🔢 30 UPSC Vocabulary Words for Conflict, Ethics, and Governance – Set 6
📘 Introduction
Use of accurate, theme-specific UPSC Mains Vocabulary enhances the quality of answers in GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4, and Essay. This post provides 30 refined words categorized by theme for better clarity, usage, and impact in UPSC Mains.
🧾 Thematic Vocabulary List for UPSC – Set 6
| Word | Meaning | Usage in UPSC Context | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex | To seize or incorporate territory | “Russia’s annexation of Crimea is a violation of international norms.” | Governance / IR |
| Annul | To declare invalid | “The Supreme Court annulled the election citing malpractice.” | Law / Constitution |
| Anonymous | Unknown identity | “Whistleblowers often remain anonymous to avoid retaliation.” | Law / Governance / Identity |
| Anonymity | State of being nameless | “Internet anonymity can help activism but also lead to abuse.” | Governance / Internet Ethics |
| Antagonism | Active hostility | “Persistent antagonism weakens diplomatic relations.” | IR / Politics |
| Antagonize | To provoke hostility | “The policy move antagonized local communities.” | Governance / Social Conflict |
| Angst | Deep anxiety | “Public angst over unemployment influenced voting behavior.” | Ethics / Emotion |
| Anguish | Severe emotional pain | “The victim’s family expressed deep anguish at the delayed justice.” | Ethics / Society |
| Anodyne | Something calming | “The speech was anodyne, avoiding any controversial stance.” | Ethics / Communication |
| Annotate | To add explanatory notes | “Civil servants must annotate files with relevant remarks.” | Ethics / Documentation |
| Ancestral | Relating to forefathers | “Tribal communities uphold their ancestral traditions.” | Society / History |
| Ancestry | Lineage | “India’s ancestry is deeply rooted in the Indus Valley civilization.” | Culture / GS1 |
| Antecedents | Preceding events | “The antecedents of current policies lie in colonial governance.” | History / Essay |
| Antediluvian | Outdated | “Manual file systems in modern offices are antediluvian.” | Governance / Essay |
| Anemia | Lack of red blood cells | “Anemia among adolescent girls is a major health concern in India.” | Health / GS3 |
| Anesthetic | Substance causing insensitivity to pain | “Shortage of anesthetic drugs hampers emergency surgeries in rural areas.” | Public Health / Medicine |
| Angular | Having sharp angles | “Angular architecture reflects modern minimalist design.” | Science / Design |
| Anomalous | Deviating from the norm | “Anomalous monsoon patterns affect crop productivity.” | Science / Environment |
| Anomaly | Irregularity | “The audit revealed anomalies in fund disbursement.” | Science / Economy |
| Announce | To make publicly known | “The PM announced the launch of a national digital health mission.” | Governance / Media |
| Anecdote | Short, real-life story | “The essay opened with an anecdote about Gandhiji’s simplicity.” | Essay / Communication |
| Anecdotal | Based on personal accounts | “The study lacked rigour and relied on anecdotal evidence.” | Essay / Policy Critique |
| Androgynous | Exhibiting both male and female traits | “Androgynous fashion reflects changing gender norms.” | Identity / Society |
| Animosity | Strong hostility | “Religious animosity must be tackled through inclusive policies.” | Conflict / IR |
| Annihilate | To destroy completely | “The war annihilated entire generations in the region.” | Conflict / War |
| Anathema | Intense dislike or rejection | “Censorship is anathema to democratic values.” | Governance / Essay |
| Amicable | Peaceful resolution | “The dispute was settled through an amicable dialogue.” | Ethics / IR |
| Ameliorate | To improve a situation | “Policies to ameliorate slum conditions must focus on sanitation.” | Essay / Governance |
| Aloof | Emotionally distant | “Aloof leadership hampers community participation.” | Ethics / Society |
| Align | Bring into proper relation | “Laws must align with constitutional morality.” | Ethics / Governance |
🧠 Sample Practice Sentences Using UPSC Words
- The government cancelled the policy.
→ The administration annulled the controversial notification. - His story added personal touch.
→ The essay began with a compelling anecdote from the author’s life. - There was extreme hostility between communities.
→ The animosity between the groups led to violent clashes. - Their traditions go back to old times.
→ Their customs are rooted in ancestral heritage. - She avoided taking any controversial stand.
→ Her remarks were deliberately anodyne in tone.
📥 Download UPSC Vocabulary Flashcards (PDF)
👉 📄 Download Flashcards for Set 6 (PDF)
👉 🧠 Take the UPSC Vocabulary Quiz – Set 6
📚 More Resources
- 30 Thematic Vocabulary Words for UPSC Essays & Mains – Set 1
- 30 Governance, Ethics, Economy & Society Vocabulary Words for UPSC – Set 2
- 30 UPSC Vocabulary Words for Economy, Ethics & GS Mains
- 30 UPSC Vocabulary Words for Economy, Ethics & GS Mains
- 30 UPSC Vocabulary Words for Ethics, Governance, and Essay Excellence
🎯 Final Tip
These 30 vocabulary words reflect real-world relevance in UPSC GS answers and essays. Use them to bring depth, emotional tone, and analytical sharpness to your writing. Practice integrating 3–4 in each mock answer.
Stay articulate,
Team Howdybuzz
