Based on my analysis of all papers from 2018-2025, here is the
master list of the most repeated vocabulary with their
meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and frequency.
CDS Most Repeated Vocab Frequency
| Symbol |
Meaning |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Appeared 5+ times |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Appeared 3-4 times |
| ⭐⭐⭐ |
Appeared 2 times |
| ⭐⭐ |
Appeared 1 time (but high importance) |
1. CDS Most Repeated Idioms and Phrases (Highest Repetition)
| Idiom |
Meaning |
Frequency |
Years |
| A hot potato |
A controversial/difficult issue |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| At the drop of a hat |
Without hesitation |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| A paper tiger |
Appears threatening but is not |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Sitting on the fence |
Not taking a decision |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| A white elephant |
Expensive but useless |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| All Greek to me |
Something difficult to understand |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2021, 2022, 2024 |
| Forty winks |
A short nap during the day |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Turncoat |
Someone who changes sides |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| Be in the same boat |
Same difficult situation |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Bite the bullet |
Face something unpleasant |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| Break the ice |
Start a conversation |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2021, 2023 |
| Cut corners |
Do something cheaply |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Hit the nail on the head |
Say exactly the right thing |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2021, 2023 |
| Let sleeping dogs lie |
Don't disturb a situation |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2022, 2023 |
| Piece of cake |
Very easy |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2021, 2022 |
| Spill the beans |
Reveal a secret |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2023 |
| The ball is in your court |
It's your decision |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2021, 2023 |
| Under the weather |
Feeling ill |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| When pigs fly |
Never going to happen |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2021, 2023 |
| You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours |
Mutual help |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2021, 2022 |
2. CDS Most Repeated Synonyms (High Repetition)
| Word |
Synonym |
Frequency |
Years |
| Exemplary |
Ideal / Perfect |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Obligatory |
Compulsory / Essential |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 |
| Perpetual |
Everlasting / Eternal |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Haughty |
Arrogant / Proud |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| Reprimanded |
Admonished / Scolded |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Innate |
Intrinsic / Inborn |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| Indigenous |
Home-grown / Native |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 |
| Industrious |
Diligent / Hardworking |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| Malicious |
Spiteful / Vicious |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 |
| Ineptitude |
Incompetence / Inability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2018, 2019, 2020, 2023 |
| Detrimental |
Harmful / Disadvantageous |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| Impede |
Hinder / Block |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Tormented |
Distressed / Agonized |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Peerless |
Unequalled / Unmatched |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Accused |
Indicted / Charged |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Compulsory |
Mandatory / Obligatory |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Vocation |
Occupation / Profession |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Fatigued |
Exhausted / Tired |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Aghast |
Horrified / Shocked |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Crux |
Core / Essence |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Competency |
Capability / Ability |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Perquisite |
Benefit / Privilege |
⭐⭐ |
2024, 2025 |
| Perspicacity |
Insight / Acumen |
⭐⭐ |
2024, 2025 |
| Sumptuous |
Luxurious / Splendid |
⭐⭐ |
2024, 2025 |
| Indifferent |
Unconcerned / Apathetic |
⭐⭐ |
2024, 2025 |
| Salutary |
Beneficial / Wholesome |
⭐⭐ |
2024, 2025 |
3. CDS Most Repeated Antonyms (High Repetition)
| Word |
Antonym |
Frequency |
Years |
| Brevity |
Verbosity / Long-windedness |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Chaos |
Order / System |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Dormant |
Active / Alert |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| Reticent |
Garrulous / Talkative |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Cherish |
Deprecate / Dislike |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Turbulent |
Tranquil / Calm |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 |
| Indigent |
Affluent / Wealthy |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 |
| Deceased |
Alive / Living |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Absurd |
Reasonable / Logical |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Bombastic |
Straightforward / Simple |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Solace |
Aggravation / Distress |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Contrary |
Similar / Alike |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Spontaneous |
Prepared / Planned |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Asserting |
Denying / Rejecting |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Exonerated |
Convicted / Found guilty |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Distinctive |
Common / Ordinary |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Equanimity |
Agitation / Anxiety |
⭐⭐ |
2023, 2024 |
| Vehement |
Subdued / Calm |
⭐⭐ |
2023, 2024 |
| Nefarious |
Admirable / Noble |
⭐⭐ |
2023, 2024 |
| Effusive |
Reticent / Reserved |
⭐⭐ |
2023, 2024 |
| Iniquitous |
Virtuous / Righteous |
⭐⭐ |
2023, 2024 |
| Belligerent |
Amiable / Friendly |
⭐⭐ |
2023, 2024 |
| Equivocal |
Clear / Definite |
⭐⭐ |
2023, 2024 |
4. CDS Most Repeated Words from Cloze Test
| Word |
Context |
Frequency |
Years |
| Recognised |
"It is increasingly recognised that..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 |
| Components |
"Different components of..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Mobilise |
"To mobilise the people..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Adequate |
