Meaning: A mild or indirect word used instead of a harsh one
Hindi: शब्दाडंबर/सौम्योक्ति
Synonyms: understatement, substitution, mild expression
Antonyms: dysphemism, bluntness
Asked in: SSC Steno 2026 T-1 · SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 · SSC CGL 2025 T-1
euphemism in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 Antonyms
Select the most appropriate antonym of the word: Euphemism
Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Directness
Correct Answer: Option 1 — "Directness"
"Euphemism" = a mild, indirect, or vague expression used in place of one that might be considered too harsh or blunt; a gentler substitute for something unpleasant or embarrassing.
Examples: 'passed away' (for died), 'let go' (for fired), 'between jobs' (for unemployed). ✓
"Directness" = the quality of being frank, straightforward, and honest in speech; saying exactly what one means without softening or evasion; bluntness; frankness. ✓
Euphemism (indirect, mild, evasive language) ↔ Directness (frank, straightforward, blunt expression) — direct opposites. ✓
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 'Ambiguity' = the quality of being open to more than one in - SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 Antonyms
Select the most appropriate antonym of the word: Euphemism
Answer & explanation
Answer: B) Directness
"Euphemism" = a mild, indirect, or vague expression used in place of one that might be considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive (e.g., "passed away" instead of "died"). Its antonym is "Directness" = the quality of being straightforward, frank, and explicit; not softening or obscuring the truth. A euphemism avoids directness; therefore, directness is its opposite. "Understatement" = representing something as smaller or less important than it is (not an antonym). "Substitute" = something in place of another (unrelated). "Vagueness" = lack of clarity (euphemisms are vague, so this is closer to a synonym). Option B — Directness — is the correct antonym.
- SSC CGL 2025 T-1 One Word Substitution
Choose the correct one-word substitute for:
'A mild expression used to replace a harsh or blunt one'.Answer & explanation
Answer: D) Euphemism
Euphemism = mild/indirect word used in place of harsh one (e.g., 'passed away' for 'died'). Hyperbole = exaggeration; Eulogy = praise speech; Epithet = descriptive phrase.
- SSC CGL 2025 T-1 One Word Substitution
Choose the correct one-word substitute for: 'An inoffensive word used in place of a blunt one'.
Answer & explanation
Answer: B) Euphemism
Euphemism – a mild or indirect word used in place of one considered harsh or blunt. (Correct)
Allusion – an indirect reference.
Analogy – a comparison.
Allegory – a symbolic story. - SSC Steno 2026 T-1 Antonyms
Select the most appropriate antonym of the word :
EUPHEMISMAnswer & explanation
Answer: C) dysphemism
Meaning: euphemism = a mild or roundabout word used in place of a harsh or blunt one *(सुखोक्ति, मृदूक्ति)*.
Saying *passed away* instead of *died* is a euphemism.
dysphemism = a deliberately harsh or offensive word used where a neutral one would do *(कटूक्ति, कठोरोक्ति)*.
Saying *kicked the bucket* instead of *died* is a dysphemism — the exact reverse move, so it is the antonym.
The Greek prefixes settle it: eu- means *good* and dys- means *bad*.
Why the others are wrong.
• softening = the act of making something milder *(नरम करना, कोमल बनाना)* — that is what a euphemism does, so it lies on the same side, not the opposite side.
• kindness = the quality of being warm and considerate *(दयालुत
Examples
- “'Passed away' is a euphemism for 'died'.”
euphemism – questions
What is the meaning of euphemism in Hindi?
euphemism means “शब्दाडंबर/सौम्योक्ति” in Hindi. In English: A mild or indirect word used instead of a harsh one
What are the synonyms of euphemism?
Synonyms of euphemism: understatement, substitution, mild expression.
What is the opposite of euphemism?
Antonyms of euphemism: dysphemism, bluntness.
Has euphemism been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – euphemism has been asked 3 times in SSC exams: SSC Steno 2026 T-1, SSC CHSL 2025 T-1, SSC CGL 2025 T-1.