How to Improve Vocabulary for CUET English: Tips, Top 10 Repeated Questions

Candidates preparing for CUET English can check the tips to improve vocabulary in CUET. It is the scoring subject to boost exam score. CUET English 2026 exam will be held between May 11 to May 31, 2026. 

CUET English Preparation

How to Improve CUET English Vocabulary: Improving vocabulary is one of the most effective ways to boost CUET English score. The Common University Entrance Test assesses candidates’ language proficiency through vocabulary-based questions. In the CUET English paper, students can expect questions on synonyms, antonyms, word meanings, idioms, phrases, and contextual word usage. Candidates with a strong vocabulary base often find the exam easier, quicker to solve, and more scoring. A better command of words also improves reading comprehension and grammar accuracy.

The CUET UG 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted from May 11 to May 31, 2026. Read this guide to learn the best tips to improve vocabulary for CUET English and prepare effectively for the exam.

Why is Vocabulary Important in CUET English?

As per CUET English exam pattern, for every incorrect answer one mark is reduced. Candidates preparing for CUET English exam must know why Vocabulary is important in CUET exam:

• Vocabulary has a weightage of approximately 40% in CUET English question paper.
• Vocabulary is assessed through:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Idioms and phrases
  • Sentence correction

Also Read: CUET UG Subjects

How to Improve CUET Vocabulary?

To improve vocabulary for CUET English, students can follow below tips:

1. Learn words from PYQs
2. Read Newspapers/Editorials
3. Learn Words in context
4. Focus on topics with high weightage
5. Create a personal vocabulary notebook
6. Practice CUET mock tests
7. Daily vocabulary routine

Learn Words from PYQs

• Learning CUET English vocabulary from previous year questions (PYQs) is one of the best source for CUET preparation. The English section of CUET includes words that are repeated every year.
• While solving CUET PYQs, students should must note unfamiliar words from reading passages and vocabulary-based questions.
• Candidates must maintain a separate list of such words and revise them regularly to understand the level and type of vocabulary expected in the actual exam.

 Also Read: Preparation tips for CUET English

Read Newspapers/Editorials

• Regular reading of newspapers or editorials helps in improving vocabulary as well as comprehension skills. Editorial sections of newspapers such as The Hindu use formal, exam-relevant language that can help for CUET English passages.
• While reading, students should focus on understanding how words are used in arguments rather than just their meanings.

Learn Words in Context

• Instead of learning words in isolation, students must focus on learning CUET English vocabulary in context. Understanding how a word functions within a sentence makes it easier to recall during the exam.
• Learning a word along with its usage, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences leads to better learning and reduces confusion between similar words.

Focus in Topics with High Weightage

Focusing on CUET English topics with high weightage in vocabulary. CUET English frequently asks questions from areas such as synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, and one-word substitutions. Students should practice questions from these topics regularly.

Create a Personal Vocabulary Notebook

Maintaining a personal vocabulary notebook is extremely beneficial for learning. Students should note new words found in CUET previous year question papers, newspapers, mock tests, and practice questions along with their meanings and usage. Writing down words also improves learning compared to passive reading.

Practice With CUET Mock Tests

Regular practice through CUET English mock tests plays an important role in improving vocabulary. Analysing mock test mistakes is equally important, as it allows students to identify weak sections and add new words to their vocabulary list.

Also Read: CUET English Syllabus

Daily Vocabulary Routine

Following a daily vocabulary routine builds consistency, which is important for long-term improvement. Learning a fixed number of new words each day, revising previously learned words, and practising a few vocabulary-based questions creates a balanced preparation strategy.

Top 10 Repeated CUET English Vocabulary Questions

Based on CUET previous year question paper analysis, students can check the top 10 repeated questions in CUET English exam. The list below mentions the question type and vocabulary that has been repeated over years.

1. What does the author imply by the phrase “___” in the passage?
2. Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
3. What is the central idea / main theme of the passage?
4. Choose the word closest in meaning to: Puerile / Maladroit / Flippant / Disconcerting
5. Choose the word opposite in meaning to: Capricious / Credible / Suave
6. Replace the underlined word with the most appropriate synonym
7. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition
   • affinity with
   • indistinguishable from
   • travelled by bus
   • mistake for
8. Fill in the blank with the correct tense
   • Past perfect vs past continuous
9. Match the idiom with its correct meaning

• • Repeated idioms:
  • Blow the gaff
  • Full of beans
  • At the end of one’s tether
  • Add insult to injury

10. One-word substitution:
    • Examples repeatedly asked:

• • • Government by religious leaders (Theocracy)
    • Obsession with power (Megalomania)
    • Collector of ancient objects (Antiquarian)

CUET English Vocabulary Questions in Past Years

• Sagacious - Wise
• Saturine - Gloomy
• Candid - Sincere
• Conspicuous - Striking
• Intrepid - Brave
• Disrupt - Disturb
• Laconic - Brief
• Volatile - Unstable
• Abrogate - To revoke
• Benevolence - Kindness
• Flout - Obey
• Exultant - Miserable
• Disparage - Praise
• Plausible - Unbelievable
• Invective - Praise
• Languish - Thrive
• Somnolent - Awake
• Foible - Strength
• Florid - Simple
• The study or practice of making and solving secret codes - Cryptography
• The study or mapping of mountains - Orography
• A person who studies religion and the idea of God - Theologian
• A person who studies elections and voting behaviour - Psephologist
• The study of the universe - Cosmology
• A doctor who treats heart and blood vessel problems - Cardiologist

Best Books for CUET English Vocabulary

Choosing the right book and sources is important for CUET English vocabulary preparation. Candidates preparing for CUET English vocabulary can check the list of best books to prepare from:

• NCERT English textbooks (Class 11 and 12) helps in building strong concepts in reading comprehension, grammar, and language skills.
• Online study material like books and digital resources designed specifically for CUET English to practice exam-level questions.
• Editorials from newspapers like The Hindu and The Indian Express
• Trusted vocabulary books such as Word Power Made Easy. This book is highly recommended for strengthening vocabulary, learning word meanings, and improving memory.
• CUET previous year question paper and mocks helps understand word usage patterns, frequently asked vocabulary questions, and exam difficulty level.
• Online test preparation platforms with topic-wise vocabulary tests offer quizzes, practice tests, and performance analysis to help improve vocabulary and track progress.

Read More: CUET English Most Repeated Questions