Choose the most appropriate word which is the opposite of the given word:
Supernumerary
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Sparse
- Supernumerary means more than the usual or required number; extra. It comes from the Latin super (beyond) and numerus (number).
Example: Two supernumerary posts were created for the extra work. - Sparse means thinly scattered; small in number or amount. Being in excess and being scarce are opposite ideas, so sparse is the antonym among the options.
Example: The desert has only sparse vegetation.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Surplus — Incorrect. Surplus means more than is needed; it is a synonym of supernumerary.
Example: The farmers sold their surplus grain.
Option 3: Replica — Incorrect. A replica is an exact copy of something; it has nothing to do with number.
Example: The museum sells a replica of the ancient statue.
Option 4: Sparky — Incorrect. Sparky means lively and full of energy; it describes a person's spirit, not a quantity.
Example: She is a sparky young player.
| Synonyms (Supernumerary) | Antonyms (Supernumerary) |
|---|---|
| extra | sparse |
| surplus | scarce |
| excess | insufficient |
| redundant | deficient |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| supernumerary | 21-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |