The Hindu Vocabulary 23 February 2026

Word/Phrase

Part of speech

Meaning

Synonyms

Antonyms

Sentence

Tariff

Noun

A tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports.

(सीमा शुल्क)

Duty, Tax, Levy, Toll, Excise, Assessment, Fee, Charge, Rate, Impost

Subsidy, Grant, Refund, Rebate, Exemption, Allowance, Remittance, Gift, Donation, Credit

The government imposed a new tariff on imported steel to protect local industries.

Curcumscribe

Verb

To restrict something within limits; to draw a line around.

(सीमित करना)

Restrict, Limit, Confine, Enclose, Bound, Restrain, Curb, Hem, Delimit

Expand, Free, Release, Extend, Exceed, Liberate, Open, Broaden, Amplify, Loose

The powers of the committee are strictly circumscribed by the constitution.

Numerous

Adjective

Great in number; many.

(बहुत से)

Many, Abundant, Plentiful, Copious, Myriad, Manifold, Profuse, Scads, Multitudinous, Countless

Few, Scant, Rare, Sparse, Minimal, Limited, Lacking, Lone, Singular, Inadequate

There have been numerous complaints about the noise from the construction site.

Conservative

Adjective

Holding to traditional values and cautious about change or innovation.

(बहुत से)

Traditional, Conventional, Orthodoxy, Cautious, Guarded, Old-fashioned, Staid, Timid, Reactionary, Constant

Radical, Progressive, Liberal, Modern, Revolutionary, Bold, Daring, Innovative, Changeable

He takes a very conservative approach to investing his savings.

Assertion

Noun

A confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.

(जोर देकर कहना)

Declaration, Statement, Claim, Affirmation, Proclamation, Announcement, Contention, Pronouncement

Denial, Rejection, Refutation, Disavowal, Doubt, Contradiction, Silence, Retraction, Rebuttal

We questioned the assertion that the new project would be finished by June.

Congressional

Adjective

Relating to a national legislative body, especially that of the US.

Legislative, Lawmaking, Parliamentary, Governmental, Official, Statutory, Senatorial, Regulatory, Representative, National

Private, Individual, Unofficial, Judicial, Executive, Local, Non-governmental, Personal

The president is seeking congressional approval for the proposed budget.

Confer

Verb

To grant a title, degree, benefit, or right; to have a discussion.

(प्रदान करना)

Bestow, Grant, Award, Present, Give, Consult, Discuss, Converse, Negotiate, Parley

Withdraw, Take, Refuse, Withhold, Deny, Retract, Disconnect, Silence, Remove, Seize

The university will confer an honorary degree upon the scientist.

Robust

Adjective

Strong and healthy; vigorous; (of a system) able to withstand or overcome adverse conditions.

(हट्टा-कट्टा)

Strong, Sturdy, Tough, Resilient, Vigorous, Healthy, Lusty, Hardy, Solid, Durable

Weak, Fragile, Frail, Feeble, Delicate, Sickly, Puny, Flimsy, Vulnerable, Soft

The company reported robust profits despite the economic downturn.

Concessionary

Adjective

Given as a concession, such as a lower price or a special right.

(रियायती)

Discounted, Reduced, Yielding, Complying, Compromising, Flexible, Tolerant, Permissive, Adjusting

Rigid, Full, Firm, Uncompromising, Unyielding, Strict, Standard, Expensive, Exact, Harsh

Students are entitled to concessionary rates on all public transport.

Defange

Verb

To make something harmless or less powerful.

(शक्तिहीन करना)

Disarm, Weaken, Neutralize, Disable, Cripple, Paralyze, Tame, Subdue, Muzzle, Devitalize

Empower, Strengthen, Arm, Activate, Energize, Sharpen, Incite, Fortify, Encourage, Equip

The new amendments were designed to defang the opposition’s main arguments.

Deafen

Verb

To cause someone to lose the power of hearing temporarily or permanently; to overwhelm with extremely loud noise.

(बहरा कर देना)

Stun, Daze, Dumbfound, Silence, Muzzle, Quiet, Overpower, Thunder, Blast, Din

Quiet, Soothe, Calm, Silence, Muffle, Listen, Hear, Harmonize, Soften, Still

The roar of the jet engine was enough to deafen anyone standing on the runway without protection.

Countervailing

Adjective

Acting against something in order to reduce its force or neutralise it.

(प्रतिसंतुलनकारी)

Offsetting, Counteracting, Compensating, Opposing, Balancing, Neutralizing, Correcting, Equivalent, Reversing, Contrasting

Supporting, Assisting, Corroborating, Helping, Reinforcing, Strengthening, Agreeing, Parallel, Identical, Similar

The central bank raised interest rates as a countervailing measure against inflation.