Synonyms and Antonyms — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. An antonym for 'ancient' that means very new is modern.
'Ancient' means very old, while 'modern' means recent or new. Grade 4 students learn antonym pairs that go beyond simple opposites like old and young.
2. An antonym for 'gigantic' that means extremely small is tiny.
'Gigantic' shows huge size, and 'tiny' shows very small size. Matching antonyms by shade of meaning is a Grade 4 skill in CCSS L.4.5c.
3. An antonym for 'ancient' might be modern, but a precise antonym meaning brand new is fresh.
'Fresh' carries an extra shade of meaning compared to 'new'. Grade 4 writers learn that antonyms can also have nuance, not just opposite definitions.
4. An antonym for the word 'praise' that means to find fault with something is criticize.
'Praise' means to speak well of someone, while 'criticize' means to point out faults. Grade 4 students add such verb antonyms to support precise writing.
5. Replace 'said' with a precise verb meaning 'said with strong feeling' which is exclaimed.
'Said' is neutral, but 'exclaimed' shows excitement or surprise. Grade 4 writers use precise dialogue verbs to match the shade of meaning their scene needs.
6. A nuanced antonym for 'humble' that describes a person who brags often is boastful.
'Humble' people don't brag, while 'boastful' people do. Grade 4 students learn this antonym pair to describe characters with precise shades of meaning in their writing.
7. A precise Grade 4 synonym for 'angry' that shows a stronger shade of meaning is furious.
'Angry' is mild, while 'furious' shows intense rage. Grade 4 writers use stronger synonyms to match the level of emotion in their stories.
8. An antonym for 'genuine' that means fake or not real is artificial.
'Genuine' means real, while 'artificial' means fake or made by humans, not natural. Grade 4 readers expand vocabulary with these precise antonym pairs.
9. A precise synonym for 'small' that fits a tiny puppy in a child's hand is petite.
'Small' is general, but 'petite' suggests delicate, charming smallness. Grade 4 writers grow their vocabulary by choosing synonyms with the right shade of meaning.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
ancient
→ modern
boastful
gigantic
→ tiny
artificial
humble
→ boastful
modern
genuine
→ artificial
tiny
These nuanced antonym pairs show Grade 4 students how opposites can be precise, not just simple. CCSS L.4.5c expects this depth of vocabulary work.