Context clues: Synonyms

In the sentence, "The pizza we ordered was immense; it was so big we could barely finish half of it," what is a synonym for immense?

• Tiny

• Huge

• Spicy

• Cold

Answer explanation

The context clue 'so big we could barely finish half of it' indicates that 'immense' means very large, or huge. The other options describe size or condition incorrectly.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Match each sentence to the word that has the closest meaning to the word in quotation marks.

• Tired

• After the long hike, the campers felt 'weary' and were ready for a good night's sleep.

• Peaceful

• The lake was 'tranquil' and still, reflecting the quiet forest around it.

• Empty

• The old house on the corner has been 'vacant' for years, with no one living inside.

Answer explanation

In the first sentence, the context 'still' and 'quiet' helps you understand that 'tranquil' means peaceful. In the second sentence, 'after the long hike' suggests that 'weary' means tired. In the third sentence, 'no one living inside' is a clue that 'vacant' means empty.

The riddle was so perplexing that none of us could figure out the answer. Based on the context, what is a synonym for perplexing?

• Easy

• Obvious

• Confusing

• Funny

Answer explanation

The context clue 'none of us could figure out the answer' suggests that the riddle was difficult to understand. 'Confusing' is the best synonym. 'Easy' and 'obvious' are antonyms, and 'funny' describes a different quality.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Read each phrase. Sort the phrases into two groups based on whether the word in quotation marks describes a positive or a negative feeling.

Groups:

(a) Positive Feelings

,

(b) Negative Feelings

• the 'gloomy' weather matched his mood

• a 'joyful' celebration with friends

• her 'cheerful' smile lit up the room

• a 'miserable' day spent sick in bed

Answer explanation

The context clues in the phrases help determine the feeling. 'Celebration' and 'smile lit up the room' suggest positive feelings. 'Sick in bed' and the 'gloomy weather' matching a bad mood suggest negative feelings.

The final play of the game was crucial to their victory. Which synonym best fits the meaning of crucial in this sentence?

• Unimportant

• Optional

• Vital

• Simple

Answer explanation

'Crucial' means extremely important or necessary for success. 'Vital' is the strongest synonym in this context. 'Unimportant' and 'optional' are antonyms, and 'simple' does not fit the meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

The movie ended so abruptly that the audience was left staring at the screen in surprise. What does abruptly mean?

• Slowly

• Loudly

• Suddenly

• Happily

Answer explanation

The context that the audience was left in 'surprise' suggests the ending was unexpected and quick. 'Suddenly' is the correct synonym for 'abruptly'.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Match each sentence to the word that has the closest meaning to the word in quotation marks.

• Short

• After the spring rains, wildflowers were 'abundant' in the fields, covering every hill.

• Plentiful

• During the drought, clean water became 'scarce', and people had to conserve it.

• Rare

• The teacher gave a 'brief' summary of the book, lasting only five minutes.

Answer explanation

In the first sentence, the clue 'covering every hill' helps you know that 'abundant' means plentiful. The context 'during the drought' and 'had to conserve it' suggests that 'scarce' means rare. In the last sentence, 'lasting only five minutes' is a clue that 'brief' means short.

The diligent student always completed her homework on time and studied for tests. The context suggests that diligent means:

• Lazy

• Hardworking

• Popular

• Creative

Answer explanation

The description of the student's actions—completing homework and studying—are clues that 'diligent' means hardworking and conscientious.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5C

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Sort these synonyms for 'walk' by their speed: Slow Pace or Fast Pace.

Groups:

(a) Slow Pace

,

(b) Fast Pace

• Saunter

• Sprint

• Dash

• Stroll

Answer explanation

Words are sorted by their connotative meaning related to speed. 'Stroll' and 'saunter' imply a slow, relaxed pace, while 'dash' and 'sprint' imply a fast, urgent pace.

The timid kitten hid under the couch whenever someone entered the room. Which word is NOT a synonym for timid?

• Shy

• Fearful

• Brave

• Hesitant

Answer explanation

The context of hiding suggests fear or shyness. 'Shy,' 'fearful,' and 'hesitant' are all synonyms for 'timid.' 'Brave' is an antonym, meaning the opposite.