Define the word
Antonym
Synonym
Type of Context Clue
NONSENSE WORDS!
100

Brea and Elizabeth are having a dispute over which radio station to play at work. It would be so much simpler if they both like the same kind of music.

What does "dispute" mean?

to disagree

100

While James is very outgoing, his older brother is very RECLUSIVE.

What is the antonym for the word RECLUSIVE?

outgoing

100

The crown went wild at the FINALE of the show. The actors came onstage for a final bow, and everyone clapped their hands. 

What is a synonym for the word FINALE?

final

100

During the group project, Marcus did almost nothing while the others worked hard. Afterward, Jenna whispered, “Marcus really rode their coattails on that assignment.”

What does “rode their coattails” most likely mean?

He benefited from others’ work without contributing much

100

The drink was so whippersniffle that Jessica burned her tongue.


Using context clues, what do you think the nonsense word "whippersniffle" means in this sentence?

hot

200

The Verillo family was driving to a theme park when a storm surprised them. Even with the windshield wipers on top speed, the rain OBSCURED Mr. Verillo's view of the road. He had to slow down until the rain let up. 

What does "obscured" mean?

to block

200

Unlike the NIMBLE dancers in her ballet class, Kate was clumsy and awkward as she spun around the dance floor.

What is the antonym for the word NIMBLE?

clumsy, awkward

200

Michael lost many friends because he was ARROGANT. The other kids did not like how he pretended to be superior to everyone else.    

What is the synonym for ARROGANT?

superior
200

When the teacher asked who broke the lab equipment, the room went quiet. Finally, Tyler spoke up and said, “Alright, I’ll take the heat for it.”

What does “take the heat” most likely mean?

Accept the blame

200

The book was so flubberbaloo that I could not put it down.

Using context clues, what do you think the nonsense word "flubberbaloo" means in this sentence?

interesting

300

It's a wonder to me how anyone can still be undecided about this election. These two candidates are certainly DISTINCT. Each would lead our nation in opposite directions.

What does "distinct" mean?

clearly different

300

After living in a cramped dorm room for several months, Tommy was excited to be back in the AMPLE space of his bedroom at home.

What is the antonym for the word AMPLE?

cramped

300

Most of America's Founding Fathers did not believe in women's SUFFRAGE. Only men could vote in the United states until 1920.

What is a synonym for the word SUFFRAGE?

vote

300

After practicing for months, Maya walked onto the stage feeling confident. Her friend said, “You’re going to do great—just break a leg out there.”

What does “break a leg” most likely mean?

Perform very well

300

The plant seed was thirsty so I gave it lopapolop.

Using context clues, what do you think the nonsense word "lopapolop" means in this sentence?

water

400

Molly was in a hurry to get to the playground. She pulled up the zipper on her coat so fast that her sweater got stuck in it. She struggled to unzip but couldn't do it. Luckily, her mom was able to EXTRICATE the sweater.

What does "extricate" mean?

to remove

400

Destiny's teacher circled several vague words on her paper, such as “stuff” and “things.” The teacher also wrote, “Try to use PRECISE language.”

What is the antonym for PRECISE?

vague

400

The children asked their mother to drive them to the mall and waited impatiently for her VERDICT. They hoped her decision would be in their favor because they planned to meet their friends there.

What is the synonym for the word VERDICT?

decision

400

When Jamal heard that the final exam had been canceled, he said it was music to his ears.

What does “music to his ears” most likely mean?

It was something he was happy to hear

400

It’s hard to imagine our world without the tristie. They are useful tools in the classroom. Research, typing, games, and other activities can be done with the tristie.

Using context clues, what do you think the nonsense word "tristie" means in this sentence?

computer

500

If you don't curtail your spending, you'll be broke in no time at all!

Which does "curtail" mean?

to reduce, decrease, lessen

500

There is no reason for lengthy and long-winded sentences. Try to write CONCISE and clear sentences.

What is the antonym for CONCISE?

lengthy, long-winded

500

The drought in Northern India was UNPRECEDENTED; something that had never happened before, so the people were not prepared.

What is the synonym for the word UNPRECEDENTED?

never happened before

500

After missing several assignments, Alex knew he had to get back on track before the end of the semester.

What does “get back on track” most likely mean?

Return to doing what is necessary to succeed

500

Ray and Theresa were speckle when they saw the icy sidewalk. They acted carefully to avoid the slippery area.

Using context clues, what do you think the nonsense word "speckle" means in this sentence?

cautious, careful