Test Prep HSPT Test Exam Prep
High School Placement Test (Page 29 )

Updated On: 7-Oct-2026

An antonym for “dire” is __________.

  1. gladdening
  2. hopeful
  3. simplistic
  4. affluence
  5. wealthy

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

When circumstances are called “dire,” they are such that there is little hope they will resolve in a positive manner. They generally imply urgency and danger, as in “dire poverty,” which threatens to lead to the death of those who are so impoverished. The answer “hopeful” is quite opposed to such hopelessness.



An antonym to “dolt” is __________.

  1. efficacious
  2. fool
  3. succeed
  4. genius
  5. accomplishment

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Although it is a bit informal, the word “dolt” is used to name someone who is a fool or is stupid. It is related to the word “dull,” in the sense of not having a very “sharp” mind. The best antonym for this is “genius,” which is purely opposite to one who is stupid.



An antonym to “discerning” is __________.

  1. snobbish
  2. tasteful
  3. sensitive
  4. impulsive
  5. arrogant

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

When we “discern” something, we are said to recognize it. For instance, we could say, “After three years of living in the monastery, the young man discerned that the way of life did not match his personality. He soon thereafter chose to leave the cloister.” Before the young man left, he discerned – recognized – the situation. A “discerning” person is someone who exhibits good judgment, likely because he or she looks for and recognizes appropriate reasons for those judgments. This is quite different than an impulsive person. Such a person acts without thinking, following one impulse after another without any direction.



An antonym of “distasteful” is __________.

  1. unrefined
  2. palatable
  3. uncouth
  4. bland
  5. insipid

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Something that is distasteful causes disgust because of its unpleasant character. This can apply to foods but it can likewise pertain to things like “distasteful actions,” as in, “I find it extremely distasteful when someone wipes his nose with his hand.” The word “palatable” is related to the word “palate,” meaning “roof of the mouth,” and also “palate” in the sense of someone’s ability to discern tastes. For instance, one could say, “The wine leaves an oaky flavor on your palate.” Something “palatable” is “tasteful,” either in the literal sense pertaining to food and drink but also in the broader sense of being acceptable.



An antonym for “fatal” is __________.

  1. harmless
  2. wounding
  3. medicinal
  4. acceptable
  5. healing

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Something is called fatal when it is likely to lead to a disaster or to cause death. A “fatal wound” is one that is likely to end in the death of the person thereby wounded. In contrast to such a dangerous state of affairs, “harmless” is an adequate antonym.



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