The Hindu Vocabulary 8 January 2026

Word/Phrase

Part of speech

Meaning

Synonyms

Antonyms

Sentence

Paradigm

Noun

A typical example or pattern of something; a model or a standard.

(प्रतिमान)

Model, Pattern, Example, Standard, Prototype, Archetype, Template, Criterion, Framework, Ideal

Deviation, Anomaly, Exception, Abnormality, Flaw, Oddity, Chaos, Disorder, Unique, Irregularity

The invention of the internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate.

Unhinge

Verb

To make someone mentally unbalanced; to disrupt or throw into disorder.

(मानसिक संतुलन बिगाड़ना)

Unsettle, Derange, Distract, Disjoint, Displace, Disrupt, Upset, Rattle, Fluster, Confuse

Stabilize, Settle, Calm, Fix, Align, Order, Balance, Organize, Soothe, Adjust

The sudden loss of his job seemed to unhinge his sense of security.

Depredation

Noun

An act of attacking or plundering; damage or destruction.

(लूटपाट)

Plunder, Pillage, Ravage, Devastation, Destruction, Looting, Raid, Despoiling, Damage, Theft

Protection, Preservation, Restoration, Construction, Giving, Donation, Support, Conservation, Guarding, Creation

The forest has been protected from the depredation of illegal loggers.

Artillery

Noun

Large-caliber guns used in warfare on land; a military unit that uses such weapons.

(तोपखाना)

Cannon, Gunnery, Ordnance, Weaponry, Armament, Battery, Munitions, Howitzers, Mortars, Weapons

Infantry, Small-arms, Peace, Disarmament, Shield, Defense, Armor, Cavalry, Diplomacy, Non-violence

The sound of heavy artillery could be heard echoing across the valley.

Plead

Verb

To make an emotional appeal; to present an argument in a court of law.

(विनती करना)

Appeal, Entreat, Beseech, Implore, Petition, Argue, Request, Solicit, Advocate

Demand, Command, Dictate, Refuse, Reject, Order, Deny, Punish, Ignore, Condemn

The child began to plead with his mother for one more scoop of ice cream.

Scourge

Noun

A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering.

(अभिशाप)

Menace, Affliction, Bane, Plague, Torment, Ruin, Evil, Burden, Blight, Curse

Blessing, Boon, Benefit, Godsend, Delight, Comfort, Reward, Advantage, Relief, Peace

Drug addiction is a scourge that affects many modern societies.

Threshold

Noun

The level or point at which a starting point or a new state begins.

(दहलीज)

Boundary, Brink, Verge, Entrance, Doorway, Beginning, Start, Edge, Margin, Gateway

End, Conclusion, Finish, Termination, Center, Middle, Interior, Exit, Completion, Goal

The scientists are on the threshold of a major medical breakthrough.

Embolden

Verb

To give someone the courage or confidence to do something.

(प्रोत्साहित करना)

Encourage, Inspire, Hearten, Motivate, Stimulate, Reassure, Strengthen, Gird, Nerve, Cheer

Discourage, Daunt, Intimidate, Deter, Frighten, Cow, Weaken, Depress, Dissuade

Her success in the competition served to embolden her to try for the national team.

Foment

Verb

To instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action).

(भड़काना)

Instigate, Incite, Provoke, Agitate, Kindle, Stimulate, Encourage, Rouse, Brew, Trigger

Suppress, Quell, Dampen, Discourage, Calm, Soothe, Extinguish, Stop, Quiet, End

Rebels tried to foment a revolution against the ruling government.

Confrontation

Noun

A hostile or argumentative situation or meeting between opposing parties.

(आमना-सामना)

Conflict, Clash, Fight, Battle, Dispute, Encounter, Showdown, Quarrel, Strife, Rivalry

Agreement, Harmony, Peace, Accord, Truce, Conciliation, Avoidance, Cooperation, Unity, Calm

The two world leaders met to avoid a military confrontation.

Autocrat

Noun

A ruler who has absolute power.

(तानाशाह)

Dictator, Tyrant, Despot, Monocrat, Oppressor, Ruler, Chief, Czar, Sovereign, Absolute-ruler

Democrat, Follower, Subject, Servant, Liberal, Subordinate, Representative, Citizen, Equal, Partisan

The autocrat refused to listen to any suggestions from his advisors.

Regime

Noun

A government, especially an authoritarian one; a system or planned way of doing things.

(शासन)

Administration, Government, Authority, System, Management, Rule, Leadership, Governance, Order, Program

Anarchy, Chaos, Lawlessness, Disorder, Confusion, Rebellion, Revolution, Freedom, Individualism, Void

The old regime was finally overthrown after years of public protests.