Synonyms and Antonyms — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which synonym for thin has the most negative connotation?
A) slender
B) lean
C) scrawny
D) slim
Scrawny has a negative connotation suggesting weakness, while slender, lean, and slim sound positive or neutral.
2. Which synonym for confident has a clearly negative connotation?
A) assured
B) self-reliant
C) arrogant
D) poised
Arrogant carries a negative connotation, implying excessive pride beyond healthy confidence.
3. Which word is the most neutral choice when describing someone who is not talkative?
A) quiet
B) withdrawn
C) aloof
D) standoffish
Quiet is neutral, while withdrawn, aloof, and standoffish suggest negative social distance.
4. A teacher wants to praise a student's persistence positively. Which word should she choose?
A) stubborn
B) obstinate
C) determined
D) pig-headed
Determined has a positive connotation, while stubborn, obstinate, and pig-headed sound critical.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Calling someone scrawny sounds rude because the word suggests both thinness and poor health.
Scrawny has a negative connotation that implies undernourishment and weakness.
2. An arrogant leader brushes off advice and assumes she is always right.
Arrogant carries a negative shade of meaning, suggesting overconfidence and disregard for others.
3. The librarian described the new student as simply quiet, without judging him for being shy.
Quiet is the most neutral choice, describing behavior without negative or positive judgment.
4. Coaches admired the determined athlete who trained every day despite many setbacks.
Determined has a positive connotation, praising steady effort and resilience.
5. Writers must consider connotation, the feelings a word stirs up beyond its dictionary definition.
Connotation refers to associations a word carries beyond its literal denotation, central to nuanced word choice.