Choose the most appropriate option that is an antonym of the word COMPLIANT as used in the given sentence.
He gained widespread appreciation for his compliant nature.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → defiant
- Compliant means willing to obey, agree or follow rules and requests. He was praised for his cooperative, obedient nature.
Example: The compliant staff accepted the new rules without protest. - Defiant means openly refusing to obey, boldly resisting. A defiant person does the opposite of what a compliant one does, so defiant is the antonym.
Example: The defiant prisoner refused to answer any questions.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: obedient — Incorrect. Obedient means doing what one is told; it is a synonym of compliant.
Example: The obedient dog sat as soon as it was told to.
Option 2: servile — Incorrect. Servile means too eager to obey and please others; it lies on the same side of meaning as compliant, only stronger.
Example: His servile manner towards the boss annoyed his colleagues.
Option 4: amiable — Incorrect. Amiable means friendly and pleasant; it is not the opposite of obedient.
Example: Our amiable neighbour always greets us with a smile.
| Synonyms (Compliant) | Antonyms (Compliant) |
|---|---|
| obedient | defiant |
| submissive | rebellious |
| docile | disobedient |
| accommodating | unruly |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| compliant | – | 21-05 S2 | – | – | – |
| servile | – | 03-06 S2 | – | 06-06 S1 07-06 S3 | – |
| amiable | 12-05 S2 21-05 S1 25-05 S1 | 23-05 S2 02-06 S1 | – | – | 20-08 S1 |