"Adequate provisions..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| Significantly |
"Significantly, the issues..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2023, 2024 |
| Standard |
"Of the standard of..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Nevertheless |
"Nevertheless, allowing for..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Consequently |
"Consequently, this poses..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Articulating |
"Articulating the ideas..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021 |
5. CDS Most Repeated Prepositions
| Preposition |
Phrase |
Frequency |
Years |
| Of |
In spite of / Because of / On account of |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Every year |
| To |
According to / Similar to / Superior to |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Every year |
| With |
With regard to / With respect to |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019-2025 |
| For |
Responsible for / Eager for |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019-2025 |
| By |
By dint of / By means of |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019-2025 |
| In |
In lieu of / In front of |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019-2025 |
| On |
On account of / On the board |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019-2025 |
| Between |
Between two things |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019-2025 |
| Among |
Among many things |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019-2025 |
6. CDS Most Repeated Fill in the Blanks
| Phrase |
Year(s) |
Context |
| "Where there is a will, there is a way" |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
Proverb |
| "All that glitters is not gold" |
2020, 2021, 2023 |
Proverb |
| "Out of the question" |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
Idiom |
| "Taken for granted" |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 |
Idiom |
| "No sooner ... than" |
2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
Grammar |
| "Water under the bridge" |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
Idiom |
| "Full swing" |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
Idiom |
| "In the long run" |
2019, 2020, 2021 |
Idiom |
| "Out of gear" |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
Idiom |
| "In lieu of" |
2020, 2021, 2023 |
Preposition |
7. CDS Most Repeated Verbs (Cloze Test)
| Verb |
Meaning |
Frequency |
Years |
| Sustain |
To maintain/continue |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Mobilise |
To assemble/organize |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Undergo |
To experience/endure |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 |
| Evolve |
To develop gradually |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Emphasise |
To stress upon |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Articulate |
To express clearly |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Manifest |
To show clearly |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022 |
8. CDS Most Repeated Adjectives
| Adjective |
Meaning |
Frequency |
Years |
| Inherent |
Built-in / Intrinsic |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Indigenous |
Native / Local |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 |
| Pernicious |
Harmful / Destructive |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2023 |
| Obligatory |
Mandatory |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2022 |
| Exemplary |
Ideal / Perfect |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2018, 2020, 2023 |
| Salutary |
Beneficial |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2019, 2020, 2024 |
| Nefarious |
Wicked / Evil |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Iniquitous |
Unjust / Wicked |
⭐⭐⭐ |
2020, 2021, 2023 |
CDS Most Repeated Vocabulary List (Top 100 Must‑Know Words)
GROUP 1: 20 Most Important Words
| Word |
Synonym |
Antonym |
Frequency |
| Exemplary |
Ideal, Perfect |
Flawed, Faulty |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Obligatory |
Compulsory, Mandatory |
Optional, Voluntary |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Perpetual |
Everlasting, Eternal |
Temporary |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Haughty |
Arrogant, Proud |
Humble, Modest |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Reprimanded |
Admonished, Scolded |
Praised, Commended |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Innate |
Inborn, Intrinsic |
Acquired, Learned |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Indigenous |
Native, Home-grown |
Foreign, Imported |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Industrious |
Diligent, Hardworking |
Indolent, Lazy |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Malicious |
Spiteful, Vicious |
Benevolent, Kind |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ineptitude |
Incompetence, Inability |
Competence, Ability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Detrimental |
Harmful, Damaging |
Beneficial, Helpful |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Impede |
Hinder, Obstruct |
Facilitate, Help |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tormented |
Distressed, Agonized |
Comforted, Consoled |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Peerless |
Unequalled, Unmatched |
Inferior, Common |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vocation |
Occupation, Profession |
Hobby, Pastime |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fatigued |
Exhausted, Tired |
Refreshed, Energized |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Aghast |
Horrified, Shocked |
Unmoved, Calm |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Crux |
Core, Essence |
Periphery |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Competency |
Capability, Skill |
Incompetence |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Perspicacity |
Insight, Acumen |
Density, Obtuseness |
⭐⭐ |
GROUP 2: 20 Most Important Antonyms
| Word |
Antonym |
Synonyms |
Frequency |
| Brevity |
Verbosity |
Conciseness, Economy |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chaos |
Order |
Disorder, Confusion |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dormant |
Active |
Inactive, Latent |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Reticent |
Garrulous |
Reserved, Taciturn |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cherish |
Deprecate |
Value, Adore |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Turbulent |
Tranquil |
Tempestuous, Violent |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Indigent |
Affluent |
Poor, Needy |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Deceased |
Alive |
Dead, Departed |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Absurd |
Reasonable |
Ridiculous, Illogical |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bombastic |
Straightforward |
Pretentious, Grandiloquent |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Solace |
Aggravation |
Comfort, Consolation |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Contrary |
