Synonyms and Antonyms — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. A thesaurus lists thin, slim, skinny, and scrawny as synonyms. Which has the most negative connotation in Grade 4 writing?
A) thin
B) slim
C) skinny
D) scrawny
All four words share a meaning, but 'scrawny' carries the most negative shade. Grade 4 readers use a thesaurus carefully because synonyms are not always polite or neutral.
2. Which synonym for 'curious' has a positive connotation that praises a Grade 4 student's mind?
A) nosy
B) snoopy
C) inquisitive
D) meddlesome
'Inquisitive' has a positive shade of meaning, while 'nosy', 'snoopy', and 'meddlesome' all suggest unwanted prying. Grade 4 thesaurus skills include weighing such connotations.
3. Read this sentence: 'The child was ___ when the puppy ran into the room.' Which synonym for 'happy' best fits a sudden burst of joy?
A) content
B) satisfied
C) pleased
D) delighted
'Content', 'satisfied', and 'pleased' all suggest calm okayness, but 'delighted' shows quick, strong joy. Grade 4 writers use a thesaurus to find synonyms that fit each scene precisely.
4. Which choice lists synonyms for 'walked' from least to most tired in Grade 4 reading?
A) strolled, plodded, trudged, staggered
B) staggered, trudged, plodded, strolled
C) trudged, strolled, staggered, plodded
D) plodded, staggered, strolled, trudged
'Strolled' is a relaxed walk, 'plodded' is slow and steady, 'trudged' is heavy and tired, and 'staggered' suggests barely able to walk. Ordering synonyms is a Grade 4 thesaurus skill from CCSS L.4.5c.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. When two synonyms mean almost the same thing but feel different, the extra feeling each one carries is called its connotation.
Connotation is the feeling a word suggests, beyond its literal definition. Grade 4 students use connotation to choose between synonyms with positive or negative shades of meaning.
2. A reference book that lists synonyms and antonyms for words is called a thesaurus.
A thesaurus organizes words by meaning so writers can find precise synonyms. Grade 4 students learn thesaurus skills to support CCSS L.4.5c precise word choice.
3. When you carefully pick the exact word that fits a sentence, your word choice is precise.
'Precise' word choice avoids vague words and picks the synonym with the perfect shade of meaning. This is a core Grade 4 writing skill.
4. Words like 'home' and 'house' can be synonyms, but 'home' has a warmer, more personal connotation.
'House' is a neutral building, while 'home' has a warm connotation of family and comfort. Grade 4 students learn how connotation guides synonym choice.
5. A synonym that has the most accurate shade of meaning for a sentence is called the most fitting choice.
The most 'fitting' synonym is the one whose shade of meaning matches the sentence exactly. Grade 4 thesaurus skills focus on choosing the most fitting word, not just any synonym.