Context clues: Synonyms

After eating a huge lunch, I felt so lethargic that all I wanted to do was lie on the couch. The context suggests that a synonym for lethargic is:

• energetic

• sluggish

• hungry

• anxious

Answer explanation

The context of wanting to lie on the couch after a big meal suggests a feeling of slowness and lack of energy. 'Sluggish' means slow-moving or inactive, which is a synonym for 'lethargic'. The other options are incorrect as 'energetic' is an antonym, and 'hungry' and 'anxious' do not fit the context.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.4A

Match each vocabulary word to the sentence that contains its synonym as a context clue.

• The small portion of food was a scant meal for the hungry traveler.

• tranquil

• The quiet library was a peaceful place to study.

• abundant

• The hike up the icy mountain was quite dangerous and risky.

• meager

• The farmer's market had a plentiful supply of fresh vegetables.

• perilous

Answer explanation

Each sentence contains a synonym for one of the vocabulary words. 'Dangerous' is a synonym for 'perilous.' 'Plentiful' is a synonym for 'abundant.' 'Peaceful' is a synonym for 'tranquil.' 'Scant' is a synonym for 'meager.'

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

It was prudent to save her allowance for the new bike instead of spending it all on candy. Based on the context, a synonym for prudent is:

• foolish

• quick

• unusual

• wise

Answer explanation

The context of saving money for a goal instead of spending it impulsively describes a wise action. 'Prudent' means acting with or showing care and thought for the future. 'Foolish' is an antonym.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

The plot of the video game was so intricate that I needed a guide to figure it out. Which word could best replace intricate without changing the meaning?

• simple

• boring

• long

• complicated

Answer explanation

The context clue 'needed a guide to figure it out' suggests the plot was difficult to understand. 'Complicated' is the best synonym for 'intricate,' which means very detailed and complex. 'Simple' is an antonym.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

Match each word to the sentence that provides the best synonym clue for its meaning.

• He felt trepidation before his speech.

• fear

• The mood at the memorial was quiet, reflective, and serious.

• somber

• Folding all the laundry was such a dull and monotonous task.

• tedious

Answer explanation

Each word is matched to a sentence with a synonym clue. 'Trepidation' means fearful or nervous. 'Somber' means serious or grave. 'Tedious' means dull or monotonous.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.4A

Read the sentence: "As a novice, or beginner, at coding, Maria had to watch many tutorials to learn the basics." In the sentence, the word "beginner" is a context clue that helps you understand that novice means:

• a person who is new to something

• an expert professional

• a patient instructor

• a fast learner

Answer explanation

The word 'beginner' directly defines 'novice' as someone new to a skill or activity. Therefore, the correct choice is 'a person who is new to something', as it aligns with the meaning of 'novice'.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

The ancient castle was a relic from a past era, a true antique that had survived for centuries. The context suggests that a synonym for relic is:

• a new invention

• a powerful weapon

• an antique

• a future plan

Answer explanation

The sentence provides a direct synonym clue by calling the relic 'a true antique'. Both words refer to an object surviving from an earlier time. 'A new invention' and 'a future plan' are antonyms in concept.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

The principal's speech was brief, lasting only five minutes. If you replace brief with its synonym concise, how does the meaning of the sentence change?

• It implies the speech was boring.

• It suggests the speech was long and rambling.

• It adds the idea that the speech was short but also clear and comprehensive.

• It does not change the meaning at all.

Answer explanation

While both 'brief' and 'concise' mean short, 'concise' has a more specific connotation. It implies that the speech was short while still covering all the necessary information effectively. This question tests the subtle differences between synonyms.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C

Read each sentence and use the synonym clue to determine which word fits in the blank.

After the hike, he felt utterly ​ (a)   ; the exhausting journey had taken everything out of him.

The lake was so ​ (b)   ; its calm, peaceful surface reflected the sky like a mirror.

She was ​ (c)   to get the project started after showing an eager attitude from day 1.

• weary
• placid
• keen
• thrilling
• chaotic
• indifferent
• bored

Answer explanation

Each sentence contains a synonym clue that points to the correct word. In the first sentence, 'tired' is a synonym for 'weary'. In the second, 'calm' and 'peaceful' are synonyms for 'placid'. In the third, 'eager' and 'enthusiastic' are synonyms for 'keen'.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.4A

The instructions were so mystifying that most people had trouble understanding them. Which word could best replace mystifying without changing the meaning?

• clear

• confusing

• obvious

• easy

Answer explanation

The word 'mystifying' means something that is confusing or difficult to understand. Therefore, 'confusing' is the best replacement as it maintains the original meaning, while 'clear', 'obvious', and 'easy' suggest the opposite.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.4A

CCSS.L.7.4A

CCSS.L.7.5B

CCSS.L.8.4A

CCSS.L.5.5C