12

block verb

Synonyms: block, hinder, hamper, hold back, obstruct

block

to prevent something from passing along something

The pipe is blocked with dead leaves. The crash blocked the road for hours.

hinder

to make it difficult for someone to do something

Snow hindered the efforts of the rescuers.

hamper

to prevent something from happening or moving normally

Lack of funds is hampering our development project. The heavy bags hampered her progress.

hold back

not to go forwards, or stop someone or something from going forwards

Most of the crowd held back until they saw it was safe. The water was held back by a small bank of earth.

obstruct

to prevent someone from doing something

He obstructed their plans by making many complaints.

13

break verb

Synonyms: break, crack, smash, burst

Antonym: mend

Synonyms:

break

to make something divide into pieces accidentally or deliberately

She broke her leg when she was skiing. Break the chocolate into four pieces.

crack

to make a long thin break in something

The stone cracked the glass.

smash

to break something into pieces, often using force or violence

Demonstrators smashed the windows of police cars.

burst

to break open or explode suddenly, or cause something to break open or explode suddenly

One of the tyres had burst. The heat from the fire might burst the balloon.

Antonym:

mend

to repair something which is broken or damaged

14

careful adjective

Synonyms: careful, conscientious, thorough, painstaking Antonym: careless

Synonyms:

careful

showing attention to details

We are always very careful to give accurate information. The project needs very careful planning.

conscientious

working carefully and well

She’s a very conscientious worker.

thorough

including everything that needs to be dealt with very carefully

The police have carried out a thorough search of the woods.

painstaking

done slowly and carefully in order to avoid mistakes

The design is the result of years of painstaking effort.

Antonym:

careless

without any care or thought

15

cautious adjective

Synonyms: cautious, careful, prudent, vigilant, wary, secretive, cagey Antonyms: reckless, thoughtless

Synonyms:

cautious

not willing to take risks

She’s a very cautious driver.

careful

taking care not to make mistakes or cause harm

Be careful not to make any noise – the baby is asleep. She is very careful about what she eats.

prudent

showing good sense and using good judgement

It would be prudent to consult a lawyer before you sign the contract.

vigilant

staying very aware of possible danger

The disease particularly affects young children, so parents must remain vigilant.

wary

aware of a possible problem with someone or something

I am very wary of any of his ideas for making money.

secretive

liking to keep things secret

She’s very secretive about her private life.

cagey

(informal) not wanting to share information

They’re being very cagey about their relationship.

Antonyms:

reckless

doing something or done without thinking

thoughtless

without thinking about other people