Synonyms and Antonyms — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Replace 'good' in 'The chef made a good meal' with a stronger Grade 4 synonym: excellent.
'Good' is a vague word, but 'excellent' shows a stronger shade of meaning. Grade 4 writers replace overused words with precise synonyms to make their writing more powerful.
2. Replace 'bad' in 'The storm caused bad damage' with a more precise Grade 4 synonym: terrible.
'Bad' is too plain for severe storm damage. The synonym 'terrible' has a stronger shade of meaning and gives Grade 4 readers a clearer picture of the damage.
3. A synonym for 'said' that shows a character spoke very quietly is whispered.
'Said' is a neutral word, but 'whispered' shows the precise volume. Grade 4 writers pick synonyms with the right shade of meaning to bring dialogue to life.
4. A synonym for 'walked' that describes moving very slowly because of being tired is trudged.
'Walked' is general, but 'trudged' captures slow, tired movement. Choosing precise synonyms is a key Grade 4 writing skill from CCSS L.4.5c.
5. Replace 'big' in 'The castle was big' with a Grade 4 synonym that suggests enormous size: massive.
'Big' is overused, while 'massive' shows a stronger shade of meaning. Grade 4 writers use precise synonyms to help readers picture exact sizes.
6. A synonym for 'good' that describes behavior worthy of praise is admirable.
'Admirable' has a precise shade of meaning that praises character or behavior, while 'good' is too general. Grade 4 readers learn that synonyms are not always interchangeable.
7. A synonym for 'bad' that means causing fear or shock, often used for nightmares, is dreadful.
'Dreadful' carries a shade of fear that 'bad' lacks. Grade 4 writers expand their vocabulary by choosing synonyms that match the exact feeling they want to share.
8. A precise Grade 4 synonym for 'happy' that means filled with great joy is joyful.
'Happy' is mild, but 'joyful' shows a stronger shade of meaning. Picking precise synonyms helps Grade 4 writers show feelings instead of just naming them.
9. A synonym for 'said' that shows a character spoke loudly with anger is shouted.
'Said' is neutral, but 'shouted' shows precise volume and emotion. Grade 4 writers use synonyms like this to make characters sound real and unique.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
good (a really delicious meal)
→ superb
trudged
bad (a horrible nightmare)
→ dreadful
dreadful
said (spoke very quietly)
→ whispered
whispered
walked (moved slowly and tired)
→ trudged
superb
Each pair shows how a precise synonym replaces a vague word. Grade 4 writers use these nuanced choices to give readers a clearer picture, a core CCSS L.4.5c skill.