Synonyms

Which word is a synonym for diligent?

• Hardworking

• Lazy

• Creative

• Uninterested

Answer explanation

The word 'diligent' means showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. 'Hardworking' is the closest synonym. The other options are either antonyms or unrelated.

Match each word to its closest synonym.

• Plentiful

• Essential

• Unimportant

• Trivial

• Crucial

• Abundant

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with another word that has a very similar meaning: 'essential' means crucial, 'abundant' means plentiful, and 'trivial' means unimportant.

The teacher's instructions were ambiguous, so we asked for clarification. What is a synonym for ambiguous in this sentence?

• Clear

• Unclear

• Loud

• Detailed

Answer explanation

In this context, 'ambiguous' means open to more than one interpretation or not having one obvious meaning. 'Unclear' is the best synonym. The need for clarification is a clue.

Sort these words into two groups: Synonyms for 'Happy' and Synonyms for 'Sad'.

Groups:

(a) Synonyms for 'Happy'

,

(b) Synonyms for 'Sad'

• Melancholy

• Ecstatic

• Gleeful

• Joyful

• Dejected

• Somber

Answer explanation

The words are grouped based on their shared meaning. 'Joyful,' 'gleeful,' and 'ecstatic' are all synonyms for 'happy,' while 'melancholy,' 'dejected,' and 'somber' are synonyms for 'sad.'

To avoid waking his little brother, Leo _____ that it was time to go. Which synonym for 'said' best fits the context?

• Shouted

• Announced

• Whispered

• Proclaimed

Answer explanation

The context clue 'to avoid waking his little brother' indicates the need for a quiet form of speaking. 'Whispered' is the only synonym for 'said' that means to speak very quietly.

Match each common word to its more formal synonym.

• Demonstrate

• Help

• Assist

• Get

• Obtain

• Show

• Inquire

• Ask

Answer explanation

This question matches common, everyday words with their more formal or academic synonyms. 'Obtain' is a formal way to say 'get,' 'demonstrate' for 'show,' 'inquire' for 'ask,' and 'assist' for 'help.'

Which of the following is a synonym for the word genuine?

• Fake

• Authentic

• Expensive

• Complicated

Answer explanation

'Genuine' means truly what something is said to be. 'Authentic' shares this meaning. 'Fake' is an antonym, while the other options are unrelated.

Classify these words into three synonym groups: 'Big', 'Fast', and 'Smart'.

Groups:

(a) Synonyms for 'Big'

,

(b) Synonyms for 'Fast'

,

(c) Synonyms for 'Smart'

• Intelligent

• Rapid

• Vast

• Clever

• Swift

• Enormous

Answer explanation

The words are sorted into categories with other words that share a similar meaning. 'Vast' and 'enormous' are synonyms for 'big'; 'swift' and 'rapid' are synonyms for 'fast'; 'intelligent' and 'clever' are synonyms for 'smart'.

The documentary about deep-sea creatures was very interesting. Which synonym would make the sentence more descriptive and powerful?

• Okay

• Long

• Fascinating

• Acceptable

Answer explanation

'Fascinating' is a strong synonym for 'interesting' that implies extreme interest and captivation, making the sentence more descriptive. The other options do not enhance the meaning in the same way.

My friend is adept at solving complex math problems. What does adept mean in this context?

• Unskilled

• Slow

• Confused

• Skillful

Answer explanation

The context of 'solving complex math problems' suggests a high level of ability. 'Adept' means very skilled or proficient at something, so 'skillful' is the correct synonym.