Context Clues

Synonyms and Phrases

100

The witness began to PREVARICATE when questioned under oath. We couldn't believe he lied! Using the synonym clue, the word prevaricate in this sentence means

lie

200

Hurricane Katrina caused a great CATACLYSM; New Orleans was a disaster. Using the synonym clue, the word cataclysm in this sentence means

disaster

300

Ashley stared at the newest style of jeans in the catalog. She just had to have them. Her birthday money was not quite enough to cover the expense. Although she hated to GROVEL, she decided to plead with her parents for the money to buy them. Using the synonym clue, the word grovel in this sentence means

plead; beg

400

The events for the conference were listed in CHRONOLOGICAL order. They began with the first event of the day and ended with the closing ceremonies in the evening. Using the clue, the word chronological in this sentence means

time order

500

The young man had a ROBUST appearance; he just looked so strong and healthy. Using the synonym clue, the word robust in this sentence means

strong; healthy

Antonyms

100

For the project, the teacher said the design was IMMUTABLE, but the color could be changed. Using the antonym clue, the word immutable in this sentence means

unchangeable

200

The lead dog was so INCOMPETENT that he had to be replaced by one that was more useful to the pack. Using the antonym clue, the word incompetent in this sentence means

useless

300

Although she was SKEPTICAL about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a good idea. Using the antonym clue, the word skeptical in this sentence means

doubtful

400

The sight of the OMINOUS clouds told us that clear weather was far from our area. Using the antonym clue, the word ominous in this sentence means

stormy or dark

500

Some people are RETICENT, while others talk about their feelings freely. Using the antonym clue, the word reticent in this sentence means

secretive

Direct Definition

100

The factory supervisor demanded an INSPECTION, requiring a careful and critical examination of all of the meats processed each day. Using context clues, what does inspection mean?

a careful and critical examination

200

The rain seemed INCESSANT! I thought it would never end! Using context clues, what does incessant mean?

never ending

300

Bella ASPIRES to attend Harvard University, but Ms. Smith isn't sure that merely aiming to achieve her goal will be enough to get into Harvard. Using context clues, what does aspire mean?

aim to achieve

400

Ms. Smith did NOT approve when she saw a student with his pants below his waist, a bad word on his shirt, and a hat on his head. She CHIDED him in the hallway. Using context clues, what does chided mean? Using context clues, what does chided mean?

expressed disapproval

500

What is a direct definition context clue?

The definition of the word you don’t know is right in the text

Nonsense Words

100

Samantha is so BROG that she gets an A on almost every test. What is brog?

smart

200

My WEEPLE wags his tail everytime someone calls his name. What is a weeple?

dog

300

Tomorrow I'm going to the FLOZ to get some food for the week. What is floz?

grocery store

400

No repairs were needed for the old car because it was in ZOOSH condition. What is zoosh?

perfect; good

500

Sarah is so BLUM! I'm sometimes afraid that if she doesn't gain weight, she'll blow away! What is blum?

thin

So you think you're a context clue master?

100

The children in the science class worked together as a team. The great SYNERGY that was created made the project a huge success. Using the explanation clue, the word synergy in this sentence means

teamwork

200

Supporting details hold up the main idea in a paragraph or piece of writing just like the pillars of the Parthenon BUTTRESS the top layer. Using context clues , what does buttress mean?

a structure built to steady another structure through support

300

The lawsuit was so FRIVOLOUS that the judge dismissed the case and told the attorney not to bring any more silly cases into his court. Using the explanation clue, the word frivolous in this sentence means

silly

400

Ms. Zavala explained to her math class how fractions divide a whole into different parts. Ben demonstrated this concept, CLEAVING an apple pie into eight pieces. Using context clues, what does cleaving mean?

cutting into parts

500

Mr. Buck will not accept answers in his class unless the students are able to support their answers with evidence from the text. He told the students they must CORROBORATE their statements related to the text. Using context clues, what does corroborate mean?

to make more certain or confirm