Synonyms

Which word is a synonym for abundant?

• plentiful

• scarce

• empty

• brief

Answer explanation

A synonym is a word with a similar meaning. 'Abundant' means existing in large quantities, so 'plentiful' is the correct synonym. 'Scarce' is an antonym, while 'empty' and 'brief' have different meanings.

Match each word to its closest synonym.

• sluggish

• crucial

• bright

• perplexed

• essential

• lethargic

• confused

• vivid

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with its synonym: 'perplexed' means confused, 'lethargic' means sluggish, 'vivid' means bright, and 'crucial' means essential. This tests the ability to identify relationships between words.

Sort these words into two groups based on their meaning: Synonyms for 'Large' or Synonyms for 'Small'.

Groups:

(a) Synonyms for 'Large'

,

(b) Synonyms for 'Small'

• minuscule

• gargantuan

• diminutive

• colossal

• negligible

• mammoth

Answer explanation

The words are sorted into two groups of synonyms. 'Colossal,' 'gargantuan,' and 'mammoth' are all synonyms for 'large,' meaning extremely big. 'Diminutive,' 'minuscule,' and 'negligible' are all synonyms for 'small,' meaning extremely little in size or importance.

To finish the group project on time, everyone had to be extremely _____, working carefully and consistently.

• casual

• diligent

• reluctant

• hasty

Answer explanation

'Diligent' means showing care and conscientiousness in one's work, which fits the context of working 'carefully and consistently.' The other options do not fit the meaning of the sentence.

Match each common emotion to its more intense synonym.

• despondent

• sad

• furious

• scared

• ecstatic

• happy

• petrified

• angry

Answer explanation

This matching exercise pairs common emotions with synonyms that express a stronger degree of that feeling. 'Ecstatic' is intensely happy, 'despondent' is deeply sad, 'furious' is extremely angry, and 'petrified' is terrified.

Which word is a synonym for tranquil?

• peaceful

• chaotic

• loud

• busy

Answer explanation

'Tranquil' means free from disturbance; calm. 'Peaceful' is the best synonym. 'Chaotic' is an antonym, while 'loud' and 'busy' describe the opposite of a tranquil state.

Sort these synonyms by their intensity level: Mild or Strong.

Groups:

(a) Mild

,

(b) Strong

• furious

• annoyed

• ecstatic

• dislike

• pleased

• loathe

Answer explanation

Words are sorted by the strength of the emotion they convey. 'Dislike,' 'annoyed,' and 'pleased' are milder feelings, while 'loathe,' 'furious,' and 'ecstatic' are their stronger, more intense counterparts.

The new app's design was praised for introducing features no one had ever seen before. Which word best describes a design that is so new and original?

• innovative

• conventional

• obsolete

• adequate

Answer explanation

The context clue 'introducing features no one had ever seen before' points to something new and original. 'Innovative' means featuring new methods or ideas. 'Conventional' means traditional, 'obsolete' means out-of-date, and 'adequate' means just satisfactory.

Match each Tier 2 vocabulary word to its synonym.

• lessen

• expedite

• hasten

• mitigate

• invent

• fabricate

Answer explanation

To 'expedite' something is to make it happen sooner or 'hasten' it. To 'fabricate' is to invent or create something. To 'mitigate' is to make something less severe or 'lessen' its impact.

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

Groups:

(a) Synonyms

,

(b) Antonyms

• simple - complex

• brave - cowardly

• generous - charitable

• temporary - fleeting

Answer explanation

The pairs are classified based on their relationship. 'Generous' and 'charitable' are synonyms, as are 'temporary' and 'fleeting.' 'Simple' and 'complex' are antonyms, as are 'brave' and 'cowardly.'