Similar |
Opposite, Contradictory |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spontaneous |
Prepared |
Impulsive, Natural |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Asserting |
Denying |
Declaring, Stating |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Exonerated |
Convicted |
Acquitted, Cleared |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Distinctive |
Common |
Unique, Special |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Equanimity |
Agitation |
Composure, Calmness |
⭐⭐ |
| Vehement |
Subdued |
Intense, Passionate |
⭐⭐ |
| Nefarious |
Admirable |
Wicked, Evil |
⭐⭐ |
| Effusive |
Reticent |
Overflowing, Gushing |
⭐⭐ |
GROUP 3: 20 Most Important Idioms
| Idiom |
Meaning |
Frequency |
| A hot potato |
A controversial/difficult issue |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| At the drop of a hat |
Without hesitation |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| A paper tiger |
Appears threatening but isn't |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sitting on the fence |
Not taking a decision |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| A white elephant |
Expensive but useless |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| All Greek to me |
Difficult to understand |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Forty winks |
A short nap |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Turncoat |
Someone who changes sides |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Be in the same boat |
Same difficult situation |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bite the bullet |
Face something unpleasant |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Break the ice |
Start a conversation |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cut corners |
Do something cheaply |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hit the nail on the head |
Say exactly the right thing |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Let sleeping dogs lie |
Don't disturb a situation |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Piece of cake |
Very easy |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spill the beans |
Reveal a secret |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| The ball is in your court |
It's your decision |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Under the weather |
Feeling ill |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| When pigs fly |
Never going to happen |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| You scratch my back... |
Mutual help |
⭐⭐⭐ |
GROUP 4: 20 Most Important Prepositional Phrases
| Phrase |
Preposition |
Meaning |
Frequency |
| In spite of |
of |
Despite |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Because of |
of |
Due to |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| On account of |
of |
Because of |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| By dint of |
of |
By means of |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| In lieu of |
of |
Instead of |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| With regard to |
to |
Concerning |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| With respect to |
to |
Regarding |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| According to |
to |
As per |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Similar to |
to |
Like |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Different from |
from |
Not like |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Prefer to |
to |
Like more than |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Superior to |
to |
Better than |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Inferior to |
to |
Worse than |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Addicted to |
to |
Dependent on |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Averse to |
to |
Dislike |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Capable of |
of |
Able to |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fond of |
of |
Like |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tired of |
of |
Fed up with |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Proud of |
of |
Pleased with |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Accused of |
of |
Charged with |
⭐⭐⭐ |
GROUP 5: 20 Most Important Cloze Test Words
| Word |
Meaning |
Context |
Frequency |
| Recognised |
Acknowledged |
"It is increasingly recognised..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Components |
Parts |
"Different components of..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mobilise |
Organize |
"To mobilise the people..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Adequate |
Sufficient |
"Adequate provisions..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Significantly |
Importantly |
"Significantly, the issues..." |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Standard |
Level/Quality |
"Of the standard of..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nevertheless |
However |
"Nevertheless, allowing for..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Consequently |
Therefore |
"Consequently, this poses..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Articulating |
Expressing |
"Articulating the ideas..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sustain |
Maintain |
"To sustain the movement..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Undergo |
Experience |
"To undergo change..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Evolve |
Develop |
"To evolve gradually..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Emphasise |
Stress |
"To emphasise the importance..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Manifest |
Show |
"To manifest clearly..." |
⭐⭐⭐ |
| Numerous |
Many |
"Numerous factors..." |
⭐⭐ |
| Similarly |
Likewise |
"Similarly, the other..." |
⭐⭐ |
| Consequently |
Therefore |
"Consequently, this..." |
⭐⭐ |
| Subsequently |
Later |
"Subsequently, the..." |
⭐⭐ |
| Likewise |
Similarly |
"Likewise, the other..." |
⭐⭐ |
| Incidentally |
By the way |
"Incidentally, the..." |
⭐⭐ |
CDS Quick Memory Trick
Word-Family Method
| Root |
Meaning |
Words |
| Dict |
To say/speak |
Dictate, Predict, Indict |
| Port |
To carry |
Report, Transport, Import |
| Spec |
To see/look |
Inspect, Prospect, Respect |
| Ject |
To throw |
Reject, Project, Inject |
| Pell |
To drive |
Compel, Repel, Propel |
Prefix-Suffix Method
| Prefix |
Meaning |
Example |
| In- |
Not |
Incompetent (not competent) |
| Im- |
Not |
Impossible (not possible) |
| Un- |
Not |
Unnecessary (not necessary) |
| Re- |
Again |
Reprimand (again + bring to mind) |
| Dis- |
Away/Not |
Dissuade (away + persuade) |
CDS Frequency Chart: Section Wise
| Section |
Total Questions |
Repeated % |
Words to Memorise |
| Idioms |
10-12 |
40% |
Top 50 |
| Synonyms |
10-15 |
25% |
Top 100 |
| Antonyms |
10-12 |
30% |
Top 80 |
| Prepositions |
5-8 |
35% |
Top 40 |
| Cloze Test |
10-15 |
20% |
Top 50 |
| Fill in the Blanks |
8-10 |
25% |
Top 50 |
Good luck with your CDS preparation! 🎯
