Antonyms

My brother is always so lethargic in the morning, but he becomes incredibly energetic after his first cup of coffee. Which word in the sentence is an antonym for lethargic?

• morning

• energetic

• incredibly

• coffee

Answer explanation

The word 'lethargic' means sluggish or lacking energy. The sentence uses 'but' to signal a contrast, and 'energetic' is the direct opposite, meaning full of energy.

Match each word to its correct antonym.

• criticize

• reveal

• permit

• prohibit

• disperse

• assemble

• conceal

• praise

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with its opposite: to assemble (gather) is the opposite of to disperse (scatter); to praise is the opposite of to criticize; to reveal is the opposite of to conceal; and to prohibit is the opposite of to permit.

For the word brave, sort the following words into the correct category: Synonyms or Antonyms.

Groups:

(a) Synonyms for Brave

,

(b) Antonyms for Brave

• courageous

• heroic

• fearful

• timid

Answer explanation

Synonyms are words with similar meanings, while antonyms have opposite meanings. 'Courageous' and 'heroic' are synonyms for 'brave'. 'Timid' and 'fearful' are antonyms for 'brave'.

Which word is an antonym for abundant?

• plentiful

• scarce

• enough

• excessive

Answer explanation

'Abundant' means existing in large quantities. 'Scarce' means insufficient for the demand or available in small quantities. 'Plentiful' and 'excessive' are synonyms or related, not antonyms.

The old hiking trail was quite obscure, but the new map made the route perfectly ______.

• hidden

• confusing

• clear

• dark

Answer explanation

The sentence sets up a contrast with the word 'but'. 'Obscure' means not discovered or known about. The opposite, which fits the context of a helpful map, is 'clear'.

Match each personality trait to its antonym.

• lazy

• optimistic

• pessimistic

• flexible

• stingy

• diligent

• rigid

• generous

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with its opposite meaning: flexible/rigid, optimistic/pessimistic, generous/stingy, and diligent/lazy all represent opposing character traits.

Instead of focusing on the trivial details of the party decorations, the committee needed to discuss the significant issue of the budget.

• unimportant

• minor

• simple

• significant

Answer explanation

'Trivial' means of little value or importance. The sentence contrasts this with the 'significant issue,' which means important or worthy of attention. The other options are synonyms for 'trivial'.

Classify each pair of words into the correct relationship category: Antonym Pairs or Synonym Pairs.

Groups:

(a) Antonym Pairs

,

(b) Synonym Pairs

• create / build

• expand / contract

• begin / start

• ancient / modern

Answer explanation

Antonyms have opposite meanings (expand/contract, ancient/modern), while synonyms have similar meanings (create/build, begin/start).

Her initial response was hostile, but after we explained the situation, her attitude became much more ______.

• angry

• friendly

• confused

• neutral

Answer explanation

The word 'but' indicates a shift from a 'hostile' (unfriendly) attitude to its opposite. 'Friendly' is the direct antonym that fits the context of a positive change.

Match each abstract noun to its antonym.

• defeat

• wisdom

• folly

• victory

• wealth

• poverty

• order

• chaos

Answer explanation

Each abstract concept is matched with its opposite: victory is the opposite of defeat, wisdom is the opposite of folly (foolishness), chaos is the opposite of order, and poverty is the opposite of wealth.