Reading

Introducing Synonyms

A word is defined by using a synonym - a word or phrase that has almost the same meaning.

Two words are synonyms if they have the same meaning in a particular phrase or sentence.

She felt ignored by them.
She felt neglected by them.

Many words have more than one meaning. Therefore, two words may be synonyms in one context, but not in another. In the sentences below, the words "checked" and "blocked" have the same meaning:

The player checked his opponent.
The player blocked his opponent.

But, in the next two sentences, "checked" does not mean "blocked."

He wore a checked shirt.
The teacher checked the papers.

Suggestions

When you answer word knowledge questions, think about words as having several meanings.

For example, on a test, you might see the word "end" and think of it as a noun meaning "the final part." In looking for a synonym, you would focus on the nouns.

But, "end" is also a verb meaning "stop." If the test is focusing on the verb and you are looking only for nouns, you may miss the synonym. If you keep your mind open to all the possible meanings of a word, it will be easier to select the correct synonyms.

Suggestions

Another technique that helps is to look at the context in which a word is used -- the meaning that is suggested by the entire phrase or sentence. Most tests have context clues to help you select the right synonym.

Few words have exactly the same meaning, so do not be concerned if the words you choose have similar, rather than exact, meanings.

A synonym for "straightforward" is "frank."

	corrupt =	dishonest; morally perverse
	frank =	straightforward; direct
	false =	not true
	interesting =	holding the attention

They knew he was corrupt when he stole their money.
I liked his frank answers.
Her accusations were false.
The photographs were interesting.

A synonym for "brave" is "valiant."

	bright =	intelligent; lively
	brawny =	strong; muscular
	valiant =	courageous; brave
	vigorous =	lively; robust

She is a bright student.
Where is the brawny weightlifter?
He made a valiant attempt to rescue them.
They did some vigorous exercises.

A synonym for "anticipate" is "expect."

	answer =	reply; respond
	induce =	lead; cause
	request =	ask for
	expect =	look forward to; anticipate

Will you answer her letter today?
Beth induced us to go, even though we had work to do.
Did he request three or four tickets?
We expect to be there before noon.

A synonym for "shy" is "timid."

	timid =	shy; bashful
	intense =	strained; extreme; deeply felt
	outgoing =	sociable; extroverted
	sly =	clever; secretive

Judy is too timid to speak.
His anger was intense.
She was outgoing and made friends easily.
He played the part of a sly spy.

A synonym for "excellent" is "superb."

	sound =	solid; reliable
	superb =	excellent; superior
	subtle =	difficult to detect: hidden
	ordinary =	common; usual

His decision showed sound judgment.
Mrs. James is a superb cook!
Can you detect the subtle flavors?
That is an ordinary weed.

A synonym for "vanish" is "disappear."

	emerge =	come forth; become obvious
	disappear =	vanish
	vanquish =	conquer
	fade =	disappear slowly

Jesse emerged from the tent.
The cookies disappeared quickly.
The enemy was vanquished in the mountains.
The rainbow faded after the rain.

A synonym for "placid" is "tranquil."

	rigid =	not bending; stiff
	muddled =	jumbled; muddied
	marine =	related to the sea
	tranquil =	placid; peaceful; calm

The sides of the box were rigid.
Her words were muddled and hard to understand.
We saw marine animals at the aquarium.
The soft music made him tranquil.

A synonym for "prevent" is "forestall."

	interrupt =	delay; break into
	forestall =	prevent; avert; obstruct
	incite =	provoke to action
	shield =	defend; protect

May I interrupt what you are saying for just a moment?
He forestalled losing the game with two good moves.
Don't incite the dogs to bark!
Shield your eyes from the sun.

A synonym for "violent" is "intense."

	vivid =	brilliant
	intense =	extreme; violent; deeply felt
	profound =	deep; far-reaching
	vital =	essential; full of life

This painting has such vivid colors!
The intense sound hurt my ears.
He expressed some profound ideas.
He is a strong, vital person.

A synonym for "unconventional" is "bizarre."

	dubious =	doubtful; uncertain
	intricate =	complex
	bizarre =	unconventional; fantastic
	inane =	without sense

His excuses were dubious.
The spider wove an intricate web.
He told us bizarre stories about other worlds.
That is an inane suggestion!