Synonyms and Antonyms

After the long hike, Leo was completely exhausted. Which word is a synonym for exhausted?

• energetic

• weary

• curious

• bored

Answer explanation

'Weary' means very tired, which is the same as 'exhausted'. 'Energetic' is an antonym, while 'curious' and 'bored' describe different feelings.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

Match each word to its antonym (opposite).

• complex

• generous

• cowardly

• brave

• stingy

• simple

Answer explanation

Each word is matched with its direct opposite: 'generous' is the opposite of 'stingy', 'brave' is the opposite of 'cowardly', and 'simple' is the opposite of 'complex'.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

Sort these word pairs into the correct category: Synonyms (similar meaning) or Antonyms (opposite meaning).

Groups:

(a) Synonyms

,

(b) Antonyms

• happy / joyful

• wet / dry

• big / large

• hot / cold

• fast / quick

• begin / end

Answer explanation

Pairs with similar meanings (like 'happy' and 'joyful') are synonyms. Pairs with opposite meanings (like 'hot' and 'cold') are antonyms.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

The old path was treacherous and hard to walk on. Which word means the OPPOSITE of treacherous?

• dangerous

• safe

• hidden

• long

Answer explanation

'Treacherous' means full of danger. 'Safe' is its direct opposite. 'Dangerous' is a synonym, while 'hidden' and 'long' describe different qualities of the path.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

Match each word on the left to its closest synonym on the right.

• correct

• accurate

• short

• annual

• yearly

• brief

• vital

• crucial

Answer explanation

Each word is paired with another word that has a very similar meaning. For example, 'annual' and 'yearly' both refer to something that happens once a year.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.4A

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

If a movie review changes the word 'good' to 'superb', what is the effect on the meaning?

• It makes the movie sound less interesting.

• It suggests the movie is average.

• It greatly increases the level of praise for the movie.

• It changes the meaning to be negative.

Answer explanation

'Superb' is a much stronger synonym for 'good'. Using it has the effect of making the praise more intense and enthusiastic, showing a higher degree of quality.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5D

CCSS.L.2.5B

CCSS.L.3.5C

CCSS.L.K.5D

Group these words into two categories based on their meaning: Words for 'Look' or Words for 'Happy'.

Groups:

(a) Words for 'Look'

,

(b) Words for 'Happy'

• glance

• joyful

• cheerful

• delighted

• stare

• peer

Answer explanation

The words are sorted into groups of synonyms. 'Glance', 'stare', and 'peer' are all ways of looking, while 'cheerful', 'joyful', and 'delighted' are all ways of being happy.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.5A

CCSS.L.1.5B

CCSS.L.K.5A

Which of the following words is an antonym for courage?

• bravery

• fear

• strength

• honesty

Answer explanation

'Courage' is the ability to do something that frightens one. 'Fear' is the opposite feeling. 'Bravery' is a synonym, and 'strength' and 'honesty' are different character traits.

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

The instructions for the game were so convoluted that we couldn't figure out how to play. Which word could replace convoluted?

• simple

• clear

• complex

• fun

Answer explanation

'Convoluted' means extremely complex and difficult to follow. 'Simple' and 'clear' are antonyms. 'Fun' describes an experience, not the instructions themselves.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

Match each word pair to the description of its relationship.

• These words are opposite actions.

• difficult / challenging

• These words have a similar meaning of being hard.

• create / destroy

• These words are opposites in time.

• assist / help

• These words have a similar meaning of providing aid.

• ancient / modern

Answer explanation

Each pair is matched to a unique description of its relationship. 'Ancient/modern' and 'create/destroy' are antonyms (opposites), while 'difficult/challenging' and 'assist/help' are synonyms (similar).

Tags

CCSS.L.5.5C

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A