How it works
A synonym is a word that means the same or almost the same as another. Each sentence repeats one of its words in brackets, and one of the three choices can take its place.
Read the full guide
Everyday words, then stronger words
The page opens on Everyday words: big and large, shut and close, pal and friend. Stronger words, under Set, turns it around: the sentence has the harder word (enormous, drowsy, conceal) and the child picks the plain one.
Check by swapping
Read the sentence again with the circled word in place of the one in brackets. A big wave soaked our towels still makes sense as a large wave; with small it says the opposite.
- One wrong choice is often the opposite, so a child who mixes up synonym and antonym shows it at once.
Questions and answers
What grade learns synonyms?
The Common Core names synonyms in grade 4, where students relate words to others with similar but not identical meanings (L.4.5c). Grade 2 compares closely related verbs such as toss, throw and hurl (L.2.5b).
Do synonyms mean exactly the same thing?
Rarely. Big and large can swap in most sentences, but enormous is stronger than big, and a tale is not always just a story. That is why the sheet says almost the same.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. The last page shows each sentence with its synonym circled and written in. To print without it, uncheck Add an answer key as the last page under More options.
Can I use my own words?
Yes. Type one a line: the sentence, the word in brackets, an equals sign, its synonym, then a slash before each wrong word. The path is narrow. (narrow) = thin / wide. Your lines replace ours.