Instructions
This worksheet is designed to help you upgrade your vocabulary! Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. Using stronger, more interesting synonyms makes your writing exciting and professional.
- Read the directions for each section carefully.
- Complete the matching, fill-in charts, and sentence rewriting tasks.
- Attempt the Challenge section if you are ready to explore the intensity of words!
Section 1: Vocabulary Boost (Matching)
Goal: Match the common word in Column A with the more impactful synonym in Column B.
Write the letter of the correct synonym next to the number.
| Column A (Common Word) | Column B (Stronger Synonym) | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Good | A. Gigantic | |
| 2. Big | B. Dash | |
| 3. Small | C. Excellent | |
| 4. Run | D. Miserable | |
| 5. Sad | E. Tiny |
Section 2: Synonyms in Context
Goal: Find a better synonym for the Original Word and then use that synonym in a short, descriptive phrase or sentence. This proves you know how to use the word!
| Original Word | Better Synonym | Used in a New Phrase (Must include the Synonym) |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Strong | Powerful | The powerful robot lifted the car. |
| Happy | ||
| Scared | ||
| Smart | ||
| Quick | ||
| Messy |
Section 3: Sentence Upgrade Challenge
Goal: Identify the weak or overused word (it is bolded in the sentence) and rewrite the entire sentence using a stronger, more descriptive synonym.
Example: The baby cried loudly when he lost his toy. Upgrade: The baby wailed loudly when he lost his toy.
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The excited dog ran quickly after the ball.
Rewritten Sentence:
-
"I don't like homework," the student said quietly.
Rewritten Sentence:
-
She was very good at solving the hard math problem.
Rewritten Sentence:
-
The air felt hot during the summer afternoon.
Rewritten Sentence:
Section 4: The Synonym Spectrum (Challenge)
Goal: Synonyms often have different levels of intensity. Rank the three synonyms from Weakest Intensity (1) to Strongest Intensity (3).
| Set of Words | Rank 1 (Weakest) | Rank 2 (Medium) | Rank 3 (Strongest) |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Whispered, shouted, spoke) | |||
| (Huge, big, enormous) | |||
| (Cold, freezing, chilly) | |||
| (Angry, furious, annoyed) |
Answer Key
Section 1: Vocabulary Boost (Matching)
| Column A (Common Word) | Column B (Stronger Synonym) | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Good | C. Excellent | C |
| 2. Big | A. Gigantic | A |
| 3. Small | E. Tiny | E |
| 4. Run | B. Dash | B |
| 5. Sad | D. Miserable | D |
Section 2: Synonyms in Context (Sample Answers)
| Original Word | Better Synonym | Used in a New Phrase (Must include the Synonym) |
|---|---|---|
| Happy | Joyful (or Cheerful) | She wore a joyful expression. |
| Scared | Terrified (or Frightened) | The terrified child hid under the blanket. |
| Smart | Brilliant (or Clever) | The brilliant scientist solved the puzzle. |
| Quick | Swift (or Rapid) | The swift current pulled the boat downstream. |
| Messy | Disorganized (or Cluttered) | His cluttered desk made it hard to work. |
Section 3: Sentence Upgrade Challenge (Sample Answers)
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The excited dog ran quickly after the ball. Rewritten Sentence: The excited dog dashed quickly after the ball. (Accept: sprinted, zoomed, bolted)
-
"I don't like homework," the student said quietly. Rewritten Sentence: "I don't like homework," the student muttered quietly. (Accept: whispered, murmured)
-
She was very good at solving the hard math problem. Rewritten Sentence: She was exceptional at solving the hard math problem. (Accept: skilled, talented)
-
The air felt hot during the summer afternoon. Rewritten Sentence: The air felt sweltering during the summer afternoon. (Accept: scorching, boiling)
Section 4: The Synonym Spectrum (Challenge)
| Set of Words | Rank 1 (Weakest) | Rank 2 (Medium) | Rank 3 (Strongest) |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Whispered, shouted, spoke) | Spoke | Whispered | Shouted |
| (Huge, big, enormous) | Big | Huge | Enormous |
| (Cold, freezing, chilly) | Chilly | Cold | Freezing |
| (Angry, furious, annoyed) | Annoyed | Angry | Furious |