synonyms:
- inspire
- encourage
- stimulate
Antonyms:
- discourage
- dishearten
Example Sentence:
Giving in to terrorists would embolden other groups to commit similar crimes.
Hindi Explanation:
“Embolden” का अर्थ किसी को साहसी या आत्मविश्वासी बनाना होता है।
3. SMEAR (VERB): (बदनाम करना): to damage someone’s reputation by making false accusations
Synonyms:
- libel
- slander
- defame
Antonyms:
- honor
- praise
- glorify
Example Sentence:
The politician tried to smear his opponent during the campaign.
Hindi Explanation:
“Smear” का अर्थ झूठे आरोप लगाकर किसी की छवि खराब करना है।
4. ENCUMBRANCE (NOUN): (बाधा): something that makes movement or progress difficult
Synonyms:
- obstacle
- hindrance
- impediment
Antonyms:
- assistance
- advantage
- aid
Example Sentence:
Her injury proved to be an encumbrance to her daily activities.
Hindi Explanation:
“Encumbrance” का अर्थ ऐसी बाधा जो प्रगति या कार्य में कठिनाई पैदा करे।
5. TRAVAIL (NOUN): (कड़ा परिश्रम): painful or laborious effort, mental or physical
Synonyms:
- toil
- labor
- hardship
Antonyms:
- rest
- leisure
- relaxation
Example Sentence:
He achieved success after years of hard travail.
Hindi Explanation:
“Travail” का अर्थ कठिन परिश्रम या कष्टदायक मेहनत होता है।
6. DESICCATE (VERB): (सुखा देना / निर्जलित करना): to remove moisture from something
Synonyms:
- dry up
- dehydrate
Antonyms:
- hydrate
- moisten
Example Sentence:
The intense heat desiccated the soil.
Hindi Explanation:
“Desiccate” का अर्थ पूरी तरह सुखा देना या नमी खत्म कर देना है।
7. RIPOSTE (NOUN): (त्वरित जवाब / तीखा जवाब): a quick, clever reply
Synonyms:
- retort
- counter
Antonyms:
- silence
- inaction
Example Sentence:
The comedian delivered a sharp riposte to the heckler.
Hindi Explanation:
“Riposte” का अर्थ चतुराई भरा तेज जवाब देना है।
8. A SLAP ON THE WRIST (IDIOM): (बहुत हल्की सज़ा): a small punishment when a more severe punishment is deserved
Synonyms:
- nominal punishment
- token penalty
Example Sentence:
The company received only a slap on the wrist for violating safety rules.
Hindi Explanation:
इस मुहावरे का अर्थ है बहुत हल्की सज़ा देना जबकि अधिक सख्त सज़ा मिलनी चाहिए थी।
9. PROMULGATE (VERB): (औपचारिक रूप से घोषित करना): to announce or make a rule widely known
Synonyms:
- announce
- declare
- advertise
- publicize
Antonyms:
- conceal
- hide
- suppress
Example Sentence:
The government promulgated the new education policy.
Hindi Explanation:
“Promulgate” का अर्थ किसी कानून, नियम या विचार को आधिकारिक रूप से घोषित करना है।
Vocabulary Quiz for Practice
Q1. What is the synonym of “Placate”?
A. Anger
B. Pacify
C. Infuriate
D. Enrage
✅ Answer: B. Pacify
Q2. “Embolden” means:
A. Discourage
B. Frighten
C. Encourage
D. Silence
✅ Answer: C. Encourage
Q3. What is the antonym of “Smear”?
A. Defame
B. Slander
C. Praise
D. Libel
✅ Answer: C. Praise
Q4. “Riposte” means:
A. Silence
B. Clever reply
C. Slow reaction
D. Rest
✅ Answer: B. Clever reply
Q5. Choose the antonym of “Desiccate”:
A. Dry
B. Dehydrate
C. Hydrate
D. Harden
✅ Answer: C. Hydrate
One-Liner Vocabulary Revision
- Placate → Calm someone
- Embolden → Give courage
- Smear → Defame
- Encumbrance → Obstacle
- Travail → Hard work
- Desiccate → Dry up
- Riposte → Sharp reply
- A slap on the wrist → Mild punishment
- Promulgate → Officially announce