Synonyms and Antonyms — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Instead of writing very tired after the soccer game, use the stronger synonym exhausted.
Exhausted replaces the weak phrase very tired with a precise synonym that shows a stronger shade of meaning.
2. Instead of writing really big elephant at the zoo, use the stronger synonym enormous.
Enormous replaces really big with a precise Grade 4 synonym, giving the sentence a more vivid shade of meaning.
3. Instead of writing very happy birthday party, use the stronger synonym joyful.
Joyful replaces the overused very happy with a stronger shade of meaning that better paints the scene.
4. Instead of writing really fast cheetah, use the stronger synonym swift.
Swift replaces really fast with a precise synonym; readers picture speed without leaning on the weak word really.
5. Instead of writing very small ant on the leaf, use the stronger synonym tiny.
Tiny replaces very small with a precise synonym that gives the sentence a sharper shade of meaning.
6. Instead of writing really cold winter morning, use the stronger synonym freezing.
Freezing replaces really cold with a stronger shade of meaning, helping readers feel the chilly air.
7. Instead of writing very pretty sunset, use the stronger Grade 4 synonym stunning.
Stunning replaces the overused very pretty with a precise synonym that shows greater intensity.
8. Instead of writing really loud thunder, use the stronger synonym deafening.
Deafening replaces really loud with a precise synonym, giving the sentence a powerful shade of meaning.
9. Instead of writing very angry coach, use the stronger synonym furious.
Furious replaces very angry with a precise Grade 4 synonym that captures a stronger 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.
very smart student
→ brilliant
brilliant
really good dinner
→ delicious
delicious
very scared puppy
→ terrified
terrified
really nice teacher
→ kindhearted
kindhearted
Stronger synonyms replace overused words like very and really, giving each sentence a precise shade of meaning.