SYNONYM CLUES
The desert was arid, or extremely dry, for most of the year.
What does the word arid mean?
A. Cold
B. Dry
C. Windy
D. Dangerous
B. Dry
Unlike her timid sister, Maya was bold and confident during the presentation.
What does timid mean?
A. Shy
B. Loud
C. Smart
D. Helpful
A. Shy
Many nocturnal animals, such as owls and bats, sleep during the day.
What does nocturnal mean?
A. Dangerous
B. Active at night
C. Large
D. Fast
B. Active at night
After running five miles in the hot sun, Carlos was exhausted and could barely keep his eyes open.
What does exhausted mean?
A. Hungry
B. Tired
C. Confused
D. Excited
B. Tired
The bat flew out of the cave at sunset.
What does bat mean in this sentence?
A. A baseball tool
B. A flying mammal
C. A tree branch
D. A bird
B. A flying mammal
Jamal was ecstatic after winning the contest. He was thrilled for the rest of the day.
What does ecstatic mean?
A. Nervous
B. Angry
C. Excited
D. Sleepy
C. Excited
The water in the shallow end was not deep at all.
What does shallow mean?
A. Dangerous
B. Wide
C. Not deep
D. Cold
C. Not deep
Jonathan looked at the clock feeling famished waiting for the bell to ring to go to lunch.
What does famished mean?
A. Patiently
B. Ready
C. Hungry
D. Not interested
C. Hungry
When the thunder cracked loudly, the toddler became terrified and hid behind her mother.
What does terrified mean?
A. Angry
B. Curious
C. Extremely scared
D. Surprised
C. Extremely scared
Coach told the players to watch the ball closely.
What does ball mean in this sentence?
A. A formal dance
B. A round object used in sports
C. A toy for babies
D. A marble
B. A round object used in sports
The old bridge was fragile and weak after years of storms.
What does fragile mean?
A. Strong
B. Breakable
C. Heavy
D. Valuable
B. Breakable
The classroom was chaotic, not calm, after the substitute teacher arrived.
What does chaotic mean?
A. Organized
B. Messy and noisy
C. Quiet
D. Empty
B. Messy and noisy
The buffet offered an abundance of food, such as pizza, pasta, salads, and desserts.
What does abundance mean?
A. Shortage
B. Variety
C. Large amount
D. Healthy food
C. Large amount
Marcus was reluctant to jump into the freezing lake. He stepped back nervously and shook his head.
What does reluctant mean?
A. Eager
B. Unwilling
C. Proud
D. Relaxed
B. Unwilling
Jordan used a ruler to draw a straight line.
What does ruler mean in this sentence?
A. A king or queen
B. A measuring tool
C. A classroom leader
D. A referee
B. A measuring tool
The scientist was meticulous. She checked every detail carefully before finishing the experiment.
What does meticulous mean?
A. Careless
B. Creative
C. Careful
D. Curious
C. Careful
Unlike the ancient castle, the new museum looked modern and fresh.
What does ancient mean?
A. Old
B. Beautiful
C. Tall
D. Expensive
A. Old
Carnivores, including lions, wolves, and sharks, survive by eating other animals.
What does carnivores mean?
A. Animals that eat meat
B. Animals that fly
C. Animals that live underwater
D. Animals that sleep often
A. Animals that eat meat
The crowd erupted in applause after the phenomenal performance. Audience members stood and cheered for several minutes.
What does phenomenal mean?
A. Terrible
B. Ordinary
C. Outstanding
D. Short
C. Outstanding
The crane carefully lifted the heavy steel beam onto the truck.
What does crane mean in this sentence?
A. A bird
B. A type of fish
C. A machine used for lifting
D. A bridge
C. A machine used for lifting
The principal’s speech was concise and brief, lasting only three minutes.
What does concise mean?
A. Long-winded
B. Confusing
C. Short and clear
D. Serious
C. Short and clear
The athlete remained humble instead of arrogant after winning the championship.
What does humble mean?
A. Proud
B. Modest
C. Weak
D. Talented
B. Modest
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes, can cause major destruction.
What does destruction mean?
A. Celebration
B. Safety
C. Damage
D. Growth
C. Damage
Although the hike up the mountain was strenuous, the group refused to quit. Their legs ached, sweat dripped down their faces, and several students had to stop and catch their breath. Still, they encouraged one another until they finally reached the top.
What does the word strenuous most likely mean?
A. Relaxing
B. Difficult and tiring
C. Dangerous
D. Enjoyable
B. Difficult and tiring
During the storm, the bark from the tree scattered across the yard.
What does bark mean in this sentence?
A. A dog’s sound
B. The outer covering of a tree
C. A loud shout
D. A type of leaf
B. The outer covering of a tree