Antonyms

Which word is an antonym for abundant?

• Plentiful

• Scarce

• Sufficient

• Overflowing

Answer explanation

An antonym is a word with the opposite meaning. 'Abundant' means existing in large quantities, while 'scarce' means insufficient or in short supply. The other options are synonyms or related in meaning.

Match each word to its antonym.

• Contract

• Hostile

• Reckless

• Cautious

• Friendly

• Praise

• Criticize

• Expand

Answer explanation

The antonym of 'Praise' is 'Criticize'. The antonym of 'Hostile' is 'Friendly'. The antonym of 'Expand' is 'Contract'. The antonym of 'Cautious' is 'Reckless'.

Sort each pair of words into the correct category: Antonyms (Opposites) or Synonyms (Similar).

Groups:

(a) Antonyms (Opposites)

,

(b) Synonyms (Similar)

• calm/agitated

• happy/joyful

• brave/timid

• small/tiny

Answer explanation

Antonyms have opposite meanings (like 'brave' and 'timid'), while synonyms have similar meanings (like 'happy' and 'joyful'). The pairs are sorted based on this distinction.

The teacher's directions were so ____ that I had to ask for more specific steps. Which antonym of precise best fits the blank?

• clear

• vague

• detailed

• complex

Answer explanation

The context implies the directions were unclear, requiring more specific steps. 'Vague,' meaning unclear or indefinite, is the antonym of 'precise' and fits the sentence's meaning. The other options do not fit the context.

Which of the following is an antonym for the word temporary?

• Permanent

• Brief

• Short-term

• Momentary

Answer explanation

'Temporary' means lasting for only a limited time. 'Permanent' means lasting forever, making it the direct antonym. 'Brief,' 'short-term,' and 'momentary' are all synonyms for 'temporary'.

Sort these words based on the outlook they describe: Positive Outlook or Negative Outlook.

Groups:

(a) Positive Outlook

,

(b) Negative Outlook

• Optimistic

• Pessimistic

• Cheerful

• Gloomy

• Doubtful

• Hopeful

Answer explanation

Words are sorted into two opposing groups. 'Optimistic,' 'hopeful,' and 'cheerful' all suggest a positive view, while their antonyms 'pessimistic,' 'doubtful,' and 'gloomy' suggest a negative one.

After the fire drill, the principal told everyone to assemble in the gym, not disperse across the field. Based on the context, what is an antonym for assemble?

• Gather

• Meet

• Collect

• Disperse

Answer explanation

The sentence uses the signal word 'not' to contrast 'assemble' with 'disperse.' This contextual clue shows that 'disperse' (to scatter) is the opposite of 'assemble' (to bring together).

Match each word to its antonym.

• Significant

• Complex

• Stingy

• Generous

• Modern

• Ancient

• Simple

• Trivial

Answer explanation

The antonym of 'Complex' is 'Simple'. The antonym of 'Generous' is 'Stingy'. The antonym of 'Ancient' is 'Modern'. The antonym of 'Trivial' is 'Significant'.

My brother was ____ to try the sushi, but I was eager to taste it. Which word, an antonym of eager, best completes the sentence?

• excited

• reluctant

• curious

• ready

Answer explanation

The word 'but' signals a contrast between the two speakers. Since one person was 'eager,' the other must have felt the opposite. 'Reluctant,' meaning unwilling or hesitant, is the antonym of 'eager' and fits the context.

Which word means the opposite of significant?

• Important

• Trivial

• Major

• Meaningful

Answer explanation

'Significant' means important or worthy of attention. Its opposite is 'trivial,' which means of little value or importance. The other options are synonyms of 'significant'.