The Hindu Vocabulary 31 December 2025

Word/Phrase

Part of speech

Meaning

Synonyms

Antonyms

Sentence

Headwind

Noun

A wind blowing directly against the course of an aircraft or vehicle; (Metaphorically) a force that delays or obstructs progress.

(प्रतिकूल हवा)

Resistance, Obstacle, Hindrance, Difficulty, Barrier, Deterrent, Opposition, Hurdle, Burden, Setback

Tailwind, Advantage, Boost, Assistance, Support, Help, Aid, Benefit, Incentive, Push

The company faced a strong economic headwind due to rising fuel prices.

Consistent

Adjective

Acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate.

(सुसंगत)

Steady, Constant, Uniform, Reliable, Regular, Stable, Persistent, Even, Dependable, Unchanging

Inconsistent, Erratic, Irregular, Variable, Unpredictable, Changing, Fickle, Unstable, Random

To master a new language, you need consistent practice every day.

Surge

Noun

A sudden powerful forward or upward movement, especially by a crowd or a natural force such as the tide.

(आवेश)

Increase, Upswing, Rise, Growth, Wave, Rush, Flood, Outflow, Explosion, Boost

Decline, Decrease, Drop, Fall, Ebb, Slump, Reduction, Recession, Dip, Plunge

There has been a sudden surge in the demand for electric heaters this winter.

Bump

Noun

A light blow or a small increase; a slight obstacle on a surface.

(झटका)

Increase, Jolt, Knock, Thump, Lump, Swelling, Rise, Push, Impact, Blow

Decrease, Depression, Hole, Hollow, Reduction, Fall, Sink, Decline, Smoothness, Ease

The marketing campaign gave a small bump to our monthly sales figures.

Ebb

Verb

(Of tidewater) move away from the coast; (Of an emotion or quality) gradually decrease.

(उतार)

Recede, Retreat, Decline, Wane, Fade, Diminish, Subsidy, Abate, Sink, Drop

Flow, Rise, Increase, Surge, Grow, Advance, Flood, Expand, Intensify, Flourish

We watched the tide ebb away from the sandy shore.

Replenish

Verb

To fill something up again; restore to a former level or condition.

(फिर से भरना)

Refill, Restore, Refresh, Renew, Replace, Stock, Recharge, Top-up, Furnish, Provide

Deplete, Empty, Drain, Exhaust, Consume, Use-up, Spend, Reduce, Waste, Diminish

You should drink plenty of water to replenish your fluids after a workout.

Rebound

Verb

To bounce back after hitting a hard surface; to recover in value or strength.

(वापस पलटना)

Recover, Rally, Bounce, Recoil, Recuperate, Revive, Resurgence, Return, Backfire, Snap-back

Decline, Fail, Deteriorate, Settle, Collapse, Sink, Worsen, Fade, Stagnate, Drop

The stock market began to rebound after a week of heavy losses.

Contraction

Noun

The process of becoming smaller; (Economics) a phase of the business cycle where the economy declines.

(संकुचन)

Shrinkage, Compression, Reduction, Decline, Decrease, Shortening, Tightening, Abbreviation, Narrowing, Receding

Expansion, Growth, Increase, Extension, Dilation, Enlargement, Swelling, Development, Rise, Spread

High interest rates led to a sudden contraction in the housing market.

Unseasonably

Adverb

In a way that is not normal or appropriate for the particular time of year.

(असामयिक)

Exceptionally, Unusually, Abnormally, Unexpectedly, Rarely, Oddly, Untimely, Strangely, Prematurely, Out-of-season

Seasonably, Normally, Typically, Regularly, Appropriately, Predictably, Commonly, Naturally, Customarily, Habitually

It has been unseasonably warm for this time of December.

Legitimate

Adjective

Conforming to the law or to rules; able to be defended with logic or justification.

(तर्कसंगत)

Valid, Legal, Lawful, Genuine, Proper, Real, Authentic, Justifiable, Reasonable, Correct

Illegal, Invalid, Unlawful, Spurious, Bogus, Fake, Fraudulent, Wrong, Improper, Illogical

The company has a legitimate concern about the new government regulations.

Sluggish

Adjective

Slow-moving or inactive; lacking energy or alertness.

(सुस्त)

Lethargic, Slow, Inactive, Dull, Torpid, Listless, Heavy, Lazy, Stagnant, Slack

Active, Energetic, Quick, Fast, Rapid, Alert, Vigorous, Lively, Busy, Spirited

I felt very sluggish this morning because I didn't get enough sleep.

Vagary

Noun

An unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone's behavior.

(अनिश्चित परिवर्तन)

Whim, Caprice, Quirk, Change, Unpredictability, Fluctuation, Oddity, Peculiarity, Fancy, Impulse

Certainty, Predictability, Stability, Routine, Order, Consistency, Plan, Regularity, Normality, Rule

Farmers are often at the mercy of the vagary of the weather.