Thesaurus Usage

If you looked up the word brave in a thesaurus, which of the following words would you most likely find listed as a synonym?

• cowardly

• valiant

• ordinary

• cautious

Answer explanation

Valiant means brave and courageous. 'Cowardly' is an antonym, while 'ordinary' and 'cautious' are not direct synonyms.

Which word is an antonym for abundant?

• plentiful

• ample

• scarce

• overflowing

Answer explanation

Abundant means existing in large quantities. Scarce means insufficient or in short supply, making it the correct antonym. The other options are synonyms.

Match each word to its closest synonym.

• Sluggish

• Vague

• Essential

• Jubilant

• Unclear

• Crucial

• Overjoyed

• Lethargic

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with another word that has a very similar meaning, as one would find in a thesaurus.

In the sentence, 'The instructions for the project were too convoluted,' which word would be the most appropriate synonym to use instead of 'convoluted'?

• simple

• artistic

• complicated

• brief

Answer explanation

'Convoluted' means extremely complex and difficult to follow. 'Complicated' is the best synonym in this context. 'Simple' and 'brief' are antonyms.

After weeks of practice, the team's movements were perfectly (a)   .

• synchronized
• separated

Answer explanation

'Synchronized' means happening at the same time or rate, which fits the context of a team moving together perfectly. 'Separated' is an antonym.

Sort these words into the correct category based on their general meaning.

Groups:

(a) Words for 'Happy'

,

(b) Words for 'Sad'

• Ecstatic

• Melancholy

• Somber

• Joyful

Answer explanation

This task requires grouping words by their shared meaning or theme. 'Ecstatic' and 'joyful' are synonyms related to happiness, while 'somber' and 'melancholy' are synonyms for sadness.

Match each word to its antonym.

• Chaotic

• Temporary

• Reckless

• Tranquil

• Permanent

• Cautious

• Stingy

• Generous

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with a word that has the opposite meaning. A thesaurus can be used to find both synonyms and antonyms.

Complete the sentences by dragging the correct word into each blank. The old library was a (a)   place, perfect for studying. In contrast, the playground outside was always (b)   with activity.

• serene
• boisterous

Answer explanation

'Serene' means calm and peaceful, which fits the description of a quiet library. 'Boisterous' means noisy and energetic, which describes a busy playground. The words are antonyms.

To make a story more exciting, a writer wants to replace the word 'walked' in 'He walked quickly down the hall.' Which synonym from a thesaurus would create the most urgent tone?

• strolled

• ambled

• darted

• shuffled

Answer explanation

'Darted' implies a sudden, quick movement, which adds urgency and excitement. 'Strolled' and 'ambled' are slow and relaxed, while 'shuffled' suggests tiredness or hesitation.

The detective found a (a)   clue that was so small, most people would have missed it.

• minuscule
• colossal

Answer explanation

'Minuscule' means extremely small, which fits the context of a clue that is hard to see. 'Colossal' means huge and would not make sense in this sentence.