Find synonyms in context

  • Synonyms are words that have the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. For example, “happy” and “joyful” are synonyms.

  • To find synonyms in context, look at the words or sentences around the unknown word. The meaning of the unknown word can be inferred from these clues.

  • Definition Clues: The sentence may include a definition or description of the word. For example, “The student was very diligent, meaning she worked hard every day.”
  • Example Clues: Examples provided in the sentence can help identify the synonym. For example, “He was known for his bravery, such as when he rescued the kitten from the tree.”
  • Comparison Clues: Look for comparisons using words like “like” or “similar to.” For example, “The movie was thrilling, similar to an exciting roller coaster ride.”
  • Contrast Clues: Words or phrases that show contrast can help. For example, “Although he was shy, he became outgoing when he was with his friends.”

  • Identify the key word and look for words with similar meanings in the sentence or surrounding sentences.
  • Practice by substituting the word with possible synonyms and checking if the sentence still makes sense.

  • Sentence: “The weather was scorching, which made us seek shelter in the shade.”
    • Synonym for scorching: “hot,” “boiling”
  • Sentence: “She was ecstatic when she heard the good news.”
    • Synonym for ecstatic: “happy,” “elated”

  • Provide a list of words and their sentences. Students must match each word with its correct synonym from a separate list.
  • Word List: Happy, Sad, Fast
  • Synonym List: Quick, Joyful, Unhappy
  • Sentences: “The race car was very _____.” (Answer: Quick)
  • “She felt _____ after hearing the news.” (Answer: Unhappy)
  • “The birthday party was _____.” (Answer: Joyful)

Let’s practice!