Antonyms

Which word is an antonym for courageous?

• brave

• timid

• strong

• bold

Answer explanation

'Timid' means showing a lack of courage, which is the opposite of 'courageous'. 'Brave', 'strong', and 'bold' are synonyms or related positive traits.

Match each word to its antonym.

• rarely

• optimistic

• pessimistic

• ancient

• modern

• generous

• stingy

• frequently

Answer explanation

Each word is paired with its direct opposite in meaning. 'Ancient' is the opposite of 'modern', 'generous' is the opposite of 'stingy', 'optimistic' is the opposite of 'pessimistic', and 'frequently' is the opposite of 'rarely'.

Sort these word pairs into two categories: Synonyms (similar meaning) or Antonyms (opposite meaning).

Groups:

(a) Synonyms

,

(b) Antonyms

• simple / complex

• calm / peaceful

• begin / conclude

• huge / gigantic

Answer explanation

Pairs with similar meanings (synonyms) like 'huge / gigantic' are grouped together, while pairs with opposite meanings (antonyms) like 'begin / conclude' are grouped in the other category.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

My brother is usually very talkative, but after the long hike, he was surprisingly ________. Which word, an antonym for talkative, best completes the sentence?

• chatty

• quiet

• loud

• energetic

Answer explanation

The context 'but after the long hike' suggests a change from his usual state. 'Quiet' is the opposite of 'talkative' and fits the context. 'Chatty' is a synonym.

Unlike the calm water of the lake, the ocean was ________ during the storm. Which word best completes the sentence with an antonym?

• peaceful

• still

• turbulent

• smooth

Answer explanation

The word 'Unlike' signals that an opposite word is needed. 'Turbulent', meaning chaotic or rough, is the antonym for 'calm' in this context. The other options are synonyms for 'calm'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

Group these words based on whether they describe a positive or negative quality. Sort them into the categories: Positive Qualities, Negative Qualities.

Groups:

(a) Positive Qualities

,

(b) Negative Qualities

• lazy

• diligent

• polite

• honest

• deceitful

• rude

Answer explanation

This question tests the understanding of antonymous concepts (like diligent/lazy, honest/deceitful) by sorting them based on their positive or negative connotations.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5C

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Which of the following words means the opposite of permanent?

• lasting

• eternal

• temporary

• constant

Answer explanation

'Temporary' means lasting for only a limited time, which is the direct opposite of 'permanent'. The other options are synonyms for 'permanent'.

Match each action word to its antonym.

• disperse

• prohibit

• permit

• expand

• shrink

• assemble

• criticize

• praise

Answer explanation

Each action verb is matched with its opposite. 'Expand' is the opposite of 'shrink', 'praise' is the opposite of 'criticize', 'assemble' is the opposite of 'disperse', and 'prohibit' is the opposite of 'permit'.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

Which pair of words are NOT antonyms?

• victory / defeat

• common / rare

• flexible / rigid

• clever / intelligent

Answer explanation

'Clever' and 'intelligent' are synonyms, meaning they have similar meanings. The other pairs all consist of words with opposite meanings (antonyms).

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.4A

I thought the movie would be dull, but it turned out to be incredibly ________ and kept me on the edge of my seat. Which word is the antonym that fits the blank?

• boring

• long

• exciting

• slow

Answer explanation

The word 'but' signals a contrast. 'Exciting' is the opposite of 'dull' (in the sense of boring). 'Boring' and 'slow' are synonyms for 'dull'.