The Hindu Vocabulary 18 March 2026

Word/Phrase

Part of speech

Meaning

Synonyms

Antonyms

Sentence

Negotiate

Verb

To try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussion with others.

(बातचीत करना)

Arbitrate, Mediate, Intercede, Bargain, Debate, Discuss, Settle, Transact, Arrange, Conciliate

Disagree, Refuse, Fight, Clash, Quarrel, Argue, Ignore, Reject, Confuse

The two companies are meeting today to negotiate the terms of the merger.

Standoff

Noun

A situation in which neither side in a physical or verbal confrontation can prevail or move forward.

(गतिरोध)

Deadlock, Stalemate, Impasse, Draw, Tie, Halt, Stop, Pause, Grinding-halt, Checkmate

Agreement, Breakthrough, Resolution, Decision, Settlement, Progress, Advance, Success, Peace, Accord

After ten hours of discussion, the labor talks ended in a standoff.

Provocateur

Noun

A person who deliberately behaves in a controversial way to provoke a reaction or incite others to illegal acts.

(उकसाने वाला)

Agitator, Instigator, Firebrand, Inciter, Troublemaker, Rebel, Kindler, Inflamer, Radical, Catalyst

Peacemaker, Arbitrator, Mediator, Pacifier, Reconciler, Healer, Calmer, Soother, Diplomat, Quietist

The police suspect that a political provocateur started the riot to cause chaos.

Detain

Verb

To keep someone in official custody; to keep someone from proceeding.

(हिरासत में लेना)

Apprehend, Arrest, Confine, Imprison, Delay, Restrain, Hold, Impound, Incarcerate, Stop

Release, Free, Liberate, Discharge, Permit, Allow, Assist, Forward, Accelerate, Dismiss

Customs officials have the right to detain any traveler for questioning.

Instigate

Verb

To bring about or initiate an action or event (especially something bad).

(भड़काना)

Incite, Provoke, Kindle, Prompt, Trigger, Start, Influence, Goad, Actuate, Spur

Deter, Discourage, Halt, Stop, Prevent, Quell, Finish, Repress, Suppress, Dissuade

He instigated the crowd to attack on the police.

Undermine

Verb

To lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of someone or something, especially gradually.

(कमज़ोर करना)

Weaken, Sabotage, Subvert, Destabilize, Erode, Impair, Damage, Threaten, Ruin, Cripple

Strengthen, Support, Bolster, Reinforce, Build, Enhance, Help, Fortify, Uphold, Assist

Constant criticism can undermine a student's confidence.

Condemn

Verb

To express complete disapproval of; to sentence someone to a particular punishment.

(निंदा करना)

Criticize, Denounce, Blame, Censure, Convict, Doom, Reprove, Damn, Sentence, Castigate

Praise, Approve, Commend, Exonerate, Acquit, Pardon, Forgive, Applaud, Support, Reward

Most world leaders were quick to condemn the recent chemical attack.

Detention

Noun

The action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody.

(नज़रबंदी)

Custody, Confinement, Imprisonment, Incarceration, Arrest, Restraint, Quarantine, Delay, Holding, Captivity

Freedom, Liberty, Release, Discharge, Liberation, Acquittal, Permission, Escape, Departure, Delivery

The journalist was held in detention for three days without any charges.

Inconclusive

Adjective

Not leading to a firm conclusion or result; not ending doubt or dispute.

(अनिर्णायक)

Indecisive, Uncertain, Ambiguous, Vague, Unclear, Unsettled, Open, Doubtful, Moot, Incomplete

Decisive, Certain, Conclusive, Clear, Definitive, Final, Positive, Absolute, Convincing, Settled

The medical test results were inconclusive, so I need to go back for more tests.

Concrete

Adjective

Existing in a material or physical form; real or solid rather than abstract.

(वास्तविक)

Solid, Tangible, Material, Real, Substantial, Physical, Definite, Specific, Actual, Visible

Abstract, Vague, Intangible, Theoretical, Ideal, Imaginary, Unclear, General, Fanciful, Mental

We need concrete evidence before we can make an arrest.

Reiterate

Verb

To say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity.

(बार-बार दोहराना)

Repeat, Restate, Recap, Redo, Rehearse, Echo, Renew, Replay, Reaffirm, Duplicate

Withdraw, Recant, Retract, Reverse, Cancel, Deny, Ignore, Forget, Hide, Silence

Let me reiterate that safety is our absolute number one priority.

Unresolve

Adjective

Not yet solved or settled.

(अनसुलझा)

Pending, Uncertain, Undetermined, Unsettled, Open, Vague, Moot, Incomplete, Unfinished, Ambiguous

Resolved, Settled, Decided, Solved, Finished, Cleared, Fixed, Determined, Certain, Closed

The conflict between the two neighbors remains unresolved after several months.