Choose the correct synonym of the underlined word from the given options:
The firm had a huge budget to replace all the outdated machines.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → antiquated
- Outdated means no longer modern or useful; old-fashioned. The firm wanted to replace machines that were too old to serve it well.
Example: The office still uses outdated computers. - Antiquated means very old-fashioned and no longer suitable for modern use (from the Latin antiquus, old). Both words describe things that belong to the past, so antiquated is the synonym.
Example: The factory still runs on antiquated machinery.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: contemporary — Incorrect. Contemporary means belonging to the present time; modern. It is the opposite of outdated.
Example: The museum has a fine collection of contemporary art.
Option 3: abhorrent — Incorrect. Abhorrent means causing hatred or disgust.
Example: Child labour is abhorrent to all decent people.
Option 4: trivial — Incorrect. Trivial means of little importance.
Example: They quarrelled over a trivial matter.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| antiquated | – | 24-05 S1 02-06 S2 | – | – | – |
| abhorrent | – | 16-05 S1 | – | 12-06 S3 | – |