Thesaurus Usage

The coach said the team's performance was "good." If you wanted to make the sentence more exciting and descriptive using a thesaurus, which synonym for "good" would be the best choice?

• satisfactory

• acceptable

• exceptional

• decent

Answer explanation

While all are synonyms for "good," "exceptional" suggests the performance was outstanding and far above average, which adds excitement. The other options are weaker or more neutral.

A thesaurus can also help you find antonyms (opposites). Match each word to its antonym.

• timid

• lethargic

• energetic

• abundant

• significant

• trivial

• scarce

• courageous

Answer explanation

Each word is correctly paired with its opposite: abundant (plentiful) vs. scarce (rare), courageous (brave) vs. timid (shy), trivial (unimportant) vs. significant (important), and lethargic (sluggish) vs. energetic (active).

Synonyms for "talk" can describe the volume of speech. Group the following synonyms into the correct categories.

Groups:

(a) To speak quietly

,

(b) To speak loudly

• yell

• whisper

• mumble

• shout

• scream

• mutter

Answer explanation

This task requires sorting words based on the volume they imply. "Whisper," "mutter," and "mumble" are quiet forms of talking, while "shout," "yell," and "scream" are loud forms.

The old house looked scary. Use the thesaurus options for "scary" to complete the sentence with the most fitting word: The abandoned mansion on the hill, with its broken windows and creaking doors, looked truly (a)   .

• unsettling
• menacing
• startling
• displeasing

Answer explanation

While all options relate to "scary," "menacing" best fits the context because it implies a sense of threat or danger, which is suggested by the description of the abandoned mansion.

What is the primary purpose of using a thesaurus?

• To find the correct spelling and pronunciation of a word.

• To find synonyms and antonyms for a word.

• To learn the history and origin of a word.

• To find the definition and part of speech of a word.

Answer explanation

A thesaurus is a reference tool specifically designed to provide lists of words with similar (synonyms) or opposite (antonyms) meanings. Dictionaries are used for definitions, spelling, and origins.

Match each word on the left with its closest synonym on the right.

• outdated

• diligent

• kind

• obsolete

• unclear

• ambiguous

• hardworking

• benevolent

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with a word that has a very similar meaning. A diligent person is hardworking, an obsolete phone is outdated, a benevolent ruler is kind, and an ambiguous message is unclear.

After looking up "happy" in a thesaurus, choose the best synonym for each context. The crowd was (a)   when their team won the championship, while the boy felt a quiet, (b)   feeling watching the sunset.

• content
• jubilant
• pleased
• gleeful

Answer explanation

"Jubilant" means feeling great happiness and triumph, which fits the excited crowd. "Content" describes a state of peaceful satisfaction, which fits the quiet feeling of watching a sunset.

If you look up the word "flexible" in a thesaurus, you will find a list of antonyms. Which of the following words would you NOT find in the antonym list for "flexible"?

• rigid

• stiff

• unbending

• adaptable

Answer explanation

"Adaptable" is a synonym for "flexible," meaning it has a similar meaning. "Rigid," "stiff," and "unbending" are all antonyms, meaning they have the opposite meaning of "flexible."

Synonyms for "thin" can have different connotations. Sort the following words into 'Positive/Neutral' and 'Negative' categories.

Groups:

(a) Positive/Neutral

,

(b) Negative

• lanky

• gaunt

• slender

• scrawny

• emaciated

• slim

Answer explanation

"Slender," "slim," and "lanky" are generally neutral or positive ways to describe being thin. "Scrawny," "gaunt," and "emaciated" have negative connotations, suggesting being unhealthily thin.

Maria used a thesaurus to replace "funny" in her sentence: "The comedian's jokes were very funny." She chose the word "peculiar." Why is "peculiar" a poor choice in this context?

• Peculiar is an antonym for funny.

• Peculiar means 'strange' or 'odd,' which changes the intended meaning.

• Peculiar is too formal for a sentence about a comedian.

• Peculiar and funny are exact synonyms.

Answer explanation

This shows the importance of checking a synonym's exact meaning. While something peculiar might be funny, the word itself means strange, not necessarily humorous, changing the sentence's meaning.