Context clues: Synonyms

In the sentence, 'The monstrous mountain towered over the village,' what does the word monstrous mean?

• Tiny

• Huge

• Ancient

• Quiet

Answer explanation

The sentence provides 'monstrous' as a direct synonym for 'gigantic,' both of which mean very large or huge. 'Tiny' is an antonym, while 'ancient' and 'quiet' do not describe size.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

After her surprise party, Maria was so gleeful she couldn't stop smiling. Which word is a synonym for gleeful?

• Surprised

• Smiling

• Jittery

• Happy

Answer explanation

The context clue 'She was so happy she couldn't stop smiling' directly explains that 'gleeful' means happy. The other words are related to the event but are not synonyms for the feeling.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

The path through the woods was perilous, full of hidden roots and slippery rocks that could cause a fall. Based on the context, what is a synonym for perilous?

• Beautiful

• Dangerous

• Long

• Easy

Answer explanation

The context clues 'hidden roots,' 'slippery rocks,' and 'could cause a fall' all indicate that the path was unsafe, or dangerous. The other options do not fit the description of the risks.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

My little brother can be very inflexible. It's hard to change his mind once he has made a decision. Which word is a synonym for inflexible?

• Flexible

• Quiet

• Stubborn

• Friendly

Answer explanation

The context clue 'hard to change his mind' indicates that 'inflexible' means being unwilling to change one's position. 'Stubborn' is the best synonym for this. 'Flexible' is an antonym.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Match each word with the sentence that uses a synonym for it.

• The calm lake was perfect for a peaceful afternoon.

• Tranquil

• Our family has a yearly reunion every summer.

• Annual

• We explored the old ruins from a past civilization.

• Ancient

Answer explanation

Each word is matched to a sentence containing its synonym. 'Ancient' matches with 'old,' 'tranquil' matches with 'calm' and 'peaceful,' and 'annual' matches with 'yearly.'

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

The magician's final trick was baffling; it was a complete mystery how he disappeared from the stage. What does baffling mean?

• Obvious

• Boring

• Puzzling

• Loud

Answer explanation

The sentence provides 'a complete mystery' as a synonym clue for 'baffling.' Something that is a mystery is confusing or puzzling. 'Obvious' is an antonym.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

Maria was astonished when she won the grand prize; her mouth fell open and she was so amazed she couldn't speak. Based on the context clues, what is a synonym for astonished?

• Bored

• Tired

• Amazed

• Calm

Answer explanation

The context clues 'her mouth fell open' and 'so amazed she couldn't speak' describe a state of great surprise. 'Amazed' is the best synonym for this feeling.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

The instructions for the model airplane were so convoluted that we couldn't figure them out. They were just too complicated. In the sentences above, the word 'complicated' helps you understand that convoluted means:

• Simple and clear

• Colorful and bright

• Long and boring

• Complex and difficult to follow

Answer explanation

The second sentence explicitly provides a synonym clue, stating the instructions were 'too complicated.' This shows that 'convoluted' means something is complex and difficult to understand.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

The vibrant city's downtown was full of bustling streets and colorful shops. Which word is the best synonym for vibrant as used in the sentence?

• Empty

• Subdued

• Lively

• Archaic

Answer explanation

The context clues 'bustling streets' and 'colorful shops' suggest a place full of energy and activity. 'Lively' is the best synonym for this meaning. 'Empty' and 'subdued' are antonyms.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

The frigid wind made everyone shiver as they walked to school. Based on the context, what does frigid mean?

• Wet

• Gentle

• Cold

• Warm

Answer explanation

Based on the context clue of "shivering," it is clear that the frigid weather was cold.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D